Friday 18 October 2019

Pluto in Capricorn disclosed to us the fact that the "King" is naked!


To some of you, this Frank Zappa's saying might seem just the mumbling of a stoned rocker. In reality, though, it is a profound and insightful statement, brilliantly explaining in just a few words the very essence of modern politics!

You see, politics is so complicated! But everything becomes crystal clear if we apply this Zappa's saying to it! Modern presidents are some sort of entertainers! Take Trump for example. Trump seems to be but the colorful host of the entertainment division of the all-mighty military-industrial complex! Apparently, his job is to amuse us, to distract us, so that big "industra" can easily make good money!

Presidents have always been this sort of "entertainers"! They were always serving the interests of the mighty parties but this didn't show in the past, no citizen would believe that their President is a rather shady guy, which is serving the interests of the mighty parties at the expense of the people! But now, with Pluto in Capricorn, this is becoming ever more obvious! Everybody can see that the king is naked!

The reality is that the previous presidents were not worse than Trump. Bush senior and junior, Clinton, Obama, all of them officially endorsed the slaughtering of millions of innocent people in Iraq, Serbia, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, etc. so that big "industra" make good money! Some of them were even shadier than Trump! But none of them was daemonized to the extent Trump has been!

You see, a new kind of consciousness is emerging now, in our era that is strongly reverberating to the Pluto in Capricorn tone! Everybody can see that the President is "naked" but they cannot figure out what exactly is wrong with him...They sense the incongruency, the "wrong vibes" coming out of the president but they think there is something wrong exclusively with him, that he might be a sociopath, a lunatic, behaving and acting the way he does!

To grasp what is really going on you need to hold on for a moment, pan out and realize that you were focusing so far on the host of the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex, missing the big picture! And that you were wrongly blaming the entertainment division host for the ills of the entire military-industrial complex!

Thomas Gazis

Wednesday 9 October 2019

The Greek Astrological "school" "Alternative Education" ("Enallaktiki Paideia") - (A Critical Approach by Thomas Gazis)


Some non-Greek fellow-astrologers have seen this article (in Greek) on Facebook and they thought it might be interesting. By using though the automatic Google translation they couldn't make much sense of its content.. So, I have translated the article in proper English, for them to read it.

Many of us, who are stating that astrology is our main subject of interest on Facebook, have been bombarded in the last few weeks by an "ad" that was calling us to enrol in the "Alternative Education" astrology "school" ("Enallaktiki Paideia" in Greek ). I wanted to write a review of this "school" but I waited for  the enrolments to be completed first, so that my criticism wouldn't be considered a malicious one. Now that they have been completed, I can more freely express my opinion.

The "Alternative Education" Astrology "school" caused a lot of fuss in Greece in April 2017, when it appeared on many TV news stories as the first astrology "school" ever in Greece, a "school" recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education! Many people who watched the specific news story were excited, hearing that a recognized astrology school has been established in Greece, providing official "astrology diplomas"! It seemed like brand new horizons were opening up for astrology in this mediterranean country. And that's odd because till recently Greece was a rather backward country, when we were coming down to astrology.

Personally, I have been dreaming for many years now the creation and establishment in Greece of an academic level Astrology School - and I have incessantly worked on a collective level to realize this vision - alongwith the one of a national Greek Astrological entity (association etc.)! So I would be one of the first persons in Greece to celebrate the establishment of a true Astrology School! I am stressing the word "true" because somebody can relatively easy create a "sort of astrology school" but in order to create an actual astrology school many terms and conditions must be fulfilled first. So let's see if these conditions are met in the case of  the "Alternative Education" center.

First of all - as you can see in the photo below of the "Alternative Education's" identity (you may click on it) - we are not dealing here with an academic type of "school" but with a "Lifelong Learning Center" - "LLC" or "ΚΔΒΜ" in Greek! There is a big difference between these two entities!



I wonder why the directors of "Alternative Education" display the actual status of their center with just its initials ("ΚΔΒΜ" in Greek, meaning "Lifelong Learning Center" - "LLC" !) Is it because they are ashamed to state publicly that theirs actually is a simple - NON academic - "LLC"? Or because they prefer to give to the public the impression that their center is a recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education "school" - without actually being it? If the latter applies then they mislead the public!

To give a hypothetical example, we could create a "Lifelong Learning Center" for knitting! At this center the art and the secrets of knitting would be explained. Secrets that ultimately our grandmother might hold much better than the rest of us. So our grandmother could lead a knitting section to a similar "LLC". But in no case she could become a "teacher" in an academic school, if she did't meet first a whole bunch of prerequisites!

