Chances are you’ve heard the word “cosmology” but aren’t sure exactly what it means, not to mention its relationship with astrology. Is cosmology the same as astronomy? And if it’s a “hard” science, how come it often seems to incorporate creation myths and esoteric philosophies?
We are about to take a deep dive into the similarities and differences between astrology and cosmology, and by the end of it, you may understand more than you think. You’re about to find out how the two can be combined to create greater fulfillment and a sense of purpose in your everyday life.
What’s the Difference Between Astrology and Cosmology?
Cosmology is a scientific branch of astronomy that focuses on the origin and development of the universe, all the way from the Big Bang to today. The field typically combines particle physics and astronomical observations, which cosmologists study to discover more about the universe’s beginnings.
Astrology, on the other hand, is concerned with the movement of the planets and other celestial bodies through the sky, and how this may determine personality traits and unfolding events. The practice isn’t regarded as a science but, rather, a pseudoscience.
How are Astrology and Cosmology Similar?
There are some clear similarities between astrology and cosmology. Both entail the observation of planets, suns, stars, and other objects in space, carefully recording these movements. Both are fundamentally concerned with the study of celestial bodies.
Proponents of astrology and cosmology seek to find patterns, rules, or convergences through their study. For the former, this takes the form of how celestial patterns relate to human destinies, while the latter aims to discover the underlying mechanisms of the universe.
A Unified Science
In the times of the ancient Greeks astrology, astronomy, and cosmology were combined science, and viewed as coming under the umbrella of mathematics. The ancient Babylonians, too, used both astronomy to predict lunar cycles and astrology to make predictions; they believed that the planets were gods who moved across the sky.
Today, astrology and cosmology are viewed as very different fields, despite sharing some important similarities. Aligning them can provide fascinating insights into our personalities and unique journeys.
Going Their Separate Ways
From the seventeenth century onwards, astrology and astronomy (including cosmology) began to diverge. Notably, Copernicus did not practice astrology, whereas his academic forebears, such as Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei most certainly did.
By the time the eighteenth century came to a close astronomy was considered one of the most significant scientific fields and viewed as entirely distinct from astrology. A factor in this shift was the recently codified scientific method, which was widely recognized in mainstream thinking.
Cosmology and the Elements
The ancient Greek text De Mundo describes a cosmology in which the universe is made up of the heavens and the Earth, and the elements contained within them. These elements are Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Ether – the four astrological elements (plus Ether) that the star signs are divided into today.
The ancient Greeks believed that the elements were separated into distinct spheres, with the “lesser” elements always surrounded by the “greater” throughout the entire universe.
Cosmology’s Impact on Culture
Cosmology is such a huge field of study, with such far-reaching ramifications, that it’s no surprise that its influences have been – and are – seen in culture and the arts. From ancient texts on the journey of the soul to modern sci-fi films, transition and evolution continue to be key themes.
Anthropological cosmology is concerned with the way the world works and draws in both scientific studies and theories to create frameworks for disciplines such as politics and psychology.
Astrology as an Astronomy for the People
Since so many cultures from all over the world, from prehistoric times to today, have sought to create an astrological system, it’s been suggested that it’s astronomy for the people. Enduring and widely practiced, astrology allows us to transcribe cosmology’s basic principles into our daily lives.
So many human societies, throughout time, have sought understanding in the stars – and it’s something that we continue to do today, reading our horoscopes to discover what our week holds.
The Four Branches of Cosmology
The science of cosmology is, broadly, divided into four branches: physical cosmology, religious cosmology, metaphysical cosmology, and esoteric cosmology. As you may have guessed, the latter two allow for some clear overlap with astrology.
Ancient studies of the cosmos are based on the concept that there are two realms, the physical and the spiritual. With its focus on the spiritual self, spiritual evolution, and the purpose behind our lives, esoteric and metaphysical cosmology and astrology share an essential foundation.
Metaphysical Cosmology
This branch of cosmology has a clear connection with astrology: it’s about the position of humanity in the universe, concerning other celestial entities. Metaphysical cosmology is associated with where we are in the universe and how other planets, stars – even superconsciousness – may affect us.
Sounds familiar, right? Astrology, too, is fundamentally concerned with how the planets, moons, and stars affect us day-to-day and impact our life’s purpose. A study of astrology can help us grapple with some of the biggest questions of them all.
Esoteric Cosmology and Epigenesis
Both esoteric cosmology and astrology have a focus on spiritual evolution or epigenesis. Astrology can help us face up to our challenges and become the very best version of ourselves while esoteric cosmology is also rooted in the concept that, for ultimate fulfillment, the spiritual and worldly planes must be in alignment.
