Astrology has long captivated our fascination with the celestial bodies and their influence on our lives. From the worship of heavenly bodies to the history of astrology, this ancient practice has been intertwined with human culture, society, and politics. However, one intriguing aspect of astrology is the concept of astrological ages, which parallels major changes in the development of Earth's inhabitants. In this article, we will dive into the astrological age theory and explore its different perspectives and applications.
The Twelve Astrological Ages
According to astrologers, there are twelve astrological ages, each corresponding to one of the twelve zodiacal signs in Western astrology. These ages are said to be cyclical, with each cycle, known as a Great Year, lasting approximately 25,772 years. Some astrologers believe that events during a specific age are directly influenced by the astrological sign associated with that age, while others argue that there is no influence at all.
Perspectives on Astrological Ages
There are three main perspectives on astrological ages. Archeoastronomers, who study the cultural traditions of societies that extensively referred to astrology, don't necessarily believe in astrology as a science but find value in understanding its cultural significance. Astrologers, on the other hand, have been interested in relating world history to astrological ages since the late 19th century. However, most astrologers focus more on horoscopes rather than astrological ages. Finally, the concept of the Age of Aquarius gained popularity in the 1960s as a symbol of societal change and progress, fueled by the musical "Hair."
The Zodiacal Durations
While astrologers do not agree on the exact dates for the beginning or ending of astrological ages, a table compiled by Neil Mann provides typical durations and historical events associated with each era. For example, the Age of Libra is believed to have lasted from 15,150 BCE to 13,000 BCE, coinciding with the Lascaux cave paintings and the settlement of the Americas.
The Controversy and Consensus
Details about astrological ages remain disputed and controversial. Some argue that the doctrine of precession of the equinoxes, upon which astrological ages are based, has been the subject of much nonsense. Others believe that ancient myths and astronomical records contain valuable information about precession and astrological ages. While there is no consensus on the exact starting and ending times for the different Great Ages, there is unanimous agreement that the progression of the ages proceeds in reverse direction through the zodiacal signs.
The Lengths and Beginnings of Ages
There are different approaches to dividing the Great Year into twelve astrological ages. One method is to divide the Great Year into equal-length ages of around 2,156 years each based on the vernal equinox moving through the sidereal zodiac. Another method significantly varies the duration of each astrological age based on the passage of the vernal equinox measured against the actual zodiacal constellations. Each of these twelve sections can be referred to as an astrological age or a Precessional Age.
Age Transitions and Other Perspectives
The transition from one astrological age to another is often considered a gradual process called a "cusp." Astrologers suggest that while a new astrological age begins, it blends its influences with the previous age for a period of time. Researchers have proposed various dates for the start of the Age of Aquarius, ranging from the 15th century to the 27th century.
Alternative Perspectives and Fringe Myths
In addition to the mainstream approaches to astrological ages, various alternative, esoteric, and fringe perspectives exist. These include calibrating precession of the equinoxes based on the heliacal rising constellation on the day of the vernal equinox, rather than the position of the Sun. This alternative approach suggests that the Age of Aquarius began in the 15th century, earlier than the commonly accepted timeline.
Exploring Astrological Ages
Astrological ages offer a unique lens through which we can examine the shifts in human development and the influence of celestial bodies. While controversies surround the exact dates and significance of astrological ages, their impact on culture and society cannot be denied. Whether you believe in the power of astrology or find it intriguing from a historical and cultural perspective, exploring the astrological ages is an enriching journey into humanity's connection with the cosmos.