February 2011--Schedule of Readings

1st

Theosophy as the Masters See It Clara M. Codd
Part III. Lodgework: I. The Three Great Qualities Needed,
i. Loyalty
PP. 171-184

8th

The Solar System Arthur E. Powell
Chapter XXIII. The Moon Chain: Sixth Round, XXIV. The Moon Chain: Seventh Round
PP. 133-144

15th

Esoteric Astrology
Aquarius



22nd

The Divine Plan Geoffrey A. Barborka
Chapter XII. The Doctrine of Universal Knowledge: “Sat-- Be-Ness--The Great Breath,” “Parabrahman—The One Reality,” “Adi-Buddhi or Adi-Buddha,” “Mulaprakriti—Pre- Cosmic Root-Substance,” “Spirit and Matter: Two Aspects of the Absolute,” Fohat—“The Most Important Character in Esoteric Cosmogony”
PP. 485-494

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

As We Head into Autumn, Reflections on Summer

The Theosophical Society in Buffalo’s summer program was crowned with a visit from Susan and John O’Neill on August 11. We were all so pleased to meet them and have them join in our theosophical discussion of the causal body. Their gracious visit was an important moment for our lodge to reflect on the theosophical community at large, specifically the Northeast Federation, and verify our desire to become more actively involved and connected. Just as we hope to continue hosting guests from other lodges, and look forward to another visit from the O’Neills, we will continue to take part in events hosted by other Federation lodges such as the Symposium on H.P. Blavatsky and The Secret Doctrine, which was held in New York City on September 20^th, and at which representatives of the Buffalo Lodge were present. We also plan to take part in a Pumpkin Hollow retreat next Spring or Fall.

Our thanks again to the O’Neills for renewing the spirit of brotherhood within the Federation.

AUTUMNAL SESSION 2009

The Theosophical Society in Buffalo continues the study of the Ancient Wisdom. Every Tuesday at 7:00 PM, we begin with the inspirational prayers and the healing service. This is followed by a scheduled program pre-selected by the membership. Science, Philosophy, and Religion form a trinity which guides the work the society has set before itself. Our continuing study of Man, the Microcosm, Astrology, the Macrocosm and the Esoteric teachings of all the great religions are the foundational jewels that open the door to other occult and philosophical discussions. All are welcome to attend and are encouraged to participate in the open discussions. It is the duty of all members in good standing to attend the meetings. Our group consciousness merged together in unity radiates thoughts beneficial to all in attendance.

“Our philosophy… is preeminently the science of effects by their causes and of causes by their effects.” --Master K.H.

Autumn 2009 Members Program Schedule

October

6^th The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 17: Education in the Light of Occultism

13^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXIX: Memory of Past Lives

20^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Libra

27^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 9: The Doctrine of the Rounds:

3. The Relations of Rounds and Spheres

4. Relation of the Rounds and Watchers

November

3^rd The Ageless Wisdom of Life Clara M. Codd

Chapter 18: Sex Relations in the Light of Occultism

10^th The Causal Body A.E. Powell

Chapter XXX: The Ego on His Own Plane

17^th Esoteric Astrology A. Bailey

Scorpio

24^th The Divine Plan G. Barborka

Chapter 9: The Doctrine of the Rounds:

5. The Relation of Rounds and the After –Death States

6. The Relation of Rounds and Principles

6.a. Fifth Rounders

“The world was not made in a day…Let evolution take its course naturally—lest we make it deviate and produce monsters by presuming to guide it. --Master M