The core beliefs of astrology have been in existence
since the ancient times. These beliefs are optimally embodied in the
Hermetic maxim "as above, so below". Most of the traditions of
astrology prevalent in the world are based on the core principle/belief
that the events that take place on earth are nothing but mirror images
of the events that take place in heaven. However, the astrologers in the
West have always been involved in a debate over the nature of mechanism
behind astrology.
The dispute that whether celestial bodies are only signs of events or a
cause of events is still in existence. One of the beliefs that are
commonly held by all astrologers is that the position of certain
celestial bodies either influences or correlates with, human affairs.
The modern explanation of the astrological beliefs is that the universe,
specifically the solar system, is a single unit in itself. So, whatever
happens in one part of the universe is always reflected in all the other
parts also.
However, the skeptics have questioned the validity of this belief,
since it lacks concrete evidence. Almost all the traditions of astrology
are based on relative positions and movements of the celestial bodies
and their movement pattern. These celestial bodies basically include the
Sun, the Moon, the planets, the stars and the lunar nodes. The positions
of these bodies are calculated on the basis of the tropical or sidereal
zodiacal signs, along with the local horizon (ascendant) and midheaven.
Then, the geometric/angular relationships between the various celestial
bodies and angles in the horoscope are determined, on the basis of the
astrological aspects. The predictive astrology is based on astrological
transits and astrological progressions. In case of astrological
transits, astrologers try to interpret the current movements of the
planets in terms of their significance. While, in astrological
progressions, they concentrate on advancing the horoscope, as per some
set patterns. Rather than relying on close observation of celestial
objects, astronomical data is being used by the astrologers of today.