Join our esteemed guest Dr. José Manuel Redondo in this enlightening presentation on Plotinus.
Plotinus, one of the most important Greek philosophers of antiquity, was very interested in astrology, a theme he directly addresses. While he is very critical of astrologers, at the same time outlines the metaphysical foundations of astrology as a philosophical discipline, as a contemplative and ethical tool, instrumental in achieving the goal of Platonic philosophy: the assimilation to the divine, as much as possible.
Plotinus develops the original philosophical notion of astrologia, used since the first philosophers of Greece, into an extraordinary conception of an astral Logos or Word (the stars as letters), a heavenly script or law that governs the world but in a providential way that foresees and integrates our choices. Plotinus vision exalts spiritual, ethical freedom, and astrology is a means to this, to self-knowledge and care of the self. There is a natural kinship between soul and the starry realm, as a well as between the particular incarnated soul and the soul of the cosmos. The philosopher also develops in striking ways the Platonic notion of the micro-macro cosmos analogy, referring to the recognition of the planets in us.
In this webinar we will learn how Plotinus understands the influence of the planets as limited to the composite secondary soul-body, to our emotional and corporeal life. The intellective soul, when awake, acting freely. Stellar influences are similar to those of magic, that is, they are psychological. The philosopher also distinguishes when the astrological symbol acts as a sign and when it acts as a cause.
To view our current class offerings, visit: https://store.keplercollege.org/current-course-offerings/
To learn more about Dr. Redondo's great work, visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Capulus7/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capulus_7/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@capulusastrologiayfilosofi1011/videos
#astrology #Plotinus #keplercollege
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Preliminary clarifications: Plotinus's role in antiquity
03:57 The astrological context of the modern era
06:08 Greek philosophy's origins, theology as metaphysics, and its astronomical foundations.
09:03 Who was Plotinus?
12:54 Deconstructing the modern label "Neoplatonism."
17:34 Plotinus's cosmological view: The cosmos as a blessed, eternal god.
25:59 The concept of Cosmic Sympathy: The universe as a single, unified living animal.
33:52 Arguments against fatal determinism
40:23 The background of Plato's Timaeus
46:58 Escaping the spell of fate through detachment and self-awareness.
53:58 Ethical astrology as applied metaphysics and a tool for happiness
55:55 QnA
01:19:38 Concluding Thoughts: The historical relationship between Plotinus and Porphyry
1:22:00 Conclusion
Recorded May 2026
Opinion Disclaimer: All views expressed by the host and the guest(s) are solely theirs and may not reflect the views of Kepler College. Please keep your comments respectful. Thank you.
Plotinus, one of the most important Greek philosophers of antiquity, was very interested in astrology, a theme he directly addresses. While he is very critical of astrologers, at the same time outlines the metaphysical foundations of astrology as a philosophical discipline, as a contemplative and ethical tool, instrumental in achieving the goal of Platonic philosophy: the assimilation to the divine, as much as possible.
Plotinus develops the original philosophical notion of astrologia, used since the first philosophers of Greece, into an extraordinary conception of an astral Logos or Word (the stars as letters), a heavenly script or law that governs the world but in a providential way that foresees and integrates our choices. Plotinus vision exalts spiritual, ethical freedom, and astrology is a means to this, to self-knowledge and care of the self. There is a natural kinship between soul and the starry realm, as a well as between the particular incarnated soul and the soul of the cosmos. The philosopher also develops in striking ways the Platonic notion of the micro-macro cosmos analogy, referring to the recognition of the planets in us.
In this webinar we will learn how Plotinus understands the influence of the planets as limited to the composite secondary soul-body, to our emotional and corporeal life. The intellective soul, when awake, acting freely. Stellar influences are similar to those of magic, that is, they are psychological. The philosopher also distinguishes when the astrological symbol acts as a sign and when it acts as a cause.
To view our current class offerings, visit: https://store.keplercollege.org/current-course-offerings/
To learn more about Dr. Redondo's great work, visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Capulus7/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capulus_7/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@capulusastrologiayfilosofi1011/videos
#astrology #Plotinus #keplercollege
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Preliminary clarifications: Plotinus's role in antiquity
03:57 The astrological context of the modern era
06:08 Greek philosophy's origins, theology as metaphysics, and its astronomical foundations.
09:03 Who was Plotinus?
12:54 Deconstructing the modern label "Neoplatonism."
17:34 Plotinus's cosmological view: The cosmos as a blessed, eternal god.
25:59 The concept of Cosmic Sympathy: The universe as a single, unified living animal.
33:52 Arguments against fatal determinism
40:23 The background of Plato's Timaeus
46:58 Escaping the spell of fate through detachment and self-awareness.
53:58 Ethical astrology as applied metaphysics and a tool for happiness
55:55 QnA
01:19:38 Concluding Thoughts: The historical relationship between Plotinus and Porphyry
1:22:00 Conclusion
Recorded May 2026
Opinion Disclaimer: All views expressed by the host and the guest(s) are solely theirs and may not reflect the views of Kepler College. Please keep your comments respectful. Thank you.