Let's go to the second element that I have highlighted above in the identity of "Enallaktiki Paideia"! In the element stating that this "school" is composed of "distinguished astrologers, with extensive experience in Astrology teaching"! If we believe this claim then we must admit that "Alternative Education" has been staffed by foremost "teachers" of Astrology!

In reality though, there is no easy way to become  a TEACHER! And not just in Astrology but in any field. Actually, in Greece we do not even have many worthy Astrologers (our country ranks among the last in the West in Astrology Education, Astrology Research, etc.). So how did we suddenly get in Greece so many important Astrology teachers?

The concept "teacher" carries a lot of weight! Being a teacher of Astrology means that you are literally a mobile encyclopedia, in terms of Astrological Knowledge! That you are knowledgeable on any Astrology branch, on  any aspect of Astrology, no matter how small and trivial it might seem! That you also have knowledge of many different fields and subjects, such as Psychology, History, Politics, etc. That you are an integral person, with Principles and Ethics! These are the elements that constitute a true Astrology teacher!

From my part, though, I've never read a book, original astrological articles, or some kind of research by the majority of the "Alternative Education" employees who are claiming to be foremost Astrology teachers! And I am a man who reads a lot and peruses the publications of Greek astrologers of all kinds (I don't read of course the trivial weekly predictions, the Mercury retrograde hysteria etc. because I don't think that such "bubble-gum" kind of articles are worthwhile - nor they automatically render you an Astrology "teacher").

But let's go into some more specific details and take for example the case of Mrs Nona Voudouri. As she writes in her resume (and as you can see in the picture below) Ms. Voudouri has been working as an astrology teacher
at the "Alternative Education" LLC. since 2018 ! She even mentions that she  took lessons in this very "school". The point is that  the "Alternative Education" center was founded in April 2017! Which ultimately means that in just a few months, Ms Voudouri has turned from a mere astrology student into an astrology teacher! We're talking here about things that are not serious at all!






Finally, let's look at the third statement that I have underlined on the "identity" of the "Alternative Education" center. The statement saying that this particular
"LLC" "will employ as teachers the most important Greek Astrologers "! Since I am an old hand at the various vicissitudes of the Greek astrology scene I can assure you that the "Alternative Education" has actually done the opposite: it employed none of the people who are the truly leading Greek Astrologers (you can see my relative article here)! I mean people like Nicholas Kampanes, Konstantine Stefanou, Yianni Symeonoglou (unfortunately he passed away early in 2019,  with the bitterness in his heart that his work will never reach the wider public). Despite its "fanfare" statements, the "Alternative Education" did not employ any of these three foremost  Astrologers, which are among the few in Greece that meet the prerequisites of a proper Astrology teacher! So why the directors of  the "Alternative Education" (some very knowledgeable and connected people) did not employ these leading Greek Astrologers as teachers of their "school", when they founded their school?

All in all, the Greek "Enallaktiki Paideia"
"school" is in reality a LLC. center of not very sincere intentions. But this "school" would never actually exist unless the very Greek public had "summoned" it! A public that considers the formalities more important than the essence. You see, the diploma provided by any school has no value "per se"! Its value is derived exclusively by the overall quality of the "school" the diploma is provided by - and of course by the worth of that school's teachers! 

Thomas D. Gazis

Sunday 22 September 2019

WE DESERVE A BETTER ASTROLOGY IN GREECE (and in any other country for that matter)!



Societies thrive when their most deserving members are promoted to higher positions. On the other hand, societies that routinely promote their less deserving members, the "well-connected, mediocre," are doomed to deteriorate and degenerate!

The pattern of "well-connected, mediocre" persons assuming prominent positions is more or less widespread around the world. However, the very nature of mature societies provides enough opportunity for recognition for many of their deserving individuals! I don't believe there is another civilized country in the world that supports "well-connected, mediocre" people to such an extent (at the expense of the worthy) as modern Greece!

The persons who currently dominate the Greek astrological scene (and who are portrayed in public as the "leading ones") are nothing more than golden mediocrities (despite promoting a quite different picture of themselves). Some of them even claim to be the best astrologers in the world!). They are not "top astrologers" in any manner.

You see, it is not someone's appearances on TV or Internet portals, or the support s/he receives from various "circuits" that is ultimately distinguishing him/her as a great astrologer. Quality work, inspirational books, innovative articles, rigorous research, and high ethical standards are what distinguishes a top astrologer! And none of the people in charge of modern Greek astrology now meet such standards. Moreover, those who truly meet such standards are - quite ironically - totally marginilized!

