When it comes to astrology and the zodiac signs, people tend to excite themselves by relating to their signs’ traits and characteristics, but what about the history of astrology itself? The 12 zodiac signs were created by the Babylonians around 2,400 years ago. Babylon, or modern day Iraq, was one of the most famous Mesopotamian cities. Due to the fact that the Babylonians followed a 12-month calendar, they assigned each month a zodiac sign.
Additionally, the Babylonians mapped out the fixed stars, while also giving them names and believing that constellations held a strong significance. Over time, they used astrology methods to predict natural disasters, wars, and famines. It even became a great fortune telling tool that was used to counsel kings and emperors.
Currently, the oldest astrological document dates between 668 and 626 B.C. This document contains early astrological predictions as well as astronomical observations. In addition to this, an early horoscope birth chart dated for 410 B.C. also survived. Thus, there are several proofs today that astrology has existed for thousands of years.
Despite this, the Babylonians were not necessarily the first individuals to chart the stars and planets. Although they did assist in charting the foundation for the moden astrological system, the ancient Mayans, Aztecs and Incans from South America developed complex astrological systems that were based on a zodiac of 20 different signs. Such signs were inspired by a mix of animals that include jaguars, apes, and dogs, or even natural phenomena such as earthquakes.
The system that most people follow today roots in both Babylon and Greece. The Babylonian horoscope was introduced to the Greeks during Alexander the Great’s conquest of Asia. But, it was not until much after Alexander the Great’s death that both the calendar and astrological system was translated from Babylonian to Greek.
Some believe that the Greeks helped astrology peak, as their version of zodiacs continued to expand and eventually became a common practice. It is even believed that famous Roman Emperors had their sign engraved on coins due to its commonality.
Later on, in the earth 12th century, several Persian and Muslim territories refuted astrology and abondoned it in the favor of early science. However, the 20th century led to a surge of interest in astrology as dozens of books and magazines on the topic began to appear. Even though individuals today may not rely on astrology or even believe in its powers such as the Babylonians or Greeks, the history of astrology is not completed yet, and the stars have many more souls to influence.

Aries are born from March 21 to April 19 and are symbolized by a ram. Aries are known for their passion, motivation, and leadership. They are very hard workers and always driven to do their best. Aries are relentlessly determined and extremely bold. Aries is a fire sign, meaning they say what they think and do not hold back. All Aries are energized, optimistic, and spontaneous. They are always up for an adventure and possess no fear. On a negative note, Aries are temperamental and overly competitive. They hate to lose and find everything to be a competition. In addition to this, they are extremely impatient and overly honest. Aries are known to be truthful and do not hold back what they truly believe.

Tauruses are earth signs ruled by Venus. People considered a taurus are born between April 21 – May 20. This sign is represented as a bull. Tauruses are trustworthy, ambitious, and honest, however tend to display stubbornness in their attitude. This sign is all about the luxurious aspects of life, as well as feeling present and sensual in their own bodies. An ideal night for a Taurus would include a comfortable bed, a funny movie, and a quality dinner. Strengths include intelligence, ambition, determination, reliability, understanding of the material world, and passion. Weaknesses include stubbornness, hostility towards change, possessiveness. Since the ruler of Taurus is Venus, this sign would make an excellent chef, gardener, or artist. Tauruses are very loyal friends, though they can be closed up to others until trust is earned.

Geminis are born from May 20 to June 20. Geminis are an air sign ruled by Mercury. Geminis are said to have split personalities or an alter-ego. People sometimes refer to Geminis as being two-faced. Geminis can be witty, curious, sociable, adventurous, and restless. Geminis are very adaptable and inquisitive. Strengths of a Gemini are they can be quick learners, affectionate, and fun. Weaknesses of a Gemini are they are often told they can be nervous, indecisive, and inconsistent. Because of their social nature, Geminis do not like the feeling of being alone or confined. Geminis love impulsive trips and sparking up conversations with new people.

Cancers are water signs ruled by Mercury. People considered a Cancer are born between June 21 – July 22. Cancers are represented by a crab. This sign is emotional and sensitive, caring deeply about friends and family matters. Cancers are capable of empathizing with others’ pain, yet are arguably one of the hardest signs to get to know and one of the many reasons now doctors prescribe CBD distillate medicines. Always talk to your doctor first if you’re thinking about using CBD. Because the research does not yet support the use of CBD in helping people with cancer, it’s important to raise the topic with your doctor before taking it. 

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Strengths include loyalty, sympathy, imagination, emotional vulnerability. Weaknesses include insecurity, manipulation, pessimism. Cancers are willing to finish any job that they start and typically work best around others, thus a career as a nurse, housekeeper, or interior designer would make good options.

Leos are born from July 23 to August 23 and are a fire sign ruled in the Sun planet. This sign can be represented by a lion as they have similar behavioral characteristics such as natural born leadership. Leos are known to thrive in the spotlight and initiate relationships in their lives. Some may view Leos as materialistic through their desires for a lavish lifestyle. It can also be noted that Leos are known for their loyalty and rejection of change. Leos prefer living a consistent life with loyal friends and partners. Since Leos base lots of their self-worth off of their power, they can often turn to jealousy, ego, and pride when things do not go their way. Leos are brave and possess lots of determination. Strengths of a Leo are their creativity, passion, warm-heart, and humor. Weaknesses of a Leo are their arrogance, stubbornness,and laziness. Leos can be dramatic at times in the way they carry out storytelling. People often find Leos attractive for their confidence.

