The word 'astrology' originates from the Greek words 'astron', meaning star and 'logia', meaning study or discourse. Therefore the literal meaning of astrology is, the study or discourse of the stars. This term is believed to have emerged in the Hellenistic period, when Greek culture and language spread throughout the ancient world, including through Egypt and the Middle East. As a discipline, it may also be referred to as:
Stellar Studies.
Star Divination.
Celestial Studies.
Zodiac Studies.
Astrology is one of the earliest sciences known to human history. There are astrological records that originated in Babylon in 1645 BC. Other cultures, such as Egyptian and Greek developed timekeeping and calendar methodologies. From the time man began to observe and track the world around him, he's also contemplated his own relationship to the earth, stars, planets and elements around him. Astrology may have been one of the ways that the earliest civilisations helped define their place in the cosmos. They perceived it as being greater than themselves, not something to be conquered, but to be understood.
While in modern times astrology is seen as new age and not as a credible sciences like astronomy or astrophysics, at one time it was as credible a science as any other. Astronomers like Galileo and Copernicus were also practicing astrologers. With the evolution of more quantitative sciences, astrology's influence and position began to diminish. Western astrology enjoyed resurgence in the 1930s with the birth of England's Princess Margaret. The London Sunday-Express ran her astrological profile, and that event was the origin of the modern daily horoscope in the newspapers.
What is Astrology?
Astrology can be defined as,
"A discipline that predicts the future, through interpretations of planetary positions and constellations, at a given point in time, as shown in a horoscope."
Astrology has several branches, such as:
Horoscopic astrology, which deals with individual birth charts.
Mundane astrology, which deals with world events.
Electional astrology for selecting auspicious times, for specific activities.
Astrology is not what you see in newspapers and magazines, but alas, most people still think that is what it's all about - your Sun Sign. However, this is not true astrology, as these readings are generic and therefore too general in nature to be of any purposeful value. Now don't get us wrong, generic predictions are an easy, convenient way to get a sense of what your day will be like and we also feature some very popular:
But in astrology, luck is preordained, simply put, some people are just born lucky. However, according to the 'Reincarnation' principle of Hinduism, the course of any individual's life, is the sum total of that person's 'Karma', from previous births. All mortals must therefore follow the cycle of birth and rebirth, till a stage of, 'Atam Gyan', or enlightenment is reached. As a result of this cycle, the horoscope that one inherits is considered to be the resultant of one's actions from previous lives. Therefore, in astrology, a horoscope is considered to be a map, which identifies positive elements one can take advantage of to attract those golden opportunities people call good luck.
If you've never had your real birth chart analysed by a competent, professional astrologer, you may have missed the chance to get 100% out of life's opportunities. The exact time, date and place of birth are required to cast a horoscope of an individual and once this has been cast, an astrologer can apply the principles of predictive astrology and remedial astrology, (see the Talisman Secrets link in the top menu) to create profiles and reports relating to »
Horary astrology, or Prashan Shastra is a form of predictive astrology that allows one to find the answer to a specific question, even in the absence of one's exact birth data. Horary literally means 'Of the Hour' and a horoscope is cast at the exact moment at which the question was asked. This horoscope is analysed and planetary positions in this chart reveal the answer to the question. The results of such readings do not afford great detail and usually takes the form of a simple, 'Yes' or 'No', but this is an effective way of obtaining accurate answers.
Although, there are several forms of astrology, the predominantly practiced forms are, as Western Astrology, Vedic Astrology or 'Jyotish' and Chinese Astrology, as a search on any Internet Search Engine will reveal.
Vedic astrology is defined as a mathematical study of the motion of the planets and constellations, for the purpose of drawing a horoscope. Analysing the positions and characteristics of the planets in a particular horoscope allows astrological predictions, of future events to be made.
Vedic and Western astrologies share most of their basic concepts, such as the signs, planets, and houses, as well as their general interpretive meanings. The fundamental difference between the two lies the measurement of the zodiac. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, in which the stars are considered to be the fixed background against which the motion of the planets is measured. Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, where the motion of the planets is measured against the position of the Sun on the Spring equinox.
