Provisional Astroshamanic Network
Ezine of the Sacred Cone Circle, English Edition, 1 August 2009, Issue 94
Cluny Hill College, Forres IV36 2RD, Scotland. (+44(0)1309-672289. + PAN@astroshamanism.org
Editorial Director: Franco Santoro. Editorial Staff: Astrid Gude, Elaine Silverfire, Dave Mountjoy. Celia McKenna
Edizione italiana: Anna Luna. For astroshamanic links in Facebook click here En español aqui. In italiano qui..
© 2009 Franco Santoro, PAN (Provisional Astroshamanic Network). All rights reserved. You are most welcome to use short extracts from PAN provided you give mention in the credits. Feel completely free to quote, yet please drop us a line to inform us about it. If you wish to reproduce a more substantial amount from PAN, including images, or use this material for commercial purposes, please contact us at PAN@astroshamanism.org.
What is Astroshamanism?
Welcome to this summer issue of PAN provisionally reaching you on the approaching eve of Lughnasadh.
Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is one of the eight so called Celtic festivals, traditionally associated with the first of August. It originated as a feast celebrating the Irish deity of light, Lugh, later encompassing all harvest godheads, honouring the beginning of the reaping season with community gatherings and markets. This is the climax of warmth and luminosity, exuberance and performance. It is as well the funerary feast of the god of light, which also involves acknowledging cold and darkness, the other polarity of the cycle. When life appears to be at its peak on one side, death is thriving on the other. Hence at Lughnasadh, as in all truly holistic celebrations, all polarities are encompassed, with everyone and everything, holy and profane, finding their sacred space on the wheel of existence. Our completion feast in the main square of Assisi during the Astroshamanic Summer Retreat may stand out as an example, with friars and nuns blending with trance dancers and men in pink tutus (see photo above, and video by clicking here)
Death and life, day and night, light and darkness, all pairs of opposites engage simultaneously at all times. While the northern hemisphere is in the midst of summer, in the southern hemisphere winter reigns supreme, as the sun rises in one part of the world it sets in another. With our limited perception we experience life as linear, getting used and attached to one polarity, while neglecting the other until with time, often to our discomfort and disbelief, what is ignored inevitably takes over. We may even work hard to prevent the opposite side from emerging, denying and repressing it, obdurately holding onto a separate reality. We may be dead, and yet we believe we are living, or we may be living, though we assume we are dead.
Just as there is a part in us thriving with life, another is dead. While a side is joyful, another is sad, one is dark and the other luminous, poor and rich, ill and healthy, and so on. All opposites live within us, constantly interacting and merging. Some shine on stage, while others lurk behind the wings, waiting for their turn to come. Yet they keep all being here at the same time.
At the heart of ancient ceremonies and gatherings, shamanic rituals and events, as well as their contemporary equivalents, lies the awareness of life as a vast multidimensional theatre production. These events were and are times of deep reunion, with all actors and characters coming together and being acknowledged, while also providing opportunities for swapping roles, exploring new stories, establishing novel connections or releasing old ones. And, most importantly, these gatherings also draw the directors and producers, those who manage the entire comedy or drama of life.
Leo is the traditional sign of theatre, drama, actors and of all those who shine in the limelight of life. It is associated with royal power, the alchemical gold and the Sun. Yet, with all respect, this is not the sun that comes and goes, drastically changing its effects according to seasonal or daily shifts. Nor it is solely the sun of monarchs and show stars, academic awards and political leaders. It is a deep inner Sun, capable of bestowing generous gifts at all times.
We may find this ongoing Sun by retrieving our hidden and denied parts, by acknowledging what was formerly eliminated from our consciousness. Surprisingly, in order to find the veritable source of light we need to travel into the darkness, facing all apparent areas of anguish and distress. We need to suspend our judgments and truly getting to know the areas we find difficult to accept, ceasing to act as if they don't exist or to regard them as horrible or nonsense.
What if the bits that we find harder to accept in ourselves end up being our best qualities and gifts?
We may be so frightened by true light and life, so full of shame and prejudices about our authentic treasures that we bury them away, displaying instead our worst bits to the world, paradoxically believing that they are the best. Many of us strain to express what is dead in their life, while repressing what is alive, serving a world obsessed with conventional appearances and missing the brightness of their inner Sun.
Yet, no matter how we try to conceal it, this light regularly returns and shines upon us. It glows upon all the crucial cross-roads on our path. It encourages us to let go of our decayed scripts and roles, of what is dead and long to take its course. It shines upon the blooming parts we are truly meant to play and dance in the theatre of life.
I wish you a most fruitful ripening of all the treasures generously available for you to enjoy and share with your beloved ones.
Franco
On the astroshamanic front of events and workshops the main feature in August is the Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting at Findhorn from 1 to 8 August 2009, followed by an Italian week on spiritual healing from 14 to 20 August.
In September the most prominent and recommended event is the Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch and Energy Work at Malvern (Worcester) from 12 to 13 September 2009 (see details below).
For information on these and other events (including some dates for 2010) see details in the calendar below.
