- Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Arkana (29 Sep 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0140194800
- ISBN-13: 978-0140194807
- Product Dimensions: 19.3 x 12.7 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,132,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
This study is an account of what is known of Babylonian astrology, retelling a lot of Mesopotamian material that has been buried in abstruse academic tones. Although it is most specifically about Mesopotamian astrology, it also tells the story of the discovery in the 19th century of this ancient city, and describes what is known of their culture. The second part of the book focuses on each of the seven major deities of their religion - their myths, cults and omenology, and how much of these ancient Babylonian interpretations of the gods natures has survived in modern astrology.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I have to admit that I am an avid fan of Michael Baigent, and would purchase any book of his, even if it were on gardening. This book is a highly readable, lucid venture into the history of this ancient land, its customs, religion, astrology, government, etc.
It is sad, indeed, as Mr. Baigent writes, that the possibility of new discoveries in Harran are sadly impossible today, and may remain so for decades to come because governmental strictures and religious bias keep the light of knowledge dimmed.
Because of his chapter "From Babylon to Botticelli", I have become quite interested in George Gemistos, aka "Plethon", of whom I had not learned about in other books I have on Marcilio Ficino. I am now pursuing that further, thanks to Mr. Baigent.
I have one question: on page 202, regarding the Corpus Hermeticum, there seems to be a discrepancy whether it was just the Poimandre that Ficino was able to translate for Cosimo, or the whole collection. Some authors write as if the entire work was translated, while others write that it was specifically the Poimandre. Mr. Baigent is not clear on this.
The chapter dealing with Sumerian astrology demonstrates the similarities between their observations of the sky as a portent of possibilities, and the Egyptian knowledge of precession of the stars. Does this mean that the Sumerians also had knowledge of precession?
From the Omens of Babylon makes it clear that ancient knowledge is extremely important if we are to understand ourselves, and how we have been influenced by that history - not just in a mundane sense. It raises questions of how knowledge could have been disseminated. Did the ancient Sabians feel it was important to finally write their oral knowledge, and was that knowledge taken to Constantinople just before it fell into the hands of the Turks, and thence taken to Europe, influencing the Gnostics there? I find it interesting that the Corpus Hermiticum was delivered into Cosimo d' Medici's hands at the advent of the printing press.
Even though Isaac Casaubon (in1614) criticized the Gnostic writings' of the Hermetica as dating from the post Christian era, the knowledge contained therein is obviously far older; a point Casaubon seems to have missed. And that knowledge has its roots in ancient Babylon.
I have since purchased a new English translation of the Hermetica, and I think other readers of From the Omens of Babylon will be compelled to read further. Thank you, Michael Baigent.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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2 reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Diligent work packaged in a readable manner
26 Oct 2001
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This book is divided into two sections. The first deals with scholars, archaeology and the ancient near east. It discusses the relevant texts and provides an outline of the practice of the diviner and their role in the courts and ancient society. The next section is pure astrology/cosmology, planet by planet. What makes this book remarkable is the fact that it presents a lot of scholarly information in a very easy-to-read manner. Some scholarly books can get dry making it difficult to follow to all except only to those who are most passionate about the subject material. This author attempts to bridge the gap and his approach would probably even make a casual reader interested. The book explores a subject which still has room for development, but for those not patient enough to search through libraries for reprints of older journals, this book in an approachable overview. Highly recommended to those interested in the ancient near east society or religion or those interested in astrology.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Nice study of Babylonian mythology/astrology
16 July 1996
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is a wonderfully written little book taking you through
the famous texts of ancient Babylon. The authors tell us
how their astrology worked, and how it affected their national
priorities. You'll understand how the Babylonians viewed
the cosmos and the respect they had for their world.
the famous texts of ancient Babylon. The authors tell us
how their astrology worked, and how it affected their national
priorities. You'll understand how the Babylonians viewed
the cosmos and the respect they had for their world.
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