Lore of Astrology Introduction: A Cultural History of Heavenly Influence

Astrology:

A study of the positions and relationships of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets in order to judge their influence on human actions.
The Chaldaeans and Assyrians, believing all events to be predetermined, developed a nondeistic system of divination.
The spread of astrological practice was arrested by the rise of Christianity, with its emphasis on divine intervention and free will; but in the Renaissance astrology regained popularity, in part due to rekindled interest in science and Astronomy.
Christian theologians attacked astrology, and in 1585 Sixtus V condemned it.

—Columbia Encyclopedia

The stars are mansions built by nature's hand,
And, haply, there the spirits of the blest
Dwell clothed in radiance, their immortal vest.

—Wordsworth

Deep in the shady sadness of a vale
Far sunken from the healthy breath of morn,
Far from the fiery noon, and eve's one star,
Sat gray-haired Saturn, quiet as a stone.

—Keats

The Lyon's herte is called of some men, the Royall Starre, for they that are borne under it, are thought to have a royall nativitie.

—Salysbury

Read what Sydney Omarr says about Earthlore's Lore of Astrology:

Sydney Omarr's Aries 2001

"Be sure to visit the Astrology section of this gorgeous site, dedicated to the history and mythology of many traditions. One of the most beautifully designed sites we've seen."

- Sydney Omarr

     Heaven is full of the gods
         to whom we give the name of stars.

                                   - Aristotle, Writing to Alexander

Throughout history, the study of Astrology has attempted to apprehend the unknowable, to secure answers to questions about who we are and what meaning our life has in the greater unfolding of creation. The Lore of Astrology is a continuation of this ancient quest for meaning and order. This work is founded on the belief that the understanding of Astrology is not a closed book. There is much to be discovered still. Through a dedicated search one may yet come to understand and become more active in his/her relationship to the universe in which we exist.

The pursuit of Astrological knowledge has taken a variety of paths throughout the world. The names of those who have pioneered the science and art of Astrology are legion. Many of these figures are well known to history.

Aries - Lord of the Head

Pythagoras, Claudius Ptolemy, Paracelsus, Johann Kepler, Jerome Cardan, Campanus, Sir Christopher Hayden, Tycho Brahe, John Flamsteed, Earthlore Astrology - Body Correspondences Sir Isaac Newton, these and hundreds more are collectively responsible for the wealth of Astrological knowledge we possess today.

The science of Astronomy had it origins in Astrology. How these great thinkers, with their meager tools and facilities, deduced with such accuracy the planetary movements and measurements, never ceases to awaken wonder and justify respect. The approximate correctness of their calculations is continually confirmed by modern science.

Throughout history Astrology has maintained a central presence. Research into the old and new testaments show an abundance of astrological symbolism and lore. Renowned writers and poets have attributed a deeper knowledge of life and human nature to their studies into Astrology. There is verifiable information that during the second world war, both the Allies and the Nazis were using astrology to plot the outcome of battles. More recently, in the 1980s, the media vilified US President and Mrs. Reagan for consulting an Astrologer and scheduling events based on positioning of the stars.

Capricorn - Mansion of Kings

A complete listing of those who consult Astrologers would be vast. Many of these names would be well known. Ones seeking such knowledge come from all walks of life, the famous to the infamous to the person in the street. Many who will publicly claim "Ba humbug", may be found, privately, reading their daily horoscope. Being human, we each, at some point, wish to peek into our destiny. We all want to know what is written for us, and why we are here. Astrology has sought to address this yearning like no other development in human history.

The constellation Pleiades;
significant to many cultures.

In the twentieth century, Astrology has grown to become a valuable tool of many psychologists. Carl G. Jung, considered the father of modern psychology, studied Astrology extensively, and believed it to be an important asset in understanding the human psyche.

Jung's theory of Synchronicity was based on his understanding of Astrology. "A thing or person born at a particular moment in time, takes on the characteristics of that moment in time." Sounds like the basis of Astrology, doesn't it?

The most ancient observation of Jupiter which we are acquainted with is that reported The Planet Jupiter

by Ptolemy in Book X of the Almagest, and considered by him free from all doubt. It is dated in the 83rd year after the death of Alexander, on the 18th of the Egyptian month Epiphi, in the morning, when the planet eclipsed the star now known as Cancri.

—Hind's 'Solar System'

Through its long journey, Astrology has evolved from a science of observation relating the coincidences between events on earth to celestial phenomenon, to a more self centered process. This occurred through a more humanistic approach of people like Jung, Maslow, Jones, Carter, Rudhyar and others. This method of Astrology assists people in resolving their personal and interpersonal conflicts.

Sagittarius - The Star of the Bow

Here the focus is less on predicting the future, as on helping people realize their unique potential. From this perspective, there are no certain good or bad aspects, only what a person is capable of achieving.

Thus, a birth chart, a horoscope, as a language, a set of instructions, that if followed, can lead to self actualization. It is a language that can show you what you are about and your relationship within the greater whole. Destiny is therefore, no more, no less, than self actualization.

