A brief overview of Western Astrology
Leaders in early cultures had limited technological tools. Some could use and manage fire, all early cultures had available the regional products of the earth, plants and their fruit. One tool, available and readily used, was the tool of observation. Over the ages, the benefits of the inherent properties of specific plants and minerals was observed and would be prescribed for medicinal use. So it was in our ancestors nature to look and record, and over time they recorded not only natural events and the elements of nature, but also celestial events. These ancient astronomers became experts. They could predict seasonal changes, planetary movement, and the tides of time.
Those natural human abilities to observe and record led these leaders to an amazing discovery. They began to note from repeated observations that when a planet would be placed in a particular place or constellation or at a certain angle on the celestial map, that certain correlations with human behavior would occur. This was a universal discovery, observers of the sky from vastly separated locations and cultures would note and record these celestial patterns. For example with the Sun in an area we would now refer to as Aries, and with the planet Mars near by, a child born at that time could grow up to be a great warrior. For hundreds of years, perhaps thousands, these observations were refined. The day arrived that royalty employed Astrologers in the planning of events.
This brief view of the ancient past brings us to Ptolemy. Ptolemy: ruler of Egypt in the Second Century (coregent with Cleopatra); former warrior associate of Alexander the Great; Astronomer, Astrologist, Cartographer and Historian. Ptolemy assumed the role of the great collector of knowledge. All known facts, history and beliefs were collected under his dynasty. Included in his written works was Tetrabiblos, or history of the earth. “Tetrabiblos became a major text for astrologers and occultists in the western world for several centuries. Ptolemy gathered the knowledge of Egyptian and Chaldean astrology and interpreted it in the light of Greek philosophy.” 1. Note that today you can read Ptolemy’s work, it is available in a current translation on the Web. From an Astrologers perspective, much that Ptolemy expounded is meaningful today. But the point to be considered in this article is that Ptolemy establish a written record of a systematic approach to Astrology. As such it was the beginning of a known methodological approach to its use.
Over the centuries past the time of Ptolemy, there have been many Astrology refinements and improvements. Rhetorius introduced the idea of elements. Regiomontanus (15th century) introduced the first ephemeredes. Copernicus (16th century) turned our world around with a heliocentric view. Kepler, (17th century) the last scientist of note to practice astrology and astronomy, developed a theory of aspects, and analyzed charts in terms of probabilities.2 Over this great expanse of time various conflicts occurred with the church, and the Enlightenment separated Astrology from mainstream intellectual interests.
The beginning of the twentieth brought great change to Astrology. If I may be permitted, historical figures “jerked it up” to the modern world. Alan Leo, of the Theosophical Society, promoted Astrology widely and helped reestablish Astrology as a viable resource. The Theosophical Society was originated by Helena Blavatsky, a colorful Russian personality. Ms. Blavatsky reportedly traveled to Tibet to acquire the “ancient truths” directly from Tibetan Masters. There has been much speculation regarding the truth of her travels and the origins of her “hidden knowledge”. However the resultant work of Alan Leo and Astrologer Charles Carter created the Astrological Association of England. Other supporting characters include Rudolf Steiner, who give birth to the Anthroposophical Society, an off-shoot of the Theosophical Society, and Max Heindel, who created the Rosicrucian Order, an off-shoot of the Anthroposophical Society. (Does this sound a bit like Christian pedigree?) The Rosicrucian Order has published excellent ephemeris and house tables for decades (tables recording/projecting daily movement and position of planets). Other important figures include the American Astrologists lewellyn George and Grant Lewi. Mr. Lewi’s books are quite popular today amongst Astrologers.
With renewed interest in Astrology on the rise, the academic treatises of Carl Jung created a potential for Astrology legitimacy in society at large; a legitimacy that has yet to be established. Carl Jung incorporated the use of archetypes and astrology charts directly into his work as a psychoanalyst. Jung never completed a documented systematic psychological approach to astrology, however he clearly linked the use of astrology to psychoanalysis. With the association of psychology and astrology established, Dane Rudhyar came to center stage and firmly established a systematic humanistic approach to astrology. Mr. Rudyard (died 1985), with early exposure to Theosophical ideas, a degree in Philosophy, the thoughts of Nietzshce, and the encouragement of Alice Bailey (Theosophist, occultist, writer, Astrologist), began a life time effort to elucidate his system, with the introduction of The Astrology of Personality (‘36). Most likely, most contemporary Astrologers that grasp the historical development of Astrology and it’s progress to a humanistic art form, have been influenced by the comprehensive work of Dane Rudhyar.
There are many names not mentioned in this brief account, and many new events occurring in the advancement of astrology today. Progress continues to refine astrology as an alternative but reliable therapeutic art. However today most individuals that call upon the services of an astrologer see astrology as little more than fortune telling. If you are one to seek the advise of an astrologer, consider the information offered in this article and make your decision carefully.
Claudius Ptolemy lived in the 2nd century A.D. An astronomer, astrologer, and cartographer he collected, commentated and expanded on all the known astronomy and astrology knowledge of the ancient world, to view the Text of his most prized work, Tetrabiblos, click here
1. Astronomy Encyclopedia, Lewis, James, p.270, 94.
2. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology, Brau, Jean-Louis, 1980