Bonzer Words!: Astrology - Is It A Science?
"Astrology, unlike astronomy, is totally unprovable. Even adherents admit that they don't know how it works, though that doesn't prevent them believing in it,'' writes Wendy Ogbourne.
I am deeply interested in Astronomy, the fascinating, mind-boggling, scientific, serious study and observation of the universe and everything in it.
However, there is another field of study that concerns the heavenly bodies, and one which many more people may be familiar with—that of Astrology. This concerns a system of traditions and beliefs where the relative positions of celestial bodies and their movement in the heavens is believed to affect the personalities, actions and future events of people on earth.
Astronomy and astrology were in ancient times the same thing. In those far off days, before telescopes and other scientific equipment, the earth was believed to be the centre of the universe, around which all other bodies revolved. Babylon in around 2000BC was probably the first civilisation where priestly astrologers used the stars for predictions to assist the rulers of the day in their decision making—whether to go to war, when to plant crops and other matters of importance to them. Later the Greeks, such as Ptolemy in 1st and 2nd centuries AD, adapted the principles to divine the personal characteristics of individuals. After the Renaissance in Europe, during the 1400s, scientific observation became more sophisticated and today's science of astronomy was born, while the old 'science' of astrology became increasingly popular with the masses.
Astrology is based on the apparent movement of the sun through a belt of stellar constellations around the sky. These each have an assigned zodiac name—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Your Star Sign is the one which the sun appeared to be in on your day of birth. From that beginning, astrologers can produce a horoscope for each person, which is a chart, projecting the influences of the stars into your future. The chart can tell you about your personality, some physical characteristics, and give advice on your future in the realms of health, happiness, love, marriage, finance, travel, business and many other things. Another important factor of influence is your 'ascendant' sign—the sign which was rising in the east at the hour of your birth.
The first newspaper horoscope was seen when an enterprising editor printed one in a London tabloid following the birth of Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth's sister) on 21 August 1930. I don't know what it said, though it would be interesting to see whether it in fact predicted her somewhat erratic and unhappy life. Since then, horoscopes are a staple in every newspaper and magazine published. Few of us could say honestly that we had never looked at our prediction for the day. For myself, I find them to be often true, but just as often untrue, and usually so general, that just about anyone can make them fit their own circumstances if they choose.
Born on 7th February, I am an Aquarius. Apparently I am interested in concepts and ideas, a good communicator in mental realms. I know much about myself and the world, but that knowledge can often interfere with my happiness. I treat others with respect, am tolerant and non-judgemental. I like to observe what makes people tick. My greatest strength is the eclectic way I see things. My weakness is that I may seem aloof to others, as I tend not to get involved. My health prospect is that I am prone to stress.
I think I'll accept that, as it's a picture I like to see of myself. However, I haven't mentioned the bits that are totally unlike me!
Astrology, unlike astronomy, is totally unprovable. Even adherents admit that they don't know how it works, though that doesn't prevent them believing in it.
Considered by modern scientists to be on a par with feng shui, chakras, homeopathy and voodoo, astrology is still immensely popular. A recent study in US showed that 31% of Americans were prepared to admit to a belief in it, and 39% considered it to be 'scientific'. For me, I can't see how the movements of the stars can possibly affect who I am, or the decisions I make in life. I prefer to be in control of my own destiny. I think I'll go back to a science that can be observed, tested and proved—real astronomy, which has more than enough to keep me fascinated and wondering for the remainder of my life.
© Wendy Ogbourne
Wendy writes for Bonzer! magazine. Please visit www.bonzer.org.au
