Table of Contents
Location and Date:
The lecture was delivered by Manly Palmer Hall at the Town Hall Metaphysical Library in San Francisco in May 1950.
Introduction
Manly P. Hall began the lecture by explaining that systems of learning are not just intellectual institutions, but are also valuable guides in times of trouble and means of strengthening character. Hall referenced a statue of Kronos in Greece, which depicted two kinds of time: the ever-passing time and the eternal “now.”
Ancient Babylonian Astronomy and Astrology
Hall explored the connection between Babylonian star lore and the development of astrology in Western nations, citing the work of Sir A. E. Wallace Budge, the Keeper of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum. He noted that Babylon and the surrounding regions, especially the people of Saba, cultivated astrology and kept records of births and astrological observations for 25,000 years. These records linked the practice of astrology with religion, philosophy, and ethics.
Astro-Theological System
Hall clarified that the Babylonians and their neighbors did not worship the stars. Instead, they used astronomical observations as keys to unlocking mysteries of religion and philosophy.
Nebo, the hero god, was known as The Keeper of the Tablets of Record.
The Babylonians, like many ancient cultures, created an intricate system of knowledge that combined astronomy (the study of heavenly bodies) and astrology (the psychological interpretation of those bodies).
Instruments and Observatories
The Babylonians used primitive instruments, such as astrolabes and hollow tubes, to measure celestial phenomena. Their observatories, known as ziggurats, allowed them to make precise observations.
Hall mentioned the discovery of the rings of Saturn and other celestial bodies through these instruments.
The Babylonians had a clear understanding of the planetary orbits and devised accurate calendars, including the Platonic year and the Metonic cycle.
Geocentric Systems and Ancient Cosmology
Hall discussed the geocentric systems of the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. While they did not place Earth at the center of the universe for theological reasons, their observational tools and the necessity of practical astronomy required them to do so.
Pythagoras, who studied in Babylon, maintained that all planets revolved around the sun, but from an earthly perspective, their geocentric model was practical.
Astronomical and Astrological Symbolism
Hall explained the symbolism of the universe according to Babylonian and other ancient beliefs.
The universe was divided into three zones: the elementary (Earth), the planetary (the orbits of planets), and the spiritual (the zodiac).
He described how this understanding of the cosmos shaped the theology, ethics, and philosophy of the Babylonians, and how it influenced later civilizations.
The Spiritual and Physical Universe
In the Babylonian system, the sun was central, representing the ego, while the planets and constellations symbolized higher spiritual and lower material forces.
The influence of the planets on Earth was understood in terms of chemistry and magnetism, not personal interaction.
Hall also touched upon how ancient traditions, including Christianity, absorbed elements of this Babylonian star lore, evidenced in stories like Ishtar’s descent or St. John’s Apocalypse.
Astrological Influence on Theology
Hall delved into the astrological symbolism in various religious systems, linking concepts like the seven planets to the seven days of creation and the twelve zodiac signs to twelve apostles.
He also mentioned how the zodiac influenced the designs of ancient temples and sacred spaces, such as the Temple of Heaven in China.
Final Reflections
Hall concluded the lecture by emphasizing the profound indebtedness of Western religious systems to the star lore of Babylon.
He asserted that understanding these ancient systems provides deeper insight into the scriptures and religious teachings that have shaped civilization. Without this knowledge, much of ancient theology becomes incomprehensible.
