concocted their heresy. But since, estimating the astrological art as a powerful one, and availing themselves of the testimonies adduced by its patrons, they wish to gain reliance for their own attempted conclusions, we shall at present, as it has seemed expedient, prove the astrological art to be untenable, as our intention next is to invalidate also the Peratic system, as a branch growing out of an unstable root.
Chapter iii.
The Horoscope the Foundation of Astrology—Indiscoverability of the Horoscope—therefore the Futility of the Chaldæan Art.
The originating principle,[1] and, as it were, foundation, of the entire art, is fixing[2] the horoscope.[3] For from this are derived the rest of the cardinal points, as well as the declinations and ascensions, the triangles and squares, and the configurations of the stars in accordance with these; and from all these the predictions are taken. Whence, if the horoscope be removed, it necessarily follows that neither any celestial object is recognisable in the meridian, or at the horizon, or in the point of the heavens opposite the meridian; but if these be not comprehended, the entire system of the Chaldæans vanishes along with [them]. But that the sign of the horoscope is indiscoverable by them, we may show by a variety of arguments. For in order that this [horoscope] may be found, it is first requisite that the [time of] birth of the person falling under inspection should be firmly fixed; and secondly, that the horoscope which is to signify this should
- ↑ This passage occurs in Sextus Empiricus.
- ↑ Or, "the knowledge of."
- ↑ Horoscope (from ὥρα σκοπός) is the act of observing the aspect of the heavens at the moment of any particular birth. Hereby the astrologer alleged his ability of foretelling the future career of the person so born. The most important part of the sky for the astrologer's consideration was that sign of the Zodiac which rose above the horizon at the moment of parturition. This was the "horoscope ascendant," or "first house." The circuit of the heavens was divided into twelve "houses," or zodiacal signs.
