Author: Mind Buzz

Taking much of the country by surprise, and causing a great number of negative reactions, was when it became publicly-known that then-president Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy not only frequently consulted an astrologer, but based numerous important decisions on astrology, such as Reagan’s chances in the 1976 presidential election, and his eventual choice of George Bush as his vice-president. While governor of California, Ronald Reagan signed into law a new chapter and section of the government code, which granted astrologers the right to practice astrology for compensation. Even more surprising was learning that a number of previous presidents had also followed this practice as well as such famous world-leaders as Winston Churchill.

Celebrities are also known to believe in and follow the paths of astrology when deciding the course of their careers, often being quite outspoken about their beliefs. David Coverdale, of the popular group Whitesnake, has commented that he and his wife rigorously follow astrology; actor Robert Downey, Jr., and singer Britney Spears are also amongst those who consult astrologers on a regular basis. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books series, liberally sprinkles astrological symbolism in her material. “Astrologers to the stars” occasionally become as much in the spotlight of the public eye as the stars who consult them.

If world-renowned politicians and stars in the entertainment industry have been placing so much value on the subject of astrology, is it any wonder that many average Americans are doing likewise? A recent Harris Poll has concluded that at least thirty-one percent of Americans have some degree of belief in astrology nearly half of these being in the twenty-five to twenty-nine-year old age group, with the belief in this practice falling to fourteen percent for those over sixty-five years of age.

The highest percentages of American adults who believe in astrology as being a valid and significant influence in one’s life are women, democrats, and those who have a high school or less education– yet even Benjamin Franklin professed and wrote about his own personal belief in astrology, which illustrates that this subject is by no means limited to any certain categories of individuals, and that its popularity is most definitely not new, as it has long been embraced by well-known, respected people in all fields.

Astrology is described as studying the celestial bodies in relation to their influence on natural events and human experiences. It is called pseudoscience, proven science, superstition, anti-Christian, and a host of other descriptions based primarily on individual viewpoints on the subject. But for celebrities, politicians, world leaders, and a large segment of the population of average citizens alike, it is frequently a very strong influencing factor in people’s lives.

It is interesting to note that while only approximately thirty-one percent of adults in the United States believe in astrology, research studies show that fifty-two percent of Europeans consider astrology to be a science.

The main forms of astrology which are predominantly in current practice are Indian astrology, Western astrology, and Chinese astrology. In the United States, Western astrology is the most popular. The most well-known aspect of Western astrology is the zodiac sign; based on the belt of constellations, each of which was interpreted as resembling various figures, the zodiac signs (or, also referred to as the astrological signs) are called Aries (the ram), Taurus (the bull), Gemini (the twins), Cancer (the crab), Leo (the lion), Virgo (the virgin), Libra (the scales), Scorpio (the scorpion), Sagittarius (the archer), Capricorn (the goat), Aquarius (the water-bearer), Pisces (the fishes).

Horoscopes, which are the most basic interpretations, are based on which sign was in effect when a person was born; and whether a person was born on the “cusp,” which means the very beginning or very end of the particular sign. In addition to utilizing a sign to determine life events and predict one’s future, a sign is also thought to be relevant to learning about specific characteristics of one’s personality and even predisposition toward various potential health conditions, as one’s sign is believed to govern certain parts of one’s body. Odd as it may sound, many who have carefully studied this type of information have found it to be quite accurate. For example, while every Virgo is not “practical,” “fastidious,” and “strong-minded,” this trait is indeed a common factor amongst many who were born under this sign; and while all who were born under the sign of Virgo do not develop stomach, intestinal, or reproductive difficulties, many Virgos are indeed more prone to these problems than other people.

Another form of astrology is Indian astrology, which is also called Jyotisa, or Vedic astrology. Its foundation is the belief of connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm the smaller parts and the universal. Although interest in Vedic astrology is widespread, as it is currently practiced in India it is a significant part of their culture, as people rely on it for all of the important decisions in their lives, from business to marriage.

During the last few decades, Indian astrology has become internationally popular, but it has been a part of India’s culture for centuries. Vedic astrology is said to have first been revealed more than 7000 years ago. Thus, what is said to have originated with the Brahma has spread in popularity to such places as Arizona, which is the home of the American College of Vedic Astrology, currently offering online courses for those interested in learning how to become certified astrologers. Most astrologers offering Vedic astrology readings, however, are located in India.

Chinese astrology is based on the calendar cycle, rather than on constellations. In this form of astrology, the zodiac signs are named after animals the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Going by the Chinese calendar, each of these animals are assigned to the lunar months. The animals are also assigned to the time of day during which the individual person was born.

