THE SCHOOL OF COSMIC ENERGY by Kamini Sheth

Since all life experiences seem basically educative to me it seem only natural to look at the Signs and planets in the context of learning centres, along the lines of the Satellite Module Classrooms so popular in the U.S. at the moment. A large circular space is divided into a variety of learning centres. Each centre provides a variety of learning experiences appropriate to its "theme", which students are encouraged to attempt, according to their choice. The Satellite model seems an appropriate one for a School of Cosmic Energy.

Aries Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for movement. This space is vibrant with activity, very noisy with a gymnasium atmosphere, humid and hot. Exercise equipment lines the area, boxing bags, changing rooms and "Let¹s Go!" "I¹m the Best!" and "Begin Today!" posters. Through the back door one can see people training for track events, a cricket team practising and archery students shooting at the targets. Back inside you realise that contributing to the noise are students working with models to harness steam energy, water energy and solar energy. Students seem to be trying out "hunches". Mars in his tank top and shorts oversees all the action. Looking for a little fresh air and relief from all the clamour you move on to the adjacent satellite.

Taurus Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for grounding. This space has an air of earthy industry about it. People are experimenting with landscaping techniques, agriculture, geology, husbandry. They are searching for ways to work in harmony with nature to ensure man¹s survival and security. You notice that there is yet another group working with the earth to create beauty. You see pottery classes, textiles being spun, a variety of earth dyes, big solid sculptures of wood and stone, and beautiful flower arrangements. Though genial with one another, each student seems very protective of his or her space, carefully guarding their creations and ideas. Venus glides around the centre, giving practical suggestions and keeping all in balance. Refreshed in spirit, and with one last intake of the stimulating fresh earth smells you move on to the next satellite, from which you can already hear lively conversations!

Gemini Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for communication. This is another very "busy" space. But it is difficult at first glance to see where one activity ends and another begins! Everyone seems to be talking at the same time, and in different languages! Charts, tables and diagrams line every inch of wall space. Below the hanging charts are book shelves lined with books on every imaginable subject. Slowly you begin to distinguish between the different activities. Some students are busy learning to use communication technology - computers, cell phones, voice mail systems, overhead projection systems. Others are studying Radio and TV broadcasting. Then you have the journalism students, many practising interviewing skills on their fellow students. Others are studying the structure of language. Yet others are dissecting the semantics of a report. There are speech classes, creative writing exercises, and foreign language courses. Many students seem to be jumping between one activity and the next, juggling two, three and four all at the same time! Though there is a great deal of interaction taking place between persons, there does not seem to be much emotional contact. All are revelling in the exchange of ideas, but not really "touching" each other. Mercury is in his glory, offering the right word here, suggesting a better phrase there, indicating just where a compilation of data may be helpful. Your head now spinning with words, you move on.

Cancer Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for emotional contact. Moon welcomes you at the door with a warm, enthusiastic smile, and a gentle, sensitive touch, inviting you to join the "family" of students. There¹s an immediate sense of belonging. You¹ve been "touched" by another human being, and you feel safe and secure. You relax, feeling "at home" already and open your heart to explore the experiences offered here. Your eye roams over the hundreds of photos depicting well-known members of the human family - Einstein, Mother Theresa - others commemorating important events in the history of the planet Earth - wars, earthquakes, flood, inventions, archaeological finds. There are many students working on their own family histories, tracing genealogies and making their own family timelines. There is an infant and toddler nursery where students are gaining first hand experience in child care. Another space specialises in gerontology activities offering both training in the care of the aged, and also group activities for the family "grandparents". A First Aid class is in session and multiple family health information corners introducing a broad range of alternative and traditional health systems. Your nose points you in the direction of the "Cooking Corner", where every known cuisine is taught. And you hear the humming of the sewing machines from the "sewing circle". You notice one large happily chatting group of students creatively engaged in quilt-making. People here obviously want to do something, but they want to do it with feeling. You note the "caring" interaction everywhere. And you note the air of protective caution - "Bargain Basement Shopping", "How to Budget Your Resources". Reluctantly you leave the "family" and move on.

Leo Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for directing will power. This is a "sunshine" room! Every corner is filled with cheery, warm expansive sunshine. Leadership and organisation are learning themes here. A Royal-sized banner proclaims "Lead with a Smile!". Everything in this room is done with a flourish. A lot of big body movement. These are people who command centre stage. Role playing is a favourite activity with one half of the entire space given over to costumes and stage props. The Sun beams over the entire gathering reminding each ego of its importance as an individual, igniting the will in each to direct all life activity. "Where there¹s a Will there¹s a Way!" Though there is free interaction between students much of it seems to consist of each expressing their own fixed opinions, apparently confident that this is THE WAY for all. Many were sitting for self-portraits confident they¹d found the perfect gift for loved ones.

