Which are Better, Astrology Predictions or Psychic Readings?

Astrologers vs psychics. "Who is better at predicting the future?", is a question that is often asked. Who do you think would win this Godzila versus King Kong match up of the supernatural soothsayers? Rest assured, we're not about to conduct a gladiatorial contest between practitioners of either system. In this article we simply wish to explore the fascinating world of divination, where two of the most popular practices, astrology and psychic readings, are compared and contrasted.

We will attempt to use our expertise in this field, to share what we hope is helpful information on the intricacies of both disciplines, to allow for a better understanding of how they differ from one another. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about divination, dive in and explore the fascinating world of astrology and psychic readings together!

What are the similarities between psychic readings and astrology:

1. Both involve the use of intuition: Psychics base their predictions on the information they obtain when they employ their intuitive and extra sensory abilities. Psychic mediums also do the same to connect with the spirit realm and receive messages from spirits. Although astrology involves interpreting horoscopes according to the cut and dry laws of astrology, experienced astrologers often call upon their intuitive abilities to ensure that they are making the correct interpretations.
2. Both rely on a person's birth data: In astrology, an astrologer needs to know a person's birth date, time and place to create an accurate astrological chart. In psychic mediumship, a medium may need to know the name and date of birth of the person they are connecting with in order to establish a connection with their zodiac sign. In both cases, clearly understanding the enquirer's circumstances and questions, has a direct effect on the quality of the predictions obtained.
3. Both can provide insight into a person's life: Astrology can provide insight into an individual's personality, strengths, weaknesses and future events. Similarly, psychics can provide insight into a person's past, present and future, as well as convey messages from loved ones who have passed on.
4. Both have their roots in ancient practices: Astrology has been used for thousands of years to predict future events and gain insights into human nature. Similarly, psychic mediumship has been practiced in various forms throughout history as a means of communicating with the spirit world.
5. Both require an understanding of symbolism: Astrology uses a variety of symbols to represent planets, zodiac signs and astrological aspects. Similarly, psychic mediumship involves the interpretation of symbols, messages and visions.

Now let's look at the differences:

1. Belief systems: Psychic readings are often associated with spiritual and paranormal beliefs, while astrology predictions are limited to the movement of celestial bodies.
2. Methodology: Psychics often use additional divinatory tools and methods to gain insights, including fortune telling cards, tarot cards, crystals and meditation. Astrology predictions are based on mathematical calculations and interpretations of celestial patterns.
3. Source of information: Psychic readings rely on information gathered through extrasensory perception, while astrology predictions are based on interpreting how astrological factors or possibilities may impact a situation.
4. Timeframe: Psychic readings can provide insights into events happening in the present or near future, while astrology predictions are able to account for short to longer-term trends and influences.
5. Level of detail: Psychic readings can provide information of an intricate, minute nature about specific events or situations. The level of detail that an astrological prediction can reveal, depends on how strong the associated astrological factors are.

Astrological Factors Indicating Psychic Ability

Astrology can identify all manner of a person's nature, potential and ability and this includes the possibility of psychic awareness. Therefore, astrology dictates that psychic powers are only possible if they exist in a person's birth chart. In other words, you have to be born with it. It therefore also follows that if you want to know if someone is a real psychic medium, who possesses a genuine ability of psychic insight, have their birth chart checked. However, that's not all that astrology is good for, a horoscope can determine if someone possesses dormant psychic powers and suggest ways to develop powers of intuition, such as through the use of a suitable astrological remedy. If you are wondering who such people might be, we carry the profiles of people who are known to possess genuine psychic awareness.

Certain planets are closely linked to the metaphysical and esoteric worlds. For example, Venus is mentor to the underworld and provides knowledge of all mystical practices. Likewise, Jupiter is mentor to the divine realm and imbibes an inclination towards spirituality and spiritual knowledge. In fact, if the subject matter of this article is of interest to you, this would be an indication that Venus and Jupiter influence the natal chart houses mentioned further on. There are other planets that are also closely associated with mediumship and mystical powers such as 'Ketu', which is connected with our soul and represents the spirit world. Both 'Ketu' and the Moon are spiritual planets and if they are conjunct, a person will have the potential for psychic insight.

