Expert: Hank Hokamp - 10/31/2011

Question
What is the origin of western star signs (Aries, Virgo...)? I mean, why and how did they come about? What do anthropologists say? Are there any books or websites about this topic? I've never been able to find anything... Thank you!

Answer

   Good Afternoon, Doni. Great question, my friend:

   Western astrology is largely horoscopic, that is, it is a form of divination based on the construction of a horoscope for an exact moment, such as a person's birth, in which various cosmic bodies are said to have an influence. Astrology in western popular culture is often reduced to sun sign astrology, which considers only the individual's date of birth (i.e. the "position of the Sun" at that date).

   Since the mid 20th century, there have been a number of suggestions for reforming traditional western astrology, notably consideration of planets beyond Saturn discovered in the modern period, or new forms of sidereal astrology and introduction of additional signs (a 14-sign zodiac, or a 13-sign zodiac). Such suggestions however have been of limited influence.

   Astrology, in its broadest sense, is the search for meaning in the sky. It has therefore been argued that astrology began as a study as soon as human beings made conscious attempts to measure, record, and then predict, seasonal changes by reference to astronomical cycles.

   Early evidence of this appears as markings on bones and cave walls, which show that lunar cycles were being noted as early as 25,000 years ago; the first step towards recording the Moon’s influence upon tides and rivers, and towards organizing a communal calendar. Agriculture needs were also met by increasing knowledge of constellations, whose appearances change with the seasons, allowing the rising of particular star-groups to herald annual floods or seasonal activities. By the third millennium BCE, widespread civilizations had developed sophisticated awareness of celestial cycles, and are believed to have consciously oriented their temples to create alignment with the heliacal risings of the stars.

   There is scattered evidence to suggest that the oldest known astrological references are copies of texts made during this period. Two, from the Venus tablet of Ammisaduqa (compiled in Babylon round 1700 BCE) are reported to have been made during the reign of king Sargon of Akkad (2334-2279 BCE). Another, showing an early use of electional astrology, is ascribed to the reign of the Sumerian ruler Gudea of Lagash (ca. 2144-2124 BCE). This describes how the gods revealed to him in a dream the constellations that would be most favourable for the planned construction of a temple. However, controversy attends the question of whether they were genuinely recorded at the time or merely ascribed to ancient rulers by posterity. The oldest undisputed evidence of the use of astrology as an integrated system of knowledge is therefore attributed to the records that emerge from the first dynasty of Mesopotamia (1950-1651 BC). This gives astrology a recognised 4,000 year history as a body of organised logic which can be seen to have been employed in the affairs of a civilised state.

   Do you ever wonder why people are they way they are in life, what makes them tick and why they have several traits that are usually unique to only them? Astrology is believed to be one of human kinds earliest magical practices, revolved around the specific idea that there were 12 constellations through which the sun, moon, and the planets traveled. Astrologers began to see the relationship between a persons fate and the position of the heavenly bodies at his or her own birth. Each Astrological Sign has a corresponding sign of compatibility. Do you know your sign?

   You can look at the astrological sign in a few ways, it is possible to group them together by the 4 elements. There is the fire group which has Sagittarius, Leo and Aries. These signs are representative of a person who is very passionate and imaginative. The Earth group consist of Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus these people are usually caring and sensitive. The Air group has Aquarius, Libra and Gemini these people and very smart and intellectual. Finally the Water group has Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and these have great perception.

   I'm a scorpio, Doni. This is what makes me assertive ... at times. How about you? Sadly, I don't believe in the ZODIAC. I'm too much of a REALIST. Anyway, that's it from here, my friend. Keep in touch!

         HANK