Hellenistic astrology has long suffered from a translation problem. Ancient Greek is a difficult language to translate into English for a number of reasons. Translations by astrologers can sometimes lack the erudition of those by classics scholars. On the other hand, translations by scholars can sometimes lack the attention to details which are important to the practicing astrologer. A translation project started earlier this offers new scholarly translations of Greek texts at an affordable price to an astrological audience.
Astrologer Translations
Translations of many early Hellenistic texts have been made by astrologers like Robert Schmidt, James Holden, Andrea Gehrz, and Eduardo Gramaglia which range from sufficient to exceptional in quality of translation. Astrologer-led translations can also sometimes suffer from assumptions and/or inexperience which leads to poor interpretations and/or fanciful speculation. I, as a beginning Greek student, also run into this with my own attempts to translate Greek. Additionally, there are times when the best English translations are difficult to hunt down or prohibitively expensive.
Scholarly Translations
A few translations also exist from true scholars of the classics, such as Frank Robbins translation of Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos and Mark Riley’s of Valens’s Anthology. As translations by scholars, they bring with them an overall higher quality of translation from someone more experienced with the nuances of the language. However, as translations by non-astrologers, they can potentially suffer from a failure to recognize specific wording, technical details, or terminological distinctions critical for a practicing astrologer as particularly significant.
The HOROI Project
The HOROI Project was started on Patreon earlier in 2020 by Levente László, a classical philologist from Hungary who is working on a PhD pertaining to Greek-language astrology. For as long as one makes a $5 recurring monthly donation, the project provides access to all of the Greek-language texts that László has published there. Currently, more than a dozen full text translations are available, many of them of long texts which were provided in installments.
Levente László
Given the translator’s philological background and active focus in that area, we can expect quality scholarly translations from him. In fact, we can expect that the quality of the translations and his insights into the texts will only improve as he translates more and more texts.
It is unclear whether László is himself an astrologer. I am unaware of him demonstrating any astrological analysis, or even publicly expressing an interest in practical astrological analysis. Still, he has ample familiarity with the history of the subject. He also appears to keep up with many of the concerns of astrologers in the community. He answers questions posed by astrologers within the project page and the project’s audience is largely traditional astrologers.
László has provided some additional information about his background, views on translation, and views on traditional texts in an interview. He has a more down-to-earth perspective on issues of textual reconstruction and the translator’s mission. For instance, he has a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to issues of reconstructing and authenticating controversial texts like those attributed to Antiochus. In this sense, he offers a valuable and refreshing new scholarly perspective on many textual issues.
Selection
You may have noticed that I often describe the translations as Greek-language astrology, rather than Hellenistic astrology. This is on purpose as some of the project’s translations are of Byzantine texts originating after the period of Hellenistic astrology proper. For instance, some texts are from the 10th and 11th centuries, and some are Greek translations of Arabic works.
That’s not to say that Hellenistic astrology has only a small place in the project. The amount of Hellenistic astrology translated for the HOROI Project is immense. Some highlights so far include Anonymous of 379 on the Bright Fixed Stars, Paulus Alexandrinus (ongoing), a Teucer text on parans, some fragments of Julianus of Laodicea (5th century), Porphyry’s Introduction to the Tetrabiblos, an Anonymous Commentary on Ptolemy (post-Porphyry but pre-7th century), and various texts attributed to Rhetorius. Another highlight is the summary of Antiochus, which, contrary to Schmidt’s problematic “reconstruction”, doesn’t include a concept of “detriment”.
For those interested in Perso-Arabic medieval astrology, there are also some gems. Most notable is “Abū Saʿīd Shādhān, Discourses with Abū Maʿshar on the Secrets of Astrology” (9th century). It was translated from Arabic into Greek as part of a late 10th or early 11th century Byzantine collection. This is a large text of nearly 100 chapters on Abu Ma’shar’s astrology and it repays study.
Importance of Primary Source Texts
I’ve long recommended that traditional astrologers move from secondary sources to traditional texts as quickly as possible. I appreciate many astrologers coming to my site to learn traditional astrological techniques and explore my perspective. I hope I have something to add to what can be gained from a reading of primary sources. Still, no one should consider themselves a traditional astrologer if they do not regularly revisit the actual primary source texts. Today, there appear to be far too many astrologers who have learned Hellenistic or medieval astrology from a modern “authority” yet are ignorant of the actual content and variety present in traditional texts.
Learning Greek, Arabic, and/or Latin is a noble and ideal way to approach the source texts. You will have the most intimate access to the words of the ancient astrologers. However, learning such languages is not necessary and sometimes not even practically possible for the common traditional astrologer. Additionally, it is not always enough to gain a better understanding of a text, as sometimes anything less than an advanced scholarly proficiency in the language yields false assumptions. Therefore, there is always a strong need for more quality, scholarly, astrology-conscious translations of ancient texts into modern languages, such as those found at the HOROI Project.
Today, a significant number of important texts can be found online for free. Those texts and the HOROI Project are vital sources of ancient texts for the student on a budget while at the same time worthy of the attention of even the most experienced traditional astrologer of means.
Cost
As I’ve noted, the “subscription” provides access to all of the texts that the project has translated, as well as those it will translate while you’re an active subscriber. At $5/month it is the best deal you’ll find this holiday season.
Additionally, the access allows one to comment on translations. You can ask questions of the translator, and he has been very responsive in the past.
Conclusion
This Solstice/Great Conjunction/Christmas/Hanukkah Holiday give yourself or a loved one the gift of quality English translations of traditional Greek astrological texts. Support the translation efforts of the HOROI Project with a monthly subscription.
