Sunday, April 21, 2013

SUN - THE FATHER


The Sun is one out of billions of stars. The Sun is the closest star to Earth. The Sun rotates once every 27 days. The Sun is now a middle-aged star, meaning it is at about the middle of its life. The Sun formed over four and a half billion years ago. You may think the Sun will die soon, but it will keep shining for at least another five billion years.

The Sun’s surface is called the photosphere. The temperature of the photosphere is about 10,000° Fahrenheit. Its core is under its atmosphere. The temperature at the core, or very middle, of the Sun, is about 27 million° Fahrenheit. That’s pretty hot!

The Sun’s diameter is about 870,000 miles wide. The Sun is 109 times wider than Earth, and is 333,000 times heavier. That means if you put the Sun on a scale, you would need 333,000 objects that weigh as much as the Earth on the other side to make it balance.

The Sun is only one of over 100 billion stars. In ancient times, the people believed the Sun was a burning ball of fire created by the gods. Later, people thought it was a solid object, or a liquid ball. Over one million Earths could fit inside the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun can permanently damage your eyes because it is so bright. A star mostly gives off light and heat. The larger the star, the hotter its temperature. A supergiant star can get to be 400 times larger than our Sun, which is almost a million miles in diameter. The Sun is tilted.

Without the Sun, Earth could not support life. The Sun gives off heat and light that the Earth needs to support life (us). If you lived on the Sun, and you built a spacecraft, it would have to go over 618.2 kilometers per second to escape the Sun’s gravitational pull. The Sun is 695,000 kilometers at its equator. The Sun is the largest mass in our Solar System.

Sun loops are large loops caused by the Sun’s magma (molten rock) shooting off of the Sun’s surface. These loops can fly millions of miles into space. Our Sun is approximately 25,000 light-years from the galactic core of our galaxy (the Milky Way). It is like a really big star. It is a million times bigger than the biggest.

Did you know that the Sun is made out of 92% hydrogen, 7% helium and the rest is other low number gasses? The Sun’s core is the hottest part of its matter. It is 27 billion° Fahrenheit. The Sun does not rise or set. It just looks like it does because the Earth is moving. The Earth orbits the Sun every 365 space days. Can you believe that the Sun can burn over seven million tons of natural gas every second? A star can live for over three billion years. If the Sun was hollow, you could fit 333,000 Earths inside! The Sun rotates, too. It rotates every 25-36 days. It seems as if stars always stay in the same position night after night, year after year, but they actually do move over time. They helped scientists to develop a reference system for charting a planet’s movement.

The moon does not give off light of its own. It is the Sun that gives light to the Moon. The Moon reflects the Sun’s light. A star is the only body in space that emits its own light; everything else reflects light from the closest star. Can you believe that it is over 4.24 light-years to the nearest star? Did you know that about 65% of all “stars” are actually double stars? They are stars that look like one, but when viewed through a telescope, they are actually two stars. Stars vary in sizes. They can be as small as 7,000 miles in diameters, or as large as 900 billion miles in diameter. Some stars change in brightness over a period of time. They do this when the star’s temperature dramatically drops. These stars are called Variable Stars.

A star has many different characteristics, such as their position, motion, size, mass, chemical ingredients and temperature. No two stars are exactly alike. The number of stars in the known Universe exceeds one billion.
BODY PARTS, GOVERNED BY SUN
 

The planets are also associated with certain portions and functions within the body: They are heart, spine, and general vitality.

The Sun is the life giver to our physical bodies and controls the prana or life force. The placement of the Sun is very important for overall health as it governs entire constitution of the body. No number of words can express the Sun's importance in bodily functioning. It specifically rules the heart, eyes, upper back and spine, aorta and blood circulation.


MENTAL QUALITIES

 

Appearance

They will have stout physique with broad shoulders. They will be sunny cheerful disposition, will have fearless eyes of grey tint, wavy hair with receding hairline. They will walk upright and talk straight. On the whole, you will have a right royal disposition.


Mental Qualities

They will be ambitious, generous, faithful, fearless and proud. They will be rich in life and 
feeling, and will be openly opposed to cliques, secrecy and underhand actions. They have the 
broadness of the mind and will be oblivious to enmity.

