Well, its quite tough and overwhelming task to trace back the history of zodiac signs, as it seems that zodiac signs were being used by our ancestors since centuries either to predict future, weather or destinies of a person. There seems to be consensus when tic comes to the history of zodiac signs, it is strongly believe that the science of astrology and 12 zodiac signs are at least 3,000 years old.
Where these zodiac signs were originated? Well, it is also believed that the science 12 zodiac signs were originated in ancient Egypt and Babylonia, but when it comes to the advanced study of zodiac signs two countries seem to hold a dominating position i.e. India and China. Chinese astrology is also world famous and it uses animals (a 12 year cycle, each named after an animal) for the names of the years. That's because in these countries many astrologers and soothsayers known to use different animal and human signs to predict the future and destiny of people.
As far as documentary proofs are concerned, zodiac signs were known to be in use by Roman era inherited by Hellenistic astronomy from Babylonian astronomy from the Chaldean period. Evidently, earlier fortunes and destinies of highly influensive people such as kings and merchants were told by priests and astrologers so that these influensive people could take all necessary steps to safeguard their own interests and the interests of their people.
Let's see some technical information here related to these zodiac signs. These 12 zodiac signs are divided into four main groups of signs i.e. Fire, Air, Water and Earth. How they were divided has closely been associated with their earthly elements. For example, Fire signs deal with the ultimate power of fire or sun (the natural source of fire or heat). Fire signs are: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Similarly, Air signs are also closely been associated with power of wind. They are: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Next come Water Signs, which depict rainy season and soothing nature or moisture. They are: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Finally, the Earth signs Virgo, Taurus, and Capricorn.
So, we can see from the above discussion that the earth's position with regards to the sun and other planets decides the main elements into which each astrological sign is being designated and in which each zodiac sign falls eventually.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2226132