Encoded Trivia #3
Religious & cultural traditionsAbout This Answer
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac form the foundation of Western astrology, each representing different personality traits and celestial influences. According to astronomers at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the zodiac system originated in ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE and was later adopted by Greek and Roman civilizations. The British Library documents how zodiac symbols appeared in medieval manuscripts and illuminated texts throughout Europe. NASA research shows that while the zodiac has astrological significance, it also corresponds to the 12 constellations that the sun passes through during its annual journey. The zodiac continues to influence modern culture, appearing in everything from newspaper horoscopes to psychological profiling systems.