astrologist

An astrologist is a practitioner who studies astrology, the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies—such as the sun, moon, planets, and stars—can influence human personality and events. Astrology interprets symbolic meanings and patterns rather than measuring physical forces, and it contrasts with astronomy. Although astrologist is a valid term, astrologer is more commonly used in modern English.

Astrology has ancient roots in Mesopotamia and spread through Hellenistic Egypt, later influencing Indian Jyotisha and Chinese astrology. Traditional practice involves casting a birth chart from the subject’s date, time, and place of birth and reading the chart through techniques such as planetary positions, houses, aspects, and progressions. Some astrologists also use transit charts, solar returns, and progressions.

Common branches include natal (birth) astrology, predictive or forecast astrology, horary astrology (answering specific questions from a chart), electional astrology (choosing favorable times for events), and synastry (chart comparison for compatibility). Historically medical astrology linked planetary influences to health, though this practice has largely diminished in mainstream medicine.

Critics and regulation: The scientific consensus views astrology as a belief system or pseudoscience, lacking empirical support for its claims. Regulatory oversight varies by country; many practitioners operate independently, with credentials often issued by professional organizations rather than formal universities.

Notable organizations include the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) and the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR). Education for astrologists ranges from self-study and books to workshops and certification programs offered by associations, astrology schools, and software-assisted training.