From hunting and migrating based on star patterns to reading a daily horoscope, astrology has certainly evolved. In order to understand the foundation of modern astrology, it’s important to examine its implications throughout time.
So… What is astrology? Why do people study it?
Essentially, astrology is the study of the cyclical movement of planets. These patterns and cycles of planets provide greater insight into patterns and cycles within our lives. Many people use astrology as a tool for healing and transformation, as well as for spiritual connection.
While this is an overview of the subject, astrology’s application has developed over many years. Below is a timeline of the practice:
30,000 – 10,000 B. C.
The roots of astrology begin with the earliest civilizations. Archaeologists discovered cave paintings, rock carvings, and bones marked with lunar phases from this time period. The stars, lunar phases, and visible planets also acted as a GPS for our ancestors.
3,000 – 300 B. C.
The Babylonian society was the next group to document the astrological system. They are one of the earliest complex human systems we have evidence of with their invention of hanging gardens and irrigation systems. In addition, they created the zodiac wheel. This chart dates back to 700 B. C. and notates planets and houses (the same wheel used today). The first horoscope chart is dated a couple of hundred years later in 400 B. C.
300 B. C. – 5th Century A. D.
During this time period, the Greeks made significant advances in astrology. They classified the modern names for planets and zodiac signs from Greek literature. A number of written astrology work was also created such as Tetrabiblos, published by Ptolemy. Tetrabiblos contains core techniques of astrology used to this day including planets, zodiac signs, houses, and aspects.
Middle Ages
Astrology was an intrinsic part of the culture of the Middle Ages. It was practiced by mathematicians, doctors, and astronomers. Furthermore, advances in mathematics helped astrologers to develop more accurate and sophisticated charts.
Several European universities, such as Cambridge University, had astrology chairs and royal families had court astrologers. Many popes also strongly believed in astrology. For example, Placidus, a monk and mathematician created the house division system used by astrologers today.
As the church gained power, belief in astrology began to decline and it was seen as heresy and superstition. For this reason, Galileo and other renowned figures had to renounce astrological beliefs.
17th & 18th Century – The Age of Reason
This decline in astrology beliefs continued into the Age of Reason. This time period placed an emphasis on reason and aligned values based on influence from the Catholic church. As a result, most astrologers worked under pseudonyms.
19th – 21st Century
During this time, renewed interest in spirituality and mysticism invigorated astrology in Europe. Carl Jung, a psychologist, pioneered the use of astrology in analysis and other developments in the field of psychology. In the 1920s, newspapers and magazines began publishing horoscopes, seen mainly as entertainment. Later in the century, technology allowed for the easy creation and accessibility of charts
I do not get into astrology that much so to see a clear readable breakdown of what it is all about is great! I also think it is funny that people have allowed the church to take so many natural views away from them, such as looking to the stars for answers maybe it’s not so far-fetched.
This was an interesting historical analysis of astrology. As a person who doesn’t know much about this ideology it’s interesting to read about the practices and how they’ve evolved through the years. I’ll be interested to read more of your blogs to gain a greater understanding of this practice.