History of Astrology
The Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of
astrology. Their astrological charts enabled them to predict the
recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events. So, in the beginning
and for more than 2,000 years, astrology and astronomy were the same
science.
Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century
B.C. and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology
came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the
Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and
the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world.
While earliest astrology was used to bring a sense of order out of
apparent chaos, it was soon utilized to predict weather patterns,
primarily for agricultural purposes. It was eventually broadened to
include forecasts of natural disasters and war and other events in the
course of human affairs. Amassing successes in these fields, it was a
natural progression for astrology to be used as counsel for kings and
emperors and, in time, for all of us.
The Zodiac
The zodiac (which is derived from the Greek word meaning "circle of
animals") is believed to have developed in ancient Egypt and later adopted
by the Babylonians. Early astrologers knew it took twelve lunar cycles
(i.e., months) for the sun to return to its original position. They then
identified twelve constellations that they observed were linked to the
progression of the seasons and assigned them names of certain animals and
persons (in Babylonia, for example, the rainy season was found to occur
when the sun was in a particular constellation which was then named
Aquarius, or water bearer).
FIRE SIGNS Aries, Sagittarius, Leo
WATER SIGNS Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
AIR SIGNS Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
EARTH SIGNS Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Each of these four groups is inscribed in its own quadrant -- or
"house"--on a circle. The division of the twelve houses is based on the
earth's daily rotation and relates to such circumstances as relationships,
finances, travel, etc. The division of the twelve signs of the zodiac, on
the other hand, is based on the earth's yearlong rotation around the sun
and relates to character aspects (e.g., Venus represents affection,
Mercury represents speech and writing, etc.). Each planet rules two signs
and the sun and moon one each.
Approximately 2000 B.C., Babylonian astrologers believed that the sun,
moon, and the five planets known at that time (Jupiter, Mars, Mercury,
Saturn, and Venus) possessed distinct powers. Mars, for example, appeared
to be red and was associated with aggression and war.
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