In a way, I think the Stars have always had some kind of rule or power over us. Certainly not always overt nor in a straightforward way. However, the Stars, space seems to have constantly represented the "out there" concept. That is, it is a place that is beyond us that we want to see, to understand. And I think as we more and more understand the rock we are on, the stars become more powerful and the reasons will multiply. Not just that we want to understand them, but for some, we will want to conquer them, to reach them, to set up shop on them, to strip-maul them, etc., etc.,
I read once that there was a civilization somewhere long ago, I forget where, that believed the stars were actually like little chandeliers hanging from the sky. It seems kind of silly now, but I imagine at the time, it was a kind of romantic thought.