What is Astrology?
Astrology is the spiritual science of using the motion of the planets to divine the life path of an individual, predict future events, and select auspicious times for endeavors. It is one of the world’s oldest forms of divination with roots in Mesopotamia. Over the course of thousands of years, the tradition was developed through various cultures into a precise method of examining and understanding the cosmic dynamics that shape our lives and worldly events.
Historically, astrology was the most famous and popular method of divination and predicting the future. It’s prestige is evidenced in its use by kings, queens, and rulers throughout history. Many famous monarchs relied on court astrologers to give them important advice, offer counsel, and predict major events. We have records of this successful predictions.
Even today, many famous celebrities and successful business people seek out the counsel of astrology and its practitioners. The track record of astrology cannot be beat.
History of Astrology
The earliest available evidence points to ancient Mesopotamia as the origins of astrology. Cuneiform tablets speak to the astral omens used by ancient peoples to predict the future of the king, empire, and important historical events. It is from these origins the Zodiac as we know it emerged. Marking the invisible path of the Sun through a series of 12 constellations, the Zodiac became of central importance to understanding the influence of the heavens on human lives. These early omens eventually made their way to the Hellenic world where they fused with Greco-Egyptian star lore, ancient medical theories, and other methods to give us horoscopic astrology. The horoscope is a snapshot of the the planetary bodies in the zodiac in a given time: someone’s birth, the moment of a question, or event. Writers like Ptolemy and Valens composed manuals detailing techniques, configurations, and interpretations which were later picked up, expanded upon, and synthesized by the Perso-Arabic astrologers in the 8th-10th century. These astrologers combined new methods of calculation to create an effective system of prediction and timing. In turn, medieval European astrologers translated the work of their Arab predecessors and transmitted the knowledge through the ages until the modern era. In the 20th century, astrology breaks with its medieval and renaissance predecessor and is revived using the science of the era psychology to focus more on psychoanalytic interpretations than prediction.
The history presented here is a brief sketch of western astrology which doesn’t even touch on the deep and rich astrological traditions found in South Asia, China, and elsewhere.
Traditions of Astrology
There are two main traditions within astrology: traditional and modern. Traditional astrology encompasses the historical astrological tradition from early Hellenic roots through the medieval and the Renaissance. While there are notable differences in technique all these eras focus on prediction, timing, and magic. Modern astrology is a break with its traditional roots and focuses predominantly on psychology. In recent years new styles of modern astrology have emerged like Harmonic and Uranian.
Here at ConjureMan Consultations we practice traditional astrology using time-tested, proven ancient techniques for prediction, timing, and magic. We feel traditional astrology offers the best insight for our clients.
Branches of Astrology
There are many branches of astrology but the four traditional branches are:
Natal Astrology- Natal astrology or birth chart readings examine the horoscope for the time and place of a person’s birth. Through traditional techniques examining the placement of the planets in the zodiac, their condition, their relationship to one another, and other sensitive points long term predictions about the person’s character, quality of life, potential love life, fortune, wealth, and health are possible. In our practice we use ancient techniques like the Arabic lots, solar return charts, profections, planetary periods called firdaria, timing techniques like zodiacal releasing, and transits to provide detailed predictions about a person’s life. These powerful techniques provide an amazing amount of detail and insight.
Mundane Astrology- Likely the oldest branch of astrology, it focuses on prediction of large-scale world events in politics and society. It can predict the rise and fall of nations and empires, the fluctuations of stock markets, wars and treaties, and natural phenomenon like fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Mundane astrology is also the least understood and most misused branch of astrology today. Much of the contemporary translations are misleading and many attempt to apply Natal astrological techniques to the Mundane, which can lead to mixed results. We have a proven track-record of predictions and continue to practice regular yearly and monthly predictions.
Electional Astrology- This branch is the most rooted in magical practice. A skilled astrologer is able to use their knowledge to pick the most auspicious time for an endeavor. This is a powerful tool used by the world’s most successful business people. Requiring a good amount of skill, the astrology can elect a the ideal time to start a new business, to approach your boss for a raise, the perfect date to get married, or the right time to launch a project. It also can be used to select the right astrological time for magical work. Traditionally, electional astrology was used in the creation of powerful talismans. These astrological talismans bring tremendous power to manifesting love, money, fame, success, or justice. In our practice we use electional astrology in all of our magic work: we time rituals to it as well as craft powerful talismans. We also offer clients auspicious dates to take action on their own.
Horary Astrology- Likely the youngest branch of traditional astrology forming roughly in the 8th and 9th centuries CE, horary astrology is the most divinatory practice. A horoscope is cast for the exact time of a question and examined for detailed yes/no answers. The insights provided by horary astrology are detailed, clear, and precise. Horary astrology was probably the most consulted branch of astrology for many centuries particular as many people in the ancient world did not know their specific birth details, they could call upon horary to answer their pressing questions. We use horary astrology to provide quick, straight-forward answers to burning questions like: will I get that job, will my ex come back to me, where did I lose my check, will I get married, will I get promoted, does my crush like me back, should I pursue this spiritual or magical path?
