Astrology as a Social Framework

The ‘Children of Planets’, 1400–1600

Authors

  • Geoffrey Shamos University of Pennsylvania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jsrnc.v7i4.434

Keywords:

‘Children of the Planets’, cultural astrology, Mercury, Antwerp, Early Modern and/or Renaissance, Engraving, Abu Ma’shar

Abstract

During the Early Modern period, many believed that the seven planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the sun, and the moon—affected the course of terrestrial events and determined the temperament, complexion, profession, and even the manner of death of individuals. Such concepts were depicted by artists in a series of images commonly referred to as the ‘Children of the Planets’. By merging scientific knowledge and popular imagery, the convention helped to shape the contemporary understanding of the cosmos. Astrology is often described in terms of the correspondence between the macrocosm and the microcosm or the universe and the individual, but by linking diverse individuals according to mutual planetary affiliations, the ‘Children of the Planets’ also offered a system for categorizing corporate identity and defining social relations.

Author Biography

  • Geoffrey Shamos, University of Pennsylvania
    PhD candidate

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Published

2014-03-13

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Shamos, G. (2014). Astrology as a Social Framework: The ‘Children of Planets’, 1400–1600. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, 7(4), 434-460. https://doi.org/10.1558/jsrnc.v7i4.434

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