An Astrological Renaissance - recovering the f orgotten tradition
June 19 -21, 2009 at the Abbotsford Convent
From the modern perspective of science, astrology is at best a relic of a bygone epoch; at worst it is belittled and cast to the margins of intellectual consideration. Yet in the Middle Ages astrology was once central to scientific inquiry, socially sanctioned and revered. For those of us who have followed our calling as astrologers, it is easy for us to recognise the truth and elegance of the art, but not so for those uninitiated into its mystery. In this special weekend we will journey back to a time when astrology was part of the philosophical worldview, a scientific pursuit
and an artistic ally.
Our guide will be Dr. David Juste whose research work has immersed him in the vessel of astrological manuscripts and taken him to many corners of Europe to discover the rich tradition of astrology. We will begin our journey on Friday evening exploring the influence of astrology on Medieval and Renaissance art, a visually beautiful elegy to astrological imagination and its impact on art. During the weekend we will journey from Mesopotamia to Europe, the route that the transmission of astrological texts and doctrines followed, exploring astrology, religion and science in medieval Europe. David’s firsthand experience of the manuscripts will help us to understand the astrological literature of the medieval period, as well as the Greek, Arabic and Latin manuscripts and the modern scholarship around them. Ancient and Medieval astrological practices and their usage in astrological theory and practice, both primary and contemporary, will be explored. And finally, at the end of our exploration there will be time to consider, reflect, exchange and ask questions. In all, a fascinating weekend for any astrologer, astrological enthusiast or simply anyone whose soul is stirred by the thoughtful tradition known as astrology.
The Program
Lecture: Astrology as the Muse of Medieval Art
Tonight we will embark on an oral and visual journey into the significant influence of astrological philosophy on Medieval and Renaissance art
Seminar: From Ancient to Medieval Astrology
This morning we will investigate the transmission of astrological texts and doctrines from Mesopotamia and survey the central place of astrology, religion and science in medieval Europe
Seminar: The Astrological Manuscripts
This afternoon we will examine the astrological literature of medieval times, investigating the Greek, Arabic and Latin manuscripts and how modern scholars have approached their translations. How were the Latin manuscripts produced and transmitted and will a modern catalogue of these Latin astrological manuscripts be published for astrological research and study?
Seminar: Ancient and Medieval Astrological Practices
Today we look at the astronomical material, the teaching of astrology and the tradition and innovation in astrological theory and practice of classical astrologers.
Workshop: Ancient Wisdom in a Contemporary Context
We will close our weekend with questions, comments and discussion about the connection between ancient and modern astrology, where they fit and where they are mismatched; how do we reclaim ancient techniques in contemporary times.
THE VENUE
The Community Room
The beautiful ambience of the Abbotsford Convent near the Yarra is a perfect setting to engage with the medieval muses of astrology.
On site there is the Convent bakery and the restaurant Lentil as Anything with a wide assortment of lunch possibilities. As well the café Handsome Steve’s provides snacks. Or bring your own lunch to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. Tea and coffee will be supplied.
THE PRESENTER
Dr. David Juste was born in Ottignies, Belgium on May 3, 1969 to a mother who introduced him to astrology at an early age. He received a high distinction for his Bachelor of Arts in History, writing his thesis on astrology in the Middle Ages. His MA (Harvard University) thesis was titled The Study of Medieval Astrology: Achievements and Outlook. In 2000 he received his Doctor of Philosophy (History) from the University of Bruxelles, again exploring ancient astrological techniques. Currently David is at University of Sydney in the Centre for Medieval Studies as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Dr. David Juste has extensive experience in the translation of astrological manuscripts and will share his unique knowledge of the history of these documents and the libraries where they reside. Ironically besides medical manuscripts it is the astrological manuscripts which are the second largest collection. David has taught many interesting programs and written extensive articles on medieval cosmology, the uses of astrology, medieval astronomy and astrological influences on art.
REGISTRATION
Join us for an informative and scholarly tour into the ancient world of astrology to discover its past and the rich tapestry of its tradition. For astrological practitioners it is a post graduate seminar into the roots of your craft; for students it will be an eye opener into the central position that astrology claimed in the ancient world. But for all enthusiasts of astrology it is a great opportunity to broaden your understanding of the status of astrology in the philosophical tradition. The conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius will set the stage for an insightful weekend on astrological doctrine and philosophy.
Registration forms will be available on the website after October 1, 2008. Early bird payments will be available at a significant savings.
For more information
please contact the Chiron Centre
The Chiron Centre
PO Box 407
Kew, Victoria 3101
Australia
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