The History Of The Horoscope: How Astrology Appeared And What Is The Origin Of The Signs

The history of the horoscope shows us how the zodiac signs we know today, such as Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and so on, appeared, as well as their characteristics. Many people find astrology a fascinating tool to better understand their lives and to obtain guidance in making personal decisions. Throughout its long and fascinating history, astrology has evolved, but it has always retained that aura of mystery and curiosity.

The history of the horoscope in brief

It is believed that the first forms of astrology appeared in Mesopotamia (the region that today includes Iraq, Iran, and Syria) around 2000 BC. Mesopotamian civilizations, such as the Sumerians and Babylonians, developed the first systems of astrology, mainly to predict political and natural events.

Mesopotamian astrologers observed and recorded the movements of the stars and planets in the sky and developed the first astronomical tables and calendars.

When astrology arrived in Greece, the zodiac signs were named after the animals and mythological figures that corresponded to the constellations in which the Sun appeared during the year. The Ancient Greeks, along with other civilizations of their time, strongly believed in an iconic phrase: ” As Above, So Below .” In other words, the Greeks believed that the functioning of the cosmos directly affects our general state of well-being.

The history of the horoscope: the meaning of each sign

The history of the horoscope is primarily based on the book Tetrabiblos by the mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy, which was published approximately 1,800 years ago.

Ptolemy divided the Earth’s orbit around the Sun—a 360-degree experience—into distinct 30-degree sectors, each with a different identification. He carefully documented the stars that could be observed during this time.

Ultimately, this led to the creation of the ancient zodiac signs, which are 12 cosmic phases correlated with each 30-degree sector.

Aries

Aries is the zodiac sign for people born between March 21 (Spring Equinox) and April 19 and is traditionally considered the beginning of the zodiac calendar. Along with Leo and Sagittarius, it is considered a Fire Sign. Given its role at the beginning of the zodiac calendar, the Lamb (or Aries) symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. But it also has origins in an ancient Greek myth – the story of Phrixus and Helle – two heroes who are saved by a ram with golden wool.

Taurus

Taurus is the second astrological sign and is the original sign of the zodiac for people born between April 20 and May 20. It is an earth sign. The first reference to Taurus was made by the ancient Mesopotamians (around 4000 BC), who called it “The Great Bull of Heaven”. The bull is also linked to the Greek myth of Zeus taking the form of a bull and “abducting” his beloved Europa.

Gemini

Gemini is the first “air” sign of the zodiac and is the astrological symbol for people born between May 21 and June 21 (summer solstice). Gemini is another zodiac sign that can trace its origins to the Babylonian era, where the stars Pollux and Castor were first called the “Great Twins of Heaven.” In Greek mythology, Pollux is considered the son of Zeus – after his friend Castor dies, Pollux asks his father to give him immortality, a request that Zeus fulfills.

Cancer

As the first water sign, Cancer marks the beginning of summer. Every year, the Sun passes through the phase of Cancer between June 22 and July 22. The horoscope origin for the Cancer symbol is traditionally a crab, although some cultures use either a lobster or a crayfish. In Greek mythology, Cancer is known as a giant crab sent by Zeus’s wife, Hera, to fight Hercules (another son of Zeus, born from an affair with Alcmene).

Leo

Leo, the second fire sign, marks the period between July 23 and August 22. Its mythological origins can be traced back to Heracles, one of the most important figures in Greek mythology. According to legend, Heracles was tasked with killing the mythical lion Nemea. Although he did not win, Zeus rewarded the lion for his bravery by giving him a constellation.

Virgo

Virgo completes the first half of the zodiac cycle. Virgo is the only zodiac sign represented by a woman, commonly called “Miss”. It is the official symbol for people born between August 22 and September 23. Traditionally, the heavenly maiden who appears in Virgo is considered Astraea, a virgin who represents justice, innocence, purity, and precision. According to Greek legend, she will one day return to Earth at the beginning of the “Golden Age”.

Libra

Libra marks the period between September 23 and October 23, being the second air sign. Its symbol is the Scales of Justice usually worn by Themis, the Greek goddess of law and justice. She is strongly associated with Venus and Astraea and can often be seen in paintings in front of courthouses and buildings around the world.

Scorpio

Scorpio, a water sign, occupies the 210-240 degree sector. In some cases, Scorpio can be associated with a snake and an eagle – each of these symbols is frequently used in mythologies around the world. In Greek mythology, the hunter Orion once vowed to kill all the animals in the world, only to be bitten and killed by a scorpion in the end.

Sagittarius

A fire sign, Sagittarius is generally represented by an archer, an original zodiac sign that often takes the form of the mythological centaur Chiron. The sun passes through the sign of Sagittarius between November 22 and December 21 (winter solstice). According to Greek legend, Chiron was a well-known mentor of Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War.

Capricorn

Capricorn is an earth sign and is the first of the three winter signs of the zodiac, falling between December 22 and January 21. Capricorn is usually represented by a goat or, in some interpretations, by a sea goat, having a ffishtail The main inspiration for this goat is Amalthsea-goatis known for taking the form of a goat and raising Zeus after he was abandoned by his parents.

Aquarius

Aquarius is the last air sign, and its symbol is usually the “water bringer”, marking the period from January 22 to February 20. The legend of Aquarius is inspired by Ganymede, whom both men and gods considered the “most beautiful” mortal man. However, in the end, and I decided to kidnap Ganymede, and he became a water bearer (the cup) on Mount Olympus. Today, Aquarius is often associated with both wisdom and revolution.

Pisces

The last – but not the last – sign in the zodiac calendar is Pisces, which falls between February 20 and March 20 (there is sometimes a little overlap/dispute between the signs). Fish are usually represented by a pair of two fish, each swimming in a different direction. After a gigantic water serpent known as Typhoon (like sa torm) began to terrorize the Greek Titans, some of the gods decided to take on new animal forms and flee. In general, it is considered that the fish in the illustrations of the zodiac represent Aphrodite and Eros in their fish form.