Synopses & Reviews
Mainstream science has long dismissed astrology as primitive superstition. Yet, from daily horoscopes to personalized star forecasts, astrology still plays a crucial role in organizing many people's everyday lives. There has, however, been no convincing explanation of its appeal.
Astrology, Science and Culture finally fills this gap. Willis and Curry tackle astrology's rich history, its problematic relationship to psychology, and its attempts to prove its own validity. They argue that astrology has its roots in the Neolithic culture of Europe and the Middle East but, far from being a relic of years gone by, it still challenges its opponents' unquestioning belief in conventional modern science. Groundbreaking in its reconciliation of astrology's ancient traditions and its modern-day usage, this book impressively unites philosophy, science, anthropology, and history. It is the first exploration of the intimate connection of humankind and the stars from the dawn of pre-history to the present day.
Synopsis
Mainstream science has long dismissed astrology as a form of primitive superstition, despite or perhaps even because of its huge popular interest. From daily horoscopes to in-depth and personalized star forecasts, astrology, for many, plays a crucial role in the organization of everyday life. Present-day scholars and scientists remain baffled as to why this pseudo-science exercises such control over supposedly modern, rational and enlightened individuals, yet so far they have failed to produce any meaningful analysis of why it impacts on so many lives and what lies behind its popular appeal. Moving beyond scientific scepticism, Astrology, Science and Culture finally fills the gap by probing deeply into the meaning and importance of this extraordinary belief system. From the dawn of pre-history, humankind has had an intimate connection with the stars. With its roots in the Neolithic culture of Europe and the Middle East, astrology was traditionally heralded as a divinatory language. Willis and Curry argue that, contrary to contemporary understanding including that of most astrologers astrology was originally, and remains, a divinatory practice. Tackling its rich and controversial history, its problematic relationship to Jungian theory, and attempts to prove its grounding in objective reality, this book not only persuasively demonstrates that astrology is far more than a superstitious relic of years gone by, but that it enables a fundamental critique of the scientism of its opponents. Groundbreaking in its reconciliation of astrologys ancient traditions and its modern day usage, this book impressively unites philosophy, science, anthropology, and history, to produce a powerful exploration of astrology, past and present.
About the Author
Roy Willis is Emeritus Fellow in Social Anthropology, University of Edinburgh.
Patrick Curry is Associate Lecturer, Bath Spa University College.
Table of Contents
Astral Science before History * The Sky as Mirror * Actors on the Celestial Stage * The Astrological Story * Divination and the Stars * Varieties of Astrological Experience * Disenchantment and Re-enchantment * Science and Astrology * Divination Today * Minding the Heavens * Conversing with the Stars