My journey into software engineering began early, driven by a passion for learning tools and concepts that later required collaboration with people of diverse background to turn into a career. In parallel, astrology became a tool to understand myself and my past, boosting my confidence in both life and career decisions. Understanding yourself leads to understanding others, and vice versa. Interestingly, astrology and software engineering, despite their different uses and outcomes, share a logical and rule-based framework & can get technical quite easily.
I never imagined I’d draw parallels between astrology and software development, but in integrating these topics in my live-stream titled, Astrology & JavaScript Series, I’ve uncovered a fun and fascinating analogy worth exploring.
Whether you’re involved in tech and currently use programming languages, finding amusement in astrology, or if you’re an astrology enthusiast who appreciates the analytical aspects and detailed insights it offers, you’ll find this concept intriguing. It’s not only fascinating but also a valuable skill to possess, offering numerous benefits.
Both astrology and programming languages have systems, rules, and structures that guide their application and interpretation. Without getting too far into the nitty gritty details of each, let’s talk about how the two might align in terms of their components and functionalities below.
Programming Languages vs. Astrological Systems
Syntax and Grammar vs. Astrological Rules
Variables vs. Planets, Signs, and Houses
Functions and Methods vs. Aspects
Conditional Statements vs. Dignities and Debilities
Libraries and Frameworks vs. Astrological Techniques and Systems
Debugging vs. Chart Rectification
Documentation and Comments vs. Astrological Literature
Final Words
Programming Languages vs. Astrological Systems
In this analogy, the choice between different programming languages (e.g., JavasScript, Python, Java, C++) could be a lot like the choice between different astrological systems, such as Vedic (Sidereal) astrology and Western (Tropical) astrology. Each programming language and astrological system has its own set of rules, syntax, and areas where it excels, influenced by its foundational principles.
Syntax and Grammar vs. Astrological Rules
Just as each programming language has its own syntax that directs how code must be written to be correctly interpreted by the compiler or interpreter, each astrological system has its own set of rules for interpretation. This includes how planets, signs, houses, and aspects are understood and interpreted. The syntax in programming ensures code is structured correctly, while astrological rules guide the interpretation of a chart.
Variables vs. Planets, Signs, and Houses
In programming, variables are used to store information that can be manipulated. In astrology, planets, signs, and houses act somewhat like variables, each holding their specific meanings and influences that interact in complex ways to form the basis of a reading.
Functions and Methods vs Aspects
Functions in programming are blocks of code designed to perform a particular task, and methods can be functions associated with objects or classes. In astrology, aspects (the angles planets make to each other in the sky) could be seen as specific interactions or relationships between the ‘variables’ (planets) that modify outcomes or influences, much like how functions and methods operate on variables to produce results.
Conditional Statements vs. Dignities and Debilities
Conditional statements in programming (if/else statements) execute different blocks of code based on certain conditions. This can be compared to the concept of essential dignities and debilities in astrology, where a planet’s position in a sign or house can strengthen (dignity) or weaken (debility) its effect, depending on the ‘conditions’ of its placement.
Libraries and Frameworks vs. Astrological Techniques and Systems
Just as software engineers use libraries and frameworks to extend the functionality of a programming language and simplify complex tasks, astrologers use various techniques (e.g., progressions, transits, solar returns, synastry) and systems (e.g., Hellenistic, Medieval, Modern) to add depth and precision to their interpretations.
Debugging vs. Chart Rectification
Debugging in programming involves identifying and removing errors from code. In astrology, rectification is a process used to correct or verify uncertain birth times by working backwards from known life events. Both processes involve a careful analysis to ensure accuracy.
Documentation and Comments vs. Astrological Literature
In programming, documentation and comments are used to explain how the code works and to make it easier for others to understand. Similarly, astrological texts and teachings serve as the documentation that explains the theory, techniques, and interpretations that form the foundation of astrological practice.
Final Words
These comparisons have always ruminated in my mind especially since I’ve studied both topics very closely as a career and as a hobby. Just as I recognize patterns in software, I recognize patterns in my life experiences and correlate them with astrology transits. The entire idea is about learning a system and knowing how to apply it to real world problems.
If you found this interesting, I host an Astrology & JavaScript Lives-streamed Series where I teach folks about the foundational blocks of Astrology while building websites using Remix & other React libraries. Follow me on X (fka Twitter) for more information @driannavaldivia
I look forward to publishing more posts about using the Remix Framework, Tailwind, Styled Components, TypeScript, React, and how to use DivineAPI to in order to build Astrology based websites or apps.
Thanks for reading 📖
