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Astrology
History and Current Understanding
The original purpose of astrology was to inform the individual of the course of his life on
the basis of the positions of the planets and of the zodiacal signs (the 12 astrological
constellations) at the moment of his birth or conception. From this science, called
genethialogy (casting nativities), were developed the fundamental techniques of astrology.
The main subdivisions of astrology that developed after genethlialogy are general,
catarchic, and interrogatory.
General astrology studies the relationship of the significant celestial moments (e.g., the
times of vernal equinoxes, eclipses, or planetary conjunctions) to social groups, nations, or
all humanity.
Catarchic (pertaining to beginnings or sources) astrology determines whether or not a
chosen moment is astrologically conducive to the success of a course of action begun in it.
Basically in conflict with a rigorous interpretation of genethlialogy, it allows the individual to
act at astrologically favorable times and, thereby, to escape any failures predictable from
his nativity.
Interrogatory astrology provides answers to an individual's questions based on the
situation of the heavens at the moment of posing the questions. This astrological
consulting service is even more remote from determinism than is catarchic astrology; it is
thereby closer to divination by omens and insists upon the ritual purification and
preparation of the astrologer.
Other forms of astrology, such as istromathematics (application of astrology to medicine)
and military astrology are variants on one or another of the above.