Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology

by Al-Biruni and translated by R. Ramsey Wright., Ballantrae Reprints

My copy is worn.

The black plastic of the spiral that holds the book together is broken at both ends, leaving about 2/3 of the binding intact. It's just sturdy enough for me and my regular referencing of it.

Al-Biruni was an Astrologer and a scholar. Living in the Middle East, he was able to interact with both Hindus and Arabs. This is a blessing, as he compared the Hindu and Western Traditions, long before James Braha.

How, wonders this brilliant Arab, Al-Biruni, may one be an Astrologer without Mathematics and Astronomy?

There is something very concise about Al Biruni's work, making it good and useful for both a student and a practising Astrologer. I would not take his teaching as the end product of all prognosticatory science. I would highly recommend as the basic reference for a new student of traditional Astrology and for a practitioner alike (used like a pocket dictionary).

Ancient Astrologers seem wise because they were so highly educated. This long text, by Al Biruni, begins with intstruction in the basics of math and geometry.

I admit, I skipped most of the first three sections. (In my defense: I don't plan to use an Astrolabe or gnomen in the next few years — I've had to revise this opinion as I bought an Astrolabe recently and hope that I will have time to study his section on the math and Astronomy, one day.)

I peruse the earlier sections when researching useful details — such as what point in sunset day becomes night, which is very useful information for early morning or late day births.

In my copy, pages 210 through 333 are dedicated to Astrology; the previous pages are dedicated to math & Astronomy.

When we moderns compare psychological Astrology to the Jyotish, we are not comparing our Astrology at its height. A lot of tools were lost in the past 300 years and particularly in the past 75 to 100 years. When Al-Biruni. compares his science with the Hindus, he has a full range of techniques to compare. He will admit when an idea seems good and when it seems futile.

Translated into English, this book is one of the rare, pre-Rennaissance texts that's been available to 20th Century Astrologers. It's also a classic work of the Arabic Astrology, written by a true master. Al Biruni practised what he preached. He also was one of the most famous interpreters of Ptolemy's Tetrabiblios.

Pass the math and reach for the Astrology if you are in a hurry (I often am). The details will surprise you and warm any scholar's heart.

Each of the seven visible planets is clearly defined in its mundane rulerships, such as dark hair, stony ground or bitter tastes (in the case of Saturn). Signs have descriptions of people, places and things they rule and describe. Aspects get a clear exposition, then later pages describe their varying strengths in different situations.

If you were to pick up this book and throw out all the rest, then practise it start to finish? you would end up an excellent Astrologer.

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You should be able to find the book through Ballantrae Books. I love this publishing house because they rescue important books and republish them. The particular page I really love — I laugh at the first paragraph — is the advice on learning Astrology. I don't agree with all the books recommended, but that said, I love scholarly nature of their title lineup. http://www.ballantrae-reprint.com/learning.htm