Researchers
Cosmology and Divination has already established a lively research community. At present there are nine MA, M.Phil and Ph.D. researchers at Kent:
James Brockbank (Ph.D.)
Provisional title: "The Responsive Cosmos: An Enquiry into the Theoretical Foundations of Astrology."
Catherine Christof (M.Phil.)
Researching the spiritual dimension of symbol in theatre
Ben Conway (MA)
Working title: Perspectives on Splendor Solis: methods and approaches to alchemical symbolism
My research involves examining the ways in which we can engage with alchemical symbolism. The main part of my research is comparing the psychological views on alchemical symbolism through such works as Jung, von Franz, Henderson and Sherwood with the Traditional school of thinking through the theories of Guenon, Burckhardt and Evola. Through focusing on the sequence of the seven alchemical vessels in the Hartley version of Splendor Solis, I will draw together different levels of understanding in each picture. This will then hopefully lead onto examining the purpose of alchemy comparing the psychological process of individualization and the Traditionalist process of initiation and ‘becoming’.
Maggie Hyde (M.Phil.)
Researching ‘Divination for today’: symbolic interpretation in astrology and tarot
Lindsay Radermacher (M.Phil.)
Lindsay Radermacher came to the Cosmology and Divination MA having been working as an astrologer within the UK astrological community for 30years. She lives in London, teaches and lectures on astrology, and has an astrological practice there. She was President of the Faculty of Astrological Studies between 1986-95, is a Trustee of the Urania Trust, and most recently has been chairing the Sophia Project, a Trust which was set up to return the study of serious astrology into universities. Her MA was in English Literature, and she is now doing an M.Phil in which her research focuses on dialogue in astrological divination. Her intention is to explore, from an academic perspective, the nature of her longstanding astrological practice.
Grace Richard (M.Phil.)
My research will attempt to explore the promotion of Self/Soul development incorporating various concepts and educational methods within the disciplines of Jungian and Archetypal/Depth Psychology, Psychological Astrology, Transpersonal Education and Film Analysis. I will attempt to explore, define and interpret philosophical, historical and metaphysical concepts of ‘the soul’ and its function as an organ of knowledge, to provide a basis for investigating possibilities for engaging the process of ‘soul-making’ (as suggested by James Hillman) within contemporary methods of education.
I intend to use the “Christian archetype” within the life of Christ in Jungian Psychology, the concept of ‘soul-making’ within archetypal and depth psychology and the emerging ideas of transpersonal education to form the basis for exploring the Self/Soul of the person. I intend to use the psychological application of astrological methods and film analysis to promote dialogue and discussions employing the Socratic method that would offer insights resulting in a transformative educational experience.
My research would explore the nature of the ‘unconscious’ and related aspects of the individual through the elements of the astrological chart and cinematic projections which would encourage the individual to embark on an inner journey towards individuation of the soul.
Danielle Shalet (Ph.D.)
Let me introduce myself, my name is Danielle Shalet and I am first year MPhil/PhD in cosmology and divination. Since my father introduced me to stargazing at the age of four I have been fascinated by the enigmatic nature of the universe and inspired by its magnitude. I remember writing my first project in school on the personification of the heavens and the association of the stars with Greek deities. Looking back at my childhood, it is not surprising that I have decided to dedicate my life’s work to unravelling the mysteries of the universe, well at least unravelling one or two mysteries. As my fascination with the heavens grew I decided that I would study astrophysics at university but unfortunately my studies were halted do to my great dislike for chemistry; I switched my major to history, but my fascination with the heavens never dwindled. This love for both the sciences and humanities fuelled my passion for finding a way to synthesis these disciplines and has led me to undertake my current research project.
Although my thesis is in its earlier stages of development what I am hoping to achieve is to raise an awareness of the parallels between science and philosophy and to find a way to forge a synergy between the two. It is my belief, as the founding principles behind science and maths, Pythagorean philosophy is the key to this resynthesis; however it is important to understand the origins of these beliefs and to recognize their significant impact on modern thought. Through examining the homogenous and harmonious beginnings of philosophy and science, especially cosmology, I am hoping to open the eyes of students and academics alike to the importance of multidisciplinary engagement. I believe that many of us within this department are doing our share to achieve this goal and are working very hard to find a happy medium between these two distinctly separate paradigms.
Garry Phillipson (Ph.D.)
I am particularly interested in epistemological issues arising from astrology, and in divination generally. I also have an interest in Theravadan Buddhist philosophy and practice (I was a monk in this tradition for six years). My book Astrology in the Year Zero was published in 2000 and I continue to curate the website of the book which can be found at www.astrozero.co.uk [1] – I can also be contacted via this site.
The title of the thesis I am currently working on is A Context for Heresy: Locating Astrology in Contemporary Western Thought. It focuses on the failure of dialogue between astrologers and their critics in the contemporary west, and ways in which our intellectual resources might be marshalled so as to foster meaningful discussion.
An interview with me (from March 2004, before I transferred my PhD to the University of Kent) can be found here: http://www.skyscript.co.uk/gpip.html [2]
Petra Stapp (M.Phil.)
My title is 'Animal Encounters In Contemporary Western Culture: Towards a better theory.'
The research involves the qualitative approach to the experiences that people, here in the West, have with regards to animals. The dominant Western view of animals rests within the Cartesian and Judaeo-Christian model of animals as resources or automata. When people have experiences of animals that challenge this world view their experiences are often explained away or ignored as erroneous. Using a phenomenological approach to these experiences it is hoped to show that the dominant models are inappropriate for evaluating these encounters. A better theory will involve allowing these experiences to 'speak' and have meaning in our society without trying to 'reduce' them to explanations.