Virgos are born between August 23 and September 22. They are represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, which also speaks to their presence in the material world. In their approach to life, Virgos are both logical and systematic. They are perfectionists at heart and believe in practicing in order to improve their skills. Additionally, they are hyper-aware of every detail, as they are very practical and meticulous in all pursuits. They transfer information into organized and clear concepts, even if such information is confusing and jumbled. Despite this, Virgos often view flaws as defects and need to learn that such an ideal is destructive. Above all, Virgos are supportive friends and lovers. They want to help anyone they can, and do so in a kind and gentle manner. They are incredibly resourceful and utilize their incredible intellects. Virgos tend to make excellent teachers, musicians, healers, and editors, due to their methodical and hardworking nature. In relation to this, serving others makes Virgos feel good so they often might even be a type of caregiver.

Libras are born from September 23 to October 22 and are an air sign ruled by the Venus planet. Libras are peacemakers, essentially libras try to resolve others’ drama and stay out of it themselves. Libras try to be fair and understanding in manner. This sign tends to be very dependent in nature which means they often hate being alone. They strive for equality and commonly publicize their views on justice. Libras choose to stay educated and keen through reading and staying alert. Strengths of a Libra are they’re gracious, social, and fair. Weaknesses of a Libra are indecisive, self-pitying, and gullible. Libras choose to avoid confrontation which can then lead to them developing deep-rooted grudges. They are often very artistic people and take up jobs as a painter, decorator, or stylist.

Scorpios are born between October 23 and November 21. They are represented by a scorpion, due to their incredible passion and power. They are extremely intuitive and derive their strength from their psychic, emotional realm. Similar to their spirit animal, the scorpion, a Scorpio lies, waits, and then strikes when least expected. Scorpios tend to know what they want, and aren’t afraid to take the long route or even work extremely hard to get it. Scorpios can be described as ambitious and enticing. However, on a bad day, their shadowy side is fueled by a relentless desire for control. Despite this, they are very excellent leaders because they are very dedicated to what they do. Scorpios despise dishonestly and can even become very jealous and suspicious. Therefore, they learn how to adapt more easily to different human behaviors. A Scorpio tends to be very brave and passionate, yet very empathetic and committed once trust and a soulful connection are built. The darkest parts of a Scorpio’s psyche can be brightened up by the connections they share with friends and lovers.

Sagittariuses are fire signs ruled by Jupiter. People considered a sagittarius are born between November 22 – December 21. Sags are represented by a symbol of a centaur with a bow and arrow. Sagittarius are energetic and open minded, however often show impatience tendecides. This sign displays characteristics of strong individuality and curiosity, leading many Sags off the beaten path. An ideal night for a Sag would include a good book and a random, fun adventure. Strengths include generosity, great sense of humor, big-spirit, passion. Weaknesses include impatience, willingness to say anything despite the consequences, and tend to make promises without delivering. Sags are incredibly faithful friends with infectious energy; a great addition to any workforce or team. A Sag also can make a great CEO or leader, as they are smart and capable.

Capricorns are born from December 22 to January 19 and are symbolized by a goat. Capricorn is known to be the most driven and hardworking zodiac sign. They are very ambitious and always up for a lot of work. They will do everything they can to meet their potential in life. Capricorns are the most power hungry zodiac sign and love to be in charge. In addition to this, Capricorns are very responsible, serious, and aware of their surroundings. They are very disciplined and make sure to do the right thing, considering they are one of the most careful zodiac signs. On more of a negative note, Capricorns are very stubborn, strong-minded, and pessimistic. They always expect the worst to happen and are too stubborn to listen to anyone else’s ideas. Lastly, Capricorns are sarcastic and blunt. They say what they think and have no consideration for how their words may affect others.

Aquarius are born between January 20 and February 18. They are represented by the water bearer, who is the mystical healer that gives water or life to land. Aquarius are revolutionary thinkers who are also rebels are heart. They hope to change the world through radical social progress and despise any sense of conventionality. An Aquarius usually has a nonconformist attitude, as their free-spirit and unusual hobbies contribute to their overall being. On the other hand, an Aquarius might appear shy and quiet at first, but once you get to know them they’re energetic and eccentric. They love helping others and are both highly intellectual and deep thinkers. Although they easily adapt to energy or crowds that surround them, they do enjoy taking time to be alone and away from everything. The biggest problem for an Aquarius is that they often feel limited or constrained. They might come off as cold or insensitive purely due to their defense mechanisms.

