Astrology comes from the Latin word Astrologia, meaning 'account of the stars' or 'star-divination'. It is essentially the study of the Sun, Moon, planets and other bodies in our Solar System and how their movements and patterns might symbolise and relate to events, circumstances and experiences we have here on Earth.
Astrology is different from the scientific study of space, known as astronomy. At one time they did co-exist, but today astrology is relegated to the field of pseudo-science and disregarded, even discouraged, by some in the scientific community. However, astrology's rich symbolism and invaluable history may still be relevant to us in other ways and indeed its persistence and continuing popularity - despite the advances of science - suggests that many of us still have use or perhaps even a need for this ancient wisdom. But why?
Most people will have heard of Star Signs (Zodiac Signs or Sun Signs for the savvy) and will most likely have read a horoscope at some point. And anyone could be forgiven for thinking that horoscopes are the extent of astrology, however, they are merely the tip of a huge iceberg of information. From Aries through to Pisces, the 12 Zodiac Signs are named after certain constellations in the night sky. It's important to note here that the constellations and Zodiac Signs commonly used today are different - despite sharing the same names; i.e., there are many constellations but only 12 Zodiac Signs. These Signs are divided equally around the seasonal calendar, always beginning with Aries on the Spring Equinox (around March 20th/21st). Each Sign is related to one of the four seasons, with 3 Signs per season (this is known as Tropical Astrology, although there are other systems in use). The Signs represents various character traits and personality types that are instantly recognisable and familiar to us - this is one possible reason astrology remains intriguing, particularly to those on a journey of self-discovery.
From prehistoric man marking out Moon phases to humanity's earliest civilizations observing the movements of the planets, astrology has long been part of the human experience. We might say it has become an ingrained part of our shared consciousness, almost like a second language. And as everything in the Universe works in cycles, from evolution to our own body clocks and how we structure our days, astrology may also continue to have relevance because it, too, works in recognisable cycles and patterns – those of the stars (the Sun, Moon and planets) as they move through the Zodiac Signs and the 12 Houses of an astrological chart, forming aspects (relationships) to one another.
How does Astrology work?
Everyone has a different answer or viewpoint on how astrology works (or doesn't) yet it is not an exact science - as we understand science today - and so there is no one right method or solution (despite many trying to prove or disprove otherwise). In essence, it is perhaps better understood more like a personal belief system with strong roots in myth and symbology.
One way to consider astrology is like a stage play: the characters (Sun, Moon and planets) and their different personalities (Zodiac Signs), interact (aspects between planets) in different circumstances (the 12 houses of a chart). By bringing all of these elements together and looking at their qualities, it becomes possible to tell different ‘stories’ that may be experienced in an individual’s life or as a collective.
Over the centuries, many different meanings have been attributed to the planets, Zodiac Signs and astrological Houses from many different cultures. These may relate to the direct appearance or characteristics of a planet, the seasons of the year, recurring events that seem to coincide with certain positions of the planets, as well as legends surrounding the constellations (after which the Zodiac Signs are named) and other local mythologies.
Take the Sun, at the centre of our Solar System, which gives us light, heat and makes us feel happy; in astrology the Sun then represents our primary Sign (star sign or sun sign), the core of our being and what brings us joy and satisfaction in life. Then there is Saturn, with its famous rings and once considered the be the last planet in the Solar System (and still the last planet visible to the naked eye - for most!) It therefore represents boundaries, limitations and restrictions, but also control, how we structure our lives and what is now considered old, traditional or perhaps dated. In mythology, Saturn is often associated with gods linked to death and so it can symbolise both literal and figurative endings.
Similarly, with the Zodiac Signs, Aries is the first Sign of Spring (in the northern hemisphere) and is named after the constellation Aries, the Ram; it is therefore linked to beginnings, youthfulness, adventure, pioneers and much more. The opposite Sign of Libra is represented by the Scales and begins on the date of the northern hemisphere's Autumn Equinox, when hours of light and dark are equal; thus Libra is the Sign of fairness, balance and justice, among other things. Even in the southern hemisphere, where seasons are reversed, the Signs take on additional meanings.
These are only a few basic examples of how astrology can function as a symbolic system, but there are many other theories and ideas to explore and even different types of astrology. Zenith Astrology uses the popular Western or Tropical Zodiac, based on the seasons of the year and the mythology of our ancestors. Mythology is evidently lacking in our present-day society, its value forgotten and undermined, thus using astrology as a type of personal mythology can allow us to gain insight, awareness and develop a better understanding of who we are and our place in the world. By recognising cycles and patterns in Nature and the cosmos, we begin to feel more grounded and connected to something greater, providing a sense of order and meaning to our lives. And it is perhaps for this reason that so many continue to turn to astrology in the age of science, where mythology is largely disregarded and various religions are in decline.
Whatever your personal views, Zenith Astrology aims to bring your greater self-awareness and insight by developing your own mythology. Learning the language of astrology is like poetry for the soul and by using the stars to chart your inner landscape, you can achieve a better understanding of your psyche.
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