Astrology – Introduction

Did you read your horoscope today? Chances are, even if you didn’t you at least know what sign of the zodiac you were born under. Astrology seems like the logical thing to follow my series on divination. After all, what better way to tell your fortune than through the stars?

Astrology has been around since 3,000 B.C. when ancient star-gazers studied the heavens and realized the stars followed a cycle every year. The Babylonians realized it took 12 lunar cycles (months) for the sun to return to its original position. They then assigned names to the 12 constellations that were linked to the progression of the seasons.

With their newly created astrological charts, they were able to predict the recurrence of the seasons. This enabled them to create an agricultural calendar that predicted the dates for the sowing of crops and harvesting,

Astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century B.C. Later it was embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the signs of the zodiac are still used today) and the Arabs. Now it has spread throughout the entire world.

The signs of the zodiac are as follows:

Aries, the Ram - March 21 to April 20, ruler of the head
Taurus, the Bull - April 21 to May 20, ruler of the neck and throat
Gemini, the Twins - May 21 to June 20, ruler of the arms
Cancer, the Crab - June 21 to July 22, ruler of the breast
Leo, the Lion - July 23 to August 22, ruler of the heart
Virgo, the Virgin - August 23 to September 22, ruler of the stomach
Libra, the Scales - September 23 to October 22, ruler of the kidneys
Scorpio, the Scorpion - October 23 to November 22, ruler of the pelvis
Sagittarius, the Archer - November 23 to December 21, ruler of the thighs
Capricon, the Seagoat - December 22 to January 19, ruler of the knees
Aquarius, the Waterbearer - January 20 to February 19, ruler of the legs
Pisces, the Fish - February 20 to March 20, ruler of the feet

Some interesting Zodiac facts:

The term zodiac derives from Latin zōdiacus, which comes from the Greek zōdiakos kuklos, meaning circle of animals.

Astrology is considered to be both a science and an art. It has scientific status because it requires mathematics and an understanding of Astronomy, and art because interpretation is necessary to bring the different aspects together.

Interest in astrology waned with the rise of Christianity, but became popular again when Nostradamus published his book of prophecies in 1555.

Those born under the signs of Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius tend to be extroverts, while those born under the signs of Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces tend to be introverts.

At one time astrology and astronomy were considered part of the same science, however while astronomy went on to become one of the hard sciences, astrology is often thought to be a pseudo-science.

More than one third of all Americans believe in astrology.

Astrologers claim that the moon has the same effect on humans as it does on the ocean. If the moon can affect the huge tides it cannot fail to affect the human body, which consists of 75 per cent water.

The zodiac cycle starts with Aries because March 21 is the spring equinox.

Adolf Hitler is thought to have used an Astrologer throughout the Second World War.

Join me here next week to explore the first sign of the zodiac, Aries.