Although we were partly prepared by Charles Harvey's illness, since he started treatment for a form of lymphatic cancer in May 1999, the passing of Charles at 2:50 am on February 22, 2000 in Bath, England has been a profound experience for astrologers in Britain and the many people who benefited from knowing him all over the world.

Born at 8:16 am on June 22, 1940 in Fetcham, England, Charles became deeply involved in the organization and development of astrology at a young stage in his life. He was a Council Member of the Astrological Association of Great Britain for more than 27 years. He spent 21 of these as its President, and then became its Patron. As President, he played a crucial part in developing our Annual Conferences, Astrological Journal, Correlation and our many other activities.

He spearheaded the development of the Urania Trust and the establishment of the Astrology Centre at 396, Caledonian Road, London. He taught at the Faculty of Astrological Studies, then played a crucial role in the Centre for Psychological Studies. His last major contribution, as his illness was approaching, was his foundation work that led to the creation of the Sophia Trust, dedicated to the establishment of Astrology in the mainstream of British University Life.

Listing such involvements describes only a small part of what he did. Charles gave himself tirelessly as a networker in the service of astrology. He seemed to know everyone, and what they knew and could contribute. His good-humored, engaging personality rarely left him, whoever he was communicating with. He was truly a gentleman astrologer.

The central regret held by all who heard him lecture was that the time he spent on the development and organization of astrology was at the expense of his own astrological writing. Everyone who knew and spoke to Charles sensed immediately that they were in the presence of a man who had many a book in him. He taught brilliantly on basic interpretation, midpoints, harmonics and especially their application in human personality and mundane and business astrology.

His Mundane Astrology with Michael Baigent and Nicholas Campion and the classic Working with Astrology with Mike Harding offer a brilliant taste of what we might have had from him. Instead, Charles' work to promote astrology and other astrologers has left us with a rich heritage and many opportunities for the twenty-first century. It has also left us with the responsibility to grasp these opportunities. If we do, then Charles' life and work will be truly honored and everyone will benefit.

Roy Gillett
President Astrological Association of Great Britain

Rick Tarnas' memoriam to Charles Harvey