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Astrology History
When discussing astrology history it is important to note there are two different practices of astrology. You have western astrology and Chinese astrology. Both types of astrology are based on different premises. Chinese astrology is based on the year rather than the birth date, which is the western astrology. Astrology has been around for centuries and is the belief that there is a connection between the cosmos and terrestrial matters.
You will find that western astrology began as a belief that astronomy connected the two thoughts. In other words the study of stars was linked to the belief that the stars in some way affect humans. Western astrology has its roots in ancient Babylonia. The Babylonians helped to spread the thought of astrology to Greece in the 4th century B.C. You will also find that astrology reached Rome before the Christian era even began. You will find that the further cultivation of astrology in Egypt, when the Greek Culture moved into that territory created an ever widening interest during the Hellenistic periods. The Arabs further developed astrology during the 7th to 13th centuries. Europe took a little longer to develop astrology as it didn’t really reach the area until the 14th and 15th centuries. At this time, the idea of astrology reached the courts and was an extreme influence on many of the decisions of the time.
The Mayans also had their own beliefs in astrology. While their culture is largely unknown as are the Aztecs regarding their beginnings we can find symbols regarding astrology on many of the pyramids and empires that have been uncovered. They worshiped to gods, such as sun gods and had rituals that surrounded the thoughts of astrology that are evident even today.
Since the terms of astrology and astronomy have been linked, it is important to understand what an astrologer does, and how history has affected these beliefs. You see even with the knowledge that the earth is round, which as you know was not common in the early centuries, astrology has been able to survive. An astrologer actually works with charts that are round. You will find that an astrologer is an interpreter of celestial phenomena, while astronomers are studiers of the stars.
Now that we have looked at how western astrology has moved through history, let’s take a look at Chinese astrology. Chinese astrology began in the 3rd millennium B.C. There is a sixty year cycle with Chinese astrology with five elements and twelve animal signs of the zodiac. These symbols and the charts of the Chinese astrologers have changed little if at all through history. You will also find that Chinese astrology has moved through other parts of the country where it had a significant impact. For instance China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam all prescribe to the same beliefs found in Chinese astrology. You will find that many of the Chinese astrology roots have also come from the Shang dynasty. Archaeologists have found Shang dynasty oracle bones that date according to the 60 year cycle inscribed on them. You will also find on the bones the name of the diviner and the topic being divined. Chinese astrology history has a few well known astrologers such as Tsou Yen. Tsou Yen lived during 300 B.C. and there is an inscription left behind by this person. You will also find that Chinese astrology has a history with Feng Shui.
Astrology is one of the oldest prescribed thoughts in the world. It is still popular today with many individuals. You will also find that some of the Celtic roots are based on the astrological and astronomy.
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