First of
all, a definition. The Zodiac is an imaginary belt in the celestial sphere
(outer space), which is the apparent path of the sun among the stars.
The zodiac is divided into twelve sections of 30 degrees each which are
called the signs of the zodiac (There are 360 degrees in a circle. 360
divided by 30 = 12 signs). The signs are Aries,
the Ram; Taurus, the Bull; Gemini,
the Twins; Cancer, the Crab; Leo,
the Lion; Virgo, the Virgin, Libra;
the Scales; Scorpio, the Scorpion; Sagittarius,
the Archer; Capricorn, the Goat; Aquarius,
the Water Bearer; and Pisces, the Fishes.
It is
believed that the zodiac signs originated in Mesopotamia as early as 2000
B.C. The Greeks adopted the symbols from the Babylonians ( who lived in
Mesopotamia) and passed them on to other civilizations.