Contrary to popular opinion and belief, the seasons of the year are the source of the signs of the ‘Zodiac’, which translates as the ‘wheel of life.’ Few realize it, but the signs of the zodiac are named after the seasons first and the constellations were an after-thought. Since Astrology is based on the seasonal round and the planets, especially the Moon and Sun, it is tempting to believe that Astronomers and Astrologers and priests invented Astrology. It is probably true that they codified it and formulated a science of time, cycles and synchronicity, but agriculture was probably the main reason.
In this respect, the beginnings of Astrology was closely aligned with the almanac, yes the farmer’s almanac. The ‘wheel of life’ is not simply the band of stars that we have grouped into constellations. Yes, the ecliptic or apparent path of the Sun draws a line ‘through’ those constellations and in a spiritual and mystical sense, the sun is indeed the life giver. However, the seasonal round and agriculture was more immediately the life giver in ancient agricultural societies. In time, these farmers who watched the stars and the corresponding sign in nature became collectively to be known as Pagans.
The religious world view that grew up around this initial practical focus was very much about the marriage of heaven and earth. Thus, sacred monuments and entire civilizations erected temples to align with the stars in the constellations. The pyramids of Egypt are said to be aligned to correspond with Orion’s belt. Many such examples can be given for all the advanced ancient cultures of the world.
So, the sacred and innate urge to commune with nature – in this case with the cosmic dimension of nature, emerged and along with the sacred temples, Astrology was born. But the marriage of earth to heaven begins here on earth and the ’signs’ of nature and the natural seasonal round was the primary recognition and eventually, a portrait of the heavens via images, “totems” based on connecting the dots of stars emerged. In very early times in Sumeria, there were actually only 10 constellations and the 12th was a later development.
It is tempting for some to think that Astrology was created in some contrived manner. The point to consider is that Astrology emerged very slowly, as correspondences between seasons, weather, day and night and positions of planets and prominent stars when codified and symbolically mapped revealed order, shape, design and Mandalas, such that we see in nature. A main reason for this was to predict the weather patterns for the sake of growing food, as it is was a matter of life and death. In time, clocks or sundials and calendars were created and these stood and still do at the center of a culture.
In time, constellations were named, perhaps to make remembering the stars easier, and also as the basis of stories and popular myths that reflected the beliefs, values and history of those who created them. It is tempting to believe that the constellations that symbolize the Zodiac are the basis of Astrology, when they are actually secondary to the actual seasons and light of the sun on the planet.
Many who ‘think they know’ and often due more to bias than proof and facts assert that Astrology is ‘nonsense’ because the constellations that represent the four seasons are no longer in alignment with the seasons, as they were 2000 years ago. One wonders why these critics overlook the fact that Astrology is much older than 2000 years and is more likely 5000 years old at least. There are 12 signs simply because when you divide a circle, (like the annual cycle of the earth around the Sun), into four, and which nature conveniently helped us to do thanks to the Solstice and Equinox markers, you get four seasons and each season has a beginning, middle and end. It may sound simple, but trying to make the reasons for the division complicated and esoteric is not necessary.
Consider Chinese Astrology with its 12 different totems and constellational correspondences. They are not the same although there are correspondences with Western Astrology. Chinese Astrology is not based on the 12 constellations “of” the Zodiac, ‘that represent the Zodiac’, yet it still offers remarkable accuracy for use. The Chinese particularly focus on the Big Dipper constellation.
The fixed stars which are featured in the constellations are the major players, not so much the projected images. Not surprisingly, the 12 constellations representing the Zodiac are not actually each equal in longitudinal and latitudinal size and scope. Witness the 12 signs of the Chinese ‘Zodiac’. However, in the Chinese system, the 12 constellations as used in Western Astrology are not as emphasized, yet both systems work and operate with very satisfying results, on their own foundation. Both systems share many core principles and there are many crossovers, yet each is different enough as to make the basis seem contradictory, and therefore unfounded. This is an erroneous conclusion.
A key component of holistic thinking is “paradox”, which implies that two or more apparently contradictory realities can co-exist simultaneously. That is also how the principle of multi-dimensionality basically works. The point is, they both or all can ‘work’ – and provide useful, satisfactory results. That they both work on their own grounds is similar to the reason that significantly different languages work on their own ground.
Astronomy is about the constitution, shape, size, direction and distance of celestial bodies like planets and stars, and now conglomerates like galaxies. Astrology is about the holistic nature of reality and the psycho-spiritual implications that we are a part of, as opposed to apart from, nature.
The seasons tell the real story of why Astrology works and Taurus time is a lovely time to recognize it.
Michael O’Connor is a full-time Professional Astrologer and Life Coach, with over 16 years of dedicated practice and an international clientele. He has also been writing a high quality, popular weekly horoscope for many publications since 1993, which consistently draws readers from all walks of life. It proves its worth for the accuracy and guidance provided, not purely for entertainment.
Visit http://www.sunstarastrology.com/ for your free weekly horoscope, other great articles, and to sign up for his popular monthly New Moon Newsletter. Personal Readings can be conducted either in person or on the phone, and are digitally recorded.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J_O’Connor
Related posts:
- Chinese Astrology – The Origins Chinese astrology existed ever since the Qin dynasty when astrologists would gaze and analyze the skies for omens in order...
- Chinese Astrology – The Origins Even in the present society Chinese astrology is still being looked into. The Beijing Olympics were thought to be a...
- Chinese Astrology – The Origins Tiger, he or she could be a sheep internally and an ox secretively. There are many other factors that affect...
- Chinese Astrology – The Origins Chinese Astrology – The Origins Chinese astrology existed ever since the Qin dynasty when astrologists would gaze and analyze the...
- The Chinese Zodiac and Its Origins Tiger individuals are fearless, have an authoritative character, intense, and emotional Tiger's match well with horse, dog. Those born under...
- Guide to Chinese Zodiac Astrology When most Westerners think of Chinese Zodiac astrology, the Chinese Zodiac animals come to mind, with the Year of the...