In addition to the animals, there are five elements wood, fire, earth, metal, water which are believed to modify the characteristics of the animals signs. One of the main purposes and functions is to achieve balance, and to affect whatever changes are necessary in order to achieve that balance. Chinese astrology, also, has begun to attain widespread popularity in America.

Granted, the largest number of people who put the most focus into astrology are adult-aged women. Most women see themselves in terms of being both the “keeper” the one who is responsible for all of the other people in her life and her relationships with them; as well as having the generally-female characteristic of feeling that whether her life is good or bad, that it is her place to be in the position of affecting positive changes. It is primarily for these reasons that women make up the majority of astrology-seekers. Through astrology, women can learn more about themselves, their lives, their associates, and their futures; and, in gaining such knowledge, can be in the very beneficial position of assessing their personal strengths and weaknesses, which in turn will provide many opportunities for taking control of one’s life.

Fewer men gain a serious interest in astrology. When they do, it is usually less a matter of wanting a general overview of their lives than of needing specific details and answers for specific questions or problems. Men are more likely to focus their interest in astrology on such topics as how to get a particular job, how to make business decisions, and questions about whether or not to relocate to a different area. All of these subjects can be brought up in an astrological reading, and he can find the answers or solutions which he needs in order to be better informed and make decisions which are most likely to have the best outcome for him.

Teenagers and young adults are often curious about astrology. Unfortunately, if they are not properly informed, they may hold the standard belief that astrology is basically about predicting the future and little more. Teens can be best aided by astrology by understanding that the scope of astrology goes far beyond simple predictions; and, even more important, that even predictions themselves are only a matter of what is “likely” to occur– that the person himself or herself has a great ability to influence what actually does occur, by his or her own responses to the events which happen each day. Astrology works best when viewed as a map of possibility, over which the individual has much influence.

This can be a wonderful asset for any teenager or young adult who is at the stage in life where he or she wishes to make solid decisions and plans for the future. The first part is in seeing one’s future predictions in terms of what is likely to occur, and to gain an understanding on how to affect changes to one’s course of action in order to result in a positive outcome. Learning that one is not helpless, nor bound to a predetermined destiny, is a wonderful feeling for all but most especially for young people!

The second part of astrology which is very important to youth is being able to gain a deeper understanding into themselves their specific character traits and personalities. It can be a good feeling to learn that many others share similar qualities! And, for a young person who is not entirely comfortable with various aspects of his or her personality, realizing that it is within his or her own power to change the less desirable traits and strengthen those traits which appeal to him or her the most, will go a long way in granting a teenager or young adult the appreciated state of knowing it is within themselves to improve what they wish to improve and rely more heavily on the traits which give them the most potential for a happy, well-adjusted life.

There are many common misconceptions about astrology in the Western world. Astrology in America has been turned into a form of entertainment and is not taken seriously by many people. However, the truth is that there is a lot of truth and usefulness in the art of astrology. Here are the three most common misconceptions about astrology, and the truth behind the myth.

Common Misconception about Astrology Number One: Horoscopes do not work because astrology is bunk.

The Truth: Horoscopes are entertainment created based on limited aspects of the true study of astrology. Horoscopes are created using the basic sun signs and the influences on them from planetary movements and alignments. Since not every person with a particular sun sign have the same astrological chart, horoscopes are rarely accurate for more than a handful of people.

Real astrology predictions are made by using individual astrological information combined with current astrological influences. These in depth astrology readings are very difficult and complex, and cannot be created reliably on a mass basis. Therefore, horoscopes serve as a basis for entertainment and what may happen based on sun sign alone.

Common Misconception about Astrology Number Two: Astrology is an ancient practice that holds no place in reality, such as Greek and Roman tales of Hercules and gods and goddesses.

The Truth: Astrology has been practiced since pre-historic times. There have been maps of the stars and other evidences found that astrology was practiced by the Egyptians, the Incans, and the Aztecs. Additionally, China and India have long practiced astrology and used its predictions in their daily lives for millennia, and continue to do so.

It is even recently understood that astrology played a large role in the Christian story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The three wise men used astrological phenomena rather than an actual star to discern the events that were about to occur and the fact that they would occur in the land of Judah. Based on this new found information, it is becoming more difficult for people to dismiss astrology as myth and legend.

Common Misconception about Astrology Number Three: Real astrology is not practiced in the United States.

The Truth: Much of the astrology practiced in the United States is not a real study of astrology and is for entertainment purposes only, such as horoscopes. However, there are still real astrology experts in America. While they are few compared to the general consensus of astrologists, and may be difficult to find, there are many of them out there.

