Astrology and Mankind

American Heritage Dictionary defines Astrology as the studyof the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they havean influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs.Planetary observation is the basis of Astrology. The practice of astrology wasprevalent in the ancient times as well.

History of Astrology is an important part of civilizationand goes back to the early days of the human race. Some of the well-knowncivilizations of the world used this field extensively. For example, theancient Chinese civilization, the Egyptian civilization, the ancient Indiancivilization, etc all practiced astrology at some point or the other. Arabs toopracticed Astrology before the advent of Islam. Arabs were quite advanced inthe field of Astronomy.

The ancient Babylonians were probably the first to useAstrology. The Babylonians were the first to name the days of the week afterthe Sun, Moon, and planets. They were also the first to set out the twelvehouses of the horoscope. Baghdadand Damascus were known as centersof Astrology and Astronomy in olden times. Egyptcontributed a lot towards the development of Astrology. It is thought that someof the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt.

Greek astronomer Ptolemy was the first ever person to writea book on Astrology. He codified the sun sign astrology that we knowtoday.  Ptolemy tried to predict thepositions of celestial bodies relative to each other and the earth throughknowledge of their orbital motions. During his time, astrology was a part ofastronomy. Later, astronomy became an exact science and Astrology remained apart of Theology.

Chinese astrology stresses on the five elements, metal,wood, water, fire, and earth. Even the zodiac signs used by them are alsodifferent from other forms of astrology.

Indiahas a rich history of Astrology. Astrology was practiced even in the Vedictimes in India.Astrology is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga. Ancient Hindu Scripturestoo give a lot of importance to the various aspects of planetary motions andits effects on humans. Astrology is still studied and practiced by many in India.

It is regarded as vital in Indian culture. It is used tomake decisions about marriage, starting of new businesses, and moving into anew house etc.  The Hindus believe thathuman fortune or misfortune in life is due to karma, and karma is believed tobe influenced by the movements of the planets. Among the Hindus, Brahmins areconsidered to be the best authorities on astrology.

The astrologers in Indiaclaim that it is a scientific method to predict the future. They still clubthis field of study within the parameters of Hinduism. Hindus almostunanimously believe in astrological predictions. In fact, religious Hinduscannot imagine life without Astrology. More and more Indians have started tobuild their houses according to the principles of Vastu Shashtra.

This ancient Indian tradition is also governed byastrological implications. Hindus believe that the overall prosperity andbenefits of the occupants is dependant on the Vastu principles while buildingthe house. Indian Astrologers claim that they can prove that astrologicalpredictions are indeed scientific.

Horoscope is a part of Astrology. Reading the horoscopedaily has become a trend even in the developed countries of the West. TheWestern mind has always put everything subject to scrutiny and they tend torely solely on scientific facts.