Special Characteristics
They will have a strong, careful, forcible and watchful nature. They are laborious and possess and austere uncontrollable character. Domestic infelicity may make you distrustful of others and you may get entangled in hazardous speculations. Their pride may border on to vain gloriousness which you may curtail by exercising your will-force. They are apt to assert your independence at opportune moments, and accrue benefits.

They will have a fortunate and profitable nature, and kind humane disposition. They will have gains and legacies and success through marriage and partnership / collaboration. You will have warm sympathies and a dutiful family. You will have artistic faculty, plenty of confiance-en-soi and an inclination to form rather than colour. One of your off-springs could be source of pride and joy to your family.

You have a strong, forceful nature and a ersonality capable of desiring command. You are frank, open-minded and generous in disposition. You have an adventurous spirit, inclined to exploits and hazardous feats. You will gain through inheritance and acquire properties in a rather late age.
 
PROFESSIONS GOVERNED BY THE SUN
Any profession or employment having authority, command and power. Generally any service under Government but specifically high posts like department heads, envoy, ambassador, counsel general, ministers, etc. Employment in fields related to gold, manufacturing and trading in wool and woolen goods, wood and wooden furniture. Traders of wheat, grains, pulses and cereals. Career related to bankers, presidents, stock exchange, engineering, occupations involving children and related to entertainment, amusement and theaters. Service in medical department, particularly heart and child specialist.

Municipal corporations, civil engineering, medicine, chemicals, architectural work, and work related to metals are few professions related to this planet.
Sun represents Father, Spirituality, Politics, Governance, Greatness. It represents Husband in charts of females, Superiors when employment issues are involved, Governance of Country.


Sun rules : controls Heart, Right Eye in males and left eye in Females, Mouth, Throat and Brain. If in bad aspect with Saturn then Blood Pressure related problems occur, Heat related problems, High Fever, Typhoid, Boils etc.


Well placed Sun gives tremendous ambition, Debilitated sun makes a person egoistic and vain, Government employment, On the minimum level employment is guaranteed with security of the same, Inherited Business, The nature of employment or Business is determined in combination with other planets.


If Sun relates to Moon-Venus then Business is related to Red or Orange colour Goods, or will be employed in the travel related business.


If Sun relates to Mars-Mercury then Military Engineer or Government Press.


If Sun relates to Saturn then business related to Woolen Items.
Sun also relates to Government Securities, Finance, Gold Bonds, Price and Price Control.


DISEASES GOVERNED BY SON

Each planet denotes some disease. Like wise diseases and all the nine planets can be categorized as under:

Sickness caused by the displacement of bile. Fevers arising from excessive heat, general weakness, heart diseases, stomach troubles, eye diseases, skin ruptures, gonorrhea, wounds, burns, fits, falls, troubles arising from poison , high fevers, deprived digestion, mental tensions etc.

Every heart related problem arise due to affliction to Sun or its sign Leo, this includes enlarged heart conditions, palpitations of the heart, cholesterol-related degeneration of the heart, angina, pericarditis, endocarditic, blood pressure and heart attacks. High fevers, back problem, diseases of the bone marrow, rheumatic fever and sunstroke.

PLANTS - ASTROLOGY AND MYTHOLOGY

Plants seen from an astrological perspective. See how zodiac signs and plants (trees, shrubs, herbs, crawlers, bulbs, vegetables, annuals, fruits and nuts) are connected.The myths sourrounding the plants and the facts revealed, their medicinal properties give a flavour to your basic need from mother nature.How Plants are connected with the Planets ?

   - Herbs like angelica, calendula, celandine, eye bright, juniper, lovage, rosemary, rue, st-johns-wort, palm.

 - Shrubs like bayberry, cercocarpus, laurel.

 - Trees like ash tree, black walnut, dragons blood, frankincense, walnut.


