We today can recognize the antiquity of astrology in words…
““We today can recognize the antiquity of astrology in words such as disaster, which is Greek for “bad star,” influenza, Italian for (astral) “influence”; mazeltov, Hebrew—and, ultimately, Babylonian—for “good constellation,” or the Yiddish word shlamazel, applied to someone plagued by relentless ill-fortune, which again traces to the Babylonian astronomical lexicon. According to Pliny, there were Romans considered sideratio, “planet-struck.” Planets were widely thought to be a direct cause of death. Or consider consider: it means “with the planets,” evidently a prerequisite for serious reflection.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage traces modern words for misfortune and disaster back to ancient astrological concepts, showing how language preserves the idea that celestial bodies influence human fate.
In simple terms: Many words for bad luck come from old star‑related meanings.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical roots of language.
Themes
language
history
astrology
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
educational
etymological
When to use this quote
- studying word origins
- teaching history
- writing about myth
Key Concepts
etymology
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- What other everyday words hide ancient beliefs?
- How does knowing origins change perception?
A Different Perspective
Modern usage often obscures these ancient meanings.