The Orphic Mysteries and Ancient Astrology

Discussing the ancient Greek mystical tradition known as Orphism, and how it influenced ancient astrology, with historian of ancient astrology and magic Kristin Mathis, and astrologers Drew Levanti and Chris Brennan.

Orphism is an ancient Greek mystery cult founded by a legendary figure named Orpheus, who is said to have been a poet, musician, and mystical figure.

It is a mystery religion because members of the Orphic cult had to be initiated, and were sworn to secrecy with oaths.

The Orphics believed the soul was immortal and subject to reincarnation, and part of the goal of becoming initiated into the mysteries was to help ensure a better life in the future.

There was an emphasis on remembering one’s divine origin, and the use of poetry and music as ways of accessing the divine.

The study of this topic is important in terms of ancient astrology because Orpheus is listed as one of the legendary founders of Hellenistic astrology by Firmicus Maternus, and there are traces of Orphic influence in astrological texts by figures like Valens and Critodemus.

Kristin and Drew's work focuses in particular on the Orphic Hymns, and during the course of the episode we read some excerpts from some of Kristin's translations of the hymns for the planets and the stars, which invoke the deities associated with those celestial bodies.

Join us for a captivating exploration of Orphism and its enduring influence on the rich tapestry of ancient astrology.

Kristin and Drew's Websites

https://www.kristinmathis.com

https://archeastrology.com

This is episode 443 of The Astrology Podcast:

https://theastrologypodcast.com/2024/04/14/the-orphic-mysteries-and-ancient-astrology/

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:47 What is Orphism?
00:02:25 Kristin's background
00:05:40 Drew's background
00:08:38 Orphic Hymns overview
00:10:25 Who is Orpheus?
00:20:34 Parallels between Hermes and Orpheus
00:27:14 The cosmos is alive
00:33:13 Macrocosm and microcosm
00:37:31 Other mystery cults
00:46:00 Astral temple traditions
00:48:49 Purpose of Hermeticism
00:49:25 The unspeakable
00:54:27 Ecstatic states
00:59:13 Orphic mysteries vs. other mysteries
01:10:41 The Sun and the soul
01:19:38 Plato's Myth of Er and reincarnation
01:24:21 Milky Way gates
01:32:41 Pythagoras
01:34:07 Hymn of the Stars
01:58:26 Time frame of Orpheus Hymns
02:10:33 Hymn to Ares-Mars
02:29:15 The hymns influenced astrology
02:34:56 Music, numbers, and ratio
02:37:26 The magic of the hymns for today
02:40:54 Astrology as a language
02:42:16 Early astrology texts were written in verse
02:49:43 Orphic hymns enliven astrology
02:52:10 Kristin and Drew's websites, Substack, and class
02:54:47 Kristin's future book on Orpheus Hymns
02:57:34 Closing credits

Видео The Orphic Mysteries and Ancient Astrology канала The Astrology Podcast