The History and Enduring Popularity of Astrology

By: Katherine Walker, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Katherine Walker

Whether or not you believe in the predictive powers of astrology, there can be no doubt that the ideas and terminology of stargazing have found their way into our lives and lexicons. From the days of the week to medical terminology, the language of astrology permeates our culture. So when did we first turn to the stars for answers about life on Earth? And why does an ancient practice like astrology continue to captivate us, even as we understand more about the nature of the universe than our ancestors could have ever imagined?

Join Katherine Walker for a six-lecture exploration of astrology in the global West, beginning with its ancient roots and following its permutations across history as it adapted to the needs and interests of its many practitioners. Along the way, you will see why astronomy and astrology were once inextricably connected and you’ll consider the discoveries and influences that split them into divergent ways of thinking about the heavens. You’ll also get a deeper understanding of the four major branches of astrology and the different approaches they take to answering life’s many mysteries. As you explore the different forms of astrology that have taken shape over time, you’ll touch on subjects such as:

· The impact of the Scientific Revolution on astrological thinking.

· The influence of astrology on politics and religion.

· The relationship between astrology and free will.

· Astrology as a form of popular entertainment.

· Astrological symbolism in art and literature, and more.

While astrology has been continuously practiced since ancient times, you will see how different periods saw rises and dips in in the practice’s popularity, with revivals often coinciding with cultural upheavals. From ancient Mesopotamia to the Internet Age, astrology has played a crucial role in our quest to find meaning and coherent patterns for the complex puzzle of human life.

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Alright as documentaries go.

This documentary had the basics about the beginning of astrological endeavors. it wasn't too detailed but it touched on many famous names in history and their relation to the theme. Narrator was clear in her speech and easy to follow. It could have been more but overall, I enjoyed listening to it.

Fun and detailed history of astrology!

This series was so much fun to listen to! Dr Walker is so knowledgeable on this topic and effortlessly walks listeners through important people and moments in the history of astrology. I loved hearing about the connections throughout history to today and how astrology has shaped so much of the world around us, from our media to our language. Whether you believe in the influence of the stars or not, you are sure to walk away from this series with a lot of information and respect for the changing nature of science. Highly recommend!

Astrology Was Most Important than Most of Us Think

The point that sticks with me most clearly after reading this Great Courses text is that astrology has always been with us and probably always will be. It seems impervious to the "scientific mindset". Indeed, in the early centuries of the Scientific Revolution, astrologers successfully co opted science and used it to justify their practice. Royal courts had astrologers well into the modern era. (I seem to recall that Nancy Reagan had an astrologer whose advice influenced her own advice to her husband.) Astrology has a major presence in our literature as well. This is a fascinating introduction to the topic.

Basic But Fun

It surprised me that "The Great Courses" would put their name on this. The way the subject manner is handled is like visiting Jurassic Park from an airplane and then going home.

That said, the narrator was mostly easy to listen to aside from some weird pronounciations of here and there. The words "comet," and "portent" kept throwing me because I wasn't sure what she was saying at first. Nice job over all though.

If you are looking for some background noise akin to a podcast this is for you. If you want some true depth and history, The Great Courses has a lot of other superior offerings. Hopefully we will see something like that on this subject matter in the future

Don’t lose your time

The Great Courses tend to be engaging and full of information. This is not the case. Superficial and boring.