Mathesis

Firmicus Maternus was one of the last astrological writers of Late Antiquity (330s AD), during the rich period of early Neoplatonism and the rise of Christian emperors. Drawing on some of the earliest and most renowned Hellenistic astrologers, such as Nechepso-Petosiris, Asclepius, and less known figures like Abraham, Firmicus is one of our most important sources of ancient astrological doctrine. Much of the Mathesis is found nowhere else in surviving texts. This translation was especially designed for students who have been frustrated by the incompleteness and problems of prior editions. It contains an extensive Introduction with a glossary of special terms, ongoing astrological commentary, and over 100 tables and figures to illustrate Firmicus's principles and extensive chart examples. We hope that contemporary readers will gain a new appreciation for this classic text.

Firmicus Maternus was one of the last astrological writers of Late Antiquity (330s AD), during the rich period of early Neoplatonism and the rise of Christian emperors. Drawing on some of the earliest and most renowned Hellenistic astrologers, such as Nechepso-Petosiris,Asclepius, and less known figures like Abraham, Firmicus is one of our most important sources of ancient astrological doctrine. Much of the Mathesis is found nowhere else in surviving texts. Thistranslation was especially designed for students who have been frustrated by the incompleteness and problems of prior editions. It contains an extensive Introduction with a glossary of special terms, ongoingastrological commentary, and over 100 tables and figures to illustrate Firmicus's principles and extensive chart examples. We hope that contemporary readers will gain a new appreciation for this classic text.

This book contains a translation of the Eight Books of the Mathesis by the 4th century astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus along with some useful Indexes of Occupations, the Causes of Death, and Personal Characteristics. •Book I: An essay on what astrology is •Book II: The twelve signs •Book III: Aspects and house placement of planets •Book IV: Chart Interpretation •Book V: The angles and the terms •Book VI: The aspects •Book VII: Life and death •Book VIII:The degrees of the signs The translator, James H. Holden, is a well respected astrological scholar who has translated more than twenty astrology books that were written between the 2nd and 17th centuries. He is also the author of A History of Horoscopic Astrology.

This book contains a translation of the Eight Books of the Mathesis by the 4th century astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus along with some useful Indexes of Occupations, the Causes of Death, and Personal Characteristics. •Book I: An essay on what astrology is •Book II: The twelve signs •Book III: Aspects and house placement of planets •Book IV: Chart Interpretation •Book V: The angles and the terms •Book VI: The aspects •Book VII: Life and death •Book VIII:The degrees of the signs The translator, James H. Holden, is a well respected astrological scholar who has translated more than twenty astrology books that were written between the 2nd and 17th centuries. He is also the author of A History of Horoscopic Astrology.