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1.     Astrology has always been something that is constantly talked about and seen all over, but we were always curious as to what astrology is and how exactly it was created. After doing research, something that surprised us was the exact science behind astrology and how complex it really is. Astrology is actually a combination of both science and intuition. All in all, it is mostly based on the positioning of the earth, sun, and stars. Based on all of the above, it can determine one’s themes and potentials for their life. You have to be careful with some horoscope websites or apps for your phones because not all of them follow the science the way they should be when determining horoscopes.

2.     An example of how astrology is relevant and interesting in our lives would be through people that we know. Some of us have friends who alter their day to day activities based on astrology. One person we know wakes up in the morning and the first thing they do is check their horoscope. They live every day either afraid of excited about what is to come based on what their horoscope says. This can either be a good thing or a bad thing, based on what it says. There have been many days where this friend does not leave the house or does not attend important events because they feel as if they need to avoid whatever their horoscope says will happen that day. There are also days where they will go out and be extremely motivated to get exercise, experience new things, meet new people, and more because of their horoscope. This person has done a lot of research and is very certain that astrology is one hundred percent accurate and that whatever it says is true. This is very interesting to us because we wonder how much astrology has impacted this person’s life, and if it is for the best.

3.     The research that we found most interesting is that all of the astrological signs are all different compared to what they were 2,000 years ago. All 12 of the zodiac signs that we have today are based on dates and constellations that existed 2,000 years ago but have since shifted over the enormous amount of time that has passed. This really makes you wonder how accurate horoscopes can be since they aren’t what they used to be before. Say you are a Capricorn – all of the traits that are associated with a Capricorn may have added up 2,000 years ago, but what about today? How can people still relate to their horoscopes if everything has shifted so much? This really cemented our belief that astrology is a pseudoscience as opposed to a real and true science.

4. We decided that what we would most likely remember from this research is that astrology is more so an entertainment platform rather than a true science. As we mentioned in our Padlet wall, many people look to their horoscope readings on a bad day to look for clarity or reassurance if they are unable to find it elsewhere. There are so many contributing factors to all pseudoscience topics, astrology especially. While readings may be true for some, they can be completely off base for others. Astrology has become something that people take part in for fun or curiosity rather than the idea that their readings are absolute fact. This has really made us aware to look at every side to questionable topics or situations.

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Is astrology real or fake? In better terms, is it a true science or a pseudoscience? Through numerous centuries, there has been arguments supporting both sides. This website provides a brief overview of why some chose to believe it is a true science or a pseudoscience. What do you think?

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Is astrology real? True science or a pseudoscience?

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Discover who is winning in our poll on astrology. Is it a true science? Is the horoscope real? Is astrology a pseudoscience or even a scam? Vote & comment

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Astrology has been an ever evolving topic ever since it was created by the Babylonians. Each culture had its own take and additions onto the subject and helped build it into the pseudoscience it is today. What began as a simple method of tracking constellations and assigning dates, grew to factoring in mathematic formulas and degrees, to even tracking astroid positions in our galaxy. Some people still see Astrology as a real science despite all the red flags given in its information.

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Astrology is an ancient practice which is a combination of art and science, as it is both intuitive and technical. Based on the observation of the cosmos around us, it measures the energy influencing Earth and it's inhabitants. It has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures and indigenous tribes across the globe, all of whom had their own systems of measurement. Generally speaking, astrology is based on the positioning of planets, stars, time of day, and the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

More recently, many Western astrologers have also started factoring the orbit of asteroids into the equation. The positions of these heavenly bodies at one's specific time and location of birth symbolize different themes and potentials for a person's current human incarnation. This can all be drawn out onto a chart (known as a natal chart, see below) which can then be utilized as a "life's blueprint." This blueprint can be utilized to understand oneself better - a tool of great value for those on a spiritual journey towards self-actualization. It can also be used to forecast any period in a person's life. These specific applications are what astrology is more commonly known for in modern times amongst open minded and spiritual people in the West, however, this science has many more applications than most people know of (which will be discussed further down in the article).