The best places to find real astrologists in the United States are in communities where diversity has not driven out the New Age population. True astrologists and New Agers can be found in small communities of large cities and at what is sometimes called “enlightenment festivals.” There are also New Age and occult book stores and other shops where you may find real astrology experts. Additionally, you can find real astrologists at pagan festivals and psychic fairs held throughout America at various times of the year.

The history of astrology is actually quite interesting. Astrology has been a major part of many cultures going back to pre-historic times. Some of the history of astrology is masked in controversy and mystery, because astrology was used before tools were developed to see planets that cannot be seen without the naked eye.

Astrology made its first appearance in pre-historic times. Maps of the heavens were found on cave walls, much the same as other cave drawings. These are the most controversial and mysterious of all evidences of the history of astrology. These cave dwellers could not possibly have had the tools necessary to see the planets. How did they know where they were?

The next appearance of astrology was in ancient Mesopotamia and other ancient cultures. These cultures also had extensive astrology charts that cannot be explained. However, the study of astrology was likely passed to Greece through trade with these ancient civilizations.

Astrology in Greece expanded to the form that we recognize in the western world today. Astrology was a daily part of life in Greece, and the Roman Empire to follow. The names of the planets, the constellations, and the sun and moon signs are all named for Roman deities and other names.

Greek and Roman scholars were often guaranteed positions in the court of the current king or emperor. Their knowledge of the stars was regarded as a necessary part of royal decisions, battle planning, and other aspects of royal life. However, astrology experts of these times often found their lives ending abruptly when the current government did not like what they had to say.

For these and other reasons the art of astrology was lost. However, it made a nice come back in Western Europe during the time of the Renaissance. Astrology was once more a revered art form, and those who studied astrology were thought to be some of the greatest minds of the period. However, when the age of enlightenment ended, astrology once more became an obscure and little discussed topic.

In the late eighteen hundreds astrology once more came to light. A few brave souls formed a foundation for the study of astrology. The interest in the study of the stars became wide spread throughout Western Europe, and spread to America in the early nineteen hundreds.

In the 1930’s, the art of astrology became very common place. In the middle of that decade, Gerald Gardner formed the religion now known as Gardnerian Wicca. Wicca, like pagan religions before it, focused on astrology for the use of divination. Astrology was also brought to popularity in America through the publication of American Astrology, a magazine credited for the first horoscopes.

Astrology became a form of entertainment for many in America as horoscopes became commonly found in major newspapers and other popular print media. However, astrology as an art has once again begun to fade in the Western world. Christian groups still rile against the study of the stars, and many “reasonable” people refuse to see any truth in the astrological predictions. Still, astrology remains a popular study in many cultures today.

The best-kept “secret” about astrology is that astrology is something which is open to all people, regardless of age, gender, background, belief, or any other factors. Not only is astrology not as mystifying nor complicated as it may appear on the surface, therefore allowing access to this fascinating topic to anyone who is interested, astrology will provide a nearly-limitless amount of information and help to anyone who desires it. All it takes is interest, determination, and the willingness to both learn and put what one learns into positive action. While on the surface astrology may appear intimidating with its charts and mathematical data, the essentials of astrology can be easily understood and put into action by anyone and everyone. One does not need to be intellectually-gifted or specially trained in any way in order to begin a personal journey into astrology and reap the benefits of all it has to offer.

In astrology being universally-accessible, this also means that despite popular view it is not contrary to most people’s current beliefs-systems. While those on some “spiritual paths” may embrace astrology more fervently than others, in fact astrology being an integral part of some spiritual paths, there are very few current established beliefs-systems which frown upon or actually forbid the practice of astrology.

Many people mistakenly believe that believing in astrology as a fact or the practice of it is “against” their particular religion; in most cases, however, this is not true. While even routine church-goers or preachers of most mainstream, Biblically-based religions may hold this point of view, it is interesting and refreshing to learn that this opinion is not based in fact.

Kabbalah, which is the oldest and most wide-spread aspect of Jewish mysticism, relies strongly on astrology, both in belief and in practice. It is considered to be a positive aspect of both religion and of life; and it is something which those who are deeply committed to their Jewish faith are encourage to learn about. Astrology is seen as a worthwhile means of learning to better understand oneself, the world in general, and how we are connected to our world. Rather than being contradictory to one’s faith, astrology is a very large part of it. Whatever can assist us in our process of learning and understanding is a good thing.

Amongst the Christian religions, astrology generally has a bad reputation. At the very least it is considered to be a means of bypassing God and, instead, relying on something other than God. Those who hold this opinion have apparently missed the numerous passages in the Bible which clearly use the terms, for they are not presented in a negative manner.