IN THIS 94th ISSUE
Scenes od Death and Life by Astrid Gude
Mystery Play in Assisi
and
The Great Sperm Race
The Sun: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by Franco Santoro
Shamanic Art for Sale by Christine Connelly
Featured Member of the Sacred Cone Circle of the Month: Beate Schneeberger
Cosmos and Psyche (review by Astrid Gude)
Where the Heart Is by Elaine Silverfire
Upcoming Astroshamanic Events & News
Astrological Data: Please click here for Moon's ingresses in 2009. Click here for planetary ingresses.
PAN welcomes assistance with transcription of recent workshops in English, Italian and Spanish. If you would like to help, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org
Scenes of Death and Life by Astrid Gude
This year's Astroshamanic Summer Retreat took part at the beginning of July, for the second time in Casa Faustina near Assisi in Umbria, the heart of Italy. In the astroshamanic cosmology the summer is the season of the element Earth and also the season of the child with the qualities of play and playfulness. Out of this emerged gradually and spontaneously, according to Franco, a new approach in astroshamanic work: the "shooting" of a film that comprised scenes of archetypal quality around procreation, gestation, birth, life and death. This method opened wide experiential spaces for participants to deepen their journeys within a held energetic and archetypal context, intense, yet transcending personal drama and trauma since the different stages could be experienced simultaneously on an individual, collective and universal level, additionally comprising multi-dimensional changes of perspective due to the assignation of roles related to signs of the zodiac and directions and thus providing opportunities for healing to occur on many different layers.
In the caption of the movie documentation published on Facebook Franco refers to the continuum work we did over three days during the Assisi summer workshop as a mystery play. When, more than 20 years ago, I did some inner work on a vision for my life, a central statement of intention was: "I want to explore the mysteries of life and death." This exploration has happened on many different levels through various paths, remaining an ongoing theme of my journey through life and it feels as if it is happening in stages, presenting a new level of experience and awareness when I am ready for it.
The specific set-up that was created: "shooting" scenes for a movie, where the action was not necessarily sequential, allowed for a very healthy level of detachment in my perception. I did feel fully involved, yet at the same time, due to the collective process, the archetypal element that was involved and the "movie making" I maintained a perspective of some kind neutrality or of understanding with compassion that was beyond the personal.
Practices that prepare us for death are part of many shamanic and spiritual traditions. My experience this time was of a light-filled beauty and grace yet unknown to me, containing lots of archetypal elements. All I consciously did at the beginning was call for assistance and it was the presence of a light-being that guided me through the following stages: a process of forgiveness and release of burdens still in this realm, entering a boat that took me over a dark river towards a brightly shining mountain on the other side, and, before reaching the mountain, an ascension into the light and a condensation of energy that turned me into pulsating, radiant light feeling breathed by the universe. We do come from the stars.
Birth, entering into life, a challenging and traumatic experience in my life. Often when re-living it in a healing context, there was also the re-occurrence of a no-exit situation and the resulting despair and hopelessness. The work we did brought a radical change of perspective, since, due to the role I was assigned, I was part of the womb, the uterus and experienced it as my task to provide the contractions that eventually allowed this new being to enter the world. And I felt I was "just doing my job" not more, not less, and that it was the natural way to happen, with no emotions or judgments attached, whereas, when on the "other side" I had often experienced a threatening or even evil quality. I believe this set a huge process of liberation and reconciliation into motion, an experience on a deep inner level that expressed itself in following practices as more freedom from old concepts in the mental realm and more fluidity and openness in the physical and emotional.
Within the cycle of procreation and creation that we went through as a group, these were the two stages that stood out for me. All in all, during this well-orchestrated workshop, mixing playfulness with depth, and in the stunningly beautiful environment of Casa Faustina that brought us into a very fruitful connection with all the elements, I feel a lot of healing and transformative seeds have been sown for my journey.
Mystery Play in Assisi
In the following Facebook links you can find a selection of scenes from the mystery play we created at Casa Faustina (Assisi) during the Astroshamanic Summer Retreat from 3 to 7 July 2009. The event developed into a spontaneous shamanic representation of the conception, gestation, birth and upbringing of our multidimensional nature. Each participant (actor) interpreted one of the zodiac signs and directions (characters).
The mystery play involved several scenes, and in the links below we have included only some fragments recorded with a mobile phone.
All actors went into deep inner spaces which are impossible to grasp from the perspective of the spectator. We share these images trusting that they will be treated with respect, while also bearing in mind that the participants operate as actors playing specific roles, and that
this is a mystery. These scenes are suitable for viewing only by a mature and initiated audience. Please watch solely at your own risk
Void 1 - Part 1: In this scene all the elements of life, still unconscious, are preparing for conception. Before Life there was no consciousness, but the elements existed for Life to begin...
http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/video/video.php?v=1133692996966&ref=mf
Void 2 Part 2: "The elements of life become aware of the Void and interact..."
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1133614915014&saved#/video/video.php?v=1125165743790
Anticipation Part 3: "Spirits touch and get involved at the prospect of Unity..."
http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/video/video.php?v=1133599794636&ref=mf
Critical Mass Part 4 a healing climax leading to an eruption of energy...