Free Will & Astrology

One of the arguments that some people make against astrology is that we have Free Will and therefore our lives cannot be pre-determined or fated. From the perspective of most modern astrologers this is partially correct. Their belief is that we do have Free Will, but it works within the parameters of the astrological conditions in a person's natal chart combined with the astrological conditions of that period in time. While there can be some karmic fated themes and events (which can be measured with astrology) in our lives, it is up to one's free will to decide how to work within them. To put it into perspective, everything that manifests in a person's life is a result of how a person's Free Will is co-creating with the astrological conditions.

Astrology Throughout Time

Throughout history, astrology has been used by shamans, priests, masters, prophets, healers, royalty, politicians, emperors, health practitioners, wizards, witches, and spiritual gurus, as well as common folk in a variety of applications. This is widespread around the world amongst many different cultures. It has been used historically for guidance, forecasting, health, alchemy, magic, farming, and much more. The widely used farming guide, the Farmers' Almanac ( which has been in publication since 1818), is put together using astrological techniques with 80 - 85% accuracy in predicting the weather. In our present day it is believed that the global elites (Illuminati, etc.) use astrology for guidance, repositioning resources, black magic, as well as to strategically time specific actions. Many major corporations around the globe employ astrologers to help guide them in predicting upcoming trends, determining when to launch product lines, and overall in gaining perspective on how to manage other aspects of the company. However, today the average person in the West is only aware of the Sun Sign horoscopes they read in newspapers and websites. An even smaller percentage of the average are actually aware that a whole chart can be casted specific to the person, based on their exact birth time and location. However, in countries like India, China, and Burma, they have their own systems of astrology which are widely accepted and used.
"A physician without a knowledge of Astrology has no right to call himself a physician"-Hippocrates (460 BC - 370 BC)
Indian Courts Rule That Astrology Is A Science

In February of 2011 a group in India filed a Public Interest Litigation at the Bombay High Courts which was aimed at prohibiting the use of astrology according to the Drugs and Remedies Act 1954, which bans false claims in advertisements. The judges rejected the application because of an affidavit by Dr. R. Ramakrishna, a government deputy drug controller who said, "The Act does not cover astrology and related sciences. Astrology is a trusted science and is being practised for over 4000 years."

This attitude towards astrology is more commonly seen in countries like India where it has been preserved and embedded into much of the Hindu culture. However, in the Christian-dominated West and in Islamic countries, it isn't as widespread due to it being forbidden in the religious dogma. Before Rome became the Roman Catholic Church, many Romans were somewhat astrologically inclined and many of the state Emperors even viewed the planets and stars as Gods. The same goes for Persia, as the Zoroastrian religion that existed there before Islam was very astrological. However, eventually both the Christian and Islamic conquests forced entire populations of people to convert to these new monotheistic religions. They viewed astrology as a threat and persecuted those who practised it throughout the last 2000 years and still even today in some Islamic countries.

Astrology & Religion

Ironically, Christianity and Islam are much younger than astrology and we should consider the fact that many previous religions embraced it. Ancient faiths and societies such as Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Zoroastrian, Arabian, Mayan, Aztec, Incan, Mithraism and Essenes took astrology very seriously and some even worshipped the Sun as a Supreme God. Some early Christians accepted astrology, and it is believed that three wise men who visited the supposedly newborn Jesus were Zoroastrian Magi who were practising astrologers. They simply knew of his birth due to their observations of the stars and planets. It wasn't until hundreds of years later that astrology became forbidden by the newly formed Roman Catholic Church, in order to ensure their monopoly over people's faith. Interestingly, there is much astrological symbolism integrated into Christianity (which is a whole other topic on its own). Astrology is at the core foundation of Christianity, yet people were later executed for practising it. The fact that monotheistic religions forbid astrology is why it is still sort of taboo in mainstream culture. However, due to the internet and the increasing awakening of humanity, astrology is starting to become popular again. Fortunately, these days those who practice astrology in the West no longer face persecution because the social landscape has become more inclusive. However, the persecutions of the past had lasting effects, which is part of the reason why astrology has not been integrated into society like it could be. As a result, most people haven't had the opportunity to fully realize the potential of astrology.

