Who first started astrology?

The origins of astrology can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and it has a long and complex history. The practice of observing celestial bodies and associating their movements with events on Earth dates back thousands of years. While it's challenging to pinpoint a single individual who "first started" astrology, various ancient cultures made significant contributions to its development. Here are a few key historical points:

1. Mesopotamia (Babylonian Astrology):

   • One of the earliest forms of astrology originated in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Babylonian astrologers practiced a form of celestial divination known as omens. They observed the positions of planets and stars and believed that these celestial events could provide insights into earthly affairs.

2. Ancient Egypt:

   • Ancient Egyptians also had a form of astrology, particularly related to the observation of the heliacal rising of the star Sirius, which was associated with the annual flooding of the Nile River.

3. Ancient Greece:

   • Ancient Greek philosophers, including figures like Pythagoras and Plato, contributed to the philosophical and mathematical aspects of astrology. The Greeks were instrumental in developing the zodiac and refining the conceptual framework of astrology.

4. Hellenistic Period:

   • During the Hellenistic period, the practice of astrology flourished. Hellenistic astrologers, such as Claudius Ptolemy, wrote influential texts that laid the foundation for later astrological traditions.

5. India (Vedic Astrology):

   • Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, has ancient roots in India. The Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures, contain references to astrological concepts. Sage Parashara's "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" is a significant text in Vedic astrology.

6. China:

   • Chinese astrology has a long history, and it developed independently of Western astrology. It is closely associated with Chinese philosophy and the traditional lunar calendar.

The development of astrology occurred independently in different cultures, each contributing unique perspectives and practices. Over time, various forms of astrology evolved, including Western astrology, Vedic astrology, Chinese astrology, and others.

It's important to view the history of astrology as a cumulative process shaped by contributions from multiple cultures and individuals over centuries. The practice of associating celestial events with earthly phenomena has been a common thread throughout ancient civilizations.