About the author
Francesca Rochberg is a historian of ancient science known for her work on Babylonian astronomy and astrology, and Catherine and William L. Magistretti Distinguished Professor of Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. "The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture" (Cambridge University Press, 2004) traces how Mesopotamian scholars read celestial phenomena as both physical events and messages from the gods, and how personal astrology emerged from that tradition. "In the Path of the Moon: Babylonian Celestial Divination and Its Legacy" (Brill, 2010) extends the study of lunar, planetary, and meteorological omens and their influence beyond Mesopotamia into the Hellenistic period. Both books are scholarly studies grounded in cuneiform sources, written for readers of ancient history and the history of science rather than practicing astrologers.
📖 Where to start with Francesca Rochberg
💬 What our editors say about Francesca Rochberg's books
“Rochberg provides a meticulous and insightful exploration of Mesopotamian divination, making a strong case for the sophistication of their cosmic worldview. However, this text is not suited for casual readers seeking practical…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture
“Rochberg provides a compelling exploration of Babylonian celestial divination, tracing its evolution from Mesopotamia to classical antiquity. The essays effectively illuminate how atmospheric phenomena and lunar phases were…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on In the Path of the Moon: Babylonian Celestial Divination and Its Legacy - Ingram Academic Rochberg, Francesca
“Rochberg delivers a meticulous academic exploration of Mesopotamian celestial practices, offering rigorous analysis of how stars were interpreted as divine messages. The text is dense with scholarly detail, mapping the transition…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Mesopotamian Culture
📋 Editions by Francesca Rochberg in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Me | 2007 | Cambridge University Press | 360 | 9780521716611 |
| In the Path of the Moon: Babylonian Celestial Divination and Its | 2010 | Brill | 448 | 9789004183896 |
| The Heavenly Writing: Divination, Horoscopy, and Astronomy in Me | 2004 | Cambridge University Press | 360 | 9780521830102 |
