Little Known Facts about Astrology

Do you have questions about astrology, but never knew who to ask? These are complete answers to the ten most sought after questions on the subject.

When did the Practice of Astrology First Begin?

There are two aspects to this question, the historical data and the mythological belief. In historical terms, the earliest recorded accounts of astrological practices trace back to ancient Mesopotamia, around the 3^rd millennium BCE. The Babylonians were the first to systematically record celestial events and associate them with earthly events.

The Chronology of Historical Records

1. Cuneiform Tablets (18^th century BCE): The Babylonians documented celestial phenomena like eclipses, planetary movements, and the positions of constellations on clay tablets. These observations formed the foundation of their omen based astrology.
2. Ziggurats and Star Observation (2000 BCE): Ziggurats are massive, terraced structures built in ancient Mesopotamia as temple complexes dedicated to the gods. Astronomer-priests in Mesopotamia studied the night sky from ziggurats, linking celestial events to the fate of cities and rulers rather than individuals.
3. Enuma Anu Enlil (1600 BCE): This was a collection of over 70 tablets that systematically detailed omens based on astronomical occurrences, such as lunar phases and eclipses.
4. Personal Horoscopes (5^th century BCE): While early astrology was primarily mundane (focused on kingdoms), the Babylonians introduced the concept of personal horoscopes based on birth charts. These practices eventually spread to Egypt, where they were synthesised with Hellenistic thought. It is believed that these concepts then arrived in India through cross-cultural exchanges along trade routes, during the early centuries BCE.
5. Vedang Jyotish (1200 to 1000 BCE): The astronomical calculations used for Vedic rituals trace back to the ancient Indian text, the 'Vedang Jyotish'. However, actual predictive Vedic astrology may have developed later. Texts like the Rigveda, Atharvaveda and the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra contain references to celestial observations and their influence on human life, and are considered foundational to Vedic astrology.

Mythological Beliefs on the Origins of Astrology

The mythological belief about the origin of astrology holds that the Sage Bhrigu, received knowledge of astrology from Venus (Shukra). Venus is a planet associated with wisdom, wealth and luxury. But in Vedic mythology, the personification of Venus is that of a mentor to the demonic realm (Daitya Guru). It is believed that Venus imparted esoteric and astrological knowledge to Sage Bhrigu, making him a revered figure in Vedic astrology.

Bhrigu then went on to compile a record of this knowledge in his works, the ‘Bhrigu Samhita’, which has since been fragmented and only partial records now remain. This text is said to have once contained the astrological charts and predictions for all living beings. In modern times, some people have been lucky enough to find their details in what remains of these records.

Who was the Father of Astrology?

As astrology has developed independently in different parts of the world, there is no single claimant to the title of the 'Father of Astrology'. There are different founding figures, depending on who you ask. According to the major forms of astrology these people are:

In the Mesopotamian/Babylonian Tradition

In ancient Babylon, early records of astrology were developed, where priests such as 'Bel-re-Usur' observed celestial events to predict earthly affairs.

Berossus was a Babylonian priest of the Hellenistic period (circa 3^rd century BCE) who is often credited with bringing Babylonian astrological knowledge to Greece.

In Hellenistic Astrology

The fundemental concepts of Western astrology are often attributed to Claudius Ptolemy. Ptolemy was a Greco-Roman mathematician, astronomer and astrologer who lived in the 2^nd century CE. He is best known for his work, the ‘Tetrabiblos’, which is considered a foundational text in Western astrology.

In Vedic Astrology

Due to his seminal work, the ‘Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra’, the ancient sage, Parashar is traditionally credited as the "Father of Vedic Astrology", or ‘Jyotish’. This text is considered the foundational treatise of ‘Jyotish’, detailing astrological principles like planetary placements, houses and predictive techniques.

Then there is also a school of thought that considers the sage, ‘Bhrigu’ to be the founding father of ‘Jyotish’. According to Hindu mythology, ‘Bhrigu’ was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and is regarded as one of the ‘Manasaputras’ (sons born of the mind) of Brahma.

Bhrigu is one of the revered 'Saptarishis' (Seven Great Sages). Before the compilation of the 'Bhrigu Samhita', it is believed that Bhrigu traveled extensively, accumulating divine and cosmic knowledge. His interactions with celestial beings and deities laid the foundation for his astrological works. He is also credited with significant contributions to the development of many Vedic disciplines, including Ayurveda and metaphysical knowledge.

In Chinese Astrology

In the Chinese tradition, Emperor Fu Xi, a mythical emperor from around 2800 BCE is credited with the development of astrology and divination systems, including the I-Ching.

In Islamic Astrology

Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi (Albumasar) was an influential Persian astrologer (circa 9^th century CE) who blended Greek, Persian and also Indian astrology, to create his own medieval brand of Islamic astrology.

Who is the God of Astrology?

The concept of a "God of Astrology" varies across the spiritual, cultural and mythological frameworks of different civilisations. While no single deity exclusively embodies this knowledge, these are some key deities associated with this discipline:

Mesopotamian/Babylonian Belief

Marduk was the chief deity of Babylon, often linked to the planet Jupiter and played a key role in Babylonian astrology. Marduk was connected with interpretating celestial movements as messages from the gods.

