The History of Astrology
Little did I know 30 years ago when I mistakenly purchased an Astrology book, believing it to be a novel, I had just opened the door to an ancient system of insight and divination. A system as it turns out that would profoundly change my life. Like Alice through the Looking Glass, I fell into a world of signs and symbols representing some of humankind’s earliest observations and collective wisdom dating back almost 5,000 years.
In the Beginning
Today astrology and astronomy are distinct and separate disciplines. This wasn’t always so. Approximately 2000 B. C. our ancestors watched, studied, and mapped the movement of constellations of stars and planets as these celestial bodies appeared to rise over the Eastern horizon, and move on their appointed course across the sky. What at first must have seemed like random occurrences or chaos began to appear as purposeful patterns.
Based on years of watching this cosmic dance, observers created theories. Knowledge of repeating patterns became useful tools to predict seasons and weather conditions. These in turn guided the planting and harvesting of crops, migrations from one geographical area to another, and similar behaviors. In no small way, I am indebted to these early astrologers for painstakingly crafting observations into recommendations. Otherwise, I might be planting my vegetable garden in February instead of May! Hopefully it comes as no surprise that we are the fortunate recipients of our ancestors due diligence in connecting the celestial dots.
From the Egyptians to the Babylonians, to the Greeks, and Romans, the growing body of knowledge known as Astrology spread across the world. Why? Because it works. Success with predicting weather and natural disasters evolved into more sophisticated and complex theories and beliefs. These allowed devotees to take another leap and use the mapping of the celestial bodies to understand and predict events in the lives of human beings.
Soon it was not just farmers who relied on Astrology, but also kings and rulers kept cosmic savvy advisors by their sides. Great philosophers and mathematicians including Ptolemy, Plato, Aristotle, Copernicus and Sir Isaac Newton were among those scientists who experimented with the application of theories of astronomy and astrology. Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician is quoted as saying “A physician without a knowledge of Astrology has no right to call himself a physician.” Historically Astrology has been used to plan important actions ranging from declaring war to celebrating a wedding.
Throughout the history of Astrology, various cultures adopted these principles in one form or another. Systems were revised and adapted. In some cases, cultures developed their own fairly unique versions and interpretations. For example, there are 5 chinese zodiac elements (fire, wood, earth, metal, and water) and 12 animals. Today, Vedic and Western Astrology are probably the most popular and prevalent systems, with Western Astrology also known as Tropical, being the most familiar. (As a Western Astrologer, this article reflects my understanding and experience with this version.)
We Are More Than Our Sun Signs
What first grabbed my attention and made me give Astrology a second look, was realizing the history of astrology provides a rich, complex, but cohesive picture that involves not only the Sun, but all the known planets in our solar system. “What’s your Sun Sign?” is not only an antiquated pick-up line; it’s only the tip of the cosmic iceberg.
Throughout time, astrologers have developed simple yet sophisticated meanings for each of the planets. For example, the Sun represents personal ego and how we think of ourselves. The Moon describes emotional expression and may also be a key to understanding the relationship with our mothers. Mars represents motivation; Saturn is the planet of discipline; and so on. The real practice of astrology is far more complex and interesting than the familiar paragraph predictions based on Sun Sign Astrology. However, these pithy daily, weekly, or monthly horoscopes can be amazingly accurate and helpful!
Comparing Sun Sign Astrology to the usual more comprehensive practice of Astrology feels something like this. It’s the difference between telling you I am a woman; or telling you I am a woman raised by Catholic parents with nine siblings, with a master’s degree in business, a practicing animal communicator, convinced chocolate is one of the major food groups, and has a thing for James Bond movie music. Can you appreciate the richness and depth in the second approach?
Astrology Charts
Getting useful information using Astrology usually begins with the calculation of a chart. Simply, it is a picture of the earth and the surrounding constellations and planets at a specified time. Historically astrologers have recognized 12 star constellations which in turn are associated with the 12 Astrological Signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer and so on. Most often, Astrology charts are drawn as circles and divided into 12 sections that look like pie wedges. Each of the 12 constellations or signs has its place around the perimeter of the circle of the chart. Each of the pie wedges are referred to as Houses each representing an area of life. For example partnerships, home, parents, siblings, work, career, money, friendships, and health as well as other important components are represented.
Charts are drawn according to mathematical calculations factoring in time, and location. Using the calculations along with ancient charts and graphs, an astrology chart for a specific individual birth or event can be drawn. Thank God for computers and modern astrological software. They make it possible for modern day astrologers to cast charts simply and with great precision. Having started out manually casting charts with blank paper, pencil, calculator and reference books, I have great appreciation for those who preceded me and for those software innovators!
Why Astrology?
The History of Astrology can be fascinating. But let’s face it. What interests me more is what can I do with it now? Why should I bother?
