Should You Believe in Astrology?

Home , Capricorn (astrology), Celestial sphere

(Arguments For and Against Believing in Astrology)

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Dr. Anthony (Dr. T) Rodriguez

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From

The Nth Dimension

www.TheNthDim.com

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November 2020

This document was published by The Nth Dimension:

The Nth Dimension c/o Dr. Anthony Rodriguez 7002 Boulevard East, Apartment 39-F Guttenberg, New Jersey www.TheNthDim.com

Author

After fleeing Cuba as a teenager in the early 60s, Dr. Anthony (Dr. T) Rodriguez studied in the United States, worked in Corporate America, and became a successful entrepreneur. Later on, Dr. T taught undergraduate courses at the University of Phoenix in Jersey City and at LIM College in Manhattan.

Most recently, Dr. T studied at the London Art College and the Shobo Music Academy, in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Additionally, Dr. T holds a doctoral degree in metaphysics (summa cum laude) from the Thomas Francis University in Florida, he is a Certified Astrologer, a Certified Numerologist, a Certified Tarot Reader, a Certified Life Coach, a Certified Relationship Coach, and a Rosicrucian.

Nowadays, Dr. T is engaged in researching and writing about metaphysics, drawing and painting, and playing the guitar. As a business person, Dr. T traveled all over the world. As a private pilot, Dr. T circled the Big Apple. And, as a scuba diver, Dr. T eye-balled sharks in the Florida Keys.

This document is protected by the copyright/trademark laws of the United States and by the intellectual property laws of other countries. YOU MAY NOT USE ANY OF THE MATERIALS FOR ANY PURPOSE except as follows. Properly cited and properly referenced, you may use EXCERPTS of any of the materials for any purpose.

Although the contents of this document are meticulously researched and are carefully crafted, there are NO warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or timeliness of the information.

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Title Page 1 Publisher, Author, Copyright & Disclaimer 2 Table of Contents 4

WHAT IS ASTROLOGY? 6 Natal Charts 6 Horoscope 6

BRIEF HISTORY 7

UNDERLYING NOTIONS 7 The Earth's Motions 8 The Celestial Sphere 8 The Earth's Ecliptic 9 The Equator & the Celestial Equatorial Plane 10 The Horizon 10 Celestial Coordinate Systems 11 The Ecliptic Coordinate System 11 The Equatorial Coordinate System 12 The Horizon Coordinate System 12 The Zodiac Belt 13 The Zodiac Constellations 13 The Zodiac Signs 14 The Planets 14 Retrograde Motion 15 The Houses in Astrology 15 Aspects 16 Transits 16 Astrological Charts 16

ARGUMENTS FOR BELIEVING IN ASTROLOGY 17 Natural Events 17 Physics & Physiology 17

ARGUMENTS AGAINST BELIEVING IN ASTROLOGY 18 Empirical Proof, Specificity & Uniformity 18

ALTERNATIVE USE 19

SUMMARY 20

RESOURCES 20

ENDNOTES 21 FIGURES 21

APPENDIX A 23 APPENDIX B 24 APPENDIX C 25

© 2020 Dr. Anthony Rodriguez 5 According to Pew Research, a prestigious research center in the U.S., one-in-four (25%) Americans believe in astrology. [1] Should you? This short e- book presents arguments for and arguments against believing in modern Western astrology.

WHAT IS ASTROLOGY?

Astrology is an “alternative” belief; that is, a belief outside the mainstream. Astrology is the belief that the positions of celestial bodies influence people and events here on Earth. For example, astrologers believe that the date, the time, and the place of your birth shapes your personality.

Natal Charts

Natal Charts (i.e., Birth Charts) are a fundamental tool of astrology. Natal Charts graphically display -for the date, the time, and the place of your birth- the positions of the Zodiac Constellations, the planets, and other relevant information.

Figure 1. Natal (Birth) Chart

Astrologers use Natal Charts for divination and fortune telling. For example, astrologers use Natal Charts to describe your personality.

Horoscopes

Horoscopes published in newspapers are generalizations, solely based on Sun Signs (e.g., Aries), about warnings about things happening, announcements of good things to watch out, and so on and so forth.

