Chris K

I'm a Vedic astrologer, although I use many Western techniques such as the outer planets, progressions, lunations, etc. I like to focus on the predictive side of astrology.To learn more about my approach to Vedic/Hindu astrology, you can check out my website:

Modern Vedic Astrology

I'm also a Ph D student in sociology at the University of Toronto. I am writing my dissertation on the contemporary practice of astrology. I would like to have a better understanding of its cultural significance, especially as it pertains to debates about science and systems of knowledge.It's true that astrology has been practiced for thousands of years. But that doesn't make it an unchanging phenomenon. Obviously, astrology has undergone many changes through history. As sociologist, I note that the ebb and flow of astrology's popularity also reflects larger social changes. Usually in times of great social upheaval, astrology has gained in status as people sought solace from their uncertainty. Perhaps the 17th century during the English Civil War is the best example of this. This was the time of the great astrologer William Lilly. The fin de siecle period of early modernity around 1900 is another example of rapid social change that coincided with the growth of astrology. Further, the sweeping social changes of the 1960s similarly accompanied an astrological revival in the West.So there are a number of questions here. Who becomes interested in astrology and why? What is distinctive about the world views of astrologers? What does the belief system of astrologers reveal about the role of spirituality and science in this society? And how are those apparently paradoxical beliefs reconciled? What is the cultural significance of recent developments in astrological practice such as the revival of traditional astrology and the growth of Vedic astrology?To facilitate my research, I am aiming to talk to as many astrologers and students of astrology as possible. Ideally, this would include people who are not practicing astrologers who have expressed an interest in it, as well as professional astrologers and everyone in between.So if you're interested in sharing your life story in astrology no matter how long or short, I'm all ears. Drop me line, send me a message. It would be great to talk to you. Interviews will be conducted via email and telephone, depending on circumstances. At present, my research timeline is to begin the interview process sometime in Fall 2006 and to wrap it up by Fall 2007. Hopefully, that will be enough time to gather a good cross section.