THE ZODIAC IN OUR MODERN SOCIETY

Archimandrite Grιgorios Κonstantinou

PhD in Theology

Persistent care and anxiety of man to explore and explain everything he sees around him, tried in the interpretation of various phenomena. This phenomenon is called the occult science and art that originated since man think and observe natural phenomena. The particular but his involvement with the phenomena of the universe and the stars named Astrology or Astromanteia and thus have horoscopes...

The man first years without science did not have the capacity to interpret and explain many of the phenomena and magnificent spectacles of the sky. But after many years who have dealt with the phenomena of the firmament of uranium and tried to explain they were given the nickname astromantes or astrologers.
This phenomenon of astrology continues in our modern age. Those involved with the occult sciences are - techniques, always offer a "spirit of renewal." We say "spirit of renewal" because today's astrologers argue that newer methods follow the modern language speaking. In essence, however, believe the same as the first researchers of the universe.

In ancient Greece and even as we read in the period 600 BC, was particularly Geometry is used as a method of research and accuracy, the output of proof theory. In Greece at the time, as we know, the various sages sought to find the real causes of the phenomena of the sky. Seeking a clear answer to the question: "Why are the phenomena?". They did not reach the "how" happen and evolve, but they wanted and the reason "why are these". Seeking to reach the "root causes". In their effort was the ancient Greek sages emerged incomparable, as highlight all the older and younger scientists. But while these astrology - astromanteia still to this day to have big growth, particularly in developed countries with scientific potential.
Thus, within this small work, we will let them show the role played by signs in our modern society. Initially we will see what astrology is started from and what its relation to the zodiac and horoscope. Then we will see a precise relationship of astrology, with the Magic and Religion. The position of the Church through the Bible, the Holy Canons and the saints is necessary. Finally with the help of reputable scientists will Demystify astrology and the errors exist.
General astronomical information on some issues, it is necessary and will help to understand the issue. We report an initial map of the constellations of the northern hemisphere (Fig. 1), as seen in the spring months starred - pure Greek sky.

Fig.1. When should we look to the north the north of the map to have him down. When should look to the south south of the map to have him down. Bottom left are the sizes of stars and right symbols, if the star is double or variable, or whether it is a

cloud

The best orientation of the celestial firmament is the identification of the Great Bear, which leads us to the Small and easily distinguish the Polaris showing us the North Pole (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Orientation at night with the help of the Great Bear

The Big Dipper is depicted widespread in the constellation. Distinguish the bright stars of 7: a, b, c, d, e, g and h are a, b, c and d are the body of the Bear, and e, g and h of the tail (Figure 3). The Little Dipper with 3 bright stars: a (Polaris) b and c.

Figure 3. The Big Dipper in the constellation above.

We humans inhabitants of this Earth, we have the impression that our planet stays still and moving around the Sun that all members of the system, and as fixed stars. In reality, the planets Earth, the Moon, comets and a few other small bodies orbiting the Sun. But they had found the ancient distinction between the movement of the Sun around the Earth in one year. This movement of the sun visible in (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. In the center is the Sun, the Earth moves around this by writing the inner lack in one year. On March 21 the Sun is projected on the sky at point c, which is at the opposite end from the position of Earth. As the Earth moves, on June 22, September 23 so the Sun appears to move at the opposite end in the same direction.

At the same shape and divided the celestial equator. The Zodiac shown in (Fig. 5), a central zone of the ecliptic line. The width of 16 ° is divided into 12 parts. In these 12 parts respectively, and a sign, that is 12 constellations bearing the names of animals or humans, sixth Libra shown to scale. The Sun in the apparent motion around the Earth moves through each sign one months. That's why we say that the Sun is eg Capricorn, Pisces, etc.

Fig. 5. Apparent motion of the Sun in the zodiac in one year

1. What is astrology?

Astrology as a "science" can be based on the study of stars. The habit to study the stars from ancient times started believing that the heavenly bodies have forces that

have an impact on the lives of human beings.  

Astrology, in the era of the 16th century AD were identified or confused with astronomy, so the astro ¬ reasons to themselves and astronomers. The word astrology as a synonym of the word used in ancient astronomy and Aristotle to Cicero, due to alternative and concurrent use of these terms by the ancient Greeks. The term astrology instead of astronomy found in various astrological texts.

