We often talk about astrology, and the importance zodiac signs have on our destiny and life.
Much less known is the history of the zodiac signs, who discovered the correlations of human destiny with the movement of the stars, and who created this powerful system.
Do you know who created zodiac signs? Keep reading to learn more about zodiac signs’ history and discover who invented them.
Western and Vedic astrology share the same zodiac signs. Astrologers first used these signs in India more than 2,000 years ago, and their earliest proof is found on Mesopotamian tablets.
Greek and Roman mythology has inspired the names of the zodiacs we use these days, and the name of each zodiac sign is derived from the constellation that it was associated with in Mesopotamian astrology.
The ancient times that mark the origins of zodiacs seem to be shrouded in mystery. However, it is clear that ancient civilizations were deeply aware of the movements of the stars and planned their lives and even architecture around astrological events.
Ancient Egypt, Sumer, and Babylonia – all of these civilizations observed the sky and movements of the stars.
Keep reading to learn fascinating facts about the origins and history of zodiacs!
12 Powerful Facts About Origins of Zodiacs
Zodiacs help us conceptualize and better understand the astrological events occurring at any given time. Zodiac signs received their names from Greek and Roman mythology by the nature of each zodiac.
Zodiacs help us conceptualize and become more aware of the character traits of a person born under the influence of a specific zodiac. It also helps us understand the energy of planetary movements and interactions.
1. Indian Origins of the Zodiac
Astrologers created the zodiac signs in India more than 2,000 years ago. The earliest evidence of the zodiac signs has been found in Mesopotamian tablets dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE.
These tablets were used for astrological purposes and listed the twelve zodiac signs and their associated deities.
2. The Names of the Zodiac Signs
The name of each zodiac sign is derived from the constellation associated with it in Mesopotamian astrology.
For example, the sign Aries is named after the constellation Aries, located in the zodiacal belt between Pisces and Taurus.
3. The Babylonians Were the First to Use the Zodiac Signs
The Babylonians were the first to use the zodiac signs for astrological purposes. Babylonians divided the zodiac into twelve sections, each represented by a different constellation.
The Babylonians used the zodiac signs to predict people’s fortunes, and they believed that a person’s destiny was influenced by the sign they were born under.
4. The Greeks Adopted the Zodiac Signs From the Babylonians
The ancient Greeks adopted the zodiac signs from the Babylonians and began using them for astrology around 500 BCE.
The Greek astrologer Ptolemy is credited with popularizing the zodiac signs, and he did this by writing a treatise on astrology called “Tetrabiblos”. In this work, Ptolemy listed all known zodiac signs and their associated planets and deities.
5. The Roman Empire Adopted the Zodiac Signs From the Greeks
The Roman Empire adopted the zodiac signs from the Greeks around the 1st century CE. The Roman astrologer Manilius was one of the first to use the zodiac signs for predicting people’s futures, and he did this in his work “Astronomica”.
Manilius listed the twelve zodiac signs and their associated personalities and fortunes in this work.
6. Agricultural Origins
The zodiac was originally used for agricultural purposes to help farmers know when to plant and harvest their crops. Farmers used the zodiac signs to indicate the changing seasons, and they also believed that zodiacs influence the weather.
For example, Scorpio was associated with rainstorms, and Leo was associated with hot, dry weather.
7. The Zodiac Signs Are Based on Mythology
Many of the constellations and planets that the zodiac signs are named after come from Greek and Roman mythology.
For example, the constellation Scorpius is named after the scorpion that killed Orion, and the planet Mars is named after the Roman god of war.
8. In Ancient Times, the Zodiac Was Divided Into 27 Parts
The zodiac was originally divided into 27 parts, with each part corresponding to a different star or constellation. The Babylonians were the first to use this zodiac division and did so around 1000 BCE.
The ancient Greeks later adopted the Babylonian system, dividing the zodiac into 12 parts, each corresponding to a different sign.
9. The Zodiac Signs Are Used to Determine a Person’s Fate
For centuries, people have believed that the zodiac sign a person was born under determines their fate. This belief became particularly popular in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Since then, many people have believed that a person’s character and destiny are influenced by the position of the planets at the time of their birth.
10. The Zodiac Signs Have Been Used to Predict the Future
The zodiac signs have also been used to predict future events. Astrologers believe that the positions of the planets influence a person’s life and that by studying the zodiac signs, they can make predictions about a person’s future.
For example, it is said that if a person is born under the sign of Scorpio, they are more likely to experience bad luck in love.
11. The Zodiac Signs Are Used in Chinese Astrology
The zodiac signs are also used in Chinese astrology. In China, the zodiac signs are known as “sheng xiao,” and they are used to predict people’s fortunes.
The twelve zodiac signs in Chinese astrology are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a particular zodiac sign, and each zodiac returns every 12 years. It is believed to mark a special transition time in a person’s life when his zodiac year returns – when a person is 12, 24, 36 years old, and so on.
The person is advised to wear red underwear throughout the year of his zodiac for good luck.
12. The Zodiac Signs Are Used in Western Astrology
The zodiac signs are also used in Western astrology. In the West, the zodiac signs are used to predict people’s personalities and future events.
The twelve zodiac signs in Western astrology are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Summary
The zodiac signs are an important part of astrology and have been used for centuries to predict people’s fortunes and destinies.
The zodiac signs are based on the constellations and planets of Greek and Roman mythology and are still used today for astrological purposes.
Learning about zodiacs can help you unlock your destiny and lead a happy, successful, harmonious, and fulfilled life.
