Introduction to Astronomy

The place in the order of learning directs the mind of the student, by instructing him what should be read once that is read, so that he does not proceed to the understanding of the disciplines unadvisedly. The genus of the science, the partition, and the number of all things, makes the path attentive and docile from the start. Since, therefore, among all the writers of this art, no one has been found hitherto who would either answer those contradicting or give an argument to those approving, there is still no one who writes the art fully. Our intention in this work is to resist the former, to give a foundation to the latter, and to make it clear and whole, so that those who subsequently devote their efforts to this craft may not desist or fail because necessary aids are lacking from different works. Because, therefore, we deemed it necessary to confirm the work with the specific names of the author and the book, we write this title and say: Introduction to Astrology by Albumasar Abalachi.

Chapter 1. 1. 5.

For what reason, and why it should be read in the first place after astronomy in astrology, namely, in the theoretical part of this art, which is principal and general, it is edited and described in the number of eight partitions, which is subdivided according to its differences. The first partition has five chapters. The first is on the invention of astrology. The second is on the effect of the motion of the stars. The third is on the quality of the effect. The fourth is on the confirmation of astrology. The fifth is on the utility of astrology.

Chapter One.

Chapter: 1

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First, therefore, it seemed necessary to explain what cause and what reason first excited and then advanced man, placed on the earth, to investigate the secret councils of the heavens. For the path was not taken by unexpected motion or sudden impulse from anywhere, nor does it seem to have been traversed without the highest expenditure of study. We divide, therefore, the whole science of the constellations and stars into a double species: in the motion of the heavens and in the effect of the motions. The first species is called universal mathematical wisdom. For it hands down the whole and perfect science of quantity and the relationship of the circles and the motions of the heavens within themselves, and its first, then to others, up to the globe of the earth. For the earth is a round, globular body, and the supreme circle, by divine power, perpetually surrounding the others contained below with their spheres, turns them day and night from the east through the west in a complete circuit. Hence, it is necessary that the Sun, through different parts of the earth, now rises for different nations and simultaneously sets, while for others it is the opposite, and for some it is day while for others it is night. For the motion of the circles between the highest and the earth is with some in the highest, and with others against it. The motion of the stars, however, is almost of every kind in opposition. But a part of the quantity and quality of the higher motions has been revealed to human senses. Hence, I calculate the beginning of all science to the reason from three places: proportion and measure; the argument necessarily brings forth the matter, where he who does not concede to this wisdom, it would follow that they are weak in sense and alien to reason. Therefore, Ptolemy hands down this universal wisdom after a certain Hamo in his book, the Almagest, after, says Albumasar...