The day the stars aligned.
The history of horoscopes dates back to ancient times when they were used as a divination tool that could predict the future. The word horoscope comes from the Greek word “horoskopos,” meaning “marker of the hour.” In this guide, we’ll journey through time to explore the fascinating history of horoscopes.
Where Did Horoscopes Come From?
Astrology and zodiac signs are factions of astronomy that have since become completely removed from the sciences. Key disciplines such as alchemy, astrology, and divination were accepted in everyday political and cultural circles with other fields, from meteorology to traditional medicine. The use of astrology was highly regarded, and the belief that celestial bodies influence the future motivated scholars to carefully observe the night sky, the stars, and the planets, which can be accredited to some of the things we know today about our sky.
The Beginning of Horoscopes
The earliest known horoscope dates back to 410 BC, and the Babylonians were the first to create a horoscope by observing the stars and planets. They believed that the position of the stars and planets at the time of a person’s birth could influence their personality and fate. They separated the stars into 12 areas, each assigned a figure, a name, and a specific meaning. These areas became the 12 known zodiac signs we know today!
The Greeks and Romans
The Greeks and Romans adopted the Babylonian’s use of horoscopes and developed it further. They believed that the planets and stars directly influenced a person’s life. According to the Greek tradition, the heavens are divided according to the 12 constellations of the zodiac. Astrology was highly regarded in their culture and was used to determine major life events like marriage prospects and political decisions.
Medieval Europe
During the Middle Ages, astrology and horoscopes were still popular, but they began to take on a more mystical and magical aspect, leaning heavily into divination. Astrology was seen to connect with divine powers in order to gain insights into the future. Horoscopes were used to predict everything from the weather to the outcome of battles.
The Renaissance
During the Renaissance, astrology experienced a resurgence in popularity. The Renaissance saw the rise of individualism, and people turned to astrology and horoscopes to understand themselves and their place in the universe. The famous astronomer Galileo Galilei believed in astrology and used it in his work. Using previous discoveries of astrology, he was able to observe the phases of Venus, the moons of Jupiter and even invented an early version of the microscope.
The Modern Era
Astrology and horoscopes continued to be popular in the 20th century, with the rise of newspapers and magazines that included daily horoscopes. Today, horoscopes are easily accessible online and are a regular part of many people’s lives. However, astrology has also faced criticism from skeptics who believe it has no scientific basis. The studies of astrology and astronomy were eventually separated, and the former was said to be more of an art because it lacked mathematical and scientific foundations. The history of horoscopes is a long and fascinating one. Horoscopes have been a part of human culture and finding yourself for thousands of years. Whether you believe in astrology or not, horoscopes offer a unique insight into the human experience and continue to captivate people worldwide.
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