Pisces are born from February 19 to March 20 and are symbolized by a fish. Pisces are known to be sensitive and emotional. They are very deep people who take everything to heart. Not only that but, they are very compassionate, caring, kind, and selfless. They always put others before themselves and would do anything for their loved ones. Pisces people have an oddly unique ability to calm and assist people in moments of crisis. Pisces are also musical and artistic people. They love spending time reading, exploring or creating art or music. On another note, Pisces always plays the victim in situations. Due to their sensitivity and emotional side, they are constantly getting hurt by others. They let their emotions get the best of them, causing them to act out and turn a small issue into a big argument.

Zodiacs are the ideas that connect the universe with an individual. They help show that everyone has a purpose in life, and the universe has already laid it out for everybody. While people may feel that they are random personality traits that a person might encompass, zodiacs go much deeper than that, fueling my own personal belief in zodiac signs and astrology.

I personally have been raised in a Hindu household where my parents and grandparents have taught me to trust the universe. In Hinduism, there is a strong belief that the precise time, place, and alignment of the stars maps out a life for that individual. Although people might feel that it could be a bunch of false claims for pandits (a Hindu astrologer) to get money from, I choose to believe that the universe has a plan for everyone.
In particular, one situation where I found my connection to astrology and zodiacs to be augmented was when I was talking to my mother about my late grandfather, who passed away at the age of 77. She was detailing how shortly after his first heart attack, her, her sister, and her parents went to a pandit to know if there were any more tragedies awaiting them in the near future.

The pandit made note of certain years, incidents, and ended the conversation and said, “77.” It never struck me that it could have been a mere coincidence; moreover, I choose to believe that it was more than that. How could he have guessed that? It hit me that in my culture, zodiacs and astrology go further than mere palm readings.

Next, to further my belief in astrology, I also feel that zodiac signs do have an accurate telling of a person’s personality. I am an Aries, meaning that I am a leader, energetic, adventurous, optimistic, tempestuous, and overly competitive. These are traits that I have always identified with and been identified for, long before I knew what zodiac signs were.

Astrology and the zodiacs are a field that are often very overlooked for just choosing which sign likes which dress. It goes much deeper than that. Through constellations, angles (I know–math!), and movement of the planets, we can be able to better understand ourselves as people living this life–but only if you believe.

According to a Pew Research Center poll, almost 30 percent of American adults believe in astrology. Additionally, the General Social Survey found that 34 percent of Americans consider astrology to be very or sort of scientific. This is particularly strange given the lack of scientific backing to this. Just to clarify, we have no problem with people who believe in astrology. We view it as a hobby that some people are interested in while others aren’t. We would never look down on someone for participating in this hobby. But, there are some tangible issues with horoscopes and astrology that must be addressed.

To begin with, horoscopes can contribute to some unwanted prejudices laid on those which are deemed incompatible. For example, while this is an extreme case, a cancer who believes in astrology may not be fair or as lenient to a gemini when making friends, but may be too forgiving to a pisces who is deemed compatible. It seems unfair that someone may be judged simply because of the month they were born before they have a chance to share their personality or interests. This type of prejudice can misguide people into making bad decisions because they are influenced by astrology rather than common sense or chemistry. The same applies for romantic relationships. Going into any type of interaction with someone with a preconceived notion of who they are or how they behave will have a negative impact on trying to remain unbiased and open in these circumstances. As such, astrology can increase prejudice against certain people simply because of when they were born, and influence behavior towards them or thoughts about them.
There is some toss-up with the definition of astrology, but it’s generally defined as the belief that the constellations and stars have an effect on someone’s personality or events happening in your life. However, there is simply no scientific evidence to support astrology. The 12 zodiac signs are based on the 12 constellations that the Earth passes by in its year long rotation. For example, if you were born in late June to late July, your zodiac sign is Cancer. Now, it already doesn’t make sense that all the people in the world who were born during these days would be classified under the same personality descriptions and the same horoscope advice. However, if you completely ignore that line of reasoning, your given zodiac signs probably aren’t even right because of the precession of the earth.

Ancient astrologers, like the Babylonians and the Greeks, established the dates for each zodiac by looking at how long the sun took to travel through the signs of each zodiac. However, the ancient Babylonians and Greeks didn’t know that the Earth wobbles, or goes through a precession, because of the gravitational attraction of the moon on Earth’s equatorial bulge. The wobble for one year doesn’t mean much, but over time, like 25,800 years, the intersection between the celestial equator and the ecliptic has moved west by about 36 degrees, meaning that the signs have moved one whole month. So astrologers have been using the wrong criteria for such a long time. However, some can obviously say that everyone can just move their zodiac signs to the next month. But astrology still fails even without scientific backing.

For example, in 1985, 30 of the best astrologers in Europe and America participated in a study done by Shawn Carlson. The astrologers had to match one of the three personality descriptions to 116 different people without meeting them in person. The astrologers got it right one-third of the time, which would’ve been just as good as if they guessed them randomly. In the rest of his study, published as Nature, he concluded that the success of some astrologers was a result of cold reading, which is being able to work off the body language and reactions of their customers during their meetings. Therefore, astrology really has no scientific basis, and it simply makes no logical sense.

Generally speaking therefore, as long as astrology remains a fun hobby, there should be no issues. However, its when it becomes obsessive and taken seriously where problems arise for everyone involved.