|
Let's peep into the past to know
the evolution of an "art-science" that fortells future
ASTROLOGY
Astrology is the oldest of all the sciences. It is older than all
religions and has been guiding mankind from the barbaric cave life
to the dawn of the modern civilization. It assist us to understand
ourselves for who we are? and what we can be?
Interest in astrology has persisted throughout the centuries,
occasionally falling out of favor but always rebounding. The ancient
civilizations are gone, but their gift of astrology survives. If it
didn't work, it would long ago have taken its place alongside them
in the footnotes of history.
The earliest known astrological records date back to Babylon, 1645
BC, and the earliest horoscope to 410 BC.
The origin of Astrology can be traced from several locations and
cultures all over the world. From Egypt, which developed
sophisticated timekeeping methods and calendar science to Greece
where Ptolemy authored influential astrological and astronomical
texts; and Rome, where many of the most learned men-including two
emperors-were astrologers who wrote laws and counseled citizens
based on the stars this "art-science" took shape with time
and experiences.
In this section you will know about Indian astrological disciplines,
Vedic Astrology disciplines, modern astrology disciplines in India,
Babylon Astrology disciplines, China Astrology disciplines and more.
Some of the centres of origin of Astrology are
INDIA
In India records exist today which point clearly to a highly
developed knowledge of astrology as far back as about 6,500 BC and
actual manuscripts are still extant which were written about 3,700
BC. Some of the originals have been destroyed or lost but actual
copies of these originals were made by alter astrologers. These are
to be found in the libraries of Maharajas and in the libraries of
certain states in Bharat. Actual, detailed records of astrological
science are continuous from about 6,500 BCE. One of the earliest
authors of Vedic astrology, copies of whose work are still to be
found, is Pita Maha who wrote a treatise on astrology called Pita
Maha Siddhant(a). He lived and wrote this book about 3,000 BCE. Five
hundred years later, another author-astrologer named Vashishtth(a)
wrote several books on astrology, astronomy and philosophy. His most
important work, and one which was used as an authority by all
subsequent writers on the subject, is Vashishtth(a) Siddhant(a), but
he wrote may other equally erudite and authoritative texts such as
the Panch Siddhant(a) Kosh(a), Soory(a) Siddhant(a), Nityanand(a),
Brhat Jatak(a), Aryabhat, Mansagari, Ranveer, and the Laghu
Parashar.
BABYLON
The first mention of astrology as it was practiced by the
Babylonians appears to place the period at about 1645 BC but no
actual records of literature concerning the Babylonian contribution
to the science have been discovered to date.
CHINA
Aside from the Vedic records, perhaps the oldest records of
astrological practice are to be found in China. The Chinese have
been as scrupulous in preserving their records as the Hindus of
Bharat (India.)
CHALDEA
Although mention is made by later writers of famous astrologers in
Chaldea, particularly Berosus, who lived about 3,000 BCE, no actual
manuscripts of Berosus are available if indeed such writings were
ever made. But, undoubtedly the science of astrology was practiced
at a very remote period in the history of the Chaldeans and the
astrology of the Greeks and Romans was directly derived from this
source.
EGYPT
It is evident that the Egyptian knew and used astrology many
thousands of years before the time of Christ, and the earliest
Egyptian astrologer mentioned is Petosiris, a priest who lived
during the reign of Nicepsos about 800 BCE. If Petosiris wrote any
books on astrology, however, they have not been found.
The earliest Egyptian authority on astrology whose works are
available today and actually form the basis on which modern
astrology is practiced in the Western world was Claudius Ptolemy.
Ptolemy was born at Pelusium in Egypt, about 70 CE, and attended
the school of Alexandria. His Tetrabilos is the source of many of
the errors which have been perpetuated in the modern systems.
PERSIA
The earliest Persian astrologer of whom any record exists was Al
Hakim. This famous astrologer lived and practiced his science during
the reign of Darius. Al Hakim is reputed to have written many books,
the most widely mentioned by later historians being the Judicia
Gimaspia. If this work or any other writings of Al Hakim exist
today, they have not been made available for general inspection.
However, Al Hakim achieved fame because of some amazing predictions,
not the least popular of them being the birth of Jesus.
ARABIA
Astrology is and always was held in great veneration by the Arabs.
This region is the birthplace of many learned astrologers and wise
men. They traveled extensively and brought their knowledge with them
into Greece and Rome. Some of their writings have come down to the
West through the Greeks and Romans, but in such fragmentary form
that they are of little practical use today. Such fragments as have
been preserved, however, furnish indubitable proof that the
technique of the Arabian astrologers was of a very high order,
indeed. Records of a nomadic people, though, are difficult to
obtain. |