Few Greeks are aware, for example, that the late Yianni Symeonoglou was a prominent contemporary Greek astrologer! Symeonoglou was primarily responsible for introducing and developing "Systemic Astrology" in Greece! He published two thought-provoking books ("The Times and Seasons of the Invisible - Astrology" and "Beyond the Astrology You Know"). He was set to release his third, momentous book when he died unexpectedly in early 2019. 

Despite his preference for "scientific" astrology, Symeonoglou was not reluctant to borrow material from metaphysics and esoteric knowledge, particularly Orphic and Pythagorean teachings. He uncovered several new dimensions of the Moon's Nodes, which he interpreted in novel ways! And yet, the "circuit" that dominates the Greek astrological scene has never displayed his work, nor honored him to the least! They never gave him the chance to interact with the public, never invited him to their presentations and seminars (maybe because they were worried that their "poverty" would be exposed if challenged by Symeonoglou's wealth of knowledge)!

As a result, Symeonoglou was deliberately marginilized by the dominant astrological circuit and he was slowly transformed into a picturesque figure! The man who is considered one of the foremost Greek astrologers in reality lived as an insignificant astrologer - and died bitterly disappointed that his rich and creative work would stay unknown to the Greek public!

Nicholas Kampanes and Konstantine Stefanou are two other important figures in modern Greek astrology! Kampanes is a knowledgeable renaissance kind of astrologer! Aside from Astrology, he has studied Philosophy, Theosophy, Metaphysics, Literature, and other subjects! He has written two wonderful volumes that enrich the Greek Astrological literature ("Astrological Institutio" and "Astrology in the Light of Science")! Konstantine Stefanou, the other Astrologer, has built a distinct and robust work on asteroids and so-called "harmonics" - while opening new routes on the "quantistic" component of Astrology (frequently making references to esoteric knowledge)!

As one may expect, the dominant Greek astrological circuit has never granted these people a step! Thus, international caliber Greek astrologers are purposefully "buried" in this mediterranean country, and they end up being labeled "inexistent" or "marginal picturesque" figures, at best!

I could name three or four other brilliant Greek astrologers who remain mostly unknown to the general public. However, I believe that the three aforementioned are the most significant ones! It is an embarrassment to all of us (in Greece) who love Astrology (the true one, with a capital A) that these people have not yet been recognized and honored, that they have not yet been accredited for their original, pioneering, monumental work that could enrich all Greek (and possibly foreign) Astrology students and researchers!

Regrettably, the Greek public (which is "under-cultured" in Astrology. Names like Dane Rudhyar, Robert Hand, and Richard Tarnas are largely unknown in Greece), believes some well-connected people to be the foremost Greek Astrologers! At the same time, the above-mentioned astrological "beacons" are absolutely unknown. And because these Astrologers have not been recognized and honored - as a result of their "blacklisting" and deliberate silencing from the dominant circuit - the public regards them (despite their enormous astrological magnitude) as some picturesque, marginalized figures...

But this is harmful to all of us because Greek Astrology is lagging behind! Under the current circumstances, the "bar" is regularly lowered to serve the interests of some rather unscrupulous individuals. It's like entering into a desolate wasteland with no lights on. It's no accident that current Greek astrology ranks low in the world astrological scene!

Consider that we are in 2019 and there is still no national Astrological entity (association, federation) in Greece! There are a couple of "private astrology clubs" (that's what they are in reality), claiming to be "genuine Pan-Hellenic astrological entities" but that's not the case at all. A pan-Hellenic Astrological entity should be created by (first and foremost) an open invitation to all interested parties, to all Greek astrologers (and not simply to members of the "circuit"). And secondly, by instituting open, democratic processes that are free of secrecy and covertness.

An astrological entity should be established not only to protect the interests of Greek astrologers, but also to wholesomely elevate Greek astrology, to raise the "bar" and bring as much quality and morality to our heavenly art as possible! Furthermore, in order to organize regular talks, lectures, and conferences (even international ones) throughout Greece, events that will promote the work and research of the BEST Greek Astrologers, rather than those privileged ones belonging to "circuits"! Such an astrological entity would pave the way for younger, more talented Astrologers to walk in!