About four thousand years ago, the Babylonians (in what is present Iraq) began watching the night skies and recording the positions of celestial bodies as well as events here on Earth. The relationship between the Babylonians' observations of the skies and the events here on Earth gave birth to what is called Babylonian astrology. For example, a lunar eclipse (a so called omen) might have been associated with an event here on Earth such as the death of the king. The Enuma Anu Enlil are multiple clay tablets detailing celestial events and omens written in cuneiform script. [2]

Babylonian astrologers divided the sky into twelve segments and associated each segment with one of the so-called Zodiac Constellations. At about the same time, for religious purposes, the Egyptians divided the skies into thirty-six segments, called decans, and associated each segment, that is, each decan, with a star or a constellation. During the reign of Alexander the Great, Hellenistic astrologers integrated Babylonian astrology and Egyptian astrology and paved the way to modern Western astrology. It is worth noting that the Indians, the Chinese, and the Mayans in Mesoamerica, also practiced astrology.

Since the origins of astrology as is known today, about four thousand years ago, astrology has evolved in up and down cycles. Roughly speaking, from about the second century BC until about the Renaissance, astrology developed steadily. Then, from after the Renaissance until the beginning of the twentieth century, astrology remained largely unchanged. Finally, since the beginning of the twentieth century until the present, astrology increased in popularity.

For more information, watch the 2014 YouTube video titled History of Astrology by David Cochrane at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dmyamlCHjLQ

UNDERLYING NOTIONS

In order to intelligently evaluate whether or not one ought to believe in astrology, one ought to have a ground-level understanding of the foundations of astrology and astronomy. The following notions are such foundations.

It is common knowledge that the Earth rotates on its axis and orbits around the Sun. It is less common to know that the Earth rotates on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes, not 24 hours, and that the Earth orbits around the Sun every 365-1/4 days, not 365.

Like other spinning bodies, the Earth's axis of rotation “precedes” every 26,000 years. That is, the axis revolves in a circle. Precession causes major climate changes. By the way, the tilt of the Earth, currently about 23-1/2 degrees, changes from about 21 degrees to about 24-1/2 degrees every 41,000 years.

Figure 2. The Earth's Precession. [a]

Other motions are, first, the motion around the baricenter (i.e., the center of mass of the Earth), which causes the Earth to weave back and forth as the Earth orbits the Sun. Second, the change in ellipticity which causes the orbit of the Earth around the Sun to be sometimes more like a circle and other times more like an ellipse. The change in ellipticity also causes major climate changes such as Ice Ages. Finally, the tilt of the Earth, currently about 23-1/2 degrees, changes from about 21 degrees to about 24-1/2 degrees every 41,000 years.

The Celestial Sphere

The Celestial Sphere is an imaginary globe around the Earth. It is a construct for using a coordinate system to locate celestial bodies. The system is similar to the coordinate system (known as GPS) used to located places on Earth in terms of latitude (North-South positions) and longitude (East-West

Figure 3. The Celestial Sphere [b]

The Celestial Sphere is a two dimensional view of the Universe, which, of course, is three dimensional. On the Celestial Sphere, celestial bodies appear to be next to each other. That is, they appear to be the same distance from Earth. In reality, the distance of the celestial bodies to Earth varies significantly.

Figure 4. 2-D View

The Earth's Ecliptic

The Earth's Ecliptic is an imaginary plane on which the Earth, the Moon, the planets, and the so called Zodiac Constellations orbit around the Sun.

Figure 5. The Earth's Ecliptic. [c]

The Equator is an imaginary circle around the Earth that divides the Earth in two: The Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Figure 6. The Equator. [d]

And, the Celestial Equatorial Plane is an imaginary plane extending outward from the Equatorial Circle. Celestial bodies are above or below the Celestial Equatorial Plane.

Figure 7. The Equatorial Plane. [e]

The Horizon

The Horizon is a 360 degree circle around an observer standing somewhere on Earth and facing South. Therefore, the East is on the left, where the Sun rises, and the West is on the right, where the Sun sets. See Figure 8 on Page 11.

The position right above of the observer is called the Zenith and the position below the observer, that is, under the observer's feet, is called the Nadir. See Figure 8 on Page 11.

Celestial Coordinate Systems

There are three Celestial Coordinate Systems: The Ecliptic Coordinate System, the Equatorial Coordinate System, and the Horizon Coordinate System.

The Ecliptic Coordinate System

The Ecliptic Coordinate System is a geocentric (i.e., Earth-centered) view of the Celestial Sphere.

Figure 9. Geocentric View. [g]

In the Ecliptic Coordinate System, horizontal distances are measured in degrees of longitude, where zero degrees of longitude is the Vernal Equinox, when the Ecliptic Plane crosses the Equatorial Plane in the Spring, and vertical distances are measured in degrees of latitude from the Ecliptic Plane. See Figure 10 on Page 12.

