Vettius Valens: A Pillar of Ancient Astrology

Introduction

In the annals of ancient astrology, Vettius Valens occupies a prominent position.

His monumental work, the ‘Anthology’, offers a detailed, complex, and invaluable glimpse into Hellenistic astrological practice and theory.

Valens, while inspired by Claudius Ptolemy, charted his own course and penned a tome that is both distinct and influential. Let’s journey through his life, his magnum opus, and his lasting impact on astrology.

Background and Personal Life

Vettius Valens was an astrologer from the Roman era, specifically from the 2nd century CE. Born in Antioch, Syria, a bustling cosmopolitan city of the Roman Empire, Valens lived during a time when Hellenistic culture and thought were at their zenith. This era, post-Alexander the Great, was characterized by the fusion of Greek and Oriental cultures, which fostered rich intellectual traditions.

Though much of Valens’ personal life remains shrouded in mystery, his writings hint at travels undertaken for scholarly pursuits. He frequently refers to his experiences, encounters with clients, and even his own horoscope, which provides a personalized touch to his intricate astrological discourse.

Ptolemaic Influence and Departures

Like many astrologers of his time, Valens was influenced by the foundational works of Claudius Ptolemy, especially ‘Tetrabiblos’. Ptolemy’s attempt to rationalize and systematize astrology, grounding it in the Aristotelian cosmos, was something Valens deeply respected. He adopted many of Ptolemy’s fundamental concepts, especially those concerning planetary natures and the basic tenets of horoscopic interpretation.

However, Valens was not just a Ptolemaic astrologer. He often diverged from Ptolemaic techniques, choosing to embrace older, time-tested methods. For instance, while Ptolemy focused heavily on the aspectual relationships between planets, Valens emphasized the use of lots (or Arabic parts) and various time-lord systems. His practical approach, rooted in day-to-day astrological consultations, meant that he incorporated a wide array of techniques, sometimes even contradicting Ptolemy’s delineations.

The Anthology: A Detailed Exploration

The ‘Anthology’ is Vettius Valens’ seminal work, spread across ten books or volumes. Each of these books offers a deep dive into various facets of astrology, with an array of topics, methods, and examples.

Book I

This volume introduces the reader to the foundational principles of astrology, much like the opening of Ptolemy’s ‘Tetrabiblos’. It covers the basic signs, houses, and planetary significations. Valens then delves into introductory delineation techniques, setting the stage for the more complex topics that follow.

Book II

Here, Valens discusses the intricate zodiacal lots, a key technique that differentiates his work from Ptolemaic methods. He also touches upon the essential topic of planetary periods and chronocrators, time-lord systems that predict significant life events.

Book III

Length of life calculations, a challenging and significant area of traditional astrology, is the main theme of this volume. Valens offers various methods, drawing from older traditions and providing examples to illustrate his points.

Book IV

This volume is an extension of the previous one, delving further into the nuances of longevity calculations. It also introduces the reader to the ‘zodiacal releasing’ technique, a time-lord system that maps out the thematic periods of one’s life.

Book V

Valens focuses on specific topics like finances, parents, and siblings in this volume. He employs various techniques, including lots and planetary rulerships, to make predictions about these life areas.

Book VI

This segment of the ‘Anthology’ centers on marriage and children. Valens’ practical examples, drawn from his consultations, enhance the theoretical discussions and provide real-world context.

Book VII

Friendships, travel, and eminence are the focal points here. Valens also introduces the ‘dodekatemoria’ or twelfth-parts, subdivisions of zodiacal signs that add another layer of precision to horoscopic analysis.

Book VIII

Valens explores a gamut of topics in this volume, from illnesses to mental disposition, and from profession to travel. The diversity of techniques employed, from planetary periods to zodiacal lots, showcases his vast knowledge and versatility.

Book IX

This volume primarily focuses on mundane astrology, which deals with the fate of nations, kings, and global events. It underscores Valens’ holistic approach to astrology, where individual and collective destinies are intertwined.

Book X

In the concluding volume, Valens revisits and further elaborates on many of the topics discussed in earlier books. He provides additional techniques, rectifications, and detailed examples, culminating his vast treatise with a blend of theory and practice.

Valens’ Legacy and Influence on Modern Astrology

Vettius Valens, though lesser-known than Ptolemy for many centuries, has experienced a resurgence in the modern era, especially with the revival of traditional astrology. Scholars and practitioners alike have come to recognize the ‘Anthology’ as a treasure trove of Hellenistic astrological techniques.

Modern astrologers, particularly those rooted in the traditional school, frequently draw upon Valens’ techniques, be it the intricate zodiacal releasing or the nuanced use of lots. The ‘Anthology’, with its blend of theoretical discourse and practical examples, offers a comprehensive guide that complements and sometimes challenges Ptolemaic astrology.

Furthermore, Valens’ work has fostered a greater appreciation for the diversity and depth of ancient astrological thought. The ‘Anthology’ stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Hellenistic astrology, where different traditions and methods coexisted and thrived.

Conclusion

Vettius Valens, with his monumental ‘Anthology’, has etched an indelible mark on the history of astrology. Walking a path that both acknowledged and diverged from Ptolemaic principles, Valens crafted a work that is both a tribute to the ancient astrological traditions and a guiding light for modern practitioners. In the vast cosmos of astrological literature, the ‘Anthology’ shines bright, illuminating the intricate dance of stars and human destiny.