Astrology
Astrology was the study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they had an influence on the course of natural occurrences and the affairs of individuals. (PROSE: Introduction and links [+]Loading...["Introduction and links (short story)"])
The concept dated back to the Dark Times and was shared by every species in the universe. (PROSE: Beautiful Chaos [+]Loading...["Beautiful Chaos (novel)"]) It was therefore not unique to Earth, despite the fact that the human practice of the discipline was entirely based on the Earth's relative position to heavenly bodies in its close proximity. Mr Smith once revealed to Luke Smith that many planets, like Draconia, had a kind of astrology. (TV: Secrets of the Stars [+]Loading...["Secrets of the Stars (TV story)"]) The source of Mr Smith's information may not have been accurate, however, as the Draconian, Salamanca, once told his human captain, Gillian Sherwin, "Draconia has no astrology." (PROSE: The Dark Path [+]Loading...["The Dark Path (novel)"])
The Ancient Lights' power derived from astrology and the zodiac, despite the fact that, according to Sarah Jane Smith, astrology contradicted the physics of the universe. It was believed that this was because astrology worked in the Ancient Lights' universe due to its different laws of physics. (TV: Secrets of the Stars [+]Loading...["Secrets of the Stars (TV story)"])
Demimon was an astrologer on Braktalis. He was dismissive of astronomy, calling it a "moronic affair," while believing that astrology was "the true art." However, Skrant called astrology "rubbish." (COMIC: The Outsider [+]Loading...["The Outsider (comic story)"])
Earth
On Earth, astrology was a common practice in early human history, and various monarchical regimes had "official" or "court" astrologers. [source needed]
The first appearance of astrology in human history was in around 10,500 BC, when the pyramids built by the Osirans in Egypt had astral charts, which served as the inspiration for the Egyptians to study the night sky.
The cultures of the Mayans, Aborigines, and China simultaneously adopted astrology, without contact between the races. Eventually, the Ancient Greeks would devise the zodiac system. (PROSE: Introduction and links [+]Loading...["Introduction and links (short story)"])
In Alexandria, the royal astrologer predicted a planetary conjunction would herald the end of the city. (COMIC: Voyager [+]Loading...["Voyager (comic story)"])
In Rome in 120, Vanessa Moretti posed as an astrologer for her master Balbus. (PROSE: The Stone Rose [+]Loading...["The Stone Rose (novel)"])
In San Martino in 1492, Hieronymous served as the Court's official astrologer. (TV: The Masque of Mandragora [+]Loading...["The Masque of Mandragora (TV story)"])
In the 20th century, Adelaide Lessage believed in astrology and used to consult Miss Nethercott every month. The astrologer had warned her about having seen tragedy in her stars. Lord Henry Palmerdale had laughed at the prediction and left Deauville regardless. They were wrecked on Fang Rock where a Rutan scout killed Adelaide. (TV: Horror of Fang Rock [+]Loading...["Horror of Fang Rock (TV story)"])
Nazis Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler believed in astrology. (PROSE: Timewyrm: Exodus [+]Loading...["Timewyrm: Exodus (novel)"]) According to the Twelfth Doctor, in 1941, an Austrian "madman" who Field Marshal Rommel served under used horoscopes to make his decisions for battle and men were dying all because of "celestial geography". (COMIC: The Instruments of War [+]Loading...["The Instruments of War (comic story)"])
Pippa was a big believer in astrology. (AUDIO: New Girl [+]Loading...["New Girl (audio story)"], Through the Ruins [+]Loading...["Through the Ruins (audio story)"])
The Doctor
In 1805, the Second Doctor claimed to be an astrologer as part of an attempt to prevent Horatio Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar. (PROSE: H.M.S. Tardis [+]Loading...["H.M.S. Tardis (short story)"])
In 1746, the Second Doctor pretended to use astrology to persuade the local bystanders he was a trustworthy physician. (TV: The Highlanders [+]Loading...["The Highlanders (TV story)"])
