Astrology has captivated humanity for eons, offering insights into personality, compatibility, and fate.
In this collection of 77 extraordinary pro-astrology quotes, we celebrate the wisdom and wonder of this ancient practice that continues to inspire millions today.
While modern astrology often faces skepticism, much of the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of its roots.
As outlined in this article, “Debate With an Astrology Skeptic,” the negative perception of astrology is understandable—today’s interpretations often ignore the statistical principle that correlation does not always imply causation, and the correlation is sometimes purely by chance.
Yet, skeptics rarely dig deeper into astrology’s golden era during the Middle Ages, when it thrived as a true science grounded in meticulous pattern recognition.
Join me as we bridge the past and present with these powerful quotes, shedding light on astrology’s enduring allure and intellectual legacy.
“The positions of certain planets at the time of birth do show statistical correlations with human professions, such as Mars with athletes.” Michel Gauquelin (1928–1991) – Psychologist and Statistician
Source: The Scientific Basis of Astrology (Stein and Day, 1969). Note: Gauquelin, a trained scientist, conducted statistical studies suggesting planetary symbolic impact. Gauquelin’s “Mars Effect” study analyzed birth data of over 2,000 prominent athletes, finding a statistically significant correlation between Mars’ position in certain sectors (e.g., near the ascendant or midheaven) and athletic success. His findings have been subject to extensive scrutiny and replication attempts. Some criticized his work, while others (e.g., German astrologer Peter Niehenke and psychologist Suitbert Ertel) defended his work. His research remains a rare modern scientific nod toward astrology. My view is that Gauquelin had the right idea; a potent and well-placed natal Mars can symbolize athletic prowess. However, Mars is only one indicator of patterns that symbolize famous champion athletes. The following must also be considered: the relative health of the natal Mars, what it’s connected to in the natal patterns, the subject’s collective timing, and much more.
“Millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do.” J.P. Morgan (1837–1913) – Financier and First Billionaire
Source: Evangeline Adams, The Bowl of Heaven (1926). Note: Adams, an astrologer who advised J.P. Morgan, successfully defended astrology as a science in a New York court in 1914.
“Astrology is astronomy brought down to earth and applied toward the affairs of man.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) – Poet and Essayist
Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays and Lectures (1836). Note: Emerson’s writings often bridged cosmic and human connections.
“Courteous Reader, Astrology is one of the most ancient Sciences, held in high esteem of old, by the Wise and the Great.” Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) – Founding Father of The United States of America
Source: Poor Richard’s Almanack (published annually 1733–1758), edited by Franklin, and available in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin (Yale University Press). Note: Franklin included astrological forecasts in his popular almanacs.
Until the 17th century, astrology and astronomy were scholarly twins—astronomy provided data, and astrology interpreted it.
From the time of the Age of Reason onward, support of astrology by the scientific community waned. The Scientific Revolution involved a gradual shift in how astronomy (intertwined with astrology) was practiced, often challenging Church-supported cosmological views, while astrology’s separation from astronomy seemed to evolve organically as new empirical methods took hold.
The start of the Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, began around the time of the publication of René Descartes’ Discourse on the Method in 1637, which introduced his method of systematically disbelieving everything unless there was a well-founded reason for accepting it and featured his famous dictum, “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”). The Enlightenment continued through most of the 18th century. Others cite the publication of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica in 1687 as the culmination of the Scientific Revolution and the beginning of the Enlightenment.
The work of Tycho Brahe (1546–1601), Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), and Johannes Kepler (1571–1630), all of whom were practicing astrologers, indirectly supported the scientific shift away from astrology by prioritizing data. Their work prioritized predictive accuracy (e.g., planetary positions) over astrology’s qualitative forecasts.
By the late 17th century, as Newtonian physics emerged, most scientists had abandoned astrology. The redefinition of science prevailed through the pretense of “logic,” and astrology (and numerology, known then as mysticism involving numbers) was sent to the sidelines.
Brahe’s precise observations of planetary positions (pre-telescope) provided data for Kepler’s laws. He practiced astrology extensively, blending it with astronomy.
Galileo’s telescopic observations (e.g., Jupiter’s moons, Venus’s phases) in Sidereus Nuncius(1610) supported Copernicanism, directly challenging the Church’s geocentric doctrine. Galileo’s 17th-century work epitomized the Scientific Revolution’s empirical turn. His focus on observation and mathematics helped shift astronomy away from astrological forecasting. Ironically, he was a talented astrologer who advised nobles, including the Medici family (see Galileo’s quote below).
