The Astrology Book

signs, and other types of data. Older almanacs
(the almanac tradition has been traced as far
back as the Hellenistic period) contained
prophetic announcements, a tradition carried on
by modern almanacs, which usually predict the
day-by-day weather on the basis of meteorologi-
cal astrology. In U.S. history, the most well-
known example was Poor Richard’s Almanac
(1732–1757), which was issued by Benjamin
Franklin. The Old Farmer’s Almanacremains pop-
ular in rural areas.

Sources:
DeVore, Nicholas. Encyclopedia of Astrology.New
York: Philosophical Library, 1947.
Gettings, Fred. Dictionary of Astrology.London: Rout-
ledge & Kegan Paul, 1985.
Thomas, Robert B. The Old Farmer’s 1991 Almanac.
Dublin, NH: Yankee Publishing, 1990.

ALMUTEN

Almuten is an Arabic term for the strongest
planet in a natal chart by virtue of essential and
accidental dignities.

ALTITUDE

In astrology, altitude refers to the angular dis-
tance (i.e., measured in degrees of an arc) that a
point, planet, or other heavenly body is situated
above or below the horizon. Above the horizon, altitude is measured up to a maximum
angular distance of 90° (directly overhead); below the horizon, down to a maximum of
-90° (directly underneath).

AMBROSIA

Ambrosia, asteroid 193 (the 193rd asteroid to be discovered, on Feburary 28, 1879), is
approximately 42 kilometers in diameter and has an orbital period of 4.2 years. It was
named after food of the ancient gods that was said to have bestowed immortality. Jacob
Schwartz also connects Ambrosia with Saint Ambrose, the Italian bishop, musician,
writer, and warrior. When prominent in a natal chart, Ambrosia may indicate long life.

Sources:
Kowal, Charles T. Asteroids: Their Nature and Utilization.Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Ellis
Horwood Limited, 1988.

THEASTROLOGYBOOK [21]

Ambrosia

The four sides of the clog almanac are shown extended

to reveal the marks for each day. Reproduced by

permission of Fortean Picture Library.