There is a misconception among academics, Egyptologists, and astronomers, as well as astrologers, that astrology did not exist in Egypt until the Late Period, and that it was introduced to Egypt from Babylon and Persia. This is not true. Astrology’s roots appear to go back over 4000 years ago to Egypt, centuries before appearing anywhere else. Understanding where we are now involves knowing where we have come from.

Perhaps the most significant contribution to astrology from ancient Egypt are the Egyptian ideas about time that are an essential part of astrology's philosophical foundation. The exaltations, the houses, the ascendant, and a number of components of the signs all appear to have roots in Egypt. Understanding the Egyptian contributions, in addition to the Mesopotamian and Greek, gives a better understanding of the whole of western astrology.

• Teacher: Joanne Conman