The Mantras for Sun

Beej Mantra of the Sun:         Om hram hreem hroum sah suryaye namah
The Surya Stotra:                   Om Jaba kusuma sankasam kashyapeyam mahadutim tamorim sarva paapghnam pranatosmi Divakaram
Gayatri Mantra of Sun:           Om Adityaye vidmahe divakaraya dhimahi tanno suryay prachodayat


Remedies for Sun which are performed if Sun is not well placed in the horoscope:
1.    Worshiping the ruling deity of the Sun, Lord Shiva.
2.    Recitation of Aditya Hridaya stotra.
3.    Reciting of Sun Mantras.
4.    Charity: Donate wheat or jaggery on Sundays.
5.    Fasting day: Sundays.
6.    Pooja: Rudrabhishek.
7.    Rudraksh: Wear one mukhi (one faced) or twelve mukhi (twelve faced) Rudraksh.
8.    Surya Namaskar: a simple twelve step exercise to be performed at the time of Sunrise facing east.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

TYPES OF ASTROLOGY

Current traditions
Traditions still practiced in modern times include:

Historical traditions
Traditions which were once widely used but have either partly or fully fallen into disuse:


Recent Western developments
Traditions which have arisen relatively recently in the West:


Uranian astrology, subset of the Hamburg School
Psychological astrology or Astropsychology

Esoteric systems of astrology
Astrological concepts applied to various esoteric schools of thought or forms of divination:


Western, Indian, and Chinese astrology approaches are the 3 main types that can help you understand your true zodiac sign.

Astrologists believe that the positions of the stars and planets at the time of our birth can bring many insights to our life such as knowledge, luck, or love. That is why many people are enthusiastic to know about their zodiac signs and use them as a way to understand more about themselves, guide them in their successes, and overcome trials. But before you can truly appreciate zodiac signs, you must be aware that there are at least 3 major types of astrology featuring different zodiac signs. It is up to you to decide which one you prefer to follow. They are listed below.

Western astrology

Western astrology is the most popular of the 3 major types of astrology. Many people follow this one because figuring out a zodiac sign in this astrology is very easy. The zodiac signs in western astrology are termed as the sun or star signs. To know your sun sign, all you have to do is look at your birth date and find which specific sun sign falls under it. Under this type of astrology, there are about 12 different zodiac signs. They are as follows, with their corresponding dates:
Aries – March 21 to April 19
Taurus – April 20 to May 20
Gemini – May 21 to June 20
Cancer – June 21 to July 22
Leo – July 23 to August 22
Virgo – August 23 to September 22
Libra – September 23 to October 22
Scorpio – October 23 to November 21
Sagittarius – November 22 to December 21
Capricorn – December 22 to January 19
Aquarius – January 20 to February 18
Pisces – February 19 to March 20

Indian astrology

The zodiac signs in Indian astrology, whether Hindu, Jyotisa or Vedica, are more or less the same as the Western astrology’s zodiac signs, though they are named differently. The only difference is the location of the zodiac signs in the sky. This is because Indian astrology analyzes the stars’ movement. The following are its zodiac signs with their western zodiac signs counterpart:

Mesa “ram” – Aries
Vrsabha “bull” – Taurus
Mithuna “twins” – Gemini
Karka “crab” – Cancer
Simha “lion” – Leo
Kanya “girl” – Virgo
Tula “balance” – Libra
Vrscika “scorpion” – Scorpio
Dhanus “bow” – Sagittarius
Makara “sea-monster” – Capricorn
Kumbha “pitcher” – Aquarius
Mina “fish” – Pisces

Chinese astrology

In Chinese astrology, the zodiac signs are not based on the constellations or of the ecliptic sections. Instead, they are named after animals and with an interval of one sun year and one lunar month (based on the Chinese calendar) for each sign. This means that within a year only one Chinese zodiac sign rules and that it will take about 11 years for it to rule again. The twelve zodiacs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
There is no restriction for which type of astrology and zodiac sign you will follow. You can even read more about them all to understand even more details about you.

Different Types of Astrology

In the last chapter we learnt about the introduction and expansion of astrology. Lets go ahead and learn few more things about astrology...

Vedic astrology is like a giant Banyan tree. It is impossible to completely separate the different branches of this banyan tree, because you never know when one branch merges into another. Before learning Vedic astrology, it is necessary to know the different types of Astrology.
In simple words Vedic astrology is divided into two parts:

Mathematical Astrology

Mathematical astrology involves Panchang and mathematical calculations. It also has many branches as follows. It gives calculations to determine the position and speed of planets. Mathematical astrology includes additions, subtractions, multiplication, square root etc. It also explains the method to calculate the speed and position of earth, sky etc.

