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Tag: Roman

  • The Evolution of Venus: from garden goddess to mother of Rome

    The article details the dramatic evolution of the Roman goddess Venus, who originated not as a major Olympian but as a humble native Italic spirit of gardens, vineyards, and springtime fertility. Her transformation began when the Romans syncretized her with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, adopting the myths of love and beauty.

    However, her most significant evolution was political: the Julian clan, including Caesar and Augustus, claimed her as their divine ancestor (Venus Genetrix) through the Trojan hero Aeneas. This propaganda recast her from a goddess of love into the divine mother of Rome and a symbol of imperial peace and power, reflecting how her narrative was reshaped to serve the state’s ambition.

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  • Astrology was Ancient by the Time the Romans Started Using it.

    Salvete,

    I am Pisces.

    Pisces. We all know it means fish. But why do we not use fish as the name of this sign?

    I am studying Latin, which is why I’m immersed in everything Ancient Roman. Otherwise, I’d be studying astrology texts much more ancient. Is astrology as ancient as civilization?

    Piscis means fish in Latin (I learned this on Duolingo), and Pisces is the plural form of the word. Latin grammar is complex, and other forms of this word were used in different times that we don’t use today. For example, piscem, but that’s beside the point.

    Ancient Roman Astrology. My research

    Ancient Roman astrology, like many aspects of Roman culture, was heavily influenced by Greek traditions. The Romans adopted and adapted Greek astrological practices, incorporating them into their religious beliefs, political decisions, and daily lives. Here are some key points about ancient Roman astrology:

    1. Greek Influence: Ancient Roman astrology was largely based on Greek astrology, which originated in Mesopotamia and was later developed by the Greeks. Greek astrological texts, such as those attributed to the legendary sage Hermes Trismegistus, were translated into Latin and circulated widely in the Roman Empire.
    2. Planetary Influences: Ancient Roman astrologers believed that the movements and positions of celestial bodies, particularly the planets and stars, had a profound influence on human affairs and events on Earth. Each planet was associated with specific qualities, such as Mars with war and aggression, Venus with love and beauty, and Saturn with restriction and discipline.
    3. Natal Astrology: Natal astrology, which involves interpreting the positions of celestial bodies at the time of a person’s birth, was widely practiced in ancient Rome. Astrologers would create astrological charts, known as horoscopes, to analyze an individual’s personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and potential future events.
    4. Political Astrology: Astrology played a significant role in Roman politics and governance. Emperors and political leaders often consulted astrologers for advice and guidance on matters of state, such as military campaigns, succession, and the timing of important events.
    5. Astrological Texts: While many ancient Roman astrological texts have been lost over time, some survive in fragments or in later medieval manuscripts. One of the most famous astrological texts used in Ancient Rome is “Tetrabiblos” by the Greek-Egyptian astrologer Claudius Ptolemy, which was widely read and studied in the Roman Empire.

    Learning about Roman astrology:

    To learn more about ancient Roman astrology, you can explore ancient texts on astrology that have been translated into English or other modern languages. Some recommended resources include:

    • “The Anthology of Vettius Valens: A Roman Astrologer” translated by Robert Schmidt
    • “The Astrological World of the Greeks and Romans” by James H. Holden
    • “A History of Western Astrology” by S. J. Tester

    Additionally, you can consult academic journals and articles on ancient astrology for scholarly insights and research findings. By delving into these sources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of ancient Roman astrology and its impact on Roman society and culture.

    Hermes Trismegistus is the Egyptian Thoth

    Hermes Trismegistus, also known as Thoth-Hermes in the Greek-Egyptian tradition, is a legendary figure who was believed to be the author of a vast body of wisdom literature, including works on astrology, alchemy, magic, and philosophy. In Egyptian mythology, Thoth was the god of wisdom, writing, and magic, while in Greek mythology, Hermes was the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers, merchants, and thieves.

    The fusion of these two figures, Hermes and Thoth, resulted in the creation of Hermes Trismegistus, whose name means “Thrice-Great Hermes.” He was revered as a divine teacher and the source of esoteric knowledge in both Egyptian and Greek traditions. The Hermetic writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, such as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Asclepius, were highly influential in the development of Western esotericism, including astrology, alchemy, and mysticism.

    While the historical existence of Hermes Trismegistus as a single individual is debated among scholars, his mythical status as a repository of ancient wisdom has had a profound impact on Western intellectual and spiritual traditions.

    Whether scholars believe in Hermes Trismegistus or not is unimportant. We still find wisdom in these writings and they’re still widely studied today.

    PS. The Latin texts were translated, and thus, they would not have been the most accurate.

    Finally, did the Christians destroy Latin Ancient Roman texts.

    Amor et Lux (Love and light in Latin),

    Eve