Ibn Ezra and Astrology in Judaism
Abraham Ibn Ezra was a Jewish philosopher and sage from the Middle Ages. Lived in Spain under Moorish rule before escaping persecution from the Almohads. He then became a wanderer and a destitute poet. Full of satirical wit, he had brilliant correspondences with sages such as Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, wrote concise biblical commentary, and above all, looked at the stars for guidance.
This is a free translation of a treatise from his commentary on the Book of Names (Exodus). I’ve translated השם literally as “the name” where others have translated it as “God.” The purpose of this translation is artistic, and I hope to review this draft in the future for stylistic improvements.
One of the sages of the generation once said — as we know — nine celestial spheres are there, in accordance to nine ciphers, and they are the essence of each cipher, and thus are these nine essences:
- The first utterance — which isn’t part of the count — corresponds to the honor of the uttering name. It is one only when counted as ten.
- And here, the second utterance, which is “thou shalt have no” [other gods before me] corresponds to the upper sphere which gives birth to all other spheres, opposite its rotation westwards every twenty-four hours. And said, according to “other gods,” to inform that with the power of the name the spheres revolve. Many thought that this was the creator, since it has no form.
- And the third utterance, which is “thou shalt not take the name” [of the Lord thy God in vain] corresponds to the Zodiac wheel, where all the heavenly armies (except the seven stewards) lay. And here, this honored frame encompasses all the bodies (constellations) and their form, which are forty-eight. And thus appear God’s might to the eye. And there are areas in this sphere where there are many stars, and areas where there aren’t any stars, and there’s no resource for mankind to ever understand such mystery. And many among those lacking in wisdom though that for nothing these forms in this fashion were created.
- And the fourth utterance, the utterance of the Sabbath, corresponds to Shabtai’s (Saturn’s) sphere. Since the learned in astronomy say that to every steward there’s a day in the week when its might is seen, and it’s the master of the first hour during the day, as well as the master of the first hour of the night. And they say as well that Shabtai and Madim (Mars) are harmful stars, and whoever resolves to labor or journey — whichever of the two — will come to harm. Thus our ancient sages said that permission was given to angels to harm Wednesday and Thursday nights. And here you won’t find in any day of the week, night or day, one after the other, that will be compared to these two injuring starts, only this day. Therefore it’s not appropriate to occupy oneself in anything of this world, except in fearing “the name.”
- And the fifth utterance, which is “honor” [thy father and thy mother], corresponds to Tzedek’s (Jupiter’s) sphere, which demonstrates peace and justice (Tzedek), kindness, paying salary, and honoring all who we’re obliged.
- And the sixth utterance, “thou shalt not kill,” corresponds to Madim’s (Mars’) sphere, which effects blood bath’s and injuries. And there’s a dispute between the sages of astronomy if Noga (Venus) is above the Sun or below it. And the Hindu sages brought proofs that Noga is above.
- And here, the seventh utterance, which is “thou shalt not commit adultery,” corresponds to Noga’s (Venus’) sphere, whose emanation directs intercourse as well as harlotry.
- And the eighth utterance, “thou shalt not steal,” corresponds to the Sun, displaying force, and eliminates all forces of the stewards that join it (which can’t be seen because of it.)
- And here’s the ninth utterance, which is “thou shalt not bear” [false witness against thy neighbor], corresponds to the Sun’s star (Mercury), which symbolizes the tongue.
- And here’s the tenth utterance, which is “thou shalt not covet,” according to the Moon’s sphere, which is the lesser of spheres, and symbolizes envy.
