Mathesis

by Julius Firmicus Maternus, Benjamin N Dykes (Translator)

Firmicus Maternus was one of the last astrological writers of Late Antiquity (330s AD), during the rich period of early Neoplatonism and the rise of Christian emperors. Drawing on some of the earliest and most renowned Hellenistic astrologers, such as Nechepsō-Petosiris, Asclepius, and less known figures like Abraham, Firmicus is one of our most important sources of ancient astrological doctrine. Much of the Mathēsis is found nowhere else in surviving texts.
This translation was especially designed for students who have been frustrated by the incompleteness and problems of prior editions. It contains an extensive Introduction with a glossary of special terms, ongoing astrological commentary, and over 100 tables and figures to illustrate Firmicus's principles and extensive chart examples. We hope that contemporary readers will gain a new appreciation for this classic text.

Genres: Astrology, History

686 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2003

Reviews

[Vasilis Kanatas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julius Firmicus Maternus was one of the fathers of horoscopic Astrology. He explained in detail in the 4th century A.D. the Hellenistic Horoscopic System introduced by Claudious Ptolemy, Vetious Valens and other Greek Astronomers of the 1st century A.D.
This book contains all sides and meanings of the Zodiac Signs, the planets, the system of the 12 houses and the aspects of the planets. Because of the abstract nature of the "Tetravivlos" of Claudious Ptolemy, "Mathseseos Libri" by Maternus is the full explanation of that theory which is also applied in our era.

[Cassiopeia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great classic

[Arash Ahsani · Rating 1 out of 5]

The old story of mortal men's futile attempt at unlocking the Devine code. Nowadays they call it medicine psychiatry and psychology.