What is the Definition of Zodiac signs?

Many people believe the definition of Zodiac signs, is the same thing as Astrology. Astrology and the Zodiac are related but they are not the same.

The word Zodiac comes from the Greek word Zodiakos, It means circle of animals.

Zodiakos- which comes from- zo-on, meaning "a creature." Zo-on is an archaic Egyptian word that combines Zo- "life" and On "organism."

The literal meaning of Zodiac signs is:

A small band that is divided into 12 zodiac signs. These 12 signs of the Zodiac matches up to the 12 Constellations.

*Back to this circle and what it has to do with western zodiac signs.

You now know that the size of the zodiac circle is 360 degrees. Through that circle runs a line called the "Ecliptic". This line marks the path the Sun takes. Along with the Sun, all the other Planets take this path except for Pluto.

Under the definition of Zodiac signs, the 12 signs of the Zodiac themselves must be added. We know that the Babylonians started the art or science of astrology and that the Romans improved on that by naming the zodiac signs.

The definition of Zodiac Signs in Different Cultures:

The pagans (Gentiles) regarded the stars as alive, able to shape the fate and fortunes of human beings. The ancient Hebrews belief that the Stars and Planets took part in the matters of human beings is manifest in scripture, as, for instance:

Genesis 1:14:

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years."

Genesis 37:9:

"Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it." Listen, I have had another dream," he said. "The Sun, Moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!"

Psalm 8:3:

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained."

Nearly every religious faith of the world has shadows of an astrological influence. The Old Testament of the Hebrews, although, its writings were eclipsed by Egyptian civilization, is collection of astrological and astronomical parables.

Almost all Greek and Roman mythology connects with astrology.

Kabbalists say that the original twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet divided into a group of 3 (Fire, Earth and Water).

A group of 7(The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mars), and then linked to the days of the week (7) and finally to a group of 12 meaning the 12 signs of the zodiac and the months they govern.

Incidentally, these 12 also connect to 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob).

These groups (letters) forming a multitude of words, when properly read they augured events. Read more about Kabbalah.

The Chaldeans, The Phoenicians, The Egyptians, The Persians, The Hindus, and The Chinese all have zodiacs that are alike generally. They have all been accredited as the place of origin for star divination and astronomy.

The Native Americans also have a zodiac, but the images and figures of the Signs have many different details than the others.

The Pythagoreans ( Followers of Pythagoras of Samos - 5th century BCE) were gratuitously picked apart for proclaiming the alleged philosophy of metempsychosis (reincarnation or transmigration of the soul).

This Idea was passed around the naïve and was also just a subterfuge to hide a hallowed truth.

Greek religious mystics thought that from the source base of souls contained in the Milky Way, the soul of man passed through one of the 12 doors of the zodiac band, and settled into the physical body.

The soul was said to embody the emblematic character produced by Greeks mágos to correspond to their respective zodiac constellations.

If the soul was embodied through Aries, it was alleged to be born in the personification of a ram. If in Taurus -- the Bull, Cancer --the Crab, and so on.

Therefore, the 12 mystical characters (zodiac signs) and their natures by coming into physical form, represent all humankind.

The philosophy of metempsychosis didn't have bearing on what you could physically see of human beings, but instead to the unseen incorporeal spirit drifting along in the stars.

However, accepting evolution we would see the physical manifestation of these zodiac characters in the looks and manners of human beings.

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