The scientific revolution that started in XVII century has caused some illusions to many western intellectuals, that in the near future all secrets of the world will be discovered by the power of the main and experimental science. The worldwide recognition of the heliocentric Kopernik theory (Mikolaj Kopernik (1473–1543) the founder of modern astronomy) and then the discovery of new planets has been seized as a refutation of the astrology that traditionally used Ptolemy’s geocentric model (Ptolemy (367?-283?b. c.), astronomer and general in Alexander the Great's army who succeeded him as ruler of Egypt (323-285 b. c.)) and only five visible planets.
As a result, by the end of XVII century in continental Europe the practice of astrology had actually come to nil. In England some astrological traditions continued and had not been stopped because in England the strong tradition of herb science included some astrological knowledge.
During this period of time society started to demand from astrologists scientific proofs of their astrology discoveries, no matter how paradoxical this sounds, because astrology is one of the most ancient sciences. At that time the definition of a science was extremely narrow. Everything that could not be proved “by a stick and a rope", appeared unscientific. Those astrologists, who aspired to social acceptance, began to offer (and continue to offer until now) various rationalistic explanations of astrology. However in relation to the area of knowledge based on the ancient philosophical-religious concepts it turns out not so harmoniously.
At that time a lot of changes happened not only in science but also huge changes occurred in society by itself. The role of the astrologists in society changed too. During those years many astrologists were at the same time doctors, translators, and mathematicians. They were highly educated people. Their clients were the aristocrats and priests, those who ruled the world at that time. For example, one of the major representatives of the Medieval Astrology Guido Bonatti was nobleman by himself and he predicted to the priests the rank they can reach - bishop, cardinal or even Pope. He used to give advice to the members of the royal family and aristocrats about political, military, and state affairs.
Now the authority passed to businessmen more and more and the growing education among workers has given rise to popular astrology - that which now fills the last pages of many newspapers and magazines. The education system changed the orientation, now the basic were concentrated on engineers, managers, bankers, and the knowledge of languages and philosophies become less valuable and significant. And when in the second half of XIX century in Europe had began the next revival of astrology, only a few were capable of using the sources, and the majority of documents were still not translated from Greek, Arabian, and Latin.
Renewal of interest in astrology in the XIX century is caused substantially by skepticism of the existing theory that all of Mankind’s secrets are possible to explain by means of reason. The understanding of science began to extend gradually and as a result at the end of XX century nobody is surprise at such science like psychology - whose subjects and methods are in many cases very far from a rationalistic pattern.
Inspired by the social success of psychology, many astrologists of the XX century began to teach astrology by combining it with psychology. As a result psychological astrology was born. Psychological astrology focused, unlike classical astrology, not on the objective reality but on the emotional world of the person.
At the same time, by end of the XX century it has increased the interest to classical astrological works, to those methods and directions which have been hidden. Because of that a lot of astrological documents were translated from the Greek and Latin languages.
If you would like to learn more about astrology, especially mystical parts of astrology, visit the Astrology-Wisdom site.
Willie Krut is studying astrology and readily likes to share his knowledge. To subscribe to the free Willie's Newsletter, visit http://www.astrology-wisdom.com.
Written By: Willie Krut
