Astrology

The peoples of the world have been observing the sky for as long as they have had the ability to look upward, but the formal study of astrology began with the publishing of the manuscript "On the Manifestations of the Gods", by philosopher Erikonos in the First Age. The practice became widespread throughout the Old Arkhosian Empire, with generals and politicians using the predictions of astrologers as the basis for their plans.   After the Fall of Arkhosia the practice became less common, although some Arkhosi maintained the tradition and even passed it on to the peoples that they encountered throughout the known world.   Astrology has again become a common practice in the New Arkhosian Empire, and the invention of the telescope in Fourth Age 67 made it possible for even more detailed predictions to be made. There has been a growing movement to "codify" the practice of Astrology into an empirical study of the heavens and their meaning, but this has been resisted by many who consider the astrologer's intuition one of the most important parts of the study.

Predictions are based on observation of the Celestial Aspects. These are divided into three categories.   Major Aspects are said to represent the realms of the gods themselves. The movements of the Major Aspects have the greatest importance in the practice of astrology, and other signs may change meanings depending on the positions of each. There are six Major Aspects:

• Lix, representing the goddess Isala
• Makaros, representing the god Marnas
• Kostaso, representing the goddess Terath
• Occidana, representing the god Isagis
• Arboras, representing the goddess Giara
• Ebras Regor, representing the god Kuras

  Minor Aspects are specific stars said to represent minor deities and creatures that inhabit the Astral Plane. They, like the Major Aspects, are permanent fixtures in the night sky. Not all stars are considered Minor Aspects, only those with a particularly strong tie to the Astra Anculos or the Astral Plane. Other stars are not considered relevant for astrologers.   Transient Aspects are temporary phenomena, unlike the Major and Minor Aspects, that may be observed only for a short period of time. These are often related to specific events. For example, a red comet crossing the face of Ebras Regor, the Major Aspect of the God of War, might be considered a good omen for a general planning a battle the next day.

Astrologers often use telescopes, either handheld or mounted on a tripod, for the observation of the night sky in areas where light pollution is minimal. Detailed maps of the heavens are made and these are often passed down from astrologer to apprentice. It is said that some of the celestial maps in the possession of astrologers at the University of Arkhos date from the First Age.