Featured image of the Greek alphabet by Nerd271, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In commemoration of the second anniversary of its release, it is my pleasure to review Chris Brennan’s Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune. I have recommended Brennan’s course on Hellenistic astrology for many years. Chris has an exceptionally deep understanding of the history of early horoscopic astrology and the complications presented by early texts. He also has a knack for clarifying complex issues, whether historical, textual, or interpretive.
I cannot recommend Brennan’s book more highly. It is an essential reference which you need in your library. His book makes accessible to a general public the origins of the symbols and techniques that astrologers take for granted. It is especially essential for those who would like to explore early astrology.
Seven Reasons You Need This Book
1. Get a Grip on the History of Western Astrology
If you’re like most astrologers then your understanding of astrology’s place in history is pretty fuzzy. When did the system of planets, signs, houses, and aspects come about? Who were the early influential practitioners of that system? How did early astrology fit in with the dominant political and religious movements of the ancient world? What separates later medieval astrology from Hellenistic astrology? Where did modern astrology come from?
These questions and many more are addressed in the book in a captivating and scholarly manner. There are, in fact, a number of books which address the history of astrology. However, this book does the best job of staying concise, scholarly, and entertaining.
A Concise and Entertaining Reference
It may seem strange to call Brennan’s treatment of history “concise”. After all, this is a 600+ page book. However, the historical piece is one among many. The first 5 of the 18 chapters of the book offer a concise, well-organized historical overview.
You’ll learn about the emergence of horoscopic astrology, with its Ascendant and houses, and see what sets it apart. Brennan hits upon all the major questions regarding Western astrology’s origins. He addresses the astrology that came before it, its relationship with other astrological traditions, its major players, and how its fate was interwoven with that of the Roman Empire. The text has a novel-like clarity and momentum to its treatment of history, which keeps it ever fascinating, never dry.
In addition to the historical overviews you’ll find short reference biographies of all the major astrologers of the early period (30 of them!). These bios are in chronological order and discuss each astrologer’s works. There is also a timeline of important developments in the history of astrology by century available in an appendix. Extensive footnotes and a 23 page bibliography will help you dig deeper after your curiosity becomes inevitably piqued by what you learn.
2. Expand Your Understanding of the Basics
This second reason is related to the first but pertains particularly to our understanding and practice of astrology itself. It is one thing to read a modern book about the planets, signs, aspects, and houses, with their significations explained. It is another entirely to examine the way these concepts were understood around the time they were created.
You are in for a very deep dive into the richness and subtlety of the basic elements of the chart with this book. From a 43 page chapter on the meanings of the planets to a 73 page chapter on the signs of the zodiac. Chapters on configurations and on houses go beyond just explaining the history and use of aspects and houses. Brennan examines attempts to reconstruct the many subtle distinctions in meaning associated with complex configurations. He also tackles the confusing and contentious issue of house division. His explanations are always clear and emphasize the significant historical facts.
Who Cares?
As I mention in reason number 3 below, modern astrologers have a lot of misconceptions about traditional forms of astrology. It is often the case that astrologers assume that older interpretations of astrological signs and configurations will be overly fatalistic nonsense. Ancient astrology was more orientated toward fate and objective reality than to subjective psychology. However, it is also true that there was much more richness, nuance, and individuality associated with what things meant in any chart. In other words, the chart has more to say. In these days of Sun sign astrology, astrology tends to get over-simplified and dumbed-down.
If you are serious about improving your understanding of astrology and its basics then this is the book for you. The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need is not needed. What every astrologer needs is a clear explanation of the original meanings of the basic components with their myriad distinctions and nuances explained in a lucid fashion. Brennan gives this with an objectivity lacking in most treatments, and he imparts an understanding of how the components fit together. If you want to come at those basic chart elements from a totally psychological angle at that point, that is fine. However, you will do so with a much firmer and richer tool kit of distinctions at your disposal.
3. Clear Up Your Misconceptions
Modern astrologers have a lot of misconceptions about traditional astrology. Traditional astrologers also have a lot of misconceptions about Hellenistic astrology. Heck, even astrologers studying Hellenistic astrology are likely to have some misconceptions about the history of the texts they are studying and the nature of some of the concepts within them.
Is Hellenistic astrology part of an obsession with the ancient Greeks, or was its practice actually more strongly associated with the Roman Empire? Was Hellenistic astrology a gradual melding of late Babylonian and Egyptian astrology with Greek mathematics and philosophy, or was it more of a sudden invention, or both, and to what extent? How did historical events, like the fall of the Roman Empire, impact the practice of astrology? Brennan clearly addresses these questions and topics of contentious debate in an even-handed and scholarly manner.
Origins and the System
Many of the biggest misconceptions that astrologers tend to hold pertain to the history of their art. Are you one of those astrologers who characterizes early traditional astrology too narrowly as one single fatalistic paradigm or set of formulas? Or too broadly as being totally different with each early astrologer?
Brennan provides a good overview of the way that a handful of foundational early texts helped establish a common system used by dozens of astrologers in diverse and broad ways over the following centuries. Chapter 2 which explains the early history has dedicated sections exploring the pros and cons of theories of development, discussing the evidence for each. One can find information about the source of various techniques, whether it be late Babylonian astrology, late Egyptian astrology, one of the foundational texts of Hellenistic astrology, or something else entirely.
Philosophy and Fatalism
It is not uncommon for astrologers to associate Hellenistic astrology with a rigidly fatalistic perspective. This book is called “The Study of Fate and Fortune” and its author has a fairly Stoic fatalistic view of life himself. However, Chris has a whole chapter (Ch. 6) exploring the diverse philosophical attitudes that existed among Hellenistic astrologers and which flourished in the time of its practice.
