Astrology, Academia & Politics
Astrology, Academia & Politics: The Fear Factors
by Jennifer Hollie Bowles
The study of astrology involves a deep learning process with high-order concepts, calculations, history, and beyond. Advanced astrologers acquire a vast amount of knowledge and skill in order to be effective. They must at once be theorists and practitioners because astrology is fluid and contextual. They must check their theories and knowledge of planetary energies and aspects with actual chart data and people data at every step of the way.
How is this process ever considered non-academic or “fluffy” enough to be excluded from formal education in the United Sates? (Note that other countries have various inclusions and exclusions of astrological education). On the one hand, we can trace this back to the scientific revolution, where many forms of “metaphysics” were excluded from academics in favor of seemingly “objective” versions of reality.
Yet, did astronomy really totally usurp astrology in terms of knowledge, or was something else going on? Find an article about the depth of astrology and its correlation to Quantum Physics and other advanced forms of knowledge, and we also find a plethora of academics (and others who haven’t studied astrology) extremely quick to bash astrology’s credibility.
Find a school like Kepler College, which was founded by highly educated astrologer and historian Dr. Robert Hand, and we find a similar story. At first accepted by the higher education accrediting board, many academics were outraged by the inclusion of astrology into academia. Due to the bashing of the credibility of astrology itself, Kepler College’s efforts to gain accreditation was revoked, along with the degree standings earned by students.
In part, many astrological practitioners—who are often not rigorously learned and trained—are to blame for the poor view of astrology held by intellectuals and academics. Claiming psychic ability, for example, is not a great way to increase the standing of a discipline. Astrologers of this ilk represent far too much of the mainstream information available to the public, which unfortunately, makes it easy for astrology to be viewed poorly.
On the other hand, another interesting pattern emerges when we find leading scientists making comments like this: “The fact is that astrology, whether judged by its theory or its practice, is bunkum. In a free society there is no reason to prevent those who wish to learn nonsense from finding teachers who want to make money-peddling nonsense. But it is inexcusable for the government to certify teachers of nonsense as competent or to authorize—that is, endorse—the granting of degrees in nonsense.”
Consider how people react when they are afraid of something. Do they attempt to negatively label that “something?” Yes. Do they attempt to reduce that “something?” Yes. Do they make broad claims not founded upon logic and reality? Yes. And this is exactly what happens when others attempt to belittle astrology, as evidenced by the quote above..
Why are so many academics, educational accrediting bodies, and more importantly—the political factions who fund them—afraid of astrology?
1) From an educational perspective, astrology poses a threat to knowledge that has been controlled and dominated by the few, and
2) From a political perspective, astrology poses a threat to those in power who seek to control and dominate the individual.
If we take a look at Quantum Physics, we find that it is still highly debated in the academic world because it debunks traditional theories, such as Relativity Theory. Even when academic sciences go through what is known as a paradigm shift, where traditional theories are usurped for new ones that better explain phenomena, the process is never easy and often met with heavy disagreements from those scientists who do not want things to change.
Similarly, if we take a look at the individual in the modern world, we find all sorts of groups, media, governments, and other factions who want people to think certain ways and to align to specific versions of reality. It even took a long time for psychology and sociology to be accepted as social sciences because the corresponding theories often challenged the status quo.
When people study astrology, they have the potential to learn an immense amount about the energies operating in their lives and the world. This knowledge, while not deterministic, is power, and perhaps the last thing those currently in power want is a vast community of people who know how to effectively navigate personal energies and create new realities.
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About the Author
Jennifer Hollie Bowles is a widely published multi-genre writer. She offers unique workshops and services at Holistic Nook. Join her on December 6, 2014 at San Diego Writers, Ink for a Holistic Writing Workshop adventure!
