A Brief History of Ancient Astrology (Wiley Brief Histories of the Ancient World)

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. A Brief History of Ancient Astrology explores the theory and practice of astrology from Babylon to ancient Greece and Rome. While recognizing the modern dichotomy between science and superstition. Roger Beck acknowledges the historical symbiosis between astrology and astronomy as it existed in the ancient world. This book 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. Using actual ancient horoscopes and handbooks, the author demonstrates how to construct and interpret a horoscope in the ancient manner. The book also discusses the sociopolitical and cultural impact of astrology on the Graeco-Roman world. The author addresses the relevance of ancient astrology today, presenting it not as a predictive art. but as a medium for telling stories about our world and the human condition.

About the Author:
Roger Back is Emeritus Professor at the University Toronto

A Brief History of Ancient Astrology explores the theory and practice of astrology from Babylon to Ancient Greece and Rome. While recognizing the modern dichotomy between science and superstition, Roger Beck acknowledges the historical symbiosis between astrology and astronomy as it existed in the ancient world. This book 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. Using actual ancient horoscopes and handbooks, the book demonstrates how to construct and interpret a horoscope in the ancient manner. The book also discusses the socio-political and cultural impact of astrology on the Graeco-Roman world. The author addresses the relevance of ancient astrology today, presenting it not as a predictive art, but as a medium for telling stories about our world and the human condition Introduction : what was astrology in ancient Greece and Rome? Origins and types of astrology : the transfer of astrology from Babylon : the pseudo-history of astrology : "alien wisdom" The product : how to construct a simple horoscope, ancient style Structure and meaning in the horoscope, 1 : the aspects and the "places" Structure and meaning in the horoscope, 2 : the zodiac and its signs Structure and meaning in the horoscope, 3 : the planets Horoscopes and their interpretation A matter of life and death : "starters," "destroyers," and "length of life" : some sociopolitical implications of astrology Conclusion : why bother with ancient astrology in the twenty-first century?