Babylonian Astrology
Interpretation System

The Babylonian priests applied themselves to perfecting a system of interpretation of the phenomena to be observed in the heavens. It was a natural porgression that the system developed was extended from The Moon, The Sun and five planets to the more prominent and recognizable fixed stars.

The interpretations themselves were based, (as in the case of divination through a sacrificial animals liver), primarily on two factors:

1. On the recollection, or written record, of what had taken place in the past when the phenomenon or phenomena in question had been observed.
2. Association of ideas in connection with the phenomenon or phenomena observed.

For example, if on a previous occasion, the rise of the new moon in a cloudy sky was followed by victory over an enemy, or by abundant rain, the sign in question was proved to be favourable and its recurrence would be regarded as a good omen.

On the other hand, if the appearance of the new moon was earlier than expected, it was regarded as unfavourable. Forecasting defeat, death among cattle, bad crops, etc. Not necessarily because these events actually took place after such a phenomenon, but by the application of the general principle assigned to 'association of ideas', anything premature would suggest an unfavourable occurrence.

In this way, a mass of traditional interpretation of all kinds of observed phenomena was gathered. Once gathered, it became a guide to the priests for all times. However, not all of these ideas are still used in modern Astrology.

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