Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) Fate and Foreknowledge: Toward Hellenistic Astrology
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Aug 13, 2018 Origins and significance of astrology in Hellenistic Egypt, its impact on Western culture. Historical overview of astrology, its acceptance among ruling elites, and theological concerns. The association of Chaldeans with astrological expertise and development of Babylonian horoscopes. Development and spread of the zodiac, cultural links in the Hellenistic era. Exploring different types of astrology texts and the role of Hermes in Hellenistic astrology.
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Hellenistic Alexandria Created Western Astrology
- Astrology arose from a Hellenistic synthesis of Mesopotamian omen tradition, Egyptian star cults, and Greek cosmology centered in Alexandria.
- This synthesis standardized the zodiac, horoscopes, and a geocentric planetary model that became the Western astrological norm.
Astrology Was Both Occult Science And Mainstream Power Tool
- Astrology functioned both as an 'occult science' and often as mainstream elite knowledge, used by rulers and bureaucrats.
- Examples include Roman court astrologers and the Abbasid founders choosing Baghdad's foundation date astrologically.
Rome Expelled Astrologers Then Used Astrology For Propaganda
- Romans reacted with both xenophobia and appropriation: the Senate expelled 'Chaldeans' in 139 BCE yet Augustus used zodiac imagery for imperial propaganda.
- This shows politics shaped whether astrology was suppressed or state-sanctioned.