What's the difference between astronomy and astrology?

Answer 1

Astronomy and astrology have not been related for centuries. Astronomy is simply the observation and measurement of celestial bodies, while astrology is an attempt to find some sort of "meaning" or "influence" in the planetary positions.
Astronomy is a science that compels us to seek beyond ourselves and our small world, a science of discovery that enriches our lives by exercising our brain and our intellect. It empowers you to think clearly and rationally. It improves and sharpens critical thinking skills.
Astrology disempowers you. By placing your future in the accidental configuration of planets and stars, you avoid taking responsibility for your actions, you fail to make decisions based on your own best self interest, and you give up the power to control your own destiny.

Answer 2

The difference between Astronomy and Astrology is basically evidence. Astronomy is a science, and hence it is based around evidence that reinforces theory. Predictions can be made from theory and backed up by evidence.

Astrology is just prediction and does not follow the scientific method. Astrology, being based around the relative positions of the planets and the Sun, has no evidence to back up the claims made by astrologers. In fact, the "Sun sign" that people are said to be born into (i.e. cancer, aries, etc) has overtime shifted into the next Sun sign. This would destroy credibility to the field, since predictions of personality are based solely on the location of the Sun and planets.

Answer 3

Good answers, yes, but they don't really explain the difference. Astronomy, briefly, is the scientific study of the planets, stars and galaxies, and seeks to answer questions about their physical properties. Astrology is an unscientific practice which claims to answer questions about how the positions of the planets, moon, and sun, in relation to the stars and earth, influence our lives. The reason astrology is scoffed at is that there is no known mechanism by which they might do so.

Answer 4

Astronomy is a science. Astrology is hocus pokus bunk and survives primarily because of people's need to feel there are forces in the cosmos determining their futures for them. And there are plenty of cons out there, more than happy to take your money. There never has been, and there never will be a legitimate astrologer.

Answer 5

Astronomy is a science and astrology is the psychological crutch of the 'Terminally bewildered' and a money spinner for the ethically bankrupt.

Answer 6

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects.

Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs in which knowledge of the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details is held to be useful in understanding, interpreting, and organizing information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters.

Answer 7

astrology is science but the astronomy (that is man landing on moon) is just bluff!

Answer 8

That is an awesome answer!