Astral Magic in Babylonia: Transactions, American Philosophical Society

by Erica Reiner

Erica Reiner offers a connection between Near Eastern material and their echoes in the West. a foundation for comparisons between the oriental cultures and gtheir echoes in the West. To provide a foundation for comparisons the Near Eastern material needs to be resented in reliable form. Reiner's sources are culled from such scientific texts as medicine, divination, and rituals, which are not usually included in anthologies of Mesopotamian texts and rarely available in translation..

Genres: Astrology

150 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensively citing (and translating) excerpts from the Babylonian technical literature of medicine, divination, and exorcism, Reiner illustrates not only the theory of astral empowerment which these fields of expertise incorporated in their prescriptions, and the deific correspondences of the stars upon which this was predicated, but also ancient Mesopotamian beliefs in general concerning the properties and applications of stones, herbs, and other materia magico-medica.

[Patricia Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book to examine the ancient constellations and how they were perceived by the Babylonians, as compared to other cultures. A small book but packed with information.

[Gavin White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise and very readable exploration of the way that the stars and planets were used in magic, medicine, divination and sorcery. With many quotes from prayers and medical texts, the book builds up a fascinating picture of how the heavens and the stars were viewed and how early people sought to utilise their powers for both good and ill.
Even though it is quite a difficult subject area the author presents the diverse material in a very clear manner.

[Julia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent start for beginners or laymen like myself, the information doesn't feel convoluted for such a large-scale topic.