Celestial Secrets: How the Knights Templar Used Astrology in Medieval Times

The Knights Templar were one of the most fascinating and enigmatic groups of medieval times. Known for their chivalry, bravery, and piety, they were also shrouded in mystery, with rumors of secret rituals, hidden treasures, and esoteric knowledge.

One of the lesser-known aspects of the Knights Templar is their use of astrology. Despite its association with pagan beliefs and superstition, astrology played a significant role in medieval society, and the Knights Templar were no exception.

In this article, we will explore the celestial secrets of the Knights Templar and how they incorporated astrological principles into their teachings, rituals, and daily lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The Knights Templar used astrology in their practices, despite its association with pagan beliefs.
• Astrology held significant importance in medieval society and impacted various aspects of life.
• The Knights Templar incorporated astrological teachings into their training regimen.
• Astrological symbols had a deeper meaning and influence on their decision-making.
• Celestial alignments and astrological principles influenced the architectural designs of their sacred spaces.

The Origins of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were a Catholic military order that existed from the 12th to the 14th century. They were founded in 1119 by French knight Hugues de Payens, and originally consisted of nine members who swore oaths of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The order was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1139 and quickly gained popularity, with many nobles donating land and money to support their cause. They were renowned for their bravery in battle during the Crusades, with their signature white mantles adorned with a red cross becoming a symbol of their honor and sacrifice.

The origins of the Knights Templar can be traced back to the aftermath of the First Crusade in 1099, when a group of French knights established a monastic community near the site of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. They became known as the Order of the Temple and were tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.

Purpose and Role in Medieval Society

The Knights Templar quickly gained influence and power, with their members becoming trusted advisors to monarchs and popes. They were also heavily involved in financial activities, establishing a system of banking and credit that allowed for the safe transportation of money across long distances.

Their wealth and influence eventually led to their downfall, with accusations of heresy and corruption leading to the arrest and persecution of thousands of members across Europe. The order was officially disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1312, although their legacy and influence continued to resonate throughout history.

The Influence of Astrology in Medieval Society

Astrology played a significant role in many aspects of medieval society. It was widely believed that celestial bodies and events had an impact on human affairs, and astrology was used as a tool for predicting the future and understanding the present.

The study of astrology was not restricted to a particular social class or profession. Both the wealthy and the common people consulted astrologers to gain insight into their lives. Knights and nobles, in particular, had a strong interest in astrology, as it was seen as a way to gain an advantage in warfare and politics.

“It was believed that celestial bodies had a direct influence on the success or failure of battles, and astrologers were consulted to choose auspicious days for military campaigns,”

Astrology was also used in medicine and was believed to have a profound impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Astrologers would examine a person’s birth chart to determine their physical and mental strengths and weaknesses, as well as the diseases they were susceptible to.

The widespread use and influence of astrology in medieval society paved the way for its integration into the practices of the Knights Templar. The order recognized the power of celestial bodies and their potential impact on human affairs, and they incorporated this knowledge into their teachings and practices.

Astrology and the Templar Training

The Knights Templar were known for their rigorous training regimen, and astrology played a significant role in their preparation for battle and spiritual pursuits. The Templars believed that the celestial bodies held powerful energies that could be harnessed for protection, guidance, and divination. Understanding the movements of the stars and planets was essential in their quest for knowledge and enlightenment.

When a man became a Templar, he started as a novice and underwent intense physical and mental training. He was taught how to fight in battle, how to abstain from worldly pleasures, and how to pray and meditate. Astrology was also incorporated into his education, as it was considered a fundamental aspect of the Templar way of life.

Astrological Techniques Taught to the Templars	Explanation
Lunar Phases	The Templars believed that the phases of the moon had a profound effect on human behavior and the success of their endeavors. They learned how to use the lunar calendar to plan battles, ceremonies, and other significant events.
Horoscopes	Templar novices were taught how to interpret horoscopes, which were used to gain insight into a person’s character, destiny, and potential. They also consulted horoscopes to determine the most favorable times for certain activities.
Astrological Symbols	The Templars were trained to recognize and interpret astrological symbols, which were used to guide their decisions and actions. They believed that each symbol had a unique meaning and could provide insight into the cosmic forces at play.

The Templars also believed that the study of astrology could help them gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for the universe. They saw the stars and planets as expressions of divine wisdom, and their knowledge of astrology helped them cultivate a deeper spiritual awareness.