Today…
In our modern society, astrology seems to pass an evolutionary stage for the first time attracted the attention of scientists. They have discovered new knowledge about the universe, theories were rejected since man set foot on the Moon. Modern helped to new observations and studies leading to the sector to grow dynamically. Classics scholars, researchers, as the pair Gkogklen, from statistical studies were advocates of astrology. Astrology has a new form from the psychological investigation, facing man now as a spirit-soul and body.
Then after this brief historical review will seek to analyze the zodiac and the use of horoscopes.

The signs of astrology.

For a complete understanding of the zodiac astrology, we need to know a little celestial sphere. Everything that we see moving in the sky seems to move around and the earth, so the idea was developed of the celestial sphere (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. the celestial sphere. They seem also two great circles: the celestial equator and the ecliptic

They seem also two great circles: the celestial equator and the ecliptic. It is a sphere of infinite radius, having the center of Earth, while its surface divided "glued" the stars. On a sphere can be defined great circle. The various celestial coordinate systems used by astronomers are defined based on specific great circles of the celestial sphere.

The maximum cycle that interests us here is called ecliptic sure that is not associated with "elliptical". The term arises from the "Eclipse", as occurring along the ecliptic and the moon eclipses the sun. The ecliptic is the visible path swept by the Sun in the sky in one year. Of course, the Earth is orbiting the Sun and not vice versa! So, what changes is the position of the Sun on the celestial sphere (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7. As the Earth orbits around the Sun seems to move among the constellations of the ecliptic, staying in each for about a month

As the Earth orbits around the Sun seems to move among the constellations of the ecliptic, staying in each for about a month. "Signs", we call the zodiac constellations. The constellations are now stand at 88 in total, of which 12 are "lucky", called the zodiac. The ancient Greeks many of them have names. The zodiac constellations were known from antiquity, with mythical names like Gemini persons, animals (eg Taurus) and objects (eg Libra).

The names of the 12 zodiacal constellations are lucky Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn,

Aquarius and Pisces.

These zodiac constellations depicted with astrological symbols as shown below. Aries (^) Taurus (__), Gemini (``), Cancer (a)), Leo (b), Virgo (c)), Libra (d), Scorpio (e), Sagittarius (f), Capricorn (g), Aquarius (h) and fish (i). The shapes of the signs are determined arbitrarily by man, according to their religious and cultural pursuits. Hence there is complete unanimity. The Sun starting point of the spring passes successively to 12 signs.

There are two zodiac, he mentioned the tropical, which is connected to the spring point and «sidereal» connected to the stars. O first reported by astrologers in the West and o them second in the East. From everything you mentioned is understandable that the beliefs of astrology are not identical with astronomy and the signs are not related to the constellations.

horoscope.

The horoscope indicates a specific time for a given year. Everything that has to do with that time considered. The term originally meant horoscopes time (hours) of birth of a man, that today is called Ascendant. So this is the astrological chart of the birth of a man who abused called horoscope. Certainly the horoscope associated with the exact time and place of birth of human birth horoscope and is said to be important for the future of that person. There are other types of horoscopes according to the purpose it seeks to serve, such as hourly and secular horoscope.
Each Zodiac sign has in the minds of astrologer’s special forces and moments corresponding to the name. So Aries is a sign of creative momentum and spirit. Astrologers believe that these forces are transferred to those born under each sign. Apart from the position of the Sun at the time of birth, astrologers give importance and position of the planets. The horoscope is divided into twelve diameters houses, while in the region placed the signs.

The houses are part of the visible sky.
Each firm dominates one area of ​​life and affects humans, eg. The first house governs the body affecting the health. By studying the ratios of one planet, define the image of his health by taking the necessary measures. Even with future calculations, it has the ability to determine the future state of health. Stars indicate the ultimate fate of man, or whether the man can "correct" what the horoscope shows negative? Astrologers answer to this question in various ways.

The famous astrologer Zoe Wassiliko-Serecki, from Austria, says that "at birth seems to be something similar, like the emergence of a photographic plate". So in view of the fate that is recorded in the horoscope of a man is fixed in advance, and the potential for change is minimal. Illness, accidents, marriage, death, intermediate childbirth and many others are recorded and fixed. The relationship between astrology and magic with religion. The astrologers declare that astrology is not a religion but a science and so it does not conflict with religion. Christianity, says, "has his own beliefs.

