Zodiac Symbol Meanings

Zodiac Symbol Meanings

What is the zodiac? Who came up with it? Can it really predict the future? What do the symbols mean? Where do God and the Bible fit into it?

Zodiac History

First off, let’s start with some history. The word zodiac is Greek for “circle of animals.” It comes from the more primitive word zoad, which means “a walk, or steps.” The zodiac was created around 1000 BC during the Neo-Babylonian period. It basically divides the stars into 12 sections. At the time, it was thought that stars and the Sun moved around the Earth, so these sections were part of a “celestial sphere” that surrounds the Earth. However, in reality, the Earth moves around the Sun, therefore it is the Earth itself that is moving through these sections.

In the 2nd century AD, the Greek astronomer Ptolemy rationalized that the zodiac predicts the path our lives will take in. He created 12 astrological signs; Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo. He called these predictions horoscopes which means “hour of birth.” This classification is known as Western Astrology. Note that there is also Indian Astrology and Chinese Astrology. They both also have 12 signs, but their classifications are different.

Connecting the Zodiac with Christianity

Some people take the zodiac seriously as if it is their “religion.” They read their horoscopes everyday, and try to find meaning in their lives through the stars. Others think that the zodiac is just mythology, like the Greek gods and legends. However, what if there is some meaning in the zodiac? What if, a prophetic Spirit is behind it? What if, in fact, it is the same Spirit that is mentioned in the Bible? That would have to be one powerful Spirit, and in fact the God of Christianity is just that.

Genesis 1:14 – And God said, Let there be lights in the expanse of the heaves to separate the day from the night. And let them be signs and for seasons, and for days and years (ESV)

Isaiah 40:26 – Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing (NIV)

God created the stars, along with the rest of our universe, in the beginning, as stated in Genesis 1. He created the 12 astrological signs to be prophetic images of what was to come. Believe it or not, these signs tell the story of the Gospel, just as it is written in the Bible. There are not be used as horoscopes to predict our own lives, but as a guide to salvation. Click on a symbol for a summary of its meaning.

Virgo, the Virgin

Libra, the Scales of Justice

Scorpio, the Scorpion

Sagittarius, the Centaur Archer

Capricornus, the Sea-Goat

Aquarius, the Water Bearer

Pisces, the Fishes

Aries, the Ram

Taurus, the Bull

Gemini, the Twins

Cancer, the Crab

Leo, the Lion

The Star of Bethlehem - A special article on what the star of Bethlehem was and the date of Christ's birth.

Conclusion

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