The Celestial Art

Before its modern incarnation of predictive horoscopy, Astrology was in centuries past integrated with science, magic, mysticism and philosophy. In this groundbreaking anthology, ten of today's most influential esoteric astrologers write concerning Astrology's hidden occult aspects, from herbalism to witchcraft, to philosophy and practical sorcery. Contributing authors include Demetra George, Austin Coppock, John Michael Greer, Jason Miller, Freedom Cole, Benjamin Dykes, Daniel Schulke, Al Cummins, Lee Lehman, Eric Purdue, and Mallorie Vaudoise.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Hsihu Center, in gratitude the fellow initiates have compiled this special volume of Master's artistic creations and teachings from over two decades. May the reader's gentle heart be touched by the infinite grace of our beloved Master.

For a general audience interested in solving mysteries in art, history, and literature using the methods of science, 'forensic astronomy' is a thrilling new field of exploration. Astronomical calculations are the basis of the studies, which have the advantage of bringing to readers both evocative images and a better understanding of the skies. Weather facts, volcano studies, topography, tides, historical letters and diaries, famous paintings, military records, and the friendly assistance of experts in related fields add variety, depth, and interest to the work. The chosen topics are selected for their wide public recognition and intrigue, involving artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Edvard Munch, and Ansel Adams; historical events such as the Battle of Marathon, the death of Julius Caesar, the American Revolution, and World War II; and literary authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Joyce, and Mary Shelley. This book sets out to answer these mysteries indicated with the means and expertise of astronomy, opening the door to a richer experience of human culture and its relationship with nature. Each subject is carefully analyzed. As an example using the study of sky paintings by Vincent van Gogh, the analytical method would include: - computer calculations of historical skies above France in the 19th century - finding and quoting the clues found in translations of original letters by Van Gogh - making site visits to France to determine the precise locations when Van Gogh set up his easel and what celestial objects are depicted. For each historical event influenced by astronomy, there would be a different kind of mystery to be solved. As an example: - How can the phase of the Moon and time of moonrise help to explain a turning point of the American Civil War - the fatal wounding of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville in 1863? For each literary reference to astronomy, it was determined which celestial objects were being described and making an argument that the author is describing an actual event. For example, what was the date of the moonlit scene when Mary Shelley first had the idea for her novel “Frankenstein?” These and more fun riddles will enchant and delight the fan of art and astronomy.

A distinguished dance critic offers an enchanting introduction to the art of ballet As much as we may enjoy Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, for many of us ballet is a foreign language. It communicates through movement, not words, and its history lies almost entirely abroad-in Russia, Italy, and France. In Celestial Bodies, dance critic Laura Jacobs makes the foreign familiar, providing a lively, poetic, and uniquely accessible introduction to the world of classical dance. Combining history, interviews with dancers, technical definitions, descriptions of performances, and personal stories, Jacobs offers an intimate and passionate guide to watching ballet and understanding the central elements of choreography. Beautifully written and elegantly illustrated with original drawings, Celestial Bodies is essential reading for all lovers of this magnificent art form.

Written by two veteran ritualists with 20 years of experience apiece, this text describes magic in terms of spiritual healing, and is especially written for contemporary astrologers who want a more hands-on, ritualized, and astrologically based spirituality to complement their chart-reading practices.

Painter Romio Shrestha, a modern master of traditional Tibetan Buddhist enlightenment and deity art, is known for his complex and sacred designs, highlighted here in beautiful detail through these forty removable and frameable illustrations. Romio Shrestha’s depictions of White Tara, Green Tara, the Medicine Buddha, and many other celestials invite meditation and reflection. The original artworks were made from natural ingredients like marigolds and hand-ground malachite and lapis, and were painted at times with just three hairs of a cat's tail. Each work of art took months to create and is reproduced here in hauntingly powerful detail. Celestial Gallery: The Poster Collection, Volume I brings the most popular and breathtaking paintings from Shrestha’sCelestial Gallery series into a new poster format. The large size and full-color printing allows for a greater appreciation of the intricate details in each piece, and the removable pages make it easier than ever to display these beautiful paintings throughout the home and office.

A system that combines both poetic symbol and hard fact, astrology has been considered worthwhile through the ages by intelligent men. This book traces the development of the system and its application in the study of cosmic cause and effect upon man--the celestial mirror. 146 illustrations, 30 in color.