Axial precession

Why do astrologers say that we are in the age of Aquarius if the equinoxes show alignment with Pisces for another 700 years?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axial_precession#Polar_shift_and_equinoxes_shift 

ChatGPT :

Astrology and astronomy often intersect in complex ways, and the concept of the "Age of Aquarius" is more rooted in astrology than astronomy. The astrological ages are defined by the position of the vernal equinox along the ecliptic, which is the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere as seen from Earth.

In astrology, the Age of Aquarius is believed to be a period characterized by innovation, progress, and humanitarianism, associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius. However, there is no universally agreed-upon starting point for the Age of Aquarius, and opinions among astrologers may vary.

While astronomers measure the position of the equinoxes and recognize the precession of the equinoxes (the gradual shift of the equinoxes along the ecliptic), astrologers interpret these shifts differently. Some astrologers believe we are already in the Age of Aquarius based on their interpretation of celestial alignments and astrological symbolism, while others may argue that we are still transitioning from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius.

Ultimately, the notion of astrological ages is a matter of interpretation within astrology rather than a precise scientific concept, so there isn't a definitive answer as to when the Age of Aquarius officially begins or whether we are already in it. Different astrological traditions and practitioners may have varying perspectives on this topic.

Me :

Ok but at the end of the day it's a pretty basic concept of observation or mathematical calculations, both of which points to the fact that we are still in the age of pisces!

ChatGPT :

You're correct that from an astronomical perspective, the current position of the vernal equinox aligns more closely with the constellation Pisces rather than Aquarius. This alignment is a result of the phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes, where the Earth's axial tilt causes the equinoxes to slowly move along the ecliptic over a roughly 26,000-year cycle.

The concept of astrological ages, however, is rooted in astrology rather than astronomy. Astrologers interpret celestial phenomena and assign symbolic meaning to them based on their traditions and beliefs. While some astrologers may consider the Age of Aquarius to have already begun based on their interpretation of astrological symbolism and alignments, others may adhere more closely to astronomical observations and argue that we are still in the Age of Pisces.

In essence, the determination of when one age ends and another begins in astrology is subjective and can vary depending on the astrological tradition or practitioner. So while astronomical calculations may indicate that we're still in the Age of Pisces, astrologers may have different perspectives based on their interpretation of celestial symbolism and astrological principles.

Me :

But why are they saying that we are in Aquarius when we are in PIsces?

ChatGPT :

The discrepancy between what astronomers observe (the current position of the vernal equinox aligning more closely with the constellation Pisces) and what some astrologers claim (that we are in the Age of Aquarius) arises from differences in the interpretation of celestial phenomena.

Astrology operates on a symbolic level, where celestial bodies and their positions are interpreted in relation to human affairs and the passage of time. The concept of astrological ages is not strictly based on the physical positions of celestial bodies but rather on the symbolism associated with the zodiac signs and their qualities.

Some astrologers believe that the transition between astrological ages is not solely determined by the astronomical position of the vernal equinox but also by broader cultural, societal, and spiritual shifts. They may argue that the Age of Aquarius represents a new era of enlightenment, innovation, and progress, regardless of the specific astronomical alignment.

In this view, the Age of Aquarius may be seen as a symbolic representation of the current zeitgeist, characterized by themes such as technological advancement, humanitarianism, and social change. Therefore, even though the astronomical alignment may still correspond more closely with Pisces, some astrologers may interpret the cultural and societal trends as indicative of the beginning of the Age of Aquarius.

It's important to recognize that astrology is a diverse field with various interpretations and perspectives, and not all astrologers may agree on the timing or characteristics of astrological ages.

Me :

I don't understand your explanations, it's like you are saying that they believe the alignement is elsewhere; if I look at the moon and say that it's in Aries when we can see that it's within the boundaries of the stars making the Pisces' constellation, what's the point, what is it that they are talking about?

ChatGPT :

I apologize for any confusion. Let me clarify.

In astrology, the concept of astrological ages is not directly tied to the observable positions of celestial bodies like the Moon. Instead, it's based on broader symbolic interpretations of the zodiac signs and their associated qualities.

While astronomers observe the positions of celestial bodies like stars and planets, astrologers interpret these positions symbolically, often using them as a framework to understand human experiences, societal trends, and cultural shifts.

When astrologers refer to the "Age of Aquarius," they are not necessarily claiming a direct correlation with the current astronomical alignment. Instead, they may be using the term to describe a period of time characterized by certain qualities traditionally associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius, such as innovation, progress, humanitarianism, and collective consciousness.

In essence, when astrologers talk about the Age of Aquarius, they're speaking in symbolic terms about an era defined by certain cultural and societal trends rather than a strict astronomical alignment. This interpretation may differ from the astronomical perspective, where the current position of the vernal equinox aligns more closely with the constellation Pisces.

So, while there may be a discrepancy between the astronomical and astrological perspectives, it's important to understand that astrology operates on its own symbolic framework and interpretations.

Me :

Look I get that we can be experiencing more of a constellation even if it's not aligned, relations between three bodies can be in triangles, they don't have to be in a line; I know about houses, I guess that's what they are talking about?

ChatGPT :

Yes, you're on the right track! In astrology, the positions of celestial bodies like planets and stars are interpreted within the context of houses, which represent different areas of life and experiences. The zodiac signs and their associated qualities provide a framework for understanding these experiences, but it's the relationships between planets and the houses they occupy that add depth to astrological analysis.

The houses in astrology represent different aspects of life, such as relationships, career, home life, and spirituality. The positions of planets within these houses, as well as their aspects (angles) to each other, are used by astrologers to interpret various influences and themes in a person's life or in broader societal trends.

So when astrologers talk about the Age of Aquarius or any other astrological period, they may be considering the overall configuration of planets within the houses and the relationships between them, rather than just the specific alignment of celestial bodies with constellations. This broader perspective allows for a more nuanced interpretation of astrological influences and trends.

In summary, while the constellations and their positions in the sky provide a backdrop for astrology, it's the relationships between planets and their placements within houses that astrologers often focus on when analyzing astrological influences.

Me :

Well, considering the precession of the equinoxes, that implies that the sky changes alignements, is it just that their calculations are outdated?

ChatGPT :

The precession of the equinoxes indeed causes a gradual shift in the apparent positions of the constellations along the ecliptic over time. This means that over thousands of years, the constellations as seen from Earth appear to move relative to the equinoxes.

However, astrological traditions often rely on fixed points in the sky rather than accounting for this gradual shift. Many Western astrologers use the tropical zodiac, which is based on fixed divisions of the ecliptic tied to the equinoxes and solstices. In this system, the signs of the zodiac are evenly spaced along the ecliptic and do not directly correspond to the actual constellations.

While the constellations themselves may shift due to precession, the tropical zodiac remains fixed. Therefore, astrologers who use the tropical zodiac do not necessarily update their calculations to account for the shifting positions of the constellations.

Some astrologers, particularly those who follow sidereal astrology, do take the precession of the equinoxes into account and use a zodiac that aligns more closely with the actual positions of the constellations. In sidereal astrology, the signs are aligned with the fixed stars and their actual positions in the sky.

So, to answer your question, it's not necessarily that astrologers' calculations are outdated, but rather that they are based on different systems and traditions. Those who adhere to the tropical zodiac typically do not update their calculations to reflect the shifting positions of the constellations due to precession.