While teaching at the University of Padua, Galileo practiced astrology to earn extra income, as documented in his account books. Additionally, Galileo was investigated by the Venetian Inquisition in 1604 for practicing a deterministic form of astrology, though the charges were dropped. The Church opposed “fatalistic” interpretations of astrological predictions. The Venetian Inquisition was a tribunal established jointly by the Venetian government and the Catholic Church to repress heresy throughout the Republic of Venice. It also intervened in cases of prohibited books, superstition, and witchcraft. Interestingly, Pope Sylvester II (946–1003) introduced Arabic astrology, a very deterministic form of astrology, to Europe in the Middle Ages (see Pope Sylvester II’s quote below). It seems there have always been different factions within religious authority structures, with conflicting viewpoints.
Kepler’s laws of planetary motion (first published in Astronomia Nova [1609]) refined Copernicanism with elliptical orbits, grounding astronomy in precise mathematics and observation, further distancing astronomy from astrology’s predictive methods.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines science as “knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method.” Also, it defines the scientific method as “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.” The forms of astrology I work with (complex protocols involving pattern recognition) are empirically based: “…objective collection of data through observation and experiment and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.” Thus, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the astrology I utilize (the same type that Tycho Brahe, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and many others utilized) in my systems of analysis is a science. However, it’s understandable why conventional science rejects today’s astrology; I, too, dismiss superficial forms (Sun sign astrology, horoscopes, etc.) of astrology.
“The reason they don’t pay attention to it (astrology) is that it would embarrass them in front of their colleagues. There’s no proven body of facts…that says human behavior does not contain elements that are related to planetary patterns at the time of birth. Instead, there’s a broad and arrogant understanding among social science professionals that folklore, like astrology, is for simpletons. Without doing any simple experiments to test some of the tenets of astrology, it has been completely ignored by psychologists in the last two centuries…Most of them are under the false impression that it is non-scientific and not a fit subject for their serious study. They are dead wrong. Whether or not the present-day practitioners of astrology are using scientific methods has no direct bearing on whether the body of knowledge they employ is true and valid.” Dr. Kary Banks Mullis (1944–2019) – Biochemist and Nobel Laureate
Source: Dancing Naked in the Mind Field by Kary Mullis (Pantheon Books, 1998), Chapter 10, where he discusses his views on astrology and critiques the scientific community’s dismissal of it.
“Science is as corruptible a human activity as any other. Its practitioners aren’t saints, they’re human beings, and they do what human beings do—lie, cheat, steal…sue, hide data, fake data, overstate their own importance, and denigrate opposing views unfairly. That’s human nature. It isn’t going to change.” Michael Crichton (1942–2008) – Author and Physician
Source: Michael Crichton, Next (HarperCollins, 2006). Note: This quote reflects Crichton’s recurring critique of scientific integrity, a theme also explored in his other works like State of Fear.
“I have studied the matter. You, sir, have not.” (Said in defense of astrology to skeptic Edmund Halley) Sir Isaac Newton (1643–1727) – Physicist
Source: Reported in historical anecdotes and referenced in biographies like Isaac Newton by James Gleick (Vintage, 2004). Note: Newton’s interest in astrology is documented in his personal papers. He also translated Hermes Trismegistus’ (see quotes below) The Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smaragdina),(1680).
“The stars are the lanterns of God’s providence, illuminating the paths of men; their study is a sacred art bestowed by the ancients.” Henry Coley (1633–1704) – English Astrologer and Mathematician
Source: Clavis Astrologiae Elimata (London, 1676). Note: Coley, a student of William Lilly (see quotes below) and thus part of Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) extended lineage, emphasized astrology’s mathematical and spiritual dimensions.
“The stars are the alphabet of God’s law, and their study reveals the order of creation to those who seek wisdom.” John Gadbury (1627–1704) – English Astrologer
Source: Nauticum Astrologicum (London, 1674). Note: Gadbury, a contemporary of Nicholas Culpeper (see quote below) and influenced by the astrological tradition stemming from Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) work, used astrology for navigation and prediction.
“The planets rule the tides of life, yet the soul, illumined by grace, may ride their waves to the shores of eternity.” Elias Ashmole (1617–1692) – Antiquarian and Astrologer
Source: Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, edited by Ashmole (London, 1652). Note: Ashmole, a collector of astrological manuscripts and student of William Lilly (see quotes below), saw astrology as part of a broader esoteric tradition, reflecting Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) views.
“The heavens declare the will of the Creator, and the astrologer, as interpreter, reveals the threads of destiny woven by the stars.” Nicholas Culpeper (1616–1654) – Herbalist and Astrologer
Source: Culpeper’s Astrological Judgement of Diseases (London, 1651). Note: Culpeper, a popular English astrologer, integrated Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) medical astrology (from De vita) into his practice, emphasizing astrology’s role in health and fate.
