Astronomy vs. Astrology: Defining the Differences and Similarities

Introduction

There has been interpretation and belief from groups of people that the varying characteristics of the celestial objects filling the space of the universe all have different meanings and effects on one's life and purpose. This language—being used to allow communication between life on Earth and the bodies outside its surface—is called astrology. By definition, astrology is the belief that celestial objects, specifically the stars, moon, and planets affect an individual’s behavior, characteristics, and future (Bunnin & Yu, 2004).

Astronomy and Astrology

However, in this day and age, some people seem to fail to differentiate the words “astronomy” and “astrology”. Let us first draw the line on the differences and shed light on their definitions. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA, astronomy is “the study of stars, planets, and space”. This study contributes to the practice of astrology since astrology is based on the effects on the phenomenon of heavenly objects on human affairs. Nevertheless, astrology is interpreted by some as a science, although most see it merely just pseudoscience—a system of theories and beliefs. Also, some individuals are not familiar with the types or branches of astrology. Let us then emphasize the true meaning of astrology by shining light on its types, along with examples and experiences.

First, one should define “zodiac” and “horoscope” to further understand the different nuances of astrology. The literal definition of zodiac states that it is the region where the sun, moon, and stars are located. There are 13 constellations under this region but there are 12 zodiac or astrological signs specifically Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. One’s birth date dictates the zodiac sign. For example, an individual’s astrological sign is Aries if he/she is born from March 20 to April 21. As for horoscope, it is a future report based on a person’s zodiac sign. This can usually be seen in newspapers, magazines and more.

In this day and age, whenever the word “astrology” is used, it is usually when asked if one believes in it or not. For the most part, it is “zodiac” that comes to mind. In this environment, the word “zodiac” occurs a lot when people ask “What is your zodiac sign?” or when someone guesses a person’s zodiac sign based on the individual’s personality and characteristics. While for horoscope, this word is come across when asked “What is the horoscope for this month?” or “Do you read the horoscope?”.

There have been varying interpretations across the years of the term “astrology” and “astronomy” throughout history. Until the late 1600s, astrology continued to be part of science (Temming, 2014). These two words were seen as synonyms. However, the two definitions began to shift during the “age of reason”. Astrology and astronomy diverged during the 17th through 19th centuries and were no longer seen as similar. In the 18th century, astronomy was now considered a major science, thus being a separate field from astrology. The two meanings have changed because scientists and physicists studying astronomy have based their findings on evidence and studies of the concepts of astronomy, they were not able to do the same for astrology.

Despite this divergence, many people still fail to differentiate the two terms and see astrology as a science. This is most likely because most individuals are not as exposed to astronomy compared to astrology mainly because of sheer lack of understanding or mindset believe that the two are very much related. Moreover, both terms have similar wording and involve the study of outer space phenomenon.

The public seems to be unfamiliar or unaware of astrology’s many types. To further understand the word, one must acknowledge the several types of astrology. According to Kruszelnicki (2004), general astrology, the first type is based on stars and planet phenomenon and how this affects humankind. The second type is called “genethlialogy” which uses the positions of planets and stars during your birth to find the course of one’s life. Lastly, cathartic astrology is when given an auspicious time to start a specific task.

Even though the two completely different terms have been differentiated, astronomy and astrology, people still persistently fail to separate the words. To restate, astrology is a pseudoscience. It is the belief that outer space influences human affairs. On the other hand, astronomy is the scientific study of celestial body phenomenon. The term “zodiac” pertains to the area of the sky where it is believed the constellations in this area affect human interaction and “horoscope”, bases positions of celestial objects on the time of one’s birth and uses this information to make future assumptions. Astrology and astronomy diverged around the 18th century. To go beyond, there are three types of astrology, which are general astrology, genethlialogy, and cathartic astrology. Regardless of type, all are believed to influence humankind.

This review has taught different lessons

First, there is an underlying human need to illustrate and explain their future (or event past events) with that of their knowledge of the celestial bodies. This need to connect them somehow seems to take on the belief that our lives, personalities, and even behavior are fated somehow and can explain the course of our lives. In this day and age, this seems hard to believe, but yet there are still firm believers and that this is the known truth. In retrospect, it has even seeped in the normal course in everyday lives, say for example including the astrological horoscopes in the daily newspaper, as if this is a known truth. Second, what one may consider being the truth (or nontruth), may have been developed due to the lack of understanding or lack of appreciation for scientific or evidence-based facts. But through time and evolution of science, deeper understanding happens. Nevertheless, because beliefs have set in, and coincidences firming up these beliefs, some people have taken some of these initial beliefs to now be part of their truth. The pitfalls lie in the fact that people’s mindsets do not progress or are unable to process the new evidence and therefore base their actions still based on this “un-updated” truth. Third and final learning, scientific evidence helps us in many ways but most of all it allows us to evolve and deepen our understanding of the limitations of things but at the same time see to the potential of what is out there that has yet to be understood.