Siblings,
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
This post marks my first digital impact on our website since its design over five years ago. I found it fitting to begin our digital journey by working toward a better understanding of the past and our connection to it. Many of us, as magicians, have had at least a cursory introduction to Geomancy. In both the Golden Dawn and A.’.A.’. curriculum include knowledge lectures. I remember when I first started learning Geomancy as a young solitary magician years ago. As it’s taught is Chic and Tabatha Cicero’s “Self Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition,” a list of Geomantic intelligencies along with a corresponding invocation was included. I was immediately impressed by a system of divination that included invocations of spirits that corresponded to the query at hand.
Crowley is well known for using the figures not only in divination, but as a set of symbolic devices having concordance with other symbols of planetary or zodiacal virtue. Quite frequently, during our group studies, Crowley refers the reader to the classic “Handbook of Geomancy,” to be found in the Equinox, Vol 1, 2. It isn’t uncommon for me to bring John Michael Greer’s “The Art and Practice of Geomancy” to a talk about another of Crowley’s works to help examine Crowley’s use of the figures as talismanic and symbolic devices.
In light of this, I have decided to invite a guest to speak on the topic of Geomancy. Alexander Cummins is a magician I have come to know and respect for his wit, humor, and expertise on the topics of Geomancy, grimoires, and folk necromancy. Having attended a few of his classes personally, I can attest to the thoroughness of his approach to teaching a variety of topics.
Bio:
Dr Alexander Cummins is a contemporary cunning man and historian. His magical specialties are the dead (folk necromancy), divination (geomancy) and the grimoires. He received his doctorate on early modern magical approaches to the passions. Dr Cummins gives classes and workshops online and in person. He is an editor for Revelore Press’ Folk Necromancy in Transmission series, and co-hosts the podcast Radio Free Golgotha and co-convenes Speakeasy of the Dead. The Good Doctor (and his services) can be found at www.alexandercummins.com
Geomancy: A Renaissance of Worldly Wisdom
At its height in the Renaissance, geomancy was one of the most popular and well-regarded forms of divination. It was the preferred oracle of monarchs and sages. Occult philosophers swore by it as one of the most accurate and insightful divinatory practices available. While geomancy’s earliest origins lie in Arabic traditions, it swiftly became popular across Europe in the late medieval period.
Perhaps the most inherently elemental system of Western divination, the ‘geo-‘ of it is understood not only as elementally Earthy, but as worldly: for it maps practically and precisely any and all events and influences occurring in and on this world, offering advice both grounded and gnomic.
Geomancy examines the roles of the planets in our daily lives, and while it utilizes the language and expression of astrology, is not dependent on astronomical measure. Our questions are answered in this familiar language of the stars, showing how these titanic forces are playing out in our lives and under our feet. It is not a replacement for astrology but rather its “Sister” oracle, and so many of its terms will be familiar to an astrologer. That said, no previous knowledge of astrology or sorcery is needed to attend or follow this lecture; on the other hand, these explorations and presentation of the art should refresh and enliven those already familiar with divination and even geomancy itself.
This presentation is delivered by Dr Alexander Cummins, himself both a historian of magic and professional geomancer. And so, in this class, we will not only examine the historical practice of this incredibly popular Renaissance system of divination, students new to it will be taught how to consult this most worldly oracle. And even seasoned geomancers should appreciate the shared techniques and tips on exploring geomancy’s spirits and spell-craft!
This class is a digital exclusive, hosted by Vortex Oasis Ordo Templi Orientis.
Tickets are available for $20.00 for non-members and $10.00 for Vortex dues current members.
Love is the law, love Under Will.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/geomancy-a-renaissance-oracle-of-worldly-wisdom-tickets-159387384959