Astrology

Have you ever wondered what the signs of the Zodiac means? When we turn on the TV it seems we always see an advertisement on horoscope predictions. People call in and get the predictions they have been looking for. When the newspaper first arrives, some people go to the horoscope section first. They base the entire day or entire week on the report they get. It seems that this phenomenon is something all new, or is it? Astrology has been around since ancient times, even dating back to biblical days. Astrology has a long line of history and a bright future. We will attempt to cover that topic as well as the signs and elements of the Zodiac. The signs of the Zodiac include: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Astrologers also claim the planets play a role in many key factors. How do these things affect us? We will also look at astrology as a science; a way to predict and control your life and your destiny. Although many people refer to astrology as just being superstitious others say the predictions are not worth the paper they are written on. Many men and women have studied astronomy but we will look at Mother Shipton. What caused this woman to focus her life on the study of astrology? Why did she believe astrology could predict one's character or life? Was she just passing on false information or is the universe interrelated and everything is based on these Zodiac signs? Astrology is a phenomenon that dates back to biblical days. There is an ancient legend, that Adam received the doctrines and mysteries of astrology direct from his Maker and thus by foreknowing that the earth was to be destroyed first by fire and afterwards by water. (Thompson 17) Astrology has played an important role in our civilization. Starting with Adam and even being present in today's society. Different civilizations seemed to be practicing astrology independetely. People noticed the Sun in particular had a change on how crops grew. Many people viewed astronomy and astrology as a similar science until the 1500s. People knew by looking at the sun or what the size of the moon was when to plant crops or even when a baby was going to be born. These early astrologers were searching for their place in life. A place where they fit into the universe. They believed that every component of the universe was linked together and everyone had their own place. Every aspect of one's life was based on the planets and the stars. Even behavior was blamed on the position of the sun! Astrology is widely practiced today. Even today most farmers have a Farmer's Almanac. This book tells you when to plant your crops, and many people have success. Some won't even think about planting crops without this information. This is a form of astrology, although many people do not realize it. A popular form of astrology is the Physic Friends Network. This is a 900 number you can call in to see what your sign is and how this affects you. The astrologers on the Physic Friends Network always seem to know what has happened in the past and what will occur in the future. Everyone who says they are astrologers obviously are not and it's up to us to use our own judgment to decide. When you hear people talk about signs of the Zodiac you often Wonder what does that mean? Ancient astronomers noted that the sun makes a yearly journey across the celestial sphere, part of which is represented in the picture by the blue band. The ancient astronomers associated dates with the constellations in this narrow belt (which is known as the zodiac), assigning to each constellation of stars the dates when the sun was in the same region of the celestial sphere as the constellation. (Encarta 1999) Each Zodiac sign belongs to four different elements: Fire, Air, Earth and Water. Fire is a positive element; this element focuses on changing energy from one form to another. Air is also a positive element that is associated with the spiritual part of life. Earth on the other hand is a negative element that is solid and approves of people on earth. The last element is water this is to a negative element that tends to be mysterious. The following is a chart that will list each Zodiac sign: When you are born within a certain month you automatically are assigned a zodiac sign. For example, I was born in July: therefore, I am a Cancer. Cancer people tend to " be great nuturers of humankind. Like rivers they flow into any vacant heart, providing a healthy heart." (Elliott 76) Astrologers say they can predict your life through this sign but often you can be very similar to other zodiac signs. Astrologers say that the best way to explain zodiac signs is to "imagine that your divine spirit is imprisoned in an earthly form, much like animals in a cage." They can predict what moods you will be in, what type of person you will marry or even the sports you like to play! These kinds of predictions may or may not come true. Not all astrologers can understand or interpret your true readings. Even if you do not believe in astrology, you can still have a good time. When you pay a minimal charge to find out what the future holds for you, you always want to hear good news. Although sometimes there will be bad news as well. The next idea we will look into is that the planets play a role in astrology. The sun and the moon play an important role acting as a mom and a dad. The planets tend to effect our lives in a way many of us are unaware. Each planet has its own reason for existing. Mercury for instance "is the planet closest to the sun, it plays as the communications network for the entire solar system." (Elliott 38) Each planet has a zodiac sign which aids in the predictions. When people are born and a planet is rising this is considered to be their planet. Astrologers have mapped out what the Saturn people or the Mars people are actually like! Through many years of study and practice astrologers are able to predict futures and destines. The planets play an important role in our universe. Research has been done to prove that the weather and earthquakes can be determined through a close look at the planets. The developments are still in the first stages. The future of astrology could be significant in the predictions of dangerous hurricanes and earthquakes. These facts may aid in saving lives. Astrologers served in the king's court in early times to predict many things. When a battle was going to take pace or even the fate of their kingdoms. Many astrologers held influential and well paid positions. The one astrologer that some people say existed in Henry VII's time was a woman named Mother Shipton. Her fame was spread and everyone came to visit her. Her prophecies came true and she was feared throughout the land. She phropisied death and she was always correct. Mother Shipton said "All I can say is, that I fear they will prove true than most