A History of Western Astrology Volume I

by Nicholas Campion

This is the first comprehensive examination of astrology's origins and it examines the foundations of a major feature of popular culture in the contemporary west, one which has its origins in the ancient world. Campion explores the relationship between astrology and religion, magic and science, and explores its use in politics and the arts.

Beginning with the theories of the origins of religion in sun-worship, it spans the period between the first Paleolithic lunar counters around 30,000 Bc and the end of the classical world and rise of Christianity. Campion challenges the idea that astrology was invented by the Greeks, and asks whether its origins lie in Near-Eastern religion, or whether it can be considered a decadent Eastern import to the West. He considers the evidence for reverence for the stars in Neolithic culture, Mesopotamian astral divination, Egyptian stellar religion, and examines attitudes to astrology and celestial prophecy in the Bible. He considers such artefacts as the mysterious, 15,000-year-old 'Venus of Lauselle', the reasons for the orientation of the pyramids, the latest theories on Stonehenge as a sacred observatory, Greek theories of the ascent of the soul to the stars and the Roman emporer Nero's use of astrology to persecute his rivals.

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality, History, Occult, Nonfiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly dense with information and a difficult read, but essential for anyone interested in astrological history.

[Arturo Cuscó · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first a book on astrology but it felt like Campion championed it. Having gotten into this book during my writing of the aether paper, I had a lot to investigate about the origins of astrology. This book mainly focused on western astrology. It covers very well the origins of astrology up and through the first millennium AD. For lovers of history, those interested in mysticism and to those curious about astronomy or astrology, the historical origins of astrology are fascinatingly filled with plot twists and interesting facts that would surprise and intrigue you. Campion champions amongst the likes of Jung and Edinger, a wholesome integration of vast amounts of knowledge that pertains to this subject. Campion is a master historian and a master writer. I hugely appreciated the efficiency and ease which I felt learning the origins of western astrology. For anyone interested in astrology or the history of religion and mysticism, this book will give you what you want and more and I recommend it highly.

[Rebecca Von Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this eternity lasting book!

Very hard to read but highly interesting. I learned a lot even though it did get repetatice at times but let's face it - academic texts do get extremly repetative haha.

Looking forward to reading the next part and having a full insight into the development of western astrology.

The most interesting things I learned about was for sure stoneage astrology, gnosticism and the soul moving through the planetary spheres after death.

Least interesting facts has to be all the countless namedropped emperors/pharaos etc (yeah I know, I know they had to be included cause you know needs to be proper academic research).

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly informative and far-reaching overview, however, requires a high level of focus. This is not a book for "new-agers" or those with a passing interest in star signs. This is from an academic at the top of his game, so only advised to those who are serious about the topic and have a scholarly interest.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rare academic works focusing on historical aspects of astrology. Campion reconstructed the lost atrological arts in the acient times, especially connecting it with ancient religion prophecy. Though the reconstruction might be academically controversial, it gives readers a unique insights to re-contemplate the history and mystery known to all.