Virgo Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for order. There is an air of quiet efficiency in this centre. Each activity is spotlessly clean - neatly and orderly arranged. Furniture, curtains and carpets are all well coordinated. This a room where people learn by doing - by hands on experience. On one side of the room are TVs, computers, clocks and car engines set out on tables. These are being methodically dismantled by individual students to be reassembled again down to the last screw. In the same type of exercise on the mental level, another group of students is learning the art of critical analysis - taking apart piece by piece the thoughts and ideas of another. In the central space a large group is discussing the topic "The Need to Be Needed". A lot of career guidance information is available on the helping professions - nursing, social work, counselling. Students are encouraged to sensitively confront the harsh realities of life. No sugar-coating here - rather practical solutions to life problems. Mercury is busy overseeing a group studying research techniques preparing to begin a full-term research project.

Libra Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for balance/harmony and justice. The room has the aesthetic touch of Venus. The finest accessories, tastefully assembled. The room is symmetrically arranged. There are paintings on the wall, and the desks, chairs, tables and learning materials are all arranged to give an overall feeling of balance and space. A focus on harmony in all areas is evidenced in the learning themes covered in this Satellite - "Conflict Resolution", "Negotiating Techniques", "The Art of Compromise", "International Diplomacy", "Equality and Justice for all", "Scales of Justice in Theory and Practice".

Scorpio Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for transformation. This room is darker and more hidden in content than the other rooms. The atmosphere is hushed but charged with intense energy. Pluto moves among groups delving into the mysteries of life and death. Some study parapsychology, others Spirit Life, still others Reincarnation. The largest group of students is studying the phenomenon of Metamorphosis and its implication on the physical, mental and spiritual levels of existence. A smaller group is deadly earnest about learning to channel their very deep seated intense energy into a fundamentally transforming rebirth experience. The overall heaviness of the air in this room makes it difficult to truly relax. Yet something tells me that the lessons learned in this room may hold an important key to true evolutionary change.

Sagittarius Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for expansion. At the door two banner posters draw you in: "Looking for Change?" "Opportunity of a Lifetime". At first glance this looks like one big travel agency! Not only foreign destinations, but also adventure camps and cultural exchange programmes are being promoted. "There¹s a whole world out there to be discovered" seems to be the main theme, with an abundance of information on opportunities to explore the highest reaches of outer space, the deepest ocean depths, circumnavigating the globe in a variety of conveyances. But expansion here isn¹t just limited to the outside physical horizon. Jupiter oversees experiences to increase inner horizons as well with sessions organised on consciousness raising. Everyone here is "on the move".

Capricorn Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for purposeful activity. This is a "no-nonsense" kind of working space - Spartan, utilitarian - "sufficient unto the need" - nothing frilly, fancy or luxurious here. Straight-backed wooden benches do fine. Everyone in this centre is engaged in defining their goal in life. Saturn is impressing upon all the need for a strong sense of purpose to achieve goals. A structured step by step approach is advocated. Study topics include "Life is a Struggle", "Hard Work Pays Dividends", "Hi-tech Safety and Security Systems". Not too many smiling students here, most seem seriously determined to survive this world in the most practical manner possible. Upon leaving I can¹t help but notice that there are 4 emergency exits no chance of trapping someone inside.

Aquarius Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for creative intelligence. This space has a well-worn, lived-in feel to it. Student¹s bags, books, coats are strewn haphazardly about the Satellite. Amidst this disorder, like-minded groups are gathered under a variety of topic headings. "Satellite Technology in RuralEducation", "Greening the World¹s Deserts". "Ecological Balance and World Hunger", "The Web of Life and It¹s Implications for Human Evolutionary Development". Big thoughts here. Uranus keeps the focus on using reason to make the world a better place - not necessarily on the domestic front. Systems development gets a lot of attention. Yet another section is devoted entirely to philanthropy and offers information on deserving humanitarian charities. Many students surround these tables writing out donation cheques.

Pisces Satellite

Here energy is harnessed for universal/unconditional love. This area is softly lit with a distinctly dreamy quality about it. Much of the learning here is done in silence or in hushed tones. Soft beautiful ethereal music helps set a very spiritual mood. Books on spirituality, prayer and meditation abound. Guides move among the students giving individual spiritual counselling as requested. This feels decidedly like a Retreat Centre. Sessions scheduled throughout the day include "The Imitation of Christ for Today", "The Role of Sacrifice", "Suffering with Purpose", "Renunciation", "Compassion in Service". I get the feeling that this is a place where one retreats from the outside world, not to escape so much as to "retrench" - to take stock of resources before entering the "outside" world once again. Neptune warns of the danger of making this retreat experience an end in itself. He indicates one large area devoted entirely to "Escapsim" and "Dependencies" with well-attended support groups including those for alcoholics, drug addicts and mental patients. Then my eye falls upon an area slowly drawing more and more students. The focus here is "Unity" - All in One, One in All, Manifestation of the Spirit of Love. I¹m very at home here, but Neptune reminds me that I must take this love, that I know and have and live with my whole being, in service to the created world with which I am also one.

Kamini is a Diploma Course student.

She wrote this piece as part one of the Assignments in Foundation Course "C".

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