What's Happening
Primary directions are the backbone of ancient astrology and predictive techniques, thanks to the world-widespread works of Claudius Ptolemy, and his Tetrabiblos. Beginning with a solid foundation in spherical astronomy, the goal of this lab is to work with tables and speculums to reduce time spent on these problems, and master calculating by hand, which is much easier than it may sound! With simple arithmetic, we will measure, interpret and apply the two main problems of primary directions: directions to the angles, and interplanetary directions via proportional semi-arcs with temporal hours.
We will study how to find astronomical positions like right ascensions, oblique ascensions, ascensional differences, declinations, meridian distances, horizon distances, diurnal arcs/nocturnal arcs/semi-arcs, hourly times, proportional positions & directional gradients—modeling each from theoretical, graphical, mathematical, and applied interpretive frameworks. *Prerequisite for PD Level II in November.
Weekend Schedule:
- Friday (12pm-2pm): Coordinate Systems & Spherical Astronomy
- Saturday Morning (10am-12pm): Using a Speculum & Tables
- Saturday Afternoon (2pm-4pm): Planetary Directions to the Angles
- Sunday Morning (10am-12pm): Interplanetary: Semi-Arcs, Hourly Times & Gradients
- Sunday Afternoon (2pm-4pm): Review, Synthesis & Sharing
All times listed in Pacific time
THIS LAB INCLUDES:
- 10+ hours of hands-on instruction.
- break-out sessions, explorative research time, and Q&As to build understanding.
- access to primary and secondary sources in the CAELi library collection.
- access to a private online portal in the CAELi virtual campus for our use before, during, and after the intensive.
- recordings of the entire weekend’s lectures.
- detailed lesson notes & interactive worksheets.
- all students who complete their final project will receive continuing education credits towards the CAELi Certificate in Comparative Astrologies (CCOMPAS).
- plus radical street cred...!
Where It's Happening
CAELi's virtual campus (& Zoom)
Your Instructor
Cameron Cassidy
Cameron Cassidy is an astrologer, yoga teacher & linguaphile from Massachusetts. Blending ancient and modern approaches, he values bringing both the timeless past and the timely future in a balanced fusion. He is an instructor for Kepler College, and is the editor-in-chief of The CAELi Review, an astrological research journal. He speaks for organizations across the country, and works with clients as well as students to bring the powerful and healing art of astrology to people around the world. His work centers itself on the ancient sidereal astrology of Babylon and Egypt which set the groundwork for Hellenistic astrology.
