Astrology. The Library Of Esoterica 2

Astrology has been a central aspect of human history, with individuals from diverse cultures and belief systems looking to the sky for meaning. Throughout thousands of years, the movement of celestial bodies and their connection to our lives has inspired both reverence and worship, deepening our understanding of ourselves and the world.

While modern horoscopes are a common form of astrological knowledge, their origins stretch back to ancient Mesopotamia. In TASCHEN's Library of Esoterica series, author Andrea Richards discusses the intertwined history of astronomy and astrology. Originally sister sciences, they influenced the construction of structures like the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid at Giza and the establishment of early observatories by Persian scholars. Even figures like Galileo dabbled in astrology alongside their scientific endeavors.

As exact science took precedence during the Enlightenment, astrology found its home in places where mystery and wonder were valued. This shift led to astrology influencing literature, art, and psychology, with notable figures like Goethe, Byron, and Blake incorporating astrological concepts into their work. Later movements, such as the Theosophists and New Agers, would bring astrology into the mainstream.

Edited by Jessica Hundley, this visual history of Western astrology delves into the symbolic meanings behind a vast array of images, spanning from ancient Egyptian temples and illuminated manuscripts to contemporary art from around the world. The works of artists like Alphonese Mucha, Hilma af Klint, Arpita Singh, and Manzel Bowman are showcased, reflecting the movements of the planets and the zodiac wheel. "Astrology" celebrates the stars and their enigmatic influence on our daily lives.