The First Astrologers

ASTROLOGY is the study of the sun, moon, planets and stars in an attempt to foretell future events on earth. This study is based on the belief that the heavenly bodies control the affairs of men, and that the movements and positions of these bodies can be used to predict the future. Astrology is generally considered to be a pseudo (erroneous) science and should not be confused with astronomy. Astronomy and astrology are both concerned with the heavenly bodies, but their purposes and methods are quite different. The basic belief of astrology is that masses of matter millions of miles away determine the destinies of human beings. Astronomers deny this. Astronomy and astrology were closely connected for many centuries. The branch of astrology known as natural astrology provided the basis for the science of astronomy which came later. Natural astrologers studied the nature and behavior of the heavenly bodies in order to make calendars, and to predict the movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some natural astrologers were able to predict eclipse and the appearance of comets. The other branch was called judicial, or mundane, astrology. Judicial astrologers claimed to be able to predict earthquakes, plagues, wars, and other historical and natural events, as well as the characters and fates of individuals. Judicial astrology is the astrology that is practiced today. It was and still is closely related to other pseudo sciences and superstitions such as palmistry numerology, and the use of charms and magic.