Astrology

Astrology - belief in the physical influence of planetary rays on earth - is one of the most important historical contexts in which astronomy developed.

Astronomy and astrology cannot be separated in the Middle Ages and the early modern period as they are today. For the educated medieval man or woman both the movement of the heavenly bodies and their effect on man were entirely natural and subject to scientific study and prediction.

In late 14th century England, the terms "astronomie" and "astrologie" were more or less interchangeable; it was understood that the astrological condition of the skies affects the weather and influences the seasons and times for planting and harvesting.

A website from a past exhibit which showcased examples of the vast array of lavishly illustrated nonreligious manuscripts that were produced between 500-1500 A.D.

A brief history of the ancient practice of astrology and the effect that the planets supposedly hold over our lives and fortunes, along with a few images from the medieval period when astrology, despite official Church teaching, was at its height.

A 15th century Latin translation of some of Abu Ma'shar's 9th century writings on astronomy.

Covers a wide range of topics, including the physical sciences, technology, and experimental archaeology in the SCA.

In 1434, Michael of Rhodes began to compile a manuscript that would demonstrate his personal mastery of the art of navigation. The text contains Michael's service record, over 200 pages of commercial and calendrical computations, a beautifully illustrated section on astrology, some of the earliest surviving portolan aids to navigation, and the world's first known treatise on shipbuilding.

Mailing list for the study of astrology and the astrological magic of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Philip Stubbes started writing around 1581 producing small tracts in which he sharply denounced the manners, pastimes, fashions and culture in England. His major work, The Anatomie of Abuses, was first published in 1583.

P hilip Stubbes had a gift for keen observatio n. Although his comments should not be considered to reveal mainstream thought or opinions of the time, (even his contempora ries thought him extreme) his virulent attacks on the abuses in fashion and English society provide us with a detailed, colorful and picturesqu e glimpse into the England of Shakespear e's youth.

In the medieval worldview, it made perfect sense for the activities in the heavens to reflect the activities on earth. The major controversy was over whether it was legal for Christians to make astrological predictions, not over whether those predictions were valid. This horoscope was calculated for the Coronation of an SCA King and Queen, and is written from the perspective of a 15th century student of the subject.