What is Astrology? How effective is Astrology? The confusion persists. The thought processes do solidify the division between the two set of people who are for and against astrology. Before moving on further, let�s understand what is astrology.

Astrology is considered as the study of the influences of the relative planetary movements on various aspects of the lives of human beings .By understanding the relative planetary positions at the time of the birth of an individual and during his life, astrology helps in predicting the future of the person.

Is astrology a science:

Is astrology a science or pseudoscience? Their so called rational thinking gives full marks for this stream not to be a science. There is another set of people who feels and gives all the supporting evidences to prove that astrology if properly conducted can give accurate results in the lives of human beings. Read the following quote by Johannes Kepler on astrology:

"You shouldn't dismiss as incredible the possibility that a long enough search might reveal a golden grain of truth in astrological superstition."
-- Johannes Kepler

Types of Astrology:

There are various forms of astrology being practised in different parts of the world. The various types of astrology are:

Vedic Astrology: Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotisha, has been originated from the Vedas some 6000 of years back. Jyotisha has been referred to in Rig Vedas for the first time and then thereafter its references can be found in the great classical indian epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharatha and the Bhagvada Gita. Jyotisha is called the eye of Veda for its ability to see into the future. Vedic Astrology uses the sidereal zodiac wherein the stars are considered to be the fixed background and the motion of the planets is measured against this background which is further related to the life of an individual. The stars and the planets do not rule our destiny .They simply record the destiny which has already been formed. Vedic Astrology is the main form of astrology which is currently practices in South Asia. Vedic Astrology also gives remedial measures to get rid of various negative forces in life which are leading to mental imbalances or anxiety or diseases or deterioration in relationships. By practicing the principles laid down in vedic astrology, one can get relieved of the problems being faced by him.

Western Astrology: Western Astrology is geocentric. It considers Earth as the centre around which the Sun revolves. Western Astrology is based on the principle of seeing the path of the Sun through the constellations or planets as seen from the Earth. The constellations which lie along the path are now called the Zodiac. The sun sign represents the sign of the Zodiac that the sun passed through at the time of the birth of a person. The sunsign rules the personality and the characteristics associated with the person.

Mundane Astrology: This is the branch of astrology which covers the broad spectrum of effects on the world events and national polity rather than concentrating on effects on the individual.

Chinese Astrology: Chinese astrology is the divination of future using the Chinese Calendar which is based on 12 year lunar cycle. The sign of an individual is determined by the year in which the person is born. Each sign has been associated with an animal and the person born under that sunsign possesses the characteristics associated with that animal. Chinese astrology has following animals being associated with signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Medical Astrology: This stream of astrology deals with the study of the effects of the movements of planets, Sun and moon on the health of an individual. According to Medical astrology, each of the 12 astrological signs is associated with specific parts of the body.

The other not so prevalent streams of astrology are: Natal Astrology, Horary Astrology, Electional Astrology, Sidereal Astrology, Uranium Astrology, Meteorological Astrology.