“The stars rule men, but the wise man rules the stars through knowledge of their motions.” William Lilly (1602–1681) – Astrologer and Scientist
Source: William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647), Book I. Note: Lilly, though primarily an astrologer, applied systematic observation akin to early scientific methods, bridging the disciplines. A famous English astrologer, Lilly defended astrology as a rigorous discipline in his influential works.
“Astrology is a science noble and ancient, grounded in the observation of the stars and their effects upon mankind.” William Lilly (1602–1681) – Astrologer and Scientist
Source: William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647), Book I (modern reprint by Astrology Classics, 2004).
“The planets are the voices of the divine choir, and their aspects teach us the art of living in accord with the universal soul.” William Lilly (1602–1681) – Astrologer and Scientist
Source: Christian Astrology, Book I (London, 1647). Note: Lilly, a prominent English practitioner, was indirectly influenced by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) legacy, viewing it as a practical and spiritual discipline rooted in ancient theology.
“The soul of the newly born baby is marked for life by the pattern of the stars at the moment it comes into the world, unconsciously remembers it, and remains sensitive to the return of configurations of a similar kind.” Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) – Astronomer
Source: Johannes Kepler, Harmonies of the World (1619), Book IV. Note: Kepler practiced astrology alongside his astronomical work.
“I have cast horoscopes for many a nobleman and have found the stars to reveal truths that earthly observations alone cannot.” Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) – Astronomer, Physicist, Engineer, and Astrologer
Source: Attributed in astrological histories and tied to Galileo’s documented practice of astrology for patrons like the Medici family. Note: No direct primary text survives with this exact wording, but Galileo’s horoscopes are preserved in archives (e.g., University of Florence). Galileo made significant contributions to the sciences of motion, astronomy, and to the development of the scientific method. He is often referred to as the father of observational astronomy, modern-era classical physics, the scientific method, and modern science.
“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” William Shakespeare (1564–1616) – Playwright
Source: Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene II (1599). Note: While not an outright endorsement of astrology, this reflects the Elizabethan era’s acceptance of astrology’s role in human affairs.
“Astrology, if it were rightly understood and reformed, might be a tolerable science.” Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) – English Philosopher
Source: Sir Francis Bacon, De Augmentis Scientiarum (1623). Note: Sir Francis Bacon is often considered one of the founders of modern scientific research and the scientific method.
“The celestial bodies pour forth their virtues upon the earth, and the astrologer, as priest of nature, interprets their sacred dance.” Christopher Heydon (1561–1623) – English Astrologer
Source: A Defence of Judiciall Astrologie (Cambridge, 1603). Note: Heydon, influenced by the Renaissance astrological texts Marsilio Ficino (see quotes below) helped revive, defended astrology against skepticism, aligning it with divine will.
“The stars are the eyes of the divine, watching over the world; their aspects guide the physician to heal and the sage to prophesy.” Richard Napier (1559–1634) – Clergyman and Astrologer
Source: Casebooks, as documented in The Casebooks of Richard Napier, edited by Michael MacDonald (Oxford, 1981). Note: Napier, a student of Simon Forman (see quote below) and thus indirectly tied to Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) tradition via English astrology, used astrology extensively in his medical and spiritual practice.
“The heavens are a living scripture, and the astrologer, versed in their language, discerns the divine purpose in every motion.” Simon Forman (1552–1611) – English Astrologer and Physician
Source: The Autobiography and Personal Diary of Dr. Simon Forman, edited by James Orchard Halliwell (London, 1849). Note: Forman, influenced by the Renaissance revival of astrology inspired by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) translations, applied astrological principles to medicine and divination.
“The universe is a living image of God, and the stars, as its vital spirits, move all things below; through their contemplation, we ascend to the infinite intellect.” Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) – Philosopher, Cosmologist, and Astrologer
Source: De l’infinito, universo e mondi (On the Infinite, Universe, and Worlds), translated by Dorothea Waley Singer (London, 1950). Note: Bruno was inspired by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) translations of Plato and the Corpus Hermeticum. His view of astrology aligns with Ficino’s.
“The stars incline us, they do not bind us; yet their inclinations are mighty and worthy of heed.” Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) – Astronomer
Source: Tycho Brahe: A Picture of Scientific Life and Work in the Sixteenth Century by J.L.E. Dreyer (1890). Note: Brahe’s astrological predictions for European royalty are well-recorded.
“The motions of the stars do govern much of what transpires here below, and by them we may know God’s will.” John Dee (1527–1608) – Mathematician and Astrologer
Source: The Queen’s Conjurer: The Science and Magic of Dr. John Dee by Benjamin Woolley (2001). Note: Dee’s work for Queen Elizabeth I included astrological consultations.
