Julie Loar is the multiple award-winning author of six books and dozens of articles. Her work has been translated into several languages. She teaches workshops on the sacred feminine, dreams, symbols and mythology. Each year she leads a tour to Egypt.
“May we come and go in and out of heaven through gates of starlight. As the houses of earth fill with dancing and song, so filled are the houses of heaven. I come, in truth. I sail a long river and row back again. It is a joy to breathe under the stars. I am the sojourner destined to walk a million years until I arrive at myself.”
Normandi Ellis, Awakening Osiris
Existence is vast, seemingly boundless and immeasurable. The latest figures from NASA estimate that there are one hundred billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy pictured above. There are also estimated to be a jaw-dropping two trillion galaxies in our universe alone. It’s impossible to comprehend this immensity of scale, and yet it’s believed by scientists that we are also part of a multiverse. Perhaps an unknown number of universes co-exist in a Cosmos of parallel dimensions that spread light through infinite space and time. What is the significance of one brief human life in all this immensity?
The ancient Egyptians were master sky watchers. Monumental temples aligned with the rising of bright stars and calendars and ceremonies were planned based on the sky. Egyptian funerary texts called the Book of Gates proclaimed that when Ra, the sun god arrived at the twelfth and last hour of the night, before dawn, the miracle of rebirth occurred through the gate “with the mysterious entrance.”
In The Traveler’s Key to Ancient Egypt, author John Anthony West describes Egyptian funerary texts as “manuals of spiritual instruction” and says the Duat is the “field” in which the transformation of the soul occurs. The theme of transformation and reclamation also runs through other ancient mystery traditions. Many ancient gods were seen as solar and stellar fire, and many rites represented the redemption and regeneration of this spiritual energy. The ineffable mysteries they sought to unveil, and the hidden knowledge the rites contained, held and transmitted this wisdom. Manly P. Hall, in Secret Teachings of the Ages says, “Mysteries were the channels through which this one philosophical light was disseminated.”
The Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece took place from 1,600 BCE to about 400 CE, although most scholars believe their origin is much earlier in the Mycenean period. They were contemporary with, and bear strong resemblance to, the Egyptian mysteries of Isis and Osiris. In the Greek mysteries the goddess Demeter, carrying two torches named “intuition” and “reason,” searched the world for her daughter Persephone, who symbolically represented the lost soul. She had to be rescued from the underworld, where she had been abducted by the god Hades.
Sometimes the light seems to go out in our lives and we can be deeply challenged by a darkness of spirit. Although we know the Sun still shines behind the clouds, and the stars still burn even though hidden in cities by artificial light, at these times we need courage and the love of friends. Poet Khalil Gibran said, “One may not reach the dawn except by the path of the night.” This is true, but there have always been those who hold lanterns to guide our way through the darkness to the mysterious entrance of initiation. We can take heart that this universal path of spiritual teaching has permeated spiritual traditions throughout time. Often called the Underground Stream, the spiritual wisdom of ages is always present, even though hiding in the shadows at times. Our job is to remember that the light is always there and to prepare ourselves to receive the gift of ancient wisdom, which sheds light on the Path.
(Huge thanks to Ted for this amazing
review of Volume One in the Sky Lore Anthology series. It’s a thrill to
hold two decades of work in my hands. If you’re tempted, there’s
purchasing info for both volumes at the end of his review. Thanks in
advance!)
If you were ever a reader of Atlantis Rising magazine over the course of its impressive twenty-year flight, you will likely have seen, and been drawn to read, some of Julie Loar’s regularly-featured and highly-polished astrology articles upon first publication. The recent good news is that they have just become even more accessible together in this self-published retrospective anthology collection—without having to wait to catch the next one on the fly—in the wake of her extensive interest in and wide-ranging knowledge of this fascinating and always controversial subject, whether ancient mythic, modern discursive, or cutting-edge technical (!).
The subject of astrology stimulates a lot
of creative writing in our time as it has for many centuries, having
been the commonality and primary core subject, as C.G. Jung noted, of
many if not most traditional wisdom traditions leading up to and
including his own most impressive additions to modern psychology, as the
mix and clash among religious, scientific and pop variants still
contend for mind and shelf space. Of course there is a lot of
student-level enthusiasm as well as some amount of backsliding in all
this robust output of writing—not to mention the entertainment genre—so
something has to be good to maintain its position on the front lines of
conversation at the astrology brew pub. Julie’s selection of forty
articles in five major categories of her highly varied and successful
previous outings, virtually as they first appeared, are still highly
topical, in this first, Ancient Sky Watchers volume, and they
do indeed rise to a high level of interest and accessible value, being
well worth the read—one at a time before and after tea or in binge
mode—especially if you are looking for a fresh, comprehensive and
well-researched take on this perennial subject, either as student,
professional consultant, critic, or occasional curious onlooker.
