Most people today know their "star-sign", but few know much of the system of thought which relates human destiny to the stars, or of its origins. Winner of the 1993 Routledge Ancient History Prize, this book reveals the importance of astrology in ancient thought, morals, politics and daily life.

The final section brings together a variety of evidence on the uses made of astrology in everyday life and discusses areas of knowledge related to astrology, from medicine and magic to mithraic cult.