This blog post contains affiliate links. Visit the full disclosure to know more.
“Since the beginning of time, humanity has looked at the heavens for answers to earthly problems. Do the movements of the stars and planets hold the secrets to human destiny? Can the patterns of the stars reflect the hidden character of individuals based on the date and time of their birth? Astrology, predicting the future by the movements of celestial bodies, has been with us for over 4000 years.”
These are the introductory words of this documentary about the history of astrology and its evolution. While the documentary is dated, with raw imagery and debatable viewpoints, it offers a compelling mix of accurate historical insights, artistic representations, and engaging anecdotes.
Similarly, in this article, our intention is to provide a clear timeline of astrology’s main milestones and emphasize the contributions of famous astrologers. Our goal is to strike a balance between completeness and conciseness. We welcome your feedback in the comments below on whether we’ve achieved this mission effectively. And if you have any questions, drop it there as well.
History of Western Astrology: the Timeline
Astrology – a captivating blend of science, art, and spirituality – has woven its influence through the fabric of human history for millennia. Since the dawn of humanity, astrology has guided cultures, shaped beliefs, and offered a unique lens through which to perceive the cosmos and our place within it. Let’s delve into the rich tapestry of astrological history, walking through its timeline to better understand its evolution and why it remains a powerful force in today’s world.
3rd Millennium BC: Origins in ancient Mesopotamia
In Babylonia around 1700 BCE, ancient astrological records were inscribed on clay tablets, marking the beginning of what would evolve into the zodiac and planetary symbolism.
Western astrology finds its roots in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly with the Babylonians. They developed early forms of astrological practices, linking celestial phenomena with gods and interpreting them as omens. This early foundation laid the groundwork for more complex astrological systems to develop over time.
The Babylonians introduced the zodiac as a lunar calendar dividing the sky into 12 sections. This concept formed the basis for the evolution of astrological principles, shaping our understanding of the cosmos then and now.
2nd Millennium BC: Egyptian astrology
Egyptian astrology begins to take shape, influenced by Babylonian practices. The Zodiac, a key element in astrology, starts to develop during this period.
1st Millennium BC: Greek influence
Following Alexander the Great’s conquests, Astrology made its way to ancient Greece and spread throughout the Hellenistic world.
The Greeks melded it with their philosophy and mythology, resulting in the emergence of horoscopic astrology. This form of astrology laid the groundwork for much of modern Western astrology that we are familiar with today.
1st Century BC to 2nd Century AD
The Hellenistic period sees the fusion of Greek and Egyptian astrological traditions and it culminates in the influential work of Claudius Ptolemy, a Greco-Roman scholar based in Alexandria.
N.B. If you don’t know Ptolemy, you may know him as Tolomeo.
Ptolemy’s “Tetrabiblos” became a pivotal text, synthesizing Greek and Roman astrological wisdom. Comprised of four books, “Tetrabiblos” explored various facets of astrology, including natal, horary, and electional astrology. Ptolemy’s meticulous examination of planetary influences, planetary placements in the zodiac signs, and their dignities laid the foundation for modern astrological practice.
His logical approach and emphasis on observation continue to influence astrological thought, transcending time and cultural boundaries. Today, Ptolemy’s insights in “Tetrabiblos” remain relevant as astrologers draw inspiration from his work, further enriching our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.
Even though this book considers astrology as a legitimate science and acknowledges its limitations, it remains a cornerstone of astrology today and is a must-have for astrology enthusiasts. If you wish to explore it and obtain your own copy, you can find “Tetrabiblos” here.
Middle Ages
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, astrology experienced a decline in the Western world but found preservation and advancement through the efforts of Islamic scholars in the Middle East.
During this time, astrology flourished within the Islamic world, with scholars such as Al-Biruni and Avicenna making notable contributions to astrological knowledge. Their works were instrumental in the transmission of astrological texts, which were later translated from Arabic and Greek into European languages during the late Medieval period, facilitating the revival of astrology in Europe.
Renaissance: 14th to 17th Century
Astrology experienced a significant revival throughout Europe during the Renaissance, marked by the notable figures of Nostradamus and Galileo. This period witnessed a close intertwining of astrology and astronomy, as scholars explored the celestial realm with both scientific and astrological lenses.
17th and 18th Centuries
The Scientific Revolution heralded a decline in astrology’s prominence in the Western world as astronomy emerged as a distinct, empirical science.
19th and 20th Centuries
Astrology experienced a resurgence during this period, particularly with the rise of psychological astrology, which integrates modern psychology into astrological interpretations.
In this period some of the key figures were Carl Jung, Dane Rudhyar, and Liz Greene.
Late 20th and 21st Century
Astrology has continued to evolve, giving rise to various schools and approaches such as humanistic, transpersonal, and evolutionary astrology. The advent of the internet and digital technology has further fueled interest in astrology, making it more accessible than ever before.
Today, astrology is predominantly found in popular culture and personal spirituality, emphasizing psychological and humanistic perspectives.
Countries with rich historical astrological cultures
After covering all the important milestones in the history of astrology, let’s summarize the countries that have played a significant role in its development. While we’ve already explored some of these countries in the timeline, there are others that are new to us and have yet to be discussed.
Mesopotamia (Babylon and Assyria)
Often regarded as the cradle of astrology, ancient Mesopotamian civilizations laid the foundation for astrological practice. Here, the observation of celestial events intertwined with the interpretation of omens, shaping the early understanding of astrology.
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, astrology was deeply intertwined with mythology and spirituality, serving as a guiding force in daily life. The Egyptians contributed significantly to astrological symbolism, including the development of the zodiac and a unique system of decans.
