by Autumn Barnett

Created on: September 29, 2008

Why Astrology, and How Does it Work?

Both seekers and skeptics should know that among professional and amateur astrologers there are differing opinions as to how astrology works. There is debate among astrologers as to whether or not we should seek scientific proof of its effectiveness, and serious arguments about history, terminology, research data, counseling principles, ethics, proper delineation (interpretation of the horoscope), and astrology's place in the continuing conflict between religion and science. There is also debate as to whether or not a rigorous certification process should be put into place, and if any of this dialogue moves astrology closer to or farther from making astrology a more widely accepted means of guidance for people considering the big questions of their lives. How much should we care about what people think of astrology? Should we try to change the skeptic's mind, or just focus on helping our clients, letting astrology speak to those who want to listen? Do we expend energy and resources on refining our reputation, or refining our art?

Compounding astrology's poor reputation is that many people consider astrology to be only entertainment and are not aware of the psychological or emotional harm that can inadvertently come from people who attempt to practice the art after reading a few articles on the internet. The skeptical scientific community maintains that astrology does not work at all. Conservative factions of western religions consider astrology to be the work of the devil. Regardless of your category of thought, you may find that astrology has something to offer you. Professional astrologers welcome all opportunities to remove the superstition and misunderstanding that has resulted in enmity toward this ancient art.

Most professional astrologers (those who have proper training and education), do not consider astrology to be magic. Nor do they say there is only a completely mechanistic explanation for its relative accuracy. Many have reasonably deduced that our scientific advances haven't yet determined the physical connection, if there is one, between heavenly and earthly bodies. They have come to this conclusion because they are educated and trained not just in astrology, but other fields as well, including history, philosophy, and the sciences. This occurs rather naturally as the study of astrology brings one into contact with virtually every subject under the sun. Many have advanced degrees in psychology, counseling, and

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