Author: Alison Price – Published: November 2024

Art, Science or Craft?

Today, I’m diving into a question that has intrigued both skeptics and believers alike: Is astrology an art, a craft, or a science? Grab your favorite celestial beverage and let’s explore the cosmic conundrum together!

The Great Debate: Defining Astrology

Astrology, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, has worn many hats throughout human civilization. From ancient Babylonian sky-watchers to modern-day horoscope enthusiasts, people have long looked to the stars for guidance and insight. But what exactly is astrology? Let’s break it down and see how it fits (or doesn’t) into the categories of art, craft and science.

Astrology as an Art: Painting with Starlight

Imagine an artist standing before a blank canvas, brush in hand, ready to create a masterpiece. Now, picture an astrologer gazing at a birth chart, preparing to weave a tapestry of cosmic insight. In many ways, these two scenarios aren’t so different.

The Brushstrokes of Interpretation

Just as no two artists will paint the same scene identically, no two astrologers will interpret a chart in exactly the same way. This subjective interpretation is at the heart of astrology’s artistic nature. An astrologer uses their intuition, experience and personal insights to bring the symbols on the chart to life. “Astrology is a language. If you understand this language, the sky speaks to you.” – Dane Rudhyar

A Palette of Symbols and Archetypes

Astrology’s toolkit is filled with rich symbolism and archetypes. The 12 zodiac signs, the planets, the houses and the aspects form a complex language that we astrologers use to describe human nature and life experiences. Like an artist choosing colors and shapes to convey emotion, an astrologer selects and combines these cosmic symbols to paint a picture of an individual’s life and potential.

Emotional Resonance and Intuition

Great art touches our emotions and speaks to our soul. Similarly, astrology often aims to provide emotional insight and spiritual connection. A skilled astrologer taps into their intuition to offer guidance that resonates on a deep, personal level with their client.

Finding Your Cosmic Voice

As artists develop their unique style over time, so do astrologers. Whether it’s through the language they use, their approach to chart reading, or their philosophical perspective, each astrologer brings their personal flair to the practice. This individual expression is a hallmark of artistic endeavor. Your interpretations are different to mind even though the theme will be the same.

Astrology as a Craft: The Celestial Toolbox

Now, let’s shift our perspective and consider astrology as a craft. Imagine a master carpenter, surrounded by tools, working with precision to create a beautiful piece of furniture. In many ways, an astrologer’s work is similar, requiring specific skills, techniques and a deep understanding of their craft. This is very much a 6th house activity.

The Tools of the Trade

Just as a carpenter needs to know how to use a saw, chisel and lathe, an astrologer must master the tools of their craft. This includes:

⠀

Calculating planetary positions
Creating and reading natal charts
Understanding planetary aspects and transits
Interpreting house systems

⠀

These technical skills form the foundation of astrological practice and require dedicated study and practice to master.

A Time-Honored System

Astrology follows a structured system with established rules and methods (Saturn). The relationships between planets, signs and houses form a complex framework that guides interpretation. Like a master craftsperson following time-tested techniques, an astrologer applies these principles to create accurate and meaningful readings.

Precision and Attention to Detail

Craftsmanship is often associated with precision and astrology is no exception. Accurate birth times and locations are crucial for creating a precise natal chart. Even a few minutes’ difference can change the position of fast-moving points like the Ascendant or Midheaven, potentially altering the entire interpretation.

Learning from Tradition

Many crafts are passed down through generations, with knowledge and techniques refined over time. Astrology, too, has a rich tradition dating back millennia. Modern astrologers like you and me build on this foundation, and learn from ancient texts and experienced practitioners while also innovating and adapting to contemporary needs.

Astrology and Science: A Complex Relationship

Now, we come to the most contentious part of our exploration: astrology’s relationship with science. It’s important to note that while astrology uses some scientific concepts and methods, it is not considered a science by the modern scientific community. Let’s explore why.

Observation and Pattern Recognition

Like early scientists, ancient astrologers were keen observers of the night sky. They meticulously tracked celestial movements and patterns, laying the groundwork for both astronomy and astrology. This systematic observation is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry.

Mathematical Precision

Casting an astrological chart by hand involves complex calculations and a solid understanding of celestial mechanics. Before the age of computers, we had to be skilled mathematicians to accurately determine planetary positions. This mathematical foundation gives astrology a scientific feel.

A Systematic Approach

Astrology operates within a clear and structured system, much like scientific disciplines. The signs, planets, houses and aspects form an intricate network with specific meanings and rules. This systematic approach to interpretation parallels the methodical nature of scientific inquiry.

The Hypothesis of Cosmic Connection

At its core, astrology proposes that celestial movements correlate with events and personalities on Earth. This idea functions as a kind of hypothesis, similar to those found in theoretical sciences. However, this is where astrology and modern science begin to differ.

The Scientific Method and Testability

Modern science relies heavily on the scientific method, which involves forming hypotheses, conducting controlled experiments and peer review. Astrological claims, however, are often not testable in this traditional scientific sense. The subjective nature of many astrological interpretations makes it difficult to design experiments that can conclusively prove or disprove its efficacy.

Empirical Evidence and Anecdotal Experience

Many astrologers point to their experiences with clients and personal observations as evidence of astrology’s validity. While these experiences can be powerful and meaningful, they don’t meet the rigorous standards of scientific evidence, which requires reproducible results under controlled conditions.

Bringing It All Together: The Unique Nature of Astrology

So, where does this leave us? Is astrology an art, a craft, or a science? The answer, like astrology itself, is complex and multifaceted. I believe that astrology is best understood as a unique blend of art and craft:

⠀

It’s a craft in its technical foundation, the skills and knowledge required to cast and read charts accurately.
It’s an art in its interpretative aspect, the intuitive and creative process of bringing meaning to the symbols and patterns.

⠀

While it borrows some concepts and methods from science, astrology operates in a different realm – one of symbolism, archetypes and personal meaning-making. It’s a language for exploring human experience and potential, rather than a tool for predicting measurable outcomes.

Embracing the Mystery

Perhaps the enduring appeal of astrology lies in its ability to bridge the rational and the intuitive, the measurable and the mysterious. In a world increasingly dominated by data and algorithms, astrology offers a way to explore the rich tapestry of human experience through a cosmic lens. Whether you’re a devoted astrology enthusiast (and I bet you are of you are reading this) or a curious skeptic, there’s no denying the profound impact this ancient practice has had on human culture. As we continue to gaze at the stars and ponder our place in the universe, astrology remains a fascinating tool for self-reflection and exploration.

Starzlife

Premium Astrology Newsletter

This piece originally appeared in our Starzlife premium astrology newsletter. As with every issue, subscribers received a complimentary PDF download related to this topic.

For those interested in receiving such in-depth articles directly upon release, we encourage you to join our Starzlife premium astrology newsletter.

Your subscription to Starzlife not only grants you access to exclusive content but also helps sustain our creative endeavors and operational costs.

⠀

Find out more about Starzlife here.

⠀

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog.