The Daimon in Hellenistic astrology : Origins and influence
This dissertation explores the concept of the daimon within Hellenistic astrological theory and practice. It investigates how the daimon, as a cultural, philosophical and religious phenomenon, shaped the theory and practice of Hellenistic astrology; and, in turn, how Hellenistic astrology further developed, as well as mirrored and reinforced, concepts of the daimon in the Greco-Roman era and Late Antiquity. The concept of the daimon is complex and of multivalent significance: there are good daimons, bad daimons and even a personal guiding daimon popularised by Plato. This multivalency is also expressed within the theory and practice of astrology. Places in the astrological chart signify what is provided by good and bad daimons. The daimon's connection with fate is expressed in astrology through predictions of life expectancy, prosperity, happiness (in Greek, eudaimonia, 'having a good daimon') and character. The daimon, mostly via Plato, but with other influences as well, has an important link to lots and allotment; we find this link mirrored in astrological practice through the technique of lots, especially the Lots of Fortune and Daimon. The Neo-Platonist polymath Porphyry tries to find a personal daimon
Greenbaum, Dorian Gieseler
The Daimon in Hellenistic astrology : Origins and influence. This dissertation explores the concept of the daimon within Hellenistic astrological theory and practice. It investigates how the daimon, as a cultural, philosophical and religious phenomenon, shaped the theory and practice of Hellenistic astrology; and, in turn, how Hellenistic astrology further developed, as well as mirrored and reinforced, concepts of the daimon in the Greco-Roman era and Late Antiquity. The concept of the daimon is complex and of multivalent significance: there are good daimons, bad daimons and even a personal guiding daimon popularised by Plato. This multivalency is also expressed within the theory and practice of astrology. Places in the astrological chart signify what is provided by good and bad daimons. The daimon's connection with fate is expressed in astrology through predictions of life expectancy, prosperity, happiness (in Greek, eudaimonia, 'having a good daimon') and character. The daimon, mostly via Plato, but with other influences as well, has an important link to lots and allotment; we find this link mirrored in astrological practice through the technique of lots, especially the Lots of Fortune and Daimon. The Neo-Platonist polymath Porphyry tries to find a personal daimon
hellenistic astrology origins influence explores concept within hellenistic astrological theory_practice investigates cultural philosophical religious_phenomenon shape theory_practice hellenistic astrology turn hellenistic astrology develop well mirror reinforce concepts greco roman_era late_antiquity concept complex significance good bad even personal popularise plato also express within theory_practice astrology places astrological chart signify provide_good bad connection fate express astrology prediction life expectancy prosperity happiness greek good character mostly via plato influence well important link lot link mirror astrological practice technique lot especially fortune neo try personal