Written in the Stars - Astrologers

An astrologer is a practitioner who utilizes one or more forms of astrology.  Astrology can be defined in turn as the study of the influence that cosmic objects such as stars and planets have on occurrences in human lives. Generally, an astrologer creates a horoscope prediction based on the time an event occurs.  They also use the arrangement and location of the stars to determine the individual nuances and characteristics of said event.  Far beyond just your standard star chart reading, astrologers do their best to make the mystical and celestial make sense.

Early Astrologers

Perhaps the earliest record of organized astrology stems from ancient Mesopotamia.  The system of omen astrology used by Babylonians was a simple one, and the earliest of astrologers served those in power.  They advised rulers in all areas of decision making.  The Babylonians' system of omen astrology was used largely for forecasting everyday happenings such as famine, warfare, peace, and the like based on predetermined celestial indicators.

At this point astrology and astronomy weren't differentiated as separate subject areas. Astronomic observance was frequently practiced by someone who had astrological motives for doing so. Indeed, an astrologer’s professional responsibility and desire for prophetic knowledge for played a large part in advancing the field of astronomy, and the Babylonians developed a very exact method to mathematically predict the location of stars and celestial phenomena based on their observable cycles.

Astrology Today

In the United States, the practice of astrology is for the most part unregulated. Credentials are not mandated by legislation in order for an astrologer to offer his or her services. All the same, there are various tests provided through private establishments such as the American Federation of Astrologers and the National Council for Geocosmic Research that let those wishing to become so-called "professional" astrologers to exhibit their levels of proficiency.

There are three main types of astrology used.  Mundane astrology is a branch in which world events are examined and predictions made in turn about national affairs, wars and world economies. Interrogatory astrology is a branch of astrology that features making specific predictions about a person’s life objectives about certain events in that person’s life.  Finally, natal astrology is what people are most familiar with in the subject of astrology. Natal astrology used a person’s date of birth to make specific predictions and analyses of that person’s life and characteristics.