Religious Basis for Astrology?

[kyle8921]

Ok, just wondering.... let's say that I'm an atheist. But, I believe and practice astrology. I don't think that the planets are "gods" or anything... I don't even really believe that we all have souls. Yet... I still believe and practice astrology. What does that make me then? Would I have to be considered "Pagan?" Because I really don't believe in a lot of that stuff.. ugh, I'm confused. (**** you rising Aquarius with Piscean Sun!)

[Belgianmoonguy]

Consider gods as archetypes (Jung)
I'm an atheist too... i work with astrology
But i don't belief in it
I find 'belief' a dirty word
I only believe in myself and people I know (and that believe is fluctuating)
But rather a fluctuating belief in things i can see, than a firm belief in things i can't see or touch
May be narrow minded

[Kaiousei no Senshi]

Practicing astrology makes you nothing more than an astrologer. Astrology isn't, in itself, a religion, but it can and often does come into strife with religions. This reminds me of the "Does the Christian God permit astrology?" question. Regardless of what I think about that particular question, I believe that if you can sleep at night saying you're a Christian Astrologer, Jewish Astrologer, Wiccan Astrologer, or any other religion, more power to you.

i work with astrology But i don't belief in it

My Pisces Ascendant doesn't understand this comment. Why would you work with something you don't believe in? I don't mean this to come off as attacking you, so please don't take it that way. I just don't understand putting the time and energy into learning an infinately complicated system if you don't even believe in it.

[Pisceanfool]

Wow another aqua/pisc! what a combo eh? lol. Like a preist's soul with a scientists brain (also do have pisces stellium with the moon). Astrology can coincide with proven astronomy. Neptune is a watery, foggy, blurry planet i think you can see the connections with piscean "energy" and what neptune represents. Not that all the planets perfectly match such as this, but in a way they do when you think about it. Wouldn't it be great to prove Astrology to mainstream science? I know some of you may not particularly like this idea, however.

Is is mearly an art/science not a religion, although yes there is some mystical baggage. But really though you think the planets in various positions somehow makes people the way they are(to an extent) but that we just die and that's it? Nothing exists beyond your subjective conciousness? Just interesting. Something like astrology is just so "far out". Sorry not trying to be a jerk or anything i just find it intrigueing. Think about how "perfect" the 4 elements and the 3 qualities lining up so... well perfect to make trines, squares, etc. I just don't see how life itself could be just a fluke and nothing more then what we experience subjectivly. What about dreams? Psychics? Tarot? OOBE? but maybe you dont "believe" in all that. Anyway call me out if i'm being an ****.

Spreading ideas...

[flea]

I am just wondering what an atheist is defined as these days. The nameless universal force is that defined as a religion. May be I am just mumbling but I feel that all those terms of religosity, universal understanding, why are we here are in dire need of redefinitions, because i dont have a clue what people beleive by the label.

Astrology is an intellectual and intuitive practice, which is based on ancient myth, old practices, and current philosophy. We can all have totally different belief basis and still practice astrology.

I suppose the interesting question is how a personal practice of astrology sits within one's particular belief system


L&L
Flea

[unukalhai]

I'd also agree that pure astrology as an intuitive science of cosmic understanding really has nothing to do with religion. Yet in fact, basically every religion shows some sort of respect for the cosmos in one form or another, for good reason!

That is the most interesting question, Flea... so here's my take on it.

As far as Christian opposition to astrology, that blows my mind.

You'll also find that the old testament of the bible makes no short order of acknowledging the validity of astrology as a form of communication which can show us signs:

Originally Posted by Genesis 1:14 (King James Version)

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years

Then, the story of the coming of Jesus would have it that "wise men" used astrological interpretation to understand the Master of Masters was about to be born.

Sure, the bible has several condemnations of inappropriate usage of the cosmic science, such as putting the stars above their creator, or claiming to be a prophet because of one's ability to interpret the cosmic signs, or thinking that astrological interpretation can "save" anyone, but the fact remains that an angel was sent to protect and guide the "wise men" who used astrological interpretation to understand the birth of the Messiah was to occur, and even allowed those same "wise men" to actually anoint the Messiah, the very Son Of God. If that isn't tactic acknowledgment of the validity of the practice by Christianity, I don't know what is! In more direct terms...The creator of the universe chose astrologers to both disclose and anoint his only son, and sent an angel to preserve them. I'm not really sure how much clearer the message can be, given the magnitude of the event.

But I'm sure we're all aware the majority of "Christians" these days are as fraudulent as a 3 dollar bill printed on toilet paper.