What were the key differences between astrology and astronomy in medieval Mallorca?

In medieval Mallorca, astrology and astronomy were distinct yet interrelated fields that reflected the broader intellectual currents of the time. Astronomy, fundamentally a scientific discipline, focused on the study of celestial bodies and their movements, governed by mathematical principles. It was concerned with charting the stars and planets, primarily for navigation and calendar making, and developed significant advances through tools like astrolabes and armillary spheres.

Astrology, on the other hand, was rooted in the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies could influence human affairs and terrestrial events. In Mallorca, as in much of medieval Europe, astrology was considered an interpretive art, used for personal horoscopes, medical advice, and guidance for political decisions. Scholars often blended both fields, with astronomers frequently dabbling in astrological predictions, as the two were not seen as mutually exclusive.

The rise of universities in the late medieval period fostered a more systematic approach to both disciplines, yet tensions existed, especially as the Renaissance heralded a shift towards empirical observation in astronomy. In Mallorca, the interplay of astrology and astronomy was emblematic of a culture grappling with the intersections of faith, philosophy, and emerging scientific thought.