User:Ken McRitchie/Sandbox1

Core principles
A central principle astrology is integration within the cosmos. The individual, Earth, and its environment are viewed as a single organism, all parts of which work in concert. Cycles of change that are observed in the heavens are therefore reflective (not causative) of similar cycles of change observed on earth and in the individual. This relationship is expressed by the Hermetic maxim "as above, so below; as below, so above", which postulates symmetry between the individual as a microcosm and the celestial environment as a macrocosm. In accord with this principle, the natal horoscope depicts a stylized map of the universe at the time of birth, specifically focussed on the individual at its centre, with the Sun, Moon, and celestial bodies considered to be that individual’s personal planets or stars, which are uniquely relevant to that individual alone.

A principle of geometric symbolism used in astrology is that each mathematical relationship expresses a distinct ‘tone’ of energy. Pythagorean astrologers believed that the Sun, Moon, planets all emit their own unique hum as they revolve through the Cosmos, and the pitch of the tones depended upon the speed of revolution and length of orbit. The imperceptible sound that the celestial bodies create is known as the harmony of the spheres, a perpetually changing hum which is reflected in the quality of life on Earth. In his Harmonica, Ptolemy’s theory of astrological influence is based upon this principle.

Ptolemy’s Harmonica was also to act as a major influence upon Kepler in the 17th century, when he developed his theory of optical perceptions and musical consonances. Kepler regarded his Harmony of the World as the most important work of his career. His premise was that, as an integral part of Universal Law, mathematical astronomy is the key that binds all parts together. The astrological and symbolic associations of numbers and geometrical shapes that fill Kepler's text draw directly from the Pythagorean conviction that numbers are more than mere quantities. They are the symbolic organizational code by which the Universe is generated, and by which it may be read and intelligently understood.

Another principle is exemplified by the statement of the leader of early modern science, Francis Bacon: "The last rule (which has always been held by the wiser astrologers) is that there is no fatal necessity in the stars; but that they rather incline than compel". Bacon advocated an emphasis on what he called "sane astrology" based on the study of tractable influences that "lie concealed in the depths of Physic". This principle is indicative of how astrology has always involved consideration of the psyche and a more recent expression of this can be found in the writings of Carl Jung and the development of modern psychological astrology.