Peace, Love and Power! If you’re a millennial like me, chances are you’ve come across that friend who swears their life is dictated by Mercury in retrograde or another who wouldn’t date someone just because they’re a “typical Gemini.” But have you ever wondered what astrology really is and how it’s shaped our world? Let’s dive in.
A Tale from “The Hermetica”
Our journey begins with a fascinating tale from “The Hermetica”, penned by the enlightened Hermes Trismegistus, whose teachings were celebrated in ancient Greece and Egypt. This narrative reveals how the cosmos birthed humans, merging the divine consciousness with tangible matter.
As this story unfolds, celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and Saturn bestowed gifts upon humanity. Recognising mankind’s immense potential, the Zodiac was introduced, acting both as a guide and a guardian, illuminating and occasionally restricting our paths.
Decoding Astrology: More than just Horoscopes
Originating from the Greek word “astrologia”, which translates to ‘study of the stars’, astrology bridges the enigmatic cosmos with our inner psyche. While its contemporary applications, like daily horoscopes, are popular, astrology’s roots delve deeper.
Historical relics like the birth chart from 1410 BCE underline mankind’s longstanding curiosity with this stellar study. Although there are many uses for astrology, there are three main ways the zodiac is interpreted:
- Tropical Astrology: Focuses on celestial angles, occasionally misaligning with current stellar positions.
- Sidereal Astrology: Studies stars in relation to the present zodiac constellations in the sky.
- Chinese Astrology: Hailing from the East, it attributes distinct characteristics to years and months.
Regardless of the type you resonate with, the true essence of astrology is to serve as a compass, guiding you back to divine light and consciousness.
Your Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and Rising Sign – The Trifecta!
Most of us are familiar with our sun signs based on the month and date of our birth. However, a complete astrological chart also includes the moon sign (representing emotional self) and the rising sign (how the world perceives you). Think of it as getting to know yourself from three different perspectives!
Understanding the Elemental Basics
Astrology orbits around four central elements:
Fire: Symbolizes passion and intuition.
Earth: Pertains to the material world.
Air: Encompasses thoughts and communication.
Water: Reflects profound emotions.
These elements intertwine with three modalities:
Cardinal: Initiating action.
Fixed: Nurturing stability.
Mutable: Embracing adaptability.
Combining these elements and modalities give rise to the zodiac signs that we frequently associate with.
Practical Uses of Astrology in the Past
Here’s where it gets fascinating. Astrology has been about more than just personal insights or compatibility tests. It’s played a tangible role in some significant historical events.
The Foundation of Baghdad
Did you know that the foundation of Baghdad, a grand city of knowledge and power in the medieval era, was deeply rooted in astrology? The Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur in the 8th century wanted to ensure that his city was established under the most auspicious stars. This wasn’t a minor consultation. Astrologers were heavily involved in determining the most propitious date and time to lay the city’s foundation stone. The result? Baghdad flourished as a center for learning, innovation, and culture for centuries.
Agriculture and Farming
Many ancient civilizations, from the Mayans to the Indians, utilized astrology in agriculture. They believed that the position of celestial bodies could influence the best times for planting and harvesting crops.
Navigation
Before GPS and compasses, ancient mariners used the stars for navigation. The night sky served as their roadmap, and understanding astrology helped in ensuring they didn’t lose their way in the vast oceans.
Closing Thoughts
Astrology, with its intricate charts and captivating predictions, offers millennials a bridge to ancient traditions. And while we might not be laying the foundation stones of cities based on star positions, understanding the deep roots of these beliefs and their practical applications in the past can be a delightful journey.
So, next time you’re pondering if there’s any truth behind Mercury in retrograde affecting your mood, remember the great city of Baghdad and how, once upon a time, the stars aligned just right to herald its golden age.
Till next time, remember you are Perfect by Design!