Part 8: The Historical Development of Western Astrology and Key Figures

Astrology has been passed down through a long history, changing its form from ancient wisdom to the present day. In this final installment, we will introduce the major stages from its origins to its revival and current state, along with the key figures who represented each era.

1. Ancient to Medieval Times: Origins and Transmission

1. Babylonia (around 2000 BC)

   • Records linking celestial bodies to earthly events begin

2. Greece and Hellenism (2nd to 1st century BC)

   • Ptolemy completes the theoretical system in 'Tetrabiblos'

3. Islamic World (8th to 12th century)

   • Greek texts are translated into Arabic and developed further

4. Medieval Europe (12th to 15th century)

   • Integrated with astronomy, astrology is taught at universities

2. Renaissance to Enlightenment: Rise and Fall

1. The Renaissance (16th–17th centuries)

   • Court astrology and medical astrology reached their peak

   • William Lilly's 'Christian Astrology', etc.

2. The Enlightenment (18th century)

   • Declined as it was labeled 'superstition' with the rise of scientific astronomy

   • Astronomy and astrology separated, and astrology became non-mainstream

3. Modern Revival: Theosophy and Alan Leo

1. The rise of the Theosophical Society (late 19th century)

   • Introduced concepts of karma and reincarnation into astrology

2. Alan Leo (1860–1917)

   • Known as the "Father of Modern Astrology"

   • Popularized it among the masses with his beginner-friendly book "Astrology for All"

   • Laid the foundation for a psychological approach that emphasizes personality analysis

4. Since the 20th Century: New Age and Digitalization

1. New Age Boom (1960s–70s)

   • Astrology regained attention alongside the spiritual movement

2. Birth of Computer Astrology (1980s onwards)

   • Complex calculations became easier, and horoscope creation became widespread

3. Modern Era

   • Coexistence of the revival of classical techniques and psychological/evolutionary approaches

   • An era where reading charts is easy via web and apps

5. Practical Workshop: Unraveling Eras and Figures

1. Choose an era that interests you

   • Ancient Babylonia / Hellenistic / Renaissance / Late 19th Century...

2. Research key figures

   • Ptolemy / William Lilly / Alan Leo, etc.

3. Summarize keywords in your notebook

   • Characteristics of astrology in that era

   • What innovations the figure brought about

4. Apply it to your own readings

   • Choose one technique or perspective that interests you and try it out on a chart

Summary: Concluding the Series

Over the course of eight sessions, we have gently explained everything from basics and applications to theoretical backgrounds and history.
I hope this series serves as a helpful guide to deepening your horoscope readings.

Please make use of this in your daily star-reading work and apply it to your own growth and understanding of those around you.

If you would like to read this series from the beginning, click here👇

For those who want to deepen their knowledge further👇

Click here for the site map (list of articles)👇

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