Guido Bonatti (d. 1296 - 1300) is a renowned Italian mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer. Highly respected for his astrological skills he's an advisor to Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor from 1220 - 1250. For many, astrology is a crucial skill in life.
Bonatti shares his vast knowledge and expertise in astrology. He not only shapes the astrological practices of his time but also leaves a lasting impact on future generations.
Originally from Forlì, he works for governments of Florence, Siena, and Forlì, all of which are Ghibellines, opposing the Guelphs. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Guelphs and Ghibellines are the two parties dominating political activity across medieval Italy.
The power struggle between Papacy, supported by Guelphs, and Holy Roman Empire supported by Ghibellines, begins c. 1075 AD. It's a defining factor in the political environment of Europe for almost 500 years.
In the writings of Dante, a Guelph, Bonatti is condemned to a special kind of hell for astrologers. During the Italian Wars of 1494 to 1559, political situations change radically. Divisions between Guelphs and Ghibellines lose relevance.
Bonatti's observations of celestial movements and their influence on human affairs gives him a reputation as visionary and master of his craft. Beyond predictions, Bonatti seeks to understand the connections between planetary positions and earthly events.
His writings on astrology are highly respected by scholars and practitioners across Europe, and widely studied. One of Bonatti's most renowned works is the Liber Astronomiae or 'Book of Astronomy' c. 1277.
It begins,
"The soul which is in man is quite noble. It gives essence and protection to the body and its foods are very noble with respect to the foods of the body because the soul is very noble with respect to the body. She rejoices in intellectual gain, and that depends upon the knowledge of philosophy, and in that the soul rejoices and is delighted. That in which she rejoices is her food, because that there is a part of Truth and she loves Truth; nor is she able to apprehend it through any science so truly and so fully as through Astronomy. There is nothing except the First Philosophy in which the soul gains so much as in Astronomy and Astrology."
The book is a fundamental astrology manual for the next two centuries. First to use midpoints in astrology, Bonatti employs this technique for precision of timing in military campaigns by Count Fredrico II da Montefeltro.
Bonatti warns the Count he will repel the enemy but sustain an injury in the battle. The Count brings emergency medical equipment with him. The outcome of the battle is exactly as Bonatti describes, making the Count a fervent believer in astrology.
In Liber Astronomiae, Bonatti continues:
This Treatise is on the more powerful things which there are in a full consideration of astrology, which would seem to pertain to judgments: whence it is necessary that you turn your whole mind and your whole intention to it, in such a way that you do not become given over to other topics until you understand its purpose. Which if you were to do otherwise, you will have deceived yourself and wasted your effort and your time; and perhaps (even if unduly), you will reproach me, affirming I have said nothing.
Guido Bonatti becomes a member of the Franciscan order of monks later in life, despite his earlier coldness toward their practices. The Franciscan Order, in the 1924 inaugural issue of its annual publication, Franciscan Studies, documents Fra Guido Bonatti:
The celebrated physicist, astronomer and astrologer, Guido Bonatti (d. 1296), a Friar Minor, drew scholars to his professional chair from all parts of Europe. He wrote Theoria Planetarum (printed at Venice, 1506) and Liber Astronomicus.
There are a number of reasons for becoming a friar. The obvious is religion. Also, in the medieval convents and monasteries, friars such Roger Bacon and Albertus Magnus conduct alchemical experiments and explore the concepts of astrology and mystic arts.
The monastery or convent has the necessary equipment and often a well-kept library. If in a rustic setting, the night sky is bigger and brighter than in the cities. A practitioner is protected from persecution and can work in peace.
The work must be done for betterment of humankind. Medicines and new experiments develop. Albertus Magnus, a German friar, discovers arsenic c. 1250 AD. The practice of esoteric arts in convents or monasteries continues for centuries.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, alchemy and astrology use a shared language to interpret the meanings and characteristics associated with celestial bodies. This framework offers a cosmic perspective to the understanding of earthly matters.
Based on unconfirmed reports, Bonatti is killed by thieves on his way home from a research tour. He's attacked near Cesena south of Forli, and his body is abandoned on the road. He's in his eighties when he dies.
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