A belief in astrology was one of the main reasons the ancient world was curious about the positions of the planets.
People in the ancient world thought the planets had a direct effect on the world and that the future, especially natural catastrophes, could be predicted by studying the skies.
Ptolemy wrote a book on astrology in which he explained the different effects planets had on Earth.
Venus and Jupiter increased heat and dampness on Earth.
Mars was associated with heat and dryness, and Saturn could cool and dry Earth.
Mercury’s effect depended on how close it was to the Sun and the Moon.
The strength of the effect was determined by the exact location of the planet.
