IMBOLC TERM REPORT

End of Term Report
During the Imbolc Term some key changes have occurred that establish Sabian Mysteries more clearly as a school and platform for studying the mysteries. We intend to attract 33 members and build an intimate circle rather than a large, less committed group, although there will also be guests joining some of the meetings.

Admin
All Sabian Mysteries activities - all the meetings, articles, videos, topics of discussion, etc. - involve careful planning and preparation. There is currently a team of four people who meet regularly to discuss it all: James, Richard, ShaRyn and Ana, with extra help from others from time to time.

Newsletter
The Newsletter, which was Ana’s initiative, started as an idea to strengthen the connection amongst Sabian Mysteries members by creating a space where we could share what we’ve been learning. We have decided to discontinue it and build a web page of articles, videos and a questionnaire around the Expression of the month instead. We will also be sharing links to these website articles on Slack.

Videos
Adding to an already significant archive, the ‘Sabian Insights’ series was launched with Aries 1, and we have seen various fine expositions from a range of presenters. 

Topics - Zodiac Expressions
We now have a theme for each month, which we study in depth from many perspectives. By focusing on the topic, we not only gain insight but also develop that quality within us. These topics align with the Sabian Expressions we study as part of each zodiac sign.

Astrodrama
Barely even begun, Astrodrama will doubtless be an important part of our future studies and can add a special depth of insight, since it moves our understanding beyond the conceptual level into felt, body experiences of the mysteries. Further exploration into theatre will possibly include a start on creating mystery plays next term.

Self-Mastery and Leadership
This group began with a deep study of our sense of self, “I am”, and also what motivates us, “I like”, and how we understand and experience love. We move next term into the 7 aspects of leadership.

Elven Star Masterclass
We began the term focusing on the Elven Star of our Sun position, incorporating Sabian Symbols, 7 words and our personal experience. We then introduced other planets, concentrating first on the Moon, contrasting this to how we experience our Sun.

During the term we introduced Astrodrama with some incredible sensory experiences as our planets and Elven Stars came to life. We then continued our exploration of Astrodrama with a ‘Circle of 8’, taking a real-life scenario from one of the group, and assigning 7 others to take the role of the Elven Star points allowing an experiential journey for all. Finally, we studied the 7 Planes of Consciousness by following a guided process of ‘Tanzuliat’ meditation.

We finished the term looking back to the beginning of our studies reminding ourselves of the meaning behind the words: Elven; Star; Seven; Sabian; Symbols; Astrology; and Sufism, in relation to Elven Consciousness. 

Next term we will introduce Pathworking, which is perhaps the most powerful way of using and integrating Elven Star Consciousness. We will study the Path of Power, Path of Soul, Path of Joy, Path of Awareness, Path of Truth, Path of Magick, and the Path of Life.

In our Unicorn Circle on Thursday afternoons, we moved through the topics in James’ book Elven Star Magick bringing together the Yin (atmosphere) and Yang (teaching) of the subjects with a mix of tools and skills.

We opened the circle with an Earth ceremony, welcoming each member into the group along with the essence of the Unicorn and the Elven Star. We then moved through the other elements bringing in Altar Making; Numerology; The Way of the Leaf; The Power of Words; Languages of Trust and Connection; Mantra and Sound; The qualities of a Magician; Allies at the Round Table; Breath; Guided Meditation and Divination. We closed the circle for our mid-term break with gratitude for our explorations, development and growth - the continuous quest of the Magician. 

To take us to the end of the Imbolc Term, we will look at Consciousness through the lens of Awakening, and Spell Making and the Foundations of Magickal Practice through the lens of Claiming. 

Sabian Mysteries Studies

We began this term looking at individuals’ Sun and Moon Sabian Symbols and we moved on to consider other personal planetary positions and their Symbols. We experimented a little with Astrodrama. And we ended the term looking at some of the five Sabian Symbols in the Expression of Honour (the topic of the month) and a new Q21 created specifically to assist us to explore our relationship with Honour.

The group’s name has now been changed from ‘Sabian Symbols’ to ‘Sabian Mysteries Studies’ to reflect an intention that from now on this group will study not just Sabian Symbols but all Sabian Mysteries activities.

Retreat
No details are yet agreed about the content of the event, yet we have a general plan to meet in Ireland during the first week of August, for a combination of formal study and a simple informal gathering at Emerald Cottage in Kerry.

In Conclusion
All in all, in one term we have come a very long way and changed through learning about ourselves, each other and the material. The most rewarding aspect of it all is in the warmth of connection that has grown between us. Let us try to remember that love is the end result of all knowledge.
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Ana, Richard, ShaRyn and James