Horoscope of Philip II

Astrology was very popular during the Renaissance, even appealing to a devout man like King Philip II of Spain (1527–98)
Matías Haco, Philip’s court astrologist made him personal horoscope and published it in 1549
These predictions are astonishingly confirmed by details of the King’s biography, defying our modern sensibilities

Horoscope of Philip II

RBME a-IV-21 Real Biblioteca del Monasterio (San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain)

Description

Horoscope of Philip II

Astrology was all the rage both in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. The calendar pages of books of hours from this period typically contained a mixture of zodiac signs, constellations, and other mythical symbols in addition to the labours of the month. Elaborate manuscripts were created to aid in fortune telling, some of the most popular parlor games were based on astrology, and princes consulted court astrologers as a matter of course to make decisions and assure themselves of their power. Even a devout ruler like King Philip II of Spain (1527–98) did not feel that his piety precluded having a horoscope made for himself. His court astrologer Matías Haco created this intriguing and very personal manuscript full of astrological charts and tables in 1549, and his divinations and astrological interpretations still give us today a unique insight into the personality of one of the richest and most influential kings in European history.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: El horóscopo de Felipe II
Horoskop Philipps II.
Matthiae Haci Suimbergii medicinae doctoris et mathematici Pronosticon seu Genethliacon Philippi II Hispaniarum Principis
Type: Manuscript on paper
Size / Format: 142 pages / 20.5 × 15.5 cm
Origin: Spain
Date: 1549
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Astronomy / Astrology
Language: Latin
Illustrations: Several astrological diagrams, drawings and charts
Artist / School: Matías Haco (author)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Horoscope of Philip II

The Dignities and Weaknesses of the Planets

On several pages of the manuscript, Haco lists the strengths (dignities) and weaknesses of the planets. According to this table on fol. 5r, Jupiter brings luck to the king if it is on a fast course in the 8th house or if it is in the sky with its matching triplicity (three zodiac signs associated with the same element). The planet also brings luck when it is in trine (120 degree angle) to the Moon or in sextile (60 degree angle) to Saturn.

Single Page

Horoscope of Philip II

Diagram of Philip II's Children

With this diagram, which Haco developed according to a method of Ptolemy, the court astrologer tried to predict how many children Philip II would have and what their relationship to each other would look like on the basis of the King's horoscope. At the time of its creation, Philip's first son, Don Carlos, had already been born.

Haco predicted seven children, two or at most three of whom would survive their father, but who would feel great affection for each other. In reality, this prophecy was not far off the mark: Philip's four wives bore a total of eight living children, two of whom were still alive when he died: Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain (1566–1633) and his heir to the throne Philip III (1578–1621). Philip's daughter Catherine Michaela of Spain died just one year before her father in 1597.

Facsimile Editions

#1 El horóscopo de Felipe II

Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1995

Publisher: Ediciones Grial – Valencia, 1995

Limited Edition: 980 copies

Binding: Half leather binding. Facsimile and commentary volume come in a protective case.

Commentary: 1 volume by Demetrio Santos
Language: Spanish

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

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