DID RELIGION EVOLVE FROM ASTROLOGY?

                My only exposure to astrology and the related pseudoscience of the horoscope was the placemat and fortune cookies in a Chinese restaurant.  The horoscope was a novel amusement until the steaming chow mien arrived.  We would all compare fortunes at the end the meal.  I noticed that these momentary diversions were not only entertaining but each had a positive personality appraisal and future projection.  I don’t ever recall a horoscope predicting a house fire, automobile crash or some other misfortune like failing a final test.  I never took those predictions as nothing more than play things to pass the time.

                While reading Carl Sagan’s The Demon-Haunted World, in chapter 18, entitled, “The Marriage of Skepticism and Wonder,” he brought up the metaphysical relationship of astrology and the speculative motivation behind it – “a feeling of powerlessness in a complex, troublesome and unpredictable world.”  It immediately aroused my interest because that, in my opinion, is the same motivation behind religion.

                So I did a little cognitive research, enough to make the argument that the religions of the Bible most likely evolved from the traditions of astrology.  Whereas before I had no respect for astrology, I now have as much respect as I do religion.  But don’t get me wrong, “respect” doesn’t necessarily mean “belief.”

                As it pertains to astrology, Carl Jung apparently recognized the power of astrology referring to it as a “descriptive power on the mind” but he stipulated, “without subscribing to its descriptive claims,” least readers would think he was a believer.   I find Jung’s remark synonymous with philosopher, Daniel Dennett’s “belief in belief” without subscribing to the belief.  In other words, one can marginalize astrology and religion as superstition, myth, occult and pseudoscience and still appreciate its impact on human behavior. 

                Astrology can be traced back to the Babylonian period, the 2^rd millennium BC, which predates Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  There is some speculation that astrology was practiced by the Sumerians, in the 3^rd millennium BC, but there is no archeological evidence to confirm it.  You may recall that Sumer was the first sophisticated civilization to suddenly appear on earth, like a toadstool popping out of the earth.

                Sagan points out that “a quarter of all Americans believe in astrology.”  He says there are probably ten times more astrologers than there are astronomers, and in France there are more astrologers than Catholic priests.  Like it or not, believe it or not, there are more astrologers (palm readers “chiromancy”, mystics, psychics and variety of priests), that is, occult pseudoscientists than authentic scientists addressing human needs.  “Addressing human needs” is the key phrase.  In addressing human needs science is constrained by objectivity and reality.  There are no constraints with astrology and religion – no rules at all.  Anything is possible.   The only qualification: is it believable?  Believability is measured by behavior – and dollars and cents.

                Tyco Brahe, a Fourteenth Century Danish astronomer and alchemist coined the phrase, “By looking up I see downward.”  Isn’t that what religion does?  Can you see the parallel?

                The Kabbalah delves into stars and numbers.  God lives in the heavens, somewhere among the stars.  Mormons teach He lives “near unto Kolob,” a special celestial orb.  The Three Wise Men followed a star.  Astrology attempts to dazzle us with geometric and angular relationships.   Joseph Smith defined “spirit” as matter so fine it can’t be detected “except by him.”  As science slowly began to debunk many superstitious and occult beliefs, the mystics, astronomers and priests stared to adopt scientific syntax applying it where the belief could neither be proven or disproven.   

                Astrology and religion have similar impacts upon behavior.   It appeals mostly to those of us who have feeling of inadequacy and impotence in a troubled, indifferent world.   In many cases it placebo-like emboldens us or helps compensate for our shortcomings and weaknesses.  I don’t mean to imply it is all bad.  I would hate to think what the world would be like if we didn’t hope there was somebody “up there” looking out for us and have prepared a better place for us after we have exhausted our usefulness here on earth.  Even with such beliefs the world is a scary place and I suppose that as long as it is scary – we will continue to “belief” and “hope.”

                My bone of contention is with the predators and parasites that use religion, astrology, tea leaves, and palmistry as a means of power, prestige, revenge and profit – and I am saddened by the millions who place their fate and “souls” in the hands of such unscrupulous people.