אסטרולוגיה ומאגיה אסטראלית במגלה עמוקות לר' שלמה אלקונסטנטין

Solomon Alconstantin (or Alcostantin) is the author of the book Megalleh ʿAmuqot, which exists in manuscript only and is comprised of two parts. The first and shorter part, written in 1352 in Burgos, defends the legitimacy of astrology; its text appears at the end of this paper. The second and larger part of the work is a commentary on Aggadot and Midrashim, arranged according to the weekly pericope. The style of the commentary is both allegoric and rationalistic. This paper investigates Alconstantin's astrological system and postulates the theory that the author propounded an "astrological theology", that is, he based the most prominent concepts of religion on astrology. Concepts of biblical interpretation, divine providence, explanations of miz̮vot and prophecy were viewed by him as structured around astrology. Alconstantin interpreted Judaism in a radical manner, according to his astrological outlook. Furthermore, he legitimized astral magic in accordance with which he explained the basis for the various kinds of qorbanot. A number of philosophers of Alconstantin's circle were influenced by his ideas (for example, Samuel Ibn Carca and probably Shem Tov Ibn Shaprut), although the scope and cogency of his views remained unique.