The zodiac, a celestial coordinate system divided into twelve signs, has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, where it's heavily influenced by Hellenistic astronomy, which, in turn, inherits concepts from Babylonian astronomy in the mid-1st millennium BCE.
The Babylonians develop an intricate system of tracking celestial movements along the ecliptic, forming the basis for the zodiac today. The zodiac's development was a result of centuries of observations and calculations by astronomers and astrologers alike.
The epileptic is the great circle or apparent path of the Sun among the constellations in the course of a year; from another viewpoint, the projection on the celestial sphere of the orbit of Earth around the Sun. The constellations of the zodiac are arranged along the ecliptic.
The above artwork shows the constellation for the Argo, a divine vessel built by shipmaker Argo(s), with heavenly help from Athena, goddess of wisdom and war. To the left of Argo is Canis major, the Great Dog. The Dog Star Sirius appears as the largest, at the dog's mouth.
Ancient astronomers and astrologers use the Dog Star to predict the "Dog Days" of remorseless heat, and the coming of the refreshing, life-giving Nile river floods. The Dog Star Sirius, symbolically represented by a dog, is an important factor in Hermetic belief.
Horoscopic astrology plays a crucial role in predicting celestial events and interpreting the impact of the stars on human affairs. Each zodiac sign is linked to distinct characteristics, traits, and meanings, forming the foundation of horoscopic astrology.
Horoscopic astrology originates in the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE. In ancient Hellenistic astrology, the ascendant marks the initial celestial house of a chart. In India, horoscopic astrology is practiced under the name Jyotisha.
Jyotisha is rooted in the word Jyotish, which means light, such as that of the sun or the moon or heavenly body. The term Jyotisha includes the study of astronomy, astrology and the science of timekeeping using the movements of astronomical bodies.
Essentially, horoscopic astrology involves creating astrological charts defining the positions of various celestial bodies end elements of the subject's viewpoint at a given moment. The primary use of horoscopic astrology is analyzing individuals' birth charts.
These can interpret personality traits, psychological characteristics, and destiny. The search to know destiny is a driving force behind the popularity of astrology. During the Renaissance and earlier, every court has an astrologer.
Many believe fate is predestined, and divination such as astrology can give a glimpse into the potential future of a person's life or the realm of a king. Often destiny cannot be changed, but sometimes it can. Judgment after death is a concern for Egyptians.
The Mesopotamian afterlife is not based on judgment. Good and evil people all go to the Underworld, Kur. How they exist in Kur depends on grave goods and on descendants bringing libations, which are poured down a tube to the grave, or food offerings.
Theoretically, a horoscope can be cast for the inception of any entity, including organizations, nations, animals, and even objects like ships, cars, and airplanes. In Egypt the horoscope of the sacred bull Apis would be cast.
In Mesopotamia no structure is erected without first consulting personal and territorial horoscopes. Through history, the zodiac is a significant influence in various cultures and societies, shaping beliefs and practices related to astrology.
Regardless of nationality it's often common to cast the horoscope of a monarch on ascension to the throne or a wedding. Problems of the monarch(s) become difficulties in the Kingdom. The alignment of the zodiac signs with the constellations has long been a subject of debate.
The ancient Babylonians, known for their advanced knowledge of celestial phenomena, made a groundbreaking contribution to the world of astrology during the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE.
Their system of celestial omens laid the foundation for the development of astrology in various regions, including Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As Babylonian astrology travels across continents, it merges with existing astrological practices in China and Greece.
In Greece, Babylonian astrological knowledge arrives c. 4th century BCE, intertwining with the Egyptian Decanic astrology in the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE. From this fusion arises horoscopic astrology.
Horoscopic astrology emphasizes the natal chart based on planetary positions at the time of birth. The introduction of the ascendant and the twelve celestial houses derived from it marks a significant shift in astrological practices.
This innovative approach to astrology during the Hellenistic period contributes to widespread adoption across Europe and the Middle East. The precision and complexity of horoscopic astrology draws scholars and practitioners.
In ancient belief, legendary sage Hermes Trismegistus is credited with the creation of horoscopic astrology. This development in astrology is said to come from foundational texts authored by Hermes, integrating elements of Babylonian, Greek and Egyptian systems.
Hermes defines the houses and their significances, a revolutionary concept within Hellenistic tradition. Precise definition of houses in horoscopic astrology marks a crucial departure from Babylonian astrology and contributes to the unique identity of Hellenistic astrology.
As the tradition evolves, transmission of horoscopic astrology knowledge extends to the mythical medicine god Asclepius, who inherits some of Hermes' teachings.
Asclepius is taught by his father, Apollo, and the wise centaur Chiron. From two snakes he learns the skill of bringing people back to life. He applies it to the son of King Minos, who drowned in a honey vat. He performs such miracles, Zeus kills him with a thunderbolt.
When Apollo learns of the death of his his son, he cries amber tears into Eridanos, one of the rivers of Hyperborea. The river Po, close to the amber trade routes, is identified as the legendary Eridanos.
To make up for killing him, Zeus raises Asclepius to full god status. Temples to Asclepius are found throughout Roman historic territories. People who sleep there will learn the nature of their ailments in dreams.
The Aesculapian snakes are sacred to Asclepius. Descendants of these snakes still live where the temples once stood. Perhaps it's no coincidence the pagan patron of Alexandria, center of wisdom, medicine and new thought such as Hermeticism, is Agathodaemon, a snake.
This transfer of astrological wisdom from Hermes to Asclepius enriches the lineage of Hermetic writings and solidifies the endurance of horoscopic astrology. Horoscopic astrology, based on ancient practices, shows the influence of Hermes Trismegistus on astrology today.
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