Tetrabiblos

Tetrabiblos is a text on the philosophy and practice of astrology, written in the 2nd century AD by the Alexandrian scholar Claudius Ptolemy (c. AD 90-c. AD 168). Ptolemy's Almagest was an authoritative text on astronomy for more than a thousand years, and the Tetrabiblos, its companion volume, was equally influential in astrology, the study of the effects of astronomical cycles on earthly matters. But whilst the Almagest as an astronomical authority was superseded by acceptance of the heliocentric model of the solar system, the Tetrabiblos remains an important theoretical work for astrology. Besides outlining the techniques of astrological practice, Ptolemy's philosophical defense of the subject as a natural, beneficial study helped secure theological tolerance towards astrology in Western Europe during the Medieval era. This allowed Ptolemaic teachings on astrology to be included in universities during the Renaissance, which brought an associated impact upon medical studies and literary works. The historical importance of the Tetrabiblos is seen by the many ancient, Medieval and Renaissance commentaries that have been published about it. It was copied, commented on, paraphrased, abridged, and translated into many languages. Book 1 of Tetrabiblos defines various technical terms andsupplies other information needed by the astrologer. Chapters 9, 10 and11 detail the influence of fixed stars in various constellations. Book 2 is the astrology of nations and their rulers. Books 3 & 4 are devoted to Natal Astrology. Book 3, chapter 2,explains Ptolemy’s method of rectifying the Ascendant. Chapter 10 gives a method for determining life expectancy. Book 4 deals with fortunes of wealth & rank, as well as employment, marriage, children, death, etc. Also included are extracts from Ptolemy's Almagest (a compendium of Greek astronomy), as well as "Ptolemy’s Centiloquy," a list of aphorisms, the authorship of which is disputed. Many of the100 deal with horary astrology. They have been studied by astrologersfor centuries. Translations: Gardner (1911) lists fourEnglish translations of Tetrabiblos. The first was by John Walley, 1701. The second was Walley’'s translation, edited by Sibley and Brown, 1786, which is said to be worthless. The third, by James Wilson (author ofthe famous Dictionary of Astrology), was published in 1820. The fourth(this one, by far the best), was by J.M. Ashmand, 1822. A fifthtranslation was made in 1940 by F.E. Robbins. Of these severaltranslators, only Ashmand could claim to be both a Greek and Latinscholar as well as an experienced astrologer. We are honored to presentAshmand’s translation to a new generation of students. Every serious astrologer, from the 3rd century to the present, has studied the Tetrabiblos. With the current revival of traditional astrology, it remains essential reading.