Astrampsychus the Magician (Ἀστράμψυχος ὁ μάγος) is a pseudonymous figure of the 2nd century CE to whom works of divination and magic were attributed. He is presented as either a Persian magus or an Egyptian sage, a literary construct designed to lend authority to the texts ascribed to him [1]. His name, suggesting astral or mystical phenomena (from astrapē, "lightning," and psychē, "soul"), and his Persian association reflect the Greco-Roman view of Eastern occult expertise [2].

The primary works attributed to him are The Oracles of Astrampsychus (Sortes Astrampsychi), a popular numerical lot-oracle for personal questions surviving in Greek manuscripts [1][4], and The Oneirocriticon of Astrampsychus, a dream-interpretation manual sometimes associated with him [5].

His significance lies in the reception of his attributed texts. The Sortes Astrampsychi was a widely used divinatory tool, providing valuable evidence for non-elite beliefs and popular ritual practice in the Roman Empire [1][4]. As a pseudonym, "Astrampsychus" functioned as an authoritative brand, similar to Hermes Trismegistus, conferring ancient wisdom upon works of magic and divination [3].

Sources 1. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics: Astrampsychus: https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-866 2. Perseus Digital Library: Greek Word Study Tool for "ἀστραπή": http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/morph?l=a%29straph%2F&la=greek 3. World History Encyclopedia: Magic in the Ancient World: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/56/magic-in-the-ancient-world/ 4. University of Kentucky Classics (edu domain): The Sortes Astrampsychi: https://classics.as.uky.edu/sortes-astrampsychi 5. The Oneirocriticon of Astrampsychus (The Dream Book of Astrampsychus) - Achiocritica: https://oneirocritica.com/the-oneirocriticon-of-astrampsychus/