The debate about whether astrology is science or pseudoscience can be heard for a long time, and in the near future they will probably not subside soon. The fact that many ordinary people hardly distinguish between astronomy and astrology is confusing. Scientists have a strictly formed position on this subject: astrology cannot be called a science, since there is no scientific method and a way to study the chosen field that would satisfy the criteria and could be recognized as scientific. There are those who dispute this position. Consider the views from different sides of the barricades.
general information
Although the debate about whether science or pseudoscience is astrology can still be heard quite often, it is officially accepted to consider this direction unscientific. In order for a discipline or sphere to receive the status of science, it must meet a number of key criteria, and this is not observed in the case of the object under consideration. But there are also willing to argue. First, we consider the arguments of those who call for the field of knowledge to be regarded as scientific, then we turn to the arguments of the other side.
Start from the beginning
Persons who believe that astrology belongs to the natural sciences give as justification for their position the fact that it was astrologers who were able to determine a number of mutual connections between the types and characteristics of human characters, personalities, events that occur in real life. They discovered a mutual relationship between the positions of bodies in the sky and what is happening in society, what changes are taking place. Studies devoted to the determination of such patterns have lasted more than five millennia. As is known from sources that have survived to this day, the first cuneiform writing, telling about the observations of astrologers, was made in the Old Babylonian period. It is believed that this historical monument was created in the eighteenth century before the advent of our era. All patterns discovered by astrologers are empirical or identified in the study of statistics. There are no measurements or calculations that would help people to navigate the influence of celestial bodies on the life of society and individual citizens. At the same time, opponents of the recognition of astrology as pseudoscience urge to consider the methods of sociology, psychology - they also do not include accurate measurements.
Persons willing to explain why astrology is not a science often appeal to the prevalence of a geocentric system. Indeed, astrologers often resort to it, although back in 1543 it was proved that celestial bodies do not revolve around our planet. Accordingly, adherents of astrology can be called dogmas who do not want to admit the truth, while trifles elude attention. Modern astrologers do not believe that our planet is the center of the universe or even our planetary system, but they work, trying to determine the connections of the micro-, macrocosm. They believe that a person is subject to rhythms that spread throughout the world. In the last century, a document was found that was created about 4.5 millennia ago. This Codex contains descriptions of the identity and unity that exists in our world. The geocentric system in astrology is used, since it is believed that any rhythms are reflected in our reality, on our planet. Moreover , this influence is not of a specific body, but of cycles, of displacements of objects relative to each other.
Science, Assumptions, and Life
Some people who prove that astrology is a science call for attention to be given to the mechanical direction within this field of knowledge. This is the name of the astrological field in which statistical mathematical research is used to determine the relationship between causes and consequences: cosmic factors and the fate of individuals. Shuanar was recognized as the founder of the mechanical direction. Not so long ago, new case studies were conducted. Scientists have found that the climax and ascendant planets of people who choose a similar profession for themselves often coincide, and this phenomenon is significant enough to have statistical significance. Other researchers have found similar mutual relationships between the personality type and astrological parameters. The work was carried out in accordance with the principle of predictability of results, which is considered one of the key in the science of our time.
A group of scientists working in this direction and aiming to prove to society that astrology is a science, determined that at the moment when a person is born, celestial bodies occupy a certain position that determines the formation of a person. It is revealed that the accentuation of Saturn is characteristic of introverts, while extrovertism is determined by Jupiter, Mars. Such studies and their results can be considered scientifically significant, but at the same time in the astrological environment they have not become too famous. This is due to the belief that astrologers cannot obtain reliable data by mechanical methods, and the only reliable option is intuitive.
