Text Box: Home What is Astrology? Natal Charts Horoscopes Consultations Profile Contact Above: The famous Astronomical Clock in the Town Hall of Prague. Built in 1410. Note the inner wheel and the ‘glyphs’ or symbols denoting the signs of the zodiac. Click on the clock to enlarge Above: the stunning clock in Venice of 1497. Note the astrological symbols surrounding the dial, as well as the Italian method of the time of placing the day starting as 3 a.m. Double click to enlarge for greater detail. Below: Anatomical Man. Click to enlarge and note the zones of the body corresponding with its ruling sign of the zodiac. Text Box: A Brief History of Astrology......... The word ‘Astrology’ is derived from the Greek word ‘astro’ meaning ‘star’ and ‘logos’ meaning ‘study’. Hence we literally get Astrology: the study of the Stars, and the earliest evidence and forms of Astrology being used can be traced back to the beginnings of the third millennium BC within Mesopotamia. At the time in Babylon, man’s life and general state of happiness was often subject to whether his crop failed, or whether there was a bumper harvest, which was in turn, almost entirely dependent on the vagaries of the weather. The height of the Sun, and its strength, denoted the seasons. The Moon’s phases coincided with the rise and fall of the Euphrates. It is therefore not surprising that study of the Sun’s movements and Moon’s phases became important. The priests of the time observed and plotted the rhythms of the sky, that is not just the Sun and the Moon, but also the planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn noting corresponding implications and events on earth. Coincidentally and quite independently, different forms of Astrology were being researched, monitored and practiced as far afield as China and the Americas. Over time, the science was studied, and its usage spread to Greece and Egypt where philosophers continued perfecting the craft. Astrologers and Astronomers were indistinguishable; they were one and the same. Hippocrates the philosopher and Astrologer, developed the link between astrology and medicine and introduced the Four Humours, a method of diagnosing temperament, character and personality types which were linked to health; Pythagoras the Mathematician was also an Astrologer. They and many others went on to develop links through philosophy, medicine, religion, and mathematics and passed on the doctrine throughout the learning institutions of the time. During the Middle Ages, astrologers were extremely well respected learned people who had studied the art in many of the major Universities throughout Europe. They too were trained in not just astrology, but also astronomy, mathematics and medicine. Equally, physicians of the time learnt about the planets, their ruling signs and the linkage to the physical body. Royalty had Court Astrologers, who would advise on the state of the Kingdom, and the likelihood of success in battles. Popes too, employed their own Astrologers. Evidence of the profound importance that Astrology played in everyday medieval life can be seen in its art, its architecture and even in the literature of the time such as Shakespeare’s plays and Marlow’s poetry. Whilst scholars such as Sir Isaac Newton, Kepler and Galileo were all astronomers, it is often forgotten that they were also astrologers. Astronomy began to diverge from astrology after a period of gradual separation from the Renaissance up until the 18th century. This was the ‘Age of Enlightenment’ where many former beliefs were questioned and discarded, and the formerly esteemed art of Astrology became less popular once the vast distances between planets was recognized and understood. Theorists began to question the validity and effectiveness of regarding planets which were so far away as a means of predicting life on Earth. By the 19th Century there were few serious practicing Astrologers. Many of those who had previously concentrated on Astrology used alternative methods of divination such as palmistry, crystal balls, and tarot cards and much of Astrology’s credibility was lost during this time. It was also during this time that many of the astrological practices which had previously been mastered by former great astrologers became misplaced. Today, the cultural influence of astrology continues to dominate our language with reference to the days of the week all bearing the names of the planets. Revelations that leaders in history utilised Astrologers for guidance continues to surface. The UK’s MI5 consulted with an Astrologer in an attempt to overthrow Hitler who had also used Astrologers. It is also well known that Ronald Reagan, the US President, also consulted with Astrologers before making key decisions. For the general public, Astrology today most notably takes the form of ‘Sun Sign’ articles which are extremely popular and are available in most publications. The majority is aware of personality traits of not just their own Sun sign but also those of close friends and family. Astrologers now have more opportunity than ever to learn the craft through Correspondence Courses and with the advent of the Internet. There are many different branches of Astrology available, ranging from its usage in Jungian psycho-analysis and counselling to the older and more traditional methods of prediction which is undergoing something of resurgence Back to the Top

 
 

This beautiful 15th Century Clock is in the Plaza de San Marco in Venice, Italy. Note the Astrological signs on the inner clock face and also that the Roman numeral one starts at the 3 o’clock position, as the Italians of the time measured a day from dawn. Click on the clock to enlarge greater detail