“The celestial spheres sing the glory of God, and their motions, rightly understood, unveil the hidden causes of all earthly events.” John Dee (1527–1608) – Mathematician and Astrologer
Source: Propaedeumata Aphoristica, translated by Wayne Shumaker in John Dee on Astronomy (University of California Press, 1978). Note: Dee, influenced by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) translations and the Hermetic tradition, used astrology in his work for Queen Elizabeth I, viewing astrology as a bridge between divine and earthly realms.
“The stars foretell tomorrow’s fate, and by their motion we may know the hidden things.” Nostradamus (1503–1566) – Physician and Seer
Source: Nostradamus, Les Prophéties (1555). Note: Nostradamus’ work blended astrology with prophecy, widely influential in his time.
“The stars are the physicians of the heavens, and their influence heals or harms the body below.” Paracelsus (1493–1541) – Physician and Alchemist
Source: Paracelsus, Astronomia Magna (1537–1538). Note: Paracelsus integrated astrology into his medical theories, emphasizing celestial effects on health. Instead of astrology affecting people or circumstances, Paracelsus viewed the human being as a microcosm mirroring the macrocosm, with an “inner heaven” of stars and spiritual forces corresponding to the external celestial realm. The inner heaven governs the individual’s vitality, soul, and destiny, reflecting the divine structure of the universe. In other words, Paracelsus believed astrology symbolizes instead of making things happen. Clearly, Paracelsus embraced the Hermetic tradition and drew upon his Hermetic roots (see quote by Hermes Trismegistus below).
“The celestial bodies are the instruments of the divine mind, and by their virtues, the magician may draw down their powers to perfect the soul and heal the body.” Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa (1486–1535) – Occultist and Astrologer
Source: De occulta philosophia libri tres (Three Books of Occult Philosophy), Book I, translated by James Freake (London, 1651). Note: Agrippa, influenced by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) De vita libri tres and the Hermetic tradition, saw astrology as part of a broader magical practice. His emphasis on harnessing planetary virtues mirrors Ficino’s practical astrology, rooted in Ficino’s theology.
“The stars have their own language, and their positions at birth may signify much about a man’s life.” Copernicus (1473–1543) – Astronomer
Source: Linked to his student Rheticus’ astrological interests in Copernicus: A Biography by A. Armitage (1952). Note: Copernicus focused on heliocentrism, but his era (and those before him) and circle (e.g., Rheticus) blended astrology with astronomy.
“The heavens are a book written by the finger of God, and the planets, as divine letters, reveal to the learned the secrets of creation and the governance of human affairs.” Johannes Trithemius (1462–1516) – Abbot, Occultist, and Astrologer
Source: Steganographia, Book I, translated by Adam McLean (Edinburgh, 1982). Note: Trithemius, though not directly trained by Marsilio Ficino (see quotes below), was deeply influenced by the Hermetic tradition Ficino championed. His work reflects the same reverence for astrology as a divine language and a means to discern divine order.
“The planets are the seals of God’s will, and their configurations at birth reveal the destiny entrusted to each soul.” Domenico Maria Novara (1454–1504) – Astronomer and Astrologer
Source: Attributed through Copernicus’ notes, as cited by Edward Rosen in Copernicus and His Successors (1995). Note: Novara, a teacher of Copernicus (see quote above) and influenced by Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) work, practiced judicial astrology, viewing planetary positions as divine indicators.
“The celestial influences shape the body and its fortunes, yet the wise man, taught by the ancients, may master them through virtue and understanding.” Lodovico Lazzarelli (1447–1500) – Poet and Astrologer
Source: Crater Hermetis, translated by Claudio Moreschini in From Hermes to Ficino (2003). Note: Lazzarelli, a student of Marsilio Ficino’s (see quotes below) Hermetic teachings, blended astrology with poetry and mysticism.
“The stars are the instruments of divine harmony, and through their contemplation, we may draw the soul closer to the eternal beauty of God.” Cristoforo Landino (1424–1498) – Scholar and Astrologer
Source: Disputationes Camaldulenses, translated by Thomas H. Stahel in Cristoforo Landino: His Works and Thought (1972). Note: Landino, a close associate of Marsilio Ficino (see quotes below) in the Florentine Platonic Academy, integrated astrology into his humanistic studies, echoing Ficino’s view of the cosmos as a reflection of divine order. The Florentine Platonic Academy, also known as the Platonic Academy of Florence, was an informal discussion group that formed around Marsilio Ficino, funded by Cosimo de’ Medici around 1462.
