Overview
Overview
This module examines images of astrology found in illuminated manuscripts, astrological charts and talismans, playing cards, prints, maps, paintings and tapestries, as well as in architecture in the broad global early modern world to explore their political, medical, divinatory, and magical use.
Considering the early modern Western astrology as the result of the intercultural exchanges from Greece, Babylon and India to the rest of the world via images and texts that translated diverse ideas on natural philosophy, the students will learn key concepts from Renaissance Neoplatonism and Hermeticism to discuss the reception of astrological knowledge in a variety of everyday objects.
Students will also reflect on the role of astrological images in the transmission of Western knowledge (deemed magical or scientific) via colonisation, as well as on the influence that early modern celestial observations taken forth by cutting–edge artifacts and novel circumnavigations around the world had on the global shaping of astrological imagery.
Time, Date, and Place
This lecture-only module comprises of two lectures per week over one term, commencing the week beginning 15 September 2025. Lectures take place on Trinity campus.
Course Fees
€170 full rate, €90 concession rate. The concession rate is available to all those retired, over 65s and those on a government pension/payment plan and the unwaged, including second and third level students.
Apply
Enrolments for this course will open in mid-August at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses
You may apply online or by telephone as follows:
Online: Register and pay by credit/debit card online after enrolments open at: www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/shortcourses
By telephone: Text ‘APPLY FOR COURSE’ to +353 (0)87 2572015 and you will receive a call back to confirm your registration. The phone will be busy during the application period so responses may be delayed. Please do not call to enroll for this course.
Get in Touch
Telephone Number
+353 (0)1 896 8589 or TEXT 087 257 2015hhextra@tcd.ie