Be it the Armenian culture or the Mesopotamian, zodiac signs have been used by the world since time immemorial to define an individual’s personality traits

From the field of astrology, zodiac signs are a fascinating subject that has wooed the world for centuries. After birth, every individual acquires a zodiac sign as per their date of birth. For 12 months, there are 12 zodiac signs named after 12 constellations and we know them as Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. These signs are further categorized into four categories:

Fire Signs: Aries, Sagittarius, Leo

Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Air Signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini

Earth Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

It is tough to write precisely about the history or origination of the zodiac signs. However, there are several theories and concepts related to these signs, and this piece sheds a light on those varieties of theories.

Mesopotamian influence

The earliest idea of the zodiac signs arrived around 6000 years ago when priests of that era started tracking the movements of the Sun, Moon and Venus to show the seasonal changes. They also used the movements to identify the luck and fate of an individual.

Babylonian take

The Mesopotamian influence was powerful because of which the Greeks inherited knowledge and wisdom about the heavens from the Mesopotamians. As per several ancient sources, it was the Babylonian astronomers who divided the heavens into twelve zodiac signs we recognize at present. However, the Babylonians also gave birth to a 13th zodiac sign called Ophiuchus but for reasons unknown, that zodiac sign was never incorporated in the group of 12. Much may not be aware but Alexander the Great played a significant role in popularizing the concept of zodiac signs in various parts of the world.

Armenian’s input

While the Babylonians created the names of the zodiac signs and their division, research suggests that it was the Armenian society that linked the signs to creatures.

The new world

In the new world, zodiacs signs are used by almost every society of the world. For example, in several parts of Asia; the Hindu zodiac astrology is followed, which is derived from the Vedic times. Although, the Vedic period played an equally important role in the history of the zodiac signs. Not to forget, there are several other versions of the zodiac signs that are used today, such as the ones in the Jung astrology.