Twenty Second History of Astrology Seminar

This was a very special day. Annabella Kitson has been the co-ordinator of the History of Astrology seminars since they started in 1984. They have moved home twice and eventually a book, based on them was published. Today was to be her last one.

The morning commenced as normal with a packed audience. As usual Nick Campion opened the proceedings, this time with a talk on The Christian Cosmos and the real reason for Christianity's early opposition to Astrology.

He was followed by Helen Jacobus who gave a talk on the Book of Judith (an outside book) which tells her heroic story, and became celebrated as Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Although a panel session was booked to follow, what followed instead was a dedication to Annabella. All the speakers, along with others in the room, looked back over the 22 years of the History Seminar. There were many fond and humourous memories. It was rounded off by a presentation to her of a bouquet of flowers and a CD of poetry. A special lunch was laid on in the library and everyone else enjoyed lunch downstairs. This was proved by Gail Cornish.

The afternoon got off to a rousing start with Bernard Eccles looking at New Arrivals and Old Acquaintances. Through the centuries there have been many 'discoveries', both real and hypothetical. Bernard gave a very good argument as to whether they have a lasting validity or whether they are simply a product of the times.

Bernard was followed by Patrick Curry. Patrick has contributed several pages to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. He was happy to read out some of the entries on famous Astrologers in History right up to modern times, whose biographies had at last made it into the great book for recognition.

The last person of the day to speak was Valerie Shrimplin. Valerie's contribution focused on the fabulous Church of San Miniato, Florence. She showed a series of slides looking at the architecture and design which featured many references to astronomy and a fabulous astrological zodiac on the floor of the building.

The end of the day came far too quickly. Nobody wanted to leave. The speakers and other contributors posed for a final farewell picture.

Pictured standing Bernard Eccles, Mike Edwards, Nick Campion and Patrick Curry. Seated, Claire Chandler, Peter Nockolds, Helen Jacobus, Annabella Kitson and Valerie Shrimplin.

Here are some more pictures taken during break times

Next year we will be holding the 23rd History of Astrology Seminar on the 5th November, 2006, under the co-ordination of Kim Farnell.

Carole West