Astrology is used very effectively in the hands of competent practitioners as a tool for choosing the perfect date for a wedding, a root canal, or launching a successful business. However, one of its greatest contributions is in demystifying the human psyche. Astrological interpretation provides the basis for building a psychological profile of an individual or event based on the placement of the planets in Astrological signs and in the 12 chart houses at the time of birth. Along with planets, signs, and houses, astrologers carefully consider the interaction and relationship of each planet to the others. Collectively, we can build an insightful picture.
Astrology charts hold the keys to understanding many of life’s conundrums. They can describe how a person is likely to express their feelings. Do they take their cue from the air element and think them over or talk them out? Maybe they get physical like doing housework, mowing the lawn or chopping wood to work out frustration or anger. We can look at Mercury for clues to how a person thinks, learns or shares information. An Astrology chart also holds information about where we feel wounded, alone, alienated or ineffective. Fortunately they also can tell us about our strengths and greatest personal assets.
Parting Thoughts
Like all tools, Astrology is best left in the hands of experienced and trustworthy practitioners. The good news is there are plenty available. More good news: astrology may seem complicated and you’ll get no argument from me. However, learning this ancient tool can be easy especially when approached like peeling an onion – one layer at a time. Every layer can be rewarding and can enrich our lives many times over.
Astrology remains a controversial science, praised and touted by some, debunked by others. However, history demonstrates its universal appeal.
It’s not just you and I who may keep an astrologer on our speed dial. We are in the company of kings, emperors, philosophers, physicians, notable scientists, rock stars, world leaders, entrepreneurs and many others who are open to using the art of Astrology to inform our choices. The key word in that sentence is “inform”. Astrology like many other disciplines and sciences should never become our only point of reference or source of information and guidance.
How to Get a Great Astrological Reading
- Start by finding a great astrologer
- Ask friends, family, or co-workers for referrals
- Often metaphysical and spiritually-oriented websites, stores, and businesses can provide names
- Don’t be afraid to ask for references or ask the potential Astrologer for information about their background and their style of reading
- Be clear about the purpose or intention for the reading. Are you looking for general information? Are you trying to schedule an important event like a wedding? Are you looking for clarity about your love life or maybe you want direction about changing careers or starting your own business
- Most people remember only a small fraction of what they hear. If you are interested in getting a recording of your session, make this arrangement before your appointment
- Assume the posture of a student or “beginner’s mind”. If you have a genuine intention of hearing valuable information or gaining insight, chances are you will
- Don’t leave your rational mind, intuition or common sense at home. Although you are relying on an expert, no one’s opinion should be more important than your own. As many have stated or paraphrased before, “Don’t be so open minded your brain falls out”
- Expect that much of what you hear will confirm what you already know or suspect about yourself, your emotions, your attitudes, beliefs, motivations and personality. That being said, it’s lovely to get confirmation
- Resist the temptation to dismiss information without at least considering it. It’s very typical that clients tell me something they initially did not understand or found difficult to accept, later was proven accurate and true. This includes very positive qualities. It is sometimes hard to hear and accept reflections that are positive about ourselves
- Run away as fast as you can, if a reading even hints at manipulation or a reader attempts to coerce you into a behavior that is uncomfortable. This includes suggestions that you are under a spell, possessed, or in some way under a black cloud or karmic obligation the Astrologer can release in exchange for something – usually money! I’m embarrassed that I even have to mention this one; but unfortunately, in every profession there are those whose integrity or ethics are suspect
Unless your situation or question is very serious, have fun. And even if your situation is serious, try to enjoy yourself when you explore astrology.
About the Author
What Is Astrology: Origins, Purpose, and What It Is Used For
Astrology is one of the oldest disciplines humanity has developed to understand itself and the cycles and transformations that shape human experience. Through the observation of the sky, it built a symbolic language that is still used today as a tool for self-knowledge and personal guidance.
In this article, we explore what astrology really is, what the basic elements of a birth chart are, and why it continues to spark so much interest around the world.
Table of Contents
- What Is Astrology?
- The Foundations of Astrology: How It Really Works
- Basic Elements of a Birth Chart
- Difference Between Psychological Astrology and Predictive Astrology
- What Astrology Is Used for Today
- Why Astrology Continues to Resonate With Millions of People
- The Origins and Evolution of Astrology
What Is Astrology?
Astrology is the discipline that studies the correspondence between the movements of the sky and human experience. Its central premise is that the cycles of the Sun, the Moon, and the planets are connected to the internal, emotional, and life processes that people go through. It does not propose that celestial bodies cause what we experience, but rather that their movements can be read as a symbolic map of what is happening within us and in the world.
