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.
Table of Content
List of Figures.
List of Tables.
Preface.
1. Introduction. What was Astrology in Ancient Greece and
Rome?
2. Origins and Types of Astrology. The Transfer of Astrology
from Babylon. The Pseudo-History of Astrology: ‘Alien
Wisdom’.
3. The Product: How to Construct a Simple Horoscope, Ancient
Style.
4. Structure and Meaning in the Horoscope, 1: The Aspects and
the ‘Places’.
5. Structure and Meaning in the Horoscope, 2: The Zodiac and its
Signs.
6. Structure and Meaning in the Horoscope, 3: The Planets.
7. Horoscopes and their Interpretation.
8. A Matter of Life and Death: ‘Starters, ‘
‘Destroyers, ‘ and ‘Length of Life.’ Some
Sociopolitical Implications of Astrology.
9. Conclusion: Why Bother with Ancient Astrology in the
Twenty-First Century?
Notes.
References.
Index.
About the author
Roger Beck is Emeritus Professor at the University Toronto. He is the author of The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire (2006).
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