LIVING WITH SPIRIT
GOTHIC CATHEDRALS AND ZODIAC IMAGERY
by Stella Woods
On a recent visit to France, I looked forward to exploring the zodiac imagery in one of Europe’s most famous Gothic cathedrals, Notre Dame de Chartres (Our Lady of Chartres). Chartres is one of the oldest shrines in France dating back to pre-Christian times. Built on a hilltop over a sacred well and surrounded by forest, Chartres was a centre of Celtic worship hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. Julius Caesar himself wrote about this hill and its dolmen (megalithic monument) where the Druids were initiated. The present-day cathedral was consecrated in 1260 and you can still visit the sacred well, deep inside the crypt. Chartres Cathedral is a magical place. Built on the principles of
sacred geometry by master stone masons funded by the Knights Templar, it was one of the chief stopping points on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain in mediaeval times. A living library of esoteric knowledge and symbolism, the cathedral is aligned to the northern hemisphere summer solstice. On 21st June each year, the sun shines through the window of ‘Saint Apollinaire’ with a depiction of the Roman sun god Apollo and its rays fall straight on an iron nail in the fl oor of the cathedral. The Cathedral School of Chartres produced some of the greatest neo-Platonic, esoteric and Gnostic scholars of the Middle Ages, teaching knowledge and wisdom rather than simply faith. Inside the cathedral there is a beautiful astrological clock and a massive stained glass window showing the twelve signs of the zodiac and images of the agricultural labours and activities
performed during each month of the year. The four fi xed signs associated with the Galactic Cross (Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, Scorpio) are depicted in the central column of the window in four-leafed clovers, symbols of the cross (and also a Druid symbol of good fortune). However Taurus has for some reason been replaced by the sign Gemini, perhaps to represent the summer solstice. Some people are surprised to fi nd these traditionally pagan
symbols inside a Christian cathedral but, throughout Europe, there are literally hundreds of examples of astrological imagery in places of worship, one of the most famous being the zodiac calendar and sundial on the marble fl oor of the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome, a church originally designed by Michelangelo. Stella is LivingNow’s astrology writer Chartres Cathedral zodiac window showing the months of April
gathering fl owers (Taurus); March pruning vines (Aries); with Gemini and a knight hunting (May) in the clover design in the middle.
INFRARED THERAPY COMES TO NEWCASTLE
State-of-the-art Solocarbon® Infrared Therapy which allows targeted and specifi c healing is now available at The Salt Therapy Centre, Newcastle. By gently heating your core body temperature using one of three infrared wavelengths your body will receive the unique help it needs.
Effective for detoxifi cation Eliminate dangerous toxins and heavy metals using Far-infrared, the optimum wavelength for detoxing. In one 35 min treatment approx. 20% of your sweat will contain heavy metals and toxins, opposed to approx. 3% in traditional saunas.
Effective for skin health Near-infrared is the optimum wavelength to improve your complexion, teenage acne, cellulite reduction, problems like eczema, psoriasis and wound healing. Experience clean and soft skin by exfoliating from the inside-out which makes hair removal easier and more effective.
36 JULY 2015
Effective for recovery after workout Mid-infrared is the optimum wavelength to soothe and softens muscles, burn lactic acids and eliminates toxins.
Effective for pain relief By increasing the core temperature by 30F increased blood and oxygen fl ow neutralises infl ammation giving relief from pain and conditions caused by poor circulation.
Effective for weight loss In one 35 min treatment you can expect to burn approx. 300–500 calories. Simply input your name and statistics, wear the ‘calories burned’ monitor and watch your calories being burned in real time on the DVD screen inside the sauna. The experience will leave you feeling great – energised and uplifted.
This technology is only available at The Salt Therapy Centre in Newcastle. For more information please visit
www.thesalttherapycentre.com.au. Call for bookings 02 4929 5712.
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