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Astrological Traditions, East and West:
Myths, Archetypes, and Ancient Techniques
for Modern Practice
with
Dennis Harness Ph.D. and Demetra George M.A.
June
25th~ July 4th, 2009
An exploration of the myths associated with celestial bodies
as they illuminate the archetypes of the psyche.
A cross-cultural examination of the transmission of astrological
doctrines between the Hellenistic and Vedic cultures, and
a comparison of the fundamental astrological principles in
both of the two systems.
An exploration of the doctrines of karma and fate in ancient
astrological systems, and how one can take an active role
in the co-creation
of their destiny.
An integration of the healing power of myth and symbols with
the precision and clarity of traditional techniques for the
modern
astrological practitioner.
Two of our most revered astrologers in the Hellenistic and
Vedic traditions, Demetra George and Dennis
Harness, are
joining forces
to present this 9-day intensive workshop, on the mystical
tropical island of Bali. It promises to be a unique and exciting
event,
full of in depth study and new insights through combining
the perspectives of these great scholars and teachers into
the ancient mysteries.
All set in a land steeped in its own unparalleled spirituality
and ancient wisdom. Besides this incredible educational opportunity,
there will be plenty of time to enjoy all the beauty that
Bali has to offer, plus the optional choice of exploring
the Hindu and
Buddhist temples of Java post workshop.
In the ancient world, divination was the means by which gods
as spiritual agencies communicated to humans, indicating
their will,
giving advice, or foretelling the future. These interactions
were often mediated by oracles, prophets, astrologers, seers,
or other
kinds of diviners. The roots of astrology in the third millennium
BCE in both Mesopotamia and India lie in astral divination
where the stars and planets were embodied as celestial gods
and their
appearances and movements gave omens concerning human and
terrestrial life. Thus the roots of astral divination, in
the East and the
West, reside in the mythic archetypes of the celestial gods
and goddesses, and from an astrological perspective it is
the essence
of the deities that gives shape to human experience.
Dennis and Demetra will begin the week telling the sacred
stories of the deities of the astrological pantheon that
illuminate
the eternal life of myth in psyche. Each person will receive
the
guidance to explore their own prominent archetypal themes
as revealed through
their Western and Vedic birth charts. Then Dennis and Demetra
will proceed to teach, compare, and contrast the approaches
and methods
of the Hellenistic and Vedic astrological systems that used
logical procedures to investigate a person’s destiny or karma by
thoroughly understanding the conditions of each planetary deity
in the birth chart. The seminar will close with a discussion integrating
the healing power of myth and symbols with the precision of traditional
techniques for the purpose of psychological healing and finding
one’s way in this world.
Both Demetra and Dennis firmly believe that Hellenistic and
Vedic astrology are not advanced specialties outside of the
main astrological
tradition; but rather are the very heart of the system. They
envision this process as providing you with a more solid
foundation for
all of your future astrological studies. The time that you
invest in this seminar will be well worth the effort, as
it will serve
to simplify and bring into focus both your previous and forthcoming
studies. It is our intention that you will emerge from this
seminar knowing the principles involved in evaluating the
strengths and
challenges of each planet, which can then serve as a sound
basis upon which to develop modern psychological insights.
This is a very ambitious and challenging task for both you
the participants as well for them, the faculty. The rewards
promise
to be great as together we explore “uncharted” territory
in “cross-cultural” astrology. Exploring Hellenistic
or Vedic Astrology alone could easily require several years
of devoted study. The hope is that by analyzing these approaches
side by side, the strengths and the vulnerable areas of each
system
may be revealed. Together, we will be engaged in pioneering
research
that will continue to rebuild the ancient astrological temples
of Greece and India, as we revision the future of modern
astrology. All of this taking place in mystical Bali can
only intensify
and deepen the experience we will share together.
