Book Reviews

The Fated Sky by Benson Brobrick

Simply put, this is one of the best books on astrology I have ever read. Everyone who calls themselves a student of the craft should read it. For traditional astrologers, it is an absolute must. And for anyone interested in the role astrology has played in culture it is a darned good read. Why? Written by a historian (not an astrologer), The Fated Sky covers the entire course of Western astrology - from origins in Greece to developments in Arabic countries; back to Europe, its height in the medieval centuries and Renaissance; its downfall in the so-called enlightenment, and its revival in the present day. Though there are other histories of Western astrology in print, this is the best. All along the way are tales of all the colorful characters who were masters of this sacred science. Even skeptics will be impressed by the long list of distinguished rulers who sought advice from astrologers - virtually every Roman Emperor, popes, cardinals, and the royalty of Europe such as Catherine de Medici, Queen Elizabeth, the Danish royal family ... the list goes on and on. The names of famous intellects and artists who knew of astrology is even more impressive: Plato (tutored by an astrologer in his old age), Ptolemy, St Thomas Aquinas, Copernicus, Kepler and Shakespeare all were not just aware but deeply versed in the science of the stars.  

Benson Brobrick is not an astrologer, yet he has presented a very thorough and fair account of astrology. His work is suitable for both advanced astrologers and curious skeptics alike. Realizing that many readers will fall into the latter category, his frame of reference is that like it or not astrology has played a tremendous role in the history of the West. For this reason alone it deserves attention and study. He illustrates astrology's influence with so many authentic examples of documented predictions, some quite stunning in detail, that anyone reading with an open mind will be tempted to investigate further.

While modern astrologers may be a bit put off by the traditional emphasis, the stories of people who predicted death of themselves or others to the day or warned of calamity to kings years in advance make us aware of the true potential and historical role of astrology. For centuries the power of astrology was the ability of its practitioners to predict. Kings didn't see astrologers to get a description of their psychological complexes; they wanted to know what was going to happen.

To his credit Brobrick talked to contemporary astrologers and quotes Robert Zoller and John Frawley, two of the foremost traditional astrologers alive today. My only criticism of the book is that Brobrick ignored or was not able to talk to two astrologers - both women - who advised rulers in the late 20th century. Joan Quigley advised the Reagans, and Elizabeth Tessier of France advised both Francois Mitterand and Juan Carlos the King of Spain. Both women are mentioned in passing, but it would have been fascinating to hear more from them on their role as royal astrologers of the present day. 

Since I am an avid astrologer, most gratifying was reading many stories of people who have been similarly captivated by this sacred science. One person was so enraptured by astrology that for two years he completely dedicated himself to learning, even taking his meals in study. For those who have experienced even just a spark of a similar yet perhaps less monastic passion, get thee immediately to The Fated Sky.

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