The factors influencing the birth chart houses mentioned below, will determine if a personal has psychic ability and if they can turn that ability to take up a divinatory art as a profession.

1. Influences on the 12^th House: This is the house of our subconscious, represents the soul and our cycle of birth and rebirth. Hence, anything related to esoteric knowledge, astral travel or spiritual enlightenment has a deep connection with the 12^th House. Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and 'Ketu' are all planets of interest in relation to this house.
2. Influences on the 6^th House: This peripheral house lies diametrically opposite to the 12^th house. Therefore the planets that occupy this house and aspect it from the 12^th house, can determine the extent of a person's spiritual knowledge and ability. However, the 6^th house has a deeper connection with the spirit world as it also relates to our 'Karmic' debt, deeds from past lives and the influence of the spirit world on our lives. If Venus, the Moon or 'Ketu' occupy this house, the concerned person may have mystical abilities and strong psychic intuition. If 'Rahu' is debilitated in this house, the person may be susceptible to occult practices and spiritual attack. Hence, it is important that anyone who engages in divinatory arts, make an assessment of this house.
3. Influences on the 1^st House: This is the ascendant's house and governs your being and your moral, emotional and intellectual characteristics. This house drives your life force and your success, hence the ruling planet of this house, the ascendant's lord must be strongly aligned in the natal chart, for success in spiritual practices. This is for two reasons, the first being the reason just mentioned, for success in one's chosen field. The second is for success specifically in professional spiritual practices, as anyone engaged in this field needs to have the courage of their convictions. Such a person must also be able to inspire confidence in others and above all, this person should remain unaffected by the supernatural elements that they may be exposed to, while channeling psychic energy. The planets that favour psychic ability in the context of the 1^st house are Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and the Moon.
4. Influences on the 10^th House: This is the house of actions and determines the manner in which we pursue our objectives and the level of reward that is realised. Having a strong or favourable Jupiter, Mercury or Venus in the 10^th house, will allow for success in a career as a professional psychic or astrologer.
5. Influences on the 7^th House: The 7^th house relates to one's profession and livelihood. Therefore, a favourable influence from a mystical planet such as Jupiter, Venus or Saturn will aid a career in such a line of work.

What is Common between Astrology, Tarot and Psychic Practices

We have made a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of astrology, tarot and psychic readings on our main, 'Fortune Telling' page. But, have you ever wondered what, if any, do the vast variety of psychic and spiritual disciplines and techniques have in common? Of course, they help us walk our path better, grow more and become more evolved beings as we live our day-to-day lives and journey through life, but do they have any spiritual principles and teachings in common? Is there a key source that they refer to, or are based on, that precedes what we see on the surface - cards, natal charts, or numbers?

The answer is a resounding yes! There's much more to what meets the eye in a psychic or spiritual reading session. To be able to see the big cosmic picture, let's take a few steps back and study the organising principles of our universe.

Constant, Unchangeable Cosmic Principles

Imagine taking an absolute intro course in any science subject - what would the teacher teach first? Most likely, he or she would introduce you to the most basic concepts and the most important formulae you'll need to keep in mind the whole semester. It only makes sense.

Let's now imagine you're taking a course in psychic arts and sciences. How would your first class go? Which would be the key concepts and principles introduced? Are there formulas you'll need to know?

We asked many professional, practicing psychics and spiritual advisors this question and their answers were surprisingly similar even though they practice different and sometimes seemingly completely unrelated psychic techniques and methods.

The Number Four

The four elements are like the four legs of a chair or the four wheels of a car. Sure, a chair or a car could function with three legs or wheels, but four makes them stable, sturdy and completely balanced.

In numerology '4' represents dependability, stability, the ability to provide and the four corners. In yoga and other Eastern traditions, the first chakra, the earthly existence, is symbolically represented with a square - which has four corners.

It's then no wonder that astrology, tarot and almost every other psychic art and science is based on the 4 elements. In astrology, we have

The Four Elements

Elements are the main building blocks of our universe.

