SCI - Astrology, Alchemy, & the Four Humors (Lesson)

Astrology, Alchemy, & the Four Humors.

In order to understand the drastic changes presented in the Scientific Revolution, we must first take a look at science up until that point - much of which was based on magic and superstition.

First, two terms you should know:

• Occult meant what was hidden or not easily seen, did not have the "dark" connotation that it has now
• Magic/Magi for the Persians, and then others, it represented universal wisdom

Why is this important? We need to understand that magic was not seen then the way it is seen now. Magic was a looser term that referred to a holding of knowledge, not the typical performing of tricks or witchcraft vision it is associated with now. Once we look at Magic as having "universal wisdom," we can see how it can be tied to early forms of science.

 

Hermetic Corpus.

Rediscovered in the 15th century, the Hermetic Corpus is perhaps best known for reviving the idea of Neoplatonism. (A theory which combines Christ and the Church with magic.)

 

Neoplatonism and the "Great Chain of Being."

The Great Chain of Being refers to how some early scientists see the universe move and was, to some degree, the basis for Descartes' deductive reasoning on the existence of God. Therefore, it is important that you understand the basic theory. This pre-Renaissance theory places all things in their proper place based on the spirituality or perfection of its make up. At the top of the Great Chain is God as God is all spiritual (perfect), next on the chain are the angels which were almost all spiritual (almost perfect). There were levels of angels based on spirituality (archangels to cherubs). Next came man, who are part spiritual and part physical (King highest of men on great chain-hence the justification for Divine Right of Kings). Animals were next as they are more physical than spiritual (lion the top of the animal chain which is why so many Kings adopted the lion as their family symbol). Plants are next down the line (rose at the top) and then minerals (gold at the top). When you look at the explanation for the Great Chain, Rene Descartes' philosophical sequencing makes more sense to the modern mind.

Magicians could manipulate the Great Chain, the magician then becomes priestlike. They saw the task of magic is to unite earthly things with heavenly things.

Types of Magic:

• Geomancy = earth
• Aeromancy = air/wind
• Hydromancy = water
• Pyromancy = fire
• Necromancy = dealings with the dead
• Astrology = the cosmos

 

Astrology.

• Not a distinct branch of science
• No distinction between Astrology and Astronomy
• Popular classes think more highly of astrology (had to hide the fact you were an astronomer)

2 types emerge

1. Natural Astrology – mathematical, science, astral influenced
2. Judicial Astrology – relatively precise predictions, more concerned with individuals than the planet as a whole

Types of predictions

• nativities/genethetical – based on when & where you were born
• Horary – position of planets at the time the question was made
• elections and inceptives – reading that looks for future
• Horoscope
• Judicial astrology is usually more accurate (1/6 of clients were nobility)

Astrology and religion viewed each other with suspicion; many clerics would denounce judicial astrology as impious as each have conflicting explanations for events. The Church believed events occurred due to God's will, while astrologers credited it to the path of the stars. Soon, Astrologers began looking into delicate church matters (such as nativities for Christ.) Nativities seemed to take away free will – you will follow the path the stars have set out for you, whereas the Church wanted to retain free will so as to give you the ability to choose a correct path or gain redemption for your previous sins. Astrologers respond noting that in fact the path is not absolute (if you pray to god you can overturn it), but the Church worries about the potential for chaos (people unrepentant because it was "in the stars".)

By 16th & 17th century people begin going to Astrologers for what they had originally gone to church for. 

 

Alchemy.

Alchemy was developed after years of experimentation with chemicals. While Alchemy may appear to be similar to or a forerunner of Chemistry, in fact chemical theories have nothing to do with Alchemical theories. It does however, give way to future techniques of Chemistry.

Alchemy originated in Ancient China and the Chinese assumed all the west knew of alchemy. Yet, there is no mention of it in ancient texts. It is not until 1144 and the translation of the Arabic Book of the Composition of Alchemy, that the practice became widespread within Europe.

As a practice, Alchemy is interested in elements, in particular mixing elements together to create something else. In the east (Asia), the goal was to create eternal life, in the West (Europe), the goal was to create gold. Regardless of what was to be obtained, in order to create it, the Alchemist needed the correct materials - typically considered to be: mercury, sulphur, salt, and gold, mixed with a philosophers stone (elixir vitae.) The philosopher's stone was seen as being from the origins of life – prima material and thus the key ingredient necessary for success.

At it's heart, Alchemy was a very rigid practice with a definitive process.

 

Considering themselves "noble" scientists, Alchemists followed this path:

1. say prayers and invoke God prior to experimenting
2. contemplate nature
3. create preparations (start mixing)
4. way of using (when successful and what you do with it)
5. the use and the profit (profit is strictly forbidden)

 

Paracelsus.

Paracelsus is perhaps the most famous of the alchemists. Having a bit of an ego, he adopted the name "Paracelsus" to represent how far he had surpassed the well-known Ancient Greek alchemist - Celsus. The name literally translates to "Above Celsus."

Paracelsus used "drugs" to cure ailments, and believed alchemy was created by Adam, having found biblical support to substantiate this. He redefined a world in which everything leads to him and determined sulfur, mercury, and salt are the three elements that make up all things. He often used mercury to cure illnesses to great success, however many of his patients ultimately died of mercury poisoning.

 

 

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GREAT CHAIN OF BEING IMAGE FROM PROFESSOR ROBERT HATCH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.