Roman Astrology

Roman artwork

The Romans were a society that placed great importance on astrology and the study of the stars. They believed that the movements and positions of celestial bodies held significant influence over the events that took place on Earth. As a result, astrology played a significant role in the daily lives of Roman citizens and was used to make important decisions, such as when to go to war or when to plant crops.

The origins of Roman astrology can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who were the first to develop a system of astrology based on the twelve zodiac signs. The Romans adopted this system and added their own unique twist, incorporating the use of planetary hours and the concept of the celestial sphere.

One of the main ways in which the Romans used astrology was through the interpretation of horoscopes. A horoscope was a chart that depicted the positions of the celestial bodies at the time of an individual's birth. This chart was used to predict the individual's character, life path, and future events.

Astrologers, also known as haruspices, were highly respected members of Roman society and were often consulted by politicians, military leaders, and ordinary citizens alike. They would analyze an individual's horoscope and provide guidance and predictions based on the positions of the celestial bodies.

In addition to horoscopes, the Romans also used astrology to predict the future and make important decisions. For example, they would consult the stars before going to war to determine the likelihood of victory. Astrology was also used to predict the weather and the success of crops.

The Romans also believed that astrology could be used to cure ailments and prevent illness. They believed that the positions of the celestial bodies could indicate the presence of certain diseases and that certain medical treatments could be more effective at certain times based on the movements of the planets.

Astrology was not only used for practical purposes, but it also played a significant role in Roman religion and mythology. The gods and goddesses of the Roman pantheon were often associated with specific planets or celestial bodies. For example, Venus was the goddess of love and beauty and was associated with the planet Venus.

The Romans also believed that astrology could be used to communicate with the gods. They believed that the movements of the celestial bodies could provide insight into the will of the gods and that certain rituals could be performed to appease them.

Despite the importance of astrology in Roman society, it was not without its critics. Some viewed astrology as superstitious and believed that it had no scientific basis. However, the majority of Romans were believers in astrology and it played a significant role in their daily lives.

In conclusion, astrology was a crucial aspect of Roman society and played a significant role in the daily lives of Roman citizens. It was used to predict the future, make important decisions, and even communicate with the gods. While it was not without its critics, the majority of Romans believed in the power of astrology and it played a central role in their culture and way of life.