Classical Astrology Source Texts Reading List

Tetrabiblos gives the ancient theoretical base for signs, planets, qualities, prediction, and the philosophical defense of astrology.

Claudius Ptolemy's foundational treatise establishing systematic framework for Western astrology. Provides comprehensive explanation of astrological principles, zodiacal symbolism, planetary influences, house divisions, and interpretive methods. Combines mathematical astronomy with mystical interpretation. Tetrabiblos became standard astrological text for over 1500 years, foundational for all subsequent Western astrological tradition.

Christian Astrology is the archive's central source for horary method, houses, significators, reception, dignity, and judgment.

The first major comprehensive textbook on astrology written in English. Lilly, the most famous astrologer of the 17th century, provides an exhaustive guide to the 'art of the stars'. The work covers the foundations of the craft, Horary Astrology (the art of answering specific questions), and Natal Astrology (the study of birth charts). It remains the 'bible' of traditional astrology for practitioners today.

Astrologia Restaurata shows how seventeenth-century astrology organized natal, horary, and mundane doctrine after Lilly.

Astrologia Restaurata is William Ramesey's comprehensive defence and systematic exposition of judicial astrology, published in 1653 in four books. The first book argues for the legitimacy of astrology as a Liberal Science, the second provides foundational astrological instruction, the third treats electional astrology in exhaustive detail, and the fourth addresses mundane astrology. Written by a physician to King Charles II, the work stands as one of the most thorough English-language astrological textbooks of the 17th century, blending classical Ptolemaic doctrine with practical guidance.

Clavis Astrologiae Elimata gives a dense technical path through calculation, judgment, nativities, and astrological doctrine.

Clavis Astrologiae Elimata, or A Key to the Whole Art of Astrology (1676) is the enlarged second edition of Henry Coley's comprehensive astrological encyclopaedia, first published in 1669. Coley, who was the principal student and designated successor of William Lilly, covers all branches of the art in three parts: the principles of astrology including signs, planets, and aspects; horary and electional judgements; and natal astrology including directions and revolutions. The work includes the Rudolphine astronomical tables and was dedicated to Elias Ashmole, with an endorsing preface by William Lilly himself, making it the most authoritative continuation of the Lilly tradition.

Anima Astrologiae is useful after the larger manuals because it compresses astrological judgment into aphorisms and practical rules.

A compilation of the 146 astrological considerations of Guido Bonatti (13th-century Italian astrologer) and the choicest aphorisms of Girolamo Cardano, translated into English and methodically organized by Henry Coley under the guidance of William Lilly. Includes a new catalogue of 50 fixed stars rectified for 1700. A foundational reference text of 17th-century English horary and natal astrology.

Sibly places astrology beside physiognomy, celestial influence, and wider occult sciences in an eighteenth-century compilation.

An encyclopaedic compendium of occult knowledge from eighteenth-century England, covering judicial astrology, celestial magic, geomancy, physiognomy, and the interpretation of omens. Sibly synthesises the Western occult tradition — drawing on Agrippa, Paracelsus, and the grimoire corpus — into a single monumental work intended to bring the hidden sciences to an educated audience. A primary document of the British occult revival and a significant influence on subsequent generations of English occultists.

Raphael's Manual of Astrology shows how traditional techniques were simplified and transmitted into nineteenth-century popular astrology.

A comprehensive practical manual of astrology by "Raphael" (Robert Cross Smith), presenting natal astrology, horary astrology, and state astrology for the general reader. Claims to strip the science of medieval superstitions, offering perpetual tables for casting horoscopes without an ephemeris, rules for the doctrine of nativities, celestial directions, and remarkable example horoscopes. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. One of the most influential popular astrology manuals of the 19th century.