Location (hybrid event): The Heyman Center, Second Floor Common Room, Columbia University (Map) and streamed live on Zoom (Registration link below)

With speakers Omri Elisha (CUNY), Leisa Schaim (Astrologer), Samuel Reynolds (Astrologer), and Diana Rose Harper (Astrologer) 

Co-sponsored by The Society of Fellows and Heyman Center for the Humanities; the Department of Anthropology; and the Department of Religion

Astrology is everywhere these days. In our digital age, astrological symbols and concepts have never been more popular, or as diverse in their applications. As ancient divination practices are being actively revived and synthesized with elements of modern philosophy, astronomy, psychology, and alternative spirituality, we are compelled to ask: What does it mean to reproduce classical meanings and metaphysics in modern contexts? How do occult traditions of the past align with contemporary social ethics and values? This panel brings three professional astrologers in conversation with a cultural anthropologist to discuss the growing popularity of astrology, considering these and other questions. We will examine the “timeless” nature of astrology while also asking if there are limits to the universality of ancient knowledge systems.