Ancient civilizations looked to the night skies and saw images of what they valued and worshipped. Back then the night skies were the ancient people’s version of religion and entertainment. Many indigenous cultures on all continents developed their own unique form of astrology, based on the constellations they created, and the signs they observed. The signs used in Asian/Chinese Astrology are celebrated annually in late January and early February. Each systems’ zodiac signs bear different names in Ayurvedic, Celtic, Aztec and Mayan astrology e.g. as a partial list of just a few different versions of astrology.
In modern times the most common forms of astrology are traditional Chinese astrology mostly in Asian cultures, Ayurvedic astrology followed more by South Asian people, and Western astrology, with the latter using the zodiac signs most familiar to European and American cultures. All forms of astrology are highly popular today and for 5000 years the topic has endured many highs and lows. While under attack at some points in history astrology has also been a primary human concern as long as recorded history. Astrologers and the general public at times have struggled to understand its proper place and service to our lives. No one can even explain exactly how astrology works but that is also true for gravity and many other natural mysteries.
Without computers most would struggle quite a bit with the mathematical and astronomical equations required to cast a horoscope. It’s astounding that ancient people could create such a complex esoteric language of symbols before modern technology.
The Zodiac Signs
In Western Astrology the 12 horoscope signs used are Aries the Ram, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the Twins, Cancer the Crab, Leo the Lion, Virgo the Virgin, Libra the Scales, Scorpio the Scorpion, Sagittarius the Archer, Capricorn the Goat-Fish, Aquarius the Waterbearer, Pisces the Fishes. Each of these as archetypes are explained on their own page found here through the zodiac signs page or in our sidebars.
Image by LMoonlight from Pixabay
