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J.M. Hamade (starnightdwell) (they/them) is a writer, independent researcher/scholar, artist, diviner, and educator based in New York City. Their work bridges contemporary creative modalities with archaic forms of knowing, magical practice, and esotericism. The investigation and experimental application of talismanic art forms is at the forefront of their work, as well as a research and practice focus in the fields of non-European astrologies and star lore, Islamic esotericism, Afro-diaspora traditions, and the dæmonic imagination or occult roots of creativity.
Their first full length book, Procession of the Night Theatre: An Exposition on the Lunar Stations (Revelore Press 2024) follows half a decade long research into the astrologies and magics of the lunar zodiac, initiated by their co-authorship and illustration of Ahmad al-Buni’s Shams al-Ma’arif: An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation (Revelore Press 2021) which deals extensively with like-mysteries.
More published materials include essays, interviews, and illustrations with Hadean Press, The Mountain Astrologer, and academic publications. They have also studied and worked professionally in handicrafts as diverse as butchery, floristry, and metal engraving, receiving a BA focused in printmaking from San Francisco State University and an MFA focused on interdisciplinary arts from the City College of New York (CUNY). Additionally, Hamade has exhibited artworks and live performances focusing on ritual across the United States, as well as hosting an every now and then podcast under the name starnightdwell.
Unlike a traditional lecture format, each Monday gathering will explore student observations followed by discussion. Using the groundwork laid by Procession of the Night Theatre (textbook), we will note, draw, conjure, and observe in whatever manner is relevant for each of us, the Moon’s movement through one of the 28 stations. In this way, the textbook forms the organizational beginnings for what will become one’s own personal yet mundane set of significations. A working group format, as well as bi-daily prompts from CAELi’s Campus app, will provide a structure for consistent immersion in the entirety of the lunar zodiac. Our Monday gatherings will be the opportunity to share in this immersion as well as apply our observations and experiments to charts. Ideally we will each emerge with a more complete and practical understanding of the Moon’s stations in both our lives as well as through chart applications and interpretations. Magical experimentation will be encouraged as well as inquiries into the historical use of the lunar stations in their many cultural significations.
With a final assignment based on chart analysis and station-application, students will receive a certificate of completion. Along with this formal signifier that you have gone through the entirety of the stations with the working group, the student will also retain an ongoing workbook of unique interpretations, images, and the like, of the lunar zodiac which may be used and helpful in future chart analysis, magical workings, and expressive modalities.
CAELi Members get free access and to events like this and many other exciting online experiences coming soon. Join now to receive priority seating and advanced notice for upcoming tickets.