A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy

A millennia-long love affair with prediction and divination

Discover the spellbinding history of astrology and divination across the world.

A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy traces the journey of astrology from its roots in the 3rd century BCE, when ancient Mesopotamians studied celestial bodies with the aim of predicting the future, through its development into the distinct branches of Eastern astrology, Indian (Vedic) astrology, and the Western astrology that we know today.

Learn about the numerous techniques that have been devised over the centuries to predict the future - from the use of yarrow stalks of the I Ching over 2,500 years ago to methods still practised today, such as Tarot, crystals, palmistry, and numerology. Discover the stories of influential and learned seers, from the oracles of Ancient Greece to the 16th-century French philosopher and mystic Nostradamus, who is said to have predicted the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and explore how our fear of and fascination with astrology, divination, prediction, and prophecy have been depicted in art and literature.

Comprehensive, accessible, and beautifully illustrated, A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy will intrigue and inspire you in equal measure, and tell you everything you need to know about these rich and fascinating histories.