“This century, like a golden age, has restored to light the liberal arts, which were almost extinct: grammar, poetry, rhetoric, painting, sculpture, architecture, music … this century appears to have perfected astrology.” Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) – Philosopher, Priest, and Astrologer
Source: Letter to Paul of Middelburg, in The Letters of Marsilio Ficino, Vol. 1, translated by the Language Department of the School of Economic Science (Shepheard-Walwyn, 1975). Note: Written in 1492, this reflects Ficino’s belief that the end of the Middle Ages marked astrology’s culmination, alongside other disciplines, elevating it to a refined art and science.
“The heavens in their entirety are within us, in whom the light of life and the origin of heaven dwell.” Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) – Philosopher, Priest, and Astrologer
Source: Three Books on Life (De Vita Libri Tres), Book III: De Vita Coelitus Comparanda, translated by Carol V. Kaske and John R. Clark (Renaissance Society of America, 1989). Note: Ficino argues here for a profound interconnection between the human soul and the cosmos, a central concept of his astrological practice, suggesting that celestial influences are not external but resonate within us. See related quote by Hermes Trismegistus, below (“That which is below is like that which is above, and that which is above is like that which is below…”).
“Among philosophers he first turned from physical and mathematical topics to contemplation of things divine, and he was the first to discuss with great wisdom the majesty of God, the order of demons, and the transformations of souls. Thus, he (Hermes Trismegistus) was called the first author of theology, and Orpheus followed him, taking second place in the ancient theology. After Aglaophemus, Pythagoras came next in theological succession, having been initiated into the rites of Orpheus, and he was followed by Philolaus, teacher of our divine Plato. In this way, from a wondrous line of six theologians emerged a single system of ancient theology, harmonious in every part.” Marsilio Ficino (1433–1499) – Philosopher, Priest, and Astrologer
Source: Theologia Platonica (Platonic Theology), Book XVII, translated by Michael J. B. Allen and John Warden (Harvard University Press, 2006). Note: In this passage, Ficino traces a lineage of ancient theology from Hermes Trismegistus to Plato, emphasizing a unified philosophical and spiritual tradition that influenced his own synthesis of Neoplatonism, astrology, and Christian thought. He was the first to translate Plato’s works into Latin. This quote reflects Ficino’s reverence for a prisca theologia (ancient theology), a concept central to his intellectual project; his broader work integrates astrology as a tool for understanding divine order. The term “Neoplatonism” is a modern term; Ficino and others simply embraced Plato’s (see quotes below) doctrines.
“For whiche the white Lion is figured, that is the Sonne, whiche is in the height of the firmament.” Geoffrey Chaucer (1343–1400) – Poet
Source: Geoffrey Chaucer, A Treatise on the Astrolabe (1391. Note: Chaucer’s technical guide demonstrates astrology’s practical use in medieval life, linking celestial bodies to earthly meaning. His work shaped 16th-century thought; Chaucer wrote this for his son, showing astrology’s practical use.
“The heavens call to you, and wheel about you, displaying to you their eternal splendors.” Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) – Poet
Source: Alighieri Dante, The Divine Comedy: Purgatorio (1310), Canto I. Note: Dante’s work reflects astrology’s role in medieval cosmology, portraying celestial influence on human destiny.
“The science of the stars is the most noble and useful of all sciences, for by it we may know the will of God and the course of human affairs, which are ruled by the celestial bodies.” Guido Bonatti (1210–1296) – Italian Astrologer and Advisor to Rulers
Source: Guido Bonatti Liber Astronomiae (Book of Astronomy) (1277). Note: Bonatti’s comprehensive text was a cornerstone of medieval astrology, influencing scholars like Dante.
“The motions of the heavens govern the generation and corruption of things below, and astrology reveals this truth.” Roger Bacon (1214–1292) – Philosopher and Scientist
Source: Roger Bacon, Opus Majus (1267), Part IV. Note: Bacon advocated for astrology as a legitimate science within medieval scholarship. He faced opposition from within the Franciscan order and the broader intellectual community of his time; he defended judicial astrology against charges of astrological determinism. Bishop Étienne Tempier issued a condemnation against astrological determinism, which created a climate of suspicion against Bacon’s work. Bacon contended that seemingly magical effects could be explained through natural processes instead of demonic assistance, thereby naturalizing them and defending their usefulness. Bacon’s advocacy for a more empirical approach to science often put him at odds with the established academic and religious authorities of his time.
“The celestial bodies are the cause of all that takes place in the sublunar world.” Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) – Theologian and Philosopher
Source: Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (1265–1274), Part I, Question 115, Article 3. Note: Aquinas endorsed astrology’s influence on physical events, though he distinguished it from free will in spiritual matters.
