From www.astrology-and-science.com 6m 1g 52kb Home Fast-Find Index Astrology and God Abstract -- a survey of astrologers' beliefs about God made in 1993 by the popular British astrologer Roger Elliot. He used a 28-item multiple-choice questionnaire inserted in The Astrological Journal . The results from 288 respondents (60% female) showed that astrology can take on the role of a religion, but in ways that are very personal. There was searching for a workable philosophy and awareness of a spiritual dimension, but virtually no desire for a new astrological religion. Includes the percentage response to each question. In 1993 a survey of astrologers' beliefs was made by popular UK astrologer Roger Elliot just before he died. His 28-item multiple-choice questionnaire was a four-page insert in the May/June 1993 issue of The Astrological Journal (circulation then more than 1000 mostly within the UK). A thumbnail of the issue cover, then in the traditional AA colour and size that remained unchanged until 1997, and the header for the insert are shown below.
Under the header was this introduction: "This is a brief survey of astrologers' beliefs, writes Roger Elliot on behalf of the Astrological Association. Where do we place astrology -- as a craft or gift, a science or religion? Do we see a God behind our study of the heavens? Is astrology a moral message or a blind force of nature? As you answer, please don't fuss about the precise words used in the questions. Broadly speaking, religion = spirituality = supernature. God = any kind of unifying creative force in the universe. Like me, you may want to tick several boxes for each question -- if so, force yourself to pick the answer that suits your overall attitude. Remember, this isn't a moral test; there is no correct way to complete this survey. If you insist on remaining anonymous, that's fine -- but my report on the survey (in a later issue of the Journal) will be more interesting if I can quote remarks that astrologers add (in an extra letter if you wish). I'd love to hear your views, especially if you feel I have left out important issues -- or if you feel the little boxes don't adequately represent your religious and astrological ideas." Results The typical respondent was "a forty-something female part-time would-be professional for whom astrology plays a significant role. She believs in synchronicity, adopts a scientific truth-seeking approach to the subject, distinguishes it from other occult ideas, and has nothing to do with superstitions." Elliot notes that "young middle-aged and middle-aged readers are richly represented by this survey, well above the national average". Overall the impression given by the respondents "is a search for a workable philosophy as well as an awareness of a spiritual dimension. Within our diverse views there is some coexisting with other ideas. There is virtually no desire to integrate within a new astrological religion. There is little appetite for astrological rituals, and little sense of Mercury or Mars as gods". Response to each question What role does astrology play in your life? How do you believe astrology works? How should astrology be classified? How does astrology link with the Tarot or I Ching? What keeps you interested in astrology? What kind of astrologer are you? If professional, what other services do you offer besides astrology? Yes, astrology can be taught. But how do you view good astrology? How do you feel about various types of astrology? What was your childhood upbringing? Have your views changed as an adult? Has astrology moulded your adult religious views? Do you believe some kind of God exists? What description of God is closest to your beliefs? Do you feel a need to worship your God? How do you respond to other religious beliefs? How do new scientific discoveries affect your religious beliefs? What is your religious niche at present? Does astrology make you think a God is How do you think of the planetary forces? Have you worshipped, or prayed to, planetary Gods? Does astrology suggest your life is predestined? Do you see a link between astrology and karma? How do you view astrology as a moral force? How do you link astrology with evolution? How do you encourage others to view astrology? Will astrology ever help to prove that God exists? Are you ever superstitious about astrology? Relevance to research From www.astrology-and-science.com 6m 1g 52kb Home Fast-Find Index |