Late Antiquity and The Transition Period

Late Antiquity Astrology: The Transitional Tapestry

As the sun began to set on the Hellenistic era, the realm of astrology was undergoing a transformation, a metamorphosis that would see the confluence of various streams of thought.

This epoch, referred to as Late Antiquity, spanning from the 3rd to the 8th century CE, serves as the bridge between the sophisticated astrological practices of the Hellenistic age and the upcoming renaissance in the Islamic Golden Age.

The Setting of Late Antiquity

The era was characterized by both upheaval and synthesis. The Roman Empire, once a monolithic entity, split into the Western and Eastern (Byzantine) empires. As the west grappled with invasions and decline, the east, with its capital at Constantinople, emerged as a beacon of stability and learning.

Religious Transformation: Christianity, from being persecuted, transformed into the state religion under Emperor Constantine. This had profound implications for astrology, a practice often at odds with Christian orthodoxy.

Cultural Synthesis: While the west saw a decline, the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanian Empire became centers of learning, preserving classical knowledge and blending it with new discoveries.

Rhetorius the Egyptian and His Compendium

Amidst this backdrop, figures like Rhetorius the Egyptian stand out. Active in the 6th or 7th century CE in Alexandria, Rhetorius is best known for his Compendium. This work, a compilation, and commentary on earlier astrological treatises provide a panoramic view of Hellenistic astrological thought.

Content of the Compendium: Rhetorius’s work is a treasure trove, encompassing topics like zodiacal signs, houses, planetary periods, lots (or what would be known in Islamic astrology as Arabic Parts), and various methods of prediction.

Influence of Past Masters: Throughout his work, Rhetorius quotes extensively from prior astrologers such as Valens, Antiochus, and Porphyry. It’s through him that many fragments of earlier works survive.

Christian Influence: Unlike many of his predecessors, Rhetorius operated in a predominantly Christian milieu. His work reflects this, with references to the biblical figures and attempts to reconcile astrological thought with Christian beliefs.

Other Figures and Trends

Rhetorius was not alone in his endeavor. Other lesser-known figures like Olympiodorus the Younger and John Lydus contributed to the tapestry of Late Antique astrology.

Olympiodorus the Younger: A philosopher by training, Olympiodorus wrote commentaries on Plato and Aristotle. However, his foray into astrology, especially his work on dreams and their interpretation, adds a unique dimension to the understanding of this period.

John Lydus: Operating in Constantinople, Lydus’s work On the Months is a blend of history, calendar lore, and astrology. It’s a testament to the interwoven nature of various disciplines in this age.

Challenges and Controversies

The ascendancy of Christianity posed challenges. Church fathers like Augustine and John Chrysostom were vocal critics of astrology, viewing it as deterministic and incompatible with free will.

Astrology and Fate: Central to the controversy was the question of fate. If all was preordained in the stars, where did human free will and divine providence stand?

Persecutions: While many Christian emperors were known patrons of astrology, the practice faced periodic clampdowns. The closure of the Platonic Academy in Athens by Emperor Justinian in 529 CE marked a symbolic end to the classical intellectual traditions in the west.

Conclusion

The age of Late Antiquity, while transitional, was by no means a period of decline for astrology. Instead, it was an era of consolidation, where the rich traditions of the Hellenistic age were preserved, commented upon, and prepared for transmission to new cultures and epochs. Figures like Rhetorius the Egyptian stand as luminous beacons, guiding us through this intricate maze, and ensuring that the wisdom of yore didn’t fade into oblivion.