by James Johnson

Created on: July 19, 2008   Last Updated: July 20, 2008

Having done Astronomy Stargazing programs for both adults and children using the signs from Astrology, I can easily say that Astrology does have practical uses. And because Astrology charts are detailed and have been accurately kept for thousands of years, astrology does have scientific aspects as well as scientific uses. Science is the study of things in detail and learning how they work.

Astrology is the study of heavenly bodies and personal belief in their ability to effect to human destinies. Astrology has existed for several millenniums and will probably continue to exist for centuries to come; it is a thread from the past into the future. Is the future telling real? It is as real as those who truly believe because are beliefs are what make us who we are. Are there practical uses of Astrology even if you don't believe and does Astrology truly have scientific aspects? Most definitely!

Astrology is ideal for teaching children (and adults) basic astronomy and constellations while providing entertainment. You can sit out under a star-filled sky and explain how Orion chases the Pleiades as the heavens shift from East to West through the evening; the "V" between the two is Taurus the Bull, protector of young ladies virtues! Then Scorpio rises up during the spring to watch over the lesser creatures of the World. People remember these constellations and stories much easier and better than just bright points of lights. This not only provides entertainment and classical mythology, but they do learn that basic astronomy by knowing that the heart of the Scorpion is Antares, a red giant. The watchers can now predict star movements during not only the evening, but from season to season.

When something different shows up in the heavens, it is a wanderer; which is what the word planet actually means. Then one can discuss history and how stars have affected the planet and human civilization; not predicted it but actually affected it. This gives an opening to other fields of science.

Not only is it now believed that a comet wiped out the dinosaurs, but the Romans were so concerned with astrology that they changed battle plans, executed people and did all sorts of things because of the positions of the stars. The Aztecs refused to fight Cortez because a comet was in the wrong constellation (Yes, there was American Indian Astrology as well as Asian Astrology, not just European). The study of history is a science.

Are there actual scientific aspects of Astrology? There are some. As mentioned previously, the physical aspects are very useful for helping to predict and explain celestial movements and have been carefully recorded for thousands of years. This has helped astronomers learn about changes and numerous events (Astrology charts helped determine the periodicity of Halley's Comet).

Astrology from a scientific view is a strange way to look at the world, but it does have uses and some scientific aspects!

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