 Astrology and religion collide.

Who made the planets studying astrology? God. Astrology as a term is to study the influence of the planets and the zodiac on human life."
Let us see whether astrology is a religion and if religion conflicts with the Christian Faith Undo changes Let us see whether astrology is a religion and if religion conflicts with Christianity.

According to the astrologer Dino Constantinou mind that says, "the astrologer is like a doctor of the soul and destiny and helps you to roll a lot more self your life. In ancient times, astrologer, physician, magician was the same thing".
Astrology, therefore, deals with the soul and future of helping him to acquire self-knowledge. The future is something similar to the Hindu belief in destiny, karma and reincarnation on. So I admit that "astrology deals with the discovery of the purpose of the soul in this incarnation, with information about past lives, which indirectly indicate karma and therefore in terms of mental self-awareness, ie the self that does not die".

So the fact that astrology is displayed by itself as a religion, seeking to lead man to "knowledge" and to "align either with God or the movements of planets".
The purpose of astrology is to replace the Christian hope and faith in the Triune God by faith in an impersonal universe and with the support of hope in the movement of planets.
According, then, with all the religion of astrology maintains that man is God's creation but part of the universe, so his life and his character is modeled on the actions of the universe and planets. The Christian faith and theology are replaced with astrology and the occult beliefs of. The position of trust in God takes faith in the horoscope and the astrologer. Astrology requires followers of a faith, just as the demand of the different religions.

Course may not have formal rituals like most of the known religions, but has its own "ritual" the astrological calendar. Astrologers are priests who carry the initiation of human knowledge of the secrets that hide the constellations. Moreover it has its own doctrines and secret ways of reading and interpreting the movements of stars, which have to be a good privy to them can be "read".
Astrology as a religion characterized as "the only true religion, the only evidence for God", of course can not be other than the religion of  "New Age or Age of Aquarius". The "Age" is, they argue, will bring radical changes to our planet as the "Second Coming", a Third World War or a raid on another planet's inhabitants.
The "Age of Pisces" is the era of Christianity that left confusion and global tragedies, they say, ‘‘Jesus, teach, the spiritual leader of his time, was called Messiah of Peace, and Man of Sorrows’’.

In the field of astrology but moving the so-called Christian Astrology. Here an attempt to present Christianity as "astrological religion". But at this point we note that by trying to bring astrology to Christianity and adopted the Christian faith appears more open to religion, being obliged to subdue the Christian faith in its own doctrines. The result is the replacement of the Christian faith in astrology. Instead of Christian hope astrological hope. The position of our trust in Christ, must take confidence in our horoscope. Astrology is a belief, like all religions.
Finally we conclude that astrology is a religion without hesitation and with occult tendencies and also dangerous religion, which militates against the Orthodox Christian faith. Sympathy in astrology, is incompatible with Christian faith.

The Bible

Astrologers claim that the Christian button was the belief in the stars and astronology, and then heard about the future.

So o Dr. Lohmer (Christus astrologisch gesehen) writes: «Christianity was primarily a pure worship of the stars. The Gospel is the proclamation of " is "an initiation Scripture and wisdom of the stars". that is the 12 zodiac signs.
This image certainly has nothing to do with the Church of Christ. The astrologers, however, as the occultists, show the Bible to their feet, removing it from all the evidence the purely astrological character of the Christian Church. What matters is that the central message of the Bible against stress ¬ slice of astrological concepts.
What Old Testament says about astrology and astromanteia? First God created the stars to illuminate the earth and not give them the value they attach  astrology strips plus.

People did not honor the stars. Instead contrast united their praise with the praise of man, revealing the glory of God and revealing the wisdom of the Creator. So do not determine the fate of the stars, however, the fate of people deter roots the future of all creation, including in and stars.
The stars as we took part in the birth of Christ and His death on the cross, and many other events. So the fate of man does not depend on the stars but the stars become shareholders of our hope, according to His promise, we remain  include new heavens and new earth, ‘‘new heaven and earth’’.
Apart from what is stated there are other passages in the Bible that prohibit any kind of divination, which belongs to astrologia.

