At the Lodge - 5th July 2004

Lodge Lecture | Members' Classes | Charts Discussion

Lodge Lecture

We welcomed our second newly qualified Astrologer to the Lodge this evening. Her name is Susie Winkworth. She not only obtained her Diploma from the Faculty in 2003, but received a Gold Medal as well. This was her lecture.

'The key to our work as astrologers lies in developing a living inner understanding of astrological symbols, rather than borrowing outer descriptions. We generally learn about astrological symbols by looking at the lives of others, but their characters, feelings and histories are usually filtered through the words, perceptions and knowledge of the writer or speaker. Are the conclusions we come to about their lives, and hence astrology, thus valid? Art and storytelling are important since in bypassing pure intellectual understanding they give us a fuller, deeper and thus more flexible understanding of complex issues – cf Liz Greene’s use of myth. But music, which is non-verbal and involves a direct sensual encounter for the listener, can be an even more powerful way of accessing inner understanding. Music does not tell us about experience, it is experience. Music is a connective force, created by an individual but concerned with transpersonal issues, and taps into collective levels of existence and experience.

Music and cosmology have always been intimately connected, sharing the same roots both philosophically and practically - cf Pythagoras, Music of the Spheres/cosmic harmony, development of quadrivium, Kepler, Newton, Herschel, Holst, Stockhausen, Rudhyar etc. Both disciplines have developed in Western cultures, and so one might suggest that the same expressions of truth for that culture are encoded in each system. Both are symbolic languages, intangible yet expressive of the most essential truths for humanity in a pure form; accessing the truths of them requires human interpretation but their core essence remains unchanged. Music and astrology are both representations of the human soul, and each is an aspect of the eternal. Each is connected with transpersonal reality, with exploring what it means to be human within a cosmic framework, and concerned with the quality of a moment in time It has been suggested that artists act as focusing points for collective energy – perhaps especially outer planet/collective stuff which is difficult to pin down in words. Music may only live temporally but can give a window into the zeitgeist, referring to and reflecting on society’s understanding of itself. For example, the concept of what constitutes a consonance/dissonance (harmony/disharmony) runs parallel in music and astrology, and might be said to describe what we find easy or difficult to face as a society at a particular time.

Sounding the horoscope explored in depth the charts of several composers/musicians, looking also at their historical, musical and social context, looking at their synastry with the chart of particular pieces (transits for a particular time), accompanied by hearing the compositions in question. Could include Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Debussy, Stravinsky, Gubaidulina, using recordings and live performance. Can we hear a chart? And if so, does that tell us anything new about either the music or the astrology? If music is healing by resonance with human tensions etc. (cf the relationship of musical instrumentalis and musica humana) then can our hearing of collective aspects be a therapeutic one? '

At the end we were treated to the most beautiful live cello and piano rendition of part of Rachmaninov's second symphony. Susie is also a professional classical cellist. Her accompanist was Andrew Pledge a world renowned pianist and former Professor of Piano at Brunel University.

Members' Classes

Whilst we were still blown away by our musical treat Mariella Cassar brought us down to earth with the first of two lessons on Progressions. Mariella gave a very interesting talk about the use of the Progressed Moon. She demonstrated, using charts of people in the audience, how important life events can be tracked using the Moon's progression round the chart while simultaneously tracking the transits of the outer planets. In this way, she was able to highlight with great accuracy the important events in the life of the native that had taken place from the time of birth to date. It was particularly interesting for the class to have the person confirm the events that took place at the times that she pinpointed. She then went on to talk about how planetary combinations describe complex patterns of behaviour which the native is challenged to work with at various times in life. Although the specific events cannot be known in advance, the timing of such periods of crisis can clearly be predicted in advance and she explained how she works with clients in a counselling capacity to bring into conscious awareness, the past traumas that occurred in a previous progression or transit and to help them to gain insight on what their specific challenge or learning opportunity is with the current triggering of the planetary complex.

More next week.

Carole West

Charts Discussion

First of all we did a 'What happened' chart. I showed a chart of an event and asked the audience to describe the event. Well with Pluto/Mars conjunction in the 4th house, what else could it be - the morning of the D day Landings in 1945. What I loved was the Uranus/Venus conjunction in the first house - Surprise!! in an opposition to the Sagittarian Moon in the 7th house of open enemies and obviously not a very optimistic moment for the Germans!!

We then did the chart of the new Wimbledon Ladies champion Maria Shaparonova. Moon conjunct Neptune shows a romantic nature and obviously shows she can be new darling of the centre court. Lots of planets in Aries shows her sporting abilities.

Finally we looked at some personal charts and decided that next week, being the final week before the Summer Party and the Summer break, we would all bring our own charts and discuss them. So please do come and bring your own chart to show - If you dare!!!!!

Gill Dorren

Lodge Lecture | Members' Classes | Charts Discussion