Geomancy Essay ⋆ Environment Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

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The term geomancy, derived from Greek roots, refers to the earth (geo) and attempts to use attributes of the earth in a prophetic (mantikos) manner. Geomancy involves the use of the earth in a process of divination. A separate form of geomancy uses astrological symbols and indicators to derive the meanings to personal questions and concerns. Geomancy relates to particular times at which conditions in the cosmos are appropriate for revealing answers to the inquirer’s questions. Divination is related in some contexts to the work of Carl Jung and his synchronicity concept. Jung’s notion involves “meaningful coincidence” to provide explanations of the divination process, which uses a 16-symbol context similar to the system used in astrology. An African form of geomancy involves the tossing of dirt into the air and observing the pattern once it falls. A Chinese variant of geomancy uses an individual in a trance to interpret the markings on the ground. In a general sense, geomancy refers to the human ability to employ pattern recognition to determine the answers to personal questions.

Geomancy came to prominence during the Renaissance, as European cultures transitioned to the modern era. A prominent advocate of geomancy and an author on the subject was Henry Cornelius Agrippa, a 15th century philosopher. The system of geomancy involves the asking of a question of importance by an individual. In the next step, the inquirer concentrates on the question and proceeds to make a series of 16 rows of marks on the earth, continuing to do so until it feels right to stop. The resulting patterns of tracings can then be observed to determine the answer to the question posed. Geomancy in the Western world relied heavily on the attributes of astrology, and has been referred to as astrological geomancy. As such, the 16-element context uses Mars, Venus, Jupiter, the Moon, and other astronomical bodies in various combinations and at particular times to determine the answers to the inquirers’ questions. Again, the process involves pattern recognition; in this case, the relative locations of celestial bodies at specific times.

Geomancy is related to certain forms of agriculture. The early 20th century agricultural researcher, Rudolph Steiner, wrote and lectured on the need for sustainable forms of farming, identified as biodynamic agriculture, which should avoid the use of artificial fertilization. He argued that fertilizers and pesticides were not inherently bad, but that the materials had “spiritual” shortcomings. Steiner believed that the world and all living matter in it were spiritual in nature and that living matter differed from dead matter. He believed that the farm was a living system and should be regulated to maintain that status. For example, a farm entity that was diseased should be treated within the context of the entire farm, and not addressed as an isolated occurrence. It is the spiritual nature of biodynamic agriculture that relates the practice to geomancy. Steiner’s formula for proper farm operation extended to the use of specific forms of field preparation, weed and pest eradication, and compost development and application. An associated practice following the basic dictates of Rudolph Steiner is found in the practice of biodynamic viticulture. Biodynamic viticulture is practiced worldwide, and many grape growers attest to the improved quality of the grape, and the resulting wine, as a result of this belief and practice.

Bibliography:

Gyorgy Doczi, The Power of Limits: Proportional Harmonies in Nature, Art and Architecture (Shambala, 1993);
John Michael Greer, Geomancer’s Handbook (Renaissance Astrology, 2006);
Michael S. Schneider, A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science (Harper Perennial, 1995).