Hymn for Astrologers

Andrew

May 30

I'm currently reading through Julius Firmicus Maturnus's Mathēsis in the Ben Dykes translation which came out relatively recently. At the end of Book I, there's a prayer to the planets to ask for the blessings of heaven to come down on the emperor Constantine the Great (who died in AD 337, just a few years after the composition of Mathēsis) to solve the problems of the world. The prayer also asks for the imperial system of governance that the Roman Empire represented, to continue perpetually until the end of the world, constantly getting better.

I don't live in the Roman Empire, which is sort of proof-positive that the prayer failed. But in terms of basic structure, it's a really nice prayer — identifying and calling on first the Sun and Moon, and then the five lesser visible planets, to provide for good government that's motivated by a level of personal virtue; and also to provide to the reciting astrologer the skills necessary to deliver on astrology's promises — to help clients and self live better and more effective lives.

So I wrote my own version of the same prayer:

Hymn for Astrologers

Sun best and greatest, heaven's middle heat, who minds and moderates, leads and commands, who sets stars whirling to the cosmic beat and makes harmony with diligent hands; You also, Moon, in heaven's lowest range, in dignity mirroring Solar rays  and constantly stirring the seed to sprout; And also Saturn, at heaven's far grange who leadenly numbers all mortal days and turns lively youth to desert and drought.  And Jupiter too, on Law's rocky ledge, who gladdens earth and with mercy tempers the deeds of Mars, who delights in sword's edge, the wounded men's cries, the captives' whimpers. Hail to you, too, Venus who loves and laughs, and Mercury too, of quicksilver tongue,  faithful companions of Sun on his road! Set good governance among noble crafts, both in distant provinces far-flung, and wherever leaders make their abode!  Make their decisions lucky and informed, tending to good, and posterity's need, rather than by personal vice deformed, the longings of lust, and envy, and greed. Instead, breathe essence of godly genius into our lungs when we speak of the stars, or expound out the wisdom of sages. Though astrology seems mysterious, Let my words be skillful at healing scars, launching loves and careers, or breaking cages.