Astrology: Past and Present
The chapter titled “Power of the Planets” – Arabic astrology and astral magic in A History of Magic, Witchcraft, & the Occult caught my attention during my reading, specifically because I am somewhat familiar with the concept of astrology due to its significant popularity in modern times (particularly among my female friends). I intend to examine the analysis from the text and then also share my personal experiences with the practice / study of astrology.
Prior to reading the text I had no idea that astrology
started among the scholars of the early Islamic world; it always seemed much
more European. However, this might be a result of European influence after the
Arabic texts were translated to Latin in the 13th century. Anyone
who has played a game of “telephone” understands that much is lost and/or altered
in translation, which has caused historians many challenges in understanding
the past to its fullest extent. I would not be surprised if this early
translation morphed the original practices and beliefs in astrology, which is
interesting to think about. This could likely explain astrology’s detachment
from Islamic society, which is especially apparent in modern day.
Humans have always looked upon and admired the stars, and
this has led many humans to associate the stars with the gods. This is true in
the case of wise men following the north star, or even further in the past,
such as naming constellations after ancient / powerful Greek figures (example:
Orion’s belt). Therefore, since these examples are around or before 0 AD, I am
actually surprised that it took humanity as long as the 9th century
to invent and practice a religion dedicated specifically to the stars
themselves. Al-Kindi’s text suggests that the star’s power / influence is
generated and implemented via the rays of the stars themselves, thus mixing the
astrology belief with some elements of science.
I wonder if his philosophy would have changed if he
knew then that many of the stars we see are already dead, and our visual of
their “existence” is the light still traveling through space over many
lightyears. I think it would be rewarding to perform a comparative analysis
between ancient astrology practices and modern understandings of space and
time. In addition, I wonder if any of the stars which are integral to the practice
of astrology have already visibly disappeared (or, if certain important stars
have been confirmed to be terminated already). This would have a serious impact
on the belief in astrology and might cause true modern-day believers to question
their faith. Such a situation reminds me of Galileo, who proved that we live in
a heliocentric universe. However, since the church had always taught our universe
to be geocentric, this information was not believed by the masses for years due
to a devotion to religion. Fascinating.
However, from what I have seen first-hand, everyone I
know who pays attention to and/or applies astrological beliefs to situations in
their lives does not actually 100% believe in astrology. It is more like one of
those personality quizzes people take these days, or deciding which Harry
Potter house you belong in. Even Snapchat tells you what your zodiac sign is
and offers horoscope analysis on a broad level and a daily level as well. People
just like to feel special, and also part of something larger. Plus, no one can
resist the possibility of divine guidance, or any guidance at all for that
matter.
Yet this lack of faith in astrology should not be
discounted so quickly. Despite using astrology just for fun, one cannot deny
its influences (even if they are subtle) on people’s minds and interpretations
of the world. Someone who studies and strives apply astrological beliefs to
their lives and their understanding of those around them inevitably have a
subconscious bias / prejudgment based on someone’s birthday. There is no
denying this; even if nothing is explicitly acted upon, astrology still today
wields the power of shaping people’s minds. In addition, I will always question
the general and specific descriptions of the typical personality traits that
are linked to people with certain zodiac signs. When these descriptions are
accurate, is this coincidence? I believe that people who study / practice astrology
inevitably become more like what their zodiac sign is “supposed to be” even on
a subconscious level. There is something to be said for an ancient belief in
stars that is objectively invalid, yet still has such influence on certain members
of modern society.
Thanks for this good reflection on astrology. We tend to discount astrology in favor of astronomy, but for most of humankind's existence there was little difference. And you're right horoscopes--and the people who believe in them--abound. I also appreciated your thought that many of the stars we see at night have already gone dark. That thought certainly gives us thought into the time/space warp. I once read an article about the Star of Bethlehem and why astronomers have never agreed on what star it was, and if it was a star. As you surmised, the position of stars change over time, and to pinpoint what that star was or is we would really have to be present in Bethlehem at 0 AD. What we perceive as constant is rarely so.
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