The Babylonian Beginnings
The Babylonians are often referred to as the creator of astrology. Their astrological charts gave them a chance to predict the recurrence of seasons and specific celestial events. Hence, in the beginning, and for more than 2.000 years, astronomy and astrology were the same things. Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greek in the 4th century B.C. and by the studies of Aristotle, Plato, and other, astrology started being regarded as a science. Soon after, it was also embraced by the Romans and the Arabs, as well as the rest of the world. It is worth mentioning that the Roman names for the zodiac signs are still used today. In the past, astrology was used to bring order out of chaos, and it was soon used to predict the weather. It was eventually widened to forecast war and natural disasters, as well as other events.
The Zodiac
The name Zodiac originated from the Greek word that means “circle of animals”, and it is believed that it started existing in ancient Egypt and was later adopted by the Babylonians. Astrologers knew that there were 12 lunar cycles (12 months) and that it took 12 months for the Sun to return to its original position. They then figured out that there were 12 constellations and they have connected them to the progression of the seasons. Then, they have assigned them names of specific animals and people. The signs of the zodiac were categorized into four groups:
1. The Fire Signs: Sagittarius, Leo, and Aries
2. The Water Signs: Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer
3. The Air Signs: Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra
4. The Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
Each of the four groups is put in its own part or a group of “houses” on a circle. They divided the 12 categories based on the daily rotation of the Earth and it relates to specific situations like relationships, travel, illness, finances, etc. However, the division of the 12 signs is based on the year-long rotation of the Earth around the Sun and it connects to specific character traits and areas of life. Each planet is connected to two signs, and the Moon and Sun with one each.
Horoscope
A map of the zodiac circle with the Earth in the center is called a horoscope. The top of the circle depicts the Sun at its highest point and the right and left side are the western and eastern horizons. Your horoscope depicts the position of the Moon, Sun, planets, and starts at the specific time and place of your choosing, like the date, location, and time of your birth. In the past and even today, astrologers used to select the date and time and calculate it to create a chart. However, today, computer programs have made this extremely easy. If done properly, it will reveal current trends and personality insights, and it should be done by an experienced and trained astrologer. For more information check out this website.
Conclusion
Although this is a brief introduction and history of the zodiac and horoscope, it is enough for you to understand the beliefs regarding the horoscope. In a way, it still is an enigma to society today.
Nina Smith