Signs of the Zodiac: A Reference Guide to Historical, Mythological, and Cultural Associations

(Hardback)

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This text explores the zodiacal impact on art, advertising, literature, history, mythology, psychology, health, and language. It looks at the imagery, symbols and scientific and religious lore surrounding the zodiac. 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 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 AD and the zodiac in the arts and sciences, provide a comparative examination of the influence of the zodiac in human history and thought. A timeline synchronizes discoveries and development of zodiacal associations and thought around the world. Appendices list planetary correspondences in jewels, metals, herbs, colour, flavour, form, shapes, food preferences, and senses, and the symptoms and pathologies associated with birth signs.

Reviews

"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
"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
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
Well researched and clearly presented, this work's strength is in its collection of numberous cultural and literary associations with zodiacal signs...Most useful for general collections and those supporting the humanities.-Choice
"Well researched and clearly presented, this work's strength is in its collection of numberous cultural and literary associations with zodiacal signs...Most useful for general collections and those supporting the humanities."-Choice
"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

Author Bio

MARY ELLEN SNODGRASS is an award-winning author of reference works and English and Latin textbooks. Her work The Encyclopedia of Utopian Literature (1996) was cited as an Outstanding Reference Book by the American Library Association and received citations from Choice and Library Journal. She is also the author of the Choice-award-winning Voyages in Classical Mythology (1994) and of Japan and the U.S.: Economic Competitors (1993), which received an award from the New York public Library. In addition to publishing 52 works, she was Chair of the English Department at Hickory High School in North Carolina and a columnist for the Charlotte Observer.