As early as 30,000 BC early humans were observing the movement of the stars. The Chaldeans from Assyria first recorded that the stars ran in a fixed way but the planets wandered. The ancient people also noted that the affairs of humans seemed linked to the passage of these planets. As an example, when Mars was visible, humans seemed more ready to go to battle. Therefore, Mars was called the God of War. On the other hand, Venus seemed to promote peace and harmony and was called the Goddess of Love.
The practice of astrology has been prevalent since ancient times, in fact at one point Astrology was a part of Astronomy. However, as time went on they were divided and Astronomy became an exact science while Astrology remained a part of Theology.
Astrology is considered a form of divination but also a complex art and science. It is based on the concept that information can be discovered about the future or about a person's personality by examining the alignment of stars, planets, moons, and comets. Astrology tries to interpret the influence of these celestial bodies on human activities.
Some well-known ancient civilizations used this field extensively. Including:
Greece Greek astronomer Ptolemy was the first person to write a book on Astrology. He is responsible for arranged the sun sign astrology that we know and use today. Ptolemy attempted to predict the positions of celestial bodies. Noting how their orbit was relative to each other and the Earth.
Baghdad and Damascus
Known for being centers of medicine, Baghdad and Damascus were also known as centers of Astrology and Astronomy. The Arabs were pioneers in Astronomy before even the advent of Islam.
Babylon The Babylonians were the first to name the days of the week after the Sun, Moon, and planets. They were also the first to set out the twelve houses of the horoscope.
Egypt
Egypt was one of the most important places in the development of Astrology. It is thought that some of the astrological signs of the zodiac originated in Egypt.
India Astrology was practiced even in the Vedic times in India. Astrology is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga. The Hindus believe that human fortune or misfortune in life is due to karma. Karma is believed to be influenced by the movements of the planets. In Modern India, astrology is extensively used to determine the future and improve life. It is used to make decisions about marriage, starting a new business, or moving into a new house.
China Chinese astrology emphasizes the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth. Even the zodiac signs used by Chinese Astrology are different from other forms of astrology. China was isolated from the western civilizations for a long time. That is why for hundreds of years Chinese astrology was unknown to the western world.
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