Author Archives: Symbol Reader

The Bull of Heaven II

Originally posted on The Classical Astrologer:
I make no pretense of being an expert in Egyptology, but there are some fundamental elements of that culture which allow us to see Taurus in a different way, in part by the relationship…

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Soaring High on the Wings of Ambition

“As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his … Continue reading

Posted in Ambition | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The Secrets of the Odyssey (13): Journeying on Snakelike Wet Paths

While reading Hermes Guide of Souls: The Mythologem of the Masculine Source of Life by Karl Kerènyi I came across the following passage describing the nature of Odysseus’s journeying and the special patronage of Hermes over Odysseus: “We previously called the … Continue reading

Posted in The Odyssey | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Jung on Alchemy (1): The Moist and Earthly Foundation

My upcoming series of posts is going to be based on three works of C.G. Jung: 1) Psychology and Alchemy, volume 12 of the Collected Works 2) Alchemical Studies, volume 13 of the Collected Works 3) Mysterium Coniunctionis, volume 14 of the Collected … Continue reading

Posted in Alchemy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Hope, Faith and Sublime Beauty in the Clamor of Suffering: “Ida”

Recently, the Polish movie Ida made a tremendous emotional impact on me. It is the sort of movie about which the less is known before seeing it the better, in order to approach it without any expectations. It is wonderfully … Continue reading

Posted in Movie Review | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

“The Gazelle” by Reiner Maria Rilke

Enchanted one: how shall the harmony of two perfect words attain that rhyme which ripples through you like a spell? From your forehead rise leaf and lyre, and all you are already moves in simile through love-songs whose words, softly … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Guilt of Prometheus and Pandora’s Gifts

Prometheus was one of the Titans – the gods who descended from primordial deities, and preceded Olympian gods and goddesses. His name meant “forethought;” he proved he deserved it by showing a gift of premonition and prophecy when he sided … Continue reading

Posted in Prometheus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

“The End” by Mark Strand

“Not every man knows what he shall sing at the end, Watching the pier as the ship sails away, or what it will seem like When he’s held by the sea’s roar, motionless, there at the end, Or what he … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

What Is Truth?

The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate from the Gospel of John (18:28) is one of the most profound exchanges regarding Truth: “Therefore Pilate … summoned Jesus and said to Him, … ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am … Continue reading

Posted in Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

I Feel, Therefore I Can Be Free: Tribute to Audre Lorde

I.“A self-described ‘black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,’ Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing the injustices of racism, sexism, and homophobia.” Via http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/audre-lorde II.“For each of us as women, there is a dark … Continue reading

Posted in Quotations | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments