The Celestial Journey A History of Horoscopes
The history of horoscopes traces back thousands of years, winding through ancient civilisations and marking the birth of astrology. Horoscopes, essentially, are astrological charts that depict the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and other celestial bodies at the time of an individual’s birth. This information, astrologers believe, can shed light on a person's personality, predict future events, and even guide life decisions.
The roots of astrology and horoscopes can be traced back to the third millennium BC, to the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia. The Babylonians were the pioneers, observing celestial movements and correlating them with earthly events. This practice was primarily used to predict weather patterns for agriculture and to interpret the will of the gods.
The Greeks, around the 4th century BC, inherited the astrological system from the Babylonians, refining and expanding it. The philosopher Plato and the mathematician Pythagoras both contributed to the philosophical foundations of astrology. It was during the Hellenistic period that the twelve-sign zodiac and the concept of natal horoscopes — personal horoscopes drawn at the moment of birth — became popular.
The Romans, known for assimilating the culture and knowledge of the civilisations they conquered, adopted astrology from the Greeks. The term "horoscope," in fact, is derived from the Greek "horoskopos," meaning "observer of the hour." Roman emperors, such as Augustus, were known to use astrology for political purposes.
With the fall of the Roman Empire and the onset of the Dark Ages, astrology fell into disfavor in Europe. However, the Arab scholars of the Islamic Golden Age preserved much of the Greek astrological texts, blending them with Indian astrology. The reintroduction of these texts during the European Renaissance resulted in a resurgence of interest in astrology and horoscopes.
In the modern era, horoscopes have become a cultural phenomenon, often seen in newspapers and magazines, and more recently, on websites and mobile apps. While the scientific community often dismisses astrology as pseudoscience, the fascination with horoscopes remains. For many, they offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of connection to the cosmos.
Further Reading