It is a real treat to find an author in
this fascinating subject area so simultaneously knowledgeable,
sophisticated and articulate about the prehistoric mythic traditions of
Egypt and Sumer vis-a-vis those of ancient Greece and Rome, the
approaches and strategies of an experienced modern astrological
consultant, and the more recent discoveries in space science from
ground-based telescopes and satellite instrumentation—all referencing
the impact or influence on our lives of many kinds of very real
celestial objects now known and understood in greater detail than ever
before. It’s not easy to provide an entry into the basics of celestial
mechanics, whether for students of qualitative astrological
interpretation or quantitative scientific rigor, but Julie goes to some
length to make this subject approachable with her writing and teaching
skills for either group. Being able to visualize (and understand!) the
varied daily motions of Earth, Moon, and Planets, not to mention the
longer-term cycles of eclipses, comets and the grand Precession of the
Equinoxes, is the point of entry into the cosmic sky-watcher game
(beyond just looking, which is cool enough), and if you have not
bothered to look up at the sky—urban dwellers in night-lighted areas are
most disadvantaged—then this is a place to begin to get your bearings.
Like
Julie, I have been a lifelong sky-watcher as both astrologer and
amateur astronomer (and unlike her, a design engineer of space-satellite
instruments), and I have to admit that I have learned an enormous
amount from the original publication on her articles over the years
before meeting her in person a decade or so ago. As an astrologer, I
was most lacking in knowledge of the mythic and historical origins of
ancient astrology, and in that, she is probably as good as anyone now in
print, to help us understand the viewpoint and philosophy of the
ancient interpreters of this universal cosmic art-science or
pre-scientific art that has been continuously available to all people of
all cultures virtually for all time—in fact it is probably the most
universally shared common human experience ever on our little ”blue dot”
(to echo Carl Sagan) of a water planet in the outer reaches of the
Orion Arm of the ever-so-glorious Milky Way Galaxy. Julie ranges
through many familiar subjects on the astrology agenda, often with a tip
of the hat to Joseph Campbell and a few other luminaries, to making
strikingly original observations about ‘sky paintings’ on the cave
planetarium walls near Lascaux in France (‘animals of the hunt’ as a
very early “Zodiac” with the Pleiades depicted) to the Dendara Zodiac in
Egypt (symbol for Zodiac sign Cancer correctly interpreted and
understood, possibly for the first time).
If we ever wondered what was going on with
the mytho-poetic stories of the legendary gods and goddesses in the
ancient Mediterranean world, many of whom are now up in the
constellational sky, go no further than any number of sophisticated
recapitulations and explanations along the way of the Titans and
Olympians who, then as now, populate our astrology archetypes. Julie
presents the pantheon with sympathy and insight—and scholarship. One
can spend a great deal of time spinning through various re-tellings of
these yarns without much accumulated insight, as I did, before focusing
on Julie’s understanding, among other things, of the category of the
feeling for “the Sacred” in the ancient world. In a sense these poetic
stories were the religions as well as the ‘movies’ of those times and,
though varied and ever-changing, they had a similar cultural place
understood by the natives, just as their story-board correspondences are
understood by us today. The truth is that the people of these earlier
times, though certainly less educated and knowledgeable scientifically,
were mostly just as smart and passionate within their range as modern
people, however much our somewhat condescending idea of “progress” may
be in need of remedy. Of course times were very different then—the very
thing astrology helps up to understand in the most meaningful way! If
you have not yet been initiated into the grand scheme of the Platonic
Year, this is the place to perk up to a more than merely fascinating
historical hypothesis.
In the middle span of her territory Julie,
as a very well experienced consulting astrologer, fills in all the
blanks that many readers will be looking for in the always telling areas
of personal interest with “cook-book lists” of astrology planets, signs
and aspects, the working tools of the trade in astrology chart art,
which will tell you, from time to time, about wherever you might begin
to fit into various developmental sequences, as a Sun in Aries, Moon in
Pisces, cuspal ascendant and the standard stops in between. Her
approach in such thematic articles adds immeasurably to the flat
newspaper entertainment style (which, sadly, is all many people will
ever know about astrology), and brings it all back home with insights
only an experienced and conceptually sophisticated analyst can succeed
with in a brief offering. It’s not a substitute for an in-depth
‘reading’, but her itinerary is always thought-provoking and often
spot-on. She’s been a guide on many Egyptian tours, too, and has
specialist knowledge in this area of ancient sky watcher lore for
mainline Graeco-Roman astrologers who came in at the intermission of the
astrology movie.
