003. The Four Philosophies of Astrology
The purpose of astrology has long been debated, and depending on who you speak to, the core intention of astrology can usually be distilled into one simple statement.
Astrology is the study of the relationship between celestial events and the lives of humans and the world around us.
While this definition is widely accepted, how astrologers interpret that relationship varies greatly. There are four core philosophical approaches to astrology that, as a beginner or advanced astrologer, you inevitably adopt whether consciously or unconsciously. Understanding which approach you take matters, because it directly affects your delineations and how you interpret celestial events such as eclipses, retrogrades, and major transits.
These four philosophies are derived from two foundational considerations. The first is whether astrology acts as a sign or as a cause to the events that transpire. The second is whether events are partially predetermined or completely predetermined by the stars. The combination of these two considerations forms the four philosophical approaches to astrology.
Astrology as a Sign vs Astrology as a Cause
Celestial events have long been viewed as indicators of what is occurring in the mundane world. Ancient astrologers, for example, interpreted eclipses as signs of the death of a king or the fall of a kingdom. The philosophical question arises when we ask whether these celestial events were merely foreshadowing what was to come, or whether they were the direct cause of those events.
Astrology as a Sign
In a sign based approach, planets and celestial transits act as a descriptive or predictive model of what may occur. A commonly used analogy is that of a clock. While the hands indicate the passage of time, they do not cause time itself to move forward.
Under this framework, the stars act as mirrors that reflect the quality of time and energy present, rather than actively participating in the events themselves. Astrology becomes a symbolic language that describes conditions rather than forces outcomes.
Astrology as a Cause
In a cause based approach, planets and celestial events take on an active role in shaping reality. Celestial bodies are believed to emit energies that directly influence events on Earth.
This view is often compared to the Moon’s gravitational effect on the tides. While the mechanism may not be fully understood, the assumption is that a hidden system exists in which celestial movements exert tangible effects on human life and the physical world.
Partial vs Complete Determinism in Astrology
Whether astrology is viewed as a sign or a cause, belief in astrology usually implies that some aspects of life are predetermined. The distinction lies in how much agency the individual retains.
Partially Predetermined Astrology
Under a partially determined model, free will plays a role in shaping outcomes. The stars indicate what may occur if no additional action is taken, but personal effort, conscious choice, or in some belief systems energetic or magical practices can alter the manifestation.
For example, if astrology indicates a loss of income, the native may actively work to mitigate that outcome through preparation, skill building, or intentional action. Those who believe planetary energies can be invoked, redirected, or consciously worked with often fall under this philosophy.
From this perspective, destiny is shaped through interaction between the stars and the will of the native.
Completely Predetermined Astrology
A completely predetermined approach aligns most closely with Stoic philosophy, which holds that all events are fixed within a cosmic order. In this view, the birth chart outlines a predetermined timeline that unfolds regardless of personal desire or resistance.
Even thoughts, decisions, and reactions are considered part of that predetermined sequence. Free will is viewed as illusory or irrelevant. Acceptance, rather than control, becomes the primary response to life’s events.
The Four Philosophical Approaches to Astrology
By combining these two considerations, sign versus cause and partial versus complete determinism, we arrive at four distinct philosophical approaches.
Astrology is a sign of what is already completely predetermined.
Astrology is a sign of what is to come but can be worked with to influence outcomes.
Astrology is a cause of what will happen and everything is completely predetermined.
Astrology is a cause of what will happen but can be consciously worked with to affect outcomes.
Choosing Your Astrological Philosophy
Determining which philosophical approach you fall under is often a long and evolving process. Many astrologers shift their views over time as their practice deepens and their experiences accumulate.
The most important consideration is how your philosophical stance influences your interpretations, predictions, and ethical responsibilities as an astrologer. Understanding your position allows for greater consistency, clarity, and intention in your work, ultimately leading to more grounded and meaningful astrology.
Corey Neulieb, Founder of Pathway Light by Corey
Corey Neulieb is a traditional astrologer, astrology educator, and consulting practitioner who has been studying and practicing astrology seriously since 2020. His work draws primarily from Western and Hellenistic traditions, with an emphasis on historical techniques, foundational symbolism, and experiential learning.
In addition to teaching and writing, Corey offers astrology consultations that focus on practical application, clarity, and long-term understanding. His consulting work informs his educational approach, grounding astrological concepts in lived experience and repeated observation rather than abstract theory alone.
Corey’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that book study forms only part of the learning process. While structured study is essential, meaningful astrological understanding develops through experience—working with charts, tracking cycles, and reflecting on how symbolism manifests over time. Through writing, education, mentorship, and consultation, Corey aims to support students and clients in building a thoughtful, grounded, and enduring relationship with astrology.
