Larisa Grollemond, assistant curator at the J. Paul Getty Museum, discusses her exhibit on medieval astrology. She reveals how astrology influenced daily life in medieval Europe, from elite decisions to agricultural practices. Larisa highlights the historical connection between astrology and astronomy, and how they diverged as sciences over time. The conversation explores the lasting impact of zodiac signs on personal identity and the human quest for celestial guidance, showcasing that ancient beliefs still resonate today.
Astrology played a crucial role in medieval life, guiding decisions from agriculture to health while serving as a communal framework for timing activities.
The medieval intertwining of astrology and astronomy fostered a scholarly approach that legitimized astrology as a serious field of study, influencing societal practices significantly.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Astrology and Daily Life in the Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, astrology was intricately woven into the fabric of daily life, influencing everything from medical decisions to everyday activities. People utilized astrology not only for personal insights but also as a practical framework for timing agricultural tasks and planning events based on the zodiac signs. Unlike contemporary views that see astrology as a mere personality quiz, medieval astrology served as a seasonal guide, providing communal direction on the best times for various actions. This historical perspective reveals how astrology was viewed as a critical tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of life.
Astrology as an Academic Pursuit
During the medieval period, astrology was largely regarded as a branch of astronomy, blurring lines between scientific inquiry and mystical interpretation. Educated elites and literate individuals engaged deeply with astrological literature, developing a sophisticated understanding of celestial movements and their implications on earthly affairs. This scholarly approach legitimized astrology as a serious field of study and allowed for the creation of texts that provided practical advice on health, diet, and lifestyle based on astrological signs. As literacy increased, a wider audience gained access to astrological knowledge, which began to shape everyday practices in significant ways.
The Gradual Separation of Astrology and Astronomy
The divide between astrology and astronomy developed over several centuries, particularly with advancements in observational technology that allowed for more precise understanding of celestial mechanics. Initially intertwined, these fields began to separate around the Enlightenment, culminating in a clear distinction by the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite this separation, modern astrologers often possess a robust knowledge of astronomical principles, indicating an ongoing relationship between the two. This evolution reflects a broader historical trend of how scientific understanding influences societal beliefs and practices over time.
Rising Signs: The Medieval Science of Astrology, a new exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, takes a look at medieval manuscripts to showcase the importance of astrology to the period’s elites. Larisa Grollemond, an assistant curator at the museum, takes us through the impact of astrology on day-to-day decisions and the way it became tied up in the medieval obsession with humoral balances. Plus, we discuss how today’s astrology split from the modern science of astronomy.
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman with guest Larisa Grollemond, an assistant curator at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Our show is edited by Fonda Mwangi with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.