Why is astrology not part of science?

Answer 1

Astrology is not a science because it does not use scientific methods to do what it does. And what it essentially does it "predict the future" or allow "guidance" to be intuited and given to individuals to assist in decision making. All the information is gleaned from the interpretation of the positions of bodies in the sky. Let's go a bit further.

While astrology borrows the tools of the astronomer, it is what it does with them that makes a difference. Astronomers watch space objects and the manner in which the heavens change with the movement of planets and other celestial bodies. So do astrologers. But the latter apply systems, beliefs, traditions, lore and other "arcane knowledge" to use the position of things in the heavens to gain knowledge of the future or insight into coming events. Further, this is applied in ways that "help" individuals to chart a course in their lives. The astrologer is the interpreter of the "heavenly signs" and what they mean to a given individual.

In some odd way, many of us want to gain a bit of insight into things to come. Sure, a winning lottery ticket would be a nice benefit, but we'd like to know if we are, say, in the right job, in the correct relationship, or even living in the right part of the world. Astrology attempts to provide "guidance" to us when we have questions about aspects of our lives that we'd like some help with. The problem is that astrology really cannot "predict" things in the future. Anything it allows us to know beforehand is not repeatable. And repeatability is a key component of science. If astrology was a science that allowed us to know if we would be, say, happy in a given relationship, it could do that for everyone we apply it to. Astrology cannot do this, and that's why it is not considered a science.

Answer 2

Astrology is not science as it is not based on hypothesis or anything repeatable.