The Original Zodiac: What Ancient Astrology Reveals About You, by Graham Phillips
Bear & Company, 9781591435419, 208 pages, October 2025
The Original Zodiac by Graham Phillips is a fascinating exploration into the origins of astrology, delving deep into the ancient roots of the zodiac signs and their historical significance. Known for his investigative approach to historical mysteries, Phillips brings readers on a journey to uncover the beginnings of the zodiac as we know it today. In this book, he takes us back to Mesopotamia to unearth eighteen signs of the zodiac.
Phillips is one-part historical detective and one-part adventurer, as he weaves together thought-provoking works on some of the greatest myths and legends of all time. He has penned books on King Arthur, Mother Mary, and the origins of Judaism, among others. Once a reporter for BBC radio, he also appeared in numerous TV documentaries and mini-series on similar topics. He lives in the Midlands of England. Learn more about him on his website.
Phillips sets out to challenge conventional wisdom about the zodiac, proposing that its origins lie not in Babylonian or Greek tradition as commonly believed, but much further back in time and in different cultures. The book is meticulously researched, drawing on archaeological findings, ancient texts, and astronomical observations to build a compelling case for a much older and, perhaps, more mysterious origin of astrological symbolism.
Instead of the well-known zodiac signs, Phillips “uncovers the original 18-sign zodiac, an ancient system that predates the familiar 12-sign zodiac by millennia.”1 In doing his research, Phillips finds and presents evidence that our birth date and time reveal much about each of us. While the Greeks created the 12-sign system we use today, the ancient ones in Mesopotamia used 20 degrees for each sign, thus eighteen symbols. They also assigned an animal to each sign.
“So, this 18-sign zodiac is thousands of years older than the one we are familiar with today. We don’t know what specific stars were incorporated into constellations to represent each of those ancient signs. Still, we know that the list began at the spring equinox and that the subsequent year was divided into 18 divisions of some 20 days each. These, therefore, appear to be the sacred creatures of the original Mesopotamian zodiac, with the dates covered by each birth sign.”2
Phillips writes how the oldest description of this 18-sign zodiac is on a clay tablet dating back to 686 BCE. Found in Mosul, an area in Northern Iraq once the ancient city of Nineveh, this artifact now resides in the British Museum. Basing his date calculator on this artifact and axis progression, Phillips was able to calculate the birth dates each sign falls within. While no artifacts or records exist detailing this original zodiac, Phillips recreated it based on his extensive research.
Over the course of several years, Phillips used his list of eighteen signs and collected tons of data. He writes how he “compiled an in-depth survey, recording people’s attitudes, opinions, likes, dislikes, hobbies, pastimes, employment, health, and many other factors, and found that those born in each sign did appear to share common traits well beyond what should be expected by chance.”3 He used this information to create his own interpretations of the 18-sign original zodiac. This approach is quite fascinating and reading the entries for each sign was insightful.
Instead of a Sagittarius Sun, as I am in the traditional zodiac, I am a Goat in this system. I read the section and agree with most of the qualities and characteristics Phillips presents. However, he makes several comments about physical qualities that didn’t fit.
Since my birthday is close to a cusp, or dividing line, chosen by Phillips, I decided to look at the sign prior to Goat, which is Horse. As I read the qualities of Horse, I began to see that I was a mix of both signs. The adventurous spirit of the Horse and the dedication of the Goat combine with other traits to create me!
Next, I read the section on Serpent to check the characteristics and qualities for my husband. For the most part, Phillips was accurate in his assessment. The only thing I found incorrect was the reference to “few suffer from digestive complaints.”4 My husband has a series of digestive problems and has struggled with these most of his life. The author’s reference to “intuition, imagination and versatility”5 for those born under the sign of the Serpent though is accurate for my husband.
Phillips brings his book together with notes that cover sources for much of his research as well as a two-page bibliography with even more information for those who would be interested in further study. The book is well researched; his dedication to the multi-year data collection project of numerous people and their lives is impressive. Phillips has created something to give modern day astrology students and practitioners a new way to view the zodiac signs and their meaning.
Overall, The Original Zodiac is a thought-provoking and ambitious work that will appeal to anyone interested in ancient history, mythology, and astrology. Phillips offers a compelling argument for re-examining the roots of the zodiac, combining meticulous research with an engaging narrative style. While some of his conclusions may be open to debate, the book succeeds in sparking curiosity and offering new perspectives on an ancient topic that continues to fascinate people today.
By questioning established beliefs, Phillips encourages readers to think critically about the history of astrology and its cultural impact. If you are intrigued by the mysteries of the past and enjoy books that challenge conventional wisdom, this book is certainly worth reading.
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com