Astrological Power. Paracelsus's emphasis on the essentially astral character of humans and the active powers that dwell within nature can be readily understood in the context of Renaissance Neoplatonic theories that were elaborated in the late fifteenth century by Marsilio Ficino and spread north with Italian humanism. Ficino and his followers believed that the properly trained scholar-practitioner, the magus (magician-sage), could rearrange his physical surroundings and mental state in order to channel the cosmic forces that constantly rained down on him and interconnected every part of the world, forming an organic entity. Through proper choice of foods and clothing, the preparation of elaborate talismans from herbs and minerals selected for their astrological virtues, and the singing of ancient hymns and poems, the wise man could wield cosmic power to achieve health and longevity and otherwise alter the natural flow of the...