Astrology. The Library of Esoterica

The field of astrology traces its origins back to ancient times, when people from diverse cultures sought meaning in the cosmos. The practice of interpreting the positions and movements of celestial bodies has been central to astrology for millennia, allowing individuals to explore their identities and surroundings. Although contemporary horoscopes are a familiar form of astrology today, their roots are deeply embedded in the history of ancient Mesopotamia. Andrea Richards highlights this in her book "Astrology," part of TASCHEN’s Library of Esoterica series, where she notes that astronomy and astrology were once intertwined sister sciences. For instance, the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed to align with specific constellations, and early Persian scholars managed some of the initial observatories. Even famed astronomer Galileo produced horoscopes for the Medicis. With the Enlightenment era, astrology found a niche in literature, art, and psychology, influencing notable figures like Goethe, Byron, and Blake. As modern movements such as Theosophy and New Age philosophies emerged, they propelled astrology into widespread cultural awareness. Under the editorial direction of Jessica Hundley, this visually compelling narrative of Western astrology examines the symbolic meanings in numerous images, from ancient Egyptian temples and illuminated manuscripts to current global artworks. Pieces by artists such as Alphonse Mucha, Hilma af Klint, Arpita Singh, and Manzel Bowman are arranged to reflect the astrological dance of planets and the zodiac's cyclical nature. The book celebrates the enigmatic impact these celestial entities have on daily human experiences.