Mysticism and Astrology
Those who disagree with the fact that astrology is a science often declare this sphere of knowledge to be occultism. To some extent, they are right, of course, but there are important arguments that need to be taken into account. Not so long ago, astrology was an area accessible only to a strictly limited group of initiates, therefore it was included in the esoteric area - as well as mysticism. This is especially true on the territory of our country and other powers previously united in the Soviet Union. But in many countries of the West, astrology has experienced a new rise since the current century. This is especially noticeable in German territories. The emphasis on astrology was also made during the reign of Hitler, who resorted to astrological knowledge and the advice of specialists in this field. However, it is known that people whose forecasts did not suit him ended their life in concentration camps. Such an attitude in the Soviet Union was used to combat astrology as a sphere to which the enemy pays so much attention. It is noted that astrologers gradually began to appear only during the period of perestroika under Gorbachev, and their performances immediately turned into an object of national interest.
Persons who believe that astrology is a science cite the fact of the active development of this trend today as one of the proofs of their position. Large and well-known schools appeared on the territory of the CIS, of which the most popular are located in the Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian capitals, as well as in St. Petersburg. Those who wish can attend seminars and take short training in thematic courses. Books, magazines on astrology are published. Today, this sphere has ceased to be esoteric and accessible only to the elite, although the prejudice in society is still strong. But in the Western powers there are even colleges and higher educational institutions in which astrology is taught as an important discipline.
Believe it or not?
According to some, astrology is a science that studies how celestial bodies affect human personality and destiny. However, many religions condemn such views, considering them occultism and heresy. In earlier times, the astrologer was simultaneously a magician, a sorcerer and a fortuneteller, he explained to those who wanted what their dreams mean. Today, according to many, horoscopes are most interested in people who think in magical categories. To achieve the maximum effect, trying to conjure these days takes into account the calculations of astrology, the current celestial situation and the position of the bodies.
If we turn to the predictions of famous astrologers of our country, we can recall that some assured that the USSR will continue to exist, and the millennium will be a period of major reform related to finances, and citizens will suffer greatly from what is happening. Such assurances could be heard from the globally famous astrologers. They promised that by 2004 our power would turn into the spiritual center of the planet, the Savior would be born here, about which Zarathustra, Christ spoke. However, as the further development of history has shown, their forecasts mainly did not materialize. There are several explanations for this which are given by representatives of different points of view.
What to look for?
Those who are ready to confidently explain why astrology is not a science, they urge to be wary of the direction that involves entrusting your life and fate to heavenly bodies. Astrologers suggest interpreting the state of affairs, evaluating how different objects are located relative to each other. This creates a fleur of unique scholarship, slightly different from tradition. Recently, astrologers have increasingly resorted to modern computer technologies to increase the reliability of their calculations, so it becomes very difficult for ordinary people to understand where it is true and who to trust.
From the sacred and religious books you can find out that for a long time people believed: heavenly bodies were created by higher powers in order to give signs to people. For example, the Bible says that at the time of the death of the Son of God, the light across the planet faded as a sign of refusal to give it. There are other meanings that are mentioned in books of different nations and beliefs.
In recent years, the development of the described direction is associated with heliobiology. The author of this trend was Chizhevsky, born in 1897, who lived until 1964. To some extent, his calculations allow us to make conclusions about whether astrology is a science, although, it is worth recognizing, different people adhere to, based on Chizhevsky's theories, opposite positions on this issue. This scientist determined the significance of solar influence on epidemics, human diseases, and the mental state of citizens. In 1915, he took up spots on the Sun and determined the mutual relations between their number and military activity of combat fronts. At the same time, Tsiolkovsky recommended that Chizhevsky continue to observe and accumulate information so that in the future it could be reduced to a single evidence base.
Science and their mutual relations
If in the history of science “astrology” we consider not only the periods of observation for compiling horoscopes, but also the era of Chizhevsky’s active work, we can admit that certain reliable observations confirmed by the studies were made. The activity cycles of our luminary play a role in the processes taking place in the biosphere, affect many aspects, including crop stability and the general mental state of society. A dependence on the sun of events significant for history - revolutions, reforms, crises and conflicts has been revealed. Chizhevsky drew attention: the activity of the sun is not the basis of the processes taking place on our planet, but a factor that makes their development more acute.