Astrology and 'The Age of Reason'

Another factor is that ever since the "Age of Reason" (17th Century), we've been living in a left-brained dominant society which has a hard time fitting astrology into the paradigm. Interestingly, the Age of Reason concluded the Renaissance, which was a period when astrology briefly flourished again. Astrology is a holistic science and therefore cannot be perceived by rational thought. As a result, the average citizen in the West considers mainstream rational science as the only valid source of knowledge. To conclude, mainstream science is absolutely valid but only as one that is solely based on reasoning with the material-physical world. On the other hand, astrology is a holistic science because it measures the underlying spiritual energy influencing the material-physical world.

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To get a personalized reading with astrologer Carmen Di Luccio, or for more information, visit his website here.
Sources: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8303462/Astrology-is-a-science-court-rules.html http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Astrology-is-a-science-Bombay-HC/articleshow/7418795.cms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_astrology http://www.stvalentinefaithcommunity.org/upload/Matthew%202_1_12%20Epiphany%20%201_05_14%20.pdf http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/2-1.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi http://sacred-texts.com/astro/argr/index.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Zoroastrians http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome http://www.iranchamber.com/calendar/articles/astrology_astronomy_iran_mesopotamia.php http://www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2014/09/25/astrologer-pundits-burma/http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/hippocrates.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmers%27_Almanac http://cura.free.fr/xxv/23hold1.html

Your life path number can tell you A LOT about you.

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Astrology is an ancient practice which is a combination of art and science, as it is both intuitive and technical. Based on the observation of the cosmos around us, it measures the energy influencing Earth and it's inhabitants. It has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures and indigenous tribes across the globe, all [...]

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This website is a one-stop shop for quick information regarding astrology. From which signs align with which elements, to the dates of each sign, this website provides you with the basics of astrology. In addition, it includes a "Why do we believe in astrology section". This sections provides insight into why an individual may choose to believe in astrology.

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12 Astrology Zodiac Signs Dates, Meanings and Compatibility

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Learn what all the 12 zodiac signs mean and how it affects your life. Complete information about astrology zodiac signs dates, meanings and compatibility.

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This brief video provides a thorough understanding of what astrology is. However, it is told from the standpoint of someone who clearly believes in astrology and considers it to be a real science, not a pseudoscience. The narrator claims that their are astrologists who can help you better understand your sign through "mathematics and complex numbers". Although, astrology has never been scientifically proven.

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This video is narrated by Bill Nye the Science guy, he discusses his views on Astrology. The subject of Astrology used to relate to the position of the stars based on certain dates, however these dates do not align with the same constellations, as they have been shifting for nearly 2000 years. The signs the ancient Babylonians related the dates to are no longer the same ones, therefore making all the signs change.

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Bill Nye on Astrology from his show the Eye of Nye

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As stated in this video, over half of Americans believe in astrology. However, numerous studies have proven that Astrology is not a real science. Instead, it is considered a pseudoscience. View this video to learn how astrology was debunked. Other than the entertainment factor, astrology serves virtually no purpose.

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Claudius was a great Greek Astronomer and Mathematician, the photo displayed below is an adaptation of him around 100 AD. Being credited with reinforcing the geocentric theory that our sun is the centre of the entire universe, he adopted the ideas of former astrologists and molded his own techniques to study the stars and planet patterns using charts. Claudius was a wise man that was very gifted in legitimate science, he used his knowledge of this to take a scientific approach to astrology

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As seen through this photo, each zodiac sign comes with a symbol, ruling planet, house ruled, element, mode and keyword. While many individuals choose to look further into their Zodiac sign and the meaning behind it, the information is a pseudoscience and is virtually meaningless. A reason individuals believe in their horoscope is due to the emotional connection they may have. For example, if someone is having a bad day, but their horoscope says their week will be good, it provides a sense of security and reassurance.

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The 12 signs of the Zodiac have been around since the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians created them back in the B.C ages.  This post displays all 12 signs of the zodiac. However, through vast research, the Zodiac signs have been proven to be a pseudoscience. Many people still choose to believe in them, caused by ancient wisdom.