Learning and astrology was virtually in a state of suspension during the Dark Ages in Europe.

The centers of learning were to be found in the Middle East.

The Christian church eventually established the monastic system as a means of promoting learning, but even then, the philosophers of the time were viewed with suspicion by the church fathers.

Residue from the Dark Ages continued to exert a tight grip on Europe. Anything obscure, not understood, or perceived to be an eventual threat was denounced as heresy.

Astrology, having been denounced, was regarded as the work of the devil. From this point on, it was hidden from mass society, and only a handful of people were selectively chosen to study this 'Hidden' or 'Occult' science.

But in the 700's, an English monk by the name of Alcuin, received the patronage of Charlemagne, and was sent to the Middle East to study.

Later he was brought back to France, where he setup the first great Medieval school at the Abbey of Saint Martin near Tours. Among the subjects he taught was astrology, and under his tutelage was Charlemagne himself.