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Abu Mashar Al-BalkhiPersian mathematician, astronomer and astrologer
Date of Birth: 10.08.0787
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi
- Early Life and Education
- Major Works
- Influence on European Astrology
- Hermeticism and Syncretism
- Identification of Prophets
- Astronomical Success
- Medieval Astrological Hagiography
- Authorship and Attribution
Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi
Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi (c. 787-886 CE) was a renowned Persian mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer. Known in Europe as Albumasar, he left an enduring mark on the world of astrology.
Early Life and Education
Born in Balkh, Persia, Abu Ma'shar pursued his intellectual interests from a young age. He traveled extensively, spending a decade in Benares studying Indian astronomy and honing his astrological skills.
Major Works
Abu Ma'shar penned several influential works, including:- "Zij al-Kabir" (Great Astronomical Tables)
- "Zij al-Miadii wa al-Daqiq" (Astronomical Tables for Precise Junctions)
- "Kitab Hay'at al-Falak al-Kabiira" (Book on the Spherical Form of the Heavens and the Variations in Its Risings)
- "Kitab Tashih al-A'mal ba al-Kawkab al-Ithna Ashar" (Book on the Rectification of Celestial Calculations for the Twelve Luminaries)
- "Introductorium in Astronmiam" (Introduction to Astronomy), a Latin translation of "Kitab al-mudkhal al-kabir ila 'ilm ahkam an-nujjum" (Introduction to the Science of the Stars)
Influence on European Astrology
Abu Ma'shar's "Introductorium in Astronmiam" was the first comprehensive exposition of astrology in Europe. Translated into Latin in 1133 and 1140, it introduced Western scholars to the intricate concepts of astrological prediction.
Hermeticism and Syncretism
Abu Ma'shar's work reflected the influence of Hermeticism, a Hellenistic religious and philosophical tradition. He combined elements of Sabaean Hermeticism, Persian chronology, Islam, Greek science, and Mesopotamian astrology in his astrological system.
Identification of Prophets
Abu Ma'shar proposed the identification of the ancient prophet Idris with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus, a significant figure in Hermeticism and Western alchemy.
Astronomical Success
As an astrological practitioner, Abu Ma'shar enjoyed immense success throughout the Middle East. He consulted with rulers in India, Persia, Arabia, and Egypt, providing them with astrological guidance and prognostications.
Medieval Astrological Hagiography
Abu Ma'shar's life and teachings were chronicled in the "Memorabilia" by his student Abu Sa'id Shadhan. This work, known to medieval scholars as "Abu Ma'shar in the Account of Sadan," presented Abu Ma'shar as an omniscient sage, well-versed in the history and techniques of astrology.
Authorship and Attribution
While Abu Ma'shar has been credited with the work "Prediction of the Revolutions of Years and Nativities," this text is actually the work of al-Kindi, his contemporary.