Overall, astrology was an essential part of the Templar training, and it played a significant role in their daily lives. The knowledge and techniques they acquired helped them become better warriors, better Christians, and better members of their order.

Astrological Symbols and Their Significance

As we explore the celestial secrets of the Knights Templar, it is crucial to understand the significance behind the astrological symbols they utilized in their practices. These symbols had a profound impact on their daily lives and decision-making.

“The wise man rules the stars, while the fool is ruled by them.” – Knights Templar Proverb

One of the most recognizable symbols associated with astrology is the zodiac. The Knights Templar incorporated the zodiac into their teachings, using it to understand the influence of the stars and planets on human behavior. Each sign of the zodiac was also associated with a different element and quality, further enhancing its significance.

The Knights Templar also utilized various symbols to represent the planets, each with its own esoteric meaning. For example, the symbol for Jupiter was associated with benevolence and prosperity, while the symbol for Saturn represented hardship and discipline.

The use of specific colors was also important in the Knights Templar’s astrological practices. Each color had its own corresponding planetary association, with red being associated with Mars and blue with Jupiter, among others.

Symbol	Planet	Meaning	Color
☉	Sun	Life and vitality	Yellow
☽	Moon	Intuition and emotion	Silver
☿	Mercury	Communication and intellect	Orange
♀	Venus	Love and sensuality	Green
♂	Mars	Assertiveness and aggression	Red
♃	Jupiter	Benevolence and prosperity	Blue
♄	Saturn	Hardship and discipline	Black
♅	Uranus	Anarchy and innovation	Aquamarine
♆	Neptune	Spirituality and creativity	Purple
♇	Pluto	Transformation and regeneration	Brown

The astrological symbols used by the Knights Templar were not merely decorative but had deep significance and meaning. Understanding the symbolism behind these symbols gives us a deeper insight into the celestial secrets of this enigmatic organization.

Astrology and Templar Architecture

As we have explored in previous sections, astrology played a significant role in the practices and beliefs of the Knights Templar. However, its influence extended far beyond their spiritual traditions, also affecting the design and construction of their architecture.

Templar architecture is characterized by a distinct style, often featuring intricate details and imposing structures. This style was influenced by a variety of factors, including the practical needs of the Knights as well as their spiritual beliefs, of which astrology was a key component.

A prime example of the incorporation of astrology in Templar architecture can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The church was built upon the site where Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified and buried. It was also constructed to align with certain celestial events, such as the summer solstice.

Alignment	Celestial Event	Significance
East-West Axis	Equinoxes	Symbolic representation of the connection between heaven and earth
North-South Axis	Summer Solstice	Symbolic representation of the triumph of light over darkness

It is believed that the alignment of the church in this way was intended to symbolize the connection between heaven and earth, as well as the triumph of light over darkness.

The use of astrological principles in Templar architecture was not limited to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Many other structures built by the Knights also featured celestial alignments and symbolism. For example, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is believed to have been built on the site where the prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven, and its design incorporates intricate astrological symbolism.

In addition to incorporating astrological symbolism into their architecture, the Knights Templar also used their knowledge of the stars and planets to guide them in their travels. They were skilled navigators, able to traverse the seas with ease, and it is believed that this ability was due in part to their understanding of celestial navigation.

Overall, the use of astrology in Templar architecture is yet another example of the profound influence this practice had on medieval society. It is a testament to the enduring fascination with the Knights Templar’s celestial secrets and the role they played in shaping our understanding of astrology today.

Astrology in Templar Rituals and Ceremonies

Astrology played a crucial role in the rituals and ceremonies of the Knights Templar. Their spiritual practices were deeply intertwined with celestial events, and they believed that the alignment of the planets and stars had a profound impact on their lives.

The Templars were known to perform various ceremonies throughout the year, with specific rituals dedicated to important astrological moments. These ceremonies were conducted in their sacred spaces, and they followed strict guidelines and procedures.

“The Knights Templar were known for their meticulous attention to detail in their ceremonies. They believed that the alignment of the planets and stars had a direct impact on their spiritual practices, and they incorporated celestial knowledge into every aspect of their rituals.”

Their ceremonies were often conducted in complete darkness, with only the light of the stars and the moon illuminating their sacred spaces. They believed that this heightened their spiritual connection to the celestial realm and allowed them to receive divine guidance from the cosmos.

