The zodiac was first clearly defined by the Babylonians some 2500 years ago, but until recently the basis of this original definition remained unknown. This zodiac of the Babylonians, known as the sidereal zodiac because it is specified in direct relation to the stars (Latin sideris, 'starry'), was used for centuries throughout the ancient world, all the way to India, and must be distinguished from the tropical zodiac in widespread use by astrologers in the West today, which was introduced only in the middle of the second century A.D. by the Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy. Such was Ptolemy's influence, however, that the tropical zodiac gained prominence and, except for its survival (in a variant form) in India, knowledge of the sidereal zodiac was lost. In this thrilling study of the history of the zodiac, first submitted in 2004 as his Ph.D. thesis, Robert Powell rescues the the sidereal zodiac from the dusts of time, tracing it back to the Babylonians in the sixth/fifth centuries B.C. The implications of this discovery-among them the restitution of the sideral zodiac to its rightful place at the heart of astrology-are immense, they key point being that the signs of the sidereal zodiac, each thirty degrees long, coincide closely with the twelve astronomical constellations of the same name, whereas the signs of the tropical zodiac, since they are defined in relation to the vernal point, now have no direct relationship to the corresponding zodiacal constellations, owing to the precession of the equinoxes.This revolutionary history of the zodiac includes chapters on the Egyptian decans and the Hindu nakshatras, showing how these sidereal divisions, which originated in Egypt and India, are related to the original Babylonian zodiac. It also sheds light on the controversy surrounding the 'zodiac question' (tropical vs. sidereal), illuminating the history of the tropical zodiac-showing that originally it was not a zodiac at all, but a calendar for describing the course of the seasons This book, the fruit of thirty years of research, is intended not only for scholars but for general readers as well, and offers the clearest and most comprehensive study of the history of the zodiac yet published.

This thoroughly researched book is a history of the development of Western horoscopic astrology from its origin among the Babylonians and its subsequent creation in its present form by the Alexandrians down to modern times. Special attention is given to background history and to the working conditions and techniques used by astrologers during the last two thousand years. Numerous footnotes provide additional information and bibliographic references. A separate bibliography lists reference sources of particular importance. Two comprehensive indices containing more than 2,800 individual entries enable the reader to locate persons, publishers, topics, and book and periodical titles that are mentioned in the history. The book also contains discussions of several questions and topics relating to astrology.

This comprehensive biographical dictionary of more than 2,200 Western astrologers from the ancient times (beginning with the 2nd century B.C.) down to the early 20th century includes living persons born prior to 1936, as well as some astrologers born in or after 1936 who are deceased. History is made by people, so biography is the basis of history. In this book the reader will find the names (and birth and death data) of most of the prominent Western astrologers of the past and some indication of what they did in the field of astrology. It is thus possible to learn much about the history of astrology simply by reading the lengthier biographical entries. However, the main purpose of this book is to provide a ready reference and to give enough information about these astrologers to enable the reader "to get to know" them. Lists of books written by the astrologers are included along with, in some cases, excerpts from their work.

A visually stunning astrology boxset, with everything you need for your astrological education - whether you're a brand new beginner or an experienced astrologer. It's simple and user friendly, yet potent and diverse - designed to grow with you as your knowledge expands. Lily Ashwell, author and illustrator, reimagines the ancient world of astrology for the modern day with this striking 51 card deck and guidebook. Her fresh perspective puts a practical spin on this age-old subject, inspiring seekers to develop their unique connection to the heavens. The sheer beauty of the boxset makes it a work of art, at home among your most treasured items. The deck is comprised of The Planets, The Signs of the Zodiac, The Houses, The Major Aspects, and The Natural Zodiac. And the guidebook not only takes you step by step through the meaning of each card, but offers a concise overview of astrology and explains your unique relationship to the energies. The guidebook offers illustrated direction on how to use the cards--which can be as simple as picking a single, daily oracle or creating more in-depth spreads to explore the meaning behind specific life events. The cards can also be used as a study tool to learn astrology. And an utterly unique way to use them is to create visual spreads of any astrological placement. This concept is an accessible way to begin the art of chart reading--whether you want to decode your own birth chart or explore the current cosmic climate. Package includes: * Large Keepsake Box * Hand-Illustrated 144 Page Guidebook * 51 Soulful, Hand-Illustrated Astrology Cards in Two-Piece Box

This volume examines the specific role of horoscopic astrology in Western culture from antiquity to the nineteenth century. Focusing on the public appearance of astrological rhetoric, the essays break new ground for a better understanding of the function of horoscopes in public discourse. The volume's three parts address the use of imperial horoscopes in late antiquity, the transformation of doctrines and rhetorics in Islamic medieval contexts, and the important status of astrology in early modern Europe. The combination of in-depth historical studies and methodological considerations results in an important contribution to religious and cultural studies.

Wild Alchemy is a culinary and medicinal bible that brings together traditional alchemical practices with plant lore. Alchemy is the ancient art of transforming nature for the benefit of body, mind and soul. This book is an invitation to connect back to ourselves, and rediscover how our ancestors lived in harmony with the seasons by foraging for food and medicine. Through illustrated botanical and astrological guides and practical recipes, Wild Alchemy takes the reader on a journey of enquiry to become alchemists in their daily lives.

Finally, a Guide to the Zodiac About Us and For Us!

If you love following your sun sign but never seem to feel what you read is directed toward you, wait no more. Here's a guide to the zodiac that will make you say, "Wow, that's me!" From the fiery Arian to the charismatic Aquarian, you'll find examples of yourself, friends, loved ones, and even your children in this down-to-earth guide. No more cosmic adventures into your planets! Now here's a book that tells you the real deal about you and those special people in your life. You'll gain an insight into that practical Virgo brother who's always saving a penny for a rainy day or that energetic Sagittarian sister who just doesn't keep still for a minute.

Black Sun Signs offers light-hearted advice on romance, tips on money matters, discussions about health concerns, and more. You'll also find out what famous African American brothers and sisters share your sign. Whether you're a sexy Leo like Halle Berry or there's a reserved Capricorn like Denzel Washington in your life, you're sure to get the 411 on yourself and everyone you know in Black Sun Signs.