history of astrology

The History of Astrology

A History of Astrology 

For centuries, many people have relied heavily on astrology, to help predict future events. Astrology is a method of predicting mundane based on the position foe the planets and the stars. 

Astrologists believe that the position of the planets, sun, moon and stars when a person was born can impact their personality. They also believe that this positioning can shape a person’s personality, impact their romantic relationships and even predict their future financial fortune.

Astrology has been studied for centuries and continues to be studied by astrologists all over the world. There are also millions who follow their astrological signs as a way to get an insight into their future. 

If you are interested in learning more about history of astrology and the history of this ancient art form, take a look at how astrology came to be.

The Beginnings of Astrology

The Babylonians are typically credited with the birth of astrology. At the time, it was the same thing as the study of astronomy. 

In the early 4th century B.C. the Greeks were introduced to Babylonian astrology. Plato, Aristotle and others began studying astrology and it was highly regarded as an important science at the time. 

Eventually the Romans adopted astrology and the names that the Romans gave these signs are still used today. Eventually the Arabs spread this ancient science throughout the world. Many people embraced astrology because it was thought to bring a sense of order, patterns and purpose to the year, particularly when it came to natural disasters, weather and war. 

The Babylonian astrologers believed that the sun, moon and the five planets of the time possessed different powers. At the time these planets were Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Venus.

History of Astrology : The Zodiac Signs 

Most people today know only a few basics about astrology—more specifically, they know what their zodiac sign is.

The zodiac is thought to be developed first in ancient Egypt before it was adopted by the Babylonians. Astrologers already knew that it took 12 lunar cycles for the sun to return to its original position.

However, astrologers went on to identify 12 different constellations that they found were linked to the progression of the seasons. They assigned these different constellations to different animals and persons. They also subdivided these signs into four groups: Fire Signs, Water Signs, Air Signs and Earth Signs.

By the time, the signs reached the Romans they also got their own names that are still used today. It is important to note that while there are 12 different signs throughout the year, they do not line up with the months in the calendar that the modern world knows today. 

Fire Signs

Aries-  March 21- April

Symbol: Ram 

Sign Ruler: Mars 

Strengths: hopeful, active, honest, energetic

Weaknesses: impulsive, self-willed, impatient 

 

Sagittarius– November 23- December 21 

Symbol: Archer 

Sign Ruler: Jupiter 

Strengths: insightful, rational, brave, beautiful 

Weaknesses: forgetful, rash, careless 

 

Leo- July 23-August 22

Symbol: Lion 

Sign Ruler: Sun 

Strengths: proud, charitable, loyal and enthusiastic 

Weaknesses: arrogant, wasteful, willful 

Water Signs 

Cancer- June 22- July 22

Symbol: Crab 

Sign Ruler: Moon 

Strengths: strong sixth sense, gentle, imaginative, careful

Weaknesses: greedy, possessive, sensitive  

 

Scorpio- October 24-November 22

Symbol: Scorpion  

Sign Ruler: Mars, Pluto

Strengths: mysterious, intelligent, independent

Weaknesses: suspicious, possessive, arrogant, extreme  

 

Pisces- February 19- March 20

Symbol: Fish 

Sign Ruler: Neptune 

Strengths: platonic, dedicated, kind, conscious

Weaknesses: sentimental, unrealistic, indecisive  

Air Signs 

Libra– September 23- October 23 

Symbol: Scales 

Sign Ruler: Venus 

Strengths: idealistic, charming, beautiful 

Weaknesses: hesitant, lazy, narcissistic  

 

Aquarius- January 20-February 18 

Symbol: Water Carrier  

Sign Ruler: Uranus 

Strengths: calm, friendly, charitable

Weaknesses: changeful, liberalistic, rebel, disobedient 

 

Gemini- May 21-June 21

Symbol: Twins 

Sign Ruler: Mercury 

Strengths: smart, cheerful, charming, quick-witted

Weaknesses: fickle, gossipy  

Earth Signs

Capricorn- December 22-January 19

Symbol: Goat 

Sign Ruler: Earth 

Strengths: intelligent, generous, optimistic 

Weaknesses: lonely, suspicious, stubborn

 

Taurus- April 20- May 20

Symbol: Bull 

Sign Ruler: Venus 

Strengths: romantic, diligent, patient, artistic 

Weaknesses: prejudiced, stubborn, dependent

 

Virgo- August 23-September 22 

Symbol: Virgin Maiden  

Sign Ruler: Earth 

Strengths: helping, modest, practical

Weaknesses: picky, nosey, confiding  

Advanced Astrology Readings 

Most people know their sign based on their birthday and enjoy reading their “horoscope” in the back of the newspaper to see if it lines up with their current life trajectory, or to see if it is about to predict their future.

However, this is simply a form of sun-sign astrology, which is based solely on the date of your birth and nothing else. This is often hailed as the simplest form of astrology, which is why many experts feel as though it produces very limited results. 

Experienced astrologers feel as though in order to produce a more accurate reading, they need to check and see what sign each planet was in when that person was born. Astrologers believe that the plants and signs come together with other elements to form a complex and specific profile of an individual’s personality, life and future. 

There is no one single uniformed practice of astrology. In fact, many people have different theories about astrology. Today, most western astrology practices can be broken down into three categories, although there are nuances to each form of astrology.

Mundane Astrology- This form of astrology is used to examine world events and make predictions about wars, economies and national affairs.

Interrogatory Astrology- There are many different types of this form of astrology, but they are generally all about specific predictions or analyses about a specific event of objective in an individual’s life.

Natal Astrology- This is the most common form of astrology and the one that most people are familiar with. Natal astrology makes predictions based on a person’s birth. It all goes back to the idea that everything that happens to someone or something, is expressed at the very beginning. If you are interested in learning more about this theory, look up the Law of Beginnings

The art of astrology is still growing and developing today and whether or not you follow it religiously, or aren’t super familiar with the practice, there is no denying that astrology has been around for a long time an continues to be an honored practice that many adores. 

The history of astrology is vast and far reaching. Do you have any other questions about astrology or the history of astrology? If so, leave a comment below!

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