User:Neo7227/Astrology and astronomy

Title : Current Astrology and its Relevance

Astrology is considered by many philosophers and astronomers to be a pseudoscience that people use to associate the movement of the celestial bodies to their own aspects of human life and spirituality. Although many of these scholars consider astrology to be a pseudoscience, most believers in zodiac signs and their meanings will argue the opposite, and these followers will support their claims with the explanations as to how and why the universe is connected to the human condition. The most popular and well-known form of astrology is seen in horoscopes that people are exposed to through social media, popular news outlets, and digital media. The horoscopes allow people interested in “astrology” and zodiac signs to associate planets like Mars to human emotions such as drive and courage, and further increase the notion that these planets and their motions have an effect on their daily lives. Although astrology was considered factual predictions in ancient science, in modern times it is used as a spiritual belief system for many people. Ancient forms of astrology often combined with astronomy, but eventually split into separate paths during the time of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. Zodiac signs in modern times are constructed from constellations seen across the earth, and they are used to associate human emotions and tendencies with the stars and heavenly bodies. In some ways, astrology has become somewhat of a pseudoreligion, due to the emphasis put on the meanings of constellations and how they relate to each individual. One may “judge” another person based on their zodiac sign, simply because there are unique listed traits carried by each sign, which reflect on the person who it refers to. The signs that are attributed to individuals are based on the time of year that each individual was born in. For example, people born between the dates of April 19 - May 4th will carry the zodiac sign of Aries, and those born between the dates of July 21 - August 10th carry the Cancer sign. Despite the many individuals that consider zodiac astrology to be factual, many consider the horoscope meanings to be false and simply participate in this modern astrology for enjoyment. Lastly, zodiac signs and astrology in the modern era are very different from the astrology of the ancient world. The minimal technology, knowledge, and expertise of the ancient world allowed for the combination of astrology and astronomy to become the generally accepted explanation for the universe and its impact on human lives. Whereas in current times, astrology and astronomy are extremely different. Zodiac signs and horoscopes are a product of cultural developments that allows for easy access to information on the subject through the internet, social media, tabloids and news outlets that promote these aspects of astrology. Many individuals that are interested in horoscopes are not aware that the signs and their respective dates are inaccurate, and do not have any basis in science. Due to the “trendy” nature of zodiac signs and their popularity, it is widely known as part of global culture.