Although it is not clear to everyone whether astrology is a science, almost no one has such doubts about heliobiology. This discipline is devoted to the peculiarities of the influence of solar radiation on biology, chemical processes, human mental activity, while the zodiac signs, horoscopes and the position of celestial bodies are not important. This can be explained with simple examples. No one doubts that flowers will not be able to grow and bloom if the light of the Sun is not enough. There is nothing mystical about it, everything is explained by the basic laws and rules of our universe. Some occultists manipulate such conclusions to prove their ideas, far from real life.
Science and destined
People explaining why astrology cannot be considered a science usually pay attention to how much attention is paid to fate and the belief that everything is predetermined. Such is the main weakness and palmistry, various divination practices, numerology. Our society is characterized by a tendency to believe that the life path is completely destined and practically does not depend on the person himself. Of course, the educated people of our days, as well as thinkers of different eras, are ready to argue with this belief, but for a simple person who does not want to go deep into details, palmistry, numerology and astrology give confidence that everyone has decided for him higher powers, and it means that there can be no talk of any responsibility. At the same time, others pay attention: fate and freedom are actually opposite to each other, and it is freedom that is one of the main values. If you believe astrology, you can shift the responsibility for any actions to something from the outside, and consider a person as a toy moving in accordance with the program of the stellar scheme.
According to people who deal with issues of ethics and rules, norms and acceptable, faith in fate and the predetermination of everything that happens reduces human dignity. This is what is often said about, arguing their position on why astrology cannot be considered a science. Indeed, thinking that everything has already been decided for a person, thereby a person neglects his mind and freedom, rights and opportunities to create life as he considers it right. Such beliefs in predestination justify the commission of unethical and unreasonable acts.
Or do you believe it?
Although there are many arguments and explanations from which it is clear why astrology is not a science, no less than you can find positions and facts that allow us to conclude: the Sun and celestial bodies have a strong impact on what is happening on our planet. Some believe that the main reason for the reprehensible attitude is a series of myths that have taken root in the public mind. For example, many people are accustomed to thinking that horoscopes published in popular weekly editions are the most astrology in its highest form, and only the compilation of these predictions is the essence of discipline. Such predictions are based on general ideas about how the solar position will affect a person’s zodiac sign. Real horoscopes are called cosmograms. When compiling them, they take into account how the bodies in the sky are located relative to each other, how the coordinates of the birth point and the exact time affect. Horoscopes published in regular editions are simplified versions, so you should not expect accurate and useful information from them.
If you ask the layman why astronomy is a science, but astrology is not, others are openly confused. It so happened that the public is convinced that these two disciplines are extremely close; if you need to argue with a representative of one of them, you need to invite someone from the second. This stereotype is based on the fact that representatives of both directions are engaged in celestial mechanics, so the difference in the minds of the average man is minimal. However, the subjects they study are fundamentally different, so drawing parallels is not too smart. Some explore how celestial bodies are arranged, how they evolve, and with them our universe. Others are trying to understand if there is an influence from the heavenly bodies on what is happening on our planet.
Yesterday Today Tomorrow
Explaining why astrology is not a science, many appeal to attempts to predict the future, focusing on the position of celestial bodies. Moreover, the predicted is often not fulfilled, at least in the form in which it was reported to the public. Astrologers doing this seriously call for a correct assessment of the information coming from them. They investigate patterns, observe what is happening, compare sequences, on the basis of which they formulate predictions — whether they come true or not, no one will tell you in advance. To some extent, this is similar to meteorology, which is trying to predict weather events - its specialists only form forecasts that may not be implemented in practice. Astrologers in their work appeal to observations made in the last few millennia, on the basis of which they formulate what the likely development of the situation is.
Some are convinced that astrology is an occult science, others believe that it was such until recently, but in our century everything has changed and today this discipline has become strict and worthy of trust. As adherents of other opinions assure, there is no such sphere of knowledge that suddenly, at one moment, changes dramatically, as there are no areas that can freeze unchanged for centuries. Everything is developing, and this extends to astrology. , , , , . , . : , , .
