We live in an era dominated by scientific understanding and rapid advances in technology. So why would a so-called pseudoscience like astrology be growing in popularity? It's not the first time this ancient practice has experienced a resurgence and it is perhaps for an unlikely reason - the persisting interest in astrology speaks to a deeper human need, one that transcends rationality and taps into our collective consciousness.
At its core, astrology provides an uncanny and entertaining way of understanding ourselves and the world around us. It can be superficial and fun, or employed in a more meaningful and profound way, by delving into the human psyche to expose our potential fears, motives, behaviours and passions. But unlike science, which explains rational processes, astrology aligns more with story-telling and universal archetypes that hold deeper meaning to which we can all relate. Furthermore, in a society plagued by uncertainty and fear, astrology can offer a sense of comfort and reassurance. Primarily, it replaces our forgotten and neglected need for mythology, which once provided a sense of community and a way of explaining the more mysterious aspects of human existence.
Our scattered mythologies (which in fact shared many similarities) were eventually replaced by new religious movements. These religions offered their own narratives and rituals to bring communities together, albeit in a more organised and controlled way. However, religious institutions have been in steady decline since the late 20th Century and their waning influence perhaps indicates a shift in our collective thinking and needs. People are increasingly turning to alternative belief systems and spiritual practices to fill the void. And in a world where traditional sources of meaning are in flux, astrology is one way of navigating the chaos while also giving individuals a sense of empowerment over their destiny.
Despite this need, astrology is heavily criticised and dismissed by the scientific community. Repeated attempts are made to disprove, ridicule or even banish the practice, but this fails to take into account the potential value of astrology and why it persists - particularly in a time of scientific enlightenment. Astrology is perhaps better understood as a symbolic system. The ancient Egyptians, for example, came to understand that the Nile river flooded whenever they observed the heliacal rising of the star Sirius. This is not to say that the rising of the star caused the Nile to flood, but that they appeared to coincide with one another, on repeated occasions, creating a relationship between the two occurrences.
This is the very basis of early astrology and what it basically means - that perceived relationships exist between the movement of heavenly bodies and events happening on Earth, or in people's lives, even if there is no direct or causal relationship. For this reason, many ancient cultures built megalithic structures to track solar, lunar and stellar alignments and orbits. These cyclical patterns were noted over long periods of time and came to be associated with cyclical events on Earth, especially the seasons because of their importance in farming and livelihood. Eventually, certain themes and stories were also associated with different times of the year and the various celestial occurrences, such as Moon phases and eclipses, the appearance of 'moving' stars (the planets in our Solar System), or the arrival of a periodic comet. Without today's understanding of climate, weather patterns and astronomical phenomenon, it would make perfect sense to our ancestors that a link must exist between these celestial movements and events occurring on Earth.
Today, astrology continues to offer a language of symbols through which we can interpret the mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it. By studying the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets, at the time of birth, astrologers create a birth chart, essentially a unique pattern that tells the story of our own personalised mythology, indicating personality traits, as well as our potential talents and inner conflicts.
While sceptics may continue to dismiss astrology as fortune-telling or superstition, its enduring appeal speaks to a deeper truth - that we are all connected to something greater than ourselves. And that perhaps not everything needs to be validated by science to have value. In times of uncertainty, such as the current state of the world, people naturally seek out deeper sources of guidance and meaning. Whether or not one believes in the predictive power of the stars, astrology can fulfil a fundamental human need for connection and purpose. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, perhaps some of us can still find solace in the wisdom of such ancient practices and the enduring belief that the cosmos holds secrets yet to be discovered.
Comments