At its worst, some of Christian belief hold the notion that astrology is demonic in nature, and directly influenced by satan. This erroneous notion is based on the opinion that anything which is not directly connected to God must be connected to his opposing forces; it is similarly based on the belief that anything of an extraordinary nature must be suspect.

The field of astrology, therefore, is open to nearly anyone who wishes to learn about it. In doing so, you will be presented with wonderful opportunities for a much deeper understanding of yourself and your world!

There are thousands of books available on astrology. Some mini-books on astrology are sold in supermarket checkout lanes. Others are sold in book stores. But most of the books that you see while out on your daily errands are some of the worst books on astrology that you can waste your money on.

These so-called books on astrology are often no more than horoscopes, based on nothing more than sun signs. Some of these books claim to help you with your relationships, while only providing sun sign information. Astrology actually encompasses many factors into your astrological readings, and the sun sign is one small factor of many.

The best books on astrology are those that teach you how to plot your own astrological chart and readings. These books on astrology are the best way to learn how astrology affects your life and teach you how to apply that knowledge to better your life. Below you will find some of the best books on astrology.

The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk is a great place to start learning about astrology. This book gives you an overview of the various sun signs, as well as other factors such as the moon, your ascendant, and the houses. Additionally, this book on astrology provides extensive charts by birth date to help you create your own personal astrological chart and readings.

Using the information you gathered and the charts you created in the last book on astrology, you can use this next book to predict your future using astrology. This book is called Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark and is written by Bernadette Brady. This book will help you understand the predictive nature of the planets and houses. Using this information and your astrological birth chart you can easily predict your future using astrology.

You can take this information and apply it to your daily life using the book Financial Astrology by David Williams. This is one of the best books on astrology that actually explains how to use real astrological principles to better an area of your life. This book provides astrological data for past major financial events, as well as outlines how to use real astrological data to predict future financial opportunities and windfalls.

Another of the best books on astrology that can teach you how to interpret real horoscopes is called Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope by Sue Tompkins. This book explains why newspaper and magazine horoscopes are rarely accurate for most people. Sue Tompkins also arms you with information and charts about how the planets affect your sun sign. Armed with this information you can interpret mundane horoscopes to actually fit your astrological chart, and use them to your benefit.

If, after reading the above books, you are still a little fuzzy as to what the various aspects of an astrological chart are and how they affect you, this is the book for you. The Complete Book of Astrology by Ada Aubin and June Rifkin provides the best explanations of sun signs, houses, planets, planetary movements, the moon, and other aspects of astrology that affect your life.

There are many facets of astrology which add up to it being interesting and important. Do you have the desire to learn how to understand yourself better, and to understand how aspects of the universe are significant to your own life, your relationships, your personality? Do you wish to know in advance what you can expect to happen in your life as well as how you have the ability to affect changes which are more desirable to you than to merely “go with the flow”? If so, gaining a deeper understanding of astrology can lead to all of these benefits, and more and you will likely decide that it is a very good thing indeed to know that your life, everything your life consists of, and your future, are not simply random happenings over which you have no control.

“Know yourself.” Many religions teach this, philosophers spoke of this, even popular books tell of it to know yourself is the number one, basic, most fundamental factor in having a good, successful, happy life. Knowing yourself who you are, why you are as you are, your motivations and your purposes is the first step in learning to develop your positive qualities and characteristics, as well as learning to overcome and defeat those which are negative, or to channel them into forms which will be more constructive.

A main point in astrology is learning how all of these factors coincide with Time when such developments and changes will affect you and your life in the most positive manner. There is a proper or best time for each and every action and learning about astrology will help you to better understand this sense of timing and put it to the best use. Whether you choose to begin your journey into astrology by means of the generalized horoscopes in your daily newspaper, or by consulting with a professional astrologer for a reading which is personalized solely for you, this is the best way to look at the subject that whatever the readings say for you, it is not a matter of future events which are carved in stone, but rather like a map which beckons you to navigate it with your own personal abilities.

Your own personal astrologer can greatly assist you in discovering your strengths and how to best use them to affect the course of your life. This is a part of this subject which too few people are aware that astrology is not about resigning yourself to a ready-made destiny or fate, but a deeper understanding of your own potential. What a wonderful feeling it will be to not only know what is ahead of you tomorrow, next month, and years from now, but to also come to understand that the actions you take and when you take them can play a large role in the eventual outcome!

Many people believe that astrology is about predicting the future; this is unfortunate, for such a simplistic view leaves out the most relevant factor how each individual reacts and responds to each event in his or her life. To look at predictions for your future, and to become aware of your own ability to affect positive changes, is an amazing blessing and source of strength!

