Podcast episode

April 7, 2021

Episode 116: Plotinus on Astrology with Marilynn Lawrence

Porphyry (Plot. 15) mentions that Plotinus is well-read in, but sceptical of, horoscopic astrology. Here is what he has to say:

He applied himself to the rules (or tables, κανόσιν) of the stars, not too much on the mathematical side, but more thoroughly as regards natal horoscope-making (γενεθλιαλόγων ἀποτελεσματικοῖς). Having ascertained the unreliability of their claims, he did not hold back from questioning many of the [claims made] in their writings.

This is interesting. Porphyry himself was, as we shall see later in the podcast, deeply given to astrology. But what about Plotinus? As it happens, we have three texts in which he gives us what amounts to (almost) a theory of what works in astrology, what doesn’t work, and why.

In this interview we discuss Plotinus’ take on the theory and practice of astrology with Marilynn Lawrence, who has published extensively on both Hellenistic astrology generally and on Plotinus’ take on it in particular. She takes us through our texts (Enneads III.1[3]. IV.4[28], and II.3[52]) in chronological order, filling in gaps in our understanding with a detailed depth of knowledge of the Hellenistic astrological tradition along the way.

Interview Bio:

Marilynn Lawrence is an independent scholar working on Late Platonism, ancient astrology, and other interesting stuff. Her article on Hellenistic Astrology for the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy is an excellent introduction to the subject.

Works Cited in this Interview:

Aside from Enneads III.1[3]. IV.4[28], and II.3[52], Marilynn mentions:

• Sextus Empiricus uses arguments from Carneades (the Hellenistic Academic Sceptic philosopher, c. 213-129 BCE) against astrology: see Pros astrologous, Book 5 of Pros mathêmatikous, often cited by its Latin title Contra mathematicos.

Recommended Reading:

• Peter Adamson. Plotinus on Astrology. Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy, 35:265– 91, 2008.
• Richard Dufour. Présentation à Traité 52 (II, 3). In Luc Brisson and Jean-Francois Pradeau, editors, Plotin: Traités 51-54. Porphyre: Vie de Plotin, pages 109–19. Flammarion, Paris, 2010.
• Marilynn Lawrence. Who Thought the Stars are Causes? The Astrological Doctrine Criticized by Plotinus. In J.F. Finamore and R.M. Berchman, editors, Metaphysical Patterns in Platonism: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern Times, pages 17– 33. University Press of the South, 2007.
• Idem. The Young Gods: The Stars and Planets in Platonic Treatment of Fate. In M. Achard, W. J. Hankey, and J.-M. Narbonne, editors, Perspectives sur le néoplatonisme, pages 95–110. Presses de l’Université Laval, Quebec, 2009.
• Idem. The Place of Chance or Fortune in Platonic Fate. In J.F. Finamore and R.M. Berchman, editors, Conversations Platonic and Neoplatonic: Intellect, Soul, and Nature. Papers from the 6th Annual Conference of the International Society for Neoplatonic Studies, pages 87–101. Academia Verlag, Sankt Augustin, 2011.

Themes

Astral Influences, Astral Magic, Astral Religion, Astrology, Fate, Firmicus Maternus, Interview, Late Platonism, Platonism, Plotinus, Porphyry, Ptolemy, Soul, Stoicism, Sympathy, Vettius Valens