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Sahl ibn Bishr was an Arab astrologer who lived in the 9th century CE. He was born in the city of Kufa, in present-day Iraq, and is known for his contributions to the field of astrology.
Sahl ibn Bishr’s most famous work is the “Book of Birth Rectification” (Kitab al-ibriz). This book is a comprehensive guide to the casting and interpretation of horoscopes, and it includes detailed instructions on how to calculate and interpret astrological charts. The book is still highly regarded in the field of astrology and has been studied and used by astrologers for centuries.
Sahl ibn Bishr was also interested in the relationship between astrology and medicine, and his work in this area helped to establish astrology as a respected field of knowledge in the Islamic world. He believed that astrology could be used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, and he wrote extensively on the subject.
Sahl ibn Bishr was a prominent figure in the court of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad, and his work was highly respected by both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars. His contributions to the field of astrology helped to advance the discipline in the Islamic world, and his influence can still be seen in modern astrological practice.
Another important work by Sahl ibn Bishr is the “Book of Questions” (Kitab al-Masa’il), which is a collection of astrological questions and answers. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of the planets, the meaning of astrological aspects, and the interpretation of horoscopes.
Sahl ibn Bishr also wrote a treatise on the relationship between astrology and medicine, which is known as the “Book of the Skilled Physician” (Kitab al-Tabib al-Mahir). In this work, he explores how astrology can be used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, and he provides guidance on how to use astrology in conjunction with other medical practices.
Overall, Sahl ibn Bishr’s works are highly regarded in the field of astrology, and his contributions to the discipline have had a lasting impact on astrological practice.
The Astrology of Sahl b. Bishr: Volume I: Principles, Elections, Questions, Nativities. 2019. ➤
Works of Sahl & Masha’allah. 2008. ➤
The Introduction to the Science of the Judgment of the Stars. 2008. ➤
Eleanor Myerson (2021) Collection No Longer on Display: Restoring Medieval England’s Arabic Books to View, Wasafiri, 36:4, 88-96, DOI: 10.1080/02690055.2021.1957236 ➤
Martin Gansten & Ola Wikander (2011) Sahl and the Tājika Yogas: Indian transformations of Arabic astrology, Annals of Science, 68:4, 531-546, DOI: 10.1080/00033790.2010.533349 ➤
Carey, H.M., Judicial Astrology in Theory and Practice. ➤