“The stars incline the events of the world, and he who understands them gains wisdom over nature.” Albertus Magnus (c. 1200–1280) – Scholar and Theologian
Source: The Speculum Astronomiae and Its Enigma (P. Zambelli, 1992). Note: Albertus defended astrology as a natural science, influencing medieval thought.
“The stars and their configurations affect the body and the temperament, as the sages have long known.” Maimonides (1138–1204) – Philosopher and Physician
Source: The Guide for the Perplexed (M. Friedländer, 1904).
“The stars are not silent; they speak to the soul of man and guide his path through the cosmos.” Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) – Mystic and Polymath
Source: Hildegard of Bingen, Scivias (1151). Note: Scivias is an illustrated work by Hildegard von Bingen describing 26 religious visions she experienced. Hildegard saw celestial influences as part of divine creation, blending astrology with mysticism.
“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and the knowledge of the stars and their judgments is a great gift bestowed upon us to understand His creation.” Abraham ibn Ezra (1089–1161) – Jewish Polymath and Astrologer
Source: Reshit Ḥokhmah (The Beginning of Wisdom), a key astrological treatise translated and edited by Shlomo Sela (2017). Note: Ibn Ezra’s work integrated Arabic astrology into Jewish scholarship, emphasizing its divine purpose.
“The stars are the instruments of God’s will, and their study perfects our understanding of His creation.” Gerbert of Aurillac (Pope Sylvester II) (946–1003) – Scholar and Pope
Source: The Abacus and the Cross: The Story of the Pope Who Brought the Light of Science to the Dark Ages by N. Brown (2010). Note: Gerbert studied Arabic astronomy and astrology, introducing it to medieval Europe.
“The planets exert their powers upon the earth, and the wise man learns from their configurations.” Thabit ibn Qurra (836–901) – Mathematician and Astronomer
Source: Thabit ibn Qurra: Science and Philosophy in Ninth-Century Baghdad (R. Rashed, 2009).
“The stars govern the times and seasons, and their study reveals truths hidden from the unlearned.” Hermann of Reichenau (1013–1054) – Scholar and Monk
Source: Hermann of Reichenau: The Life and Works (M. McCarthy, 2008).
“The stars are signs of divine reason, guiding the course of human life through their patterns.” John Scotus Eriugena (815–877) – Irish Philosopher
Source: John Scotus Eriugena: Periphyseon (I.P. Sheldon-Williams, 1987). Note: Eriugena’s Neoplatonic view tied astrology to divine order.
“The celestial bodies influence the terrestrial, and astrology is the science that interprets these effects.” Al-Kindi (801–873) – Arab Philosopher
Source: Al-Kindi: The Philosophical Works (P. Adamson, 2011). Note: Al-Kindi viewed astrology as a rational study of cosmic causation.
“The movements of the stars are the causes of what happens in this world, and through them we foresee the future.” Albumasar (Abu Ma’shar) (787–886) – Persian Astrologer
Source: Albumasar (Abu Ma’shar), The Great Introduction to Astrology (850). Note: Albumasar’s work bridged classical and Islamic astrology, influencing medieval Europe.
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and their motions instruct us in the affairs of earth.” Alcuin of York (735–804) – Scholar and Advisor to Charlemagne.
Source: Alcuin of York: His Life and Letters (S. Allott, 1974). Note: Alcuin supported astrology as part of the Carolingian Renaissance’s revival of learning.
“The courses of the stars affect the seasons and the lives of men, as God has ordained in His creation.” Bede (673–735) – Monk and Historian
Source: Bede: The Reckoning of Time (F. Wallis, 1999).
“The stars signify the events of the world, and their study is a noble pursuit for understanding nature.” Isidore of Seville (560–636) – Scholar and Bishop
Source: The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville (S. Barney et al., 2006). Note: Isidore compiled classical knowledge, including astrology, as part of natural science.
“The stars above guide the fates below, and their order reveals the divine plan to those who study them.” Boethius (477–524) – Roman Philosopher
Source: Boethius: The Consolation of Philosophy (V.E. Watts, 1969). Note: Boethius linked celestial harmony to human destiny, influencing medieval thought.
“The stars are like letters in a celestial script, signifying events to those who can interpret them.” Plotinus (204–270 AD) – Neoplatonic Philosopher
Source: Plotinus: The Enneads (S. MacKenna, 1969).
“The positions of the stars at the moment of birth affect the body’s humors and its fate.” Galen (129–216 AD) – Greek Physician
Source: Galen: Selected Works (P.N. Singer, 1997). Note: Galen integrated astrology into medical diagnosis and treatment.