                                                      Two contentious issues

The first contentious issue concerns Greece's national horoscope. The Greek astrological establishment as a whole believes that Greece is under the influence of the (solar) sign of Aquarius. A rigorous investigation, however, has confirmed that Greece is ruled by the sign of Capricorn (you may read about it here). And there are leading astrologers on a global scale who have published articles on Greece, such as Maurice Fernandez (president of the OPA, the organization of professional astrologers of America) and Wendy Stacey (director of the Mayo School of Astrology), who all base the Greek national horoscope on the Greek Declaration of Independence from the Ottoman Turks (January 1, 1822 OS).

The truth is that the Greek "establishment" astrologers, who have been spreading the myth that Greece is an Aquarian country for decades, do not want to be seen as admitting they were wrong the entire time! So they continue to pretend that Greece is ruled by the sign of Aquarius, even though they know it isn't!

Another concern is that two Greek astrologers from the "establishment" were recently convicted to 6 months in prison (by a Greek National Court)! They were insulting, slandering, bullying, and even threatening one of their Greek colleagues (you may see the relative post here).

You'd think that prominent members of the Greek astrological community would criticize these two dishonest astrologers. However, they did not! The Greek astrological "establishment" artificially suppressed their condemnation and wholeheartedly backed them  - on the grounds of "these are our own people"! As a result, their conviction was not publicized anywhere, and all references to it were purposefully suppressed. Such a thing could never happen in a civilized society!

Do we really deserve this kind of astrology? We get the politicians we deserve, and similarly we get the astrology (and astrologers) we deserve! But how many of us truly desire the "low energy" astrology that is popular in Greece today? Don't we all want a sophisticated, advanced, and enlightening Astrology? Don't we want the worthy, decent type of Astrologers to enlighten and inspire us? Because, in the end, the shape of Astrology in Greece in the coming years is entirely dependent on what we, the astrology's aficionados, truly desire!

Overall, a society that fails to provide attention to its finest people but instead allows the "connected mediocre ones" to dominate is suffocating its most important energies and hence condemned to decay, losing ever more its splendor and vigor....

Thomas Gazis
Copyright: Thomas D. Gazis

Wednesday 6 March 2019

Uranus in Aries has gone away...and with it the "Better Me" virtual self?



Just a couple of hours ago planet Uranus left the sign of Aries and entered Taurus (definitely this time)! We all know that when we come down to Uranus we should expect the "unexpected"! Thus, it's not easy to predict the situations and events it will bring about on a collective level, during its seven years stay in Taurus.

It's far easier to study Uranus' effects in hindsight. And I personally think that one of the "themes" that Uranus brought about, during its stay in Aries (from 2010/11 on), was the "BETTER ME VIRTUAL SELF"!

Take Facebook for example. It is full of "Fake accounts" (hundreds of millions)! Full of fake ID's, fake avatar photoes etc. The same goes for the other Internet social media. I always considered this an interesting subject. Why do people need to create fake accounts? Is it because they want to con their fellow humans? Or is there another need, lurking behind this massive phenomenon?

Undoubtedly there are many fake accounts out there, created by rather malicious people with the sole purpose to conceal their true identity and con (in any possible way) their fellow humans.  But most of the hundreds of millions of the fake accounts were created for a totally different reason, a reason perfectly mirroring the energy of Uranus in Aries!

You see, for the first time ever in the history of humanity, people had the chance to create on Internet a better virtual version of themselves!  A "Virtual Self" that would be prettier, taller, thinner, richer, younger (if the user was elder), a grown up (if the user was an adolescent) etc. And we are talking here about hundreds of millions of rather genuine people, who created a fake account with no malicious intent to con their fellow humans. Of plain people who just took advantage of the never experienced before, fascinating possibilities the internet was opening up to them!

The core desire of these people was simply to experiment, to become a kind of "glamorous Cybernauts" and see then how it feels to get into 
a virtual social environment and interact anew with the people around them - presenting them an "enhanced" version of themselves! 


Some may see this as a scam. But if we change our point of view we realize that this might be a liberating experience for many! Remember, Uranus is an ultra liberating planet! And actually, that was one of the jobs of Uranus in Aries: to liberate us from our usual, somehow burdening, imperfect Selves, so that we become "lighter" and then unhinderedly interact with our fellow humans as pure MINDS (without the usual drawbacks and inhibitions that our "physical Self" is imposing on us)!

Of course, Uranus in Taurus will scrutinize all this and consequently many fake accounts will be removed! And then many people will loose the thrill of cybernauting with their "Better Selves" the various virtual social environments. You see, Taurus brings things "down to earth" and makes them specific, tangible and somehow "heavy"! More "secure" though...


Thomas Gazis
Copyright: Thomas D. Gazis