Ancient Sumerian Astrological System Understanding the Will of the Gods through the Study of Celestial Bodies

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Ancient Sumerian Astrological System Understanding the Will of the Gods through the Study of Celestial Bodies - Sumer, also known as Sumer, was an ancient civilization that existed in southern Mesopotamia (now southern Iraq) from around the 4th millennium BCE until around 1750 BCE. 

The Sumerians developed one of the earliest known systems of astrology, which they used to predict the future and make decisions.Astrology, as practiced by the Sumerians, was based on the observation of the movements of the celestial bodies, particularly the Sun, Moon, and stars. 

They believed that the positions and movements of these bodies in the sky were connected to events on Earth, and that by studying the sky, they could predict future events and understand the will of the gods.The Sumerians divided the year into two main seasons: the "season of the grain" and the "season of the meadows". 

They also divided the year into a number of lunar months, each of which was associated with a specific god or goddess. They had a lunar calendar and the cuneiform signs for the days of the month were named after the corresponding god.

The Sumerians also observed the movements of the planets, which they believed were controlled by the gods. They had names for the five visible planets, including Jupiter (MUL.GI), Venus (LIL.LA), Mercury (NIN.LIL), Mars (NU.DU), and Saturn (SA.GAG). 

They believed that these planets had a powerful influence on human affairs, and they were often depicted in astrological texts and inscriptions.

The Sumerians also believed that the stars were controlled by the gods and had a powerful influence on human affairs. They divided the stars into constellations, which they named after gods, heroes, and other figures from their mythology. 

They also believed that the stars were connected to the gods in other ways, such as through the use of omens, which were thought to predict the future based on the positions of the stars and other celestial bodies.

Astrology was an important tool in Sumerian society, used by kings and other leaders to make decisions, as well as by the general population to plan their lives. It was also an important aspect of religious life, with many of the predictions and interpretations of celestial events tied to the will of the gods and goddesses.

Astrological texts from Sumer have been found on clay tablets, many of which were discovered in the ruins of the city of Nippur, which was a major religious center for the Sumerians. 

These texts provide a detailed record of the Sumerian astrological system, and they include information on the movements and positions of the celestial bodies, as well as predictions and interpretations of events based on those movements.

In conclusion, the ancient Sumerian civilization had developed a complex system of astrology that was used to predict the future and make decisions. 

They believed that the positions and movements of celestial bodies, particularly the Sun, Moon, and stars, were connected to events on Earth and that by studying the sky, they could understand the will of the gods. 

Astrology played an important role in Sumerian society, as it was used by kings and other leaders to make decisions, as well as by the general population to plan their lives.

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