University of Wales Trinity Saint David - click to enlarge

As Above, So Below

Twenty first Annual Sophia Centre Conference in Partnership with the Harmony Institute
Institute of Education and Humanities
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Lampeter 13th and 14th July 2024

The phrase 'as above, so below', is paraphrased from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, probably dating to the 9th century, and has formed a foundation for the theory of astrology ever since. The second part of the phrase, 'as below, so above', introduces the notion of a reciprocal relationship between sky and earth, or between people, planets and stars, or between this world and other worlds, in which each part of the universe is in a mutual relationship with all other parts. As some modern commentators, put it, nothing exists except in relationship to everything else. A common contemporary term is 'relationality'.

This conference will focus on the theory and practice of the relationships between earth and sky, or between people, planets, and stars. Papers may focus on any aspect of astronomy, astrology, and cosmology, and approaches may be taken from across the humanities and social sciences. We welcome papers which take a broad approach, or which focus on particular issues, people or texts, as long as they reference the conference theme.

Welcome to the conference page for the Twenty first Annual Sophia Centre conference. The Sophia Centre is a research and teaching centre in the University's Institute of Education and Humanities. Its remit is the study of the way that we live in the cosmos and over the last two decades it has been at the forefront of the academic pursuit of the understanding of the human quest for meaning in the cosmos.

This conference is organised by the Sophia Centre in partnership with the University's Harmony Institute and the Sophia Centre Press. We are pleased to acknowledge generous support from the Urania Trust.

The conference will be held both in-person on the University’s Lampeter campus and online. We will also be welcoming speakers both in person and online.

Our Lampeter campus it is a delightful place, based on the courtyard style of an Oxbridge College in the middle of a small town amidst the Welsh countryside. We will be based in the venerable, book-lined environment of the Founders Library.

The Sophia Centre is a research and teaching centre in the University's Institute of Education and Humanities. Its remit is the study of the way that we live in the cosmos and over the last two decades it has been at the forefront of the academic pursuit of the understanding of the human quest for meaning in the cosmos.

See here for this year's conference theme.

For a list of speakers and talks see here

Book for the conference here

For accommodation see here