Brennan discusses how astrologers differed as to whether they viewed astrology as a study of signs or causes. Additionally, they differed in terms of how predetermined or fated they thought life to be. They also differed in the extent to which astrology was said to reflect fate. Interestingly, one of many possible perspectives is that everything in life is wholly predetermined, but astrology does not cause anything, only showing signs of some broad aspects of one’s fate, which an astrologer with some difficulty can attempt to interpret. Of course, many additional perspectives are possible.
“Aside from the differing views as to the mechanism underlying astrology, astrologers also held different opinions about the degree to which our lives and events in the world were viewed as predetermined or fated to occur.” (Brennan, 2017, p. 153)
Contentious Issues
Certain issues of practice are more subject to contentious debate than others. Few are more contentious than the nature of house division, the use of the tropical zodiac, and issues pertaining to when planets are benefic or malefic. Brennan devotes an entire chapter to the house division issue (Ch. 11) providing a level of scholarly detail not so readily available elsewhere. While Brennan’s treatment of the zodiac debate is briefer and less detailed (a section of Ch. 8), it does provide some valuable information and food for thought.
Multiple sections of Chapter 7 (Planets) explain the distinction between benefics and malefics. This includes a discussion of how malefics can signify positively and benefics adversely. Sections on sect and an entire chapter on bonfiication and maltreatment conditions (Ch. 14) help one to more deeply explore this complex and nuanced topic. These distinctions go beyond rote labels of good and bad to get at our deep need to untangle the complicated web of strain, gain, loss, and pleasure so integral to the human experience.
Textual Integrity
I have personally struggled with misconceptions regarding textual integrity. The texts of Hellenistic astrology are very old and many do not survive in an early form in their original languages. Many of our English translations actually reflect later translations from Byzantine compilations, Arabic translations of Pahlavi translations of Greek, or even Latin translations of Arabic translations from the High Middle Ages. It is good to know the source of a given text and whether there is known evidence of corruptions and insertions. Brennan’s chapter on the Hellenistic astrologers (Ch. 4), and its copious footnotes, clarify textual issues pertaining to those astrologers.
4. Learn Sophisticated Traditional Astrology
This is not just a book on the history and philosophy of early astrology. It is also a manual for using some practical Hellenistic techniques. After taking a deep dive into the history of astrology and the original set of factors, you will want to learn some practical Hellenistic astrology. In this regard, Brennan’s book provides a number of clearly explained useful techniques. However, it should be noted that his treatment just scratches the surface in terms of the available techniques of Hellenistic astrology (see #6 below for more on this). The point is to whet your appetite and inspire you to start reading source texts.
Learn to see the chart the way astrologers did for about the first 700 or so years that horoscopic astrology was practiced. You will learn the significations of the planets, signs, and houses in depth. Brennan will also show you the most intricate and nuanced aspect doctrine that exists in traditional astrology, that of Antiochus (Ch. 9: Configurations). Through numerous examples (over 100) you will also learn some Hellenistic techniques of chart interpretation and timing.
Chart Interpretation
In addition to thoroughly explaining basic chart factors, Brennan also provides examples of approaches to chart delineation. For instance, Brennan shows how to understand what it means when the ruler of one house is in another house (Ch. 12-13). You will also learn to evaluate complex configurations For instance, you will learn to understand how there can be indications of opportunities which develop into problems or difficulties which develop into opportunities based on principles of bonification and maltreatment (Ch. 14). You will learn to use triplicity rulers of the Sun or Moon to judge fluctuations in well-being (Ch. 15). There is even a chapter on how to use Lots for more information about topics (Ch. 16). Get ready to see get richer and clearer information out of every natal chart.
Timing Techniques
The tail end of the book consists of a couple timing techniques. In my opinion, the most important one you will learn is profections (Ch. 17). Profections was the most widespread time lord technique among the Hellenistic astrologers. It is a technique that is easy and quite useful for astrologers of all stripes. On social media I’ve noticed that even modern psychological astrologers are starting to make productive use of profections. Brennan also touches on the more elaborate form of profections used by Vettius Valens, which was Valens’ preferred time lord technique. Finally, Chris presents a technique called zodiacal releasing (Ch. 18) which survived only in the work of Valens but is Brennan’s personally preferred timing technique. Using a time lord technique like profections, you an start to learn why some transits matter much more than others.
5. This is a Beautiful Book
From the striking cover design by Paula Belluomini to the more than 50 figures, diagrams, and tables, this book is a beauty to behold. The text is clear and well-set. Footnotes are helpful and unobtrusive. Reference information appearing in the text, such as a list of planetary periods, is always well-spaced and easy to read. Chart examples are copious (over 100). Charts themselves are of a distinctively clear, simple, and uncluttered style that helps even beginners to stay focused on the factors under discussion.
The Portable Version
At over 600 pages, this is a hefty book. This can make it a bit of a difficult travel companion. Thankfully, an Ebook version has also been released through Google Books. The Ebook is quite a bit cheaper at a regular price of $24, as opposed to about $40-48 for the print version. As of my writing it is even on sale in the US for about $14, which is a steal. I recommend getting a copy of the book in both formats. In some ways the print book is easier to navigate as a reference. However, the Ebook will allow you to search out passages wherever you are. The print version is a strking conversation starter, while the Ebook can be read inconspicuously.
