Astrology is an ancient craft, the first known references date back to Babylonian texts in 1600 BC.  It's place in the lives of the Babylonian folk was no different to the influence of computers in modern times.  It was a natural tool used to help fathom the ins and outs, whys and wherefores of living life.  In short it helped to get ones head around why stuff happens, the good, bad and ugly.

Unfortunately modern day or mainstream tabloid interpretations of Astrology has led to  sweeping generalizations of interpretations.  In fact I don't give credit to the magazine or tabloid interpretations at all.  A major body of knowledge is missing from these snippets of information that the average muggle has no idea about, but buys into anyway.  Sad but true, a true astrologer will cringe and dismiss anyone who wants to know about their starsign. "Get the big picture," they will say.

Esoteric study on the subject finds allot of work from the Greeks.  They hooked into the Babylonian knowhow and wanted to learn more and more.  Homage to the great Platonists who delved and wrote and delved and wrote.  Interesting that in the times of the great philosophers comes knowledge from experience more than the written word.  Ancient Greek Platonists write about the influence of the psyche as being linked directly to planetary spheres, and this link is through direct perception which was somatic or physical.  

It was common knowledge that the soul, or psyche was made of the same substance as the stars. Whilst modern day differentiates astrology and astronomy, in the ancient days they were not as separate. Yes astronomy is the study of the physical planets, asteroids and all things outer space. The ancients knew this, they also understood soul qualities as determined by the influence of planets. Accordingly, you are influenced by the soul qualities of the Sun and Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars and the rest. In this regard astrology intermingles with astronomy.

 
If an astrologer has no knowledge at all of planets and stars and where constellations are in the night sky, nor interested in stargazing, then I take their knowledge as being shallow. Grave as this statement may sound, how could it not be? Astrology emanates from Astronomy. They are married.

It is fair to say however, that Astronomy is not married to Astrology.  Think of astronomy as the archetype out of which astrology emanated.  I respect the science of astronomy and all the knowledge we are uncovering is phenomenal. So if any astronomy scientific geeks get on here and want to argue, you won't get one here. Though an open mind toward ancient knowledge can't hurt.  Plato was a genius and I'd pay allot of money to be in his presence for a day. Perhaps also know there is lost knowledge that science is not capable of capturing, not yet anyway. Many ancient philosophers were seers. Their knowledge was not only passed but experienced, so to disregard their vision is shortsighted in my view.

Astrologers of the past were respected and elevated to the status a physician would be in todays world.  They were called on by kings and queens to help with decisions over their realms, and of course their personal  emotional wellbeing.  The placement and alignment of the planets was known to influence their malaise and on a good day it was said "the planets must be favoring me."

So much knowledge seems to have been lost or buried in modern times.  In my series of articles on astrology I'll be helping you uncover this lost knowledge and give you the opportunity to apply the influence of the planets in your life. 

Stay tuned.