Classical Astrology

Astrology based on the system developed in classical antiquity. The foundations laid at that time formed the theoretical framework that astrologers continued to use for astrological interpretation well into modernity. It was only in the early part of the 20th century that some of the more basic assertions made by classical astrology came under scrutiny, which led to the development of the so-called (revised astrology).

The Greeks developed the system incorporating the circle of the zodiac, the twelve houses, the seven classical planets and the aspects (History of Astrology). Ptolemy laid the foundations of Greek astrology in his work "Tetrabiblos" which for the next 1500 years was to be the standard "bible of astrology".

The main point of criticism which the revised astrology of the 20th century levelled at the classical system was its tendency to be very judgmental. Such views make no sense and have no place in modern psychological astrology and are inappropriately discriminatory for modern studies into the human character.

However, it would be regrettable if this critical attitude were to cause modern astrologers to overlook or forget the many rich insights and accurate techniques developed by classical astrology. With this in mind, the American astrologer Robert Hand has started an initiative - Project Hindsight - with the aim of translating older astrological works to make them accessible to the modern reading public.

Many of the rules laid down in classical astrology are used in the disciplines of horary astrology and electional astrology, where the aim is to give concrete answers to concrete questions.