1944 Sepharial / School of Ancient Philosophy Theosophical Astrological Chart

Esoteric Occult Astrology.

This is a scarce c. 1944 Theosophical astrological chart produced by the School of Ancient Philosophy in San Francisco, based on the thought of English Theosophist philosopher and astrologer 'Sepharial'.

A Closer Look

This symbolically rich set of diagrams, text, and figures centered on a large zodiac reflects the esoteric and eclectic thought of Sepharial, whose interests in Biblical exegesis, numerology, and languages (see below) are evident here. In addition to using astrology, numerology, and semiotics to determine meaning and truth, Sepharial also advances an ethical interpretation, most evident in 'the mystical meaning of marriage' figure at the top-left and the several references to the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam. Perhaps the most interesting of Sepharial's distinctive interpretations are the circular 'God Geometrizes' at the bottom-left, rooted in much older astrological principles that the universe and human life are governed by geometric principles, which can be deduced from a study of heavenly bodies.

Sepharial, Theosophy, and Cosmic Symbolism

Generally considered an occult religious movement, Theosophy was primarily founded in New York City by Russian emigree Helena Blavatsky in the late 19th century. Blavatsky drew on long-established European esoteric traditions such as Neoplatonism but combined them with elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. (Blavatsky relocated to India late in life.) After Blavatsky's death in 1891, the American branch of the movement split from its adherents in other countries. Although the number of adherents was small, the movement had a wider influence in introducing South Asian religions to others, especially Americans. It can be related to the contemporary Spiritualist movement, religious revivals, and movements in the arts and literature that rejected secular, rationalized, industrial modernity.

Sepharial (1864 - 1929) was born Walter Richard Old (later changed to Walter Gorn Old, often written as Gornold) in Staffordshire, England. He developed an interest in astrology at a young age, combining it with a study of sciences (medicine), Oriental languages, and psychology in his youth. He became more involved in astrology and, in 1887, joined the Theosophical movement, becoming one of its leaders in England. Sepharial wrote over a dozen books in his lifetime and exerted a long-term impact on astrology, influencing Alan Leo (1860 - 1917), often considered the father of modern astrology. Sepharial had several idiosyncratic beliefs, not all of which were adopted by later astrologers, such as British Israelism (a belief that the peoples of Britain were descendants of one of the Lost Tribes of Isreal), Pyramidology (a belief that the pyramids of Egypt contain hidden codes of great significance, such as those that reveal the past and future course of human history), and a belief in a second 'Dark Moon' of Earth that he called Lilith which factored into his astrological calculations.

Publication History and Census

This astrological chart was prepared by the School of Ancient Philosophy, a short-lived San Francisco-based organization, and was published in 1944. It most likely was meant as an appendix or supplement for Sepharial's 1912 book of the same name (Cosmic Symbolism, OCLC 213887534, 4328941). We have been unable to locate any examples of this chart in institutional collections. Markings in the right margin and along the border and the lack of any publication information suggest this was a proof state of the print.

Condition

Very good. Closed margin tear professionally repaired on verso.