The zodiac is broken into 12 sections tracing the path of the sun over a calendar year. However, the term zodiac is more commonly associated with the Greek version, where each section is represented by an animal or other device. Today, the zodiac is most often used as a horoscope in astrology.
Beginnings
The zodiac originated during the 7th century B.C. by Babylonian astronomers. This calendar affiliated each month with a different star constellation. This is also the beginning of the signs of the Zodiac, except Scorpio was the Eagle then.
First Appearance
The first appearance of the classical signs is on the Dendera zodiac, an Egyptian bas-relief dating from 50 B.C.
Other Cultures
Ancient Greek, Roman and Hindu cultures also adopted the zodiac as part of their astrological beliefs.
Ptolemy
Greek scientist Ptolemy is the father of the modern zodiac and coordinated the signs of the zodiac with the Houses and planets.
Spiritualism
Mystical branches of the major religions, such as the Kabbalah in Judaism, use the zodiac in their practices.
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