Astrology is basically a combination of various systems, traditions and
beliefs that revolve around the knowledge about the relative position of
the twelve constellations. The term 'Astrology' has been derived from
two Greek words, aster/astrós meaning 'star' and logos/lógou
meaning 'word/speech'. Thus astrology becomes the 'speech about the
stars'. The person who practices astrological science is known as an
astrologer.
In the initial phases of history, astrology and astronomy were entwined
together, both being associated with prognostic and divinatory
knowledge. However, astronomy started separating from astrology
somewhere around the 18th century. Astrology is believed to be a
symbolic language, a form of art as well as a science. Infact,
scientific community considers it to be a pseudoscience, since there is
no conclusive proof of its validity.
Astrology provides general information helpful in comprehending,
clarifying and arranging information about human character, human
relationships and other earthly matters. The earliest records of the
existence of astrological concepts date back to the beginning of 2nd
millennium BC. Since that time, numerous new traditions and applications
have evolved. Astrology has played quite an influential role in relation
to early astronomy as well as other disciplines.