Understanding The Relationship Between Astronomy an Astrology |
Posted: May 9, 2019 |
What is the relationship between astronomy and astrology? This is a question that you might find yourself asking if you are interested in these two fields of study. For most people, there is a clear distinction between astronomy and astrology. However, others are of the view that the two disciplines are somehow connected. So how exactly are they related? To understand this, it is important to first understand what each discipline deals with. What is Astronomy? Astronomy is a word that is derived from two Greek phrases, “astron”, which means “star” and “nomos”, which means law. The phrase can, therefore, be taken to literally mean the law of the stars. For deeper meaning, astronomy is a branch of science that deals with the study of the universe as a whole, and the contents that are found outside the atmosphere of the earth (celestial objects and phenomena that originate in space). The celestial objects studied include things such as planets, stars, galaxies, asteroids, and comments. Space phenomena, on the other hand, include things such as cosmic microwave background. What is Astrology? Astrology, on the other hand, is the study of how specific celestial objects impact events and human beings on earth. Astrologers usually position of celestial bodies and objects, their motions, and properties, and then make predictions as to how these characteristics will affect certain individuals and effects. The Relationship Between Astronomy and Astrology Astronomy and astrology are related in that they both involve the study of celestial objects. However, they are quite different when it comes to the reason, or rather motivation for studying. In astronomy, astronomers are usually seeking to better their understanding of the universe and the space frontier. However, in astrology, astrologers study the celestial objects in order to correlate how they affect earthly events. There are also distinguishing characteristics of how studies are conducted in both disciplines. In astronomy, scientific methods, mathematical reasoning, and theoretical deduction (i.e., the laws of science) are used to research and explain phenomena. However, in astrology, phenomena are explained using techniques such as religious reasoning, mystical reasoning, superstition, traditional folklore, and symbolism. Nonetheless, despite the clear distinction between astronomy and astrology, you would be surprised to know that both disciplines were considered one and the same. In early civilisations, people studied the outer universe, specifically celestial objects such as planets, stars, comets, and others. However, the motivation for this was to better understand these phenomena so as to make more accurate astrological predictions. It was until the scientific revolution in the 17th and 18th century (popularly referred to as the “age of reasoning”) when the disciplines were separated. Johannes Kepler as an Astronomer and Astrologer Johannes Kepler's list of achievements made him one of the most influential scientists during the scientific revolution era, and he is usually considered to be among the fathers of modern science. Having been both an astronomer and astrologer, studying his work can give you an insight into the relationship of astronomy and astrology – from the perspective of a reputable scientist. Born in Germany in 1571, Kepler’s took an interest in astronomy from an early age. He observed the Great Comet of 1577 at the age of 6, and a lunar eclipse at the age of 9. He continued with his interest in the field of astronomy while studying at the University of Tubingen, where he learned about the Copernican and Ptolemaic systems of planetary motion. While there, he became a supporter of the Copernican system and defended the concept of heliocentrism. Kepler conducted a lot of investigative work in the field of astronomy throughout his life. Some of the astronomical achievements he is credited with include:
Kepler was also a reputable astrologer. He started practicing the discipline while at the University of Tubingen, where he cast horoscopes for other students. He continued with study and practice of astrology after leaving the university and is credited with predicting the Turkish invasion and bitter winter in 1595 – in his role as the district Mathematician in Graz. These two accurate predictions are what increased his reputation as an astrologer, and it is thus no surprise that he was later appointed the imperial astrologer when he left Graz for Prague. As an imperial astrologer, his responsibility was to advice Emperor Rudolph II by predicting future and divine effects, and advising on political events based on astrological investigations. While at Prague, he also cast horoscopes for friends, family, and patrons. He was able to grow his popularity as an astrologer by his keen skills of observation and deduction (especially in regards to political events) to predict events. Kepler the Sceptical Astrologer While Kepler was both a respectable astronomer and astrologer, he was rather sceptical of astrology, despite practicing it for a long time. At the age when theoretical reasoning was the driving force of science, Kepler saw mystical, religious, folklore, and superstitious reasoning of astrology as something that could destroy his reputation as a scientist. Therefore, despite practicing the discipline, he became quite sceptical of it, especially the symbolism associated with astronomical events. One of the cases where he was sceptical of astrology was during the supernova of 1604. The new star occurred at a rather symbolic time in regards to astrology – 1600 years after the Star of Bethlehem (birth of Christ), and 800 years after the star associated with the rise of Charlemagne. As a result, there were several astrological predictions going about at the time, especially in relation to the emperor. However, Kepler instead chose to study the astronomical characteristics of the star. So, why did Kepler practice astrology despite being a sceptic? This question remains a mystery to most people. However, the most understandable explanation was that it was a means to an end to his astronomical and other scientific work. At the time, scientists, especially astronomers were not paid that much. Therefore, by practicing astrology, Kepler was able to gain funds and favour to advance his scientific work. Summary Today, astrology and astronomy are two different disciplines, with different characteristics. However, despite their differences, they are connected to each other, and at one time, they were even one and the same. Kepler’s work in the field of astronomy and astrology is a good example at the relationship between the two disciplines – they are different yet related, and sometimes, one discipline can be of benefit to the other.
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