2 The Historical Basis for the Star of Bethlehem
In: The Star of Bethlehem and the MagiSearch for other papers by Michael R. Molnar in
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Abstract
Roman coins issued in Antioch in Coele Syria reveal the likely basis for the Star of Bethlehem in the Matthean account of the birth of Jesus. Those coins depict Aries the Ram, which is the zodiacal sign shared by Judea, according to astrologer Claudius Ptolemy. Applying the astrological concepts of Greek astrology, this investigation into the astrological nature of the Star of Bethlehem searches for lunar occultations of Jupiter in the anticipated timeframe for the birth of Jesus. Jupiter was key to producing royal horoscopes, and its close proximity to the Moon produced an astrological condition befitting the birth of a king. Two such events involving Jupiter occurred in Aries the Ram on 20 March and 17 April 6 bce. Subsequent research determined that Jupiter was “in the east”—that is, it was heliacal rising on 17 April 6 bce. The coincidence of these two extremely important regal aspects point to the birth of the King of the Jews. The horoscope for this day is very similar to that for Emperor Hadrian, but with more important astrological aspects. Further study of the Matthean account reveals a story reconstructed around this event, with the objective of appealing to astrology-practicing Romans.