Keeping an open heart and mind is necessary in both philosophical systems. With each, we need to be prepared to be guided by, and even confronted with a higher spiritual power.
A Look at Vedic Cosmology
Vedic cosmology, detailed in the ancient Sanskrit Puranas, fuses cosmology’s “hard” science with profound spirituality. This includes the creation of the universe by the Superconsciousness (Vishnu) and the further creation that was subsequently undertaken by superhuman beings, most notably Brahma.
Beyond our universe, according to Vedic cosmology, is the spiritual universe of Vaikuntha where the planets and their inhabitants are eternal. Like astrology, this form of cosmology is concerned with both the physical reality of celestial bodies, and how they relate to the spiritual realm.
The Planets’ Meanings
For cosmologists, a study of the planets revolves around their physical makeup, their journey from birth to death, and their movement through space. While astrologers are also concerned with the movements of the planets, they assign specific meanings and personality traits to each.
The Sun, for astrologers, is the essence of the being and is associated with ego and identity, while Jupiter is connected to optimism, growth, and abundance. Dreams, intuition, and mysticism are the province of Neptune and Venus is, of course, linked to pleasure, love, and harmony.
The Impact of New Discoveries on Astrological Practices
Many new concepts that have emerged in the field of cosmology have indirectly influenced that of astrology. For example, theories around dark matter and dark energy (believed by many scientists to make up the majority of the universe’s mass and energy) are informing astrological symbolism regarding the unseen forces that affect our lives.
Similarly, the discovery of new exoplanets (planets beyond our solar system) could potentially expand the field of astrology to take in new celestial environments.
Infinite Possibilities and Mysteries
The study of both astrology and cosmology allows us a glimpse of the infinite potential and mysteries of the universe. Both point to something beyond the everyday world, and awaken a spiritual sense of wonder: we are part of a much bigger plan.
Like astrology, cosmology suggests a different way of looking at our world, and our lives, promoting a sense of curiosity and encouraging us to see the patterns and bigger picture. Both help us to expand our knowledge within and without.
Creation Myths: Religious Cosmology
Creation myths make up an important element of some branches of cosmology. Such stories tend to provide a worldview aiming to guide humanity in its relations with the natural and spiritual worlds. This also sounds a little familiar, doesn’t it?
Religious cosmology, like astrology, is often concerned with archetypes, and helping us orient ourselves in the world to guide our path going forward. Helping us to feel secure in our place in the world – and the universe – are important elements of each philosophy.
Contemplating Cosmology by Star Sign
Depending on your star sign, you can incorporate some of the overarching principles and concepts of cosmology into your daily life, or simply use them as prompts upon which to meditate. The origin of the universe is a pretty big subject, after all, so splitting it between the signs can be helpful!
Below you’ll find some handy hints and hacks to infuse your life with a little cosmological energy every day, whether you’re a sharp-as-a-pin Aquarius or hard-to-convince Capricorn.
Aries: Exciting New Beginnings
The Big Bang theory, dominant in mainstream cosmology, is one that’s sure to impress Aries, who loves nothing more than a fiery, exciting new beginning. It’s one of the Ram’s great strengths: their ability to go into every adventure with a sense of optimism and purpose.
Once the initial excitement of a new beginning has died down, however, it’s important not to lose focus and resolve. Consider the quiet infinity of stars spreading from that one fearsome explosion. Progress doesn’t always need to be dramatic.
Taurus: Down to Earth
Just because Taurus are Earth signs, doesn’t mean they don’t like to look to the stars and dream. As the most sensuous sign of the zodiac, they’re not as entirely practically minded as they often appear!
One of the key principles of cosmology is that change is inevitable. Everything must adapt and grow. The Bull may wish to contemplate this if they find themselves struggling to come to terms with change, or digging their hooves in without good reason.
Gemini: Cultivating Curiosity
For clever, airy Gemini, curiosity comes naturally. The importance of this trait is something that cosmology teaches us, too. Asking questions and actively seeking answers is a characteristic shared by astrologists and cosmologists alike.
Geminis may well enjoy studying the basics of cosmology, to give them a framework on which to base their philosophical seekings. A grounding in cosmology can open up many fascinating avenues of contemplation.
Cancer: Catching the Cosmological Principle
The cosmological principle states (in a nutshell!) that, when viewed on a large enough scale, the universe looks about the same in all places. For home-loving Cancerians, there is likely to be comfort in this. No matter where we are in the vastness of infinity, there is familiarity.
