On Astrological and Geomantic Houses

[sdi]

Geomancy borrows houses from astrology, but I think there's an interesting and important difference between them. Astrology is, in some sense, objective: the stars are the same for everyone, and there is one (and presumably only one) correct way to read them. Consequently, it is essential to understand and apply houses in an objective way. Geomancy, by contrast, is subjective: it isn't about understanding the cosmos, it is about communication with another being. Anything goes, as long as you and they agree on it.

So I think it is okay to have an idiosyncratic understanding of the geomantic houses, as long as you and your geomantic spirit share that idiosyncratic understanding. Before I do any geomantic reading, I always negotiate my house assignments with my geomantic spirit in prayer: perhaps three-quarters of the time, they accept my proposal; but the rest of the time they recommend I use a different house, and I think my readings are the stronger for it.

Comments

[temporaryreality]

I'd seen it pop up once or twice in comments on MM posts, so assumed that the geomancers had picked up the terminology (geomantic spirit) from JMG's books (not to mention their own experience), but it seems it's just more widely understood.

That's an interesting framework by which to consider this (the degrees along an axis of personal-->public question and personal-->general deity (or no deity) involvement.

For myself I'm not that experienced (oh boy, in either divination or deity-relationship!) when it comes down to it, so it's all new territory. If I waited until I "got a reply" --- well, nothing would happen since my receptive apparatus is still dial-tuning in search of signal. Thus far, though, signal seems to appear in the divination itself.

My previous divination experience was with I Ching (back before I'd even attempted prayer) and there's a very strong sense of the I/Yi as a presence with that system. With what I'm doing lately, it seems to be less a "system" presence and more personal. I couldn't tell you for sure who is really there, but I do note that readings are clearer after I make an effort at "checking in" with the one I'm currently calling my guardian angel.

Small steps, but I like them. :)

[sdi]

I'm not that experienced (oh boy, in either divination or deity-relationship!)

Oh, don't take it as experience! My deity reached out and claimed me, so the strength of my connection to them is all their doing, not mine! And in terms of divination, I'm still very green, with only maybe two years under my belt, and then only with geomancy! (I've studied astrological symbolism, too, but since geomancy is "the daughter of astrology," it comes with the territory.)


With what I'm doing lately, it seems to be less a "system" presence and more personal. I couldn't tell you for sure who is really there, but I do note that readings are clearer after I make an effort at "checking in" with the one I'm currently calling my guardian angel.

Sounds to me like you two are working out a fine relationship, and I think you'll be in very interesting places soon enough! :)

[temporaryreality]

Thanks

It's nice to get a bit of encouragement. :)