As humanity evolves, so does study of astrology. Settlement, and the advent of writing c. 3200 BCE, lead to concise development of abilities to interpret movements and alignments of stars and planets, linking celestial travels to events on Earth in broad or intimate ways.
One of the most influential events of the Neolithic Revolution (c. 10,000 BCE), is a keen interest in celestial phenomena, especially constellations. As people transition from nomadic to settled agricultural lives, they observe patterns of stars in the sky from a fixed position.
From their perspectives, the star patterns change regularly through the seasons, giving crucial information to early civilizations about yearly activities. Studying movement of constellations, ancient societies can predict the arrival of specific star clusters, and their meanings.
These coincide with important natural events such as annual floods or seasonal changes. This type of forecasting is characteristic of ancient astronomy, which is concerned with seasons, meteorology and cycles of existence. Eclipses and certain star arrangements are omens.
Astronomy deals in practicalities but astrology is the leading star science for thousands of years. Their combined knowledge helps people plan agricultural activities and create calendars. By c. 3rd millennium BCE, sages have a good understanding of celestial patterns.
They align temples and structures to movements of certain stars, a connection between the earthly realm and the heavens. These alignments have both practical and symbolic purposes, emphasizing the importance of celestial bodies in daily lives and beliefs.
Recorded astrology can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where writing develops c. 3200 BCE, encompassing regions such as Sumer, Akkad, Assyria, and Babylonia. Some of the earliest known astrological references are copies of texts dating back to the ancients.
The Venus tablet of Ammisaduqa, compiled in Babylon around 1700 BCE, provides valuable insights the rise and set of Venus. The earliest copy of this tablet to be published, in 7th-century BCE cuneiform, is found in the library at Nineveh.
Astrologers know the positions of the stars and planets can influence human behavior and the course of events. Astrology becomes intertwined with religion, philosophy and science, shaping societies and guiding decision-making.
Despite irregular movements of Venus, various cultures have different interpretations of this celestial being. Some ancient people don't recognize Venus as a single entity but rather as two distinct stars on opposite horizons, the morning (Lucifer) and evening (Hesperus) star.
Recent discovery of a cylinder seal from the Jemdet Nasr period provides evidence the ancient Sumerians already understand the morning and evening stars are the same cosmic body. The Sumerians associate Venus with goddess Inanna.
She's later known as Ishtar among Akkadians and Babylonians. Inanna embodies dual aspects of love and war, symbolizing the forces influencing both birth and death. The Hurrians know her as Shaushka.
The movements of Venus are tied to mythology surrounding Inanna and her dualistic nature. In several myths, such as Inanna and Shukaletuda and Inanna's Descent into the Underworld, the goddess's actions reflect the movement of Venus as it progresses through its cycle.
Inanna remains in the Underworld three days, then is resurrected and escapes the dark realm of Ereshkigal, pursued by galla demons all the way. The connection between Venus and Inanna sheds light on the profound influence of celestial bodies on ancient mythologies.
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