Rutkin, H. D., 2019, Sapientia Astrologica: Astrology, Magic and Natural Knowledge, ca. 1250-1800, vol. I, 424-5.
Proferred in many cities throughout Europe, annual prognostications also articulated an astrological framework for understanding the broader patterns of history, namely, the theory of great conjunctions, which were given renewed credence in the work of Cardinal Pierre d’Ailly (1350–1420).5 The basic patterns of historical astrology have already been described, so I will be very brief here. It is an astronomical fact that the two outermost planets of the premodern planetary system, Jupiter and Saturn, conjoin every 20 years, that is, they meet each other at the same degree of longitude on the zodiac. Or at least very close to the same degree, for a conjunction need not be exact to have an astrologically significant effect, since each planet has its own accepted sphere of influence, as discussed in my Excursus to the overall introduction. This conjunction is called a “great” conjunction simpliciter. These conjunctions would then continue to occur in a strikingly triangular pattern within the bounds of the same elemental triplicity for 240 years (i.e., twelve great conjunctions), at which time the conjunction would then switch to the next triplicity, say, from earth to air; this would mark a “greater” conjunction. Finally, after 960 years, the conjunctions would return to the initial point of departure, thus marking a “greatest” conjunction.
A great deal of ingenuity was expended during the Middle Ages and beyond to fit the major events of history to this model. In particular, major transformations in politics and religion were associated with the greater and greatest conjunctions. This view of history was introduced by Messahalah in the late eighth and early ninth centuries; it was greatly promoted soon after by Albumasar.10 Such an analysis was used to great effect by Cardinal d’Ailly to interpret the cataclysmic events of the Avignonese papacy (the so-called Babylonian captivity, 1309–1378), and the Great Schism (1378–1414), for whose resolution he was in good measure personally responsible, thus indicating an important area where astrology had a significant impact on society.
Rutkin, H. D., 2019, Sapientia Astrologica: Astrology, Magic and Natural Knowledge, ca. 1250-1800, vol. I: Medieval Structures (1250-1500): Conceptual, Institutional, Socio-Political, Theologico-Religious and Cultural, 424-5. Basileia: Springer Nature Switzerland.
