Astrology is the method of predicting an individual’s personality and future through studying the correlation between the alignment of cosmic objects like the sun, moon, planets, and constellations; and their influence due to this positioning. Let’s get to know the origin of the horoscope and astrology and also its evolution and influence on civilizations around the world.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines astrology as; ‘the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects.’ Astrology was considered a part of astronomy until the 17th century when they were divided. It is regarded as a pseudoscience because, while the actual process of studying the heavenly bodies is conducted quite scientifically (via astronomy), there is no empirical evidence that has proven astrology to make accurate predictions during controlled, scientific studies.
The Horoscope and Astrology
The first known observations of the sun, moon, and stars (known as astronomy) date back to the Babylonians in Mesopotamia in 3000 BC. They were responsible for recognizing and naming the constellations, plus were the first to notice five of the original seven visible planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). The names for the days of the week came from adding these planets (Tuesday – Saturday) with the Sun and Moon (Sunday and Monday). The Babylonians observed the planets and considered them to deliver messages or omens from the gods. An example of this and something which people still cite today is, “If in Nisannu the normal sunrise (looks) sprinkled with blood: there will be battles in the country,” which in the Bible reads, “Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning.”
The Babylonians discovered that time could be measured and broken down celestially into twelve parts, which lead to the development of the Zodiac (although it was the Greeks who gave it this name).
Astrology within the Mesopotamia society was practiced uniquely in service of the King, but within the ancient Greek culture, it became much more widely implemented. Originally used to help make decisions in relation to state affairs, it soon expanded across society to help prognosticate the futures of ordinary men and women and was a central feature of Greek culture.
Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy was well-known for his research in astronomy, astrology, geography, and harmonics. He wrote the first scholarly book on astronomy around 141 CE. It became known as the Almagest and described an earth-centered cosmos, along with a mathematical framework for predicting and understanding the positioning of cosmic objects in the past, present, and future. Within this book, he also defined the sun signs of the Zodiac as we know them today.
Living and working in Alexandria, the capital of Roman Egypt, his detailed investigation of the moon was more elaborate than ever before and continued to be used until the Renaissance. His work remains useful and informative today, but he has been proven wrong about several claims he made.
Ancient Indian astrology (also known as Vedic astrology) dates back to 5000 BC, with its roots in the Vedas: the oldest scriptures in the world. It is considered vastly different from Western and Chinese astrology. Vedic astrology is focused on time-keeping and is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga. It is based on star constellations and planetary influences, and its predictions are considered to be the most accurate of all types of astrology. The belief is that the supreme power decides the precise moment when someone is born, depending on their past life, so they have the life that is best suited to them (karma). Karma is believed …