6. It’s Just the Beginning
While Brennan’s book should be regarded as the definitive introduction to Hellenistic astrology, it is not the definitive text of Hellenistic astrology. It is important that we make this distinction. The definitive texts of Hellenistic astrology are the surviving texts of the Hellenistic astrologers. These are sometimes large and complicated tracts. Brennan hits on the central aspects of the system of astrology found in these texts. However, the predictive astrology demonstrated in Brennan’s text has a particular flavor unique to him. Additionally, as he notes in the conclusion, he could not address some aspects of Hellenistic astrology that he regards as very important, such as the doctrine of spear-bearing.
One potential danger is to confuse Brennan’s demonstration of one approach to Hellenistic astrology with being exactly how Hellenistic astrologers or some specific Hellenistic astrologer would approach the chart. Therefore, it’s important to separate the early reference-oriented part of the book from the latter manual of predictive astrology. I don’t bring this up as a criticism of the book. Both the reference and manual aspects of the book are phenomenally well done. Rather, it is all too easy to take an imposing 600 page book which is in part a scholarly reference as having illustrated all that Hellenistic astrology can do. Brennan doesn’t make this claim and in fact repeatedly reiterates that he is just scratching the surface.
“Hellenistic astrology is a vast subject, and while we have covered a lot of ground in this book, there is still much that I was not able to include.” (Brennan, 2017, p. 591)
Demonstrations
In reason number 5 above, I have extolled the virtues of the manual side of this book. You will learn some valuable practical techniques that come right out of Hellenistic astrology. However, keep in mind that the “manual” part of the book is intended to briefly demonstrate how some Hellenistic techniques can be used by astrologers today. Additionally, Brennan keeps his explanations of examples charts rather brief and terse in order to give the reader a feel for how examples are presented in source texts.
“To that end, I have tried to pattern my presentation in the example charts after the way they are presented in some of the ancient manuals, especially that of the second-century astrologer Vettius Valens and the instructional texts that he wrote for his students. The purpose of this is to demonstrate not just how the techniques work, but also to partially recreate how they are presented in the ancient instruction manuals, thus providing another preparatory step towards reading the texts on their own.” (Brennan, 2017, p. xxv)
Not Proofs
Perusing reviews on Amazon I was struck by a couple lower ones (3-star) that mentioned they were “unconvinced” by the manual part of the book. For instance, one reviewer noted that Brennan associated a 2nd house profection with Lisa Marie Presley’s inheritance of a fortune on her 25th birthday. The reviewer critically noted that we all have 2nd place profections on our 25th birthday. However, the terse example assumes one would understand the indications of Presley’s 2nd house Jupiter ruling her 8th, and 8th house Mercury ruling her 2nd, as prior chapters explained the meanings of houses and planets.
It is important to recognize that the examples are not intended to prove the efficacy of Hellenistic astrology. Chris didn’t prove 2nd house profections bring a windfall to everyone on their 25th birthdays. But what he did do was to demonstrate how an ancient predictive technique accurately timed out the symbolism of the chart in a way that reflected reality. This suggests that the technique is worth your study.
Beyond Demonstration
The actual prediction of real world events is never simple or easy. Most people say it is impossible to do so with astrology. It would certainly be more difficult than it appears to be in these one paragraph examples using isolated timing techniques. Hellenistic astrologers looked for confirmation both of the thing symbolized in the birth chart and of the timing by multiple predictive techniques. For important matters like fame and profession, Hellenistic astrologers would often employ special techniques with their own modus operandi. Chris does not explore the full spectrum of techniques that might be required to time a massive inheritance.
Brennan’s book is not intended to prove the efficacy of astrology to non-astrologers, nor of Hellenistic astrology to modern astrologers. It is a reference for those wishing to explore early astrology and its history, which also demonstrates some useful techniques. In this vein, the manual aspect of the book is a strong success. The examples pique the interest of most readers to try out the techniques and do some further exploration.
Preferences
Brennan’s use of Hellenistic astrology is a product of his influences and preferences. His own style is strongly influenced by that of his teacher, Robert Schmidt. Elements that characterize the astrology in the book are a focus on the reconstructed aspect doctrine of Antiochus, minimal use of zodiacal subdivisions, the use of a concept called “adversity” or “exile” (detriment; a concept actually lacking in the real Hellenistic system), and a strong predictive stress on zodiacal releasing, an obscure time lord technique which survives only the work of Valens. The astrology in this book is a simplified version of Brennan’s approach aimed at beginners. It is important to keep Brennan’s preferences in mind. The texts of the tradition are very diverse. Every astrologer has their preferences, including each the Hellenistic astrologers. One of the virtues of the book is that Brennan recognized and reiterated this fact, especially in his introduction and conclusion.
Omissions
Some of my favorite aspects of Hellenistic astrology are not part of Brennan’s approach. I love the use of twelfth-parts, antiscia, quadrant houses for prominence, solar returns, and primary directions. The lack of detriment in Hellenistic astrology is not something that I think requires “reconstruction”. I also like think special techniques are necessary for important matters such as profession, eminence, and marriage. Some of these things are not even mentioned in the book while others are briefly touched on but not demonstrated. Additionally, only a couple of the many predictive techniques of Vettius Valens are touched on.
While Brennan’s book is phenomenal it is important to recognize what’s not there. The study of primary texts is still needed to resuscitate more aspects of this tradition. Therefore, study this book while studying primary source texts.
“There is still much work to be done in reconstructing and reviving Hellenistic astrology, and this overview is still just one relatively early step in that process. My hope is that this work will inspire others to take part in this effort by demonstrating the value and complexity of the ancient astrological traditions.” (Brennan, 2017, p. 591)
An Introduction
I feel strongly that astrologers need to frequently study the primary source texts of the traditionm. There is still a great deal of valuable astrology in them that requires recovery, reinterpretation, and application. Brennan’s Hellenistic Astrology is both a great start for beginners and an extremely valuable companion in one’s studies. With just an affordable Ebook copy of this book and some free online text translations, one can start on this enriching study immediately and with rapid progress. Brennan intended his book to be used in this regard.
