A story is told of Alexander the Great that is related to astrology. One day, when walking along the shore towards Babylon, he felt impelled to consult the wise men and ask them about the future.
"Do not enter that town," replied the astrologer he questioned. "It is evilly fatal to thee. Be warned in time, for the stars are ever true. As their light scintillates and makes our nights a marvel of truth and glory, so the truth of their language shall eternally shine to him who knows how to read them.
"Flee from this town where thy fatal star reigns."
Alexander was deeply impressed by this warning and for a time turned aside from Babylon. But later he entered the city where he came by his death.
The night before he died, according to a chronicler, "some of his leading generals kept vigil in the fane of Serapis waiting for a favorable sign from the god, but in the first half of June, 323 B.C. the great conqueror passed away and a deep silence fell on Babylon for four days and four nights."
Editor's note: Whether or not this incident actually occurred in precisely this manner is difficult to say, but the idea is certainly not far-fetched. Alexander the Great was known to have consulted with astrologers, oracles and soothsayers regularly, and it was the Greeks, starting roughly in the time of Alexander, who did much to lay the foundation of what we would consider modern astrology. -- DJMc.
Original text by C. J. S. Thompson, revised and edited by D. J. McAdam © 2004. Please note: all applicable material on this website is protected by copyright law and may not be copied without express written permission.
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