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1133614915014&saved#/video/video.php?v=1125169823892
Explosion Part 5: "All the elements of life force are released and blindly move to reach their natural goal.
http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/video/video.php?v=1133614915014
Intermezzo: This is a spontaneous dance in Piazza del Comune, Assisi's main square, built on the site of the Roman forum and dominated by Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a church dedicated to Mary built over a Roman temple to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Following an afternoon of healing work in Assisi, in which the whole group moved as a 12-sector grid throughout the town, with each participant exploring a different area of Assisi, we scheduled our reunion at 6 pm, in the main square. This is what happened when we met.
http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/video/video.php?v=1134201009666&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/francosantoro.uk?ref=profile#/video/video.php?v=1124245280779&ref=mf
For our provisional album see:
http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/album.php?aid=92629&id=44471338710&ref=mf
And
the Great Sperm Race
This, as Channel 4 describes it, is "the most extreme race on earth - a contest with 250 million competitors, only one winner and relentless obstacles thrown in for good measure." Guided by top scientists and funded by the Wellcome Trust, The Great Sperm Race was broadcast on Channel 4 on 23 March 2009.
This is how Channel 4 features it:
"The Great Sperm Race tells the story of human conception as it's never been told before using helicopter-mounted cameras, world-renowned scientists, CGI and dramatic reconstruction to illustrate the extraordinary journey of sperm.
With the microscopic world of sperm and egg accurately scaled up by 34,000 times, we see the human-sized heroes negotiate some of the world's most striking landscapes when the epic proportions of the vagina become the Canadian Rockies and the buildings on London's South Bank symbolise the intricacies of the cervix.
With the female body designed to repel and destroy invaders, from acidic vaginal walls to impassable cervical crypts, the sperm face unremitting obstacles. 'The battle that sperm have in order to find and fertilise an egg is just immense,' explains Dr Allan Pacey. 'Everything is working against sperm and they're not really given a helping hand by the female reproductive tract.'
Huge swathes perish and only one will reach the ultimate goal - fertilisation of the egg and the beginnings of new life.
Made in conjunction with the Wellcome Trust and consulting the world's leading reproductive scientists, The Great Sperm Race demonstrates the extraordinary intricacies of our bodies and the giant lottery of luck that is our reproductive process."
See trailers at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-sperm-race and
http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/Achievements-and-Impact/Initiatives/Public-engagement/Broadcast-media-strategy/WTX055247.htm
The Sun: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by Franco Santoro
Please be aware that the articles in this series are merely an introductory overview on the topic. More plausible implications of the astroshamanic voyage through the Tarot are provided with individual experiential sessions or specific training. For a complete list of Astrology and Tarot correspondences according to the model used in these articles please see: http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/astrology-tarot.php
Before you read what follows please close your eyes for a while and imagine the Sun standing before you. Sense its presence and power. Be aware of how you feel as you face it. Notice if/how it looks at you and how you feel about it. Pay attention to whatever you perceive. Allow the Sun to express if it has something to tell you or show to you. If there is something you want to say or ask, please feel free to do so, and be aware of its response or silence.
The Sun is the nineteenth trump of the Major Arcana and is obviously associated with the astrological Sun and Leo. In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, the card portrays a naked child riding a white horse and holding a red flag, while in the background there are sunflowers and a large shining sun.
In the voyage through the Tarot, the Sun follows the Moon and exemplifies the shift from unconsciousness to consciousness. Hence the card portrays the shift from darkness to light, yet in a way that acknowledges the venture through the Moon as the essential step of the process.
The Moon is the counterpart of the Sun, what allows it to emerge and shine in its full glory. The lunar spirit has the power to reflect the deep hidden power of the Sun. She mirrors terrific forces, whose function is to drastically dismember the conventional self, our inadequate notion of light and whatever is regarded as conscious in consensus reality. The principle here is that in order to access true consciousness we need to let go of bogus consciousness. This is a most controversial process within reach only to those who are willing to expand beyond the limits of ordinary human configurations. When this is the case the dark path of the Moon lays the foundations for authentic light to glow at its best, together with all the generous and creative gifts of the Sun.
The Moon stirs terrific amounts of energy. which can either devastate or empower us. This mainly depends on whether we are capable of holding the connection with the seed of our intention, no matter what the Moon appears to do, and this seed must be surrendered to the Moon in order to mature, just as the male semen surrenders to the female womb.
The Sun is what follows once the Moon has done its labour. It is the birth of the radiant and innocent child, the luminosity within the darkness brought into light. Darkness and luminosity, Moon and Sun are major areas of paradox where things appear different once unveiled. Common to all mythologies is the awareness that the Sun comes from darkness, which is also the place where it returns every night. This has been written in the sky throughout the ages, teaching us that the light belongs to darkness, just as darkness pertains to light. Hence there is no way we can reach light by refusing darkness.
The Sun is merely the other side of the Moon, the daylight as opposed to the night. Both are essential in life, though since most people sleep at night, the realm of darkness ends up being relegated to the distant periphery of our awareness, if not virtually repressed. As a result also the nature of the Sun is affected, becoming a fake representation of light, based on denial and deceptiveness. Indeed, the Sun in this card unveils a far more authentic source of luminosity.
