Filipinos often get confused with terminologies bearing the same sound, particularly those that are under the same umbrella or field. Let’s take ‘ astrology vs. astronomy’, for example. Both things are connected to science and divination, but not all people know the similarities and differences between the two.
Despite almost having the same pronunciation, astrology and astronomy have distinct characteristics. And Filipinos who venture the field of science and divination—or the unknown, must learn the key functions of the two.
Astrology — Unraveling the Meaning of the Universe
Astrology is a popular system or tradition used by the Hindus, Chinese, and the Mayas hundreds of years before. Surprisingly, it’s popular in the Philippines and other parts of Asia today.
By definition, astrology is a pseudoscience that allegedly provides information about our future and human affairs through the movements of celestial objects in the universe. Astrologers believe that the position of the stars, planets, or even comets has something to do with what’s currently happening on earth.
Astrology, although pseudoscience, is still part of mainstream science. Even if practitioners within this field are not scientists, there’s still logic behind the practice. It’s not just a simple horoscope. In fact, many people are trying to demystify astrology today, and most of them promote the practice online. According to an article published by American magazine The Atlantic, “Astrology expresses complex ideas about personality, life cycles, and relationship patterns through the shorthand of the planets and zodiac symbols. And that shorthand works well online, where symbols and shorthand are often baked into communication.”
In the Philippines, specifically, online groups handled by astrology enthusiasts continue to grow in popularity. With the help of Facebook, people find other people of the same wavelength. A popular Facebook group called Astrology Friends Manila is open for writers, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are into astrology. In other news, there are online freelancers who sell their sidelines to people interested in astrology.
If you’re fascinated with how the stars align or you just want to know what the universe has in store for you, consult Filipino astrologers at Rakuboss.ph. The platform functions as an online skill marketplace for freelance astrologers and other professionals who know a thing or two about prophecy and divination.
Astronomy — Discovering the Hidden Offerings of the Universe
Now, let’s be scientific, and define astrology vs. astronomy once and for all. Astronomy is the scientific study of our universe’s celestial objects, including but not limited to stars, planets, comets, and galaxies. However, they don’t use astronomy to predict events or human affairs. Researches within the bounds of astronomy contribute to our views of natural sciences.
Astronomy exists since the dawn of time. In fact, it’s one of the oldest sciences. Unlike astrologers who use their skills and talents to know what the universe has in store for us, astronomers use equipment like telescopes, gamma rays, infrared radiation, and x-rays to unravel the universe.
It’s worth noting that the astronomy and astrology have the same roots, but they’re not interrelated. According to Space.com, space, and astronomy news website owned by Future, “Astronomy and astrology were historically associated, but astrology is not a science and is no longer recognized as having anything to do with astronomy.”
Regardless, the two have their own purposes and target audiences. The concept of astrology vs. astronomy is more than just defining scientific terms. Let’s just say that astronomy looks at the universe critically, and astrology unravels the metaphorical meanings in the universe.
