The originators of western astrology in Babylonia identified the planets with the gods of their pantheon. When knowledge of Babylonian astronomy came to the Greek world in the sixth century bc e, the Greeks gave the planets the names of their own gods that most closely resembled the attributes of their Babylonian counterparts. But rather than identifying the planet as a god, the Greeks placed the planets under the auspices of a particular god. For example, the Babylonian Nebu, the scribe god, metamorphosed into the “star of Hermes”, which we know as Mercury.”
- Anu: The sky god and supreme deity.
- Enlil: The god of air, wind, and storms; he was central to the Sumerian pantheon and was often viewed as a leader among the gods.
- Enki: The god of water, knowledge, and creation; associated with wisdom and crafts.
- Inanna (Ishtar): The goddess of love, war, and fertility; she embodied complex dualities and was associated with the city of Uruk.
Ziggurats, massive stepped structures, served as temples dedicated to specific deities. Priests played a vital role in rituals, offerings, and maintaining the favor of the gods. Daily life was interwoven with religious observance.
Kingship and Divine Authority: Kings were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people, often claiming divine endorsement of their rule. The king’s role included performing rituals to ensure the prosperity of the land.
Babylon
Babylon rose to prominence in the early 2nd millennium BCE, around 1894 BCE, particularly under King Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE). Babylonian religion evolved from Sumerian beliefs, absorbing many of their gods and myths. The chief deity was Marduk, who gained prominence through the Babylonian creation myth, Enuma Elish. The Babylonians integrated and adapted Sumerian religious practices into their own.
Babylonian religion evolved from Sumerian beliefs, absorbing and adapting many Sumerian deities and myths. Babylon emerged as a significant cultural and religious center, particularly under King Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE).
Marduk: The chief deity of Babylon, Marduk, gained prominence during the Babylonian Empire. He is depicted as a god of order and justice and is central to the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth that describes his rise to power over other gods.
Cosmic Order: Babylonians believed in maintaining cosmic order (Ma'at) through rituals, offerings, and adherence to laws. The connection between religion and governance was strong, with kings seen as representatives of the divine.
The Chaldeans The Chaldeans, who lived in the southern region of Mesopotamia, were known for their contributions to astrology and astronomy. By the 7th century BCE, they rose to prominence in Babylon, influencing Babylonian religion and culture. Astrology and Divination: The Chaldeans are credited with developing a sophisticated system of astrology. They believed that celestial events influenced earthly affairs and conducted rituals and divination practices to understand and predict the will of the gods.
Sin (the Moon) Shamash (the Sun) Marduk (Jupiter) Ishtar (Venus) Ninurta (Saturn) Nabu (Mercury) Nergal (Mars)