A new decade has arrived, and many of us will look to the stars for insight on what the universe has in store. Weekly horoscopes and zodiac signs have become an essential part of everyday life. And whether you’re a full-on believer or a bit more of a skeptic, the fact that astrology has been around for centuries has to count for something.
Its roots begin far back (like really far back)
Some believe that astrology dates as far back as 30,000 B.C. (when archaeologists found paintings and etchings marked with lunar phases), but the first astrological system started with the Babylonians. They created the zodiac wheel (equipped with planets and houses) as the horoscope chart that we still use today.
It became a worldwide practice
After Alexander the Great conquered Babylon, the Greeks adopted and advanced the astrology system. They used Greek literature for names for planets and zodiac signs and, through the studies of Plato and Aristotle astrology, it became highly regarded as a science. It was used to predict weather patterns for agricultural purposes, forecast natural disasters, and predict important events in the course of affairs.
It was not just used to predict agricultural patterns
As astrology grew in popularity, kings and rulers began to buy into the beliefs–many keeping astrological advisors by their sides. Philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists such as Plato, Aristotle, and Sir Isaac Newton experimented with astrological theories and applications. In fact, the famous Greek physician Hippocrates was even quoted saying “A physician without a knowledge of Astrology has no right to call himself a physician.”
As it stands today
For centuries, astrology has been as respected as it has been ridiculed. The American Federation of Astrologers asserts, “An ancient art/science, astrology antedates all of recorded history. Its influence reaches back to the time when gods are said to have walked and talked with men.” Some may debate the validity of astrology, but personally, I will continue to look to the stars for insight on what the future holds.
