Origins of Astrology

Astrology (The Art of Celestial Divination) is linked back to Babylonian times, arising in the 2nd Millennium BC (between the Middle and Late Bronze Age). The history of celestial divination is generally considered to have begun with the Late Babylonian Texts (c. 1800BC).

However, there is small evidence of the Zodiac as we now know it, being used with Babylonian astronomy prior to 700 BC. Prior to that time, celestial divination was limited to the 5 planets: Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Mecury, and Mars, as well as the Sun and the Moon. Known back then as the Gods of the Babylonian Pantheon, the translations were as followed:

Jupiter ~ Marduk

Venus ~ Ishtar

Saturn ~ Ninurta (Ninib)

Mercury ~ Nabu (Nebo)

Mars ~ Nergal

Moon ~ Sin

Sun ~ Shamash

The movements of the Sun, Moon, and 5 planets were considered the activities of the Gods in question, and was thus used as a source of divination into what the Gods next actions were.

However, most likely from the days as early as that of Hammurachi (the 6th Amorite King of Babylon - the 1st Babylonian Dynasty/the Amorite Dynasty ~ particularly known for his codes of Law being one of the oldest scripted artefact found ~ his empire extended to all of Mesopotania by the time of his death) circa 2000 BC, Babylonian astrologers did develop the idea of constellations depicting mages derived from their myths and religions.

Delving into Babylonian myth and legends, as well as learning about the art styles of that era, is rather exciting. I will enjoy exploring the myths of each zodiac, as well as the premise behind the new constellation, and extending their form of art into the modern world.