Babylonian Zodiac Signs w/ Sumerian Influence



The Sidereal zodiac, particularly as it is used in Vedic astrology (Jyotish), has its origins in ancient Indian astronomical and astrological traditions.The foundations of Vedic astrology can be traced back to the Vedas, ancient Indian texts composed around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The astrological portions, particularly the "Vedanga Jyotisha," date back to around 1200 BCE.

The origins of the Sidereal zodiac can be traced to both Babylonian and Sumerian influences, as well as later developments in ancient Indian astrology. The Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE, developed early astronomical observations and calendars. They recognized celestial patterns and cycles, which laid the groundwork for later astrological systems. By around 2000 BCE, the Babylonians had established a more formalized astrological system, including a zodiac based on constellations. They divided the sky into 12 sections, which eventually influenced both Western and Vedic astrology.



Aries: Garuḫu (The Young Ram)
Taurus: Gudu (The Great Bull)
Gemini: MUL.GU.LA (The Twins or The Great Twins)
Cancer: KARKA (The Crab)
Leo: UR.GU (The Lion)
Virgo: SAG.MA (The Virgin)
Libra: ZIB.BA (The Scales)
Scorpio: GIR.TAB (The Scorpion)
Sagittarius: GUD.AN.NA (The Archer)
Capricorn: SAG.MA.NA (The Goat-Fish)
Aquarius: DUMU.ZI (The Water Bearer)
Pisces: MUL.PISCES (The Fish)

Babylonian Zodiac Signs and Their Sumerian Associations


  1. Aries (Garuḫu):

    • Association: Often linked to the Sumerian god Utu (Shamash), the sun god, symbolizing renewal and the dawn.

  2. Taurus (Gudu):

    • Association: Connected to the bull god Gudea, a Sumerian ruler who was deified. The bull is also associated with strength and fertility.

  3. Gemini (MUL.GU.LA):

    • Association: Linked to the twin gods Dumuzi and Inanna, representing duality and balance.

  4. Cancer (KARKA):

    • Association: Sometimes associated with Ninurta, a god of agriculture and hunting, symbolizing protection of crops.

  5. Leo (UR.GU):

    • Association: Associated with the goddess Ishtar, who is often depicted as a lioness, symbolizing power and war.

  6. Virgo (SAG.MA):

    • Association: Linked to the goddess Ninhursag, the earth and fertility goddess, representing nurturing and growth.

  7. Libra (ZIB.BA):

    • Association: While not directly linked to a specific god, it represents balance and fairness, often associated with the goddess Maat in other traditions.

  8. Scorpio (GIR.TAB):

    • Association: Connected with the underworld and sometimes associated with the goddess Ereshkigal, who ruled the underworld.

  9. Sagittarius (GUD.AN.NA):

    • Association: Linked to the god Nergal, associated with war and the underworld.

  10. Capricorn (SAG.MA.NA):

    • Association: Associated with the god Enki, linked to water and creation, as the goat-fish symbolizes duality.

  11. Aquarius (DUMU.ZI):

    • Association: As mentioned earlier, linked to Dumuzi, the fertility god.

  12. Pisces (MUL.PISCES):

    • Association: Often associated with the fish-goddess Ninmu, who represents abundance and fertility.

Comments

Post a Comment