THE ALIGNMENT OF CELESTIAL BODIES
The concept of a horoscope has existed throughout history, and it works on the principle that the alignment of celestial bodies at the time of one’s birth can have an impact on one’s life. The earliest form of a horoscope is thought to have emerged from ancient Mesopotamia at around 3,000 BC. This is when Babylonian priests tracked celestial bodies to interpret divine omens. The practice then evolved, merging with Greek mathematics and mythology to ultimately create the 12 zodiac signs that are in use today.
GREEK INSPIRED DEVELOPMENT
Babylonian priests first recorded astronomical patterns to predict societal shifts and interpret signs for their king. They developed 12 entities based on lunar cycles and constellations. The ancient Greeks then took the Babylonian observational frameworks and integrated them into their own mythology. They named each entity and linked each constellation to dates based on the Sun’s orbit. The word ‘zodiac’ itself derives from the Greek phrase ‘zodiakos kyklos’, meaning the ‘circle of animals’.
ANCIENT CUTURES
Other ancient cultures around the world also used a form of astrology to predict future events. Practised for centuries, this has influenced their traits, beliefs and emotions. It is known that the Ancient Egyptians used a form of astrology to predict the future, and the indigenous people of South America used a crude form of astrology to predict the 16th-century Spanish landings.
INTIMATELY LINKED WITH ASTRONOMY
Intimately linked with astronomy, astrology has been a respected scholarly discipline, utilised by early mathematicians and astronomers to calculate planetary orbits and influence seasonal calendars. During the Age of Enlightenment, however, astrology was largely dismissed by the scientific community. The science then experienced a huge resurgence by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
MAINSTREAM POPULAR CULTURE
In 1930, the British astrologer R.H. Naylor began a popular daily horoscope column in the Sunday Express. This helped to cement the modern horoscopes in mainstream popular culture, and people today, all over the world, use horoscopes for different reasons. Whilst some observe horoscopes out of a light interest, treating them as an entertaining bit of fun, others take them more seriously and use them to make major life decisions.
THE SCIENCE OF ASTROLOGY
Astrology today is a completely recognised science, and horoscopes are used to get a sense of what the future holds and how best to prepare. They offer advice on how to navigate challenges and make the most of opportunities that are likely to arise in the future, and they often provide insight into a person’s love life, career, finances, and health. Advocates have also been known to use horoscopes as a tool for self-reflection.
THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC
Twelve zodiac signs belong to four groupings. They each represent a different personality type and set of traits. The fire Signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, and the Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Air signs include Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, and the water signs include Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
