Greetings to All,
“How surely gravity’s law, Strong as an ocean current, takes hold of even the smallest thing and pulls it towards the heart of the world… This is what things can teach us: To fall, Patiently to trust our heaviness.”
-Rilke from Book of Hours
This wonderful quote, taken from Richard Rohr’s Falling Upward, refers to the magnetism of true nature; when it is allowed our intrinsic essence leads us into the heart of things. This idea of falling up is similar to the teaching of the Zen Buddhist teacher Adyashanti when he says he "fell into enlightenment" primarily when the verb of his self-ing, his me-ing, ran out of steam. It is a metaphor for the spiritual nature of gravity: that eventually our own depth guarantees us truth. A truth that is self-revealing once our own self projects and vanity dissipates.
Everything that serves that depth serves that truth; everything that seeks to conceal our depth seeks to obscure that truth. Rilke wrote in the first of his ten Duino Elegies: “Often a star waited for you to notice it.” We are always waiting to be noticed. The best poets like to remind us that life is waiting for us to notice it!
In this way we see that Cosmos wants to live through us and that we are guided or led to astrology not just to serve our own inner growth but also to serve life by seeing another angle of its ever-spinning web of interlocking meaning. The secret to that journey is to allow our astrological studies to deepen our connection to our inner moral and spiritual compass, which allows us intuitively to deepen our connection to life through our immersion in the depths of the astrological archetypes.
In keeping with that aim I have posted a new blog entry on the nature of the debate on witchcraft in the sixteenth century and the impact of that dialogue on the karmic or unconscious field around astrology itself. A series of intuitions and insights have come together over the last year about the number of people studying or practicing astrology who have a strong history of struggling with orthodoxy, or of persecution within their energy field. I try both to understand and in my own way celebrate that. Read the blog post…
I also want to remind anyone who is interested about the 2 workshops coming up – there are still a few spots open in each workshop.
Upcoming Workshops in the U.S.
Boulder, CO
Aug. 31- Sep. 1
Finding Your Life Path: The Nature of the Nodal Axis of the Moon
In this workshop Mark Jones will explore the nature of the Nodal Axis of the Moon in the birth chart as revealing the evolutionary potential of the individual life. The workshop will explore the Moon’s Nodes in detail by house and sign to reveal the profound symbolism within these placements. We will look at the rulers of the Nodes, Aspects to the Nodes and the role of Pluto and Uranus in contextualizing the Soul’s purpose within the current life.
We will utilize many example charts from Mark’s work. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about your own Nodal Axis. This is a great chance to learn how the natal chart of an individual can reveal their life path and how astrology can support and validate one’s personal evolution.
Location: Solstice Center 302 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302
Time: Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am-5:00pm
$250
Portland, OR
Sep. 6-7
The Astrology of Creativity
Join Mark Jones in an exploration of the nature of creativity. Learn how the natal chart can expand our notion of creativity, revealing crucial information about what supports our creative growth as individuals as well as what hinders and blocks the creative impulse. You’ll gain an understanding about how astrology can help overcome any blocks to creative growth and provide a larger context of meaning in which to explore one’s creative evolution.
Mark will draw on multiple example charts, including some famous creative people as well as the charts of individuals within the creative professions. He’ll show the unique ways each of them has overcome issues that unlock their true potential. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a mutually supportive creative space in which the complex and beautiful symbolism of astrology can enrich our understanding and inspire our creativity.
Location: Conexiones 3500 NE MLK Blvd, Portland OR 97211
Time: Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am-5:00pm
$225 early registration | $250 after August 25
I will end with a poem by William Stafford that continues the theme begun by Richard Rohr and Rilke. I had the privilege of seeing Stafford read his poetry and he was a wonderful wise old man…
“There’s a thread you follow.. It goes among
Things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
Whilst you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
Or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.”
God Bless, Mark