Star Saga: A Short History of Astrology

Astrology has come a long way since it first started. If you own a social media account, then you've probably come across at least one 'astrology account' every day. However, it makes you think, in humanity's history, when did older civilizations take an interest in the pseudo-science of studying heavenly bodies?

When talking about the sky, it is one of the most mysterious bodies of Earth to humankind. Apart from not interacting with it physically, as an average person, you can only see so little about it. We only know that it can either be sunny in the daytime or be cloudy, or in the nighttime, we see the moon or the Earth may pour from the heavens. However, on a clear night, the sky looks like one complete puzzle that is waiting to be solved. Thus, man's interest in the sky and everything that lies beyond it branched out into three specific inquiries: astronomy, astrology, and the calendar. For the benefit of answering the question, astrology delves into explaining the connection between man and these said heavenly bodies. Though human beings have been using stars as guides since tie immemorial, how long has the concept of astrology existed?

Here's a quick rundown of the ancient practice, starting from the very primary practices of it to the evolved form of astrology that people know about today:

30,000 BC to 10,000 BC (Old Stone Age)

The core of astrology was discovered as early as the oldest civilization. In fact, maps of the stars existed way before the first map of the Earth was crafted. Archaeologists have discovered caves and Palaeolithic instruments that are engraved with a guide of lunar phases. It has been hypothesized that man used this for their early guide to navigation, setting the early seven planets as their natural compass.

6000 BC to 3000 BC (Mesopotamia and Babylonians)

The Sumerians are known for their significant contribution to establishing the first 'real' civilization. Amongst their contributions, they picked up from that past age's practice of studying the stars but refined it better by constantly observing the movement. It is in their civilization wherein constellations were recognized and named a little after 3000 BC. They even had 'sky-watchers who could identify the five wandering stars, which with the sun and moon formed the seven original planets.

Shortly after, the Babylonians arrived, and they were hailed as the first great astronomers. The minutes and seconds that astronomers use for measurement even up to today derive from the number system that they created. It was also their civilization that introduced the concept of the zodiac.

The 'animal circle' or the 'zodiac wheel' is a concept that is still used up to now. In this instrument, they could link certain times of the year with constellations and how they could make a connection of the constellations to the gods that exist. Thus, there was a merger between scientific thought and divine influence during their time.

331 B.C.-5th Century A.D.

When the Babylonians were conquered by Alexander the Great, they enhanced the literature related to astrology. Most notably, the names that are used to identify the known planets right now are based on the names that they gave. In particular, Ptolemy published Tetrabiblos, which contains some of the core techniques that even modern astrology uses today.

Middle Ages

Astrology during the Middle Ages had half-and-half opportunities. At the beginning of this age, astrology reached a golden period wherein doctors, astronomers, and mathematicians considered what is learned from this subject. Cambridge had court 'astrology chairs', royals had 'court astrologers,' and many popes were pro-astrology. However when the Church gained power, astrology's influence declined as it was seen as some heresy during the Inquisition.

17th to 18th Century: Age of Reason

The Reform Movement led by Protestants intensified the decline of astrology. Rationalism was the center of this era, so people were more focused on reason, analysis, and individualism. Skepticism and science were seen as ways to reform, so astrology was seen as a mere entertainment form compared to being treated as a 'genuine science.'

19th Century

However, jumping to Europe, there was a renewed perception of mysticism and spirituality, which led to the rise of astrology once again. Famous psychologist, Carl Jung, made use of astrology to develop his work in psychology.

20th- 21st Century

The popularization of astrology started in the 1920s when newspapers posted Sun-based horoscopes, which are like the ones that we see today. In many parts of the world, astrology is vital in deciding how steps should be taken. Aspects such as marriage, parenting, and business are all aspects that a lot of cultures want to know more about through astrology. Currently, though Western countries see it as a mere hobby that some people do, because of social media and the avenue of freedom, astrologers have taken themselves to a spotlight that will grow bigger as time

LIBRA

One of the heaviest burdens that Libras carry is their habit of carrying grudges within them. Grudges are tempting to carry and keep, but Libras should learn that the energy carried by their grudges is repelling away the good things that are intended for them. Just imagine that they carry something in them that pushes their good fortunes and blessings away from them! And the only thing that can stop this big waste is for them to unload these grudges and be willing to forgive. This can be really hard, but this is the only way to attract and experience the good things that the

SCORPIO

People who possess the sign of Scorpio are known to be jealous and distrustful of the people around them. They always compare their appearance and progress with other people, which distracts them from improving themselves better. Their thinking is also distorted because they always assume that people around them have hidden motives or would do anything against them.

These two negative traits are, without a doubt, major energy-suckers that Scorpios must be willing to get rid of immediately. All of us have finite mental and physical energies, and if we chose to consume it on worthless things like the negative traits that we've mentioned above, then it would not only be a waste of time but a waste of life as well.

Scorpios must realize that they need to use their energy efficiently. Instead of spending so much energy on jealousy and distrust, they should instead pour out their energy on self-development and expressing love towards other people.

SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarius are go-getters; they would not hesitate to say yes on any tasks or anyone who is asking for their help. But the problem is, in their quest to help other people, they unknowingly neglected their own goals, passions, and dreams. The trait they have is indeed commendable, but just like everything in this world, everything must be balanced to gain a beneficial result.

What Sagittarius people should do is balance their time between their personal goals and their desire to help other people. All these things are truly important, and both of them need quality time and love. That is why if there are pleas for assistance or help that would eat up their time for their personal goals, then there's nothing wrong to say no and humbly turn them down. After all, balance is the key to achieving great results. Nothing and no one can progress with unbalanced priorities.

CAPRICORN

Capricorn people should learn to forgive the people that have done them wrong or committed something undesirable that was not intentional. . There are so many imperfections in this world, and human beings are not exempted from this reality. That's why Capricorns should be in line with the nature of the Universe and forgive other people's imperfections.

In that way, they can flow with the Universe more smoothly, and there's no reason for them to carry heavy emotional baggage anymore.

AQUARIUS

Aquarius people should learn how to express their emotions better. When done right, it can unload a lot of baggage within them that tries so hard to prevent their true emotions from being expressed. But one important thing they should remember is that they should be respectful in expressing their emotions and must do it in a way that can minimize offending other people as much as possible.

PISCES

Fear is a sign that something must be avoided, but there are times that it is a sign of major importance. Pisces people should realize that fear is not actually bad or unproductive; they just have to 'tame it' and manage it well. It is a natural response of our mind and body, but it's up to us if we let this emotion take over the decision-making and distort our thinking or have the willpower to control and manage it.