At some point, John Nelson, an American professional in the field of radio communications, began to research, which today can be attributed to astrology. The exact science he studied was at the intersection of astronomy and astrology - the scientist devoted himself to studying how the angular positions of celestial bodies correct the activity of our luminary. His work began immediately after the Second World War, the initiative came from the RCA community, which needed an explanation of the interference. The task was to develop such a mechanism that would prevent the deterioration of communication quality due to storms. Nelson believed that the storm and interference, storms can be interconnected with the position of celestial bodies. Continuous in-depth studies have allowed us to determine the relationship between the formation of storms and the location of the planets. If we consider the star to be the center of the circle, storms will happen when at least a pair of planets are relative to each other at angles (in degrees) of 0, 90 or 180. The more bodies involved in the combination, the higher the likelihood of an intensified storm.
To some extent, it is thanks to Nelson that one can say that astrology is a science - precisely in the format in which he studied phenomena. In total, about a quarter of a century was spent on scientific work, following which it was possible to create sufficiently reliable evidence that certain positions of celestial bodies provoke changes that affect the ionosphere of our environment. Many people believe that the practical application of the angles of planetary position is the most obvious proof of the concept of angular distances proposed by ancient astrologers. Prior to the Nelson research, the accuracy of interference predictions was estimated at 60%, and today it reaches 93.2%.
Historical context
About why astronomy is a science, but there is no astrology, one can ask certified scientists, people who are well-versed in what can be called a scientific discipline, and what does not apply to them. As you can see from well-known opinions on this subject, many trustworthy figures urge to be careful and not to confuse these two areas. Horoscopes can be fascinating and interesting, but you shouldn’t trust them too much - this is proved by long-term observations.
By the way, it has not yet been possible to establish exactly how long ago astrology first appeared. Some believe that an astrologer is one of the oldest human professions. There is evidence that tens of thousands of years ago, people already looked at the movement of celestial bodies and assumed some hidden meanings of what was happening. In those days, it was necessary to be able to inspire the younger generation to perform a bold and unusual act that would benefit the tribe, and for this they resorted to a variety of methods - including pointing to the signs of heaven. If the astrologer assured that the stars were folding, the believer felt himself strong enough to cope with any complexity. It is known that at the time of the Sumerians there were also astrologers, and for the first time the zodiac system appeared seven centuries before the beginning of our era. Pretty quickly, it formed into the system that is known to modern man.
Development issue
The debate about whether astrology can be called science or art has been heard for more than a year and not the first century. In the Roman lands and in Greece, this direction gained popularity after the conquests of Alexander the Great. In those days, astrology was widely spread in noble circles - it is known that, for example, Caesar was exclusively passionate about horoscopes. On the other hand, if you recall how and how his life ended, you have to doubt the efficiency of the conclusions: knowing what was coming, the emperor would hardly have gone to the council without support that could protect his life. At the same time, Cicero laughed rather caustically at contemporaries keen on horoscopes. However, only his ridicule was not an obstacle to discipline, so astrology continued to develop.
About what sciences astrology belongs to, Ptolemy wrote in his works. In the second century AD, he created the work "Tetrabiblos", indicating in it that the Earth is the center of the universe, and all bodies revolve around it. About a millennium, people believed in these conclusions, until Copernicus expressed his ideas and their evidence - by the way, he was also passionate about astrology, but differed in critical views. Over time, what astrology was engaged in became more and more actively studied by physics, astronomy, and other sciences; an explanation was found for a number of phenomena that were previously considered dictated by stars. For some time, astrology was almost forgotten, but at the beginning of the last century it bloomed in a stormy color. Today it’s almost impossible to find someone who would not know his zodiac sign. By the way, up to a third of all citizens of our country believe that the luminary revolves around our planet. Many of our compatriots and residents of other parts of the world have weak ideas about physics and chemistry, have little understanding in economics and the humanities, but they know very well from childhood how they are born of the zodiac sign. Doctors of science, philosophers and scientists also know about this - in a word, everything is complete.
