Astronomy and Astrology: Dysfunctional Co-Dependence

by L. J. Williamson

Pluto's recent demotion really brings the problematic nature of the relationship between astronomy and astrology into focus. Astrology couldn't really exist without astronomy, but astronomy doesn't seem to give much of a hoot about its poor bastard child. The astrologers, on the other hand, seem to react like the scorned offspring they are -- in denial about their indebtedness to their progenitors one moment, resentful of it the next. There's an article about the debate, but you don't really have to read it, because I'm going to summarize it for you in the form of a riveting family drama.

Astronomy: Honey, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to take your Pluto away.

Astrology: But I'm still playing with it!

Astronomy: I know, sweetie, but it's not really a planet anymore. If I keep letting you have this, then I'm also going to have to let you play with hundreds of other dwarf planets, and you know I can't do that.

Astrology: Yes you can! You're not the boss of me!

Astronomy: Actually, yes I am. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even be here. If it weren't for my telescope, you wouldn't even have that Pluto.

Astrology: Hey, I didn't ask to be born! I'm going to keep using Pluto and you're not going to stop me!¹ And how come you guys didn't even ask me MY opinion?² Don't my feelings matter? It's like you don't even care about me!

Astronomy: I guess you've got me there. But this is my house, and you have to live by my rules.

Astrology: No I don't! I'm going to make up my own rules! You can stick it where the sun don't shine!³

Astronomy: Now you watch your language, there. Look, I might be taking away Pluto, but here's something new for you to play with.

Astrology: Xena?! Ceres!? Wow, cool! Thanks, Dad! You're the best!

¹Official position of American Federation of Astrologers and The Astrological Association of Great Britain
²Position of Shelley Ackerman, astrology columnist for Beliefnet.com
³Actual quote from Astrologer Arch Crawford.

| 01/23/07 | Astrology