Throughout history, astrology was recognized as a respected field of knowledge by philosophers, astronomers, and physicians, and only in recent centuries was it pushed to the margins of official academic thought. However, it has always maintained a relevant place as a tool for self-knowledge and life guidance, especially in spiritual and philosophical contexts. Today, with the growing interest in inner development, its practice has once again gained strength throughout the world.
Understanding what astrology is requires stripping away the prejudices that surround it. It is not an exact science, but neither is it superstition. It is a structured symbolic language that, when properly interpreted, offers a valuable perspective for understanding who we are, how we relate to the world, and what processes we go through throughout life.
The Foundations of Astrology: How It Really Works
To understand how astrology works, one must first understand the central idea upon which this practice was developed: the existence of a symbolic relationship between the movements of the sky and human experience. Since ancient times, different cultures observed the cycles of the Sun, the Moon, and the planets and connected them with certain changes, stages, and processes present in human life. From those observations, astrology built a system of interpretation that seeks to understand what kinds of dynamics or transformations a person experiences at specific moments in life.
Astrology does not claim that celestial bodies control destiny or directly cause what happens. Its logic operates through symbolic correspondences: certain planetary movements are associated with particular emotional, psychological, or life processes. For this reason, astrology is used as a tool for interpreting periods of change, crisis, growth, or the closing of cycles, both in individual lives and in broader social processes.
The main tool used for this interpretation is the birth chart, also called a natal chart. It is a map of the sky calculated from a person’s date, time, and place of birth. This configuration shows the position of the planets, the zodiac signs, the astrological houses, and the aspects at the exact moment of birth, and each of these elements provides information about different aspects of personality, relationships, and experiences that are part of each person’s life journey.
Basic Elements of a Birth Chart
A birth chart is composed of different elements that are interpreted together. Among them are the planets, the zodiac signs, the astrological houses, and the aspects, and each one provides information about different dimensions of personality and human experience. Understanding what each part represents is the foundation for beginning to read and interpret a natal chart.
The planets occupy a central place within astrology because each one symbolizes a different dimension of personality and human experience. The way these planets are arranged within a birth chart makes it possible to interpret different traits, dynamics, and personal processes.
Each planet is associated with specific themes. The Sun, for example, is linked to identity and self-expression; the Moon, to emotions and the inner world; Mercury, to communication and ways of thinking; Venus, to relationships and values; and Mars, to action and desire. In addition, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are connected with processes of growth, structure, change, intuition, and transformation.
However, these planets do not act in the abstract, but rather manifest themselves through the zodiac signs. If the planets are the “what,” the signs are the “how.” The same planet can manifest in very different ways depending on the sign in which it is located. For example, Mars—associated with action and impulse—does not express itself in the same way in Aries, where it tends to act directly and impulsively, as it does in Capricorn, where it usually acts in a more strategic and disciplined way. The energy is the same, but the mode of expression changes completely.
Added to all of this are the astrological houses, which indicate the specific areas of life in which each combination manifests itself. They are twelve sectors that represent areas such as identity, close relationships, home, creativity, work, intimate relationships, or vocation. The same combination of planet and sign can be expressed very differently depending on the house in which it is located.
The planets also relate to one another within the chart through the aspects, which are the geometric angles they form when positioned at different points in the sky. These angles indicate how different energies interact with one another: some create flow and make things work effortlessly, while others create inner tension, which is often a driving force for growth. The aspects are what give depth to a reading because they show how all the elements connect with one another.
Finally, there is the ascendant, one of the most important elements of the birth chart. It is the sign that was rising in the sky at the exact moment of birth and is related to the way a person presents themselves to the world and moves through their experiences. This is why two people with the same Sun sign can have very different personalities and ways of living.
In the series Astrology 101, available on Gaia, renowned astrologer Rick Levine offers an accessible introduction to the basic concepts of astrology. Throughout the episodes, you can learn about the zodiac signs, the planets, the elements, and the houses, building a solid foundation for understanding the symbolic language of the stars.
Difference Between Psychological Astrology and Predictive Astrology
One of the most important distinctions for understanding contemporary astrology is the one that exists between the psychological approach and the predictive approach. Both perspectives work with the same elements—the birth chart, the planets, the movements of the sky—but they interpret them for different purposes.
- Predictive astrology seeks to anticipate events. It is the oldest approach and, for centuries, it was the dominant one. Its logic is to identify which planetary transits—that is, the current movements of the planets in relation to your birth chart—coincide with certain types of events in the life of a person or a society. Although it is still practiced, this branch now coexists with a more nuanced interpretation, because its literal application—predicting that something specific will happen on an exact date—often clashes with the real complexity of life and leaves very little room for personal freedom.
