In the question whether atrology was ever sanctioned or tolerated in the
medieval chruch, I think it is important to distinguish between several
varieties of astrology.
As far as I know, astrology for medicinal purposes, making meterological
forcasts, and agricultural purposes (knowing the right time to sow and
reap) was considered a respectable science, and was taught at the arts
faculty of the universities as well.
Astrology for personal purposes (drawing a horoscope) may have been quite
another matter; it certainly would be frowned upon by eccleciastical
authorities.
Yet the line was perhaps difficult to draw. We may quote the example of
Geert Grote, who upon his conversion in c. 1372, condemned his studies at
the arts faculty in Paris as "magic", and was convinced that it was
severe sin.
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Frans van Liere
Department of History
College of Charleston 0 Bee Street
Charleston SC 29424 Charleston SC 29403
tel. (803) 953-1354 (803) 723-4051
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