Astronomy or Astrology?

[rycar007]

No: HPFGUIDX 32941

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Ronald Rae Yu <ickle_ronniekins at y...> 
wrote:
> Astronomy is really AstroNOMY then, and is a
> preparation or sort of a (what-do-you-call-it?)
> 'helping' course for Divination. Why is then
> Divination optional? What do wizards have in use for
> real Astronomy, then? 

There are a few reasons I can think of where wizards would have to 
use astronomy. 1) For use in certain spells or rituals that require 
the moon to be at a certain point. Or in certain magical diseases 
like lycanthropy, where it will not take effect till the moon is at a 
certain height in the sky. The alignment of planets is not solely 
used for divination but also for the betterment of certain types of 
conjuring. 2) Apparition. How does Apparition actually work? 
Requiring no wand or incantation, we assume it means just picturing 
where you want to go and appearing there. But remember, the stars can 
also be used as a guide. Apparition might require a bit of 
stargazing, just to make sure you're going the right direction. 3)
Getting lost. Like I said, Astronomy can teach you to find your way, 
if you end up in the wrong place while Apparating (coughCharlie!
cough), get lost in the forest, or somewhere more sinister, Astronomy 
classes will help. I can see why JKR never describes them, Astronomy 
wasn't the most interesting of lessons (but then again, no science 
was).

-Rycar