A.E. Waite, the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, describes the Sun as signifying "the transit from the manifest light of this world, represented by the glorious sun of earth, to the light of the world to come, which goes before aspiration and is typified by the heart of a child." This is a liberating experience, the release from the captivity of consensus awareness or bogus light, and the emergence of true illumination. It is the end of the gestation time and the final birth, a sudden rupture of vitality and joy out of a dead placenta. Here the Sun portrays the innocence and exuberance of the restored child, the retrieval of the original unity in its basic simplicity and purity. The child releases the obsolete sense of a separated identity, triumphing as a glorious unexpurgated part of the whole.
It is 'the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone." (Acts 4:11)
A major teaching in the voyage through the Tarot is that we can uncover authentic creativity and power only by facing and coming to terms with areas of darkness. Enlightenment is paradoxically the result of embracing darkness. The general tendency is to believe that we can achieve success, happiness and our full potential only if we lay aside what we don't like about ourselves, our dark zones. This journey, as well as all major myths, tells us instead that our most precious gifts abide in the darkness, and this darkness is merely the place where we meet our ongoing dramas in life. Whether the dramas are based on illness, abuse, addiction, depression, difficult relationships, sexual frustration or any other major grievance, this is the very darkness from which the Sun will emerge.
In tarot readings the card of the Sun brings an inevitable sense of delight and beauty, providing abundant elements of joy, splendour, optimism and power in any situation. It is therefore a most welcome trump, bringing wonder, contentment and assurance. On a deeper level the Sun indicates a radical shift in perception, the capacity or potential to look at life in a completely different way, to move beyond apparent grievances and acknowledge a deep loving light longing to be unveiled. The pictorial impact of the card itself is able to transmit its profound message, coming as a surprising blessing of unconditional love.
When the Sun hits we are bound to experience the bright side of life. Grievances and gloomy memories burn away, disclosing clarity, trust and even the startling manifestation of the dreams we most wish for. Its power is all-encompassing, shining with its rays of abundant bliss and vitality. Indeed with the Sun everything comes up roses! This is surely a state in which we would like to dwell forever. And yet the main lesson here is that although the Sun continues to be there at all times, at a certain stage it will appear to vanish again from our narrow sight. The presence of the Sun is steady, as the Earth circles around it, yet from our perspective it comes and goes, bringing an unavoidable end to all worldly joys and powers. When the outer Sun shines in our life, it points to the inner Sun, the one that stays with us wherever we go, including darkness.
Where the Heart is by Elaine Silverfire
continuing the series on the Five Elements in Chinese Philosophy
"The heart is the home of the Spirit (Shen), and the Blood houses the mind."
"Senseless babbling and disjointed thoughts are the outcome of...homelessness of the Spirit"
from Between Heaven and Earth: a Guide to Chinese Medicine by Beinfield and Korngold.
Summer is the Season of the Heart and Fire is the element associated with the Heart and Fire can easily become unstable. Peacefulness of Spirit, tranquillity of mind, calmness, clarity, love and compassion are all positive qualities of the Heart and the negative qualities of impatience, hate and jealousy can injure the Heart as much as Heat damages the Heart. There can be a pull between the desire for unity, fusion, merging and the desire for separation and withdrawal from the world. A secure, peaceful environment and a regular routine will balance the expansive tendency of the Heart and finding time and space for solitude will help to restore inner calm.
Suggested Fire Practices for Summer:
The Three Fold Flame Meditation: Create a golden flame at your heart, will and intend a beautiful golden flame and, with your imagination, step inside this golden flame and find yourself in the golden temple of your heart.
Look around you and see to your left a pale pink and magenta flame and pull this flame towards you and draw it into your heart.
See to your right a pale blue and electric blue flame and draw this flame into your heart.
Create one single flame from the golden flame, the pale pink and magenta flame and the pale blue and electric blue flame and have it burning in your heart and through your heart and around your heart.
Place a clear quartz crystal around the flame and allow the colours to filter through the crystal, filling your aura with gold, magenta and blue.Take the crystal away and allow the flame to grow higher, filling your entire body and your aura with colour.
Bring the flame back to the size it was.Give thanks to the universe for the blessing of this ancient meditation.
With Thanks to Anne Ward: www.worldbridger.biz
The Unity Breath Meditation
Unify with The Mother: Breathe and allow yourself to consciously relax the jaw, the shoulders and the body.Closing the eyes and opening to a most beautiful place in Nature, see as much detail as you can and open to the FEELING of being there.
Begin to Choose LOVE for this place, for the Earth, then open to Feel the Love for this space.
Continue to grow into this feeling of love, feel your heart beat and let it beat with the rhythm of the earth.
When the time feels right,, Send your Love into the Earth, to the centre, the core. Use INTENTION that the Mother Earth may feel your love streaming to her heart. You may want to imagine a beautiful Sphere of Light that you fill with your love and send that to her core.
Then wait like a child, with no expectation, wait in peace.
Wait until The Mother Earth sends her love back to you. Open to this, let yourself feel it... allow it... receive it with gratitude. Feel this beautiful Love that The Mother has surrounded you with, holding you and remain in this union with Her until it feels complete.
Unify with The Father: When the right moment comes to you, without breaking the Love Union with The Mother, Look to The Father, The Heavenly Father, look to the rest of Creation beyond the Earth. Open to The Love for The Father, Feel your Love for the Heavenly Father, Remember your deep love for Spirit. When this Love is real and felt then send you love to the Father. Again you may wish to put your love into a beautiful Sphere and send it to the Heavens.
