Sidereal Astrology

One of our meetings every month is dedicated to the study of the astrological sign ruling at the time. We take this as a chance to welcome the influences of the sign as well as its ruling planet and reflect upon our relationship to the macrocosmos in general. For the past 3 years or so, we have been using the sidereal system as opposed to traditional Western, or tropical astrology. The sidereal system, which is used by some Western astrologers and by all Jyotish astrologers, uses the dates that the sun is actually in an astrological sign instead of the well-known dates that we are all familiar with. Our reason for making the transition from tropical to sidereal astrology was based on the fact that tropical astrology uses dates that trace back to Babylonian times which are off by a bit less than a month because of the precession of the equinox. We prefer to use dates that correspond to the actual, observable heavens. Interestingly enough, this has become a very current topic of discussion in the mainstream media (see links below). Many people are shocked to find out that the zodiac sign with which they have always identified is not accurate; some may even be relieved or reject this change. In any case, it is worth reflection.

Here is a wheel chart that compares the two systems and includes a third ring that delineates the dates that the sun is actually in the individual sign, which is not often 30 days:

What we haven’t dealt with yet at our lodge is whether or not to include Ophiuchus in our yearly astrological rotation. What do you think about the inclusion of the 13th sign? It may make some sense when the lunar year is considered. How does this change our theosophical system and understanding of numerology, if at all?

Here are some links to articles that discuss this situation, starting with a Wikipedia article on sidereal astrology:

Sidereal Astrology

Space.com article about precession and affect on zodiac
Recent article from TIME about precession and zodiac changes

TIME article about Ophiuchus

Image sources:

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/assets/665/ZodiacWheel.jpg; http://www.lunarplanner.com/siderealastrology.html

The Secretary's Visit to Olcott

Entrance Gateway to Olcott

At the beginning of August this past summer, I was in the Chicago area and decided to visit National Headquarters in Wheaton on my way back to Buffalo. I had never been there, and neither had many of our members, so I took pictures to share with our group when I got back in order to illustrate the experience. I was very impressed by the beauty of the building and must commend Betty Bland and the entire staff responsible for the upkeep of Olcott. It is truly a place worthy of representing Theosophy in America, from the mural in the entrance to the relics, the art, the photographs and the warm and receptive staff, it is a place of many treasures. I had the privilege of speaking with and being guided through the building by Michelle Barry, who gave me an extensive tour. I also had the pleasure of meeting Betty Bland and several other members of the staff. Thank you all for being so warm and welcoming!

Images : Danielle Carlo Secretary of the TS in Buffalo and Betty Bland, August 2010; Mural detail; Olcott façade in shadows.

January 2011--Schedule of Readings

4th

Theosophy as the Masters See It by Clara M. Codd
Part II. The Work: V. The Principles to Guide Us in All Our Work
PP. 160-167

11th

The Solar System by Arthur E. Powell
Chapter XX-XXII. The Earth Scheme of Evolution
PP. 116-132

18th

Esoteric Astrology
Capricorn



25th

The Divine Plan by Geoffrey A. Barborka
Chapter XII. The Doctrine of Universal Knowledge: “How the One Becomes the Many,” “The First Fundamental Proposition,” “A List of Equivalent Terms”
PP. 477- 485

harmony through conflict