That's exactly what I was getting at. That's why it's nothing like Astronomy, which is the scientific collection of data about the universe. Astrology is just an interpretation of that data, based largely on the church. That's the reason for my mentioning religion earlier, they are very much alike. Of course that basically makes this into an internet religious debate which is one of the worst things ever to do.
http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/VolumeIV/astrology.htmIf astrology is a tightrope walk between religion and scientific astronomy, then we already have a first definition. First of all: insofar as it views cosmos, humans, and nature as being reigned over and guided by powers and forces from beyond, astrology is religion. All the events in the cosmos and on earth are linked together by an invisible magic bond. Only on the basis of this mysterious magical connection can astrology assume that the stars have something to do with the course of our lives, with our talents and weaknesses.
In this regard, astrology is related to the nature religions. These also assume that nature is inhabited and governed by magical powers, demons, and gods. Like the nature religions, astrology believes in a multitude of gods; it is polytheistic at its core. Each planet and sign of the zodiac is the expression of a particular god or demon. But astrology is also sometimes accepted by religions which know only one creator-god, like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Then the many star-gods become angels and demons which are subordinated to the one God and, as such, understood as "instruments" of God.
I think what you said is irrelevant. It's a matter of what
level of interpretation of information, not a matter of interpretation vs. no interpretation. The mere fact that you recognize something as "data" and identify isolated data points as x, y, or z (e.g. by giving them names and/or definitions, categorizing them, etc.) implies that you are already interpreting it as stratified. Recognizing form in the Universe is just at a different level of interpreting information.
And when did I say Astrology is like Astronomy? I disagree with your definition of Astronomy, by the way.
Edit: An analogy is an example of another level of interpretation.
Edit 2: I'm also wondering how you rationalized talking about religion in on online forum is the worst thing ever. Keep in mind you are suggesting that astrology, which is related to the thread subject, is also related to religion.