Discover the celestial secrets of astrologers. Explore astrology's long and complex history, uncover the role of the signs of the zodiac and the planets, learn about the 12 houses, and reveal the secrets of sun, moon and rising signs.
Welcome • Is your fate written in the stars?
All About History: History of Astrology
History
The history of astrology • Humans have always sought to understand the heavens and how they influence the course of events
Timeline of astrology
Babylonian history of astrology • The oldest texts in the world refer to the divine influence that is reflected in the movements of the night sky
Astrology in the classical world • The Greeks and Romans built on earlier traditions to develop an astrological system that allowed for the casting of personal horoscopes
Medieval and early modern astrology • The Middle Ages and early modern period saw a flourishing of astrology as thinkers saw an order in the outer universe that mirrored that on Earth
Modern and contemporary astrology • Despite the best efforts of skeptics and scientists, astrology has found many adherents who see no contradiction between rationality and casting horoscopes
Vedic astrology • The religions of ancient India relied on astronomy to set the times of their rituals – and developed a complex system of astrology
The Chinese zodiac • Unlike the monthly zodiac used by Western astrologers, the system developed in China marks a cycle of 12 years
The story of the stars • We look up today and see the stars divided into the same familiar shapes as our ancestors, but how did the constellations come to be?
The zodiac
The zodiac • In a belt running across the night sky are patterns of stars that have been hugely significant to humans for centuries
Aries THE RAM • Aries the Ram is one of the most forceful signs of the zodiac – and those born under it may be just as strong 21 March – 19 April
Taurus THE BULL • Taurus the Bull represents people with two energy levels – resting comfortably, or charging off with their heads down 19 April – 20 May
Gemini THE TWINS • The Twins of Gemini represent those with dual natures, always curious about new things but also balanced 20 May – June 21
Cancer THE CRAB • The Crab of Cancer represents those who have a tough and rigid exterior but may be hiding a softer personality 21 June – 22 July
Leo THE LION • The proud Lion of Leo is the star sign for those born with the confidence to become leaders in any field 22 July – 22 August
Virgo THE MAIDEN • Virgo, the Maiden of the zodiac, represents a hard working, analytical, and practical view of the universe 22 August – 22 September
Libra THE SCALES • The balanced Scales of Libra represent those harmonious individuals with a passion for justice and fairness in all things 22 September – 23 October
Scorpio THE SCORPION • The fierce Scorpion of Scorpio symbolises the strength, will, and possible dangers of those born under this sign 23 October – 22 November
Sagittarius THE ARCHER • The Archer sign of the zodiac represents those who are always scanning for a new target to aim for 22 November – 21 December
Capricorn THE SEA GOAT • Capricorn may have the tail of a fish but it represents those with feet firmly on the ground 21 December – 20 January
Aquarius THE WATER BEARER • Aquarius the Water Bearer represents those who bring with them new and refreshing ideas 19 January – 18 February
Pisces THE FISH • Pisces, the Fish swimming together, is the sign that most represents community and compassion 18 February – 20 March
Ophiuchus THE SERPENT BEARER • The ‘13th’ sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus may make casting astrological...