“Since this is one of the first works of its kind in modern times, I felt the need to attempt to write something that could provide a broad foundation for future studies. While the size and scope of this book may convey the pretense that it is a fully comprehensive work on the subject, in reality it is only an introduction to a vast field; there are many facets of the tradition that I will either have to omit entirely or only given the briefest treatments. It is thus a starting point for future studies, and it is meant to initiate the reader into the subject so that they can independently engage some of the earliest source texts of the tradition.”(Brennan, 2017, p. xx)
7. Chris Brennan Wrote This
Chris Brennan is an active consulting astrologer in the Denver area. He is perhaps best known to the general public today as the host of the popular podcast, The Astrology Podcast. The podcast takes on all things astrological, from monthly transit forecasts and interviews with popular astrologers to deep dives into historical and interpretive issues. He also offers three courses, including a brilliant one on Hellenistic astrology. Brennan is a young astrologer so we are likely to see much more serious astrology from him in the future. However, Chris is wise beyond his years, with an understanding of astrology that outstrips that of the typical veteran in the field.
Brennan began to seriously study Hellenistic astrology starting in 2005, prompted by a class on the subject at Kepler College. That same year he went to live and study at Project Hindsight. There Robert Schmidt was translating texts of Hellenistic astrology into English, many for the first time. By fall of 2006, Chris became determined to write a book on Hellenistic astrology. That book would take over 10 years to complete. The result is the most thorough and helpful introduction to Hellenistic astrology to date and an indispensable reference for all astrologers.
A Guide for Rocky Terrain
I owe a debt of gratitude to Brennan for his course on Hellenistic astrology, and now for his wonderful book. I went through Robert Zoller’s DMA course, based largely on the natal astrology of Guido Bonatti. Ben Dykes’ later landmark two-volume translation of Bonatti led me to Bonatti’s Perso-Arabic sources. Those Arab sources in turn led me back to Hellenistic astrology for further clarification. The foundational texts of Hellenistic astrology are lost but many early works drawing on them survive. The early textbooks are diverse, complex, and often only available as later medieval translations and editions. There are significant stumbling blocks to directly approaching the early works. These include corrupt and incomplete texts, insertions by later translators or scribes, and difficult or ambiguous explanations.
Brennan’s course on Hellenistic astrology not only provided an introduction to the astrology of the era but also assisted with the trickier historical, textual, and interpretive issues. His book does the same, guiding one through this fascinating but challenging terrain. The Hellenistic source material is full of treasures but errors and misconceptions abound. Brennan’s book clearly lays out the history of horoscopic astrology and the core of the original system, while demonstrating important techniques. It provides the key knowledge necessary to get the most out of the source material. His text is sure to accelerate the revolution toward a richer, clearer astrology practiced by an ever more knowledgeable and respectable astrological community.
References
Brennan, C. (2017). Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune. Amor Fati Publications.
2017 saw the publication of a new translation of one of the oldest and most important texts from the Hellenistic period of astrology. Carmen Astrologicum (song of astrology) is the name given to the five books of Greek verse written by Dorotheus in the late 1st or early 2nd century CE. This work was arguably the greatest single influence on the practice of medieval astrology. It was translated into Pahlavi (a Persian language) in the 3rd century, and then into Arabic in the 8th century.
A Key Text
I have argued that the five most important “texts” of Hellenistic astrology are those of Dorotheus, Valens, Ptolemy, Firmicus Maternus, and Antiochus (as paraphrased in Porphyry and Rhetorius). The works by Dorotheus and Valens though are particularly pivotal, as both men were early in the tradition and were active astrologers who provided chart examples in their texts. Additionally, many key astrological predictive techniques survived only in those texts. Valens is our only source for a great many predictive techniques. Dorotheus is the source for all later electional astrology and provided the foundation for horary astrology
While the definitions of Antiochus are a pivotal reference work of Hellenistic astrology, it is absent predictive techniques. Firmicus was later in the tradition (4th century). Ptolemy, while influential, sought to reform Hellenistic astrology, so he has at times an altogether different approach to delineation. In conclusion, if you’re going to study just two Hellenistic texts, it should be Dorotheus and Valens (there’s a free English translation of Valens available by retired classics scholar Mark Riley).
Contents
I mentioned that Dorotheus is our source for electional astrology, and in turn laid the foundation for the development of horary astrology. It is Book V of Carmen that pertains to electional and event chart astrology. That work is also referenced in Book III of Hephaistion’s Apotelesmatics. Therefore, those two works (Carmen Book V and Hephaistion Book III) are the two most important foundational works of Hellenistic electional astrology.
The other four books of Carmen pertain to natal astrology. Books I and II are primarily concerned with principles and natal chart delineation, while Books III and IV are primarily concerned with predictive techniques, though there is some overlap. There is a particular emphasis on upbringing, family, eminence, relationships, children, and illness in the delineation material. Predictively, Dorotheus incorporate early primary directions with solar returns, profections, transits, and a little bit of planetary years. Special techniques for eminence and longevity are dealt with at length. Dorotheus was known to make significant use of triplicity lords and the lots in delineation and prediction.
Sources and Translations
The original Greek and Pahlavi versions are lost, so our earliest surviving complete translation is the 8th-century Arabic version. Dorotheus’s work also survives in a number of Hellenistic and medieval sources who quoted and paraphrased him. Most notably, the Hellenistic work Apotelesmatics by Hephaistion of Thebes (5th century), the Greek Excerpts (69 prose summaries of statements by Dorotheus), and the Greek and Latin Fragments.
