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Basically, Hellenistic astrology is a system of astrology that was explicated, practiced and advanced in the Mediterranean and Hellenistic Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, the intellectual and noetic center, during the later part of the 2nd or early 1st century BCE (Before the Common, Christian, or Current Era ).

According to some books, Hellenistic period officially ended in the early part of the Common Era, however, despite of this, the astrology that was developed during the said period has still continued until the 6th or 7th century CE (Common, Christian, or Current Era).

Historically, writings pertaining to Hellenistic astrology were actually in Greek and at times in Latin. Typically, such writings about Hellenistic astrology included some predictions by various calculations and observations involving astral phenomenon.

The History

Hellenistic astrology has evolved mainly in Alexandria. However, according to some records, it has originated much in the ancient Babylonians together with their system of celestial omens. Consequently, it has later on propagated to other places found in India, China and Greece through the Babylonians themselves. Historically, it was in Greece where the system have emerged together with some preexisting indigenous astrology forms.

Consequently, after propagating in Greece during the early middle of the 4th century BCE, the system was then mixed with the Egyptian tradition of Decanic astrology in the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE after the Alexandrian conquests to eventually create horoscopic astrology. Basically, being horoscopic by nature, the system employed the use of the twelve celestial houses, the ascendant or the horoskopos (”hour marker”) in Greek, and the natal chart based on the position of the planets and stars at the time of one’s birth.

Later on, the new form of astrology which is more horoscopic has conquered the ancient world of Europe, the Middle East and India and has experienced few fundamental changes through the efforts of some later traditions.

Few Mythical Origins

There are a few mythical origins related to Hellenistic astrology. One of which is the one by several Hellenistic astrologers in which creation of Hellenistic astrology was linked to Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical wise man. Historically, it was believed that Hermes has amazingly written texts that have contributed to the evolution of Hellenistic astrology. There were also some stories relating Hermes to the development of the houses and their meaning which made Hellenistic astrology distinct and apart from the rest of other systems.

Consequently, after Hermes, the said system was passed to Asclepius, another mythical figure popular in Hermetic writings.

For some reasons, after Asclepius, the system was passed to Nechepso, an Egyptian pharaoh, and his priest Petosiris. According to Firmicus Maternus, both have written several major textbooks that served many purposes and have actually further developed the system.

Astrology and Rome

Because of Greek influence, astrology in Rome came into being. Historically, of all the places, it was Babylonia or Chaldea that was much associated with astrology. Thus, it is never surprising why the “Chaldaean wisdom” became very synonymous with the divination by way of the planets and stars.

Aside from Babylonia or Chaldea, there was the Imperial Rome that was also much associated. In fact, one of the most significant proofs is the Roman emperor Tiberius who had his destiny predicted for him at birth, and very much trusted astrologers like Thrasyllus of Mendes. There was also the eminent presence of ephemeris, a table of values that gives the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at a given time, by which most Romans became independent.

However, during the later years of the presence of astrology in Rome, a certain Roman emperor named Claudius, has favored augury, the art or practice of an augur, and eventually has banned astrologers from Rome. Thus, after which, to be known as a “Chaldaean” is also to be known of being somebody with a less willful stratagem.

Hellenistic Astrology to India and Europe

In history, it was believed that it was on the 1st century CE when Hellenistic astrology was passed to India. Basically, it was combined with both the indigenous lunar astrology of the Nakshatras and the preexisting tradition of Babylonian astrology.

For the record, Hellenistic astrology was practiced from the 2nd century BCE until the 7th century CE, the period when Europe entered the Middle Ages. Consequently, it was passed to and further advanced by individuals Islamic Empire starting from the 7th century up to the 13th century.

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