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.
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.
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.
nice work
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