Result Astrology

This astrology mentions the positions of planets and yogas being formed in the horoscope and their benefic results. This details the methods to calculate muhurat, which includes the calculations of planets, dates, constellations etc.

Tajik Astrology

Tajik comes under Result Astrology. This includes the making of yearly horoscope, which calculates year, month, days of whole year and good rewards are considered over it.

Question Astrology
 

In question astrology, horoscope is formed on the basis of the time the question has been asked and results are given or the question is solved thereafter. This is a unique form of astrology.

Maidneya Astrology
 

This astrology is also known as Rashtra astrology. This astrology is used to know about the rise or decline of a nation or country.

Samhita Astrology
 

Any earthquake or natural disaster involving Indra bows in a specific year is considered in it.   

What are the Different Kinds Of Astrology?

At last count there were over 80 branches of astrology in usage! That's really so amazing considering the minimal uses at its inception.

Most practicing astrologers today use astrology for self awareness, family, and clients. This self-contained system is probably the most complete system. It is interwoven with so many other paths of wisdom as well. Quaballa is rooted in astrology as are Numerology, Tarot, and Feng Shui.

Today we can work with Western astrology, Vedic, Hellenistic, Classical, Traditional, Mayan, Aztec, Chinese, Korean astrology, and more. But let's go through all the branches of application.

Humanistic astrology is what we now primarily practice in the West. Some refer to this as astrological 'readings' to assist people who want personal awareness, knowledge of their patterns, karmic issues, strengths, weaknesses, and predictions for their future.

Karmic/esoteric astrology focuses on the more spiritual side of interpretation and insights.
Relationship astrology of course deals with the energy between two people in relationship, which can be lovers, or child/parent, boss and employee, family patterns, etc.Vocational astrology focuses on assisting the client to understand where his greatest career potentials lie.
 

Specialty branches are Horary astrology is the branch of answering specific questions and finding lost items. Electional astrology is that of searching the sky for the most propitious time to begin an event, such as opening a business or buying a car or getting married. 
Rectification is the branch to rectify a birth chart for a person who does not know the time they were born.
 

Mundane astrology is a branch that covers political events, wars, countries and global changes.
Astro meteorology is the study of and prediction weather and geological patterns.
 

Financial Astrology or astro economics is a very recognized branch today used by many stock brokers on Wall Street. Astro Financial software is now available to astrologers to trade the markets.
 

Gambling and Sports astrology is a common branch and astro software is available for this as well. 

Natal astrology                                     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natal_astrology
Electional astrology                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electional_astrology
Horary astrology                                  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horary_astrology
Mundane astrology                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundane_astrology
Chinese astrology                              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology
Indian astrology                                  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_astrology
Sidereal astrology                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidereal_astrology
Western astrology                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_astrology
Tropical astrology                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_astrology
Arab and Persian astrology            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_and_persian_astrology
Islamic astrology                              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_astrology
Early Irish astrology                         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_astrology
Egyptian astrology                          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_astrology
Kabbalistic astrology                     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalistic_astrology
Hellenistic astrology                      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_astrology
Judicial astrology                          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judicial_astrology
Katarchic astrology                      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katarchi_astrology
Mayan Astrology                          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayan_astrology
Medical astrology                        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_astrology
Meteorological astrology            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteorological_astrology
Nadi astrology                               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadi_astrology
Tibetan Astrology                            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_astrology
Evolutionary astrology                       http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_astrology
Financial astrology                               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_astrology
Hamburg School of Astrology        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburg_school_of_astrology
Uranian astrology                                 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranian_astrology
Locational astrology                            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locational_astrology
Astrocartography                                 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrocartography
Psychological astrology                      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological astrology
Sun sign astrology                               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_sign_astrology
Kabbalistic astrology                          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalistic_astrology
Esoteric astrology                               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esoteric_astrology

1. Medical astrology.

This is a rarely used but important division of astrology. A medical horoscope doesn’t look like an ordinary horoscope. It is made with a different system of houses. By using a medical horoscope it is possible to make a diagnosis of possible diseases, to predict their beginning and in many cases to stop them before they really take hold. The main planets used in the calculations are Hileg and Antihileg, which are indicators of the energetically strongest organs (Hileg) and the weakest organs, through which diseases enter (Antihileg). We look at what kind of diseases are: acquired, hereditary or karmic. Depending on this, we choose the method of treatment. For example, it is absolutely useless to cure diseases connected with karma of the family by ordinary methods. Medical astrology by no means substitutes for medicine. Astrologers will never recommend any chemical remedies (the pills that are so popular). The recommendations will concern lifestyle, diet, method of treatment in homeopathy – similar by similar or similar by opposite, and the use of herbs and crystals.

