Carter, Charles Ernest Owen (1887-1968)

Theosophist and astrologer, born in Poole, Dorset, England, in 1887. Carter attended the University of London, became a lawyer (1913), and served in the British army during World War I. As a young man he saw an ad for horoscopes by Alan Leo and at age 23 began his study of the subject. In 1917 Leo died, and the Theosophical Society 's fledgling Astrological Lodge, of which Leo was the driving force, dwindled. In 1920 Carter picked up Leo's work and turned it once again into a vital force. He was elected president of the lodge and served in that post until his retirement in 1952.

Carter's influence came primarily through his writing. He launched Uranus, a periodical of the Astrological Lodge, in 1923, and the quarterly journal Astrology in 1926. He edited the magazine Astrology for 33 years. His breadth of knowledge of the field was demonstrated in his first book, The Encyclopedia of Astrology (1924), and in his textbook, The Principles of Astrology (1925), the basic introduction used by a generation of astrologers. It was followed by a host of additional books, including his most popular title, Astrological Aspects (1930), which went into ten editions during Carter's lifetime. His last and possibly most original book, An Introduction to Political Astrology (1951), stemmed from reflection on events surrounding World War II. His texts were well received on both sides of the Atlantic.

In his mature years Carter led in the founding of the Faculty of Astrological Studies, a facility to train the next generation of astrologers. Among his well-known students was John Addey, one of the first to receive the school's diploma in 1951. Carter joined with Addey in forming the Astrological Association, a professional organization for British astrologers.

Carter died in London on October 4, 1968.

Sources:

Carter, C. E. O. Astrological Aspects. London: L. N. Fowler, 1930.

——. The Encyclopedia of Astrology. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1924.

——. An Introduction to Political Astrology. London: L. N. Fowler, 1951.

——. The Principles of Astrology. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1925.

——. The Zodiac and the Soul. London: Theosophical Publishing House, 1928.

Cassoli, Piero. "Parapsychology in Italy Today." In Parapsychology Today: A Geographical View. Edited by Allan Angoff and Betty Shapin. New York: Parapsychology Foundation, 1971.