The Equatorial Coordinate System

The Equatorial Coordinate System is also a geocentric, that is, Earth- centered, view of the celestial sphere. In the Equatorial Coordinate System horizontal distances are measured in degrees of right ascension, labeled RA, where zero degrees of RA is the Vernal Equinox, when the Ecliptic Plane crosses the Equatorial Plane in the Spring, and vertical distances are measured in degrees of declination.

Figure 11. The Equatorial Coordinate System. [e]

The Horizon Coordinate System

In the Horizon Coordinate System, horizontal distances, called the Azimuth, are measured in degrees eastward from the North. East is at 90 degrees from the North, South is at 180 degrees from the North, and West is at 270 degrees from the North. And, vertical distances, called the Altitude, are measured in degrees from the Horizon. The Horizon is at 0 degrees and the Zenith is at 90 degrees. See Figure 12 on Page 13.

The Zodiac Belt

The Zodiac Belt is a zone about eight degrees above and eight degrees below the Earth's Ecliptic. The Zodiac Constellations, which are located within the Zodiac Belt, are visible from Earth at varying times of the year.

Figure 13. The Zodiac Belt. [j]

The Zodiac Constellations

Constellations are apparent groups of stars. Although to the naked eye the stars of constellations appear to be close to each other, in reality, the stars are far apart from each other (See Figure 4 on Page 9).

Astronomers recognize 88 constellations and 13 Zodiac Constellations whereas astrologers recognize only 12 Zodiac Constellations. In astrology, the 12 Zodiac Constellations are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. The 13th constellation is Ophiuchus. See Figure 14 on Page 14.

The number of days that Zodiac Constellations are visible from Earth varies from constellation to constellation. However, astrologers divide the sky into twelve equal segments. For details, see Appendix A.

The Zodiac Signs

Astrologers have assigned signs and symbols, called gilbs, to each of the 12 Zodiac Constellations. Astrologers have also assigned meanings to each of the 12 Zodiac Constellations. For details, see Appendix A.

Figure 15. The Zodiac Signs. [l]

The Planets

In the Solar System, orbiting near the Earth's Ecliptic, there are eight planets -Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune- plus Pluto, now labeled a dwarf planet. To astrologers, there are ten planets: the eight planets of the Solar System, excluding the Earth, plus Pluto, the Moon, and the Sun. Astrologers have assigned symbols, called glibs, to each

Figure 16. The Planets. [m]

Retrograde Motion

Planets rise in the East and set in the West. And, over time, planets move counter-clockwise. Retrograde motion is the apparent motion of a planet, relative to Earth, when the planet appears to move backwards. Retrograde motion is caused by differences in the orbiting speed. Astrologers place great emphasis on planets in retrograde motion.

Figure 17. Retrograde Motion. [n]

For a detailed explanation, watch a 2015 YouTube video titled Retrograde Motion from the Bartholomew School at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=_ZF2DSu4_0U

The Houses in Astrology

Recall that during the reign of Alexander the Great, Hellenistic astrologers integrated Babylonian astrology and Egyptian astrology. As a result, the notions of Houses, the Ascendant, and the Mid-Heaven began to be used.

Figure 18. Ascendant & Mid-Heaven

Astrologers have also assigned meanings to each of the Houses. For details, see Appendix C.

Aspects

Planets orbit the Sun counter-clockwise at varying speeds. For example, Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, takes just 88 Earth-days to complete an orbit. But Neptune, the furthest out, takes 164 Earth-years to complete an orbit.

In astrology, Aspects refer to the positions of the planets relative to each other. Astrologers place great emphasis on the Aspects of the planets.

Transits

In astrology, Transits refer to the movement of the planets in the sky. Astrologers place great emphasis on the Transits the planets.

Astrological Charts

In astrology, charts, such as the Natal (i.e., Birth) Chart, graphically display the positions of the Zodiac Constellations (i.e. Zodiac Signs), the planets, and other relevant information. See Figure 19 on Page 17.

ARGUMENTS FOR BELIEVING IN ASTROLOGY

There are a few facts that point to believing in astrology. Selected examples follow.

Natural Events

Celestial bodies do influence natural events here on Earth. For example, the relative position of the Earth to the Sun causes the four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. And, the gravitational pull of the Moon causes ocean tides: high tides and low tides. So there is a scientific foundation for the astrologers' claims that the positions of celestial bodies influence events here on Earth.

For more information, watch the 2015 YouTube video titled Why Do We Have Different Seasons? from the California Academy of Sciences at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgHmqv_-UbQ and the 2017 YouTube video titled Ocean's Tides Explained by Ian Stuart at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RdkXs8BibE

Physics & Physiology

Althought not understood hundred percent, physicists (and astronomers) say the Universe is made up of matter and dark matter as well as energy and dark energy. And, furthermore, scientists say that all matter, including human beings, is made of energy.

