Origins of Astrology in Ancient Civilizations
Astrology emerged as a practice of sky observation in ancient civilizations, particularly in Mesopotamia during the second millennium BCE.
Babylonian priests studied planets, stars, and constellations to identify patterns linked to collective events such as harvests, epidemics, or political occurrences. These records are preserved on tablets like the Enuma Anu Enlil, which documents thousands of astral omens in cuneiform script.
At this time, astrology served to legitimize political and religious decisions, and not to predict individual destiny.
Development of the Babylonian Zodiac
From the 5th century BCE, Babylonian astronomers created a more formal astronomical scheme: the zodiac.
They divided the celestial band through which the Sun, Moon, and planets transited into 12 equal parts, associated with constellations or symbols. Each segment became what we now call a zodiac sign.
The term zodiac comes from the Greek zōdiakos kyklos, "circle of animals," because many signs were represented by animals or mythological figures.
Initially, horoscopes focused on collective and ceremonial influences.
Greek and Hellenistic Influence
Between the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, the Greeks adopted and reinterpreted Babylonian astrology, integrating the philosophy of the four elements (fire, earth, air, and water) and human qualities.
Claudius Ptolemy systematized this knowledge in the Tetrabiblos (2nd century CE), establishing the basis for relating celestial positions to influences on human life.
Thanks to this approach, astrology began to consider more individualized predictions, including time and place of birth, laying the groundwork for personal horoscopes and birth charts.
Astrology in the Middle Ages and its Cultural Expansion
After the fall of the Roman Empire, astrology was preserved and enriched by Islamic scholars, who translated classical texts such as the Tetrabiblos into Arabic.
During the Middle Ages, it was applied in medicine, astronomy, and education, and was consulted in courts and academic centers of the Islamic world.
Later, with the arrival of this knowledge in Europe through Latin translations, astrology gained relevance in universities, European courts, and daily life, influencing political decisions, marriages, and medical diagnoses.
Astrology in the Renaissance
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, astrology coexisted with scientific advancements and Copernican astronomy.
The printing press allowed for the circulation of almanacs and books with annual predictions and horoscopes, bringing the practice closer to urban and rural publics.
Astronomers like Johannes Kepler drew up horoscopes at the beginning of their careers before focusing on planetary laws, combining observational methods with symbolic interpretation.
During this period, astrology retained its cultural and predictive dimension, gradually differentiating itself from scientific astronomy.
Astrology and Emerging Modern Astronomy
During the late Renaissance and the 17th century, astrology specialized in drawing up birth charts and personal horoscopes, while scientific astronomy advanced with precise calculations.
Galileo Galilei, Kepler, and other pioneers marked the transition to modern science, leaving astrology as a cultural, symbolic, and personal guidance practice.
Today, the modern horoscope focuses on individual and psychological interpretations, reflecting centuries of historical evolution from Mesopotamia to the contemporary era.