There are many aspects of astrology that are not often considered by those who do not actually study the subject. Most people think that astrology consists of sun signs. However, there are many other aspects of astrology that must be considered for the art to be truly accurate and useful.

The Planets

There are ten planets studied in astrology. The number ten is arrived by adding the sun and the moon. The earth is not counted, because our perspective is from the earth. Each planet influences both the sun sign and the house in which it resides in the astrological chart.

Each planet represents the influence that it holds over the sun sign and the house in which it rules. Saturn, for example, represents the limitations of man. Jupiter represents leadership and prosperity. The other planets have their own representations and influences.

Planetary movements and alignments are also very important in astrology. Various planetary alignments and movements can indicate extreme influences over all aspects of our lives. For example, when Mars is in retrograde, conflicts will be more dominant in our lives.

The Houses

There are twelve houses in the Zodiac, or astrological chart. Each house represents an aspect of our lives such as romance, career, or family. The houses are very important in the interpretation of astrology. The house in which a planet resides shows what influences will be held over that aspect of our life.

Because there are twelve houses but only ten planets, each astrological chart will have two vacant houses. These vacant houses represent areas of the life that are unimportant in this life. It is believed that either you have been successful in that aspect of your life in another life, or other aspects of life are in more immediate need of attention than those represented by the vacant houses.

The Signs

The Zodiac sun signs are the most common aspect of astrology. There are twelve sun signs, based, roughly, on the months of the year. Each sun sign rules for approximately twenty eight days.

The twelve signs of the Zodiac are well known to most people. They include Capricorn, Sagittarius, Aquarius, Scorpio, Gemini, Libra, Leo, and Ares, among others. The sun signs are most often used to create typical horoscopes.

The Moon Signs

The moon also has twelve signs that are used in the interpretation of astrology, as well as the phases of the moon that are commonly known. The twelve signs of the moon are named after the twelve signs of the sun. However, these signs do not meet often.

The twelve signs of the moon circulate monthly rather than yearly. Therefore, each sign of the Zodiac occurs within its own sign of the moon one time each month. This may occur for one to three days. It is when the sun sign and moon sign are the same that the individual’s mental clarity is at its peak.

When the sign of the moon is the opposite of the sun sign of the individual in question, conflict will ensue. Some phases of the moon are detrimental to decision making regardless of the sun sign held by the individual. In any case, the moon’s energies and emotions influence the overall readings of the rest of the aspects of astrology.

Astrology has been a part of daily life in America for some time, but it was not always so. The popularity of astrology has ebbed and waned for the last several thousands of years in the Western World. Only in the last hundred years has astrology actually become popular once more in the Western World. Furthermore, it has only been in the last twenty years that serious study of astrology has surfaced in America.

Astrology actually made its debut in the Western world thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia. The art of astrology traveled to Greece around 600 BC. The practice further spread throughout the Roman world, then abruptly disappeared.

With the European “age of enlightenment,” also known as the Renaissance period, astrology once more made an appearance in the western world. The study of astrology and its use in daily life became commonplace. However, Christianity and the early leaders of the religion drove out astrology once more.

Astrology did not reappear on the scene until the late eighteen hundreds. During this time, two prominent astrologists came forward and began publishing information about their art. This practice reached America in the early nineteen hundreds, and then continued to spread.

In the late 1930’s, the study of astrology became even more commonplace in America with the publication of American Astrology, a magazine which offered the first detailed horoscopes. While the magazine itself did not remain in print for long, the study of astrology and American interest in the art continued to prosper for some time. Horoscopes have appeared in major newspapers and later other print media since that time.

However, the actual art of astrology and the serious study of the stars was once again lost. In the sixties and seventies serious astrologists once more came to light, and more people began to take the study of astrology seriously. This was the beginning of what is known as the New Age movement.

Throughout the last several decades the New Age movement has continued to evolve. The study of occult religions such as Wicca further encouraged the study and use of astrology in America. Today, astrology is a very controversial topic in America for some, and a way of life for others.

The popularity of astrology has grown significantly over the last twenty years. More and more people have turned to Wicca and the occult for answers that they feel have not been found in Christianity. In these religions people feel that they have more control over their lives. Astrology is one part o that control. It is used to plan for the future and make decisions in the present.

Books on the topic have also become very commonplace in America over the last twenty years. Books no longer cover simple horoscopes and zodiac signs. Books on astrology that actually teach the art of divination and astrological charting have become very common and popular. Even though some Christian groups still rile against the art, astrology is alive and well in America today.