“The configurations of the stars at the time of birth determine the temperament and constitution of the body.” Galen (129–216 AD) – Greek Physician
Source: On the Natural Faculties, translated by A.J. Brock (1916), though exact phrasing appears in medieval commentaries like those of Hunayn ibn Ishaq.
“The stars incline the soul at birth, and their patterns reveal the course of life to those who read them.” Vettius Valens (120–175 AD) – Greek Astrologer
Source: Vettius Valens, Anthologies (150–175 AD), Book I. Note: Valens’ practical horoscopes advanced astrology’s technical application.
“The fates rule the world, and the stars are their decree; by them we live and learn our destiny.” Manilius (1st century AD) – Roman Poet
Source: Manilius: Astronomica (G.P. Goold, 1977). Note: Manilius’ epic poem celebrated astrology as a divine science.
“The ambient influences all things, and the wise man may use the stars to foresee and prepare.” Ptolemy (100–170 AD) – Greek-Roman Astronomer and Astrologer
Source: Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos. Note: Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos systematized astrology, making it a cornerstone of Western tradition. Within Ptolemy’s Almagest, his scholarly text on astronomy, Ptolemy explains that he had access to eclipse records kept for over 800 years since the beginning of the reign of Babylonian king Nabonassar, which began noon on February 26, 747 BC, in the Julian calendar. Nabonassar’s reign is significant as it marks the reform of the Babylonian calendar and the introduction of regular calculated months, harmonized with the solar year. In chapter 9 of the Tetrabiblos Ptolemy shows knowledge of the Babylonian lore that accompanied these records in detailing the omens based on visual phenomena.
“The stars govern the seasons and the fates, and their study is a noble pursuit for the wise.” Cicero (106–43 BC) – Roman Orator
Source: Cicero: On Divination (W.A. Falconer, 1923).
“The heavenly bodies are causes of what happens here below, influencing the elements and living things.” Aristotle (384–322 BC) – Greek Philosopher
Source: The Complete Works of Aristotle (J. Barnes, 1984). Note: Aristotle’s theory of celestial influence underpinned later astrological thought.
“Perhaps there is a pattern set up in the heavens for one who desires to see it, and having seen it, to find one in himself.” Plato (428–348 BC) – Greek Philosopher
Source: Plato: Timaeus and Critias (D. Lee, 1977). Note: Plato’s cosmology suggested a connection between astrological patterns and the soul.
“The stars in the heavens are divine and eternal, and their motions govern the affairs of men below.” Plato (428–348 BC) – Greek Philosopher
Source: Timaeus, translated by Benjamin Jowett (1871).
“The celestial fire at the center moves the stars, and their order dictates the measure of nature and the fates of the world below.” Philolaus (c. 470–385 BC) – Pythagorean Philosopher
Source: Based on fragments preserved in Johannes Stobaeus’ Eclogues, translated by Thomas Taylor in The Mystical Hymns of Orpheus (1824). Note: Philolaus’ theory of a central fire and orbiting bodies reflects a cosmological view that influenced astrological interpretations.
“The eternal essence of number governs the stars, and through their cycles, the divine providence shapes the lives of all beings.” Pythagoras (570–495 BC) – Philosopher and Mathematician
Source: Derived from The Sacred Discourse, as referenced by Iamblichus in Life of Pythagoras, translated by Thomas Taylor (1818). Note: Pythagoras’ cosmology tied numbers to celestial harmony, laying a foundation for astrology’s mathematical basis.
“The heavens reveal the mysteries of the gods, and by their motions, the initiated may discern the paths of destiny.” Aglaophemus (Pre-6th Century BC) – Orphic Initiator and Mystic
Source: Inferred from Iamblichus’ Life of Pythagoras, translated by Thomas Taylor (1818), where Aglaophemus is noted as Pythagoras’ teacher in celestial mysteries. Note: Aglaophemus, though obscure, is traditionally linked to Orphic rites and the transmission of astrological wisdom to Pythagoras.
“The stars sing the will of the divine, and through their harmony, the fates of men are woven into the eternal tapestry of the cosmos.” Orpheus (Mythical Poet and Prophet) – Legendary Founder of Orphism
Source: Attributed through the Orphic Hymns, translated by Thomas Taylor in The Mystical Hymns of Orpheus (1824). Note: Orpheus, a figure of Greek mythology, is credited with poetry and hymns that link celestial movements to divine order, influencing later astrological thought through Orphism.
“That which is below is like that which is above, and that which is above is like that which is below, to accomplish the miracles of one thing.” Hermes Trismegistus (Legendary Hellenistic Figure) – Attributed Author of the Hermetica Corpus, a series of texts that form the foundation of Hermeticism.