Perhaps the most intriguing and possibly
surprising aspect (there’s a timeless astrology term) of Julie’s
presentation is her enthusiasm and detailed knowledge of
state-of-the-art scientific discoveries in more modern astronomy and
astrophysics (more interpretative scholarship). The impact they will
have on the meaning and development of astrology for astrologers (note:
we are not astrologists but hope you get the gist of astrology )
in the future will doubtless be great—even revolutionary—as it attempts
to assimilate the existence of various big moons, little asteroids,
dwarf planets, the rocky Kuiper Belt, the icy Oort Cloud and the
mysterious—and quite likely astounding—discovery of either a huge new
planet termed, “Planet Nine” (was that where John Lennon was from?),
orbiting in the far reaches of the outer solar system, or as Nemesis, a
small companion proto-star in an extreme orbit nearby our solar
system. This is the modest tip of the iceberg of Julie’s more ambitious
project of revisioning astrology, now going forward as we may look back at her musings over the course of the astersand disasters of
our still new Century 21. Julie Loar is a star in her own right who
knows about the real stars way out there—the real subject of astrology
that, sadly, has been lost behind much of the yet most valuable modern planetary astrology (a very complex subject in its own right in any event) … and much, much more.
Report this ad
Report this ad
This is how Volume One of Julie Loar’s “Sky Lore Anthology,” Ancient Sky Watchers, ends—in an exciting rush into anticipation of future science breakthroughs … and of course, the meaning of
them to be discerned by and for those of us who know … it ain’t all
random grains of sand on the beach, folks. If you are one of us, you
will not be disappointed, and if you are a sceptic, you will learn a lot
that will make you very thoughtful. This is a major publication event
in the astro-theme world … with Volume Two (As Above, So Below) also available now … and also to be acknowledged in review ASAP.
Click the first link below to buy Volume
One on Amazon in print or ebook. It’s also available from Barnes and
Noble, Apple Books, or Kobo.
Kalki, the last incarnation of Vishnu — Image credit — Jose-Patricio Aguirre (Chile)
The Shambhala Prophecy
as told by Joanna Macy
“I often tell this story in workshops, for it describes the work we aim to do, and the training we engage in. It is about the coming of the Kingdom of Shambhala, and it is about you, and me.” Joanna Macy
(Joanna Rogers Macy, is an environmental activist, author, scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology. She is the author of eight books). I share this piece of her writing with the greatest of respect. It a Buddhist prophecy that calls us to “war.”
“Coming to us across twelve centuries, the Shambhala prophecy comes from ancient Tibetan Buddhism. The prophecy foretells of a time when all life on Earth is in danger. Great barbarian powers have arisen. Although these powers spend much of their wealth in preparations to annihilate each other, they have much in common: weapons of unfathomable destructive power, and technologies that lay waste our world. In this era, when the future of sentient life hangs by the frailest of threads, the kingdom of Shambhala emerges.
You cannot go there, for it is not a place; it is not a geopolitical entity. It exists in the hearts and minds of the Shambhala warriors. That is the term the prophecy used – “warriors.” You cannot recognize the Shambhala warrior when you see him or her, for they wear no uniforms or insignia, and they carry no specific banners. They have no barricades on which to climb or threaten the enemy, or behind which they can hide to rest or regroup. They do not even have any home turf. Always they must move on the terrain of the barbarians themselves.
Now the time comes when great courage – moral and physical courage – is required of the Shambhala warriors, for they must go into the very heart of the barbarian power, into the pits and pockets and citadels where the weapons are kept, to dismantle them. To dismantle weapons, in every sense of the word, they must go into the corridors of power where decisions are made.
The Shambhala warriors have the courage to do this because they know that these weapons are “manomaya.” They are mind made. Made by the human mind, they can be unmade by the human mind. The Shambhala warriors know that the dangers threatening life on Earth are not visited on us by any extraterrestrial power, satanic deities, or pre-ordained evil fate. They arise from our own decisions, our own lifestyles, and our own relationships.
So in this time, the Shambhala warriors go into training in the use of two weapons. The weapons are compassion and insight. Both are necessary, the prophecy foretells. The Shambhalla warriors must have compassion because it gives the juice, the power, the passion to move. It means not to be afraid of the pain of the world. Then you can open to it, step forward, act.
But that weapon by itself is not enough. It can burn you out, so you need the other – you need insight into the radical interdependence of all phenomena. With that wisdom you know that it is not a battle between “good guys” and “bad guys,” because the line between good and evil runs through the landscape of every human heart. With insight into our profound inter-relatedness, you know that actions undertaken with pure intent have repercussions throughout the web of life, beyond what you can measure or discern. By itself, that insight may appear too cool, conceptual, to sustain you and keep you moving, so you need the heat of compassion.
Together these two can sustain us as agents of wholesome change. They are gifts for us to claim now in the healing of our world. Many in the Tibetan lineage believe that this is the time of this ancient prophecy. If so, perhaps we are among the Shambhala warriors.”
