Module 4: Divinatory Practice: modern contexts
tutors: Geoffrey Cornelius and Maggie Hyde
Theory Unit
The theory unit addresses philosophical and religious traditions which presuppose a sacred cosmos, especially as these traditions are expressed in explicitly divinatory practices; a focus of attention is astral religion and pre-enlightenment European astrology. This unit introduces scholarly and critical interpretations of these expressions and practices, drawn from cultural history, anthropology, psychology, and philosophical analysis.
Divinatory practice unit
The divinatory practice unit utilises the scholarly and critical interpretations introduced in the theory unit and entails an in-depth hermeneutic analysis of one culturally significant contemporary divinatory practice, showing its broad philosophical presuppositions and implications. This analysis is intended to locate contemporary practice with respect to its cultural-historical origins, and to examine its relationship both to modern rationality and to New Age cosmology and spirituality. The analysis is undertaken through a review of available scholarship and with reference to writings by practitioners. Practices currently considered appropriate for such analysis are: modern astrology, Tarot, and the Book of Changes (I Ching); unless otherwise advertised to students prior to the commencement of the academic year, the chosen practice will be modern astrology. Prior technical knowledge of divinatory practice is not required; however students who have practised in relevant divinatory forms are encouraged to engage their personal experience and expertise in their studies, provided broad communicability with non-practitioners and a reflexive self-critical attitude retain full priority. Assessment is by one research essay of 5,000 words (chosen in consultation with the convenor).
Indicative Reading
For titles on Tarot, I Ching and contemporary astrology, see the full bibliography
sample podcast: Geoffrey Cornelius on traditional astrology