About the author
Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi (787-886) was a Persian astrologer working in Baghdad during the Abbasid caliphate, and one of the most influential astrological writers of the medieval Islamic world. His treatises were translated into Latin in the twelfth century and shaped European astrology for centuries afterward, transmitting Persian and Greek astrological method to the West. The two books listed here are modern scholarly translations by Benjamin Dykes: Persian Nativities III: Abu Ma'shar on Solar Revolutions, covering his work on solar return technique, and Introductions to Traditional Astrology, a translation of two of his introductory treatises long used as teaching texts. Both are published by Cazimi Press for students of traditional and Hellenistic-derived astrology rather than modern popular astrology. Abu Ma'shar's work remains a primary source for anyone studying the historical development of astrological technique.
📖 Where to start with Abu Ma'shar
💬 What our editors say about Abu Ma'shar's books
“Dr. Dykes delivers a scholarly and practical translation that serves as an indispensable guide for those committed to traditional prognostication. The text meticulously details the mechanics of solar returns and other advanced…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Persian Nativities III: Abu Ma'shar on Solar Revolutions
“This edition is a cornerstone for anyone dedicated to mastering traditional astrology, offering scholarly rigor and clarity. However, it does NOT suit casual hobbyists seeking quick horoscope readings or those uninterested in…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Introductions to Traditional Astrology