Derveni Papyrus Found (January 15, 1962)

It’s all Greek to me…

The Derveni papyrus, Europe’s oldest surviving manuscript dating from 340 BCE, is found in Greece.

“The main part of the text is a commentary on a hexameter poem ascribed to Orpheus, which was used in the mystery cult of Dionysus by the ‘Orphic initiators’. Fragments of the poem are quoted, followed by interpretations by the main author of the text, who tries to show that the poem does not mean what it literally says. The poem begins with the words ‘Close the doors, you uninitiated’, a famous admonition to secrecy, also quoted by Plato. The interpreter claims that this shows that Orpheus wrote his poem as an allegory. The theogony described in the poem has Nyx (Night) give birth to Uranus (Sky), who becomes the first king. Cronus follows and takes the kingship from Uranus, but he is likewise succeeded by Zeus, whose power over the whole universe is celebrated. Zeus gains his power by hearing oracles from the sanctuary of Nyx, who tells him ‘all the oracles which afterwards he was to put into effect.’ At the end of the text, Zeus rapes his mother Rhea, which, in the Orphic theogony, will lead to the birth of Demeter. Zeus would then have raped Demeter, who would have given birth to Persephone, who marries Dionysus. However, this part of the story must have continued in a second roll which is now lost.

“The interpreter of the poem argues that Orpheus did not intend any of these stories in a literal sense, but they are allegorical in nature.

This poem is strange and riddling to people, though [Orpheus] did not intend to tell contentious riddles but rather great things in riddles. In fact he is speaking mystically, and from the very first word all the way to the last. As he also makes clear in the well recognized verse: for, having ordered them to “put doors to their ears,” he says that he is not legislating for the many [but addressing himself to those] who are pure in hearing … and in the following verse …

“The first surviving columns of the text are less well preserved, but talk about occult ritual practices, including sacrifices to the Erinyes (Furies), how to remove daimones that become a problem, and the beliefs of the magi. They include a quotation of the philosopher Heraclitus. Their reconstruction is extremely controversial, since even the order of fragments is disputed. Two different reconstructions have recently been offered, that by Valeria Piano and that by Richard Janko, who notes elsewhere that he has found that these columns also include a quotation of the philosopher Parmenides.” (Wikipedia)

What Does the Event Chart Look Like?

This timing was totally randomized, so I was surprised to see the Moon transiting the event horizon (Ascendant) exactly @ 23° Taurus 09′. Something must be going on here. There are two inconjuncts.

Mercury Inconjunct Pluto

On the positive side, this [aspect] means that you enjoy solving puzzles, tracking down mysteries and finding out about hidden matters.

On another level, this aspect can mean that at certain times in your life you will go through tremendous psychological changes. All your thoughts and opinions will change completely. These stages may seem difficult, but you will be much better off if you let go of the past and welcome the new ideas.

Saturn Inconjunct Uranus

On the positive side, if you can learn to live with this tension a bit and express your feelings and emotions before they reach the breaking point, you can be extremely patient and persistent. You will be able to accomplish many tasks that others would give up on, if you do not hold in all your feelings and desires for freedom.

So, what about the Moon, then?

Moon Conjunct Ascendant

You make an impression on others largely through your emotions. People always know how you feel about something, because you make no effort to hide it. Some may accuse you of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but most people will like you for it. You have the kind of honesty that others appreciate. This aspect means that you understand how people feel, and you can make them see your point of view. You sympathize with others, and in turn they are sympathetic to you. When you are older, you will be able to appeal to the feelings of the public at large, who will feel that you are one of them. Politicians, salespeople and others who appear before the public often have this aspect in their charts.