Once your love has been sent, again you wait, wait until The Father sends his love back to You. Be still and know you are loved.
Become aware of God, God emanates out from this place and at the same time is everywhere and within everything. Simply OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
With Thanks to Drunvalo Melchizedek and Sri Yukteswar.
Shortened version of this meditation taken from: www.sionone.com/inspirations.htm
PAN Review Centre:
Richard Tarnas, Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View, 2006, Viking Books, 596 pages
(Review by Astrid Gude).
I came upon this book when reading "When the impossible happens", the autobiography of the famous pioneer into the research of altered states Stanislav Grof. Grof, in his long professional life open to exploring the most unusual non-ordinary states and realms of consciousness, writes that he had been very skeptical about astrology for a long time and that it was mainly his personal and professional connection with Richard Tarnas that made him discover and subsequently confirm through research the impact of the archetypal influence on the individual and collective level, connections "which are so complex, intricate, creative, and highly imaginative that they leave not doubt of their divine origin".
In a three weeks' holiday in January I dived into "Cosmos and Psyche", merely scanning in that time the more than 500 pages that are the result of 30 years of research, and fully agreeing with what it says on the cover, that the book "opens up a new cosmic horizon that reunites science and religion, intellect and soul, modern reason and ancient wisdom."
On many pages, especially in the first part, I had this feeling of: "Oh, this is what we deeply explore in Astroshamanism. Astroshamanism is one of the pathways that experientially allows us to move through this 'enchanted universe' in which we bridge the individual and the collective."
This is far from a comprehensive book report which would take me probably some more months to write. I would just like to highlight some aspects that made it very inspiring and educational reading for me and that make me believe that it might be of similar value to others in the astroshamanic environment, mainly to those who are mentally inclined.
The book opens with contrasting the primal world, which was ensouled and in which "participation is multi-directional and multi-dimensional, pervasive and encompassing" to the modern Western world view that has become "disenchanted", "void of any spiritual, symbolic, or expressive dimension that provides a cosmic order in which human existence finds its ground of meaning and purpose." This is traced back through the history of the Western mind, which over a long period of time has led to more and more alienation and fragmentation. In a beautiful parable called the "Two Suitors" the reader is invited to move into the place of the universe and asked who, as the universe he/she would open up to, reveal its authentic nature: to the suitor: the one who denies your interior dimension and wants to control you or the one who values you, wishes to unite with you and seeks a "responsive and empowered participation in an co-creative unfolding of new realities" and opens to a "process of mutual discovery".
The soul started to re-enter modern academic awareness through Jung's research into archetypes, seeing them as "innate symbolic forms and psychological dispositions that unconsciously structure and impel human behaviour and experience both at a personal and a collective level" and subsequently studying the ancient cosmological perspective of astrology which establishes symbolic correspondences between planetary positions and events in human existence. The archetypal cosmos, known in ancient cultures, was rediscovered by the modern world.
The chapter "Through the Archetypal Telescope" introduces the celestial bodies as "possessing an intrinsic association with specific universal principles."
A quote by Plotinus in this chapter: "The stars are like letters which inscribe themselves at every moment in the sky... Everything in the world is full of signs... All events are co-ordinated... All things depend on each other; as has been said, "Everything breathes together."
The names assigned to the planets that were known in antiquity reflect an intuitive knowledge of their archetypal qualities - the chapter on archetypal principles describes their multidimensionality as well as their multivalence - whereas the outer planets, discovered in modern times, were named by scientists. Tarnas explains why he thinks that Uranus has mostly Promethean features.
The bulk of the book is devoted to an analysis of planetary cycles and aspects throughout
Western civilization as they affected science, politics, cultural phenomena, the world view, an immense accumulation of data, yet written in a very approachable, sometimes poetical way, also including a lot of evidence how transits manifested in the lives of people whose biographies are well known. The focus is on the aspects Uranus, Pluto, Saturn and Neptune form in interaction with each other.
The planetary forces are not solely determining powers. We have a choice. In the epilogue, cosmos and psyche are described as a mysterious marriage, mutually interpenetrating each other and representing a fertile tension of opposites.
Explore the book: Table of Contents; Preface; The Birth of the Modern Self; The Dawn of a New Universe; Two Suitors: A Parable
Shamanic Art for Sale by Christine Connelly
I am a healer and a textile artist who works in shamanic ways. I live within the Findhorn community. A piece of my art work, dedicated to my experiences of Astroshamanism, is looking for a new home.
The piece depicts a particular crop circle pattern that featured in my art during my training years. That pattern kept on talking to me about community from a prehistoric point of view. Back in 2005, I spent several weeks focused on rituals involving that crop circle pattern just before I attended a November Astroshamanism workshop with Franco. That crop circle strongly contributed its presence to my personal healing process. It was a powerful culmination of my week's of focus.
However the workshop also led me into a week-long altered mental state, greatly stressing my poor husband and really shaking up our relationship. I had experienced one before when my healing work became focused on sacred geometry. I was disturbed now about continuing the shamanic path and maintaining my mental balance and my relationship. Rather than back off the shamanic path I made a commitment to gain full control over any future altered mental states. This involved attending the next two workshops. The first had a New Year focus (most appropriate) and then another to consolidate my continued path as a shamanic person. This was followed up with a year of focusing on the phases of the moon as it moved through the various sectors and studying Franco's books. The whole 13 months was a time of disruption leading to greater peace.
