Winter Solstice Yugas Talk
Part of the Winter Solstice Weekend Retreat

Winter Solstice time, when the Sun pauses at the southern-most point in its annual journey is an ideal time for us to stop and consider astronomical cycles on the grand scale of the yugas as described by Sri Yukteswar a century ago. Over the span of about 24,000 years, while the equinoxes and solstices have traveled the entire circuit of the celestial zodiac, human consciousness changes drastically through four global stages of descent into matter and four stages of ascent into spirit. Planet Earth is presently in the midst of one of those shifts from one stage to the next higher: the much anticipated new age.

In this class we will explore these stages through ancient tradition and recorded history and survey their link with astronomical phenomena described by Sri Yukteswar. This study brings meaning, purpose and direction to the dynamic changes and the often conflicting currents that fill our world today. With the roadmap of the yugas in hand, each of us can better see how we can harmoniously contribute to the global movement toward higher consciousness that is already underway.

Morning program, with Byasa Steinemetz, will include:

Basic introduction to the Yuga cycles of consciousness. Solstice and other traditions connected to the yugas. (no astrology)

• Ancient knowledge in higher yugas.
• How the equinox & solstices date the Rig Veda and the yuga cycle.
• Astronomical meaning of the winter solstice.
• The current alignment of the winter solstice with the galactic center.
• Some ancient traditions around the symbolic meanings of the solstices and equinoxes.
• Solstice alignments in megalithic stone circles.
• The shifting solstice & equinox: impact on ancient cultures, connection to the yugas.
• Beginning the northward journey: yoga and the equinoxes and solstices.

There will be plenty of time for questions and dialog.

Byasa (David) Steinmetz is co-author with Joseph Selbie of the forthcoming book, The Yugas (Jan 2011). He teaches classes in World Cultures and Consciousness at the Ananda College of Living Wisdom and brings to this work a scientific background in astronomy and engineering and an enthusiasm for the yugas world-view extending over four decades.