Day
1 – Arrival and Orientation
Day 2 – Opening Ceremony at Dawn
Myth as the Foundation for Astrology: The Mythic Signature in the Birth Chart
An Overview of Greek and Indian Mythology and Cosmology
Day 3 – Myths behind the Planets and Asteroids, East and West
Day 4 – Myths behind the Stars, Constellations and Nakshatras
Day 5 – Introduction to Hellenistic Astrology I
Day 6 - Introduction to Hellenistic Astrology II
Day 7 – Introduction to Vedic Astrology I
Day 8 – Introduction to Vedic Astrology II
Day 9 - Integrating Sacred Stories and Archetypes with Traditional Techniques
Astrological Remedial Measures for the Modern World
Day 10 – A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Eastern and Western Astrological
Traditions
PART I
ARCHETYPAL ASTROLOGY:
MYTHIC SIGNATURES IN THE ASTROLOGICAL BIRTH
When celestial bodies that carry the names of deities make prominent appearances
at the time of a person’s birth, the attributes of those deities
function as guiding presences and as mythic signatures for the unfoldment
of the life.
Join Dennis and Demetra for a comprehensive, inspiring, and profound discussion
of how the myths associated with celestial bodies, whether they are planets,
fixed stars, decans, nakshatras, constellations, or asteroids illuminate
the deep imaginal foundation that underlies the natal chart and inform
the psyche,
and in the process points the way to meaning and healing.
PART II
HELLENISTIC AND VEDIC ASTROLOGY
The ancient astrologers in India and in the Hellenistic world had clear-cut methods
for determining planetary condition. Both Hellenistic and Vedic astrology proceed
from the assumption that not all planets are equal in their capacity to bring
about the matters they represent. During this seminar, we will revisit the basic
fundamentals of planets, signs, houses, aspects from the perspective of judging
to what extent a planet can be effective in bringing about the matters its signifies
for the best interests of the individual. This information can then be used to
evaluate the outcomes of the basic human concerns in regards to love, health,
meaningful work, finances, children, and family; and thus steer a person in the
directions of endeavors that point towards success rather than failure. Whatever
your astrological allegiance or level of expertise, your interpretive and critical
skills will be honed and your horizons broadened by this experience.
HELLENISTIC ASTROLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION
It is only in the last fifteen years that modern astrologers have rediscovered
and translated into English the original foundation doctrines of the Western
astrological tradition since their composition over fifteen hundred years ago.
This course will explore the fundamental aspects of Hellenistic astrology and
its relationship to Vedic as well as modern astrology.
Session 1: Introduction to Hellenistic Astrology: A historical presentation tracing
the development and transmission of the western astrological tradition, an overview
of the system of Hellenistic astrology, its texts and authors, and how it differs
from modern astrology.
Session 2: Basic Concepts: A Hellenistic perspective on planets, signs,
houses, aspects and special solar and lunar concepts. An exposition of
the thema
mundi – the
chart of birth of the world – as revealing the fundamental principles
underlying the basic symbols of astrology.
Session 3: Determining Planetary Condition: How capable is a planet of bringing
about its significations based upon sect and sect rejoicing conditions, the four
systems of zodiacal rulerships (domicile, exaltation, trigon, bound), various
types of house locations, testimonial and aspectual relations, bonification and
maltreatment, and the visibility, speed, direction, and helical rising of planets.
Session 4: Universal Techniques and Time Lord Procedures: An introduction to
various techniques to judge the overall direction and success of the life and
to several Hellenistic time lord procedures that have been lost to modern practice
by which to forecast the ebb and flow of the seasons of life.
VEDIC ASTROLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION
Vedic astrology has made tremendous inroads into the modern astrological world
during these last two decades. This course will explore the fundamental aspects
of Jyotish and its relationship to Hellenistic as well as modern astrology.
Session One: Discussion of the karmic code as it is reflects our karmic DNA through
the Vedic birth chart and an exploration of reincarnation theory as revealed
through the Vedic natal chart. Explanation of the origins of jyotish and the
ancient Indus Valley civilization. Strengths, qualities, and significations of
each of the nine planetary Vedic planetary archetypes
Session Two: Explore the meanings and significations of each of the twelve bhavas
(houses).