2. Horary astrology.

This type of astrology is used to answer a specific question. Almost every clearly asked question will receive a “yes” or “no” answer. Included in the answer will be the timing of the event, the influences surrounding it, the best way to achieve success, etc.

I had a boss once who, having learned that I was also an astrologer, asked me to construct a horary chart for him around a question regarding the firm’s business. I could see in the chart that what he really wanted was to ask a personal question, but he didn’t really trust me as an astrologer yet, and so had decided to ask the business question first as a test to see what I could do. I explained this to him and, in so doing, proved my expertise. He then asked me to cast his personal horoscope.

Horary astrology is absolutely necessary for deciding the best time for starting a new business: any business. It is particularly useful, when starting up a company, in deciding when to sign contracts, etc. This is because one is laying the foundation for the life of the company. Frequently, people buy a company founded many years before which, for some reason, has not been successful. The business continues to falter under the new management as well. This is not by chance. Evidently the founding was at a time when the locations of planets were negative, and blocked the development of the business. If you buy such a firm, its problems will not disappear by themselves.

3. Astro-mineralogy.

I love this type of astrology. It combines astrology and mineralogy. Every stone has the specific influence of certain planets. Using properly selected stones, it is possible to improve a person’s character, life situation and even health. You only need to know “how” and to be serious about what you are doing. That’s because this is magic at work.

It is impossible to select stones just by general recommendations. You have probably read things like: “Ruby suits Leo, hematite – Scorpio, garnet – Sagittarius, moonstone and pearl – Cancer, etc.” This is not always so. For example, garnet is really the stone of Sagittarius, because it has forces of Jupiter (and Mars), and Jupiter controls Sagittarius. But it might be, that your Jupiter is wicked, and the force of this planet shouldn’t be activated, or it might not be malignant, but be very strong. Its strength of force is seen in your life: you are ambitious and actively pursue your career. If the results are not always what you want, you shouldn’t make Jupiter stronger by wearing its stones. Let’s suppose, after looking at your horoscope, that you have weak Mercury, and this prevents you from expressing your thoughts as you want and, correspondingly, prevents you from being successful in your career. In this case, you would want to make Mercury stronger by wearing its stones, for example, rock – crystal.

If you are not familiar with your horoscope, it is better to select stones according to your inner feeling of what you “like or “don’t like”. Also, it should always be taken into consideration that a stone must harmonize with the metal into which it is set. For example, emeralds should not be worn in gold settings (even though they look beautiful), because the emerald carries the moon’s influence, and gold carries the Sun’s; this means they are incompatible. Finally, never wear stones with black spots inside and with cracks, except in cases when this is the natural structure of the mineral (for example, selenite).

4. Numerology.

Numerology doesn’t have a direct relation to astrology, but is closely connected to it because each planet is associated with a particular number. Numerology is important, for example, when selecting a name for your child. It is good when the name matches a strong and benevolent planet.

When my daughter was born, my husband and relatives waited patiently for over a month while I constructed every conceivable horoscope and calculated every benevolent and unfavorable planet. Finally, when I was ready, I announced her name. (Although, I will admit that I didn’t take exotic names into consideration).

With the help of numerology it is possible to calculate numbers that are significant in your life, as well as many other things.

5. Geographical astrology

Geographic astrology can help you discover in which country and region you will feel the best. When you move to a different apartment or open an office, it is important to take into consideration that your health and prosperity will depend directly on the place or the location of the new site.

6. Business astrology.

This is self-explanatory.

7. Mundane astrology.

Deals with world events.