The Lore of Scorpio

The Latins occasionally wrote the word Scorpios, but usually Scorpius, or Scorpio; while Cicero, Ennius, and Manilius gave the kindred African title Nepa, or Nepas. Astronomical writers and commentators, down to comparatively modern times, occasionally mentioned its two divisions under the combined title Scorpius and Chelis; while some representations even showed the Scales in the creature's claws.

In early China it was an important part of the figure of the mighty but genial Azure Dragon of the east and of spring, in later days the residence of the heavenly Blue Emperor.

In the time of Confucius it was Ta Who, the Great Fire, a primeval name for the star Antares; and Shing Kung was located in the stars of the tail. As a member of the early zodiac it was the Hare, for which in the 16th century was substituted the Celestial Scorpion.

Sir William Drummond asserted that in the zodiac which the patriarch Abraham knew it was an Eagle. The Arabians knew it as Al 'Akrab and similarly it was the Syrians' Akrevã.

The Persians had a scorpion in their Ghezhdum or Kahzdum and the Turks, in their Koirughi. Early India knew it as Ãli Viçrika or Vrouchicam,—in Tamil, Vrishaman. On the Cingalese zodiac it was Ussika.

Earthlore Explorations - Lore of Astrology - Carl Jung Quote

Carl Gustav Jung
Swiss Psychologist
Born : July 26, 1875
Sun in Leo

Earthlore
Sun Sign
Study Elements

First sign
Mar 21 - April 20
Symbol: Ram

Second sign
April 21 - May 21
Symbol: Bull

Third sign
May 22 - June 21
Symbol: Twins

Fourth sign
June 22 - July 22
Symbol: Crab

Fifth sign
July 23 - Aug 22
Symbol: Lion

Sixth sign
Aug 23 - Sept 22
Symbol: Maiden

Seventh sign
Sept 23 - Oct 23
Symbol: Scales

Eighth sign
Oct 24 - Nov 22
Symbol: Scorpion

Ninth sign
Nov 23 - Dec 21
Symbol: Archer

Tenth sign
Dec 22 - Jan 20
Symbol: Sea goat

Eleventh sign
Jan 21 - Feb 19
Symbol:
Water bearer

Twelfth sign
Feb 20 - Mar 20
Symbol: Fish pair

Whatever your position may be on the subject, you will find here an interesting body of information, gathered from many cultures. Astrology has contributed much to the study of the solar system and the understanding of human nature. Lore is simply a body of accumulated knowledge.

What is gathered here then, is the old lore, observations on the Earthlore Astrology: Assyrian Astrologer King

Earthlore Astrology: Assyrian Astrologer King

relations of events on earth to celestial phenomena; and the new lore, the study of a symbolic language to aid in self actualization.

The intent of Earthlore is to encourage and support individual quests and original thinking. These features were created as source for content rich interaction with subjects of cultural history. To this end, the content featured will center around the personal experiences and findings of those who have immersed themselves in these subjects. All subjects will be treated objectively and presented in a manner best suited for subjective utilization. Within this stance, we look forward to the sharing of your own views!

Aquarius - Fountains of the Nile

The information contained in The Lore of Astrology is presented in a manner to help you form your own opinions on the subject. As with all electronic media, this is an evolving resource. New material will be added to these features continually. Make of it what you will, but please keep an open mind, and remember, not everything that exists is subject to verification. Ideas we once thought to be the outrageous rantings of unstable minds, have through time and test, proved true, valid, and valuable.

Some things need to be believed to be seen.

Here you will find a review and guide to all existing pages regarding or related to Astrology. Updates will be posted for features which are under production or near release.

Astrologers assigned to the constellation Gemini guardianship over human hands, arms and shoulders; while Albumasar held that it portended intense devotion, genius, largeness of mind, goodness and liberality. With Virgo it was considered the House of Mercury, and a fortunate sign ruling over America, Flanders, Lombardy, Sardinia, Armenia, Lower Egypt, and Marseilles; and in ancient days over the Euxine Sea and the river Ganges. High regard, too, was paid to it in the 17th century as being peculiarly connected to the south of England and the city of London; for the Great Plague and Fire of 1665 and 1666 occurred when this sign was in the ascendant, while the building of London Bridge and other events of importance to the city were begun when special planets were here. Chinese astrologers asserted that if the constellation were invaded by the planet Mars, war and a poor harvest would ensue.

Its colors were white and red like those of Aries, and it was the natal sign of Dante, who was born in May of 1265, when the sun entered it for the first time in that year. He made grateful acknowledgment of this in the Paradiso:

    O glorious stars, O light impregnated
    With mighty virtue, from which I acknowledge
    All of my genius, whatsoe'er it be;

and called them gli Eterni Gemelli. How like this is to Hesiod's reference to the Muses!

     To them I owe, to them alone I owe,
     What of the seas, or of the stars, I know.

- Star Names and Their Meanings
   by: Richard H. Allen, 1899

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Production Credits:

Theme Editor  - Louise Ogden   —   Primary Text   -  Laura Laurance
Art Direction  -  Rhey Cedron  —   Art Research  -  Malcolm Hurrell
Structural Design  -  Mark Nelson   —   Research Asst'  - Joan Flandrin
Production Asst'  - Clara Bazett, Henry Craig

E-mail : astrology@earthlore
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