Sidereal astrologers claim their approach is more in keeping with the ancient traditions of the subject. When the vernal point was first defined in the 2nd Century as zero degrees Aries, the tropical and sidereal zodiacs would have shown no difference. The precession of the equinoxes, a phenomenon know to the ancients but forgotten by Western astronomers during the Dark Ages, meant that the Western zodiac based on the calendar became out of step with the heavens. Western astrologers have never done a catching up exercise and many still do not fully understand the implications of their error.
Astronomers as well as tropical and sidereal astrologers still base their measurement of the sky on a zero point taken as the position of the vernal equinox on the ecliptic. This has the same significance in the sky as the prime meridian on the Earth's globe, i.e. it is the zero point of a 360 degree arc which is used to give a location for any object in the sky known as right ascension. In the same way as longitude (and latitude) give a position on the Earth. Sidereal astrologers add a correction to this point to allow for the precession of the equinoxes. They do this so that the zodiacal signs used in their astrology coincide with the constellations of stars to which they refer. This correction is called the 'Ayanamsa' and different sidereal astrologers use different precise values. This value is usually around 24 degrees at the present time and is constantly increasing as the equinoxes precess. About 2,000 years ago, the two zodiacs were in approximate agreement and the vernal equinox fell at the start of the constellation Aries. Sidereal astrologers see the failure of most Western astrologers to relate their work to the actual heavens which they interpret, as an opportunity for critics of astrology to denigrate the subject.
The most obvious effect of this difference is that about 80% of planets in a Western chart will move to the previous sign in a Vedic reading of the same chart. The term 'Vedic astrology' was introduced by American astrologers in the 1980s and 1990s. 'Vedic' refers to the Hindu holy texts, known as 'Vedas'. This form of astrology is also known as 'Indian ' or 'Hindu' astrology. In the end, however, all of these words are English. In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, 'Vedic astrology' is referred to as 'Jyotish', which means the 'Science of Light.' Jyotish dates back at least as far as the 3rd millennium BC, and is still commonly used to aid in important decisions in modern India. In Hindu culture, newborns are traditionally named based on their Jyotish charts.
Vedic astrology is based on what Western astrologers call the whole house system and recognises nine planets (bodies) or 'Navgrahs'. Each Vedic planet has different characteristics and influences on a horoscope. The nine planets in Vedic astrology are:
Zodiac Signs:
According to Vedic Astrology, the zodiac signs or 'Rashis' are located by direction and constellations or 'Nakshatras' are associated with the qualities of the five basic elements.
One's 'Lagan' or 'Ascendant', the 'Rashi' which is setting
on the eastern horizon at the time of one's birth, is the most influential and important one. Of lesser important but still some impact is the Janma Rashi, the 'Rashi' in which the moon lay while one was born.
Astrological Remedies
What are astrological remedies?
Traditional Vedic astrology offers many ways to counter astrological problems, such as:
Prayer ceremonies, wearing of specific gems or colours to strengthen weak planets or appease malefic planets.
Can an astrologer identify health related issues and their outcome?
An astrologer is not a medical professional and cannot diagnose a person's health problem or dispense medical advice. However, an astrologer can identify potential health problems, their astrological causes, the timings of possible ailments and a suitable astrological remedy.
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Can Astrology Change Fate?
The Use of Astrology in History
The Star of Bethlehem is thought to have resulted from the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in the zodiac of Pisces. Aligned in this way, the two planets may have appeared as one bright star in the night sky, at the time of the birth of Christian Messiah, over 2,000 years ago. The three "Wise Men" are believed to have journeyed from the East, so as to witnesses the event.
Saturn signifies the 'Jewish' creed and Jupiter represents a great master or king. This rare conjunction led, Zoroaster, a Zoroastrian astrologer from Persia to predict the birth of a new king during the reign of King Herod of Israel.
This conjunction appeared again in the 17th century and was observed by the renowned astronomer, Johannes Kepler. Kepler calculated that the last time such a conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter occurred, would have been in August, 7 B.C. It is therefore plausible that this astronomical event may have been what the three wise men regarded as the Star of Bethlehem.
