Heliodora: The First Known Female Astrologer in the Greco-Roman World

The discovery of Heliodora's funerary stele has shed new light on the role of women in ancient astrology. Demetra George writes about this, and the original article is published by MUSE.  Prior to this finding, there was no documentation of any women practicing astrology in the Hellenistic era. Heliodora's designation as an astrologer on her stele is a significant moment in history, marking an inception for discovering and reclaiming other women as part of a female astrological lineage.

Heliodora's stele, dated to the 2nd-3rd century, comes from Terenouthis, a village in the Egyptian Delta on the roads from both Alexandria and Memphis leading to the western desert. The stele depicts Heliodora reclining upon a couch, represented in both Egyptian and Greek motifs. Her hair style is Egyptian, and her clothing is typical Greek dress. She holds a cup extended towards a statue of a jackal, sacred to Anubis, the Egyptian god of the underworld.

The inscription on the stele reads: “Heliodora, astrologer, chaste, without reproach, virgin, brother-loving, about 52 years old. Be of good courage.” It is unusual for a person's occupation to be mentioned on their funerary stele during this time period, and it is also noteworthy for a woman to be unmarried. The fact that Heliodora is described as chaste, without reproach, and a virgin at her age suggests that she may have been a priestess or had dedicated her life to her astrological practice.

It is worth noting that knowledge of astrology was often passed down through astrologers by apprenticeship. Leaving unanswered questions. From whom did she learn, and who did she teach? Heliodora's exceptional stature as an astrologer, an unmarried woman without reproach, is evidence of the significant role that women played in ancient astrology. As more research is conducted, it is possible that other women astrologers will be discovered, contributing to a more complete understanding of the history of astrology and the role of women in this field.

*image is a construct, not that actual image of Heliodora. See the article for actual images.