For more information, watch the 2019 YouTube video titled Everything is

On the other hand, to function. the human brain uses electrical signals (i.e., energy). And, of course, the brain determine who one is, how one behaves, and so on and so forth.

For more information, watch the 2017 YouTube video titled This Is How the Brain Powers Your Thoughts by Trace Dominguez at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxUkUaV2VPs

Is it not, then, somewhat reasonable to believe that there is a strong interaction between the energy of the Universe and the human brain? If so there is some scientific foundation for the astrologers' claims that the positions of celestial bodies influence human beings here on Earth.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST BELIEVING IN ASTROLOGY

There are a few facts that point against believing in astrology. Selected examples follow.

Empirical Proof, Specificity & Uniformity

Generally speaking, a large number of people believe astrology is a hoax mainly because of (1) the apparent lack of empirical proof (i.e., testing), (2) the lack of specificity of horoscopes, and (3) the lack of uniformity in astrological methodology, which varies from astrologer to astrologer.

For more information, watch the following YouTube videos:

• Pseudoscience Debunked: Astrology (2018) by David Parkman at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0UyXCoDU7Y

• Why Astrology Isn't Real Science (2014) by Laci Green at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ2eMUmumw0

• Astrology Debunked (n.d.) by Carl Sagan, the famous astronomer, et al. at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y84HX2pMo5U

The most compelling arguments against believing in astrology are the differences between real astronomy and the astronomy used in astrology. For example, as stated before: First, there are thirteen Zodiac Constellations, not twelve. Second, the number of days that Zodiac Constellations are visible from Earth varies from constellation to constellation. However, astrologers divide the sky into twelve equal segments. And, third, the position of the Zodiac Constallations has shifted over time due to the Earth's Precession. FYI, the Sideral Zodiac in Vedic Astrology reflects the current positions of the Zodiac Constellations.

For more information, watch the following YouTube videos:

• Difference Between Astrology & Astronomy (2014) by Eylin Pires, astrophysicist, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ2ULO6KVwA

• Astronony vs. Astrology (2019) by Danielle Dallas Roosa at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdRkUw8baXE

• Destroying Astrology (2019) by Simon Dan at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBKoyMK78l8

ALTERNATIVE USE

There is something that everyone might agree. Astrology may be a powerful tool, not for divination or fortune telling, but for self-reflection, self- development, and spiritual growth.

• According to Hannah Lonser of 34 Street, “For the young people of today, brushing up on astrology has become a powerful tool for self–reflection.” “For starters, says Lonser, astrology coaxes us to take a closer look at who we are and how we relate to the world around us.” [3]

• According to David Klugmann of Astrology Yard, “Fortunately there is one timeless tool for self-understanding, self-reflection and self- development that has quietly stayed with us throughout history, largely forgotten in the last centuries and the age of reason and science, that is our BirthChart” (i,e. Astrology). [4]

© 2020 Dr. Anthony Rodriguez 19 • According to Victoria Bezeley of Self Growth, “Many people know that astrology can be a valuable self-development tool. Carl Jung, the legendary Swiss psychologist, used astrology to understand his client’s problems when psychiatry didn’t help.” [5]

SUMMARY

This document has just “scratched the surface” about what to believe and what not to belive about astrology. On the one hand, no one knows everything about the Universe. Will future discoveries support believing in astrology? No one knows!

On the other hand, there is an apparent lack of empirical proof (i.e., testing) about astrology. And, there are significant flaws in the astronomy used in astrology. Can astrology be modified to reflect current astronomical knowledge? No one knows!

There is, however, an alternative use for astrology. Astrology may be used for self-reflection, self-development, and spiritual growth.

At the end of the day, you have to decide. Enjoy the journey!

RESOURCES

• Cochrane, D. (2018). 20 Free Astrology Lessons. From YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/playlist? list=PL7dB1Eig3ZbJ1POnui6VqB8P0Holqaot7

• Powell, M.J. (n.d.). The Naked Eye Planets in the Night Sky. From Naked Eye Planets. URL: http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/index.htm

• Van Biezen, M. (2015). Astronomy. From YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2gX- ftPVXU3BfWLJfmXfGD08cIit5CI

• Van Biezen, M. (2015). https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2gX- ftPVXU3BfWLJfmXfGD08cIit5CI. From YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX2gX- ftPVXU3BfWLJfmXfGD08cIit5CI

