Astrometeorology

Astrometeorology or meteorological astrology is a pseudoscience that attempts to forecast the weather using astrology. It is the belief that the positions and motions of celestial objects can be used to predict both seasonal climate and weather. Throughout most of its history astrometeorology was considered a scholarly tradition and was common in academic circles, often in close relation with other types of astrology, astronomy, alchemy, meteorology, and medicine.

History

Meteorological phenomena correlated to planetary configurations were recorded in Babylonia. Classical astrologer Claudius Ptolemy constructed a treatise on forecasting weather via astrological means. Astrometeorology is the oldest type of Hellenistic astrology. Evidence of the practice of astrometeorology in the Middle Ages is rare, however there are examples of prominent astrologers during the twelfth through fifteenth centuries such as John of Eschenden and Robert Grosseteste. Johannes Kepler recorded meteorological observations starting in 1593 to support his belief that the conjunction of Saturn and the Sun would produce cold weather. Starting in 1598 Kepler produced a calendar that included weather prognostications based on astrology. In 1686 a large volume written in English was devoted to astrometeorology by John Goad in his book Astro-Meteorologica published in London, England. Astrometeorological societies persisted in Great Britain until the mid-19th century but were not taken seriously by mainstream scientists. Farmers in India during the 21st century have used a form of astrometeorology based on Nakshatra that is not considered a viable practice.