Astrology is a form of divination that operates on the premise that insights into the future or an individual's personality can be gleaned by studying the alignment of stars, planets, moons, and comets. The goal of astrology is to interpret the impact of these celestial bodies on human affairs.
Astrology has been in existence since ancient times, with various well-known civilizations extensively employing this field. The Greek astronomer Ptolemy holds the distinction of being the first to write a book on astrology, codifying the sun sign astrology familiar today. Ptolemy sought to predict the positions of celestial bodies in relation to each other and the earth by understanding their orbital motions. In his era, astrology was intertwined with astronomy. As time progressed, astronomy evolved into an exact science, while astrology retained its place within theology.
Beyond their roles as medical centers, Baghdad and Damascus were renowned as hubs of astrology and astronomy. The Arabs, even before the arrival of Islam, were trailblazers in the field of astronomy. The Babylonians, credited as the first to name the days of the week after the Sun, Moon, and planets, were also the pioneers in outlining the twelve houses of the horoscope.
Egypt played a crucial role in the evolution of astrology, and it is believed that certain astrological signs of the zodiac originated in this ancient civilization.
Astrology has been a practice since Vedic times in India, forming one of the six disciplines of vedanga. In Hindu beliefs, human fortune or misfortune is attributed to karma, which is thought to be influenced by the movements of the planets. Even in contemporary India, astrology holds significant importance, being widely employed to foresee the future and enhance life. It plays a crucial role in decision-making processes related to marriage, starting new businesses, or relocating to a new residence.
Chinese astrology places a strong emphasis on the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth. The zodiac signs utilized in Chinese Astrology differ from those in other astrological systems. Due to its prolonged isolation from Western civilizations, Chinese astrology remained unknown to the Western world for centuries.
