Hi Marcus & anyone else who wonders about this post,
I realize a post on Alexander's possible "horoscope" seems a bit odd. However, if we are to understand the man, how can we leave any stone unturned, even those a bit further out of the way, in our goal? Horoscopes may seem odd as a choice of interest to investigate, but they do give us an interesting window in which to peer through. Granted since no one knows for such Alexander's true date and time of birth this may seem moot, but it still has some value, if for the sake of its own interest.
When I first came across some of the horoscopes and accompanying articles on Alexander I just burst out laughing so hard I scared my dog (which is really hard to do - he's a 100 pd. shepard/lab) anyway, the point is in Alexander's day such things as horoscopes and seers, etc. were taken quite seriously. I recall reading in the
Alexander Romance wherein his mother, Olympias is urged to hold off giving birth to him until the astrological signs were in a certain alignment - as this would foretell his greatness, etc. Yes, the
Alexander Romance is considered by some more a trashy novel than serious literature on Alexander, but I believe there are nuggets of truth invested within it. It was the most popular book for several centuries, more than the Christian Bible, so that says something about the importance of Alexander and his legend.
I know that in today's world which is more Christian and Islamic oriented horoscopes may be frowned upon as being considered "witchery". I have certainly heard them considered as such in certain parts of the Southern US. However, in other parts of the world, such as the East they are not. So, when I first began my researches on all things Alexander and came across these articles I thought they were just a fun thing. However, what is important to consider is how he would have taken them. For example, how much about his birth is propaganda
he created or was advised to created on the part of savy seers, advisors (perhaps like Hephaistion) etc., to aid in the myth of his divine origins. Recall the burning of the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, his father's horse wining in the Olympics, etc. Also, the Chaldean Astrological Diaries, do in fact make note of an individual coming from the West (Alexander) who would bring the destruction of the Persian Empire. I understand such same Diaries also foretold his death. So, such things as horoscopes were of great import not only in his day, but before that. We know the Chaldeans were expert astronomers and astrologers who watched the skies and recorded and intereprted what they saw for centuries. So, there is a long standing tradition in the ancient world given to the importance of such things. How much credence he would have given them, we can only speculate. However, considering how scrupulous and pious he was with regard to the honor of the Gods and the acheievement of his own goals, I can see him utilizaing horoscopes as a tool to further his destiny. It was something that has been done for centuries. Here in the US our former President Ronald Regan was known to frequent astrologers and such. Napoleon Bonaparte was well known to utilize the services of one Madame Lenormand, a fortuneteller of some fame who apparently foretold his demise on Elba.
So, I guess my argument is how would Alexander have utilized horoscopes? I think as he did with everything have taken full advantage of their importance and milked them for all they were worth. It is unfortunate we do not, in fact, have more information about his childhood as that would give us more source material on his actual birthday, etc. Perhaps that would give us a bit more insight into his fascinating personality. For me, one of the things that fascinates me about Alexander, the man so much is that while he was in some ways so terribly human in his actions and needs in other ways, he was truly unique and incomprehensible. Therefore, any tools, even if they may seem somewhat frivolous to some, ought to be considered for the worth he might have applied to them. This given us another view of the man and his motivations.
That's all, just wanted to explain the reason for this post. The sharing of information is always helpful, you never know what you may learn!
Lysis
I guess we all have our weaknesses, I confess mine are when I'm exhausted by the serious stuff in my reasearch I will combat the battle fatigue with things - well, yeah, silly. I really love it when Alexander is made fun of as in Horrible Histories. Now that was really twisted evil, but I so enjoyed it!