Product Description

Based on over 30 interviews with scientific researchers and leading astrologers, this landmark book examines the lives and work of contemporary astrologers and considers many of the issues facing this ancient art. It has won acclaim from both skeptics and astrologers for the thorough and unbiassed way in which evidence is sifted and facts are presented.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1011471 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780953026197
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"Insights into the world of astrology for everyone... I loved it and couldn't put it down" -- Shelley von Strunckel (astrologer with the London 'Sunday Times')

"This book, which makes captivating reading, invites astrologers to reflect upon the nature of their art in a spirit of genuine inquiry." -- Hélène Haw Agrégée de l’Universi té (La Sorbonne); DF.Astrol.S; R.C.Astrol. Review in 'The Astrological Journal', Sept/Oct 2000

"reveals the infinitely rich interconnections between astrology and other fields of inquiry as diverse as medicine... mythology, literature, design..." -- Dr Morine Krissdóttir, Psychologist and literary biographer. Books include: Shielding: Man and Shelter; John Cowper Powys and the Magical Quest; The Dorset Year.

About the Author
Garry Phillipson graduated from the University of East Anglia in 1976, with honours in philosophy. By that point, he had grown disillusioned with traditional western philosophy, and consequently began an exploration of other paths and systems. The ones that proved to have the most enduring appeal were Buddhist philosophy and astrology.

Whilst this internal search went on, his external circumstances fluctuated regularly. The next ten years saw him working as: a carer in communities for the elderly; a lorry loader; an executive officer in a major bank; a bingo hall attendant; a computer operator; and a member of Part Form, the techno/dada band from Liverpool.

In 1986 he decided to devote time exclusively to the study of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, ordaining as a monk with the Aukana Trust (with whom he had been studying since 1983). He left the monastery in 1993, but remains actively involved with the Trust – as a trustee (the organisation is a registered charity), and as a meditation teacher and organiser of the Trust’s London Group. He now works as Resources Manager for a London-based software company.

‘Astrology in the Year Zero’ resulted from Garry’s continued study of astrology – in particular, from his investigation of the philosophy and assumptions which underpin the subject. His articles and lectures on the subject have appeared under the aegis of groups including the Astrological Association of Great Britain, the Company of Astrologers, the Urania Trust, the Standing Conference on Organisational Symbolism, the Mountain Astrologer, and Ascella.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Excerpt from the beginning of Chapter 1:

Astrology amazes everyone who thinks about it. Some see a universe in which the stars signal the quality and course of their lives, and find this amazing. Others see a superstitious minority, mired in beliefs from a medieval world, and find it amazing how gullible people can be.

These two kinds of amazement both suggest reasons why astrology is worth thinking about in the first place. If it really works as astrologers claim, there would (obviously enough) be good reason to study it. But if all the astrological work ever done has been pure fantasy, there would still be compelling reasons to learn more about it.

If astrology grew entirely from imagination, then it is a dream which humanity has dreamed, a collective myth which has been formed, sustained and developed by our race in an attempt to make sense of the world; an intellectual fossil whose form shows what we do when we try to understand the world and our place in it. This, together with the fact that a belief in the power of the stars has influenced humanity and its institutions through much of recorded history, means that the study of astrology – even if astrology itself is not considered objectively valid – can disclose new perspectives on this world and the way we relate to it. If we can decide what we are looking at, it will be worth looking – but, given the range of misconceptions about the subject, this seems to be easier said than done.

Astrology tends to polarise opinion. Sceptics frequently argue that astrologers are at best delusional, at worst frauds; many astrologers insist that their craft works so clearly, so reliably, that only prejudice keeps critics from embracing it. Such simplistic views commonly lead to intellectual deadlock between the two camps, with neither willing to concede an inch. This is in the interests of no-one: those who seriously investigate the subject and believe they have substantial evidence – either that astrology works or does not work - are denied a fair hearing, because of a common assumption that the case is already closed. And those who have no axe to grind, but might simply be interested to know the facts, find it difficult to penetrate through a fusillade of propaganda from both sides.

This Book’s Method and Structure

In an attempt to get away from misconception, to the core of astrology, this book presents what astrologers do, and why they do it, in their own words. The text has largely been assembled from thirty-three interviews recorded between 1996-2000 with some of the most eminent, and/or interesting, figures in the field. Amongst the contributors there are people who believe completely in astrology’s validity and accuracy, some of whom present compelling evidence of their subject’s scope and power. There are also scientific researchers who present evidence to show that nothing has been proved, that all conclusions are either partial or just plain wrong.

I have tried to present the issues, and the range of opinion, faithfully - so that readers may draw their own conclusions…

Customer Reviews

Skeptic's review
Perhaps it's because I'm so skeptical about astrology, but I just love reading books and other material from both sides of the "believers" fence. I believe that many of the astrologers that Phillipson has interviewed in his book are very well known in the UK, so I wanted to find out if there was anything "behind" astrology (from their point of view, anyway).

I was very pleasantly surprised to find a book that is both educational, well written, and for once puts many astrologers in a place where they are able to truly inform. Excellent !

I like how the book is broken down in a way which doesn't just present a long narrative, but can be picked up at any time, and can help answer questions that anybody might have about the nature and origin of astrology.

Well, I still haven't changed my views, but at least I'm now a lot more informed about why astrologers believe what they believe and practice what they practice - perhaps I would even go so far as to say I have a new respect for them !

So when is somebody going to do the same thing with all the astrologers over here? Let's find out if the American ones have the same view points, and the same basis !!

into the minds of astrologers
This is a unique insight into the thinking of contemporary astrologers, and gives a fascinating view of the diversity of the astrological soup, from sun signs to financial, medical and psychological practices. Because of the narrative style, which runs at a fantastic pace, we are given words of wisdom, anecdotes and beliefs straight from the horses' mouths. In this sense, it is a book that will appeal to students of astrology, astrologers and those who are skeptical of astrolgy. The middle section of the book goes into the current scientific research on the validity of astrology, with attempts to prove its truths. This research is inconclusive, and for one who practices this as a profession, it is quite controversial but nevertheless, the value of astrology as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth is reason enough for its continuation. This book is essential reading as there is a vast global interest in the subject but relatively few practioners. It is all to easy to become isolated and treat astrology as a sacred cow, a panacea for all ills. Garry Phillipson manages to incorporate the full spectrum of the state of astrology today in a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read!

Astrology in the Year Zero
Phillipson's book covers largely unchartered waters in modern astrology by giving astrologers the opportunity to say what they really think about it. This book doesn't have a bias, despite Phillipson's own talents as an astrologer, in fact, he seems to bend over backwards to give everyone an equal chance to express their views even when they aren't particularly flattering. You won't find such a thorough (and controversial) overview of the topic anywhere. Shelly Von Strunkle is right, you just can't put it down!