The Problem of Astrology
Typical of the problems marked out for investigation by PHASER is the Problem of Astrology. Astrology is obviously a major incongruity in modern consciousness and its persistence into modern times is a puzzle. The typical modern thinker's automatic, vigorous, and contemptuous rejection of this ancient discipline says more about modern thought than it does about astrology's own intrinsic merits. Astrology was taken seriously by many fine minds in the past, and has been a major force in all ancient cultures, leaving its imprint on their arts, artifacts, religions, and sciences well past the threshold of modern times. Historical considerations alone would entitle it to more than an unceremonious consignment to the trash heap of ancient superstitions. However, the most important reason to look seriously at astrology may be that it presents modern thought with a rare and golden opportunity to contemplate its own shadow and to consider its own contours anew.
Information about the results of the first phase of our investigation, which culminated in the reconstruction of the system of astrology that developed in or around Alexandria, Egypt in the second century B.C.E., can be found on our companion website ProjectHindsight.com. Details about the concepts and techniques of astrology will continue to be posted there. For the broader implications of our research to date as well as the results of our ongoing investigation into the theoretical, philosophical, scientific, and metaphysical aspects of the Problem of Astrology, check back to the PHASER Foundation website after construction is completed.
A formulation of the problem of astrology was presented in a 1998 lecture by Robert Schmidt. An edited transcript of that lecture is available here.
In a landmark series of lectures given between 1996 and 1998, Robert Schmidt examined a number of approaches for developing a modern theoretical foundation for astrology. Descriptions of these lectures can be found at "http://www.projecthindsight.com/archives/lectures.html" .