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Astrology as Cultural Astronomy

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Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy

Abstract

The practice of astrology can be traced in most if not all human societies, in most time periods. Astrology has prehistoric origins and flourishes in the modern world, where it may be understood as a form of ethnoastronomy – astronomy practiced by the people. The Western tradition, which originated in Mesopotamia and was developed in the Greek world, has been most studied by academics. However, India is also home to a tradition which has survived in a continuous lineage for 2,000 years. Complex systems of astrology also developed in China and Mesoamerica, while all other human societies appear to seek social and religious meaning in the stars.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter, UK

    Nicholas Campion

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  1. Nicholas Campion
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Correspondence to Nicholas Campion .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Archaeology & Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Clive L.N. Ruggles

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Campion, N. (2015). Astrology as Cultural Astronomy. In: Ruggles, C. (eds) Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6141-8_16

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