Astronomy vs. Astrology

People pretty much agree about the differences between astronomy and astrology. Most of us understand that the former is a physical science, while the latter is a practice that rests upon the assumption that movements and changes in the relative positions of celestial bodies have an influence on humans. In ancient times people did not know what those celestial bodies were—they might as well have been various kinds of lights that played across the sky, propelled by the gods or other mysterious forces. The concept of a star or a planet was beyond them.

In an attempt to explain what impelled these lights to move and change, stories arose that the gods pushed and pulled them across the sky. When monotheism emerged, it was God who was behind the action. Particularly unusual or spectacular celestial events (like the appearance of comets, eclipses, meteor showers) were interpreted as particularly significant messages sent by God. Since most monarchs were touted as having been installed by God, these events were seen to be auspicious messages for the monarchs: such as presaging the birth of an offspring or the outcome of a planned military venture.

Astrologers became famous (or humiliated) by the accuracy (or not) of their prophecies. As the profession of astrology became increasingly complex, the behaviors and destinies of common folk also began to be addressed.

By the 1600s things dramatically changed. Some scholars—people who became the first scientists—began to comprehend the true nature of these celestial objects. They came to be known as stars, comets, planets, etc. Kepler and Newton studied their motions and developed theories as to the cause of those behaviors: gravity. These were shown to be natural phenomena, that obeyed laws that these scientists discovered... natural laws. The breakthrough in understanding came when these scholars were able to use these laws to predict the appearance of comets, eclipses, and meteor showers.

The breakthrough was the knowledge that these phenomena obeyed predictable laws. Humans could never foretell the whims of God, but the fact that they could foretell celestial events showed that God was not using them to sway human behavior. There was no need to impress or frighten people when a predictable (and comprehensible) eclipse occurred. Astronomy was born as a science.

By the 17^th century astrology had become such an entrenched practice, that astronomy would not displace it from the human scene. People are determined to explain unexpected or seemingly predictable events by mystical and supernatural forces. In uncertain times people turn to astrology for explanations of unexpected and disquieting happenings.  We are living in uncertain times. Astrology is currently experiencing a popular surge.