Section outline

  • Topics:

    ·      astrology as divination

    ·      astrology as cosmology

    ·      astrology and society

     

    Readings:

    ·      Edmonds, Drawing Down the Moon, ch. 8

    ·      Luck, Astrology  (#102-126)

    ·      Firmicus Maternus

    ·      Dorotheus Sidonius

    ·      Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos

    ·      Neugebauer, Greek Horoscopes

     

    Supplementary Readings:

    ·      Barton, Ancient Astrology, ch. 4 & 5

    ·      Plato, Timaeus 38e-39e

    ·      Beck, Brief History of Ancient Astrology (available in Tripod as Ebook)

    ·      Gordon, Quaedam Veritatis Umbrae

    ·      Gordon, Will My Child Have A Big Nose?

    ·      Greenbaum, Arrows, Aiming, and Divination

    ·      Greenbaum, Basic Techniques of Hellenistic Astrology

    ·      Konstan, Evidence from Divination

    ·      MacMullen, Social History in Astrology

    ·      Riley, Theoretical and Practical Astrology

    ·      Vettius Valens, Anthologia

     

    Astrology Assignment due at noon on Monday, April 7

    • Magic Readings Week 10 Folder
    • Handout 10 - Astrology File
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Astrology Assignment File
    • Astrology Assignment FAQ File
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Astrology Quiz

      Reviewing the readings in Luck, compare the cosmology and world view of the astrological authors (especially Manilius) with the readings from week 9 discussing other forms of divination (especially Plutarch & Iamblichus)
      BRING BOTH SETS OF READINGS TO CLASS

      Manilius vs Plotinus (vs Iamblichus)

      Manilius vs Ptolemy (vs Plutarch)

      Ptolemy vs Vettius Valens (vs Iamblichus)

      Vettius Valens vs Plotinus (vs Plutarch)

       

      Consider the issue of magic vs. religion for this form of divination. Also, is astrology a science?  Where are the boundaries drawn?  By whom? Prepare to post to Moodle after Wednesday’s discussion.