Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume I: Assessing Planetary Condition

by Demetra George, Chris Brennan (Foreword)

DEVELOPED UNDER THE SHADOWS of the Egyptian temples, Hellenistic astrology is an ancient form of divination inherited from Mesopotamian wisdom traditions. Distilled in Gr�co-Roman antiquity, and refined in the fires of philosophy and astronomy, it forms the bedrock of traditional western astrology (while also bearing profound similarities to Jyotish or Vedic astrology). Drawing on a body of Greek texts that have remained largely untranslated for almost two-thousand years, Demetra George brings the contemporary practice of astrology back to its ancient roots. Scholar, translator, and practitioner, her work reveals the potent cosmological veins that bear the lifeblood of traditional astrology.

Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice is, in essence, a training manual for the study and practice of Hellenistic astrology. In two volumes, it provides the complete foundations and detailed dynamics of ancient chart-reading techniques. Each volume and each technique is richly illustrated with diagrams, example charts, and practical exercises.

Volume 1: Assessing Planetary Condition

In ancient cosmology, the planetary divinities symbolised the hierarchy of forces that shape our lives in the sublunary world. Not all planets are created equal in a given nativity, however, and so the first step of the practicing astrologer is to assess the condition of each planet in a chart in order to determine its effectiveness (or lack thereof) in the native's life. To this end, this volume provides a series of rigorous methods for evaluating the condition of each planet in a birth chart through the lenses of classification (sect, gender, benefic/malefic), signs and rulerships (residences, reception, exaltation, trigons, bounds), the solar phase cycle (speed, direction, visibility, phase, phasis), lunar considerations (course, phases, bonding, nodes, bending, eclipses, prenatal lunation), and aspects (configurations, witnessing, testimony, bonification, maltreatment, adherence, overcoming, rays). Finally, it brings all of these factors together in a powerful synthesis that unlocks the layers of a chart with unrivaled precision.

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult, Witchcraft, Divination, Esoterica

622 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2019

About the author

Demetra George, M.A. Classics, received the 2002 Regulus Award for Theory and Understanding. A practitioner of astrology for over 30 years specializing in archetypal mythology, she has authored numerous books and articles, including Astrology For Yourself, Asteroid Goddesses, and Mysteries of the Dark Moon. She lectures internationally and leads pilgrimages to the sacred sites in the Mediterranean. Currently she is translating a corpus of hermetic medical astrological texts from ancient Greek, is an associate of Project Hindsight, and teaches the history of ancient and medieval astrology and Hellenistic techniques.

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Reviews

[Benson Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would argue that this is THE best book for anyone, regardless of prior astrological knowledge, to start learning about Hellenistic astrology and applying it’s concepts.

If you plan on studying more, it works as a great precursor to better understand some of the topics covered in other books such as Chris Brennan’s “Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune.”

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable ressource to learn about how the acnient ones went about their stars. At the present moment, being only half finished (we eagerly await the second volume of the series, completing the work with a look at the houses), it is probably more suited to astrologers, who want to integrate new perspective in their already working system, not so much the pure beginner. However, the volume clearly presents its material. Most chapters are accompagnied by exercises for the reader.

[Gabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro and practice guide to Hellenistic era astrology. Definitely recommended.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The size of this chonker is intimidating, but Demetra George breaks everything down into easy to swallow bites. There were moments where I had to re-read certain passages, but that’s more to do with probably just hitting a wall in terms of taking in so much new info.

I’ve already had the second volume, as well as her student’s (Chris Brennan) tome sitting on my shelf waiting for their turns. I’m still gonna dip in and out to practice in this book, but I’m really looking forward to dive into those two as well.

[Annette Fransbergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable and foundational text which, i reakon, every astrologer should read.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a beginner astrologer I found this incredibly engaging but it covers so much depth. Really an essential book for those who want a grounding in Whole House astrology practices.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about Hellenistic Astrology! It is packed full of information that a serious student of astrology can put to practice. I will likely be reviewing it for years to come.

[Mallory White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive must have in an serious astrologers library

[zahra ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the fact that there were exercises in the book to practice and learn. Really useful!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep insights into traditional Astrology, with an emphasis on Hellenistic Astrology, made very approachable and explained well.

[Elizabeth Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. Highly Recommend. I frequently return to it.