Geomancy 101: Introduction To An Under-appreciated Divination
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Monday, December 18th from 7p-10p
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$10 pre-registration, $15 at the door, refreshments provided
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Considered a “sister” to astrology, the system of divination known as geomancy was an incredibly popular and well-regarded form of divination in Renaissance Europe. Used by sages and monarchs alike, it was considered one of the most grounded and accurate oracles available. It applied what occult philosopher Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa called the “use and rules of astrology” (which is to say, the symbolism but none of the astronomy of astrology) to create answers using a process both apparently simple and deceptively subtle.
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Geomancy as a system consists of only sixteen figures, each attributed an astrological identity. These figures are combined in specific charts (known as shields) to render very particular answers, often employing the twelvefold Houses of the Heavens to answer specific questions, and locate deeper perspectives in the querent’s life. Sometimes referred to as a "Western I Ching", the figures of geomancy offer grounded wisdom.
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Although geomancy has suffered a decline in status in the modern age, Dr. Alexander Cummins – a historian of magic and a practicing geomancer – hopes to help remedy that! In this introductory lecture we will ground ourselves in the history, practice and magic of this art. Whether you are a professional astrologer, a seasoned card-reader, or a newcomer to divination tools and techniques, this talk will offer you further useful skills and resources for your own practice and understanding.
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Dr. Alexander Cummins is an historian of early modern magic, astrology, and culture. His first book, The Starry Rubric: Seventeenth-century English Astrology and Magic was published by Hadean Press in 2012. He has also written on magical herbalism in the grimoires, the material history of amulets, planetary sorcery, necromancy, and various forms of folk magic. He can be found at www.alexandercummins.com and keeps a storehouse of free downloadable magical texts at grimoiresontape.tumblr.com