A brief overview of the History 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.  The 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.


    1. Astronomy Encyclopedia, Lewis, James, p.270, 94.
    2. Larousse Encyclopedia of Astrology, Brau, Jean-Louis, 1980

    Article by Joseph
Astrology by Joseph
History

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