This is the study of how the sun, moon, planets and stars affect events in this world, not only personally, but culturally, nationally and globally as well. The positioning of all astronomical bodies at a person’s birth, and throughout his or her life, are said to determine both character and destiny. Astrological charts are called horoscopes. The Chaldeans were practicing astrology in Babylonia as early as 3000 B.C. There is evidence that astrology was being practiced about 1,000 years later in China and by the year 500 B.C. in ancient Greece. There are many schools of thought in astrology giving rise to a wide spectrum of speculations concerning the meaning of planetary and solar positions. It was based originally on a Ptolemaic view of the solar system (the belief that the earth is the center of the solar system and the sun, moon and planets revolve around the earth on a backdrop of unmoving stars).

Doctrinal Stance on the Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Cycles, Ages and the Ultimate State of the Universe

Astrology: There are various branches of astrological thought (Egyptian, Chinese, Hindu, etc.) with many differing opinions, sometimes concerning key astrological issues. The most widely accepted zodiac contains 12 signs (houses) through which the sun passes. Different schools of thought believe in 8, 10, 14 or 24 signs or houses. However, all forms of astrology agree on a cyclical view of human history and destiny.

Theoretically, a new era begins worldwide whenever the sun enters a new sign of the zodiac on the day of the vernal equinox (one of two days a year when the sun is directly above the equator). This solar event occurs every 2,200 years, heralding the entrance of a new age. After the completion of twelve astrological ages (if the twelve house theory is embraced) the process is finished. This takes approximately 26,000 years. Then the whole process repeats itself indefinitely. In astrology, no ultimate, dramatic, permanent change ever comes to this world or the universe as a whole. Rather, there is an endless repetition of astrological ages that never fully solve the problems of the human race.

Though no one can pinpoint the exact time of transition, most astrologers believe the world is presently in the process of entering a glorious new era titled, “The Age of Aquarius.” This desirable period is predicted to be a time of enlightenment, perfection, harmony and spiritual intensification in the world: a time when wars will cease, many earthly problems will be solved (hunger, poverty, pollution, etc.) and the human race will walk in God-consciousness. Many astrologers believe it will also involve a New Age Messiah who will usher in many of these changes. It is in reference to this “Aquarian Age” that we get the popular term, “The New Age Movement.” Of course, this ‘age of enlightenment’ will only last 2,200 years and then another astrological era will unfold, bringing in a new phase on this planet.

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