Rhythms of Nature

Final Class

2008-02-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

Completed course evaluation

Min Greg emphasized several general points

Multiple instructors assisted in developing the course
The quality of the material was fairly exceptional, and he encouraged everyone to not take the material for granted and take responsibility for archiving the handouts
One of the first efforts, here or elsewhere, to connect the celestial to our ancestors; so fairly unique in its approach

Summary of the Lessons

Solar System (1 and 2)

Knew about connections, but made more aware and to take a greater effort to connect with nature. To study the sky even more, and not just to check the weather.
Seeing our "address" from the Universe, Milk Way to our block
Relative size of the planets in the Solar System
Appreciate the magnitude of a billion/million
Able to appreciate the wonder of the celestial system; could see the interconnectedness
Connected to lesson 5, with Sun flares; that the Sun is also changing

Lunary Cycle (3)

Began to explore the phases of the moon
Discussed the lunar eclipse, which was different based on where you were located
One person went to Chabot Science Center and received handouts that were really good
Everyone had a different perspective based on where they were

Geb [Earth] (4)

The Google Earth was amazing
The tilt of the Earth helped to understand seasons better
How did Kemites determine all that they do - math & science
Mentioned George Washington Carver, who used nature in a profound way
We're not just observing nature, we're in it

Circadian Rhythms (5)

In Seattle they have full spectrum lights to account for a lack of lights; the spectrum lights feel like the Sun
If the scarab beetle is placed in complete darkness it gets disoriented; solitary confinement is not just being taken away from people
Connected this with the dungeons on Gory Island where our ancestors were imprisoned in dark holes

Closing Notes

How do we relate with Nature?
What is your personal energy consumpotion?
Is this a personal privilege to use energy?
Do a personal energy autied
website addresses - click here

Geb: The Earth and Its Seasons

2008-02-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, February 3, 6248
Instructors: Baba Ray Davis and Minister Greg Hodge

Introduction

Mentions the importance of telescopes

Shows image of the "Transformations of Ra & Overthrowing Apep"
Reviewing the representation of Geb (earth) and Nut (sky)

Is Nut the celestial heavens or just the Earth's atmosphere
Shu represents the atmosphere, Tefnut is moisture (including rain)
Baba Ray says that Nut is the night sky and its stars

Why were ancestors interested in creating a narrative - was it just scientific or something else?

Google Earth

Using Google Earth (click here for the free download)
Navigate through the Earth and Solar System

Earth Information

Discusses layers of Earth
Role of oxygen and its reactive nature
Generally believed (although not known) that the core is made of nickel/iron
The core may be hotter than the Sun's surface

Seasons on Earth

Equinox and solstice; equal amount of daylight and night

PART II: Geb (Earth and Its Seasons) - Ancient Seasonal Celebrations in Kmt

Hands out a Kemetic (Remetj) seasonal calendar
Kemet had 3 calendars

Lunar (most ancient)
Heliacal (near-sun) rising of star Sirius (called Spdt), which flashed once a year (July 20) because of the brightness of the Sun

Soon after the "flash" the inudation occurred
Spdt (Sirius) was deified as the neter, Hut Heru (the Eye of Ra)

Hut Heru is the House of Heru; where Heru is symbolic of the sky (flying falcon), and Spdt is in the sky

Solar - the "civil calendar"

Three Seasons - Akhet (Nile flood), Pert (plant cultivation), Shemu (Harvest/summer)

Akhet (Nile flooding)

After the inudation the water turns red (from the soil from Ethiopia), and the land becomes rich, turning it black - thus the name, "the Black Land"
The Answan dam ended the inudation

Pert is coming forth
Shemu (related to Upper Kemet, means summer)

Festival of Wp Ren Pet (4th month of Shemu [harvest/summer])

Opening of the New Year
Excerpt: "Hut Heru is .... the beautiful one who appears in the sky, the truth who regulates the world at the head of the sun-boat, the queen and mistress of awe, the rule of (netjeru and ) netjert, the great Aset, Mother of the Netjeru."
Neters can transform into others or unify

The Solar System

2008-01-27T00:46:00.000-08:00

Check out the movie, "Cosmic Voyage", at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland. The Center is a small Oakland gem, right above Roberts Park on Skyline Boulevard. From the movie's description:

A breathtaking journey through time and space! Zoom from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the Universe, and back down to the sub-nuclear realm a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude! Explore some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film. Cosmic Voyage was nominated for an Academy Award® in the Best Documentary Short Subject Category.