Astrology in the Year Zero (Astrology Now) [Paperback]

Garry Phillipson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Astrology Now | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Flare Publications (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0953026191
• ISBN-13: 978-0953026197
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,278,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skeptic's review, January 5, 2001

By 

Skeptic (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astrology in the Year Zero (Astrology Now) (Paperback)

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 !!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars into the minds of astrologers, March 28, 2001

By 

Ms. Ag Burton "Annabel Burton Astrology" (Cheshire, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Astrology in the Year Zero (Astrology Now) (Paperback)

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!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astrology in the Year Zero, November 15, 2000

By 

Jenni Dean Harte (Walton on Thames, Surrey England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Astrology in the Year Zero (Astrology Now) (Paperback)

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!