Barbara Dunn

Joining 'arte and nature together':The Astrological Cosmology of Early Modern Astrologer-Physicians

Abstract

Astrology is a visual, linguistic and practical art. Visually, the pattern of the heavens is represented by planetary symbols, fixed stars, lots and houses, often contained within a square or a circle (an astrological figure). Linguistically, these celestial phenomena combine to form a stellar language, or script, which the artist (astrologer), reads and deciphers. The astrological figures, such as Nativities, Interrogations and Elections, are the centrepiece of their medical practice. The drawing up and reading of the relevant figures is followed by judgement and the possible prescribing of remedies.

The internal methodology of an astrological figure itself has received little attention from modern scholars. This paper considers the visual and linguistic artistry of astrologer-physicians in relation to their astrological figures, practical interactions with clients and simultaneous diagnosis and prognosis of illness. This paper interrogates the astrologer-physicians' understanding and application of the evidence contained within the figure. To what extent did they follow astrological guidelines in terms of their interpretation and response? To what extent was interpretation and response informed by their own diagnoses/prognoses, or their anticipated reception?

Biography

Prior to her astrological life, Barbara was a postgraduate at the London School of Economics. This was followed by historical research into the technical, internal methodology of astrological figures in classical, mediaeval and early modern texts. Barbara is Principal of the Qualifying Horary Practitioner and author of Horary Astrology Re-Examined: The Possibility or Impossibility of the Matter Propounded (Wessex, 2009). Currently an MA History student at Exeter University, Barbara's MA dissertation will explore the medical uses of astrology: the ways in which early modern astrologer-physicians utilised astrological figures in the diagnosis of illness, infertility and related problems.

Email: bd275@exeter.ac.uk