The first evidence of tracking celestial cycles dates back 25,000 years in the form of cave paintings.
It was the Ancient Babylonians that were credited with the first organized system of astrology, using astrological charts to predict the recurrence of seasons and celestial events.
Later on, astrology was used to predict weather patterns and became adopted by many civilizations.
The zodiac, from the Greek word meaning "circle of animals", is believed to have been developed in ancient Egypt.
Astrologers observed 12 lunar cycles for the sun to return to its original position, identified 12 constellations linked to each cycle, and assigned names of animals or people.
After helping drive the development of astronomy, astrology took a separate path, ascribing personality traits to those born under zodiac signs, and attributing world events to celestial occurrences.
Some regard modern astrology as superstitious nonsense without scientific basis. Others maintain that the symbolism of astrology can provide a deeper understanding of ourselves and of world events.