One of the most significant ceremonies conducted by the Knights Templar was the initiation ceremony. This ritual was held for new members of the order, and it involved a series of astrologically inspired practices.

The initiation ceremony was divided into several stages, with each stage representing a different astrological principle. For example, the first stage was aligned with the element of fire, and it involved a symbolic purification by fire.

The second stage was aligned with the element of water, and it involved a baptism-like ceremony in which the new member was spiritually reborn. The third stage was aligned with the element of air, and it involved an intellectual examination of the mysteries of the cosmos.

The final stage was aligned with the element of earth, and it involved a physical and spiritual grounding of the new member into the order. This stage often involved a symbolic burial and resurrection, representing the death of the old self and the birth of the new.

Symbol	Meaning
The Sun	Represents divinity and the source of all life.
The Moon	Represents feminine energy and the mystical aspect of spirituality.
The Zodiac	Represents the twelve astrological signs and their unique qualities.

The Knights Templar also used various astrological symbols in their ceremonies. These symbols held deep meaning and were believed to have a potent influence on their spiritual practices.

Some of the most significant astrological symbols used by the Knights Templar include the Sun, the Moon, and the Zodiac. These symbols were often incorporated into the design of their sacred spaces, and they were used to enhance the spiritual energy of their ceremonies.

In conclusion, astrology played a crucial role in the rituals and ceremonies of the Knights Templar. They believed that the alignment of the planets and stars had a profound impact on their spiritual practices, and they incorporated celestial knowledge into every aspect of their rituals. The use of astrological symbols and practices was a crucial part of their spiritual tradition, and it showcases the enduring fascination the Knights Templar hold for people today.

Astrology in Templar History: Understanding Its Legacy

As we have previously explored, astrology played a significant role in the practices and beliefs of the Knights Templar during medieval times. However, what impact did their celestial secrets have on their legacy and the broader study of astrology? Let’s examine this further.

“The Templars believed in the power and significance of the stars and planets. Their use of astrology in their training, rituals, and architecture was a testament to the enduring influence of celestial knowledge on their society.”

The Enduring Fascination with Templar Astrology

Even centuries after their disbandment, the Knights Templar continue to captivate and intrigue scholars and enthusiasts across the globe. One area of particular fascination is their use and understanding of astrology.

As we have uncovered, the Knights Templar intertwined astrology into nearly every aspect of their existence, from their training and rituals to their architectural designs and spiritual beliefs. The enduring allure of their celestial mysteries speaks to the lasting impact and fascination with their astrological legacy.

Templar Astrology and the Study of Medieval Astrology

The significance of the Knights Templar’s use of astrology extends beyond their own practices and traditions. It has also had a profound impact on the study of astrology during the medieval period.

The detailed and intricate knowledge of celestial movements and their impact on daily life, society, and the spiritual realm held by the Knights Templar has provided scholars with a wealth of insights into the medieval understanding of astrology. It has also helped shed light on the broader significance that astrology held in medieval times.

The Templar Legacy and Modern Astrology

Finally, it is worth considering the enduring influence that the Knights Templar’s use of astrology has had on modern understandings of the practice. Today, astrology remains a relevant and popular pursuit for many individuals and communities.

While the specific techniques and beliefs held by the Knights Templar may not be universally accepted or practiced in modern times, their legacy has unquestionably contributed to the ongoing interest and exploration of astrology.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have explored the fascinating world of the Knights Templar and their use of astrology in medieval times. Their celestial secrets have captivated historians and astrologers alike, inspiring countless theories and speculations about the depth of their knowledge.

From the origins of the Knights Templar to the significance of astrology in medieval society, we have covered the crucial background information necessary to understand the role of astrology in their practices. We have examined how astrological teachings were incorporated into their training regimen and how astrological symbols influenced their decision-making.

We have also explored the connection between astrology and Templar architecture, and how celestial alignments played a role in the construction of their sacred spaces. Additionally, we uncovered the ways in which astrology was incorporated into their rituals and ceremonies, serving as a spiritual guide for the Knights Templar.

Finally, we discussed the lasting legacy of the Knights Templar and their celestial practices. Their influence can still be felt today, and their use of astrology has had a lasting impact on the study of celestial knowledge in medieval times.

Overall, the Knights Templar’s use of astrology remains a fascinating topic that continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. Through exploring their celestial secrets, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role that astrology played in the medieval world and the complex ways it intersected with various aspects of society and culture.