such a chart are not acceptable as valid conclusions. When data were scarce,
astrologers took what they could get. That time is past if they ever hope to gain a rep-
utation for conducting legitimate studies. Astrological journals, schools, and teachers
have a responsibility to the next generation of astrologers to set a standard in record-
ing information. Astrology is making great strides in the early twentieth-first century;
never before has there been access to so much data or to computer-generated charts,
and it is imperative that studies be built on a firm basis and employ empirical data.
The Rodden classification of astrological data is a simple, effective system.
Many astrologers in the United States and Europe use it or a similar coding system.
The first four letters of the English alphabet are used:
AA Accurate; recorded by the family or the state
A Accurate probably; data from the person or family
B Biography or autobiography
C Caution; no source of origin
DD Dirty data; two or more quotes with none verified
Data are the foundation of empirical study. Astrologers should insist on quality
reference works and accurate data that include the date, place, time, time zone, longi-
tude and latitude, source, and a designation of accuracy.
—Lois M. RoddenASTROLOGY
Astrology is the science or study of the stars and originally encompassed both astronomy
and what today is call astrology. The word is a combination of astron,Greek for “star,”
and logos,a complex word originally meaning “speech” (in the sense of discourse).
Astrology is discussed extensively in the introductory essay to this encyclopedia.
ASTROMANCY
Astromancy refers to a kind of astrological fortune-telling that views the stars as pre-
dicting an irrevocable destiny for the person having her or his fortune told. Modern
astrologers tend to distance themselves from this tradition of predicting specific
events. Instead of predicting events, most contemporary astrologers describe upcom-
ing planetary conditions, with the understanding that clients have the free will to
respond to planetary influences in different ways. Like meteorologists, astrologers can
only predict trends and probabilities—not details.
ASTRONOMY
Astronomy is the branch of natural science that studies the celestial bodies. The word
is a combination of astron,Greek for “star,” and nomos,Greek for “law.” Astrology was
formerly part of astronomy, with astrological determinations being viewed as a “practi-
cal application” of astronomical knowledge. Prior to the modern period, all of the
THEASTROLOGYBOOK [73]
Astronomy