During the last seven years Ronald Reagan served as President in the United States of America, his wife Nancy Reagan allegedly consulted with astrologer Joan Quigley on a regular basis. In her book, What Does Joan Say? It is believed that Ms. Quigley astrological skills contributed to plotting the downfall of Communism.
Back To The Question
But getting back to the original intent of the question "Can Astrology Change Fate?". Astrology is a powerful way to anticipate future events and it is only natural to assume that any one possessing such knowledge, will on occasion, be guilty of attempting to change the course of their life's journey, through a manipulation of the process.
There will be times when an upcoming transit or event will lead us to believe that we are 'Conscious' and/or 'Evolved' enough to bend, manoeuvre and/or manipulate things around just a tiny bit. Trying to "Dodge a bullet" is human nature and may even be necessary at times. However, we need to remember that life lessons lead to growth of the soul and all 'Karmic' balances eventually need to be paid.
Some astrologers are of the view that regardless of whether manipulation occurs on a monumental, global scale or at a more modest, individual level, to borrow an old Southern United States colloquial phrase, "That dog don't hunt" i.e., it doesn't work.
"The Sun will not overstep his measures; if he does, the Erinyes, the handmaids of Justice, will find him out." ~ Heraclitus
The truth is that attempting to avoid misfortune or take advantage of astrology in order to improve our circumstances, should not be thought of as manipulation. Astrology may not be a set of "Magical Formulae" that the Universe must strictly adhere to and abide by, but it is also not an invention of mankind. The universe, stars, planets and everything contained within, including knowledge of astrology, are creations of the 'Almighty'. The 'Creator' only suggests that we exercise our 'Free Will' and use these 'Creations' wisely and in good conscious, something that he/she has also provided us with.
Parenting through Zodiac Signs
The Sun, in a birth chart, reflects our sense of identity, self-expression, source of creativity, and how we shine best! The Sun continually gains in importance and strength as we start the process of growing up and developing a clearer sense of who we are as individuals. The Sun symbolises the archetypal image of the larger than life "Great Father" and also our only too human earthly father. To a large extent, the Sun symbolises how we personally perceived our earthly, human father to be while growing up.
Our childhood perception of "Father" may or may not have been based on reality. However, it still remains that the zodiac Sun Sign is where we're headed and contains the key to our sense of purpose and fulfilment as adults. However, when reading these descriptions, if they don't seem to be making much sense and/or describing your child - then find out what sign your child's Moon is located in and then also read the zodiac description for that sign.
The descriptions contained here are general enough that they can serve the purpose of describing either the Sun or Moon in your child's chart.
Moon Sign?
Never heard of your Moon Sign and that you had one? The Moon - in the birth chart - reflects where we find our greatest source of emotional security and feel the safest. The Moon is where we feel at home. The Moon is the most important point during the "Growing Up" years. During the growing up years - especially between birth and the age of 7 - the zodiac positioning of the Moon is especially important in gaining a better understanding how your child acts, reacts, and thinks.
The Moon symbolises the archetypal image of the larger than life "Great Mother" and also our only too human earthly mother. To a large extent, the Moon symbolises how we personally perceived our earthly, human mother to be while growing up. Our childhood perception of "Mother" may or may not have been based on reality. The Moon reflects how we feel the most nurtured and thus contains the key to understanding how to help your child feel the safest, loved, and nurtured.
Where Is Your Child's Moon?
Chances are that you're clueless. However, determining where your child's Moon sign is "Child's Play" if you know where to look. The Moon is a very fast moving point on the birth chart - and so knowing the approximate time of day that they were born can often be important when calculating the Moon's zodiac position.
The natal or birth chart is the horoscope chart we are born with. This chart is a snapshot of the planetary alignments, at our exact time of birth. The IVth and Xth houses of this chart relate to parental influences, while the IIIrd house represents our siblings.
Your child's personality is (as we all are), a combination of the influences of their natal chart and Sun and Moon zodiac signs. For the uninitiated, this may seem a bit overwhelming. But acquainting yourself with a few basic astrological concepts, can help you to identify your child's potential and help you plan for the future. There are several astrological reports that will also be useful in this regard. ↴
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Zodiacs and Planets
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Top Ten in Astrology
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