Astrotheology of the ancients: Cultic practices and artifacts from antiquity reveal reverence for the heavens

D.M. Murdock
USA

Summary: 
A study of the religion and mythology of ancient civilizations reveals that their creators were focused on natural phenomena, including and especially the sun, moon, planets, stars and constellations. This religious development has been termed "astrotheology", which is reflected in the astronomical alignments of many ancient sites, most famously that of Stonehenge, as well as in the myths and religious traditions of many cultures.

This article,which is excerpted from the author's book "Suns of God: Krishna, Buddha and Christ Unveiled", esplores the development and meaning of the ancient astrotheological religion, dating to the Paleolithic, as far back as evidence allows, revealed at such places as the famous caves of Lascaux, France, for example, where "star maps" have been discovered that date to some 16.500 years ago, and by such artifacts as the Venus of Laussel. Indications of a prehistoric relevance of the winter solstice are also examined, as are the ancient influences of the Chaldean priesthood and the astrotheological knowledge of early Christinaity.