The Israelite people are attracted by the gods chanaanitikous, which included the celestial body automatically. King of the tribe of Judah, Josiah, in his attempt to bring the people on the right path, as indicated in  Five issues, destroyed the pagan objects the people had built for the sake of the worship of stars, killed those who offered incense to the sun and the moon, that offer victims in twelve points of the zodiac.

The Prophet Isaiah's prophecy to refer to Babylon, ​​which was delivered in astrology and magic. God, through the Prophet warns the faithless Babylon for this spiritual prostitution. The fact that people expect help from the stars to determine the fate or gei. To reduce the bad in life, characterized by pre  fiti prostitution. And if the person relying on the help of astrologers, can not answer them.
To perceive one or the stars or astrology ployed as a kind of "prophet" is an "abomination" before God. The astrologer who claims that art is "divine" and speaks of God as a Representative, is a false prophet. Astrologers belonging to this category of false prophets. They do not speak "in the name of the Lord» • why, as the Scripture says, is "Anything essential verb Lord spoke» • speak "in the name of gods either on" of the Olympian gods, demons in the name. The true prophet is the feeling of nothingness and abasement.

Unlike the astrologer is full of selfishness and arrogance deprived of humiliation by having regard to the prophet of God. God's people must have confidence in God, and him to go for help. Any other assistance to move to "other gods",  spiritual prostitution and abomination before God, who asserts: "I am the Lord your God ... essential they shall be gods other than the thee myself".

The New Testament certainly contains various passages detailing and clarity in astrology. The Apostle Paul in First Corinthians writes clearly, that those who drink from the chalice of the Lord cannot drink from the cup of demons because that anger of the Lord. In the Revelation of John speaks of the Magi and idolaters, and the consequences that will have them during the coming judgment.
So, according to the Bible and what we have said is clear that the treasures of wisdom and knowledge is not written in the stars to decrypted by astrologers, but in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Fathers of the Church.

In the matter of astrology involved several of the fathers of our Church. Their position was negative. All emphasized that one can not consult astrologers and that it is Christian. Here are the positions of the Fathers, concerning the various soothsayers and astrologers.

St. Basil the Great says in his book "Hexaemeron’’, interpreting the Genesis first 14, astrology and relates it to perceptions of the Chaldeans.
Saint John Damascene, dealt with astrology in his book "Exposition of the Orthodox Faith accurate" (II 21), mentions the twelve signs and movements of planets and trying to prove that man has free will and logical operations and that all life is not defined or specified by the respective movements of inanimate stars and planets.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa, dealt with our subject in his speech "On fate". Refers to a conversation with someone philosopher, who proclaimed that fate (fate, destiny) identify all areas of human life which is determined by the strengths and complexities of these stars and determine the differences in people's lives. So Orders the saint, who believe or guess what will happen, giving them a demonic activities aimed disorientation of man by God.

Therefore the Church's position, as expressed through the Bible, the holy Fathers, is categorical, ie the status of Christian is completely incompatible with being the follower of astrology.

From everything that you refer proves that astrology is incompatible with Christian faith. The Bible condemns astrology because it cancels the hope of Christians and the Church Fathers against astrology anxiously for pastoral addressing the Christians of every era.

In the following we will say a few words about the debunking of astrology.

Debunking of astrology.

According to astrologers the celestial bodies affect people in two ways: First, add a permanent 'trends' in human nature at birth, on the other, depending on the positions they take the heavenly bodies in the course of our lives, affecting the behavior and available. The influence exerted appears with the "magnetism" and "radiation".
The scientists as to what is categorical: "The electromagnetic forces acting on us are quite minimal as long as the objects that surround us are electrically neutral".
According to astrologers, planets of the solar system affect our lives, despite their great distance and the greater mass and are the closest planet to us, the greater its effect on us. The land would be the largest astrological factor, since it is closer to us, even from the sun and the moon.

Above the Arctic Circle (66 degrees latitude) may be a planet, not to be visible for several weeks. Thus, it is almost impossible to figure out exactly who or what zodiacal constellation point rises on the horizon, above this latitude. So it can be noted that some residents of northern Alaska and Siberia, have horoscope. So do not have global influence to determine their existence.

