What is Astrology and how does it work ?

Astrology is thought to be both a science and an art. It claims scientific status because it requires mathematics and an understanding of Astronomy. It is an art because interpretation is necessary to bring the different aspects together and formulate an idea of the individual's character traits and tendencies

In the middle ages, a number of Catholic popes were intimately familiar with astrology: Sixtus IV was the first pope to draw and interpret a horoscope, Julius II choose his coronation date astrologically, and Leo X and Paul III relied heavily on astrologers for advice.

Adolf Hitler is thought to have used an astrologer throughout the Second World War.

The practice of astrocartography looks at how you are affected by your geographical location. It is believed that, by comparing your birth chart to different areas in the world, the area where you will be most successful and happy can be determined.

According to a 1999 survey, Americans spend $100 million a year on astrology. · Astrology offers an explanation for crop circles. The crop circles occur in cereal and grain, which is the signature of Virgo. Virgo, is the grain mother who feeds and nourishes the earth, not only with crops but with the new direction of our beliefs, she asks that we exercise discernment.

German astrologer, Frau Elsbeth Ebertin, was given Hitler's birth chart by a female fan in 1924. She accurately predicted that he would become Fuhrer.

Science presents many arguments against astrology. It is argued that your genetic characteristics are developed from conception and not birth. Astrologers, according to scientists, ignore matters such as the gravitational force of non-solar bodies e.g: asteroids and comets, the motion of the sun in respect to other stars and the wobble in the earth's rotation axis, which has by now shifted the sun signs by 1 or 2 constellations.

Former White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan said: "It's common knowledge that a large percentage of Wall Street brokers use astrology."

A research group into the critical study of astrology has been set up at Southampton University. PhD students attached to the group are currently researching alcoholism's link to Jupiter, the correlation between prostitutes and their date of birth and also the link between women's infertility and correlations of Jupiter and Saturn.

The ocean waves are a result of the moon's influence, and astrologers believe that the moon influences the body's "waves" in much the same way. The body, much like the ocean, is made mostly of water. When you hear someone say they're acting funny because it's a full moon, there might actually be some science behind it

Interestingly, there is even documented proof that more assaults occur around a full moon, giving strong support to the theory the moon affects human behavior. Don't let that be an excuse for poor behaviour, of course, but keep a look out for how your mood changes (or doesn't!).

A recent poll of thousands of Americans found that 31% believed in astrology, while 18% were unsure, and the remainder did not believe in it. What's interesting about these numbers, however, is that simply because a person doesn't "believe" in astrology, doesn't mean they don't at least read their own horoscope for entertainment.

Due to astrology's prevalence in society, knowledge of it is nearly unavoidable so a lack of belief in it does not stop its growth. Women make up 75% of believers in astrology, which explains why astrology columns are so popular in women's magazines.

In 1988, the White House confirmed the Reagan's were followers of astrology. Mrs. Reagan, in particular, took astrological circumstances under consideration when planning events. Her interest was said to have peaked after the attempted assassination of her husband in 1981.

The Reagan's consulted with a professional astrologer to help in their making decisions within the White House and for the world. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt were also astrology buffs and were known to even quote horoscopes at times.

While no one could have known just how horrific Hitler's reign would be, one astrologer came pretty close. In 1924, a female "fan" of Hitler's gave astrologer Frau Elsbeth Ebertin, Hitler's birth chart, and she rightly predicted he would become Fuhrer.

Hitler himself was said to be a believer in astrology and even consulted with astrological professionals during World War II. Although Hitler was a different kind of leader than American Presidents, there is certainly a trend of world leaders looking to the stars for some input on their decisions.

Of course, when it came to predicting if Senator John McCain or Barack Obama would win the presidential race, anyone who tried would have a 50% chance at guessing correctly. The United Astrology Conference meets every four years, and in 2008, a panel of professional astrologers unanimously predicted Obama's victory.

Next, in 2012 they predicted Obama would win again, and they were just as right. While the panel predicts several different events, the highlight tends to be the presidential predictions. These only get more exciting when people hear how accurate they usually are.

You likely already know what your zodiac sign is, but do you know what determines what it will be? Of course, it depends on your birthdate, but furthermore, it relates to the position of the sun at the time of your birth. There are twelve possible zodiac signs, and each one takes up an equal portion of the zodiac wheel.

Astrologists believe that this sign will tell you invaluable information about your future and your personality. The signs are thought the be an energy that acts on other bodies, including transiting planets.

There are twelve zodiac signs on the astrological wheel, but they divide further into four different groups. First, there are Water Signs which are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Then, there are Fire Signs which are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. There are Earth Signs which are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn and the Air Signs are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These four elements are essential to all life forms and the element under which your zodiac sign falls is said to predict major components of your personality.

Astrologers believe that your zodiac sign will actually impact what you look like. It might sound far-fetched, but astrologers believe they have uncovered certain physical traits that are most prominent in certain signs. For example, Gemini (May 21-June 20) are said to be small-boned and to have refined features.

Scorpios (October 23-November 21) are said to be muscular and to have an intense look in their eyes.  Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) are thought to generally have long, muscular legs, and female Sagittarius are said to behave in a tomboy-like manner.

Have you ever noticed you seem to gravitate towards certain colors or feel most comfortable surrounded by certain colors? Perhaps there are colors that make you feel uneasy. It turns out, there could be an astrological basis for the way you feel about colors. Sagittarius signs have purple listed as a favorable color, and Taurus (April 20-May 20) have the color pink.