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How does astrology use the positions and movements of celestial bodies to forecast events?
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astrology
Zodiac wheel showing the 12 astrological constellations or signs from an illumination of the poem Breviari d'Amour, Catalan (Spain), late 14th century; in the collection of the British Library.
Astrology functions as a method of divination based on the assumption that the positions and movements of celestial bodies—such as the Sun, Moon, and planets—indicate or determine events on Earth. This practice relies on the concept of a correspondence between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (humanity).12
To forecast events, astrologers typically follow these procedures:
- Casting Charts: Astrologers calculate the precise longitudes and latitudes of celestial bodies for a specific moment and location. They often divide the ecliptic into 12 zodiacal signs and map them onto a dodecatropos (12 places or houses), each governing specific aspects of life.2
- Analyzing Configurations: Predictions are derived from the geometric relationships between planets, signs, and houses. Astrologers consider factors like conjunctions, aspects (such as trine or opposition), and planetary strengths based on their positions.23
- Categorizing Forecasts: Forecasting methods include genethlialogy (birth charts), general astrology (events for nations or humanity), catarchic astrology (timing activities), and interrogatory astrology (answering specific questions).3
Astrologers interpret these complex patterns using traditional lists of correspondences, such as associations between signs, elements, and human traits, to provide readings.2