Patrick Curry

Roy G. Willis

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.

Pulling Down the Moon

Astrology, Science and Culture

Looks at the mythology of Egypt, the Middle East, India, China, Tibet, Japan, Greece, Rome, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australia

World Mythology

World Mythology is an authoritative and wide-ranging collection of the most important mythological traditions, combining the impact of pure narrative with the background necessary for understanding. Under the direction of Roy Willis, nineteen leading scholars navigate a clear path through the complexities of myth by distilling the essence of each regional tradition and focusing on the most significant figures and enthralling stories. Selected mythical episodes include - the downfall of gods and demons, stories of revenge and metamorphosis, tales of doomed love and travels to the Underworld. There are highly useful summaries of theories about the origins and meaning of myth, plus an examination of themes that recur across a range of civilizations. Superbly illustrated with more than 500 colour photographs, artworks, charts and maps, this is the most accessible guide yet produced to the limitless heritage of the world's imagination.

Roy G. Willis

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