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The Indiana Daily Student

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The history behind astrology

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The beginning of astrology

Most credit the Babylonians with the discovery of astrology, according to the American Federation of Astrology. They used astrological charts to predict seasons and other celestial events. 

In the fourth century B.C. the Greeks began using Babylonian astrology. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle studied astrology and it became regarded as a science. Astrology spread to the Romans and Arabs before disseminating across the world.

The Zodiac

The Zodiac is believed to be created in ancient Egypt and later adopted by the Babylonians. Zodiac is derived from the Greek word zōidiakòs, which means 'circle of animals.' Early astrologers discovered 12 constellations and linked them to the progression of the seasons then naming them after animals and people. The signs are divided into four groups:

Fire signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Leo

Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Air signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Each group is in its own quadrant, or group of houses. The separation of the houses is based on the Earth’s daily rotation and affects aspects of life such as finances, relationships and travel. The separation of the Zodiac signs is based on the Earth’s year-long rotation around the sun. Each Zodiac sign can signify different personality traits in an individual who identifies with that sign.

Horoscopes

When reading horoscopes the most common thing people refer to is their "sun sign," but a birth chart is more comprehensive and includes other signs based off time of birth, place of birth and sex. To calculate your detailed birth chart visit cafeastrology.com. 

A proper horoscope is based on the position of the sun, moon, planets and stars at a specific time.  Horoscopes written by a highly trained and accredited astrologist can reveal current trends and insights about your personality.

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