Opening Statement

[Robert_Schmidt]

Opening statement

The theme of the 2006 PHASE Conclave, sponsored by Project Hindsight, was the astrological tradition in retrospect (hindsight). The idea was to compare basic concepts and techniques from Hellenistic, early Vedic, and Medieval astrology—three astrological traditions very like one another in spirit and practice—in an effort to find common ground and see the extent to which each of these three traditions could illuminate and enrich the other two.

I have asked Michael Erlewine to form a special panel on this ACTastrology forum so that we can recreate the program of that conclave and continue the work we began there, and he has agreed to do so.

The central presenters at the 2006 conclave were Ken Johnson (filling in for Vedic astrologer Ernst Wilhelm, who was unable to attend due to a back injury), Ben Dykes (representing Medieval astrology), and myself (Hellenistic astrology). For this panel, Mr. Wilhelm has agreed to represent early Vedic, and Mr. Dykes and I will reprise our roles as representatives of Medieval and Hellenistic, respectively. Mr. Johnson is interested in acting as a kind of general witness and commentator to the discussions.

The general procedure will be the same as at the conclave. I will make a post about a Hellenistic concept or technique, and Mr. Dykes, Mr. Wilhelm, or Mr. Johnson will respond. This should not be taken to represent any judgment on the thorny issue of the historical transmission of astrological doctrine. Rather, since the surviving concepts and techniques of Hellenistic astrology for the most part constitute a subset of similar ones found in Vedic and Medieval, it is reasonable to use Hellenistic astrology to establish a base-line for the discussions.

To keep these dialogues focused on the somewhat daunting task before us, this will be a closed panel. Others who wish to have their comments heard or their questions addressed should post on the appropriate forum. Mr. Wilhelm is moderator of the Vedic forum, Mr. Dykes of the Medieval forum, and I am moderating the Hellenistic forum.

I sincerely hope that you all find these discussion interesting and valuable.

Robert Schmidt