THE DAWN OF ASTROLOGY. A Cultural History of Western Astrology. Nicholas Campion Continuum Books, London, 2008. Hardback, xi and 388 pages, £30.00. ISBN 978-1-84725-214-2

Certain subjects find themselves ignored by academics who are not, generally, a courageous lot. The study of Freemasonry and its social influence in the United Kingdom was one until relatively recently when efforts by such as the Sheffield Centre for Research into Freemasonry and the Canonbury Masonic Research Centre brought about a significant change. Astrology found itself in a similar position but the influence it has had on culture could not be ignored forever. And it is this influence that concerns Dr. Campion, a senior lecturer at the University of Wales, Lampeter.
     The first section of the book reviews the hard data from pre-Ice Age times which indicates the origins of man’s awareness of the astronomical cycles - and, incidentally, of a society organising itself around time.
     For those who enjoy a search in very ancient times, amongst very ancient artefacts, this section will never disappoint. While Campion is properly cautious, we nevertheless hear of an artefact, over 250,000 years old, which arguably holds marks charting the moon’s cycles. We are on much surer ground around 30,000 years ago, a period which has left us many such remains, carved bones and tusks, which can only be explained by seeing them as records of lunar cycles. As Campion states, ‘By the end of the last Ice Age we can identify the earliest signs of a recognizable physical astronomy and astral theology.’
     Of particular interest is the intriguing find of four conical gold hats covered with astronomical symbols, apparently emanating from a priestly group operating in France, Germany and Switzerland - at least. One of these hats, bearing 1739 suns and moons, has been shown to represent the Metonic cycle which allows the prediction of eclipses.
     From prehistory the book moves through the megalithic culture in Europe and into the classical world when Greek philosophy provided astrology’s framework. It ends with the Roman and Christian worlds and their relationship with the stars and planets. A second volume will appear soon which looks at the Medieval and Modern worlds.
     This is a fascinating work which both questions and informs while providing endless curious facts and anecdotes punctuating the history of man’s relationship with the heavens. This book reveals that by seeking to know about astrology we find out more about ourselves and our culture.

Michael Baigent