Astrology: The Hermetic Context of Hájek’s Work

Abstract

In Astrologia opuscula antiqua (1564), Hájek brought together three astrological treatises and furnished them with commentaries. The first two texts form a sort of elementary astrological encyclopaedia, while the third is supplemented by extensive commentaries. Hájek’s introduction and commentaries outline a coherent world view, according to which the Sun, the Moon, and the planets influence earthly events through a network of sympathetic and antipathetic relations, which has an impact also on the balance of humours which determine human health. Astrology can thus be applied not only to predicting future events but also in medicine, where it helps with choosing appropriate treatments or composing effective medicaments. The book provides a background for Hájek’s various scientific and academic interests.