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(at Bank Street near the "Hub") San Anselmo, CA 94960 37°58'30.85" N, 122°33'43.50" W |
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(at Bank Street near the "Hub") San Anselmo, CA 94960 37°58'30.85" N, 122°33'43.50" W |
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Ongoing Tuesday Afternoons "How The World Is Made" Join a geometric exploration of this magnificent new book "How The World Is Made -- The Story Of Creation According To Sacred Geometry" by John Michell and Allan Brown. Compasses and art materials supplied. |
 (c) 2010 Michael
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The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday April 17 The number One, represented by the point and circle, is the source of all numbers, shapes and forms of nature. Geometric tradition considers the central point as the "Pole of the Universe" symbolizing the unchanging Laws of creation around which the entire universe (literally "turn around one") revolves. The circle introduces the Pi ratio, the most basic relationship between curved and straight, into the universe. Unity is really all there is, but through polarity and other principles represented by the number Two, Unity generates all the remaining numbers. Two, the principle of polarity and paradox is symbolized by the marriage of two circles called the Vesica Piscis or Mandorla, giving birth to the geometric forms which can be constructed with a compass and straightedge (but not all of them). We'll begin our exploration by using a compass and straightedge, metaphors for the tools neded to construct the proportions found in this harmoniously embroidered cosmos. |
 (c) 2010 Michael Schneider |
The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday May 1 The Numbers of Structure: 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 The numbers 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 (and their shapes triangle, square, hexagon, octagon and dodecagon) are those underlying the physical, crystalline structures of nature. They introduce two important ratios into the universal construction: the square roots of two and three. We encounter these ratios in the triangles, squares and other shapes of nature's non-living structures. In this class we'll learn about the unique properties and principles of these six "numbers of structure" and especially the foundational, all-encompassing, majestic, celestial number twelve. Participants will learn how to construct and develop these forms with a compass and straightedge, turning their geometry into art. |
 (c) 2010 Michael Schneider |
The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday May 15 The Numbers of Life: 5 and 10 With the appearance of the number five into the cosmic construction, new ratios are introduced: the square root of five and it's blossoming into the beautiful Golden Mean ratio. These underlie the proportions found in life, appearing in the living forms of nature from microscopic diatoms to the worlds of plants, animals and humans. Five and the square root of five allows for self-similar regeneration in nature, seen in plants and starfish and the countless fractal forms of universal design. Yet five by itself is limited in it's design possibilities and must mate with another like itself, making Ten, to develop it's pentagonal patterns completely. In this workshop learn how to construct the pentagon and decagon, five and tenfold symmetries, and explore their patterns in geometry and life. |
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The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday May 29 The Numbers of Mystery: 7, 9 and 11 Not all numbers can be converted into shapes through the Vesica Piscis as the others have done. The numbers 7, 9 and 11 are not born in the ordinary manner and so cannot be constructed perfectly with a compass and straightedge like them. These are the Numbers of Mystery, associated with that which is beyond earthly life. Seven is the number of spirit and imagination, the virgin number which doesn't relate to the others within the twelve. Nine, the trinity of trinities, symbolizing the "ultimate" ("Dressed to the nines, the whole nine yards," etc.) is associated with mysteries and sacred sciences. Unsubstantial Eleven serves as a passageway between two complete systems, the sublunary Ten and celestial Twelve, and plays a key role in important ratios which construct the universe. In this workshop you'll learn how to construct good approximations of these mysterious principles and turn them into art. |
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The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday June 12 The Marriage of Seven and Twelve "Twelve and Seven, symbolic opposites, standing respectively for rational order and transcendental imagination, have a natural inclination towards each other. The depiction of their sacred marriage is one of the principle attainments of cosmological geometry." -- John Michell This workshop will introduce you to the significance of these numbers and will show you what happens when they meet: they spontaneously weave into a harmony of lovely proportions. Step-by-step you'll construct their marriage with a compass and straightedge (detail, left) to develop into your own a work of art. |
 (c) 2010 Michael Schneider |
The Geometry of Nature and Art -- A Voyage From 1 To 12 Saturday June 26 The Cosmological Circle This geometric diagram displays the harmony naturally inherent in the archetypal numbers 1 through 12, encoding the ideal patterns and proportions toward which nature's forms strive. As a symbol of universal harmony it represents the complete order of the universe and thus is a microcosm appearing in the designs of cosmic temples and sacred spaces worldwide. It was an eternal standard of reference in the sacred arts and crafts, an intelligent model for weights and measures, and for sanctifying the Earth with sacred architecture. It served as a pattern and instrument of statecraft for civilizations which sought to attract happiness, blessings, justice and prosperity. At its center is the squared-circle "New Jerusalem diagram" symbolizing the marriage of Heaven and Earth and is based on the dimensions of the Heavenly City described in Revelation. Its twelve circles in the four directions are the "gates like pearls". In this final workshop, the culminations of the series, you'll learn about this remarkable diagram and how to construct it, turning your construction into a work of art. You may wish to purchase Constructing The Cosmological Circle (Constructing The Universe Activity Book Volume 5) for further background and many hands-on activities on this topic. |
Constructing the Rose Windows of Chartres Cathedral (France) and Grace Cathedral (San Francisco)
The Rose Windows of the world's cathedrals have always been admired for their transcendent beauty. Entering a cathedral we pass from the relatively drab, vulgar street through darkness into a world of light, color and sacred wonder. The day's changing light, transformed through stained glass, affects us deeply. Perhaps we even notice their particular colors, themes and geometric schemes. Whether combined with choirs, music and incense, or on a solitary visit amidst deep echos on a gray day, a cathedral experience is unforgettable.
