The origins of horoscopes and the zodiac are ancient and somewhat mysterious, with early forms of astrology found in cultures ranging from Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and China. Across these traditions, the zodiac was often used to interpret personality traits or predict future events based on celestial movements.

The word zodiac comes from the Latin zōdiacus, which itself is derived from the Greek zōdiakos kyklos, meaning “circle of animals.” This term refers to the twelve constellations that lie along the ecliptic—the apparent path of the Sun across the sky.

The Greeks acquired much of their astronomical knowledge from the Mesopotamians, who had earlier built upon Sumerian understandings of the skies. By the 5th century BCE, Babylonian astronomers had divided the heavens into twelve equal sections, each comprising 30 degrees of celestial longitude—forming the basis of the zodiac signs we recognise today.

The earliest known Greek text that reflects this Babylonian system is Anaphoricus by Hypsicles of Alexandria. Later, the influential work Tetrabiblos by the Greco-Egyptian scholar Ptolemy laid the foundation for Western horoscopic astrology. In it, Ptolemy detailed the relationships between planets, Houses, and zodiac signs—concepts that have remained remarkably consistent through the centuries.

The Twelve Signs

The zodiac signs are traditionally grouped according to the four classical elements:

• Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
• Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
• Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
• Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

While astrology may no longer guide the decisions of kings and emperors, an awareness of the zodiac is still widespread. Many people know their star sign and enjoy reading their horoscope, with some believing that planetary movements like Mercury in retrograde can influence our lives.

Zodiac Silver Jewellery

Whether or not you follow the stars, you might enjoy wearing - or gifting - something from our collection of zodiac silver jewellery, inspired by the timeless symbols of the zodiac.

Explore the collection, including Sterling Silver Zodiac Necklace for children, Zodiac Pendant - Sterling Silver for Ladies and Men, for a bit of added luxury 18ct Gold Plated Silver Zodiac Necklace and not forgetting one of our longtime bestsellers, Sterling Silver Zodiac Keyrings.