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Origin of Practices | The Faults of Astrology
Origin of Practices
Astrology is believed to have originated in ancient Babylon, first adopted as a religious practice when the Chaldeans observed a consistent orientation pattern of the planets. Each planet was eventually worshipped as a god; given a name, a function and presidence over a certain area of life. Royal advisors (shamans, soothsayers and other crackpots) interpreted the position of the planets as omens of what was to come.
Astrologists believe in a magical binding force that links everything in the universe together (monism), and that the position of the planets at one's birth determines one's character, personality, challenges, lessons in life and the nature of their "spiritual journey". They believe that because of this magical binding force being the same in all universal things, elements of a person's life and character can be seen using external factors (such as the planetery allignment).
Modern Astrology has become a rich tapestry of pilfered beliefs. It has been widely scorned for taking religious ideas from eastern religions such as hinduism, by adopting the ideas of karma and reincarnation. In a vain attempt to attain credibility, it has also begun using psychological terms to define the functions of its use; e.g. interpreting the position of the planets to be crucial in making accurate character analysis etc.