In the days of old, people looked up at the sky and found stories written in the stars. They believed that the movements of planets and stars could tell them about their lives and the world around them. This belief, known as astrology, was very popular during the Middle Ages, a time between 700 AD to 1500 AD.
Astrology has different flavors, like Hellenistic, Medieval, and Renaissance. In the Middle Ages, people rediscovered ancient astrological texts and mixed them with their own ideas and beliefs.
Understanding Medieval Astrology
Medieval astrology was like a map for life, guiding people through important decisions and events. Each zodiac sign, like Aries, Taurus, or Gemini, was thought to have its own influence on daily life.
What the Stars Said
Imagine a guidebook from the 15th century that tells you what to do based on the stars. Here’s a peek at what it might say:
- Aries (March 21 – April 19)
- Good for travel and starting short projects, but don’t take medicine for the head.
- Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
- Perfect for long-term projects like building houses, but not for starting wars.
- Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
- Great for making friends and starting things, but don’t rush into anything too quickly.
- Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
- Good for arguments and traveling north, but not for getting married or building new houses.
- Leo (July 23 – August 22)
- Speak with important people and start short projects, but avoid new construction and bloodletting.
- Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
- Good for planting and building, but avoid fights and fire-related tasks.
- Libra (September 23 – October 22)
- Travel east and let out some blood, but don’t start big projects or get into fights.
- Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
- Be careful with this sign, avoid big decisions and financial transactions.
- Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
- Make peace, get married, but don’t overdo it. Be cautious with money and land deals.
- Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
- Good for short-term plans and travel, but avoid intimacy and disputes.
- Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
- Build and get married, but don’t focus too much on new skills.
- Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
- Build houses, travel, but be careful with fire-related tasks.
Finding Our Way Among the Stars
In medieval times, people believed that the stars held secrets and guidance for every aspect of life. While we may not rely on astrology the same way today, it’s fascinating to see how people in the past looked to the heavens for answers. As we journey through history, let’s marvel at the wonders of medieval astrology and the tales it weaves among the stars.