Now, astrology is for feeble minds, sad beggars and odd-bods. Let's face it, if Russell Grant and Mystic Meg can make money out of it (I won't provide links as it will only encourage those of feeble faith and mind) then think how sad the people are they make money from.
But there is a wonder in the celestial bodies, beyond promises that you will go for a journey and meet a Glaswegian dwarf. There's a thrill in seeing the tiny disk of red Mars, almost as bright as Sirius yet dwarfed in size and brightness in tonight's sky alongside the white serenity of the Full Moon. Reflect on the power the lesser of these bodies (in real terms), the Moon, has upon the Earth on which we live. Stabilising our orbit, powering the tides, inspiring awe, powering dreams - could life even have evolved without her gentle yet persistent presence?
So get out there and be amazed! Assuming you're in the Northern Hemisphere, it's cold yet, but so what - it's beautiful. We'll be filling up Beakers all night.
Could not agree with you more Arch Druid, a beautiful moon indeed. Yours from the admirers of Aleister Crowley in nearby Heath and Reach
ReplyDeleteI had been wondering whether Astrology or Astronomy were linked to Druid's given the Henge's which some gullible druids appear to believe are laid out to coincide with the movement of planets?
ReplyDeleteSo Moon worship is not a surprise to me, rather a feeling that going out on a full moon, normally led to some raving, drooling lunatic trying to carry out an Axe Murder on some becoming, screaming young female. (Well, at least they did in the films I watched as a child)
I am sure that this is not part of normal life among the Beaker Folk (or is it?).
Going of on a tangent.
I note that the Ancient Order of Druids is not really that ancient, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Order_of_Druids.
My presumption is that the Beaker Folk Druidism, must post-date this by around 150 years of so.
I didn't realise that Aleister Crowley still had admirers in Heath and Reach. But then I had heard that the man from Radio Rentals used to refuse to go there in case he was burned as a witch for having a magic speaking box for sale.
ReplyDeleteUKViewer - my rule is simple. Astrology is a failed science, which is therefore a kind of magic. In the same way that Magic was failed science, and indeed so was Phrenology, and so is graphology.
Astronomy on the other hand is science that works.
And you're right. The AOD are just a bunch of impostor Johnny-and-Jenny-Come-Latelies. They're not the real thing. I recommend Mr Chippindale's wonderful book on Stonehenge - yet again.
On the subject of which - Stonehenge is definitely laid out to coincide with the movement of the sun and the moon. But the monumental area was, in one way or another, in use for 7,000 years - and now again after a brief (for Stonehenge) pause. And the bluestones were dragged around, and stones were dug and filled in. So you'd be pushed to say which planets, when or how they tracked.
Dear Archdruid
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right, I suspect Heath and Reach to be a village straight from an HP Lovecraft novel. Have yet to find the local OTO lodge but have my suspicions about the anorak groups that gather by the clock tower on the green. But on inspection what might have been Goetic invocations was in fact them getting ready for a nice ramble following by a refreshing light ale.