Astrometeorology (from GreekШаблон:Lang, astron, "constellation, star"; Шаблон:Lang, metéōros, "high in the sky"; and Шаблон:Lang, -logia) or meteorological astrology is a pseudoscience[1] that attempts to forecast the weather using astrology.[2] It is the belief that the position and motion of celestial objects can be used to predict both seasonal climate and weather.[3] Throughout most of its history astrometeorology was considered a scholarly tradition and was common in academic circles, often in close relation with astronomy, alchemy, meteorology, medicine, and other types of astrology.[4]
History
Meteorological phenomena correlated to planetary configurations were recorded in Babylonia.[5] Classical astrologers of note such as Claudius Ptolemy constructed a treatise on forecasting weather via astrological means.[6] Astrometeorology is the oldest type of Hellenistic astrology.[6]Johannes Kepler recorded meteorological observations to support his belief that the conjunction of Saturn and the Sun would produce cold weather.[7] In 1686 a large volume written in English was devoted to astrometeorology by John Goad in his book Astro-Meteorologica[8] published in London, England. Astrometeorological societies persisted in Great Britain until the mid-19th century but were not taken seriously by mainstream scientists.[9] Farmers in India during the 21st century have used a form of astrometeorology based on Nakshatra that is not considered a viable practice.[10]
