Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice

Author: DEMETRA. GEORGE
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780473445393
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 622

Book Description
DEVELOPED UNDER THE SHADOWS of the Egyptian temples, Hellenistic astrology is an ancient form of divination inherited from Mesopotamian wisdom traditions. Distilled in Græco-Roman antiquity, and refined in the fires of philosophy and astronomy, it forms the bedrock of traditional western astrology (while also bearing profound similarities to Jyotish or Vedic astrology). Drawing on a body of Greek texts that have remained largely untranslated for almost two-thousand years, Demetra George brings the contemporary practice of astrology back to its ancient roots. Scholar, translator, and practitioner, her work reveals the potent cosmological veins that bear the lifeblood of traditional astrology. Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice is, in essence, a training manual for the study and practice of Hellenistic astrology. In two volumes, it provides the complete foundations and detailed dynamics of ancient chart-reading techniques. Each volume and each technique is richly illustrated with diagrams, example charts, and practical exercises. Volume 1: Assessing Planetary Condition In ancient cosmology, the planetary divinities symbolised the hierarchy of forces that shape our lives in the sublunary world. Not all planets are created equal in a given nativity, however, and so the first step of the practicing astrologer is to assess the condition of each planet in a chart in order to determine its effectiveness (or lack thereof) in the native's life. To this end, this volume provides a series of rigorous methods for evaluating the condition of each planet in a birth chart through the lenses of classification (sect, gender, benefic/malefic), signs and rulerships (residences, reception, exaltation, trigons, bounds), the solar phase cycle (speed, direction, visibility, phase, phasis), lunar considerations (course, phases, bonding, nodes, bending, eclipses, prenatal lunation), and aspects (configurations, witnessing, testimony, bonification, maltreatment, adherence, overcoming, rays). Finally, it brings all of these factors together in a powerful synthesis that unlocks the layers of a chart with unrivaled precision.

A Brief History of Ancient Astrology

Author: Roger Beck
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470775378
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
A Brief History of Ancient Astrology explores the theory and practice of astrology from Babylon to Ancient Greece and Rome and its cultural and political impact on ancient societies. Discusses the union between early astrology and astronomy, in contrast to the modern dichotomy between science and superstition. Explains the ancient understanding of the zodiac and its twelve signs, the seven planets, and the fixed circle of 'places' against which the signs and planets revolve. Demonstrates how to construct and interpret a horoscope in the ancient manner, using original ancient horoscopes and handbooks. Considers the relevance of ancient astrology today.

Hellenistic Astrology

Author: Chris Brennan
Publisher: Amor Fati Publications
ISBN: 0998588903
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 698

Book Description
Hellenistic astrology is a tradition of horoscopic astrology that was practiced in the Mediterranean region from approximately the first century BCE until the seventh century CE. It is the source of many of the modern traditions of astrology that still flourish around the world today, although it is only recently that many of the surviving texts of this tradition have become available again for astrologers to study. Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune is one of the first comprehensive surveys of this tradition in modern times. The book covers the history, philosophy, and techniques of ancient astrology, with a special focus on demonstrating how many of the fundamental concepts underlying the practice of western astrology originated during the Hellenistic period.

The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology

Author: Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004306218
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 599

Book Description
In The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology: Origins and Influence, Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum investigates for the first time the concept of the daimon (daemon, demon), normally confined to religion and philosophy, within the theory and practice of ancient western astrology (2nd century BCE – 7th century CE). This multi-disciplinary study covers the daimon within astrology proper as well as the daimon and astrology in wider cultural practices including divination, Gnosticism, Mithraism and Neo-Platonism. It explores relationships between the daimon and fate and Daimon and Tyche (fortune or chance), and the doctrine of lots as exemplified in Plato’s Myth of Er. In finding the impact of Egyptian and Mesopotamian ideas of fate on Hellenistic astrology, it critically examines astrology’s perception as propounding an unalterable destiny.

Mythic Astrology

Author: Ariel Guttman
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
ISBN: 9780875422480
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 404

Book Description
Enter a new dimension of spiritual self-discovery when you probe the mythic archetypes represented in your astrological birth chart. Myth has always been closely linked with astrology. Experience these myths and gain a deeper perspective on your eternal self. Learn how the characteristics of the gods developed into the meanings associated with particular planets and signs. Look deeply into your own personal myths, and enjoy a living connection to the world of the deities within you. When you finally stand in the presence of an important archetype (through the techniques of dreamwork, symbolic amplification, or active imagination described in the book), the god or goddess will have something to tell you.

Astro-Medicine

Author: Anna Akasoy
Publisher: Sismel
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 304

Book Description

Primary Directions

Author: Martin Gansten
Publisher: Wessex Astrologer
ISBN: 9781902405391
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
This comprehensive study explains the principles of primary directions in an accessible form, illustrating them by practical examples. The source draws on many original texts to outline the historical origins and development of the technique.

The Moment of Astrology

Author: Geoffrey Cornelius
Publisher: Wessex Astrologer Limited
ISBN: 9781902405117
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 386

Book Description
One of the most important astrological books of our time - and now available in revised and updated form. This is a challenge to modern astrologers to consider the moment at which astrology really comes to life, as opposed to what traditional theory tells us ought to occur.

Mathesis

Author: Julius Firmicus Maternus
Publisher: American Federation of Astrologers
ISBN: 9780866906432
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 620

Book Description
This book contains a translation of the Eight Books of the Mathesis by the 4th century astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus along with some useful Indexes of Occupations, the Causes of Death, and Personal Characteristics. Book I: An essay on what astrology is Book II: The twelve signs Book III: Aspects and house placement of planets Book IV: Chart Interpretation Book V: The angles and the terms Book VI: The aspects Book VII: Life and death Book VIII: The degrees of the signs The translator, James H. Holden, is a well respected astrological scholar who has translated more than twenty astrology books that were written between the 2nd and 17th centuries. He is also the author of A History of Horoscopic Astrology.

Ancient Astrology

Author: Julius Firmicus Maternus
Publisher: Astrology Center of America
ISBN: 9781933303109
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 356

Book Description
Julius Firmicus Maternus, a native of Sicily, was a Roman lawyer of the senatorial class. He lived in the first half of the fourth century AD (c.280-c.360). He was also a student of Greek astrology, which forms the basis of this book. Of this book, James Herschel Holden writes, "The Mathesis is the lengthiest astrological treatise that has come down to us from the classical period. It consists of eight books, of which the first forms an introductory essay on astrology, and the rest set forth the fundamentals of Greek astrology. Several sections contain material that is found nowhere else...." (History of Horoscopic Astrology, pg. 66.) The translator writes, "Magic, philosophy, science and theology combine in strange ways in the thinking of the last centuries of the Roman empire..... Firmicus seemed worthy of note for many reasons. He is almost alone as author of works produced both before and after an apparent conversion to Christianity.... He left a lengthy handbook detailing the astrological practices of his day, the only work which has come down to us in its entirety [90% complete: Holden] out of numerous astrological treatises written in the Hellenistic and Roman periods..... This manual was important because it was the channel for astrological lore to the Middle Ages and Renaissance." (from the Preface) Jean Rhys Bram holds a degree in Latin from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Classics from New York University. She taught Latin, ancient Greek, and Mythology at Hunter College until her retirement. At 92, she continues to read widely and tutor students. She enjoys the company of twelve cats.