These are powerful words and a call to action, reaching across time. We must find the strength and courage to arise and be the best we can be at this time of challenge. I stand with you, brave warriors of the heart. May we have courage.
After more than five years of deep and amazing work with my two partners, Sue Lion and Karen Stuth, Quintangled has finally arrived. It’s an indescribable thrill to see a long-held vision come to life and hold the result of intense creativity in your hands. Like life, and our game, it’s been quite a journey. Words can’t really express the gratitude expressed here to those of you who supported this effort during our crowd funding campaign–without you this dream would not have become a reality. You should have your games by now, and we’re eager to get your feedback. (If you pre-ordered a game and haven’t received it, let me know). It would be awesome if you would consider writing a review on Amazon as that makes a big difference in their selling algorithms.
Quintangled: A Game of Strategy, Chance, & Destiny
Answer the herald’s call, step on a path to adventure, and enter a magical realm. A role of the eight-sided die will determine your archetypal destiny as a Knight, Lover, Jester, Healer, Dreamer, Sage, Monarch, or Priestess. Meet the Wizard, and receive Magical Aid as you cross the threshold to embark upon your journey. Along the way you’ll meet guides, guardians, and mentors as well as face perils and threats that will challenge your resolve. Magical creatures and Oracles of Wisdom will offer unexpected aid. Crossroads, choices, and tests will help you gain courage and wisdom to awaken your heroic self. On the return journey you’ll have the chance to express your heroic qualities and make a difference in your world.
Heed the call * Take the vow * Begin the quest.
Enjoy the journey!!! Endless love and boundless gratitude.
When I began my blog it was meant to be a gift to me–something I did for myself as a purely creative outlet. There would be no deadlines, no publishers, no pressure, no one criticizing my ideas (certainly with only the best of intentions I’m sure). My blog would be just my words that emerged from the crucible of my life, reflecting on events and observations that stood out in sharp relief. Of course I hoped those words might reach out across the interconnected web we share and maybe, just maybe, someone would be touched, amused, or inspired.
Writers learn about, and quest for, that illusive thing called “voice. ” A writer’s voice lives at the heart and soul of the work, embodying a unique and precious quality. I’m no different–I long to find my voice. I’m still on that journey, but it’s always deeply satisfying to receive recognition even when we are still a work-in-progress.
The life of a writer is often solitary, even insular. We spend a great deal of time in the company of our own thoughts and internal processes. Unless we are fortunate enough to have some notoriety, we usually don’t know what impact our work has, and I think we desperately want to know if it does.
Receiving an award is an external vindication that something we’ve accomplished is seen to have merit. And I have to admit, I love having a gold medal on my blog. But what means the most to me are the comments I have received from readers–you who are reading these words right now. Most of you I don’t know, but some of you have taken a moment from your busy lives to make a comment and connect in the mysterious manner of our digital world.
My life has been blessed by the words of other authors, some long gone. I have wished many times that I could send them a comment and let them know what their words have meant. Although the blog is still my gift to myself, it’s your comments that keep me going. So in a real sense this award is shared with all of you, and I send my deep gratitude.
“We must let go of the life we have planned to be able to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
Joseph Campbell
Metamorphosis is a total change of form, or morphology. We are familiar with the caterpillar that spins a cocoon and is completely transformed inside the chrysalis, changing from a crawling creature into a majestic being with glorious wings. In biology the chrysalis is the hardened outer shell that protects the vulnerable caterpillar as it goes through the stages of transformation. Symbolically, the chrysalis has been used to represent a sheltered state or stage of being in which something or someone is utterly transformed.
For those who are committed to spiritual growth, it seems that life is a constant chrysalis. The Buddha taught that life in form is temporary, and if we cling to the form, we suffer. We are constantly challenged to leave the past behind and embark upon an unknown journey. We are often tested by what life presents, and I believe the measure of our “suffering” is equal to the amount of our resistance and expectation. We have to be willing to surrender in order to be transformed–willingness changes everything.
We live in a time of profound change, even turmoil, and if we are to survive we must also be transformed by the change occurring around us. Joseph Campbell also said, “You enter the forest at the darkest point where there is no path. Where there is a way, it is someone else’s path. If you follow someone else’s way you won’t realize your potential.” I find those words equally thrilling and terrifying. Entering that dark forest takes courage, but our willingness to take the unknown step leads to metamorphosis.
A Chinese proverb states that a teacher opens a door, but we must enter by ourselves. Looking back at times of profound change in our lives we can see how our choices made all the difference and where courage changed our lives. As we face the dark forest, or ponder an unknown path, we have a choice. We can cling to the familiar but illusory safety of the ground, or embrace the dissolution of our earthbound consciousness, pass through the open door of transformation, and soar on wings of spirit.
Author & Speaker: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World