Earth, water, fire and air are the four element that create our universe and everything we see in it - the land, the air we breathe, weather patterns, natural events and disasters, the water we drink, the seas and the oceans, natural wonders, heat, volcanos, the sun and the moon and the human body itself - we're made of the four elements inside and outside.

In tarot we have 4 suits that make up the Minor Arcana, each of which corresponds to an element:

• Pentacles (earth)
• Cups (water)
• Wands (fire)
• and Swords (air).

Connection between Natal Charts and Tarot Cards

The whole universe can be likened to two mirrors facing one another - showing us endless self-images that teach us about ourselves.

In astrology, the main such mirror is the natal chart - a chart where you see how the universe i.e. the planets and celestial bodies were organised when you were born, exact to the minute, as seen from the location you were born in. Comparing this chart to how the planets are shifting today, their relative location to where they were when you were born, provides an extremely detailed self-mirror for your soul to look at. Astrology uses the "As above, so below" principle to create this chart, relying on the celestial life above to read into the life you're leading down on Earth.

Tarot isn't all that different. In tarot, it's "As inner, so outer" - relying on the inherent wisdom of the 'Morphogenetic Space' - the powerful all-seeing, all-knowing space we're breathing and living in - tarot cards show the inner life of the querent at the moment of the asking. While the cards might depict what's happening in the life of the querent, i.e. 'The Outer', the main lessons are about the choices the soul has, what it needs to learn and the decisions it needs to make as it moves forward.

No card in the spread is random or coincidental. There's tremendous spiritual wisdom and guidance in what the cards show the soul regarding it's inner and outer journey. They are an amazing mirror.

All other psychic techniques and methods follow the same principle - numerology holds a 'Mathematical' mirror to us, the crystal ball shows a 'Literal' mirror, while spirit guides provide one that comes from another dimension.

Archetypes of Psychic Traditions

Archetypes are real spiritual energy clusters or entities.

Archetypes are universal mythic characters that live in our collective subconscious and consciousness the world over. The famous psychologist Carl Gustav Jung thoroughly used the concept of archetypes to explain his theories of human psyche. Thanks to him, the science of psychology was enriched and expanded.

"Archetypes aren't imagination - they are intense cosmic energies we can tune into, feel in our bones, or see in action in other people."

This is because they connect us with our deeper truths, archetypes are a main influence on all psychic traditions. In tarot, the 22-card Major Arcana, also known as the fifth suit, offers us 22 powerful archetypes. The best known are number IV Empress, representing Mother Earth - the cosmic mother energy that gives births to humans and all life forms, number XIII Death, representing the Grim Reaper that most of us fear, bringing end to life as we know it.

The Hermit, number IX and Justice, number XI, are also powerful archetypes we might instantly recognise in ourselves or in others. The Hermit represents someone who's going through a deep inner journey and thus needs more alone time than usual. He also represents sages who meditate for days without uttering a word, sometimes in isolation. We can recognise this archetype in others, or sometimes in ourselves when we desperately need a break from our busy life to rethink things. Justice represents 'Divine justice' - in all those where we witness an interesting twist of fate that puts everyone in their place, we witness the power of this archetype. People who devote their lives to seeking justice are the embodiment of this archetype.

Archetypes play a major role in astrology, as well. All planets are personifications of archetypes - whether it's the warrior Mars, the beautiful and loving Venus, or the mysterious Neptune. While the Sun might represent our ego, the Moon is all about our subconscious and the habits and feelings we try to hide from the world. Because the position of each planet affects us and their positions relative to one another is crucial too, we can view astrology as a cosmic theatre of archetypes - on an eternal stage that never ceases to exist, or amaze us!

We can offer many more examples to the organising principles that underlie almost every psychic tradition - in this post we shared the most basic and the most important ones - we offered a 101 intro into all things psychic. To learn more, keep exploring different traditions and you'll be amazed by the spiritual wisdom found in all.

Final Thoughts

From a mythological stand point, the purpose of all spiritual knowledge, is to improve human existence and draw people closer to divinity. Whether we are looking to solve a mundane problem, discover more about our lives or attain higher spiritual enlightenment, psychic ability and astrology both bring something different to the party. The best way to derive positive results from either, is to be clear in our objectives.