Sensitive, emotional Cancer may also chime with cosmology’s inherent resilience. Despite the explosive, even destructive forces at work, the Earth, and the universe continue to thrive – and the Crab can, too.
Leo: As Above, So Below
The Lion will love the expansiveness of cosmology’s fundamental principles. All of that space, action, and drama! The sheer vastness of the universe will appeal to Leo’s ambition and sense of scale.
Humility doesn’t tend to come naturally to Leos, and this is where an awareness of cosmology can help. A study of cosmology promotes a sense of humility; after all, it’s hard not to feel humble in the presence of infinity. That’s not to take the shine off you too much, Leo: there may be other stars out there, but that doesn’t mean you shine any less.
Virgo: The Power of Connection
Ah, Virgo: driven, self-aware, self-critical, and prone to perfectionism, you make things look easy even if – like a swan – below the surface you’re working frantically. This star sign more than any others, finds it difficult to let others in, and reveal their true self and vulnerabilities.
Cosmology teaches us the interconnectedness of all things, in all forms: everything makes up a complete whole. For Virgo, spending a little time meditating on their place in the universe’s perfect plan can bring peace.
Libra: An Ideal Universe
Harmony and balance are more than important for Librans: the need for parity and justice is built into their very DNA. Fair-minded, social, diplomatic, and graceful, the sign of the Scales struggles when things are out of whack.
The principles of cosmology can bring peace to Libra when the scales don’t seem to balance. This philosophy points to the inherent equilibrium of the universe, with its beautiful spiral galaxies and solar systems that can exist only due to precise cosmological harmony.
Scorpio: Learning to Let Go
The term “letting go of what no longer serves us” is one that Scorpio particularly would do well to heed. The Scorpion is one of the most focused, determined, and ambitious signs of the zodiac – and combined with a large dose of passion, this makes for some super-charged intensity.
The vastness of the universe, and the underlying forces governing its creation, invites Scorpio, and all of us, to simply let go, breathe, and trust in our place in the great scheme of things.
Sagittarius: The Ultimate Adventure
The new physics of modern scientific cosmology suggests a sense of freedom and adventure, After all, the quest to discover the secrets of the universe and its origins is the biggest adventure of them all, opening up profound avenues of inquiry.
This is likely to appeal to freedom-loving, adventure-craving Sagittarius more than any other sign of the zodiac. The mind-blowing implications of quantum physics, for example, is one that the Archer will find particularly thrilling, even if they have no interest in science in general.
Capricorn: Finding Common Ground
One of the themes that has emerged, in our collective consciousness, from cosmological principles is that of a profound loneliness. Capricorns are likely to know this feeling well: they tend to keep their emotions under wraps, and it can take some persistence (and patience!) to get beyond their defenses and discover their true selves.
For Capricorn, the advice is to try to see the bright side – at least sometimes – and allow yourself to simply have fun and let go. Because if loneliness is a byproduct of the cosmological philosophy, so is a vast sense of adventure and freedom – just ask Sagittarius.
Aquarius: Another Perspective
Aquarians are free-spirited, intelligent, drawn to humanitarian causes, and famously difficult to pin down. The infinity of the universe and its complexities are likely to fascinate these folk, rather than prompt any sort of existential crisis!
When they feel their energy needs a little calming, the Water Bearer may like to contemplate images of the Earth as seen from space. This can bring a deep sense of peace and a soothing sensation of our interconnectedness and purpose.
Pisces: Into the Blue
It’s not unusual for Piscean heads to be up in space, and the general principles of cosmology, its scope, and implications, may be a real draw for this sign. An infinite universe means infinite dreams and possibilities, after all.
Often involved in creativity and the arts – whether as a vocation or by simply incorporating creativity into their daily lives – some of the “big” concepts that cosmology opens up could be a rich source of inspiration for the Fish, who loves nothing more than swimming through the stars.
The Lessons We Can Learn from Cosmology
Cosmology may be a huge and complex topic, but there are some broad lessons we can learn from the field, which are helpful in everyday life. For example, the practice demonstrates the importance of nurturing curiosity, collaboration, and resilience throughout our lives, and a willingness to look beyond the everyday and ask the big questions.
Whether we choose to explore the underpinnings of cosmology to inform our practice of astrology, or simply enjoy pondering some of the field’s profundities, opening our eyes to the vastness of the universe is a freeing, and humbling, affair.
