Hellenistic astrology got its name from the region and period in which it was practiced - Hellenistic Egypt during the Hellenistic Period. It is believed that the practice of it began some time in the 3rd century (around the time of Alexander’s conquest) until the 6th or 7th century CE, although the exact period is unknown. This type of astrology had a big influence on other types of astrology including Indian, Arabian, and European astrology.

The Origins

It was during the time of Alexander the Great’s conquest of the Persian Empire that so many different cultures came under the same rule and the same official language for the first time. Alexandria, Egypt was the center of all this multi-cultural activity. Among the thoughts and ideas that prospered from this blending of cultures was astrology. Astrologers like Berossus began doing horoscope interpretation. Yet some Hellenistic astrologers believe that it was Hermes Trismegistus, a mythical sage that was a combination of the Greek God Hermes and the Egyptian God Thoth, that created the horoscope system used during Hellenistic times and then handed the system down to Egyptian Pharaoh Nechepso and his priest Petosiris.

Subdivisions

Hellenistic astrology consists of three major subdivisions. The first subdivisions, Universal astrology, is used to predict events that will affect a large group of people, such as something weather related like a tsunami or a natural disaster such as an earthquake or disease epidemic. It can also include man made calamities such as war.

The second subdivision, Natal astrology, involves using an individual’s birth time and date to create a birth chart. This will determine not only their personality traits, but also the paths they will take in life.

The final subdivision is Katarchic astrology. This uses electional astrology, which helps individuals know the best time to do something according to their chart. A person might use electional astrology to help them pick the perfect date for their wedding. Katarchic astrology will use event astrology as well, which helps people understand all the details of a particular event.

Many aspects of Hellenistic astrology are still used today in other branches of astrology. The concept of Houses, which set Hellenistic astrology apart of other types practiced at the same time, is still used today and that was developed during the time of Hellenistic astrology. Birth charts are also still used to tell a person’s horoscope and life path. Hellenistic astrology also developed the concept of Lots. There are more than twelve lots, but the Lot of Fortune is one of the most important. It can be calculated as Ascendant + Moon - Sun.

Text that survived from the Hellenistic era is written mostly in Greek, which was the common language of that time.

A Revival

There is a push to revive Hellenistic astrology today and it is lead by Project Hindsight. Because Hellenistic astrology had such an influence on other branches, Project Hindsight feels it is necessary to preserve its teachings, theories, and techniques. Project Hindsight leaders feel that 4th century astrology Firmicus Maternus was correct in crediting Hermes Trismegistus as the founder of Hellenistic astrology, therefore, they refer to it as the “System of Hermes.” By restoring the system to its original form through translating the surviving text, today’s astrology students can see the significance of the system. Restoration can also clear up in inaccuracies that have occurred through translation over time.

Hellenistic astrology was very popular from the 3rd century to the 6th or 7th century. Its origins are still seen in many of today’s branches of astrology, including Western astrology. A rebirth of the original text of Hellenistic astrology gives today’s students a completely new appreciation of its importance.

Keywords:

Hellenistic astrology, Hellenistic Period, Alexandria, natal astrology, universal astrology, katarchic astrology, Project Hindsight, Hermes Trismegistus, astrological houses

Summary

Modern day astrology was very much affected by the Hellenistic period and its horoscope system. Project Hindsight hopes to educate today’s astrologers about Hellenistic astrology.