The 8th-century Arabic translation was by the Persian astrologer Umar al-Tabari. The first English translation of the 8th-century version (from the two surviving manuscripts) was by notable science historian David Pingree, published in 1976.
Issues with the 1976 Translation
The 1976 translation by Pingree is widely available and is the one I have heretofore referred to on this site. However, it has a number of issues. Importantly, it is a translation performed by a non-astrologer. It was also done prior to the translation wave of the last few decades in which many of the doctrines and principles of Hellenistic astrologer were rediscovered.
At times there is a lack of regard for interpretive clarity, creating undue confusion. For instance, Pingree adds text that was not in the original in passages relating to lot calculations. If one were to follow these passages explicitly, it would lead to miscalculation of the lot positions. The translation is also difficult to read, lacks explanatory footnotes, and overestimates the amount of material that was added by later translators.
The Ben Dykes Treatment
Ben Dykes holds a PhD in philosophy and entered the world of translation with a bang in 2007 with his publication of the complete Book of Astronomy by Guido Bonatti. I was a student of Robert Zoller’s natal course on traditional astrology at the time. Zoller drew heavily from Bonatti in his course. At the time, Zoller’s course was the only point of access to the traditional astrology of the High Middle Ages. Zoller’s own translations were limited and at times clumsy. The translation by Ben Dykes was complete, clear, with a brilliant introduction, and extremely helpful explanatory footnotes. Techniques which were lost in vague terminology quickly took form and could be grappled with, tested, and analyzed.
Since that time, every Ben Dykes translation has represented the highest form any astrological text can take in the English language. Dykes knows traditional astrology like no one else. He is well studied in Hellenistic astrology and has translated volumes of medieval Latin and Arabic works. His texts included introductions that discuss the key issues and questions, lay out important points of reference, and grapple with practical considerations. The texts brim with explanatory footnotes that reveal connections to other works, clarify confusing passages, and discuss alternative translations. His translations are the versions that astrologers should dream of having. When he tackles an important work, like Carmen, it is an event to celebrate in the astrological community.
Peeling the Onion
Ben’s works have loosely followed a path in which subsequent translations elucidate mysteries brought forth in earlier ones. For instance, much of Bonatti’s work was based on those of earlier Persian astrologers. How close did Bonatti follow in their footsteps? With Dykes’s translations of their works (Persian Nativities volumes I-III), the rich sources upon which Bonatti relied became laid bare. Now we didn’t need to simply rely on Bonatti, who sometimes got it wrong, but could investigate what his sources had said.
With his current translation of Dorotheus, this process continues. Dorotheus was the central Hellenistic influence upon the Perso-Arabic works that have been the focus of Dykes’ translation efforts over the last decade. Dykes has also translated the key early medieval works in electional astrology and horary astrology. Additionally, Dykes published the first English translation (by Eduardo Gramaglia) of Hephaistion’s Book III. Hephaistion’s Book III is a Hellenistic work on elections which draws heavily on Dorotheus. Now we get to the root, with the clearest and most accurate English translation of Dorotheus to date.
Features of the Dykes Translation
Introduction
This new translation features an enlightening 60 page introduction. In addition to dealing with the typical translation matters of terminology, sources, and editions, this introduction elucidates a number of technical features. It is refreshing to have the most confusing parts of a familiar text demystified. This is something we’ve come to expect from Ben’s translations.
Dykes presents a table of the lots used in the text and discusses issues of calculation and textual interpretation concerning them. He illustrates the charts used in the text with explanations regarding dating and positional errors. Ben thoroughly deals with the matter of triplicity lords in Dorotheus, providing a table of the types of triplicity lords analyzed in the text and delving deeply into the matter of triplicity lord interpretation. He even provides a technique to analyze whether triplicity lords are advancing by primary direction according to the fifteen degree rule given by Dorotheus. Additionally, Dykes tackles the predictive techniques, with a thorough analysis of the full annual predictive system. This material on triplicity lord interpretation, the lots, and the predictive system were the highlights of the introduction for me. It is refreshing to have the most confusing parts of a familiar text demystified in this way.
The introduction also touches on some of the issues raised by Book V. Is this electional astrology? Is it something else? Dorotheus intermingles elections with event (and event-awareness) charts, a form of astrology best characterized as inceptional astrology. This style of inceptional astrology paved the way for the later use of astrology to divine the answers to questions (horary astrology).
Glossary
There is a list of useful terminology in the introduction, but there is additionally a full glossary of the vocabulary of ancient astrology (over 20 pages). The original Greek, Arabic, and/or Latin terms are often included in the entries for reference.
Appendices
The most important appendix is Appendix C, which is The Dorotheus Excerpts. I had not read the Excerpts before and there was a lot of interesting material there. For instance, we find Dorotheus using the Lot of Eros (Love) as it was also described by Valens (Fortune to Spirit from the Ascendant) for delineating friendship, rather than using the hermetic lot given by Paulus Alexandrinus (Spirit to Venus from the Ascendant). I can’t wait to explore this material more deeply.
Appendix B is a valuable reference for electional and event astrology. It’s a table of all the Dorthean inceptional material organized by topic. I hope to deal with some of these topics in my ongoing series on early electional astrology. This table is a time-saving resource for anyone who wants to study the Dorothean approach to a specific type of election.
Appendix A is useful for those familiar with the Pingree text and/or wishing to compare the two translations. It is a list of the corresponding sections between this translation and the one done by Pingree.