HISTORY OF ASTROLOGY

Astrology has been the earliest and the oldest of all sciences. It is older than all religions and has been guiding mankind from the barbaric cave life to the dawn of the modern civilization. It assist us to understand ourselves for who we are? and what we can be? 

It began its journey when our great great forefathers looked up the sky and started noticing a definite pattern in the motions of celestial bodies. Then they looked down at earth, and observed the patterns in the events of this world and lives of its beings. The mystery enticed them, and they set forth for the quest of truth. And in the sudden insight of enlightenment, they discovered the correlation of these two phenomenon’s. Henceforth the vast exploration of a deep wisdom started taking a form.
The history of Astrology begins with creation itself. Sage Garga says that the science was propounded by the creator himself and that Brahma handed it down to him at the time of creation. From Garga other sages got it an it was spread all over. It appears to be co-oval with that of the Earth.
Interest in astrology has persisted throughout the centuries, occasionally falling out of favor but always rebounding. The ancient civilizations are gone, but their gift of astrology survives. If it didn't work, it would long ago have taken its place alongside them in the footnotes of history.
The earliest known astrological records date back to Babylon, 1645 BC, and the earliest horoscope to 410 BC..

The origin of Astrology can be traced from several locations and cultures all over the world. From Egypt, which developed sophisticated timekeeping methods and calendar science to Greece where Ptolemy authored influential astrological and astronomical texts; and Rome, where many of the most learned men-including two emperors-were astrologers who wrote laws and counseled citizens based on the stars this "art-science" took shape with time and experiences.


Astrology can be traced back to more than 8,000 years ago in Bharat, what is now India. Records of the knowledge of astrology has been found in many civilizations.
Actual manuscripts of Bharat’s astrologers exist from 3,700 BC. Records of their knowledge has been found from 6,500 BC. The Hindus’ knowledge of the stars was great. They even understood the precession of the equinoxes and calculated a cycle to 25, 870 years. Today, with modern technology, they’re still arguing about the date.

Some of the older records are from China, as they have carefully preserved them.

Later astrologers mentioned Chaldea, but no actual manuscripts were found. Yet the science was undoubtedly practiced for a time, and the Greeks and Romans might have learned from this.

Babylonians were said to have practiced astrology around 2,500 BC, but no actual records have been found.

Evidence suggest that the Egyptians knew about astrology for thousands of years before the year 0 AD. The earliest works of astrology are by Claudius Ptolemy. His writings had many errors that set back science later in time, like his theory that the Earth was in the center of the universe.

In Persia, the famous astrologer was Al Hakim. His writings don’t exist anymore, but he achieved fame by making amazing predictions.

The Arabs greatly reverenced astrology. Their astrologers traveled and brought their knowledge to the Greeks and Romans, but their work has only been preserved in fragments.

Astrology has its own course of origin and development in other cultures as well. Many western astrologers claim that Greeks bought astrology to India with invasion of Alexander the great. Later on Indians developed this branch to a great extent by themselves. The controversy exists till date. 
Western world claims of astrology originating since 1645 BC (Babylon), and actual first horoscope existing in 410 BC. Indians astrology`s literature`s record going back to 3700 BC still exists. Although history of astrology is unrecorded, the science of Vedic scriptures date back to 6000 yrs back.

Egypt, Rome and China contributed to their own development. Indian astrology later on became an inspiration for Arabic and Persian astrologers. Indians were known to be in touch with Greeks and Sumerians, and hence there is a vast number of similarities to all these branches.

Some of the centres of origin of Astrology are :


Babylonian Beginnings

The Babylonians are generally credited with the birth of astrology. Their astrological charts enabled them to predict the recurrence of seasons and certain celestial events. So, in the beginning and for more than 2,000 years, astrology and astronomy were the same science.
Babylonian astrology was introduced to the Greeks early in the 4th century B.C. and, through the studies of Plato, Aristotle, and others, astrology came to be highly regarded as a science. It was soon embraced by the Romans (the Roman names for the zodiacal signs are still used today) and the Arabs and later spread throughout the entire world.

While earliest astrology was used to bring a sense of order out of apparent chaos, it was soon utilized to predict weather patterns, primarily for agricultural purposes. It was eventually broadened to include forecasts of natural disasters and war and other events in the course of human affairs. Amassing successes in these fields, it was a natural progression for astrology to be used as counsel for kings and emperors and, in time, for all of us.

