What does astrologer mean?
An astrologer is a person who practises astrology: the study of how the apparent positions and movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars are believed to influence human affairs, personalities, and future events. Astrologers draw up horoscopes and birth charts, interpret zodiac signs, and offer predictions or guidance to clients seeking insight into love, career, or destiny. The word applies both to historical figures — such as the court astrologers who once advised kings on matters of state — and to contemporary practitioners whose work appears in newspapers, apps, and private consultations. Although astrology is not recognized as a science, the term itself carries no inherent judgment; it simply names the practitioner. The word is easily confused with 'astronomer', which refers to a scientist studying celestial bodies through observation and physics. The two roles were once closely intertwined, sharing instruments and mathematics, before diverging during the scientific era.
nounA person who practises astrology, claiming to predict or explain human affairs and events by studying the positions and movements of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and planets.
- A practitioner of astrology who interprets the positions of celestial bodies to make predictions or offer insight into personality and events.
"The astrologer cast her birth chart to see what the year ahead might hold."
"Before making any major decisions, the emperor consulted his court astrologer about the most auspicious date."
"She trained for years with a renowned astrologer before setting up her own practice reading natal charts."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple practitioners, e.g. throughout history or within a school of thought.
"Medieval courts across Europe employed astrologers to advise on the timing of battles and coronations."
Until roughly the 17th century, 'astronomer' and 'astrologer' were often interchangeable titles — Kepler himself earned his living casting horoscopes for royalty while revolutionizing planetary science.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of astrologer
The word derives ultimately from the Greek roots 'astron' (star) and 'logia' (study or discourse), passing into English via Latin 'astrologus' and Old French. In Middle English, 'astrologie' could refer broadly to the study of the stars, encompassing what we would now call astronomy as well as divination; the modern split between 'astronomer' (the scientist) and 'astrologer' (the diviner) solidified only in later centuries.
How astrologer is actually used
The word carries no strong negative register in everyday use, though in modern scientific contexts it may be used dismissively to contrast pseudoscience with astronomy. Historically, 'astrologer' was a respected profession at royal courts across Europe, Asia, and the Islamic world.
Easily confused with astrologer
An astronomer is a scientist who studies celestial objects using physics and mathematics, whereas an astrologer claims to interpret the influence of those bodies on human affairs — a distinction historically shared but sharply divided since the scientific revolution.