Synopses & Reviews
Providing not only conceptual analysis of the major sun signs, but also timelines and charts to aid the student's understanding of the Zodiac, this volume provides much needed historical background which relates the Zodiac to art, philosophy, science, and religion; to major personalities, and to historical material such as the Bible. Joe Hester
Director of Gifted Programs Catawba County School District
Newton, North Carolina
I am tremendously impressed with the prodigious amount of research [Snodgrass] undertook in this much-needed objective examination of the zodiac all the way from ancient times up to Nancy Reagan....[The author] presented these facts in a highly readable format... her easy style made it a most agreeable experience....[This] examination of each of the 12 signs in historical, artistic, literary, sociological, and religious perspective was nothing short of astonishing....[A]nyone working in the areas of the history of ancient (and modern) divination would find this extraordinary work immensely helpful. Robert E. Bell
author of Women as Classical Mythology
Mary Ellen Snodgrass has an extraordinary range and grasp in this work, moving easily among classical references in astronomy, astrology, mythology, art, literature, science, and history. Her discussion of zodiacal lore around the world is extensive and learned, but remains accessible enough for the serious student; and her profiles of the 12 signs go immeasurably beyond the cliches. Throughout the book, Snodgrass maintains a scholarly distance with both insight and wit. Michael Spooner
Director, Utah State University Press)
A unique reference guide to the influence of the 12 zodiacal signs onhistory, mythology, religion, psychology, literature and language, art, advertising, and commercial products.
Review
Traditionally considered superstition, astrology has nevertheless has an impact on the human experience since ancient times.... This objective, thorough presentation of the cultural implications of astrology is an excellent addition to available histories and is recommended for the practitioner, researcher, and informed reader. For libraries in search of a good ready reference on the history of astrology.Library Journal
Synopsis
The zodiacal signs impact art, advertising, literature, history, mythology, psychology, health, and language with their evocative imagery, symbols and scientific and religious lore. This fact-filled reference guide pulls together applications of the zodiacal signs in those fields and others. Each sign is explicated in a separate chapter which discusses its origin and importance in diverse cultures, including its history, artistic applications, traditions, literary and religious interpretations, psychological significance, and application to notable historical and contemporary figures. An organized overview with cross-references and indexing allows the zodiac to be studied from numerous points of view. Artistic representations of each of the 12 houses accompany the text.
Introductory chapters on the origins of the zodiacal signs, the historical foundation of astrology, the zodiac in the first millennium A.D., and the zodiac in the arts and sciences provide a thorough overview and comparative examination of the influence of the zodiac in human history and thought. A detailed timeline synchronizes discoveries and development of zodiacal associations and thought around the world. Appendices list planetary correspondences in jewels, metals, herbs, color, flavor, form, shapes, food preferences, and senses, and the symptoms and pathologies associated with birth signs. The work also contains an extensive bibliography and index.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [225]-232) and index.
About the Author
MARY ELLEN SNODGRASS is an award-winning author of reference works and English and Latin textbooks.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
The Zodiac
The Historical Foundation of Astrology
The Zodiac from the First to the Twentieth Century
The Zodiac in the Arts and Sciences
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Appendix I: A Time Line of Developments in Zodiacal Study
Appendix II: A Comparative Chart of Elements of the Constellations
Appendix III: Geographical Areas Linked with Sun Signs
Appendix IV: Planetary Correspondences
Appendix V: Zodiacal Pathology
Bibliography
Index