Skyscript Astrology Forum

I have heard via Facebook that Dennis Elwell passed away peacefully yesterday (sometime between 8:10pm and 8:15 pm GMT, Thursday 13th November). The news was mentioned by the AA's Journal editor, Victor Oliver, but I'm not aware of any official announcement yet.

I am so sad to hear this. Dennis retired from astrology due to his health a few years ago but his influence is everywhere. When he was active I used to read everything I could of his work. I considered him to be one of (if not the) best astrologer(s) in the world. I also had many enlivening debates with him - at one time people thought we were at odds with each other personally because the debates would continue through the pages of the Traditional Astrologer; but we never were, and used to laugh at the thought. He was a complete gentleman with a great sense of humour and an amazing mind.

When I first started up Skyscript Dennis was one of its most generous contributors, and sent me an article for publication whenever I asked for one. One of my favourites was his "Modern Art of Horary", which was very challenging at that time because it contrasted sharply with the way horary was seen to be a purely predictive tool that had to answer one specific question without any attempt to probe beneath the surface of the question.
http://www.skyscript.co.uk/elwell1.html

I would also recommend the interview that Garry Phillipson did with him at
http://www.skyscript.co.uk/elwell.html

I am very sorry to hear this. He was one of my formative influences, indeed he was that for so many of us. Thank you for letting us know, Deb.

In the process of writing the above post I was contacted by one of his closest companions, who is pleased to know that the news is being officially released to the astrological community. Dennis was 84, and had been unwell for some time. I have promised to send copies of any tributes paid to him as the companion would like to receive these and does not get access to the internet.

Other articles by Dennis are available on this link - http://www.skyscript.co.uk/author.html#de

For me, Dennis was at his best when defending astrology from the criticisms of sceptics. There are some great exchanges published on Garry Phillipson's Astrozero site in a section entitled:
DENNIS ELWELL'S DIALOGUE WITH THE RESEARCHERS
http://www.astrozero.co.uk/astroscience/elres.htm

Thank you Dennis, you did us proud!

Thank you for sharing the news, Deb, which is saddening, but also an opportunity to take Elwell in memory with some of the great contributions he made to astrology. He was eloquent and I would like to mention four of his articles that appeared in the Astrological Journal in the 80's and where he debated with Geoffrey Dean. These were titled "Astrology: An Alternative Reality", "How far can the future be Predicted", "Tradition, Trust and Truth" and "The Demonstration of Astrology". These articles convinced me that the astrological cause was worth fighting for and also provided me with the rhetoric for so many media debates in both radio, television and in the papers.

He also taught me, through his example of successfully predicting or estimating the capsizing of the Herald of Free Enterprize, that an astrological forcast should not neccessarily be released in the press, in attempt to score fame or a public sensation, but could more prudently be commuted to those whom it concerned. Because in the end, the object in not to cause a public concern, but to better equip those people who have possibility of dealing with the situation.

I send my thoughts of comfort to the family in this time that must be coloured of mourning, but also gratefulness and many warm memories. I do agree that he is one of the most significant British astrologers of modern time.