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Thousands of years ago, men believed that the stars were gods. They called themselves astrologers, meaning "students of the stars," and they began a study called astrology. Astrologers believe that the entire life of a person is controlled or influenced by the position of the stars in the heavens as soon as he or she is born. By "casting a horoscope"
(figuring out how the sky appears at the time of a person's birth), the astrologer analyzes that person's future, the kind of person he or she is, and what precise times are propitious

(lucky) for that person. Astrologers also predict future political events.

A French astrologer, by the name of Nostradamus, who lived about 400 years ago (1503 to 1566),
made a number of predictions that seemed to have materialized. Kings and many other famous people appointed astrologers who advised them on things that they should do. Today, there are newspapers and magazines wherein some space is alloted to astrology, complete with day-to-day advice to readers. There ae also books on astrology that are sold in supermarkets and book stores. But scientists consider it to be a superstition, unnecessarily expensive and even harmful to those that attach any credence to such superstition.

An imaginary circle in the heavens above the earth is known as the zodiac. Within this circle, the sun, moon and some of the other planets are seen on different occasions of the year, in different parts of the heavens. Ancient people used the zodiac to tell what time of year it was. There are various constellations or groups of stars that were given names by the ancient believers. They divided the zodiac into twelve parts or "houses." Each of these,
bore the name of the main constellation or group of stars, as seen in that part of the zodiac.
The names are as follows: Aries: The Ram; Taurus:: The Bull; Gemini: The Twins; Cancer: The Crab; Leo: The Lion; Virgo: The Virgin; Libra the Balance; Scorpio: The Scorpion; Sagittarius: The Archer; Capricorn; The Goat; Aquarius: The Water-Bearer; Pisces: The Fishes.

The zodiac circle contains twelve sections, with a particular sign in each. Even today, in many countries of Asia, such as India, Tibet, Burma, Thailand and other Buddhist countries, astrology is considered to be an indispensable part of life. Astrologers advise on the exact, auspicious time when a marriage should take place or before certain laws are enacted. In Myanmar (Burma), it is believed that the military dictatorship appoints special astrologers to guide them personally as well as politically, from day to day. Such a practice is also common in India where certain auspicious or ominous days are set aside for people in many walks of life, though there are those that do not believe in the superstition.
The Pharoahs appointed special astrologers to decide for them. They were considered to be
an asset and were handsomely rewarded. Gypsies all around the world make a living by fortune telling in which astrology plays a particular role. Free enterprise in democratic countries, such as America, does not exclude the business of astrology, and there are several centers in major cities where astrologers and psychics indulge in the practice of astrology.

Learn more about this author, Maurice Sassoon.
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