Additionally, there is a bibliography and an always useful index.
The Translation
The translation itself is careful and clear. Footnotes are abundant and are varied in type. Some footnotes compare passages with similar ones in later texts. Others clarify more difficult or opaque passages with necessary historical, linguistic, or astrological context. Still others grapple with technical and interpretive matters where one single approach is not clear.
In addition to being a high-quality translation, the text is made clearer through the addition of subheadings where appropriate and the inclusion of numerous charts and figures.
Conclusion
This translation of Carmen by Ben Dykes is the deluxe edition that astrologers have been waiting for. If you’ve tried to study Dorotheus in the past and have been put off by a confusing translation then this is for you. I highly recommend this text. As Dorotheus is arguably the most influential of the Hellenistic astrologers this wonderful treatment of his text is truly worth celebrating!
The Mathesis of Julius Firmicus Maternus is a large and influential astrological work written in Latin in the early 4th century. It is one of the longest and most important texts in the Hellenistic tradition. The four most notable long texts of the Hellenistic tradition that were written prior to 400 CE, are, in my opinion, this Mathesis, the Anthology of Vettius Valens (2nd century), the Tetrabiblos of Ptolemy (2nd century), and the shorter Introduction by Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century).
The translation released this year by James Herschel Holden, marks the first translation by an astrologer who is well versed in ancient astrology. Unfortunately, my copy of the text has not yet arrived so this article will not be a review. As I await my copy of the new translation, I’d like to discuss what makes the Mathesis important.
Mathesis and Sect
One of the great things about the Mathesis is that there are countless examples of sect in action. Numerous interpretations of planets in houses are given, and we see the sect principle illustrated in nearly all of them, as even a malefic planet in sect in a house is judged able to produce some good there, while even a benefic planet out of sect is accompanied by some problems or instability.
18. Saturn in the ninth house will make famous magicians, renowned philosophers, or temple priests noted for their reputation for magic. According to the nature of the signs he also makes seers, diviners, and astrologers. These are always outstanding in their responses. Some carry on the rites of tempIes or are in charge of rituals. Sometimes they become long-haired philosophers or interpreters of dreams.
19. Saturn in this house by night indicates wrath of the gods and hatred of emperors, especially if the waning Moon is moving toward him in any way. But greater evils are predicted from gods and emperors if Mars from any direction is in aspect to Saturn and the Moon.
The Eight Books of the Mathesis
The Mathesis is a book of natal delineation with a few timing techniques thrown in for good measure. This means that you get a cookbook approach at times. The cookbooks shouldn’t be taken literally as a pronouncement of the gods. Rather they are used to gather illustrations of broad principles that will allow you to make more accurate judgments in your chart work. Maternus himself says as much near the end of the fifth book.
The topics of the 8 books are discussed in the following sections.
Book I: Introduction
Maternus given his reasons as to why astrology is important and how it is useful.
Book II: Fundamentals
A presentation of the signs, houses, aspects, and other basics.
Book III: Planets in Places
A few more advanced fundamentals are discussed. Next, there is a cookbook-style delineations given for each planet in each place by day and night. Also, delineations are given for Mercury with each other planet in each place, and the Moon in the sign of the Lot of Fortune applying to each planet.
Book IV: The Moon and Some Special Topics
This book includes in depth delineation of possibilities with the Moon, including its regards, applications, and separations in a natal chart. There are also sections on the Lots of Fortune and Spirit, the chart ruler, length-of-life, profession, and different degree types (full and empty, masculine and feminine). The book ends with additional Moon considerations.
Book V: The Zodiac and Divisions
This book includes delineation of the different signs in each place and the delineation of the planets in the terms of each planet by day and night. Maternus concludes with some advice as to consider the whole picture and not just make pronouncements based on single factors such as a single planet in a sign.
Book VI: Aspects
This book contains some additional material on places. It also has some delineation of fixed stars. However, this book is primarily a lengthy set of delineations on planetary aspects or regards. Maternus includes complex aspect situations. There is also some predictive material on each planet as chronocrator (lord of the time).
Book VII: Special Delineation
At the end of Book 6, Maternus noted that this Book 7 would present the more complete picture of astrological practice. This is a book on delineating special topics, such as birth condition, deformation, slavery, illness, family, marriage, sexuality, children, power/fame, occupation, and so forth.
Book VIII: Errata and Fixed Stars
Much of this book is commentary on various special degrees, constellations, and other things of note to Firmicus.
Check out the New Translation
Many have hoped for a new translation of the Mathesis by someone well-versed in ancient astrology. The earlier 1975 translation by Jean Rhys Bram had some confusing passages and possible mistranslations. Finally, James Holden, an astrologer specializing in ancient astrology and translation, has produced this new, sought-after, 620 page translation.
It is rather exciting time in the study of ancient astrology. Most of the Hellenistic and Persian source texts available in English today were first translated in the last two decades. Additionally, a lot of that material has become available online. What are the seven best free online ancient astrology texts?
Free Astrology Texts from the First Millennium
1. The Anthology by Vettius Valens, Mark Riley trans.
Last year (2010), something amazing occurred in traditional astrology. Classics scholar Mark Riley released, for free on his website, his full translation of The Anthology of Vettius Valens in searchable PDF format. While it is a translation by a non-astrologer, it is the first full English translation ever released. Books VIII and IX were previously unpublished in English. Those familiar with the Project Hindsight translations of Books I-VII should know that they were relatively expensive to purchase.
The Riley translation is a high quality English translation of what is arguably the most important text of Hellenistic astrology as far as predictive techniques are concerned. The Anthology was written in the 2nd century CE. It consists of nine books of practical ancient astrology. There is a stress on predictive techniques and Valens provides a wealth of examples.