Astral themes

The sky is the most mysterious part of our everyday experience. Familiarity may make the amazing events going on at ground level seem almost ordinary. Plants and animals grow and die, rain falls, rivers flow. We feel we understand that.

But the sky is beyond comprehension. Two great objects travel through it, one hot and constant, the other cold and changeable. In the daytime it is moody; there may be blazing sun, or racing clouds, or darkness followed by thunder and lightning. And yet on a clear night the sky is the very opposite - predictable, if you look hard enough, with recognizable groups of stars moving in a slow but reliable manner.

Man's interest in the sky is at the heart of three separate stories - astronomy, astrology and the calendar.

Astronomy is the scientific study of sun, moon and stars. Astrology is a pseudo-science interpreting the supposed effect of the heavenly bodies on human existence. In early history the two are closely linked. The sky is the home of many of the gods, who influence life on earth. And the patterns in the sky must surely reflect that influence.

Mesopotamia and the Babylonians: from 3000 BC

The first mention of astrology as it was practiced by the Babylonians appears to place the period at about 1645 BC but no actual records of literature concerning the Babylonian contribution to the science have been discovered to date.


Astronomical observation begins with the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, where prominent constellations (the patterns formed by stars in the galaxy) are recognized and named soon after 3000 BC. Similarly the sky-watchers of Mesopotamia identify the five wandering stars, which with the sun and moon form the seven original 'planets' (Greek for 'wanderers').
Within Mesopotamia the Babylonians, flourishing from the 18th century BC, are the first great astronomers. The minutes and seconds of modern astronomical measurement derive from their number system. And it is the Babylonians who introduce the useful concept of the zodiac.

The Babylonians realize that the zodiac - the sequence of constellations along which the sun and the planets appear to move in their passage through the heavens - can serve as a yardstick of celestial time if divided into recognizable and equal segments. They select twelve constellations to represent these segments, many of them identified by the names of animals. The Greeks later provide the term for the zodiac when they describe it as the 'animal circle'

The zodiac links constellations with times of the year; and the constellations have their own links with the gods. So scientific observation of star positions merges with speculation about divine influence. The zodiac, as a concept, is of use to both astronomers and astrologers. 
The Greeks: from the 6th century BC

The Greeks make significant advances in the fields of both astronomy and astrology. In astronomy their analytical approach to the heavens leads to early insights of great brilliance, even though they eventually blind European astronomers for more than a millennium with the elaborately observed but entirely false Ptolemaic system.

Meanwhile astrology benefits from the range and vitality of the Greek gods. Linked with the planets and constellations, these very human divinities make astrology dramatic and exciting. And Greek interest in the individual extends the astrologers' range. Evolved originally to help in affairs of state, the art finds its lasting role in casting the fortunes of ordinary men and women.

India and elsewhere: from the 1st millennium BC

In India records exist today which point clearly to a highly developed knowledge of astrology as far back as about 6,500 BC and actual manuscripts are still extant which were written about 3,700 BC. Some of the originals have been destroyed or lost but actual copies of these originals were made by alter astrologers. These are to be found in the libraries of Maharajas and in the libraries of certain states in Bharat. Actual, detailed records of astrological science are continuous from about 6,500 BCE. 

One of the earliest authors of Vedic astrology, copies of whose work are still to be found, is Pita Maha who wrote a treatise on astrology called Pita Maha Siddhant(a). He lived and wrote this book about 3,000 BCE. Five hundred years later, another author-astrologer named Vashishtth(a) wrote several books on astrology, astronomy and philosophy. His most important work, and one which was used as an authority by all subsequent writers on the subject, is Vashishtth(a) Siddhant(a), but he wrote may other equally erudite and authoritative texts such as the Panch Siddhant(a) Kosh(a), Soory(a) Siddhant(a), Nityanand(a), Brhat Jatak(a), Aryabhat, Mansagari, Ranveer, and the Laghu Parashar.

India has had its own system of astrology from perhaps as early as 1000 BC. With Greek influence, during the Hellenistic period, the western version of the zodiac is introduced. 
The same pattern recurs elsewhere at other periods of history. The spread of Arabic scholarship, bringing forgotten Greek texts to medieval Europe, results in much work for the astrologers - until the age of science and the age of reason somewhat reduce the appeal of the ancient art.

