We all know our own astrological sign. However, many do not know the roots of astrology, and what each sign actually represents. Let’s read together regarding their origin and meaning.
It is difficult to directly answer the question “how old are the zodiac signs?” because they evolved over time. Today’s version of Western astrology is heavily influenced by ancient Greece and ancient Babylon.
These societies began to observe the movement of celestial bodies through space and how it affected the planet. They saw that the stars were moving and forming patterns, which later became known as constellations.
Furthermore, the history of the Zodiac as we know it today comes primarily from the Tetrabiculus of the mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy, which was published regarding 1,800 years ago. This formally marks its beginning astrology.
Ptolemy divided the Earth’s orbit around the sun—a 360-degree experience—into distinct 30-degree sectors, each with a different identity. He carefully recorded the stars that might be observed during this time, which often included distinct constellations.
Eventually, this led to the creation of the ancient signs, which are 12 cosmic phases associated with each 30 degree sector.
The signs in antiquity
Aries
Aries is the first astrological sign. This sign is represented by the ram, which symbolizes rebirth and beginnings. Aries, which is ruled by the planet Mars, is associated with the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts.
The myth tells the story of Phrixus and Helles, who were born to Athamas, a Boeotian king, and the cloud goddess, Nepheli. Athamas fell in love with a woman named Ino, and Nefeli left in a rage, causing a drought in her wake. Ino tried to sacrifice Phrixos and Helli in order to end the drought that had hit the country. Nepheli prevented this event by sending a ram with golden hair to save them. The two children escaped on the back of the winged ram.
Taurus
Taurus, the second constellation, is symbolized by a bull representing fertility. It is one of the oldest constellations in the universe and is ruled by the planet Venus.
The Taurus constellation is associated with the Greek myth of Europe. Europa was rushed by Zeus, who had taken the form of a white bull. Taurus is said to represent Jupiter in this state.
Gemini
Gemini, the third astrological sign, is represented by two twin brothers, who symbolize duality, inner unfolding and competition of body and soul. It is associated with the Greek goddess Athena and is ruled by the planet Mercury.
The Twins are associated with the Greek myth of Castor and Polydeuces. Castor and Polydeuces were the sons of Leda, a princess of Aetolia. Leda was seduced by Zeus following he took the form of a swan. Polydeuces was immortal, but Castor was not. When Castor was finally killed, Polydeuces asked Zeus to reunite him with his fallen brother. Zeus obliged by turning them both into the constellation Gemini.
Cancer
Cancer, the fourth astrological sign and symbolizes family. Represented by a crab and ruled by the Moon.
Cancer is associated with the crab sent by Hera to fight Hercules. Hera, who was the wife of Zeus, despised Hercules because he was born of Zeus’ relationship with Alcmene. Hera cast a spell of madness on Hercules that caused him to kill his own children.
Hercules was sent to complete twelve labors as penance for his crime. One of his tasks was to kill the serpent beast Hydra. Hera sent a crab to aid the Hydra in the battle once morest Heracles, but he easily killed the crab by crushing it under his foot. Hera commemorated the crab’s effort by turning it into a constellation.
Leo
Leo is the fifth astrological sign, symbolizing the power of life. Leo, represented by the lion’s mane, is ruled by the Sun.
The constellation of Leo is associated with the mythical lion of Nemea. Hercules undertook to kill Nemea as the first of his twelve labors. After killing the lion, he removed its skin and turned it into a suit of armor which he then wore. Zeus rewarded the lion’s bravery by giving him a constellation.
Virgin
Virgo is the sixth astrological sign, symbolizing work. Virgo is ruled by the god Mercury and is represented as a woman. Because of this, Virgo has been associated with various goddesses, such as Artemis and Aphrodite. In Greek mythology the constellation is represented by the goddess Astraea.
Astraea helped her Titan father by being a lightning carrier during the war between the Titans and the Gods. Zeus respected her devotion and decided to raise her to the heavens, placing her among the stars and creating the constellation Virgo.
Libra
The seventh astrological sign symbolizes harmony. Libra, represented by the scales of justice, is ruled by Venus.
Libra, like Virgo, is also associated with the goddess Astraea. When Zeus lifted Astraea into the sky and placed her among the stars, the scales of justice she carried became the constellation Libra.
Scorpio
The eighth astrological sign, Scorpio, is represented by a scorpion. The creature symbolizes destruction and rebirth – the constellation is ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto.
The origin of the constellation comes from the Greek myth of Orion. Orion was a hunter who arrogantly declared that he would kill all the animals on Earth. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, sent a scorpion to kill him in response to this threat. The arachnid chased Orion until it finally bit him and killed him.
The gods raised Orion and the scorpion into the heavens and placed them at opposite ends of the firmament. Thus, when the constellation Scorpio rises above the horizon, the constellation Orion hides, fleeing from the animal that caused its death.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius, the ninth astrological sign, symbolizes higher consciousness. The sign, represented by the archer’s arrow, is ruled by Jupiter.
The constellation is associated with the Centaur Chiron. Chiron was an intelligent, wise and benevolent creature – unlike most of his kind.
The Centaur was a great educator and teacher of several of the most important heroes of Greek mythology, such as Achilles, Asclepius, Jason, Aristaeus and Actaeon.
Capricorn
Capricorn, the tenth astrological sign, is represented by a goat that symbolizes wisdom. Capricorn is ruled by the god Saturn.
Capricorn is associated with the myth of Amalthea, a woman who also took the form of a goat. Amalthea raised the infant Zeus following Rhea’s mother hid him in the mountains to protect him from his Titan father, Cronus. When Zeus came of age, he fought the Titans in goatskin armor to honor her.
Aquarius
The eleventh astrological sign, Aquarius symbolizes revolution and wisdom. Aquarius, which is represented by the water bearer, was traditionally ruled by the planet Saturn, but has since shifted to the planet Uranus.
The constellation of Aquarius is associated with Ganymede, who was considered the most beautiful mortal man. Zeus kidnapped Ganymede and took him to Olympus to make him cup bearer.
Pisces
The twelfth and final astrological sign, Pisces symbolizes division, personified by Venus and Eros in the form of two fish swimming in opposite directions. Pisces is ruled by Neptune and Jupiter.
During the war of the gods with the Titans, many gods had to take animal forms to protect themselves. So Eros and Aphrodite left in the form of a fish, trying to escape the wrath of Typhon, a giant water serpent.
Sources: greekreporter, hindustantimes, replogleglobes
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