- Psychological astrology, on the other hand, developed strongly during the twentieth century, partly thanks to the influence of Carl Jung. This perspective does not ask, “What is going to happen?” but rather, “What internal processes are being activated, and how can I work with them?” Under this approach, the birth chart is read as a map of your inner world, and current planetary movements are interpreted as moments when certain personal dynamics become more visible or ask to be integrated.
The central difference has to do with the role of free will. In the strictest predictive approach, astrology describes what will happen; in the psychological approach, it describes the energetic terrain on which you will make your decisions. Most contemporary astrology works with a combination of both approaches, but with a much greater emphasis on the psychological and self-knowledge dimension. This explains why, today, many people turn to astrology not to know what will happen to them, but to better understand who they are.
What Astrology Is Used for Today
Precisely because of this shift toward the psychological perspective, contemporary astrology functions above all as a tool for self-knowledge and life guidance. It offers an inner map that helps you understand why you react the way you do, what you deeply seek, and what processes you go through at each stage of life.
On a personal level, astrology can help identify natural talents, areas of learning, emotional dynamics, and recurring patterns. It also makes it possible to understand the major cycles of life and recognize what kinds of processes tend to become activated at certain stages. One of the best known is the Saturn return, which occurs around the ages of twenty-nine or thirty and often coincides with periods of maturation, closure, and personal redefinition.
Another widely used tool is the solar return, a chart calculated for the exact moment when the Sun returns to the same position it occupied at birth and which is interpreted as a guide to the most important themes and lessons of each year. Understanding these cycles does not eliminate free will, but it does provide context for making decisions with greater awareness.
Astrology is also applied in the relational sphere. Comparing two birth charts (a practice called synastry) makes it possible to identify dynamics within a relationship: where there is natural affinity, where there is tension, and what challenges may arise. It does not function as a verdict, but rather as a map of the energies at play between two people.
Beyond the individual level, astrology is also applied to collective processes. Some astrologers analyze planetary movements in order to understand social, cultural, or historical moments, identifying the predominant energies of a particular era. This dimension allows personal experience to be placed within a broader context and helps explain how many individual processes respond to movements shared by an entire generation.
Why Astrology Continues to Resonate With Millions of People
Despite the centuries that have passed since its original systematization, astrology continues to attract millions of people around the world. What is remarkable is that its appeal does not diminish, but rather renews itself with each generation. The interesting question is not whether astrology “is true” in a scientific sense, but what people find in it that justifies such enduring relevance.
One possible answer lies in the feeling of recognition. Those who receive a serious astrological reading often experience a particular phenomenon: the feeling that something about their inner life is reflected with surprising precision. The birth chart functions like a mirror that reveals aspects of the self that are rarely put into words, and that recognition creates a deep connection with the practice.
Another reason has to do with the contemporary search for meaning. In a context where many traditional structures have lost influence—religious institutions, collective narratives, cultural mandates—people seek frameworks that help them interpret their experience from a broader perspective. Astrology offers precisely that: a language for placing yourself within processes larger than your individual life.
The broader cultural moment also plays a role. The rise of self-knowledge, psychology, secular spirituality, and contemplative practices created space for tools such as astrology. In fact, it has now become a common vocabulary for talking about oneself and relationships: many people use astrological terms to describe their personality, their partner, or the stage of life they are currently experiencing.
Finally, there is something even deeper at play. Astrology proposes that your life is not an accident or a series of isolated events, but rather part of a greater order that can be read, understood, and inhabited with greater awareness. That possibility alone—the idea of an underlying meaning—explains much of its enduring relevance in a world that often feels fragmented and lacking a unifying thread.
The Origins and Evolution of Astrology
Astrology has roots that date back at least four thousand years ago, in ancient Mesopotamia. The Babylonians were the first to systematize the observation of the stars and connect it with earthly events, laying the foundations for a body of knowledge that would later spread throughout the world. For those civilizations, the sky was not a neutral space: it was the place where the will of the gods could be read.
From Babylon, astrology spread to Greece, where figures such as Ptolemy developed treatises that still influence modern practice. His book Tetrabiblos, written in the second century, was for centuries the reference text for Western astrologers. At that time, astrology and astronomy were practically the same discipline, and they were taught together in European universities throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The separation between astronomy and astrology began with the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century. While astronomy adopted mathematics and empirical observation as its foundation, astrology was relegated to the symbolic and spiritual realm. However, it never disappeared: it resurfaced strongly in the twentieth century through the work of psychologists such as Carl Jung, who incorporated it into their studies of the collective unconscious and archetypes.
In recent decades, astrology has experienced a new global expansion, fueled by growing interest in self-knowledge, spirituality, and contemplative practices. Today, it coexists with thousands of trained professionals, dedicated schools, and active communities around the world, and it has once again become part of contemporary cultural language. Its history shows that, far from being a relic of the past, astrology has continually reinvented itself in every era to respond to the questions each generation asks about itself.