ENDNOTES

[1] Reading the stars. (2009). From Pew Research. URL: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2009/12/29/reading-the-stars/ [2] Wilson, E. (n.d.). Omens in the stars. From Kepler College. URL: https://www.keplercollege.org/index.php/articles-opinions/history-of- astrology/1048-omens-in-the-stars [3] Lonser, H. (2020). Using astrology as a tool for self-reflection. From 34th Street. URL: https://www.34st.com/article/2020/07/astrology-self-reflection- horoscopes-birth-chart-zodiac-signs [4] Klugmann, D. (2019). The birth chart as a tool for self development. From Astrology Yard. URL: https://astrologyyard.com/blog/the-birth-chart-as-a-tool- for-self-development/ [5] Bazeley, V. (n.d.). Using astrology as a self-development tool. From Self Growth. URL: https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Bazeley1.html

FIGURES

[a] Astronomy: Precession of the Earth. (2000). From Washington State University. URL: http://astro.wsu.edu/worthey/astro/html/lec-precession.html [b] Celestial Sphere. (2020). From WikiMedia Commons. URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celestial_sphere_with_ecliptic.svg [c] Earth's Ecliptic. (2012). From WikiMedia Commons. URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Earths_orbit_and_ecliptic.PNG [d] Equator. (n.d.). From NASA. URL: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/equator_.png [e] Equatorial Coordinates. (2006). From WikiMedia Commons.URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Equatorial_coordinates.p ng [f] Meridian on Celestial Sphere. (2012). From WikiMedia Commons. URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meridian_on_celestial_sphere.png [g] Ptolemaic system. (2008). From WikiMedia Commons. URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Ptolemaic_system _(PSF).png/1200px-Ptolemaic_system_(PSF).png

© 2020 Dr. Anthony Rodriguez 21 [h] Ecliptic Grid Globe. (2012). From WikiMedia Commons. URL: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Ecliptic_grid_globe.png [I] Horizon Coordinates. (2017). From YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2e0aRtwsCY [j] Star Constellations: The Zodiac. (2017). From URL: http://www.astronomytrek.com/star-constellations-the-zodiac/ [k] The Zodiac Constellations. (n.d.). From Astrology Bay. URL: https://pixfeeds.com/images/astrology/zodiac-signs/1200-537850521-zodiac- constellations.jpg [l] The Zodiac Signs. (n.d.). From Astrology Bay. URL: https://pixfeeds.com/images/astrology/zodiac-signs/1200-579159218-zodiac- circle.jpg [m] The Planets. (2016). From Bob's Spaces. URL: https://starwalk.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/planets.jpg?w=300&h=178 [n] Retrograde Motion. (2015). From YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nVSzzYCAYk

Latin English Glibs Days in 2020 Days Meaning Name Name Astrology in Astronomy Aries Ram ♈ Mar 21 – Apr 19 Apr 19 – May 13 Energetic, trailblazers Taurus Bull ♉ Apr 20 – May 20 May 14 – Jun 19 Controlling, steadfast Gemini Twins ♊ May 21 – Jun 20 Jun 20 – Jul 20 Cerebral, adventurous Cancer Crab ♋ Jun 21 – Jul 22 Jul 21 – Aug 9 Emotional, sensitive Leo Lion ♌ Jul 23 – Aug 22 Aug 10 – Sep 15 Organized, energetic Virgo Maiden ♍ Aug 23 – Sep 22 Sep 16 – Oct 30 Logical, critical Libra Scales ♎ Sep 23 – Oct 22 Oct 31 – Nov 22 Balanced friendly Scorpio Scorpion ♏ Oct 23 – Noc 21 Nov 23 – Nov 29 Passionate, quiet Ophiuchus Nov 30 – Dec 17 Sagittarius Archer ♐ Nov 22 – Dec 21 Dec 18 – Jan 18 Happy, risk-taker Capricorn Goat ♐ Dec 22 – Jan 19 Jan 19 – Feb 15 Ambitious, stubborn Aquarius Water Bearer ♒ Jan 20 – Feb 18 Feb 16 – Mar 11 Communicative, creative Pisces Fishes ♓ Feb 19 – Mar 20 Mar 12 – Apr 18 Likeable, easy going

Planet Glibs Meaning Sun ☉ Self Moon ☽ Feeling Mercury ☿ Thinking Venus ♀ Loving Mars ♂ Acting Jupiter ♃ Growing Saturn ♄ Achieving Uranus ♅ Evolving Neptune ♆ Dreaming Pluto ♇ Empowering

House Meaning 1st Self 2nd Money, possessions 3rd Communications 4th Home 5th Children 6th Work 7th Marriage 8th Join finances 9th Religion 10th Status 11th Friends 12th Subconscious