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“It’s wonderful to be in such a historical place for Traditional Astrology” said American Astrologer Dr. Ben Dykes when in the U K recently. Ben led a Medieval Workshop at the AA’s September Conference as well as talking to local groups around England and at the Lodge History Day.
The Bath Astrology Group (thank you Chris Mitchell and Alice Ekrek for facilitating) hosted Ben’s workshop in Bath. It was at the new venue Chrissy Philp has opened which, being an all glass penthouse, affords a breathtaking panorama of the ancient city. This pleasing skyscape somehow focuses the mind astrologic and Ben’s rigorous attention to unfolding the layer upon layer that makes up Medieval delineation made it a day to remember.
“English Astrologers” said Ben on the day itself “Do ask very intelligent and very penetrating questions. They compare the various philosophies behind the Traditions rigorously.”
He led us through the philosophical influences on Medieval Astrology (Stoic and Aristotelian-Ptolemaic) and explained how astrologers of yore measured “Prime Motivation” in a chart – “Prime Motivation” being the way we pursue happiness (the Rising Sign’s element being key).
Ben then looked at “Profections” – those so very simple measurements which through cyclic and continuous “advancement” of the chart highlight which planets may in any one year receive most focus and hence may wax most influential at any one time.
During his whirlwind tour, Ben said he would like to visit Lilly and Dee’s graves whilst here. I hope he had the time.
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Review by AA Member Pamela Armstrong |
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