Deborah Houlding: Shaping Contemporary British Astrological Thought

Deborah Houlding: Shaping Contemporary British Astrological Thought

Introduction to Deborah HouldingDeborah Houlding stands as a pivotal figure in the landscape of contemporary British astrology, renowned for her deep scholarship and passionate advocacy of traditional techniques. Emerging in the 1990s, Houlding quickly established herself within the UK’s vibrant astrological community through her blend of historical rigour and practical application. With a background that…
Cultural Skepticism and Support: The Role of Astrology in British Identity

Cultural Skepticism and Support: The Role of Astrology in British Identity

Introduction: Navigating Belief and Doubt in British CultureIn the tapestry of British identity, threads of curiosity and scepticism have long been interwoven, shaping not just how people view themselves, but also how they engage with the wider world. The British are renowned for their wry humour, keen sense of irony, and a measured approach to…
Astrology in British Literature and Theatre: Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Beyond

Astrology in British Literature and Theatre: Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Beyond

Introduction: Astrology’s Influence on British Cultural ImaginationAstrology has long woven itself into the very fabric of Britain’s cultural imagination, sparking curiosity and debate across centuries. From bustling Elizabethan playhouses to the candle-lit parlours of medieval scholars, astrology was much more than a fleeting fad; it was a lens through which people sought to understand the…
Raphael (Robert Cross Smith): Pioneer of Victorian Astrology in British Society

Raphael (Robert Cross Smith): Pioneer of Victorian Astrology in British Society

Raphael: The Man Behind the NameIn the bustling heart of early 19th-century Britain, a time characterised by rapid industrialisation and evolving social norms, Robert Cross Smith emerged as a significant figure in the revival of astrology. Born in 1795, Smith came of age during an era when traditional beliefs were being questioned and new scientific…
The Role of Astrology in British Royalty: Myths, Beliefs, and Advisers

The Role of Astrology in British Royalty: Myths, Beliefs, and Advisers

Astrology and the Origins of the MonarchyFrom the earliest chapters of British history, astrology has quietly influenced the monarchy, weaving itself into both the fabric of royal identity and the narrative of legitimacy. In medieval Britain, celestial events such as eclipses or striking planetary alignments were viewed not merely as natural phenomena but as divine…
Elizabethan Court Astrologers: Politics, Prophecy, and Power

Elizabethan Court Astrologers: Politics, Prophecy, and Power

Introduction to Elizabethan AstrologyIn the golden age of Elizabeth I, astrology was far more than a mystical diversion; it was woven into the very fabric of courtly life and political manoeuvring. The Elizabethan era witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity and perceived legitimacy of astrology, especially within royal and noble circles. Far from being…
The Evolution of Astrology in British History: From Druids to the Digital Age

The Evolution of Astrology in British History: From Druids to the Digital Age

Celestial Beliefs among the Ancient Britons and DruidsLong before the Roman conquest and the emergence of written records, the mist-laden landscapes of ancient Britain were home to complex societies whose relationship with the cosmos was both practical and deeply spiritual. Among these peoples, the Druids—revered as priests, philosophers, and keepers of arcane knowledge—stood at the…