Analogy

One of two fundamental explanatory models when it comes to understanding astrology. The concept of analogy is central to astrological thinking. According to this principle, celestial bodies reflect events on Earth rather than causing them. Everything that occurs on our planet corresponds with what happens in the heavens. Earth and Cosmos reflect each other – as above so below. The luminaries indicate this and astrologers can therefore draw conclusions regarding events and persons on Earth. Psychological Astrology views the luminaries as revealing psychological processes. The use of analogies can be traced back to Hermes Trismegistos.

When rejecting astrology outright the opponents of astrology tend to ignore the analogical model, concentrating instead on alternative models such as causality which postulates cause and effect.

There are several paired terms which express this idea such as microcosm/macrocosm. See also esoteric astrology and Hermes Trismegistos.