Curious to know
In the 60s of the last century, Gauquelin, who was engaged in statistics and psychology, conducted a mass study, which to some extent made it possible to conclude whether science is astrology or idle fiction and unjustified beliefs. He recruited 25 thousand citizens of his native France and several nearby powers. Information was obtained from open sources. The persistent scientist drew attention to the moments of birth, chosen professions and representations of astrologers, combined the received data and analyzed them. As research has allowed to conclude, things recognized by astrologers as extremely significant practically do not correct life. However, Goklen was fond of astrology, so the results of the study he was somewhat discouraged and prompted to continue work. He suggested that there are patterns between moments of birth and fate. For work, information was selected about citizens who chose specific professions.
Astrology is recognized to some extent by science after revealing correlations - which, however, are not very convincing for scientists who are not personally interested in seeing a positive result of research. Many believe that Goklen’s findings were subjective because of the premises. He found that about 22.2 percent of athletes were born under Mars, although estimates of the average distributions give 16.7%. The information was sent to verify to the Committee of Supernatural Phenomena, whose representatives recognized the correctness of the calculations and confirmed the conclusions of the scientist. When similar studies were conducted in the future regarding American athletes, it became clear that theory and reality had nothing in common. Gauquelin suggested explaining this by the fact that Mars affects only very prominent people, but it has nothing to do with basketball, since this sport appeared later than astrology.
Is it worth believing?
According to many, astrology belongs to the sciences precisely thanks to the research carried out by Goklen, but more often this opinion is held by ordinary people. Scientists, in turn, know that the Frenchman violated a number of rules and conditions, therefore his works have virtually no scientific significance. He didn’t take random samples at all for the study, so other groups of reviewers could not get similar results. Goklen assured that the time of birth plays a significant role, but many people do not know the exact moment when they were born, which means that the results of the analysis cannot be considered reliable. Finally, you need to remember the presence of a dozen celestial bodies, for each of which there are 12 sectors, which means that the total number of combinations is 660. If you examine a relatively small sample of people, even in randomly received information, any mutual connections will still be found.
In 84, in the last century, a new work was organized, somewhat more reliable. The author, who set himself the goal of determining whether science or superstition is astrology, was Smizers. As the basic information, he used the information obtained during the census in the UK. A certain number of persons were randomly selected from the total amount of information; based on data on the profession and belonging to different signs of the zodiac, several diagrams were constructed. Regarding some professions, it was possible to identify the dominant zodiac block. For example, among the miners, more were born under the sign of Sagittarius. Smithers turned to 15 astrologers with a request to formulate which activity is more suitable for each block of the zodiac circle. These people gave different information that came together in only a dozen professions, and only one of them coincided with the results of a statistical study.
Psychology and Astrology
About which science of astrology is contrasted most often, everyone knows - this is astronomy. However, as they say, "look at the root." Those who call to correctly assess the causes and consequences, objects and their relationships, believe that it is much more reasonable to talk about the confrontation of astrological calculations and psychological conclusions. Psychologists say: you can not focus on horoscopes and natal charts, determining the future of the child and his preferences, talents. You can not listen to the advice of astrologers, not paying attention to the personality of a person - this can be the cause of serious injury. Studies were even organized of people for whom they made natal charts, at the same time gave them tests to determine the mental type. Next, invited astrologers. Initially, it was assumed that they would be able to guess with a probability of 33%, although astrologers themselves believed that the accuracy of their conclusions on the subjects would be at least half. In fact, the first option was confirmed, although luminaries of astrology of that period were invited to conduct the experiment.
To summarize
So, whether or not to believe in astrology is up to everyone to decide. Officially, this discipline is not considered a science today. Disputes on this topic are ongoing and are unlikely to subside in the near future. Equally, one should not expect astrology to be considered a reliable science - at least this will not happen in the near future.