We can’t discuss the popes and astrology without delving into Pope Julius II and his grandiose plan to rebuild St. Peter’s Basilica. History tells us that the moment for the laying of the primary foundation stone on April 18 of 1506 was chosen ahead of time with electional astrology – meaning that a future moment for the activity was chosen well beforehand by an astrologer.
We don’t have any description of the actual techniques used in this elective work, but I think it’s safe to assume there were historical considerations, and will attempt to demonstrate that claim. A chart for that moment that has come down to us through history, cast by Luca Guarico, and available in his book of charts, Tractatvs Astrologicvs, that can be found here.
Is it a reliable chart, from a reliable source, and an expert astrologer? Yes, and No. Does the Foundation Stone moment have anything to do with the exaltation of Mars? Yes! Thanks to the yeoman’s work of Mary Quinlan-McGrath, author of Influences: Art, Optics, and Astrology in the Italian Renaissance, and The Foundation Horoscope(s) for St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, 1506, we have a good place to start our investigation. I highly recommend that every astrologer obtain a copy of Influences.
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