Astrological Society of Austin September Lecture “Medieval Astrology: Classical Genius Revisited” with Michele Debs, Friday, September 16th, 2011.
What is Medieval Astrology and what is its place within Traditional Astrology? One definition of the word tradition is a mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation. The discipline of astrology emerged from several ancient locations, flowering at times through multiple traditions we recognize today as Hellenistic, Ptolomeic, Arab and Vedic, among others.
Given that definition, even the depth psychology system of Modern Astrology can now be considered a tradition. Just as a liberal arts discipline such as history has many different focuses, i.e., U.S. History, Early Modern Europe, the Middle Ages, so does the discipline of astrology. “Traditional” astrologers focus on different “traditions,” such as Ptolomeic, Hellenistic and Roman, to name a few.
The focus of Traditional Astrology presented in this lecture is the method devised by astrologers in the Middle Ages who are responsible for the European revival of the art and science of classical astrology.
These scholarly Medieval giants, conversant in many ancient languages, worked from, translated and added their own works to the collection of rare ancient texts preserved from the Greek, Latin and Arabic. These Medieval European astrologers devised a complex yet precise science of natal and horary astrology that remains an elegant pinnacle of technical excellence very relevant today.
The Medieval system revolves around “The Dignities,” determining the strengths of planets and points, mainly by defining which planets are dignified, and which are debilitated. The words “dignified” and “debilitated” should not be construed as “good” or “bad.” Depending on the rest of the chart, a dignified planet could potentially wreak havoc, where a debilitated planet could calm things down; actually help to make a certain area run smoother.
There is a technical excellence in the system of dignities that helps to define in depth each planet of a natal chart, as well as fine-tune prediction
techniques by learning how each planet functions in a sign by use of rulership, exaltation, detriment, fall, term and face.
Be sure to bring your natal charts with you. After an introductory lecture we will break into groups and apply these beginning methods for better understanding. *(Michele will teach a series of one day workshops this fall, three in all, providing a depth study of Traditional Medieval Astrology based on her years of scholarship in the field and training with Master Astrologers in the subject.
The workshops presented in cooperation with the Astrological Society of Austin, will be very reasonably priced, discounted for SAAS members and will benefit the SAAS. Details will be posted by the ASA as available. ASA members may join SAAS through our adjunct member agreement for $15).
MICHELE DEBS is the founder of the San Antonio Astrological Society and frequent astrological lecturer with a gift for teaching complex subjects. The very Aquarian Michele is an entrepreneur, astrologer and history professor with primary astrological interests in research and the history of astrology. She began studying astrology in 1979 and became quite involved with a group and classes in Michigan in 1982, before embarking on a long period of intensive self-study.
In 2003 she emerged from self-study to actively pursue exposure to the thoughts of leading astrologers as she continued with her own research. Today she fosters the San Antonio Astrological Society and teaches beginner and intermediate classes, “and one day may even pursue certification, when I can find one I agree with!” Her present passion is Medieval Astrology.
Where
Remedy Center for the Healing Arts
4910 Burnet Road
Austin, Texas 78756
When
September 16, 2011
7pm
Cost
Members $5
Guests $8
For More Information
Monthly lectures on a variety of astrological topics are offered on the third Friday of the month at 7 pm at the Remedy Center for the Healing Arts, 4910 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78756. Free parking behind the building; enter from 49th street. Annual membership is $25. The night you join lecture admission is waived. Membership is not required to attend most lectures and events. To receive our free monthly newsletter or inquire about membership write to astrology.austin@gmail.com.
Workshop Series Introduced by this Lecture
October 1 – San Antonio: WORKSHOP: MEDIEVAL ASTROLOGY – CLASSICAL GENIUS REVISITED. PART
1: ESSENTIAL DIGNITIES with MICHELE DEBS to benefit SAAS (San Antonio Astrological Society), 10 – 4:30. This will be a three-part series on Medieval Astrology with workshops on the first Saturdays of October, November and December in San Antonio. Cost for each Saturday workshop is only $55 including lunch and materials for SAAS Members and $70 for guests. Take all three and receive a discount on the December workshop. ASA members may join SAAS as an adjunct member for $15 with full benefits. Carpools forming from Austin.
November 5 – San Antonio: WORKSHOP: MEDIEVAL ASTROLOGY – CLASSICAL GENIUS REVISITED.
PART II: ACCIDENTAL DIGNITIES with MICHELE DEBS to benefit SAAS, 10 – 4:30. This will be the second in a three part series on Medieval Astrology with workshops on the first Saturdays of October, November and December in San Antonio. Cost for each Saturday workshop is only $55 including lunch and materials for SAAS Members and $70 for guests. Take all three and receive a discount on the December workshop. ASA members may join SAAS as an adjunct member for $15 with full benefits. Carpools will be forming from Austin.
December 3 – San Antonio: “MEDIEVAL ASTROLOGY WORKSHOP – CLASSICAL GENIUS REVISITED. Part III. THE ARABIC PARTS and putting it all together with MICHELE DEBS to benefit SAAS, 10 – 4:30. SAAS Members $55, includes lunch and materials. Guests $70. Carpools from Austin. Qualify for a discount applied on Part III by taking the entire trio of Medieval Astrology workshops.
THE ASTROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTIN (ASA) is a nonprofit membership organization established in 2006 dedicated to mentoring the study of astrology in Central Texas. The ASA hosts monthly lectures, quarterly educational workshops, retreats and social events. We are a group of astrologers, astrology students and curious persons with a common interest in astrology, the ancient wisdom science. Some of us are mentors; some of us are neophytes; all are welcome and part of the synergy. Collectively we share a passion for learning about astrology and the endlessly fascinating exploration of the many areas
to which this ancient study yields insight.
Often a more solitary pursuit, our group energy provides an opportunity for reflective contemplation, an appreciation for the magnificent symphony of our universe and the codes beautifully designed within it, the sharing and development of ideas and the real possibility that we can contribute value to the world, both personally and professionally. And it is also true that we like to get together and have fun! Come join us.