2. The Tetrabiblos by Cladius Ptolemy, Frank Robbins trans.
The Tetrabiblos is another pivotal 2nd-century Hellenistic text. Click here to read the Tetrabiblos in English in its entirety online. The 1940 Robbins translation has its flaws but it is a decent translation overall and great as a free reference. Bill Thayer re-typed the entire text onto his website as the text is now in the public domain.
Ptolemy is the most famous of the Hellenistic astrologers, namely due to his astronomical work (e.g. the Almagest). His intricate geocentric model of the heavens was the standard prior to the Copernican revolution. In terms of Hellenistic astrologers, his influence on European astrology of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance is considerable. As a Hellenistic astrologer he was atypical in that he rejected some elements of the typical Hellenistic system and sought a naturalistic explanation for astrology, rather than one based on signs.
The Tetrabiblos has material on birth charts (natal astrology) and also material on interpreting charts for weather and political events (mundane astrology).
3. Mathesis by Firmicus Maternus, Jean Rhys Bram trans.
In the fourth century CE, Firmicus Maternus wrote one of the most important works of natal astrology of the Hellenistic era. The 1975 English translation by Jean Rhys Bram is not without its defects, due primarily to the fact that the translator was not an astrology. A better translation, by James Herschel Holden, was published in 2011, though it also has some idiosyncracies and comes at a high price (~$60). The Bram translation is freely available in PDF from the Astrologia Humana website of astrologer Clelia Romano.
Maternus is significant for his cookbook-style listing of example delineations for factor combinations. What might it mean to have Saturn in the 9th house during the day, as opposed to at night? Maternus will give you his opinion on some indications. This large work of 8 books is sure to give any astrologer a lot to work with in natal astrology.
4. Treatise of the Fixed Stars by Anonymous of 379, Daria Dudziak trans.
Also available for free online is an English translation of the Treatise of the Fixed Stars by Anonymous of 379 (click here). The treatise is the most notable ancient text on the effects of the fixed stars. Those who wish to study the effects of the fixed stars from a Hellenistic standpoint will not be let down by this text.
The fixed stars were primarily used for judging eminence, character, and chronic illness. While there are many techniques for judging eminence in ancient astrology, bright fixed stars in prominent places such as conjunct the Moon or an angle, provide the strongest indications. Perso-Arabic astrologers of the early Middle Ages continued to incorporate bright fixed stars in their approaches to eminence.
5. Definitions by Serapio of Alexandria, Eduardo Gramaglia trans.
Serapio is a Hellenistic astrologer from about the 1st century CE whose works are mostly lost. A nearly complete set of definitions survives from him. The last page of his manuscript is lost to history. However, note that the definitions are from a late Byzantine compilation and are known to contain additions and alterations from the Middle Ages. An English translation of the text by Eduardo Gramaglia was made available as a PDF in late 2013. Click here to access the translation.
The text is notable because it is an early text in the Hellenistic tradition and explicitly defines key parts of the system. For instance, Serapio marks out which houses are malefic and which are benefic. He also discusses how planets earlier in the zodiac have “superiority” over planets later in the zodiac when in aspect, and even when in the same sign.
An even more influential early set of definitions is attributable to Antiochus of Athens. That set of definitions forms a large part of Porphyry’s Introduction to the Tetrabiblos. It is also included in Rhetorius of Egypt’s Compendium. Serapio’s Definitions were translated together with the Porphyry text in one volume by James Herschel Holden, published in 2009. Holden also published a translation of Rhetorius the same year.
6. Carmen Astrologicum by Dorotheus of Sidon, David Pingree trans.
While an excellent translation of Dorotheus emerged in 2017 by Ben Dykes (image below), the older Pingree translation is partially available for free. Deborah Houlding has made the first three of the five books available free as PDFs on her website, Skyscript: Book I, Book II, Book III (her notes on Book III). She has stated her intention to make all five books available so stay tuned to the page for updates. This is a pivotal text but I position it near the bottom of this list as only 3 of the 5 books are freely available at this time.
Dorotheus wrote the large and influential Carmen Astrologicum (Song of Astrology) in verse in the 1st century CE. It has 4 books on interpreting charts of birth time (natal astrology). It also has 1 book on choosing lucky times to start activities and judging matters from the time of an event (electional/inceptional astrology). Dorotheus is perhaps the astrologer with the greatest influence on Perso-Arabic astrology. In addition to containing important natal astrology, he is the source for original Hellenistic electional astrology. His rules for electional astrology also form the foundation for the later practice of horary astrology.
7. Centiloquium by Pseudo-Ptolemy, Henry Coley trans.
The Centilogquium is a set of astrological aphorisms by an unknown author, which was ascribed to Ptolemy. The aphorisms likely come from the Perso-Arabic period (~9th century CE). The aphorisms are available for study on Deborah Houlding’s website, Skyscript. While it is a lesser work, and somewhat disorganized, the aphorisms deal with all areas of astrology. They were also historically influential, as discussed on the site.
Hellenistic Critical Editions Online
I’ve focused on free English texts online. However, you may also be interested in critical editions of Hellenistic texts in their original languages. There are many available online. Chris Brennan has organized a valuable list of free critical editions on his Hellenistic Astrology website.
Note on 2018 Update
This article was updated on 10/01/2018 to drop a dead link, add more online texts, and restructure the article as a Top 7. Some of the texts – the partial translation of Dorotheus and Serapio’s Definitions – became available after the publication of the original article.
Featured image of third-century Heracles papyrus is in the public domain.
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