Astrology is a subject that is getting more and more popular these days. It’s a science that tells about destiny and life by analysing planets and constellations positions at the time of birth of individuals. There is one such concept named ‘zodiac signs’ in the subject. But have you ever thought about how this term arrived and evolved so far? Let’s delve into this article to know the whole story:-

Ancient Beginnings

Vedic astrology traces its roots back to the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.These texts, dating from 1500-1200 BCE, contain details about the influence of celestial bodies on human life. Early Vedic texts like Vedanga Jyotisha and Surya Siddhanta laid the groundwork for calculating astronomical phenomena and understanding planetary motions and their impact on Earth. Throughout the ages, Vedic astrology evolved through the contributions of renowned scholars and rishis. Figures like Parasara, Jaimini, and Varahamihira refined the system by integrating concepts such as:
·The nine planets, the navgraha (including the Sun and Moon).
·The twelve zodiac signs, called Rashis in Vedic astrology.
·The twenty-seven nakshatras (lunar mansions).
·Dasha systems for predicting life events.
Hence, the first mention comes from Vedic texts. Apart from that, the concept of the zodiac is deeply rooted in Babylonian astronomy from the first half of the 1st millennium BC. The Babylonians divided the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere, into 12 equal “signs.” This division was based on their observations of constellations and was used to create a celestial coordinate system.

Etymology

The word “zodiac” comes from the Latin “zodiacus,” which is a translation of the Ancient Greek “zōdiakòs kýklos,” meaning “circle of little animals.” This name reflects the prominence of animals and mythological hybrids among the twelve signs. The Greek term itself is derived from “zōdion,” the symbol of “zōon,” which means “animal”.

Cross-Cultural Adaptations

As knowledge spread through trade and cultural exchange, various civilizations adapted the zodiac to suit their beliefs. In China, for example, the Chinese zodiac assigns animal signs to each year in a twelve-year cycle.

Modern Significance

Today, the zodiac continues to captivate people worldwide. While scientific advancements have revealed the astronomical discrepancies between the zodiacal constellations and their corresponding signs, the symbolic significance and cultural resonance persist. Astrology enthusiasts turn to the zodiac for insights into personality traits, relationships, and even glimpses into the future.