Even otherwise, since horoscopes are different, how come thousands of people (different ages and lifestyles), to die in a mass tragedy.  The astrological answer is that "secular astrology" dominates "natal astrology’’. Of course this is not answer, because the entire system is based on birth on the principle that only planetary forces determine the fate of each. But they can not both happen.
In the books of astrologers are abundant references to planets and stars, trying to connect to dealing with astronomy. But here we note that neither a scientist, astronomer does not confuse science with astrology.
For an astronomer, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, are names of the planets. For the astrologer, however, this list is a vast collection of legends and myths that baptizes the names in the ancient Greek and Roman mythology!

The predictions of various astrologers are different. So it is logical and natural that some will look all right! And, of course, this may not be forever, because once you made the mistake. On the crucial question, what is the meaning of existence of the zodiac constellations? The answer is simple. From an astronomical point of view, the constellations provide a framework within which we can observe the Sun, Moon and planets, but Mars in the Great Bear, because this is zodiac constellation. The rest, it is perfectly "normal" signs, without any special "magic" property.

Their report they do indicate that the planets affect our lives. What is the effect and how is it calculated? When astrologers say scientists should have some machine tools for calculating the influence of the planets in our lives. But when they export their predictions consult the maps and tables while astronomers have their telescopes. So the astrological to astronomical studies do not coincide.
The influence of the planets in our lives. The attraction, however, their strength is negligible because of the huge distances from us. Some astrologers, such as Dr. Omar Newman pocket book for all the signs say that the planets affect us with electromagnetic radiation. But how astrologers interpret this effect? The electromagnetic radiation of mobile phone is larger and closer to us but we can say that it affects the emotional or our finances?

Astrology tells us that the months of the birth of man reveals the sign, which indicates the temperament and the moment of birth indicates the Ascendant, the man that he appears to others. If we accept that the heavenly bodies play such a crucial role in human life to regulate traits, depending on the time to be born, how can we justify the lack of effect on this man, nine months earlier but already there?
The astrologers also point out that Mercury affects the professional, emotional Venus, Mars, sexuality etc. How that Venus affects our feelings? Why not affect the business? Aphrodite in ancient Greece worshiped as a goddess of beauty and love. Thus astrology is directly connected with idolatry.

Astrology is described as a pseudo science of the following:

1. What is the chance one day be the same for one twelfth of the world's population?

2. Why astrology is seen as a critical time of birth, not conception of man?
3. After the female uterus can prevent the embryo from astrological influences, why can not the same flesh, another similar bag?

4. If the astrologers are as long as they claim effective, why they don't have proportional prosperity that forecasts in the other?
5. All horoscopes drawn up before the discovery of three planets far away is wrong?

6. It wouldn't be supposed astrology it is condemned as a form of fanaticism?

7. Different astrological "schools" strongly disagree among themselves, Why?
8. If body of astrological influence is a known force, why the planets dominate?

9. If institution of astrological influence is a unknown force, why it doesn't depend from the distance?

10. If the astrological influences are independent of distance, because there is no astrology?

         

In conclusion we conclude that though the astrologers deny all these questions in the cause that astrological influences exist but are outside the scope of today our ability to understand the universe - there is a devastating argument. Astrology does not work! Tests conducted proved that astrologers can not predict anything. Ultimately, it is necessary to know how something works to see if it works or not. The last twenty years, astrologers declared that they are busy and do not spend time in the statistical confirmation of their work. Yet, millions of people seem to swear in the name of the zodiac. And here we understand the great deception of astrologers.

No scientist and astronomer, especially, does not accept that

astrology is something serious.

From everything you mentioned, we conclude that astrology but one is pseudo science and fraud. Astrology has no power to predict the course of human life. Why, even if the devil showed us some little truth in the near future, we can not protect us and help.

The providence of God the one and free will, freedom to say, the man on the other hand, are the arguments of St. Damascus against error and fraud astrology and the zodiac.

Once again we note that astrology is not science. It is clearly a kind of occultism and magic. We need Christian faith. Connects with other religious beliefs such as belief in the "laws" of reincarnation and karma. Rejected and condemned by the Bible and the holy Fathers. Also criticized and rejected by the leading scientists of Astronomy, Psychology.