In most parts of the world astrology is thriving again in the 20th century. In countries such as India it has never lost its appeal. No important step in life can be safely undertaken unless the signs are propitious. No marriage will go ahead without horoscopes being drawn up.

In western countries the ancient art is perhaps viewed rather more as light-hearted self-indulgence. But most popular newspapers still find that it pays to keep a resident astrologer.

Contrary to its popular but erroneous reputation as a New Age subject, astrology is actually an ancient science that predates both astronomy and psychology. Studied and used throughout the world for thousands of years, astrology is the study of the interactions among the stars and the planets, based on intricate mathematical cycles.

The earliest known astrological records date back to Babylon, 1645 BC, and the earliest horoscope to 410 BC. Astrology's origins can also be traced to several other locations and cultures, including Egypt, which developed sophisticated timekeeping and calendar science; Greece, where Ptolemy authored influential astrological and astronomical texts; and Rome, where many of the most learned men -- including two emperors -- were astrologers who wrote laws and counseled citizens based on the stars.

During the Renaissance, when literacy became more widespread, almanacs began publishing astrological information for public consumption. Several notable figures of the era, including Galileo and Copernicus, were both practicing astrologers and founders of the modern scientific movement. Despite the seemingly easy relationship between astrology and science, however, astrology began to lose popular credibility when myriad predictions about the great conjunction of 1524 failed to "come true."


As the scientific revolution surged and astronomy gained respect, astrology and various other arts fell by the wayside. Many individuals still practiced the art, however, and astrology enjoyed small revivals in England in the 1700s and 1800s. But it wasn't until the birth of Princess Margaret in 1930 that astrology once again found widespread popularity. That year, the London Sunday Express ran an astrological profile of the princess to celebrate her birth -- and so began the modern newspaper horoscope column. 
In the 1950s, French astrologers Michel and Françoise Gauquelin used sophisticated statistical studies to link the positions of the planets to human nature. Others, such as Dane Rudhyar, have expanded the study of Humanistic astrology.


CHINA
 
Aside from the Vedic records, perhaps the oldest records of astrological practice are to be found in China. The Chinese have been as scrupulous in preserving their records as the Hindus of Bharat (India.)

CHALDEA

 
Although mention is made by later writers of famous astrologers in Chaldea, particularly Berosus, who lived about 3,000 BCE, no actual manuscripts of Berosus are available if indeed such writings were ever made. But, undoubtedly the science of astrology was practiced at a very remote period in the history of the Chaldeans and the astrology of the Greeks and Romans was directly derived from this source.

EGYPT

 
It is evident that the Egyptian knew and used astrology many thousands of years before the time of Christ, and the earliest Egyptian astrologer mentioned is Petosiris, a priest who lived during the reign of Nicepsos about 800 BCE. If Petosiris wrote any books on astrology, however, they have not been found.

The earliest Egyptian authority on astrology whose works are available today and actually form the basis on which modern astrology is practiced in the Western world was Claudius Ptolemy.

Ptolemy was born at Pelusium in Egypt, about 70 CE, and attended the school of Alexandria. His Tetrabilos is the source of many of the errors which have been perpetuated in the modern systems.

PERSIA

 
The earliest Persian astrologer of whom any record exists was Al Hakim. This famous astrologer lived and practiced his science during the reign of Darius. Al Hakim is reputed to have written many books, the most widely mentioned by later historians being the Judicia Gimaspia. If this work or any other writings of Al Hakim exist today, they have not been made available for general inspection. However, Al Hakim achieved fame because of some amazing predictions, not the least popular of them being the birth of Jesus.

ARABIA

 
Astrology is and always was held in great veneration by the Arabs. This region is the birthplace of many learned astrologers and wise men. They traveled extensively and brought their knowledge with them into Greece and Rome. Some of their writings have come down to the West through the Greeks and Romans, but in such fragmentary form that they are of little practical use today. Such fragments as have been preserved, however, furnish indubitable proof that the technique of the Arabian astrologers was of a very high order, indeed. Records of a nomadic people, though, are difficult to obtain.

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