Astrology.

The science which treats of the influence upon human character of cosmic forces
emanating from celestial bodies. It has been spoken of as the soul of astronomy. Its antiquity
places it among the earliest records of human learning. To these ancient astrologers we owe the
modern Science of Astronomy. According to Hindu lore Astrology reached its zenith some two
hundred thousand years ago, and is presumed to have been first taught by the Manu who had
charge of the fourth rootrace. In ancient times it enjoyed general acceptance, and was practiced
by the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. It flourished in Europe during the
14th and 15th centuries. It is charged that the Spanish Inquisition was a cloak to disguise a secret
purpose to stamp out Astrology. It was once termed Astromancy - divination by the stars.
Geocentric vs. Heliocentric Astrology. As practised by various authorities in various countries
there are two fundamentally different methods, or approaches, to Astrology: the Geocentric and
the Heliocentric. Geocentric Astrology is based upon calculations of the planetary positions as
seen by the observer on the Earth, i.e, using the Earth as a center. Heliocentric Astrology bases
its interpretations upon positions within the solar system with reference to the Sun as the center.
While it is true that the Sun is the center, the effect of the motion as manifest on the Earth is the
basis of most astrological interpretation. Therefore the vast majority of astrologers employ the
geocentric calculations of the planets' positions.
However, these terms are used by many astrologers in a different sense, i.e., heliocentric when
considering changes of position by virtue of the body's motion in orbit, and geocentric when
considering changes of position with reference to the observer, by reason of the observer's
personal orbit around the Earth -- the revolution of the periphery of the Earth around the Earth's
center. Thus considered the Signs are heliocentric divisions, or Heliarcs, while the Houses are
geocentric divisions, or Geoarcs.
There are several distinct branches of Astrology:
Natal, or Genethliacal - having to do with the birth figure and the subsequent transits of the
bodies and their Progressed, or average net progress. v. Directions, Progressions.
Horary: fundamentally a Figure cast for the birth-moment of an idea, a question, or an event.
Practitioners of this branch of Astrology usually take the moment when the question is
propounded.
Electional: an application of Horary art whereby to choose the most propitious moment for
initiating a new enterprise, or commencing a journey, etc.
Mundane, also termed Judicial Astrology: a consideration of the current positions of the planets
with respect to their influence upon entire populations, or portions thereof, by countries, cities or
localities, at Ingresses, eclipses, ordinary Lunations and Full Moons, and major transits or
conjunctions.
Medical: the application of the science to questions of health, chiefly as a diagnostic aid when
confronted with baffling symptoms of disease and obscure ailments.
Meteorological, also known as Astro-Meteorology: the application of the science to the
forecasting of weather conditions, earthquakes and severe storms.