Session Three: Discuss the key significations for each of the twelve lagnas (rising
signs). Explore important planetary yogas that are a unique feature of Vedic
Astrology. Provide an overview of the five elements of the Panchanga.
Session Four: Review the key elements of Vedic natal chart analysis. Explore
the use of the predictive planetary periods (dashas) and transits (gochara).
PART III
INTEGRATING MYTHIC ARCHETYPES AND
TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MODERN PRACTICE
There exists a huge gap between what you as the astrologer know about the chart
through a deep and careful study of the various factors and what you as the counselor
actually say to a client who has come to you, often in a state of crisis, for
guidance. We will explore how to be true to the objective indications of astrological
chart and at the same time also give counsel that is spiritually uplifting and
offers a redemptive meaning to personal suffering. The healing power of archetypal
myth is one of the keys that help to facilitate the transition from objective
knowledge to universal wisdom in astrological practice. We will discuss the use
of remedial measures to move through the limitations of difficult planetary patterns,
and in the process develop greater a greater spiritual awareness and practice.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Dates: June 25th ~ July 4th 2009
Everyone is asked to arrive on or before June 25th so there will be time
for acclimating and recovering from jet-lag. That evening we will have
a welcoming
orientation meeting. At dawn the next morning we will have our official
opening in the Main Hall where we will begin with a simple traditional
Balinese offering
ceremony. We have chosen our starting time astrologically, and you can
view our "opening" chart
here. We are starting at 6.00 am with a simple traditional Balinese ceremonial
offering, so ask that you mean in the hall by 5.45 am.
Those staying at
Melati will be able to have their breakfast tea or coffee early to take
to the hall,
and the hotel is very amenable to giving wake-up calls and bringing your
beverages to your room. There will be a breakfast break at 8.00 am for
one hour, and
an earlier lunch that day.
Daily Schedule
6:00 am - 7.30 am ~ Optional Daily Yoga (starting on day 3)
7:00 am - 8:45 am ~ Buffet Breakfast for Melati Cottages residents.
9:00 am - 1:00 pm ~ Morning Session
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ~ Lunch/Relaxation Break ~ Buffet Lunch for Melati residents.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ~ Afternoon Session
Evenings Generally Free ~ there are some special evening events in the works,
information will be posted later.
At some point during the program Dennis and Demetra may each take a (if needed)
day off, and the other will teach a full day. There is a term in Indonesian 'jam
karet'.. it means 'rubber time', and it would be wonderful if participants would
stay flexible to the schedule changing or morphing into something that suits
this particular group. Any group of people has its own life-force and the work
we will be doing (and the place where we are doing it!), will be particularly
potent in this regard.
Because many participants are restricted as to their time in Bali, we will be
having a half day on Monday, June 29th. Demetra and Dennis will teach a joint
session that morning that will end around 11.30 am. There will be an early lunch
and then a full half day and evening to explore the island, go to the beach,
go shopping or to spend an ecstatically hedonistic time in one of the spas.
Our Program will end after the afternoon session on July 4th. We will be having
a farewell dinner that evening (paid for individually) at a beautiful restaurant
close by, and we hope all participants will join us for this.
There will be an optional 2~ day tour of the
Buddhist temples of Borobudur on the island of Java
July 5th~6th.
Please go to Borobudur Tour
Requirements:
This workshop will be of great value to astrology
students/practitioners at any level. Basic astrology will not be taught,
however basic understanding of the planets, signs, house and aspects is all
that is required for participation.
Readings:
Both Dennis and Demetra will be available for some private readings during the
workshop time. Please contact them directly concerning this.
Recording:
We are planning a professional quality recording of the whole workshop, so if
you miss any part of the program you will have an opportunity to hear it later
as individual lectures will be available on-line. Participants are welcome to
record the program themselves, but only from where they are seated, it is too
distracting to everyone if people constantly get up and down and place things
in front of the speakers. We thank you for understanding.
RECOMMENDED READING LIST COMING SOON
Contacts:
Dennis Harness
DMHarness@aol.com
Demetra George
dgeorge@orednet.org
Evelyn Roberts
evelynroberts@earthlink.net
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