Source: The Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smaragdina), translated by Isaac Newton (1680), as preserved in The Hermetica: The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy (1999). Note: This foundational Hermetic principle, often linked to astrology, underscores the correspondence between celestial and earthly realms. It blends Egyptian and Greek wisdom, influencing Western esoteric traditions. The Emerald Tablet became a cornerstone of alchemy and astrology in medieval Europe. The principle supports astrology by suggesting that the astrological patterns (above) mirror human affairs (below).
“The Sun and Moon, next unto God, are the life of all things living; yet many nativities have no hyleg, yet because the Sun and Moon friendly behold their ascendant, or be therein free from affliction, their lives shall be the longer continued.” Hermes Trismegistus (Legendary Hellenistic Figure) – Attributed Author of the Hermetica Corpus
Source: The Centiloquium of Hermes Trismegistus, translated and preserved in medieval astrological traditions. Note: The Hermetic texts, particularly those concerned with astrology, have played a crucial role in the development of Western esoteric traditions. Hermes Trismegistus is a legendary figure who is believed to have lived before the Hellenistic period and Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (305 BC). However, the exact dates of his life are uncertain, and he is often considered a union of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth.
“A physician without the knowledge of astrology has no right to call himself a physician.” Hippocrates (460–370 BC) – Greek Physician
Source: Hippocratic Writings (G.E.R. Lloyd, 1983). Note: Hippocrates linked celestial symbolism to health, foundational to Greco-Roman medicine.
“The sun is new each day, and its path through the stars shapes the fates of men.” Heraclitus (535–475 BC) – Greek Philosopher
Source: The Presocratic Philosophers (G.S. Kirk, 1983). Note: Heraclitus’ cosmic focus implied a link between celestial cycles and human life.
“The stars are the eyes of Ahura Mazda, watching and guiding the righteous path of the world.” Zoroaster (1200–1000 BC) – Persian Prophet
Source: The Hymns of Zarathustra (J. Duchesne-Guillemin, 1952).
“The stars are God’s signs in the firmament, set to mark the times and seasons of His people.” Moses (1400–1200 BC, traditional) – Hebrew Prophet
Source: Genesis 1:14 (attributed to Moses’ authorship), cited in The Torah (Jewish Publication Society, 1962).
“The stars of Ra shine upon my reign, their paths decree victory and eternal life.” Thutmose III (1479–1425 BC) – Egyptian Pharaoh
Source: Inscriptions at Karnak Temple, cited in The Monuments of Egypt and Nubia (J. Baines, 2000). Note: Egyptian rulers linked their fates to celestial events, as seen in star clocks and temple alignments.
“The nakshatras [lunar mansions] guide the soul, their light reveals the karma of all beings.” Agastya (1500 BC) – Vedic Sage
Source: Vedic hymns in Rigveda (1500 BC), attributed to Agastya, cited in The Rig Veda (R.T.H. Griffith, 1896). Note: Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) emerged from stellar observations in this period.
“The tablets of the sky decree the fates, and the stars are written for kings and men.” Anu (1500 BC, mythological attribution) – Mesopotamian Sky God (via priests).
Source: Enuma Anu Enlil (1500 BC), a Babylonian omen series, cited in Mesopotamian Astrology(Koch-Westenholz, 1995).
“The gods have set the stars in the sky to mark the fates of men, and their signs are just.” Hammurabi (1810–1750 BC) – Babylonian King
Source: The Code of Hammurabi prologue (1750 BC), which invokes celestial deities like Shamash, cited in The Code of Hammurabi (L.W. King, 1910).
“The stars align the waters and the earth; their harmony brings prosperity to the land.” Yu the Great (2200–2100 BC) – Chinese Ruler
Source: Shujing (Book of Documents), attributed to Confucius, but it is more likely to be a composite work compiled over time. Cited in The Shoo King (J. Legge, 1865). Note: Early Chinese astronomy, linked to Yu’s flood control, influenced later astrology.
“The stars of heaven are my guides, and through them, Inanna reveals her will.”Enheduanna (2285–2250 BC) – Sumerian High Priestess and Poet
Source: Inanna, Lady of Largest Heart: Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna (B. Meador, 2000). Note: Enheduanna, the earliest named author in history, linked celestial bodies (e.g., Venus/Inanna) to divine influence, an astrological concept.
“The heavens speak through their lights, and the wise heed their signs for healing and order.” Imhotep (2650–2600 BC) – Egyptian Polymath
Source: Attributed in later Egyptian tradition, cited in Imhotep: The Egyptian God of Medicine (J. Hurry, 1926). Note: Imhotep was venerated in this period; his legacy tied astronomy to medicine.
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