Further Reading:

 

Divination and

Interpretation of Signs

in the Ancient World

by Amar Anus

 

 

Do you follow the ElderThinker?

 

Add to Google Reader or Homepage

 

More About Ancient Astrology:

chinese astrology button

Ancient Chinese Astrology

arabic astronomy button

Ancient Arabian Astrology

Interesting Links:

button

History of the Silk Road

TravelChinaGuide.com

button

Astronomy of Babylon

Volker-Doorman.org

button

The Lunar Mansions

Richard A. Allen 1889

Except from Star Names

 

 

Star Names

Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning(Dover Books on Astronomy)

 

ElderThinkerA Bit About Babylonian Astrology

ElderThinker | 07.16.10

 

As early as 2800 BC, ancient Babylonians developed tools for following and recording the movements of heavenly bodies in relation to one another. They believed that by looking at the arrangement of planets and stars they could divine signs and warnings. Babylonian libraries, along with most of their recordings and devices were destroyed by Alexander the Great approximately 320 BC. It is believed that he sent some knowledge from their libraries to Egypt.

 

 

Star Lore

 

Star Lore: Myths, Legends, and Facts (Dover Books on Astronomy)

 

 

Ancient Astrology

centerBar

 

At First, Astrology & Astronomy Were One

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink | 07.16.10

 

Various earthly cultures became interested in the movement of heavenly bodies at about the same time. Mathematics were developed for measuring visible changes in the skies and determining the rhythms of nature. Calendars and clocks were created. Records were kept.

 

This new knowledge was also applied to human experience perhaps beginning with predicting the cycles of a woman's body. Very quickly mathematical and divining tools were being used to consider the future effects of choices and directions.

 

Astronomy and Astrology were closely entertwined as discoveries about the stars were used to make predictions about happenings on earth.

 

Early Astronomy in Asia, Arabia and India

 

Chinese Emperors and their Astronomers began measuring the movement of heavenly bodies about the same time as the Babylonians in Arabia. Astronomers in India also began to explore and measure the skies.

Assyrian Star Map

Assyrian Star Map

 

 

Similar calendars were developed with twelve lunar months and a thirteenth month added during a "leap year." Measurement of time with 24 hour days and 60 minute hours was also adopted by Chinese, Arabian and Indian astronomers. This is not surprising as there was trade between Asia, Arabia and India at the time using the Silk Road. Ancient Astrologers from China and Arabia joined caravans to meet with one another and often spent several years studying together. The Silk Road included travel by sea as well as by land.

 

 
Silk Road Map

The Silk Road: Blue is by Sea, Red is by Land