Around this time I was invited to enter the Henry Foyle national competition for completing Textile Art students. The theme for the exhibition was 'Maelstrom', the name of a major oceanic whirlpool off the coast of Norway. This theme spoke to me of spiralling galaxies and whirlwinds of emotions set off by messages from benevolent alien beings. I decided to base my art piece on my Astroshamanic experience and dedicate it to a process of grounding myself.
Several features were important. It had to be big for this was a big issue for me. It had to include lights to emphasise the crop circle pattern. It had to be complex and present me with a big challenge. It was dedicated to the art of healing.
The making of the piece drew my husband into my art work. We worked together on the complexities of the design of the background framework, the mounting of a bank of fairy lights, the safety features so that it wouldn't overheat or burn fabric and the complex geometry involved in depicting the pattern. Malcolm constructed all the timber framing, drilled numerous holes to support the lights and provided places to attach the fabrics, and did the electrical wiring. He helped me find mathematical support to create the pattern.
The machine embroidered centre represents a spiralling galaxy. The crop circle pattern was superimposed by cutting it out of the acrylic fabric with a soldering iron. Translucent fabrics were laid underneath through which the lights would show. The pattern was then stitched in numerous spirals to depict the way that plants in the crop circles are laid down. Finally a swirling border of velvet fabrics set off a series of medallions depicting the signs of the zodiac. Finally, we added an interactive element to the art work - a control box holding a timer switch which automatically turns off the lights. The geometry was so complex, and the construction required so much practical problem solving that it kept me really grounded for several months. It got me through my fear of going public about my shamanic path.
The final result was worth all the work. Entitled 'Order and Chaos', it won a prize for technical excellence in the 'Maelstrom' competition and set my husband and I on a far more interactive path together, each contributing to, and supporting the creativity of the other.
Why does it want a new home? We are moving to Australia next year to be with family. It is too big and heavy to go with us as it is, and I don't want to take it apart. I would like it's spirit to live on.
The artwork is more purple in colour than the photo depicts. It measures 49 inches/1,250 mm across the octagon, has a depth of 3in/75mm, and is quite heavy. There is also a control box for the lights measuring 22mm x 13mm x 13mm. We are asking £500 for it plus packing and transport but are open to offers.
If you are interested my phone number is: +44 (0)1309 676 994
email: christineconnelly0@googlemail.com
Love to all in the Astroshamanism world.
Featured Member of the Sacred Cone Circle of the Month: Beate Schneeberger
Every issue of PAN features a member of the Sacred Cone Circle or astroshamanic network. The Sacred Cone Circle comprises all committed members of the astroshamanic network, including certified astroshamanic practitioners, researchers in the certification process, trainees in APT (Astroshamanic Practitioner Training) and OTA (Operative Training in Astroshamanism) and other astroshamanic associates.
For information about becoming a member of the Sacred Cone Circle, please contact Franco at info@astroshamanism.org
Name: Beate Schneeberger
Sun Sign: Pisces
Moon Sign: Sagittarius
Ascendant: Leo
Astroshamanic Trinity System: 12-9-5
Other relevant features in your astrological chart: Jupiter in conjunction to Pisces, Mars in Leo, Medium Coeli in Aries, Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Chiron in Pisces, Uranus, Ceres, Pluto, Juno, Vesta,
Location: Berlin
Where are you originally from? Munich
1.Tell us about yourself and your interests.
I am interested in singing, walking, travelling, cycling, making a pilgrimage, meditating, taking pictures, creativity, children, nurturing relationships( for both sides), connecting to nature itself and our true nature, to develop my healing, creative, loving, wise qualities and to retrieve my heritage and potentials to fulfill my life purpose and to help other people, energetic work, shamanism, healing, finding truth
2. How did you first connect with astroshamanic work?
4 years agon during my experience week in Cluny Hill College, when I experienced a summer solstice with Franco and knew, I would like to work with him. The first workshop was in Göttingen/ Germany.
3.Why are you involved with astroshamanic work?
Because I am interested in coming into an experimental contact with astrology, it`s real meaning and I feel very attuned to shamanism. So I have found a wonderful combination of these two interests.
4.What sort of things inspire you in astroshamanism?
- getting known spirits and to build up a good relationship through shamanic voyages,
- getting into contact with my natal chart in an playful, experimental way and to recognise, how to
handle this different kinds of energies,
- getting known spirits and to build up a good relationship through shamanic voyages and daily contact
in meditation,
- unveiling more and more the layers to feel the deep unity of all,
- to recognise more and more that my subtle perception isn´t weird, but rather my true nature,
- this wide range of tools,
5.How long have you been involved with astroshamanism and other forms of spiritual healing or energetic work?
