Renaissance Humanism and Astrology

The Renaissance period, spanning roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, was a time of unprecedented intellectual and cultural growth in Europe.

A vital movement during this era was humanism, which sought to reclaim the classical knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Among the many fields influenced by humanist thinking was astrology.

The marriage of Renaissance humanism and astrology heralded a rebirth of astrological study and practice, deeply rooted in the ancient world yet adapted to the needs and nuances of the Renaissance society.

Introduction: The Age of Rediscovery

The Renaissance, often referred to as the ‘Age of Rediscovery,’ was marked by a renewed interest in the arts, sciences, and humanities of antiquity. Scholars scoured monasteries and libraries, seeking ancient manuscripts that had been lost or forgotten. The invention of the printing press further accelerated the dissemination of these classical works, bringing long-lost knowledge back into the public domain. Astrology, which had been a respected discipline in ancient times, found renewed vigor in this climate of rediscovery.

The Influence of Humanism on Astrological Thought

Humanism, with its emphasis on individual experience and the value of human life, had profound implications for astrology. Unlike the medieval worldview that saw human beings as mere pawns in a divine cosmic play, Renaissance humanism argued for the individual’s capacity to shape their destiny. This shift had several implications:

1. Personalized Horoscopes

While generic astrological predictions were common in the medieval period, the Renaissance saw a surge in individualized horoscopes. Astrologers now created charts tailored to an individual’s birth data, reflecting the humanist emphasis on personal experience.

2. Integration with Medicine and Psychology

Renaissance astrologers often collaborated with physicians. They believed that understanding a person’s astrological chart could provide insights into their temperament and health. This melding of astrology with medicine was a direct result of humanism’s influence, which sought to combine different knowledge areas for holistic understanding.

3. Ethical Considerations

With the humanist emphasis on individual agency, astrologers were now more cautious about making deterministic statements about one’s fate. Instead, they saw the stars as influences that could be navigated with free will, rather than inescapable destinies.

Bridging the Past: Greek and Roman Texts Revisited

One of the most significant impacts of humanism on astrology was the return to classical sources. Scholars translated Greek and Roman astrological texts, which were then studied with great enthusiasm. These works provided a rich foundation upon which Renaissance astrologers could build:

1. Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos

The writings of the Alexandrian astronomer and astrologer, Claudius Ptolemy, particularly his treatise Tetrabiblos, became foundational. This comprehensive work provided a theoretical basis for astrological practice, emphasizing the importance of planetary movements and their influence on terrestrial events.

2. Valens and the Anthology

Vettius Valens’ Anthology, a collection of astrological techniques and delineations, was another influential text from antiquity. It offered Renaissance astrologers a practical guide, complementing the theoretical framework laid out by Ptolemy.

3. Revival of Hellenistic Techniques

Many astrological techniques that had been lost over the centuries were reintroduced to the West via these translations. These methods, such as time-lord systems and annual profections, added depth and nuance to astrological readings and were eagerly adopted by Renaissance practitioners.

In conclusion, the Renaissance era, with its humanist heart, breathed new life into astrology. By revisiting the wisdom of the ancients and merging it with contemporary thought, astrologers of this period reshaped the discipline, making it both a reflection of its times and a bridge to the past. The reimagining of astrology during the Renaissance stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the stars and the human desire to find meaning in the cosmos.

Timeline of major Astrology Related Events in the Renaissance

Below is a timeline of significant astrological events, key figures, breakthroughs, and notable omens from the Renaissance period:

1450s – Printing Revolution Begins

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionizes the dissemination of astrological texts, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

1462 – Regiomontanus Completes ‘Ephemerides’

Astronomer and mathematician Regiomontanus publishes ‘Ephemerides’, an essential tool for astrologers, which charted planetary positions.

1473 – Birth of Nicolaus Copernicus

Copernicus would later propose a heliocentric model of the universe, challenging the geocentric model that underpinned much of astrological theory.

1484 – Pope Innocent VIII’s Witchcraft Bull

The papal bull ‘Summis desiderantes affectibus’ acknowledges the power of witches and their heretical deeds, often associated with astrological practices.

1486 – Publication of “De Vita” by Marsilio Ficino

Ficino’s work, which includes astrological references, blends Platonic philosophy with Renaissance humanism, influencing the period’s astrological thought.

1496 – First Astrological Book Printed in Italy

“Liber Astronomiae” by Guido Bonatti, a compilation of astrological knowledge, is printed, indicating the continued interest in astrology.

1500 – Augsburg’s Printed Horoscope for a New Millennium

A horoscope printed in Augsburg predicts events for the upcoming century, reflecting the widespread public interest in astrology.

1503 – Nostradamus Is Born

The future famed astrologer and seer, whose prophecies would become legendary, is born.

1506 – Astrology Used in Medicine

The medical faculty at the University of Vienna begins to use astrological charts to determine the timing of medical treatments.

1513 – Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s ‘De Occulta Philosophia’

Agrippa’s comprehensive work on occult philosophy, including astrology, becomes a cornerstone of Renaissance magical and astrological thought.

1531 – ‘Great Comet’ Observed and Interpreted Astrologically

The appearance of a bright comet is recorded and widely interpreted as an astrological sign, leading to various predictions throughout Europe.

1533 – John Dee Is Born

Dee would become a prominent mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer, eventually serving as an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

1543 – Publication of “De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium”

Copernicus publishes his work that argues for a heliocentric universe, which over time profoundly affects the practice and philosophy of astrology.

1550s – Heightened Interest in Judicial Astrology

Europe sees a surge in judicial astrology, with astrologers holding significant social influence and producing annual prognostications.

1555 – Nostradamus Publishes “Les Prophéties”

A collection of 942 poetic quatrains reputed to predict future events, “Les Prophéties” solidifies Nostradamus’s reputation as a seer.

1572 – Tycho Brahe Observes a Supernova

Brahe’s observation of a supernova challenges the Aristotelian belief in the unchanging nature of the heavens, with astrological implications.

1582 – Gregorian Calendar Reform

The calendar reform initiated by Pope Gregory XIII is adopted, impacting the calculation of astrological charts. Astrologers adjust to the new calendar system over time.

1583 – The ‘Great Conjunction’ of Jupiter and Saturn

This astrological event led to widespread predictions of religious and political upheaval throughout Europe.

1600 – Giordano Bruno Is Executed

Bruno, who posited an infinite universe and was influenced by Hermetic, magical, and astrological ideas, is executed for heresy, symbolizing the conflict between emerging scientific ideas and traditional astrological beliefs.

1603 – ‘De Stella Nova’ by Johannes Kepler

Kepler’s work on the new star (supernova) in the constellation Ophiuchus has astrological as well as astronomical significance, contributing to the shift in understanding celestial events.

1609 – Invention of the Telescope by Galileo

The telescope, which Galileo would later use to make astronomical discoveries that challenge traditional astrological frameworks, is invented.

1614 – Publication of ‘Mathesis’ by Julius Caesar Scaliger

Scaliger’s treatise on astrology includes criticisms and defenses of the practice, reflecting the ongoing debates of the period.

1620 – Publication of ‘Astrologia Restaurata’ by William Lilly

Lilly’s work, published later in the 17th century, represents the culmination of Renaissance astrological traditions in the context of the English Civil War.