Greek and Roman Tradition

Astraios or Astraeus is the son of the Titans Crius and Eurybia and is associated with dusk, the stars and astronomy. Astraios represents the idea of celestial order and embodies the link between mythology, celestial bodies for and our understanding of time.

Apollo is the god of prophecy and the Sun in Greek mythology. He is linked to astrology through his association with divination and the solar cycle.

Hindu/Vedic Tradition

According to Vedic beliefs, planets are considered to be deities and are represented by spiritual beings. Jupiter and Venus are the providers of spiritual and occult knowledge in different realms and on earth.

'Shukra' (Venus) is the spiritual guide to the demons and represents the planet Venus, governing beauty, wealth and relationships in astrology.

'Brihaspati' (Jupiter) is the guide and spiritual mentor of the gods. Jupiter is the deity of wisdom and knowledge.

Chinese Tradition

Taiyi (Great Unity) is a deity associated with the cosmos and the movement of the stars.

Egyptian Tradition

Thoth is the god of wisdom, writing and time. Thoth is often linked to astrology and the creation of the zodiac.

Who is the King of Astrology?

There is no holder of the title, “King of Astrology" per se. However if we interpret this to mean a figure of supreme importance or influence within the system, the following would qualify:

Vedic Astrology

King of Astrology: The Sun, 'Surya'.

1. In Vedic astrology, the Sun is regarded as the king of the planetary system and the leader of a group of planets consisting of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter and Mars.
2. The Sun corresponds to the number, ‘1’.
3. The Sun’s position in a horoscope is considered to determine one's essence, power and purpose.

Western Astrology

King of Astrology: The Sun.

• Similar to Vedic astrology, in Western astrology, the Sun holds a central role, symbolic of the core of an individual's identity, purpose and vitality.
• The Sun corresponds to the number, ‘1’.
• It is the basis for "Sun sign astrology," which dominates popular astrological practices and zodiac sign predictions.

Chinese Astrology

King of Astrology: The Emperor or the Jade Emperor.

• While Chinese astrology focuses on the 12 zodiac animals and the elements, the Jade Emperor, as the supreme deity, could be seen as a figure that has influence over the wider cosmic order.
• Alternatively, the Dragon, a mythical creature associated with power, might also be considered to be a metaphorical representation of the "King."

Hellenistic Astrology

King of Astrology: Zeus (Jupiter).

• In ancient Greek astrology, Jupiter (Zeus) is often associated with leadership, expansion and divine favour.
• As the largest planet, Jupiter is considered a benefic force and is associated with wisdom, luck and guidance.

How Many Types of Astrology are There?

There are eight prominent types of astrology, each with unique methods and sub-systems. Many overlap or borrow from one another. The main types of astrology are:

• Western Astrology: Its origins lie in ancient Greece and Rome, with roots in Babylonian astrology.
• Vedic Astrology, 'Jyotish': From ancient India, based on the Vedas.
• Chinese Astrology: From ancient China, linked to Taoist cosmology.
• Hellenistic Astrology: From ancient Greece and Egypt, around the 2^nd century BCE.
• Babylonian Astrology: From ancient Mesopotamia, around 2000 BCE.
• Mayan Astrology: From the Mayan civilisation.
• Esoteric Astrology: A blend of occult traditions and theosophy.
• Krishnamurthy Paddhati or KP Astrology: Developed by the Indian astrologer K.S. Krishnamurti in the mid-20^th century, is a blend of Indian and Western astrology methods.

Does Astrology Exist in Islam?

Historically, astrological practices do exist in Islamic culture. Islamic scholars in the medieval period made many contributions to astronomy and astrology, such as through translating Greek, Persian and Indian texts. Notable works include the Zij al-Sindhind and Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb by Avicenna, which discuss celestial influences. However, predictive methods conflict with core Islamic theological principles. Astronomy is however, widely acknowledged in Islamic traditions.

What Role do Eclipses Play in Astrological Predictions?

Eclipses are seen as times for reflection, release, and setting intentions rather than initiating new ventures. Many astrologers advise against making major decisions during this period due to heightened emotions and unpredictability.

Solar eclipses signify fresh starts, revelations and external changes in life. Lunar eclipses represent culmination, emotional shifts and internal transformations.

What are Fixed Stars in Astrological Readings?

In astrological readings, fixed stars provide deeper, often more nuanced layers of interpretation, particularly in natal, mundane and predictive astrology. Unlike planets, which move through the zodiac, fixed stars remain in nearly constant positions relative to the celestial sphere. In Vedic astrology they are referred to as ‘Nakshatras’.

In modern Western astrology, there is reference to over 100 fixed stars, such as Regulus, Sirius, Aldebaran and Antares. In Vedic astrology, 27 ‘Nakshatras’ or lunar mansions exist.

Which is the Planet for Money?

There are three planets with strong financial characteristics. These are:

• Venus, commonly associated with money and material comfort.
• Mercury, represents commerce, business and financial matters.
• The Moon also represents business activities and the flow of money.

What is the Planet of Luck?

Jupiter is generally considered to be the planet of luck. However, every natal chart has a planet that rules the house of fate. This planet generally determines a person's fortunes in life.