- The first workshop with Franco was in autumn 2005, 2007/8 first level of the operative training in Astroshamanism, from June 2009 intermediary level, 2002: Metamorphic method, 2003 :Osho meditation-leadership-training, 2008: Reiki, third degree, 2004/5: masterclass with Dr. med. Brenda Davies to improve the ability of intuition and transformation, 2005/6: introduction spiritual-energetical healer on shamanic foundation, 2005/6: training in terminal care, 2005/6: training in sacred dances with Gabriele Wosien, since 2005 Zen-meditation, 2007 till now: masterclass TriFormBalance - vibration, 2008 MET:Meridian-energy-technique, releasing blocks through tapping. Out of this has been created a very individual method; my hands move to the bodypoints that need support, intuitively. I denominate mental blocks sometimes or get visions of events in former life. The process can be supported through a little instrument like Kalimba or singing bowl or a healing stone.
6.What types of astroshamanic activities, training and work do you take part in?
education see above workshops.
7. What are your favourite astroshamanic practices and experiences?
the Astroshamanic Basic Ritual of the Sacred Cone, working with my Guide/ Totems, using the chants, singing vowels, trance dance, smudging,
8. Why are they your favourites?
the ABR is a powerful tool even for individual practice, nurturing, self-empowering, taking on self responsibility, chants, vowels are very energising, if you really open up to Trance Dance, you can get deep insights or even healing, great effect with " low costs"
9. What is your current intent?
I want to develop my multidimensional being more and more, to experience and live my life purpose.
10. Do you offer any astroshamanic or other healing services, sessions or events? If yes, what are they?
Energetic healing (see5), TriFormBalance sessions, MET, meditation
11. What advice would you give anyone who was thinking of training or going deeper with astroshamanic work?
Be a curious, playful child, but never forget to take regularity
12. Anything else you'd like to say to the group:
Astroshamanism is a powerful, rich healing device. Let´s help to spread it out over the world!!!
Thank you, Franco, for your love, wisdom and knowledge
13. Contact Information
Beate Schneeberger, D-10829 Berlin, Tel. 0049-30-78712085, sterntaler1703@web.de
Forthcoming Astroshamanic Events
Please be aware that new events may be added with short notice. For further details or information please contact Franco info@astroshamanism.org or alternatively go to www.astroshamanism.org
To book Findhorn Foundation workshops, please contact bookings@findhorn.org or Bookings, The Park, Findhorn IV36 3TZ, Scotland. Tel. +44(0)1309/691653. All Findhorn Foundation workshops held by Franco take place in the amazing campus of Cluny Hill College.
All events are held by Franco Santoro, except where otherwise indicated.
Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting Reshaping the World Through the Healing Dynamic of Sound
This is one of the most popular events in our calendar. In this workshop trance dance and sound are used as transformational tools to open the pathway to expanded states of consciousness and a profound awareness of ourselves and our environment. During the week we employ movement to animate deep emotions and stagnant energies, redirecting them to support highest potentials, empowering our authentic visions and stepping into the healing flow that allows us to reshape the world within which we live. The programme also includes astroshamanic chants, planetary alignment dances, sound healing, shape-shifting rituals and the exploration of the basic astroshamanic drumming method. Please book early. Income related price (click here for more information) £495 / £625 / £735. Bursaries may be available if you book early. If you wish to attend please book at bookings@findhorn.org or +44(0)1309/691653.
For a video with an example of an astroshamanic trance dance click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0lPKyvriQ8
Edinburgh (Scotland), 1 August 2009, Astroshamanic Celebration of Summer, with Celia McKenna, Salisbury Centre (10am- 5pm): A day to acknowledge and embrace all aspects of ourselves and our lives; the parts that bring joy and the parts that present difficulty, accepting all of these as part of our journey. Working with the planetary energies of summer, we will develop our connection with our spirit guides, and deepen our understanding of our life intent. The workshop will conclude with an astroshamanic trance dance. To book, please contact: Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB. Tel. 0131 667 5438. Cost: £ 40/30.
Findhorn Foundation, 15-21 August 2009, Settimana di Guarigione Spirituale (Spiritual Healing Week) in Italian, with Franco Santoro
Malvern, Worcs. (England), 16 August 2009, Leo with Dave Mountjoy. Click here for more details
Malvern, Worcs. (England), 30 August 2009, The Essence of Service, with Dave Mountjoy. Click here for more details An Astroshamanic afternoon and evening exploring the theme of Service and opening to a multidimensional experience of the period of Virgo. Includes shamanic journeys, interaction with the local territory and trance dance. Weather permitting, the event will be held in a beautiful outdoor location, including working in a large tipi and sharing round a fire.
Hereford (England) 31 August 2009, Introduction to Astroshamanic Healing and Trance Dance, with Dave Mountjoy Click here for more details
Jesi (Ancona, Italy) 5-6 September 2009, Sacred Circle Management - Formazione in Metodologie di Guarigione Astrosciamanica. Corso Base di Gestione Operativa del Cerchio di Guarigione, con Elementi di Astrologia Esperienziale Energetica e Astrosciamanesimo Applicato (in Italian)
Malvern (Worcestershire, England) 12-13 September 2009, Multidimensional Portals of the Senses: Introduction to Astroshamanic Healing Touch & Energy Work with Franco Santoro. For information and bookings: Dave Mountjoy, davemountjoy@yahoo.co.uk or +44 07532 356703. Cost: £ 119 99 -79
During this seminar participants are initiated into basic astroshamanic healing touch. The programme includes a complete experiential introduction to the three stages of shamanic healing and aims at defining and deepening the relationship with one's inner core and its connection with the outer reality. This is the first introductory seminar of the One-Year Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch & Energy Work. It is possible to take part also if you are not attending the Course.
