Astrology

Astrology is the Study of the relative position of the planets and stars in the belief that they influence events on Earth. It has no proven scientific basis, but has been widespread since ancient times. In Europe during the Middle Ages it had a powerful influence, as kings and other public figures had their own astrologers. In 1559 Queen Elizabeth was crowned Queen on a day chosen as propitious by her astrologer John Dee. Even the Vatican were influenced by astrology. Pope Julius II set the time of his coronation in 1503 according to astrological calculations, despite the fact that the church during the Renaissance frowned on the occult as bordering on heresy.
The power of the belief in astrology in the Middle Ages is reflected in the story of Astrologer Girolamo Cardono, who predicted his death on September 21st 1576. When he felt fine for most of the day, he decided to make his prediction come true by killing himself.
Many modern day public figures are still in thrall to the influence of the planets and stars. For instance for the next seven years after the assassination attempt on United States President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981, his wife, Nancy, consulted a California Astrologer about the most favourable times and dates for major events in the president’s life.