Astrology
- This article covers the occult science associated with augury. For the physical science of stars and celestial bodies, see astronomy.
Astrology, also known as the Dance of the Heavens, is an occult magical science of deriving meaning from the relationships and movements of celestial bodies (such as planets, comets, and stars) and constellations.12 Those who practice astrology are called astrologists.
On Golarion
Among more structured arcanists and scientists, the interpretive nature of astrology—and lack of causal evidence of any meaningful relationship between the cosmos and mortal beings—leads it to being viewed as unreliable and disreputable. Nonetheless, the record of connections between astrological events and history leads to astrology being a better-funded science than the more evidential study of astronomy.2
Astrology is used for augury as well as to determine a person's personality based on their birth date and location.2
Zodiacs
The zodiac used by astrologers varies depending on race (c.f. blink dog below), culture, and location.3
Cosmic Caravan
Astrologers in the Inner Sea region use the thirteen signs of the Varisian Cosmic Caravan as the basis for their studies and predictions.4 It is suspected of having an Azlanti origin, potentially making it a cousin of similar Lergeni astrology systems.2
Dragon Empires zodiac
The Dragon Empires zodiac of Tian Xia comprises twelve figures heavily associated with imperial dragons and Tian legends. This zodiac is also more concerned with specific points in time, including the daylight hours, and with phases of the moon.56
Known astrologers
- See also: Category:Astrologers
The following list highlights some of the known astrologers of Golarion, living or dead:
- Bagrilon, an ancient cyclops astrologer of Ghol-Gan.7
- Celeste, the lunar naga navigator on board the Stargazer.3
- Greogorik Taraspi, the Chief Astrological Advisor to the court of Xerbystes II.8
- Haron esh Kazzar, palace astrologer in the court of Satrap Xerbystes II of Qadira.9
- Kubburum Ishmedagan, whose ghost recently appeared in Absalom.10
- Meyi Panaho, an astrological seer of the Saoc Brethren in Lirgen.11
Astrological organizations
Among the organizations that deal with astrology are:
- The Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye in Ustalav has an observatory used for both astronomy and astrology in their Haraday Theater in Caliphas12
- Practitioners of Lergeni astrology in Jaha in the Mwangi Expanse.13
- Saoc Brethren in the Sodden Lands14
Peoples and species
- Blink dogs are fascinated by the myths associated with their own zodiac, which they use for assessing births and seeing omens.15[citation needed]
- Within humanity, Varisians, especially those who venerate Desna, are well known for their astrological prowess.216
Tools
Tools used in astronomy also aid in astrology.17 Spellcasters can use cosmograms and star charts as foci for arcane augury.18
Magic items
Certain magic items can enhance the predicative properties of astrology.
- An idol of the eye is capable of answering questions through astrological analysis.19
References
Paizo published a major article about astrology in Occult Mysteries.
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ Pirate's Honor, 312. Paizo Inc., 2013 .
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 “Esoteric Traditions” in Occult Mysteries, 36. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Stargazer. Paizo Inc., 2013 .
- ↑ “Into the Black” in Children of the Void, 52. Paizo Inc., 2008 .
- ↑ “Forest of Spirits” in Forest of Spirits, 53. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Life in the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 51. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Lost Treasures” in Lost Treasures, 62. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “Chapter 1: The Solar System” in Distant Worlds, 4. Paizo Inc., 2012 .
- ↑ The Fate of Falling Stars. Paizo Inc., 2013 .
- ↑ Voice in the Void, 3. Paizo Inc., 2009 .
- ↑ “Meyi Pahano (Lich)” in Undead Unleashed, 25. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “Ashes at Dawn” in Ashes at Dawn, 13. Paizo Inc., 2011 .
- ↑ “Mwangi Campaigns” in Heart of the Jungle, 33–34. Paizo Inc., 2010 .
- ↑ “Abendego Gulf” in Lost Kingdoms, 5. Paizo Inc., 2012 .
- ↑ “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 47. Paizo Inc., 2010 .
- ↑ “Mwangi Expanse” in World Guide, 93. Paizo Inc., 2019 .
- ↑ “Astronomy” in People of the Stars, 26. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ “Astronomy” in People of the Stars, 27. Paizo Inc., 2014 .
- ↑ Curse of the Riven Sky, 30. Paizo Inc., 2010 .