Harmony of the Spheres

Where Does the Universe Come From? Harmony.

You might wonder about the origins of the universe. In one movement from George Frederic Handel’s oratorio Ode to St. Cecilia, a theory emerges that the universe comes from harmony. Odd as that might seem, the idea of harmony, specifically the concept of the harmony of the spheres, has been around for awhile. This harmony doesn’t exist in a vacuum, rather, harmony arouses atoms to action, and nature in part takes the form of the classical elements cold, hot, moist, and dry. And while this understanding of the universe may be hard to prove, it certainly is beautiful and moving and is perhaps more of the soul than hard science. I recorded this piece for voice and harpsichord reduction with Linda Furia. Enjoy.

Star Love Podcast Season 1 Episode 10 Featuring Astrologer Geoffrey Cornelius

The cover of Moment of Astrology features an image of Father Time, Orpheus, and a rising sun, emphasizing a ritualistic framework for astrology. The image was created by an anonymous 16th-century Venetian artist and comes from a small furniture panel in the style of Giorgione.

On episode 10 of the Star Love Podcast we welcome astrologer Geoffrey Cornelius. I’ve long been an admirer of Geoffrey’s work that has personally helped me in my astrological journey. The arguments, concepts, and stories put forth in his book Moment of Astrology: Origins in Divination have profound implications not only for astrology but science, the humanities, and how each of us lives in modernity. To support the production of the Star Love Podcast, leave a tip in the Leave a Tip, Make a Wish page. Please rate us on apple podcasts, and if you’d like to sponsor a future podcast, email james@innermakeup.net.

This episode was recorded July 23, 2020 at 9 AM Central Time.

Time Stamps for Time Keepers

0-21:29  Introduction, Geoffrey’s background, his plans for the future, some of the basic concepts arising from Geoffrey’s work, and the implications of accepting those ideas

21:30-30:23 Astrologer William Lilly’s work, Geoffrey’s take on how astrologers interpret Lilly, and living in a disenchanted yet scientifically enlightened age

30:24-43:15 The meaning behind the cover of Geoffrey’s book Moment of Astrology and what it points to regarding a divinatory, ritualistic conception of astrology

43:16-53:50 The Oracle at Delphi and how and why people sought the oracle  

53:51-1:03:10 Implication of Ptolemy’s redefinition of astrology as a natural science

1:03:11-1:24:59 Skeptical arguments against astrology from Christianity, Renaissance Humanists, and Contemporary Humanists

1:25:00-1:30:55 The interaction between modern science and astrology

1:30:56-1:44:39 Fate, destiny, negotiating with destiny, and fun anecdotes

1:44:40-1:47:35 Psychoanalysis, psychology, and astrology

1:47:36-end Sun sign astrology and astrology in the wider society

Notes, Links, and Book Recommendations

Link to Geoffrey’s Website Astrodivination.com

Link to Company of Astrologers, the group Geoffrey and his colleagues founded in 1983.

Link to the speech Geoffrey delivered to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Lilly.

Make sure to pick up Geoffrey’s book The Starlore Handbook. I use this one quite a bit, and it’s beautifully straightforward with regard to the mythology behind the constellations and fixed stars.

Throughout the podcast the concept of time comes up. Authors who articulate different philosophies of time include Urusla K. Le Guin in her book The Dispossed, Thomas Pynchon in Gravity’s Rainbow, and Philip K. Dick in Time Out of Joint. Pynchon in Gravity’s Rainbow specifically references astrology, divination, psi phenomena, the Kabbalah, and tarot. Purchase the books in the embedded links.

For a great work of classic literature that deals with themes of fate, free will, character, and imagination, all concepts explored with examples in this podcast, pick up Thomas Hardy’s classic The Mayor of Casterbridge. There are many quotes from this book throughout the podcast.

The theme of enchantment vs. disenchantment comes up throughout the podcast. Salman Rushdie elucidates this beautifully through his great work of children’s literature, Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Purchase this book to get in touch with the idea that imagination is critical to life.

For an intriguing look into spirituality, faith, atheism, astrology, and skepticism, pick up famous journalist and socialite Sally Quinn’s memoir Finding Magic. There are a couple of fun stories about Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens!

Star Love Podcast Launch: Episode 1 Featuring Tracie Storey

Photo Courtesy of Rakicevic Nenad

On the debut episode of the Star Love Podcast, we welcomed Tracie Storey. I met Tracie at the Astrological Association of Great Britain’s 2019 Conference, and we became fast friends under an intense Scorpio full moon. On the show, we discussed how Tracie fuses astrology, sound therapy, and more through her practice Elemental Resonance. We also explored how early on she studied classical music while also making mix tapes from what she heard on the radio. She was then inspired to pursue a career as an international DJ but later, wanting to find peace from the beats, Tracie transitioned to her current career, and on this podcast, we offer a few examples of her sound work that you can experience yourselves, live. Visit her website to explore Tracie’s offerings including meditation events, unique products, and her album, also entitled Elemental Resonance. Visit here youtube page to start working with some of her techniques.