A scheme of heaven : the history of astrology and the search for our destiny in data

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Title:

A scheme of heaven : the history of astrology and the search for our destiny in data

Author:

Boxer, Alexander, author.

ISBN:

9780393634846

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

x, 319 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 25 cm

Subject Term:

Science and astrology.

Astrology -- Mathematics.

Astrology -- History.

Summary:

"An illuminating look at the surprising history and science of astrology, civilization's first system of algorithms, from Babylon to the present day. Humans are pattern-matching creatures, and astrology is our grandest pattern-matching game. In this refreshing work of history and analysis, data scientist Alexander Boxer examines classical texts on astrology to expose its underlying scientific and mathematical framework. Astrology, he argues, was the ancient world's most ambitious applied mathematics problem, a grand data-analysis enterprise sustained by some of history's most brilliant minds from Ptolemy to al- Kindi to Kepler. A "scheme of heaven," or horoscope, is recognized as pseudoscience today, but was once considered a cutting-edge scientific tool. Not only does Boxer trace different applications of horoscopes back to their origins, he also puts them to the test using modern data sets and statistical science, arguing that today's data scientists do work similar to astrologers of yore. At once critical, rigorous, and far-ranging, A Scheme of Heaven recontextualizes astrology as a vast, technological project-spanning continents and centuries-that foreshadowed our data-driven world today"--

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Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Stillwater Public Library	133.509 BOX	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Humans are pattern-matching creatures, and astrology is the universe's grandest pattern-matching game. In this refreshing work of history and analysis, data scientist Alexander Boxer examines classical texts on astrology to expose its underlying scientific and mathematical framework. Astrology, he argues, was the ancient world's most ambitious applied mathematics problem, a monumental data-analysis enterprise sustained by some of history's most brilliant minds, from Ptolemy to al-Kindi to Kepler.

Thousands of years ago, astrologers became the first to stumble upon the powerful storytelling possibilities inherent in numerical data. To correlate the configurations of the cosmos with our day-to-day lives, astrologers relied upon a "scheme of heaven," or horoscope, showing the precise configuration of the planets at a particular instant in time as viewed from a particular place on Earth. Although recognized as pseudoscience today, horoscopes were once considered a cutting-edge scientific tool. Boxer teaches us how to read these esoteric charts--and appreciate the complex astronomical calculations needed to generate them--by diagramming how the heavens appeared at important moments in astrology's history, from the assassination of Julius Caesar as viewed from Rome to the Apollo 11 lunar landing as seen from the surface of the Moon. He then puts these horoscopes to the test using modern data sets and statistical science, arguing that today's data scientists do work similar to astrologers of yore. By looking back at the algorithms of ancient astrology, he suggests, we can better recognize the patterns that are timeless characteristics of our own pattern-matching tendencies.

At once critical, rigorous, and far ranging, A Scheme of Heaven recontextualizes astrology as a vast, technological project--spanning continents and centuries--that foreshadowed our data-driven world today.

Author Notes

Alexander Boxer is a data scientist with a PhD in physics and degrees in the history of science and classics. His research has appeared in Nature Physics and he was a field agent for Atlas Obscura in Washington, D.C.

Reviews (2)

Kirkus Review

A data scientist takes a deep dive into astrology.Interest in astrology has been escalating in recent years, gaining wider cultural acceptance in relation to forecasting pursuits that range from politics to finance while continuing as an enduring preoccupation involving love and romance. Boxer argues that while it may still be frowned upon in most scientific circles, as a forecasting indicator, it's perhaps no less reliable than more traditional mathematical formulas relating to fields such as economics. Throughout the book, the author brings an open-minded perspective, balancing his genuine interest and curiosity with rigorous analysis of historical and scientific data. "I want to give astrology a treatment that's open and fair," he writes. "Unlike many others who have a scientific background, I've never felt a particular animus toward astrology. On the contrary, its taboo status as the arch-pseudoscience makes it all the more delicious to think about." Boxer investigates how astrology has evolved through the ages and focuses extensively on the algorithmic formulas intrinsic to numerical charts and diagrams from the ancient world. He reviews the work of scientific minds such as Ptolemy and Copernicus and considers how the subject has been applied to literary works by Dante, Shakespeare, and others. He also reviews key moments in history when astrological forecasting was useful, including the assassination of Julius Caesar and the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Ultimately, the author's far-reaching exploration of the subject lands him at an enlightened conclusion. "It may not be cosmic sympathy,' but there is an undeniable power in astrology to reveal the surprising ways in which everything, and all of us, are connected to each other across time and space," he writes. While Boxer's diligent research may serve to advance the subject's relevancy, his expansive data analysis makes for fairly arduous reading, and the data-averse will find it somewhat grueling.A solid book on the history and science of astrology that will appeal more to academics in the field than general readers. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Library Journal Review

Data scientist and historian Boxer clearly explains the close relationship among astronomy, astrology, and mathematics throughout history--and what it means for the future. Boxer explores the work of astronomers, from Johannes Kepler to Carl Sagan, and compares their findings to the practices of astrologists, such as Guido Bonatti and Alan Leo. The author also compares the history, science, and psychology of these overlapping fields, using data, both past and present, to investigate the validity of astrological claims. Humanity's continuing fascination with this topic is illustrated in our diversification of prediction models in varying fields and the ever-present popularity of horoscopes. VERDICT While Boxer's enthusiasm for the subject shows in his engaging narrative style, some of the more technical material will leave casual readers behind. Strongly recommended for historians with some awareness of mathematical concepts or seasoned popular science readers.--Catherine Lantz, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.

Horoscope	p. xi
Introduction	p. 1
1 To Everything there is a Season	p. 9
2 From Obscure Beginnings: Amarna, Egypt, 1338 BC	p. 31
3 A Quick Spin around the Celestial Sphere: Syracuse, Sicily, 212 BC	p. 49
4 Signs from Above: Marcus Manilius and the Traits of the Zodiac: Rome, 44 BC	p. 71
5 Claudius Ptolemy's Astrological Travel Guide: Ultima Thule, 79	p. 93
6 How Unique is a Horoscope? Vettius Valens and the Gospel of Fate: Alexandria, Egypt, 139	p. 119
7 Patterns, Patterns, Everywhere! Masha'allah's Astrological History of the World: Baghdad, 762	p. 149
8 When You Wish Upon A Star. Which Algorithm Should You Use? Guido Bonatti's Astrological Wheel of Fortune: Mount Ventoux, France, 1336	p. 173
9 What's in a Name? Astronomers, Astrologers, and Mathematicians: Herrevad Abbey, Denmark (Now Sweden), 1572	p. 205
10 Big Astrology: Mare Tranquillitatis, The Moon, 1969	p. 229
Conclusion: Upon the Words Of No One	p. 261
Acknowledgments	p. 265
Notes	p. 267
Index	p. 301

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Kirkus Review

Library Journal Review

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