Fate and Foreknowledge: Toward Hellenistic Astrology
The history of astrology is one of the central stories of the history of western esotericism. This episode is loosely centred on the birth of western astrology proper in Hellenistic Egypt, but takes in lots of other important matters.
Primary Sources
Physics, Metaphysics, and Ethics
This text serves as the foundation for Western natural philosophy by demanding that we identify the 'why' behind every phenomenon. Aristotle rejects the idea that the universe results from random chance. He argues that nature operates with clear purpose and that every change requires a specific caus
Nicomachean Ethics (with Averroes' Commentary)
This volume presents Aristotle's primary investigations into ethics and politics, refined by the historical commentary of Averroes and the editorial precision of Leonardo Bruni. The text moves beyond abstract theory to define the human function as an active expression of reason. It rejects the idea
Complete Works of Aristotle (Aristotelis Opera Omnia)
Aristotle’s 'Rhetoric' is far more than a manual for oratory; it is a profound exploration of human psychology and the ethical foundations of social life. By defining rhetoric as the counterpart to dialectic, Aristotle elevates persuasion from mere emotional manipulation to a structured art based on
Natural and Moral Questions, On Fate, On the Soul
In these pages, Alexander moves beyond mere commentary to defend the reality of human choice against the crushing weight of determinism. He argues that if every event is necessitated by a prior cause, the very idea of possibility loses its meaning. Readers will find a rigorous, logical defense of th
Catalogue of Greek Astrological Manuscripts, Volume 1
This volume is more than a bibliography. It is an essential key to understanding the mindset of the ancient world. The authors argue that history remains incomplete without analyzing the systems of divination that guided emperors and commoners alike. They treat the stars not as mysticism, but as a d
Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden
The Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden represents a landmark in Egyptology, serving as the latest known manuscript written in the Demotic script. Editors Griffith and Thompson argue that while its contents of magic and medicine are inherently fascinating, the text’s true value lies in its
Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden, Vol. 3
This third volume of Griffith and Thompson’s seminal work serves as the ultimate philological grimoire, providing the essential linguistic framework for interpreting one of history’s most significant magical texts. It doesn't just translate; it decodes the 'Voces Magicae'—magical words of power—and
The Philosophy of Averroes
In 'Philosophy of Averroes,' the legendary polymath Ibn Rushd presents a revolutionary defense of the intellect within the framework of religious law. He boldly claims that the Quran mandates the use of logic and demonstration, positioning philosophy as the 'milk-sister' of divine revelation. By cat
Greek Magical Papyri (Papyri Graecae Magicae)
Karl Preisendanz’s monumental edition of the Greek Magical Papyri offers an unfiltered gaze into the 'working library' of the ancient magician. Far from mere superstition, these texts present a sophisticated theurgy where practitioners employ 'voces magicae,' animal sacrifice, and solar liturgies to
Papyri Graecae Magicae (Complete)
The 'Papyri Graecae Magicae' offers an unparalleled window into the 'lived religion' of late antiquity, presenting a gritty, practical manual of sorcery far removed from abstract philosophy. This collection assembles a dizzying array of rituals—ranging from the high theurgy of self-deification to th