Translations of Kepler’s Astrological Writings Part I, Section 2.2. Kepler’s Astrological Interpretation of Rudolf II by Traditional Methods, 1602

Abstract

This section actually precedes the material in the previous section, but has been put here because the techniques discussed are easier to understand when the other material has been introduced first. Kepler provides what he describes as the ‘common teaching of the more renowned astrologers’, i.e. standard astrological techniques, for interpreting Rudolf’s astrology in 1602 and 1603. Though he later adds his own, personal interpretation using techniques he considered valid (see Part I.2.1 above), Kepler did send Rudolf this delineation based on standard techniques (perhaps to cover all the bases?). At the end of this section I have added some of the preliminary notes Kepler made for himself about Rudolf’s astrology, including calculations, and the draft interpretation of the solar returns which was later incorporated into the letter to Rudolf.