Though astrology is at most entertainment or a mind-control system, after reading "Three Books of Occult Philosophy" I completely positive it is fiction. Methods for mathematics and astronomy are scientific; however, the information used to establish numerology and astrology is philosophy.
Imagining ancient people looking at the night sky is picturesque. It is amazing how many use identifying constellations to improve life. Astrologers observed constellations in the night sky to develop time lines. One year is based on the reemergence of particular stars above a horizon. People associated seasons to stars. Greeks calculated distances and noticed planetary distances. People began to travel long distances through deserts and oceans, without landmarks, by charting the movement of the sun in relation to the stars.
Studying celestials bodies evolved humanity exponentially; however, astrology is a philosophy. This philosophy was developed by correlating sections of stars to mythology. Imagining it as a system to teach religion to children or make it easier from mariners to remember stars when traveling, the associations are manufactured not realistic.
These associations became methods of identifying people through Gods. Despite whether or not there are thirteen or twelve constellations in the zodiac; astrology is not an exact science. It is a methodology, philosophy and idealism. Ancient people were aware of this; otherwise, it would not have been so easy to dismiss one constellation to make an even distribution of the four elements in the zodiac. Perhaps some societies include the thirteenth constellation when creating a method of coordinates.
It is bizarre how people use these philosophies to find relationships or pick out clothes. Perhaps having a daily activity assists in building confidence; however, when misused to pursue or condemn another person a larger issue is produced.
The theory of a constellations or planet along the horizon affecting people's lives is intriguing. It is fun to think about and promotes a sense of self while opening subconscious thought. There are several reasons for why astrology is accepted in society. Perhaps I am a skeptic, yet observing the passage of stars during the earth's rotation; instead of, developing a relationship with someone seems an inadequate method to choose friends and lovers.
Various chapters are dedicated to the philosophy of numbers. One is the loneliest number. Two is stable by combining one and one. Three is balance, like a tripod. Four is the first number of value, representing the four legs on a table. There is also a philosophy sounding a bit perverted. Odd numbers, three and larger, are associated to male genitalia. Even numbers don't have the extra mark between two columns; therefore, feminine.
These philosophies inspired superstitions, fortunetelling and an entire way-of-life. Least to say, it made all my suspicions about it being trivial entertainment provable, this may or may not have been Agrippa's intent.
Admitting astrology was intriguing at some point in my life, the rational aspect was always questionable. Entertaining as it might be and acknowledging the greater degree of personalization with twelve houses and natal chart is fun. When something is verified, it sounds real. I never engaged in astrology until later in life. Positive messages produced a desire to exploit more impressive traits within myself. Numerology was also interesting in the sense of thinking about something greater to enforce these principles. Everyone needs direction, yet it is important to remain realistic and acknowledge life as it is actually happening.
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