Speakers

Abstract Title: A Skyscape Archaeological Assessment of Passage Tombs of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm in the Channel Islands

Abstract:
The aim of the dissertation was to undertake a skyscape archaeological assessment of the passage tombs of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm in the Channel Islands, and to place the results in the wider context of the Neolithic Atlantic tombs builders’ worldview. This was done using a ‘time-space action approach’ that included fieldwork to measure the orientations of the passage tombs; an astronomical analysis of their celestial alignments, with a focus on the sun and the moon; and an assessment of the landscape, geological and material remains left at the tombs. This presentation will outline the research methodology, key findings, and conclusions.

Name: Nick Campion

Abstract Title: Is Astrology a Symbolic Language and What Does it Mean?

Abstract:
In my PhD research I found that between 80% and 92% of astrologers in the UK and USA define astrology as a language. A variation on this is that it’s a symbolic language: we all know astrology uses symbols. But where does this take us? What do we mean when we use the word ‘symbol’? And what do the different possibilities mean for the universe that astrologers imagine and inhabit?

Name: Wendy Fey

Abstract Title: Is the Biodynamic System of Agriculture a Representation of a vigourous and effective Host for an astrological Worldview in the West?

Abstract:
This presentation investigates the proposition that the biodynamic system of agriculture may represent a vigourous and effective host for an astrological worldview in the West. Two proposed connections between biodynamics and astrology are examined, namely the use of a calendar of the Moon’s movements against the zodiac to regulate cultivation, and the philosophical basis of the biodynamic worldview. The alchemical nature of the biodynamic system is also examined and a further connection with astrology made, based on the fact that the Aristotelian Elements are integral to the foundations of both.

Name: Miłosława Krogulska

Abstract Title: The Examination of the Astrology in The Feast of Trimalchio by Petronius Arbiter

Abstract:
The dissertation's objective is to examine the astrology portrayed in The Feast of Trimalchio, which was most likely authored by Petronius Arbiter (27-66 AD). The text is of primary interest to classical philologists, who treat astrology merely as a source of humour that appeals to the lower social classes. A thorough examination of the text reveals a contradiction with this approach. In his work, Petronius delineates four primary domains of astrological application among the populace of the Roman Empire: electional, natal and predictive astrology, and applications of astrological symbols in the organisation of events and the composition of speeches. All of these are confirmed in other literary or archaeological sources, as I have tried to demonstrate. The lecure will provide a overview of the primary theses of the work and discuss the potential for future research in this field.

Name: Berna Lee

Abstract Title: Between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity: A Doctoral Inquiry into Chinese Astrology an Xuanxue in Correlative Cosmology

Abstract:
This doctoral research expands and re-situates Chinese astrological practices within the philosophical infrastructure of Xuanxue (玄學)—the intellectual landscape in which the metaphysical vocabularies of Chinese correlative cosmology were first articulated. Rather than treating astrology as feudal superstition or isolating it from philosophical discourse, this study positions it as a living expression of Tian–Di–Ren (Heaven–Earth–Humanity) resonance and ganying (感應), the principle of relational responsiveness that structures classical cosmology. Engaging Xuanxue’s ontology of Dao (道) and its correlative worldview, the project explores how metaphysical orientations within Xuanxue shape modes of knowing, being, and relating to the world. In doing so, it examines how contemporary Chinese astrologers situate their practices within the philosophical continuum of Confucian, Daoist, and Xuanxue’s ontological reasoning.

Name: Nicole Montag-Keller

Abstract Title: Materiality addressing immateriality – how humans express their relating to three buildings linked to the sky

Abstract:
Around the end of the 19th century steel frame and concrete changed the possibilities of constructing buildings thus enabling architects to build differently. Cathedrals, the religious centre for communities, were no longer the tallest buildings, however throughout the beginning of the 20th century places dedicated to established religions were constructed applying a modernist approach. Modernist thought and its application prevailed all aspects of life. Architecture was no longer an application of re-envisioned architectural style but became a domain of artistic-aesthetic expression. My PhD looks into three different buildings all addressing immateriality: one place of pilgrimage belonging to roman-catholic religious faith, one building addressing spirit through philosophical thought, and a third place dedicated to commemoration. I am researching how human beings relate to these buildings. I will present preliminary findings of my pilot research and will outline how the architects ensured the orientation of the buildings to the sky and sky objects but also constructed space serving several functions and use. It will be argued, that relating towards any of the buildings is personal, subjective and is subject to change.

Garry Phillipson and Nick Campion in Conversation.

Last year marked twenty-five years since the publication of Garry Phillipson’s seminal collection of edited interviews with astrologers, Astrology in the Year Zero. The book also included interviews with sceptics. To commemorate this important event the Sophia Centre Press has published an updated edition. To celebrate Garry will join Nick in a conversation to talk about how the book came into being, why it’s still important, what astrologers say and do, criticisms of astrology, and the state of astrology in 2026.

Book Launch

Please share a toast with us as we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary launch of Garry Phillipson’s Astrology in the Year Zero.