There are many slightly different definitions of Astrology. However, they concur that it is the study of the motion and location of cosmic bodies (sun, moon, stars, and planets) and what influence this has on humanity: earthly events, people’s lives, and characters.
Astrology has been a common practice for many centuries, with the observation of planets at its core. Astrology’s history dates right back to the beginning of humankind. Several prominent, ancient cultures and societies such as the Egyptian, Chinese and Indian civilizations relied heavily upon this method to make state decisions, plant crops, etc. Before the advent of the Islamic religion, Arabians also applied astrology. Initially, this was on a basic level, as a way to navigate using the stars to guide them. Later, however, Islamic scientists made extensive contributions to astrology, updating methods of measuring and calculating planetary movement. Baghdad and Damascus accommodated major Astrology and Astronomy study centers between the 8th and 10th centuries.
The first civilization that was known to use astrology was the Babylonians in Mesopotamia in 3000 BC. They recognized and named the star constellations and were the first to discern five of the initial seven visible planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). The current names for the days of the week were derived from these planets (Tuesday – Saturday), and then the Sun and Moon (Sunday and Monday) were added.
Astrology was also significant to ancient Egyptians, and they played a large part in its advancement and growth. They used to stare at the sky, waiting for guidance, using clouds as a way to focus their sight. It is theorized that Egyptian priests shared their astrological knowledge with the Babylonians. It is also thought that some of the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt, and they used their Gods and Goddesses to replace the Greek zodiac denominations. For example, Khum, the Egyptian water God, replaced Aquarius.
Claudius Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer, wrote the first scholarly book on astrology in approximately 141 CE. Within this book, he defined the 12 sun signs of the Zodiac that we use today. He did extensive research in astronomy, astrology, geography, and harmonics. Ptolemy tried to develop a mathematical framework that could be used to anticipate and forecast planetary positions, with the earth at the center of the cosmos. At the time of his book, astrology was considered an element of astronomy. However, subsequently, astronomy became regarded as a science, and astrology a pseudoscience, meaning that there is no empirical evidence that proves astrology can make accurate predictions during controlled, scientific studies.
Chinese astrology’s birth originally dates back to the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BC), but it was formalized and flourished during the Han dynasty over 2000 years ago. It is based on the theory of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. China was isolated from the western world for a long time, which is why Chinese astrology is so different. Even Chinese zodiac signs differ from other types as they are animals that are representative of the birth year in a 60-year cycle.
Vedic astrology (ancient Indian astrology) dates back to 5000 BC, with its origin based on the Vedas: the world’s oldest scriptures. It is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga. It is deemed very different from Western and Chinese astrology, with its focus on time-keeping. Its predictions are considered the most accurate of all types of astrology, and they are based on interpretations of constellations and planetary influences. Hindus believe the supreme power decides the moment in which someone is born. The precise time depends on their past life …
