1635 - Spiritual Astronomy with Kabbalah and Sefirot
Guillaume Postel (1510-1581) was a French Renaissance polymath deeply fascinated with Kabbalah. He was especially interested in synthesizing Kabbalah with elements of Hermeticism and Neoplatonism. Additionally, Postel explored celestial mysteries through astronomy. Postel's interests, unsurprisingly, often got him into trouble. He was accused of heresy and spent time in prison. One notable imprisonment in Venice in 1555 was partly due to his association with a controversial prophetess.
Guillaume Postel's "De Universitate Libri duo," first published in 1552, delves into cosmology and astronomy and the structure of the universe. Based largely on the Ptolemaic system, Postel's model incorporates elements from Kabbalah, particularly the concept of "sefirot," to explain the celestial hierarchy and the connection between physical and spiritual realms. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness and harmony of the cosmos, suggesting an underlying unity beneath its apparent diversity. It also hints at Postel's messianic beliefs, foreseeing a restoration of the world and the unification of religions.
1635. Guillame Postel. De Universitate Libri duo: In quibus Astronomiae Doctrinaeve Coelestis Compendium. Reliqua qua hisce Libris continentur, Pagina tertia offendit. Lugduni Batavorum: Leiden: Ex Officina Joannis Maire, 1635. Third edition, 16mo, 261, (1) pp. Full page engraved portrait, outer edge cut close with loss to the image and the first letter. Antique book plate. Gilding and embossing to cover.
Guillaume Postel (1510-1581) was a French Renaissance polymath deeply fascinated with Kabbalah. He was especially interested in synthesizing Kabbalah with elements of Hermeticism and Neoplatonism. Additionally, Postel explored celestial mysteries through astronomy. Postel's interests, unsurprisingly, often got him into trouble. He was accused of heresy and spent time in prison. One notable imprisonment in Venice in 1555 was partly due to his association with a controversial prophetess.
Guillaume Postel's "De Universitate Libri duo," first published in 1552, delves into cosmology and astronomy and the structure of the universe. Based largely on the Ptolemaic system, Postel's model incorporates elements from Kabbalah, particularly the concept of "sefirot," to explain the celestial hierarchy and the connection between physical and spiritual realms. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness and harmony of the cosmos, suggesting an underlying unity beneath its apparent diversity. It also hints at Postel's messianic beliefs, foreseeing a restoration of the world and the unification of religions.
1635. Guillame Postel. De Universitate Libri duo: In quibus Astronomiae Doctrinaeve Coelestis Compendium. Reliqua qua hisce Libris continentur, Pagina tertia offendit. Lugduni Batavorum: Leiden: Ex Officina Joannis Maire, 1635. Third edition, 16mo, 261, (1) pp. Full page engraved portrait, outer edge cut close with loss to the image and the first letter. Antique book plate. Gilding and embossing to cover.
Guillaume Postel (1510-1581) was a French Renaissance polymath deeply fascinated with Kabbalah. He was especially interested in synthesizing Kabbalah with elements of Hermeticism and Neoplatonism. Additionally, Postel explored celestial mysteries through astronomy. Postel's interests, unsurprisingly, often got him into trouble. He was accused of heresy and spent time in prison. One notable imprisonment in Venice in 1555 was partly due to his association with a controversial prophetess.
Guillaume Postel's "De Universitate Libri duo," first published in 1552, delves into cosmology and astronomy and the structure of the universe. Based largely on the Ptolemaic system, Postel's model incorporates elements from Kabbalah, particularly the concept of "sefirot," to explain the celestial hierarchy and the connection between physical and spiritual realms. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness and harmony of the cosmos, suggesting an underlying unity beneath its apparent diversity. It also hints at Postel's messianic beliefs, foreseeing a restoration of the world and the unification of religions.
1635. Guillame Postel. De Universitate Libri duo: In quibus Astronomiae Doctrinaeve Coelestis Compendium. Reliqua qua hisce Libris continentur, Pagina tertia offendit. Lugduni Batavorum: Leiden: Ex Officina Joannis Maire, 1635. Third edition, 16mo, 261, (1) pp. Full page engraved portrait, outer edge cut close with loss to the image and the first letter. Antique book plate. Gilding and embossing to cover.