The Fated Sky

by Marian Klatt

I found myself thinking, "Wow! I didn't know that!" several times before finishing the second page of The Fated Sky, by Benson Bobrick, and was hopeful the rest of the book and its 310 pages would be equally fascinating.

Not only does the book provide absorbing examples of how deeply astrology has influenced the course of human events--Columbus, for example, was in part influenced by astrological prophecy and science--but it reminds those of us grown jaded from a lifetime of two-line horoscopes what a powerful idea lies at astrology's heart: the concept of Earth connected to what is beyond in such a way that the universe influences the very events which occur upon the planet. It's a magnificent concept, that of the stars having an intrinsic affect upon the human soul.

As the author says, "Whether this is true or not may be subject to debate. But the belief that it is has proved to have enduring power."

So the book gets off to a great start, which, unfortunately isn't maintained. Often, the writing falls into a "this and then that happened" listing sort of historical writing that makes names and events blur together. If you're interested in an in-depth account of eons of the Roman Empire, for example, you'll find much interesting material here. Pages of such history will go by, however, without any mention of astrology's involvement or influence -- and when astrology is eventually returned to, it often only has a skirting relation to what was previously discussed.

Also, for the skeptic, the presentation will often be frustrating. The author tends to err on the side of noting accurate astrological predictions as remarkable proof of astrology's validity, and dismissing inaccurate predictions as the result of astrologers who haven't had proper training, were hurrying through their work, or were outright charlatans. A little more objectivity would be welcome.

On the whole, The Fated Sky is an enlightening look at astrology's influence on history. I would recommend, however, the less patient reader read not from front to back, but instead choose portions pertaining to historical events in which she is particularly interested. There is a bit less chance of falling asleep in the middle of a chapter this way.