I've chosen to consider the Rose Windows of two Cathedrals which exemplify timeless principles of sacred architecture. While they seem very different -- one relatively modern in the United States and one from Europe and the very beginnings of Cathedral building -- they have much in common since they both derive from the same French Cathedral school of design. Moreover, their Rose Windows share the same duodecimal geometric scheme but is applied in different ways. They also share the same labyrinth design whose proportions derive from their Rose Windows.
Each of these workshops begins with a visual presentation and continues with hands-on geometric construction with a compass and straightedge. (Beginners are welcome: no previous experience with a compass is necessary.) In each class participants will learn to do the steps which lead to the geometric construction of each Cathedral's Rose Window, as well as the constructions of other interesting and supportive architectural elements which make them so wonderful. The Grace Cathedral investigation culminates with a geometric walking tour of the Cathedral on Nob Hill in San Francisco, where participants will learn to recognize and read the geometric symbolism which appears in every Cathedral.
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3pm-4:30pm August 3 - October 5 A Course in Creative Geometry Learning to use a geometric compass to create interesting and beautiful constructions is very satisfying on a variety of levels, and is often used as a form of meditation (you'll wonder where time went). No previous experience is necessary to create original designs from simple constructions. Practice builds confidence. Come for any number of classes. The supply of interesting interesting constructions is endless, and you'll be shown connections to art, crafts, architecture, design, nature, science, history, mythology and religion. Participants choose constructions based on their interests and experience and are encouraged to develop them into artistic expressions using a variety of media available. I've made this as inexpensive as possible so that virtually anyone who lives in the San Francisco Bay area and is drawn to these lessons can attend. It's particularly useful for artists and artisans. Compasses and art materials are supplied, or bring your own favorites. . |
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Saturday July 31 Chartres Cathedral: Constructing Chartres' Rose Window Chartres Cathedral was a main center of learning in Medieval Europe. When we look at the architecture of the Cathedral we find that geomtry acts as the invisible armature of the North Rose Window of the great Chartres Cathedral, a sacred site whose history in the wisdom tradition is well known. And we find that the geometry of the window is the same which was used to frame the entire Cathedral's elevation and floor plan. Participants will learn to do the full geometric construction which frames the window and its elements, and can develop it as art in a variety of media. Compasses and art materials are supplied, or bring your own favorites. UPDATE: Here are some photographs taken at this workshop. . |
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Saturday August 7 The Sacred Geometry of Grace Cathedral 1: Constructing Grace's Rose Window This workshop begins with a visual introduction to Grace Cathedral of San Francisco with particular interest in the geometric aspects of it's design in whole and part. This is true sacred geometry: geometry in a sacred context. A quicktime rotational tour of Grace Cathedral can be enjoyed here. We will focus on the main Rose Window -- inspired by the poem of praise for Divinely made nature penned by St. Francis in 1226 called "Canticle To The Sun." Participants will see a visual presentation about the Rose Window's history and symbolism. This will be followed by moving step-by-step through the geometric constructions which produce its twelvefold radiance. The geometric construction is similar to that of Chartres Cathedral -- both in the French Cathedral tradition -- and can be transformed using various media into art resembling Graces's actual Rose Window, or by developing and emphasizing hidden elements of the construction to produce a different design from this same wonderful symmetry. Compasses and art materials are supplied, or bring your own favorites. |
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Saturday August 14 The Sacred Geometry of Grace Cathedral 1: A Geometric Tour of Grace Cathedral This meeting takes place at Grace Cathedral itself on 1100 California Street in San Francisco, California. We'll begin by walking the indoor and/or outdoor labyrinths, followed by a docent's tour of the Cathedral. We'll then continue with Michael leading a tour of the Cathedral's geometry, it's openly-hidden geometric harmonies -- of the whole and its parts -- which lie behind the beautiful visible structures. ** In addition to the Tour's cost, participants are requested to offer a donation entering the Cathedral. . |
 Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars |
Saturday August 28 Solar System Mandalas Astronomers know that the orbits of the planets, moons, asteroids and comets are all synchronized with each other forming small-number ratios in majestic orchestration. When their elliptical orbits are averaged and made circular their synchronized relationships become evident in simple but wonderful geometric schemes resembling mandalas. Based on the work of John Martineau in his "Little Book Of Coincidences" I've assembled and spread out the mean planetary orbital geometries into easy step-by-step constructions with a compass and straightedge. Participants will choose among the various combinations of consecutive inner and outer planets and learn to construct beautiful geometric mandalas of their orbits and transform them into art. Compasses and art materials are supplied, or bring your own favorites. . |
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Saturday September 25
Platonic Solids Primer The Platonic Solids, also known as the Regular Polyhedra, are the five basic shapes (along with the sphere) upon which everything else in three-dimensions builds with, from the nuclei of atoms to great architectural structures. Participants will see an illustrated show about the characteristics and history of these interesting forms, the only five which divide space equally in all directions by enclosing space using only the same shape (triangle, square and pentagon). Although they're named after Plato because he first wrote about them, many stone models have been found associated with circular henges in the British Isles which were, among other functions, schools and universities. Participants will build structures (always interesting!) in the proportions of the Platonic Solids using ZomeTool, paperfolding, interlocking circles, and other kits and methods. . |
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Saturday October 16 The Spiral Path The spiral is the most widespread shape in nature. When left alone, energy moves in spirals. Spirals reveal the path along which clashing opposites find harmonious resolution. As seashells, horns, whirlpools, atoms, embryos and galaxies, the spiral can help us understand all harmonious transformation and balanced growth. It is a worldwide symbol of spiritual transcendence in Biblical whirlwinds, Native migrations and the Yellow Brick Road to Oz. Its lessons include the secrets of the whirlpool's "calm eye" as a metaphor for finding our own calm center, our balanced calm "I" during times of personal growth, turbulence and transformation. This fascinating slide-lecture will open our eyes to the types of spiral seen in nature, and its role in sacred art as a symbol of balanced spiritual transformation. Participants will learn to construct this spiral with a geometric compass and straightedge to use in artistic compositions. Compasses and art materials are supplied, or bring your own favorites. . |
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Saturday November 6 Harmony of the Musical Scale The musical scale is an archetypal pattern for harmonious relationships in the universe, society and self. Ancient sages understood that the musical scale is a discovery, not an invention. Their metaphor was the division of a vibrating string into harmonious musical intervals, the concords (literally "hearts together") from which the traditional 5-, 7- and 12-note scales of ancient musical healing therapy are built. This class will explore this vision of a musical universe, using a vibrating string monochord to discover the four harmonious concords between two extremes, and from it build a full, harmoniously woven musical scale. It has been said that architecture is music made visible, and music is number made audible. Participants will learn to construct architectural and other designs to see how this harmony has been applied to the designs of sacred arts. . |
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Saturday November 20 Magic Squares A "magic square" is an arrangement of numbers so that all columns, rows and diagonals add to the same sum. Today considered a child's puzzle, they are more than just mere curiosities, they show us a way that harmony can be brought about by intelligently weaving diversity. Discovered by the Chinese over 42 centuries ago, magic squares were the way thatharmony was brought to society and the arts and were used in traditional feng-shui to determine the proportions of sacred architecture. Subsequent cultures used them in lesser ways, for mixing perfumes in India and having alchemical associations with metals and planets. Learn the history and philosophy of magic squares, and how to create them of various sizes for your own amusement and design patterns. |
