Christmas Comment Competition

It is once again time for Christmas cleaning (am I the only mom that thinks cleaning before celebration) and all sorts of preparations. I have decided to start a friendly competition among readers (I have no idea how many you are).

Firstly, the prize is a hand-made natal chart and related reading. This will go to one who will write most fitting astrological Christmas memory. Bit vague, right? Yes, I don’t limit your comments, but these two things should be included – Christmas and astrology. I will personally pick a winner so this is also a subjective competition – personality will carry you a long way. The final day for your competition comment entry is 24.12.2005. I will pick the winner on 25.12.2005 and post it here on the site. Your prize will come during the January 2006, I must keep open schedule here as my family still comes first.

Right, I declare Astrology Signs Christmas Comment Competition open.

(ASCCC, doesn’t that sound like some computer terminology jargon?) :)

Quantitative astrology

I've increasingly started to wonder how the degree of planetary influence is calculated. How can we compare the strength between planets? Magnetism, gravitational pull, distance, mass and other features... This could especially be a problem with these outer planets as their influence could be sinking into white noise of asteroid belt.

I wonder how to quantify the individual influence of heavenly bodies. This science was easy when astronomy was about geometry and omens. Astronomy developed through mathematics and physics, but astrology stayed behind. Nowadays when we do charts and readings, we basically rely on memorized information and lists of various relations between planetary positions and their effects on us.

Astrology seems to appear intertwined with different mythologies. Which came first? Probably astrology, maybe it was an object for cultural exporting. New target countries had their own versions of foreign spiritual science... Fascinating. Does anyone have information on development of astrology, instead of dogmatic following of various rule sets? Any recommended readings?