Greece and the Hellenistic World
Introduced to astrology by the Babylonians and Egyptians, the Greeks embraced and refined the practice, imbuing it with philosophical and intellectual depth. Scholars like Ptolemy systematized astrological principles, laying the groundwork for Western astrology as we know it today.
India
Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotisha, has roots dating back thousands of years in India. Embedded within the cultural and spiritual fabric of the nation, Vedic astrology continues to influence daily life, guiding decisions and shaping beliefs.
China
Chinese astrology, with its intricate zodiac system, has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries. Deeply rooted in philosophy and medicine, Chinese astrology offers insights into personality traits, relationships, and destiny.
Islamic World (Middle East and North Africa)
During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars in the Middle East and North Africa made significant advancements in astrology. Building upon Greek and Roman traditions, Islamic scholars preserved and expanded astrological knowledge, contributing to its evolution.
Europe
Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, astrology flourished in Europe, with practitioners ranging from scholars to everyday individuals. Widely respected and practiced, astrology was considered a scholarly pursuit, taught alongside astronomy in universities.
Mesoamerica (Maya and Aztec Civilizations)
The Maya and Aztec civilizations developed their own unique forms of astrology, deeply intertwined with their calendar systems and religious practices. Astrology played a crucial role in guiding agricultural activities, religious ceremonies, and governance.
Tibet
Tibetan astrology represents a blend of Indian and Chinese traditions, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. Integral to religious and cultural practices, Tibetan astrology offers guidance on various aspects of life, from health to relationships.
Famous astrologers in history
We’ve already encountered noteworthy astrologers like Ptolemy in our exploration of astrology history. But now let’s delve deeper into their fascinating stories and uncover lesser-known luminaries as well.
Astrologers of the Ancient Past
As previously mentioned (and rightfully so, given his immense importance), Claudius Ptolemy stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of astrology. A Greco-Egyptian writer hailing from Alexandria and living in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy authored the “Tetrabiblos”, a foundational work of astrology that remained a primary reference for astrologers for many centuries (and owns its importance even nowadays). His magnum opus synthesized the astrological traditions of his time and laid the groundwork for the Western astrological tradition. Ptolemy’s approach harmoniously merged astrology with the Aristotelian physics of his era, providing a comprehensive framework that correlated the movements of celestial bodies with earthly events.
A renowned scholar of the Islamic Golden Age, Al-Biruni, who lived in the 10th and 11th centuries, made significant contributions to various fields, including astrology. His work “The Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology” is notable for its systematic approach and detailed exploration of astrological concepts. Al-Biruni approached astrology in a scientific spirit, seeking to harmonize the astrological traditions of different cultures, including Greek, Egyptian, and Indian.
Michel de Nostredame – commonly known as Nostradamus – was a French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his book “Les Prophéties”, a collection of 942 poetic quatrains allegedly predicting future events. Nostradamus’s work has been widely translated and has continued to be the subject of various interpretations and conspiracy theories over the centuries. While he was known during his life as an astrologer and even served as an astrologer to some members of the nobility, his lasting fame is more for his supposed prophecies rather than traditional astrological work.
Galileo Galilei, while primarily known for his contributions to astronomy and physics, did engage with astrology, which was not uncommon in his time. During the Renaissance, the distinctions between astronomy and astrology were not as clear-cut as they are today. Many astronomers, including Galileo, practiced astrology and often relied on it for income.
Galileo is known to have taught astrology and cast horoscopes, a common practice among scholars of his era. His involvement in astrology was partly a reflection of the period’s norms, where astrology was widely accepted and integrated into the medical, political, and educational spheres.
New Age Astrologers
An American-British astrologer who has been a significant influence in modern psychological astrology is Liz Greene. her approach blends traditional astrological symbolism with depth psychology, particularly Jungian psychology. Her books, such as “Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil” and “The Astrology of Fate,” have been highly influential. Greene co-founded the Centre for Psychological Astrology in London in the mid-1980s, which continues to be a leading institution in the field.
Liz Greene, an American-British astrologer, has wielded significant influence in modern psychological astrology. Her approach seamlessly blends traditional astrological symbolism with depth psychology, particularly drawing from the insights of Jungian psychology. Greene’s authored works, including “Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil” and “The Astrology of Fate”, have left a profound impact on the astrological community. In the mid-1980s, she co-founded the Centre for Psychological Astrology in London, which remains a leading institution in the field to this day.
A key figure in the development of transpersonal astrology was Dane Rudhyar. He was a French-American astrologer, writer, composer, and philosopher. Active primarily in the 20th century, he is best known for his work in humanistic and transpersonal astrology, approaches that view astrology as a tool for personal growth and spiritual development. His book “The Astrology of Personality”, published in 1936, is considered a foundational text in modern astrology.
An influential contemporary astrologer, Stephen Arroyo has been instrumental in shaping modern astrology’s psychological approach. His works, including “Astrology, Karma & Transformation” and “Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements”, focus on the individual’s experience and growth. Arroyo’s approach is noted for its accessibility, depth, and integration of psychological insights with astrological wisdom.
We’ve journeyed through the rich history of astrology, uncovering its main milestones and influential figures. But now, we turn to you: did we fulfill our mission of providing a clear timeline of astrology’s evolution? Your feedback is invaluable to us. Let us know in the comments below if everything is crystal clear, or if there’s anything we can improve upon. And don’t hesitate to drop any questions you may have – we’re here to help!
Looking for quick astrology daily updates? Follow us on Instagram at Born Under Saturn for daily insights and inspiration straight to your feed. Join our community and let’s explore the cosmos together!
