July 27th through August 2nd - Cumberland , Maryland
We are pleased to announce that Robert Zoller, the preeminent Medieval astrologer in the world and life-long student of occultism, will be participating in this year's PHASE Conclave. This will also be the first reunion in some thirteen years between Robert Zoller and Robert Schmidt, who were both featured speakers at the very first PHASE Conclave in 1994.
During the second portion of the Conclave, the two Roberts will be sharing their thoughts about astrology and the Hermetic tradition, from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. This will be after the presentations and interchanges of Michael Erlewine and Robert Schmidt during the first portion. We will be telling you more about the details of what the two Roberts will be presenting as they have a chance to work out their interaction. But for the moment, we would like you to hear from Robert Zoller in his own words.
Robert Zoller's Statement on Project Hindsight
It has been thirteen years since I left Project Hindsight. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Medieval Astrology, whose cause I have championed since 1975, and Hellenistic Astrology, championed by Robert Schmidt and Ellen Black since the early 1990's, have both found a place in the contemporary astrological scene.
During those thirteen years, Medieval Astrology and Hellenistic Astrology have had room to develop separately. Although Robert Schmidt and I have had some intermittent interchanges over these years, we have not really had much chance to compare notes on the subject of the theory and practice of early Western Astrology.
Recently, I have had the opportunity to have some extended discussions with him. These have convinced me that Schmidt's philosophical background has stood him in good stead in his investigations over the years, and that his efforts to come to an understanding of practical Astrology have at last born fruit. When we first got to know one another, his interest in Astrology was mainly philosophical. He has now become an astrologer. His current writings show the unmistakable signs of skill in astrological practice, but at the same time this is combined with a new philosophical rationale for Astrology. I believe that his approach will continue to be fruitful, both with regard to astrology as a predictive science, and in accessing the higher spiritual dimensions of Astrology.
As it turns out, we have both—each in our own way—been on the track of the original Hermetic system. Our interchanges have already led to some memorable moments of insight for us both. We both feel that our respective fates have arranged our reunion at this time for some purpose.
Medieval Astrology now has quite a number of dedicated and competent practitioners who know firsthand its practicality and depth. Further development and discovery in this field will continue as a result of new translations and the contributions of new translators such as Ben Dykes. Even though the interest in Hellenistic Astrology is of more recent date, it too has a growing number of students. Soon there will be skilled practitioners of Hellenistic astrology trained by Schmidt.
It is my perception that the time has come for a rapprochement between these two central schools of traditional astrological thought. Familiarity with both schools promises to be helpful in fostering the development of each. And just as Schmidt and I have profited from our renewed acquaintance, I believe that sometime in the not too distance future there can be a reunion of Medieval and Hellenistic Astrology.
Robert Zoller
24 April 2007
More information on the upcoming Conclave can be found here.