The assumption of energy work is that our body consists of energy fields, all deeply connected with the web of life. There are many techniques that allow us to become aware of these energy fields. These tools, besides promoting health, well-being and spiritual growth at an individual level, vigorously contribute to create major positive changes at a collective and planetary level. Energy work is the basic feature of the oldest therapeutic systems, which all involve the use of astrology and shamanism. This workshop will integrate methods of the Eastern and Western tradition into a pragmatic and healing whole.
About the One Year Course in Malvern: Astrology and shamanism demonstrate that our reality is a smaller scale duplication of a vaster universe, from which we appear to have separated themselves. Astroshamanic Touch is an energetic bodywork application of astroshamanism meant as a tool for bridging the physical with our multidimensional nature. During the Course we will discover ways of employing the physical body to foster expanded states of consciousness, retrieve soul parts, reawaken healing talents and integrate them in everyday life. Through healing practices derived from various traditions we will receive visions and insights to deepen the work. We will also explore the multidimensional features of relationships, sharing ways to release intense feelings, promoting forgiveness, transformation and unconditional love. The Course consists of four week-end workshops. Each workshop deals with a particular aspect of astroshamanic healing touch as applied to the elements and the astrological wheel.
Palma (Majorca, Spain), 10-13 October 2009, Sacred Relationships Intensive with Franco Santoro (in Spanish). In an old monastery near Palma. Contact: chemamier@gmail.com or +34 985265465 Inma Alcina inma.alcina@hotmail.com 34 616182499
Findhorn Foundation, 17-24 October 2009, Spiritual Practice and Manifestation
Findhorn Foundation, 7-14 November 2009, Being with the Spirit of Cluny Garden in Autumn (with Sverre Koxvold & Franco)
Findhorn Foundation, 29 December 2009 - 5 January 2010, New Year Spiritual Healing Retreat
Findhorn Foundation, 13 26 March 2010, FOUNDATION TRAINING in ASTROSHAMANISM
This programme introduces participants to astroshamanism in a practical and effective way. Participants will experience tools for opening, discovering and supporting the relationship with their core identity and essential Intent. They will also focus on releasing blocks and retrieving hidden potentials, learning to bring shamanic healing work in their life and relationship with others. The training consists of two workshops, which can also be attended independently
13-20 March 2010, A Journey into the Inner Universe.
20-27 March 2010, The Voyage through the Zodiac
Findhorn Foundation, 17-24 April 2010, Being with the Spirit of Cluny Garden (with Sverre Koxvold & Franco).
Findhorn Foundation, 15-22 May 2010, Spiritual Practice and Manifestation
Findhorn Foundation, 26 June 3 July 2010, The Original Quest: An Astroshamanic Journey into Space and Time (with Franco & Sverre Koxvold)
Findhorn Foundation, 31 July 14 August 2010, FOUNDATION TRAINING IN ASTROSHAMANIC TRANCE DANCE & DRUMMING. The training consists of two one-week workshops, which can also be attended independently
Findhorn Foundation, 2-9 October 2010, Restoring the Fragmented Heart: The Way of Sacred Relationships
Findhorn Foundation, 23-30 October 2010, The Blessed Way of Passion: Astroshamanic Healing Touch
Astroshamanic Trainings:
Franco Santoro and his associates offer a wide range of both basic and advanced training courses on contemporary shamanism, astroshamanism, experiential astrology, spiritual healing, astroshamanic trance dance and bodywork. These also include distant learning training module. For more details please contact info@astroshamanism.org.
For details on some distant learning courses please click here.
The Operative Training in Astroshamanism (OTA) is a certificate course in core astroshamanism which allows you to study at home as part of an ongoing interactive training. Participants will learn a wide range of techniques, exploring all aspects of their soul, individual and collective, as they are reflected in the astroshamanic cosmology of the 12 Sectors, the 4 Directions and the 3 Worlds. They will receive initiation into specific healing and ceremonial practices according to each zodiac sign, integrating shamanic experiences with information drawn from astrology and other esoteric sources. The OTA can ideally be integrated with the One Year Course in Astroshamanism and the Astroshamanic Practitioner Training. For information contact: info@astroshamanism.org
We warmly encourage our readers to comment on the articles in PAN. If you wish to write a comment or share your experiences related with the themes of our articles, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org.
PAN on-line: You can find an abridged edition of the latest issues of PAN on-line at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=94765108328&id=44471338710#/note.php?note_id=94765108328&ref=mf and http://panissue.blogspot.com/. The abridged Italian edition is at http://panitalico.blogspot.com/, while the full edition is available on request. The abridged Spanish edition is at http://panhispano.blogspot.com/ and the full edition is available on request.
Disclaimer: All information provided in PAN is presented solely for inspirational or recreational reading, and it is not meant to substitute the recipient's direct experience and investigation. The information is also given to strategically exemplify the different features of astroshamanic cosmology and is not intended to reflect Franco's opinion or astroshamanism in general. Franco does not necessarily endorse any of the ideas and views expressed in this literature, including his own.
