Worship of the Stars: Celestial Themes in Observance and Practice of the Sacred

Conference Theme

In some cultures the sun, moon, stars and planets are worshipped. In others they may be revered as representatives or symbols of divinity. Sometimes the sky itself is divine. In sacred texts celestial bodies are often metaphors for, or symbols of, gods or goddesses. Often sacred spaces and buildings are designed with a specific relationship to the celestial bodies.

Proposals for papers are invited which examine the relationship between the sky, the celestial bodies and notions of divinity, religious practice and observance. We are interested in a variety of perspectives, through imagery, myth, anthropology, architecture, performance, literary studies and the history of art and v the study of religions.

Please send an abstract of 100-200 words and a biography of 50-100 words to Dr Nicholas Campion, School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology, n.campion@uwtsd.ac.uk

Deadline for applications to speak: 15 January 2016

The Programme will be confirmed by 15 February 2016

The Proceedings will be published by the Sophia Centre Press