Eclipses, Dragon Gods, and World Snakes: The Serpent as Celestial Phenomena

A part of The Serpentine Path series of classes

 Cultures the world over looked to the sky having witnessed ophidian forms. From the movement of the Sun and Moon, to the shapes of constellations, and the depictions of lightning and weather phenomena, serpents and dragons have populated our skies leaving both life and death in their wake. Treated as a general survey, this class will discuss the many scintillating manifestations of serpent-like beings with the sky as backdrop.

About J.M. Hamade
J.M. Hamade (@starnightdwell) (they/them) is a writer, independent researcher/scholar, artist, diviner, and educator based in New York City. Their work bridges contemporary creative modalities with archaic forms of knowing, magical practice, and esotericism. The investigation and experimental application of talismanic art forms is at the forefront of their work, as well as a research and practice focus in the fields of non-European astrologies and star lore, Islamic esotericism, Afro-diaspora traditions, and the dæmonic imagination or occult roots of creativity.

Their first full length book, Procession of the Night Theatre: An Exposition on the Lunar Stations (Revelore Press 2024) follows half a decade long research into the astrologies and magics of the lunar zodiac, initiated by their co-authorship and illustration of Ahmad al-Buni's Shams al-Ma'arif: An Arabic Grimoire in Selected Translation (Revelore Press 2021) which deals extensively with like-mysteries.

More published materials include essays, interviews, and illustrations with Hadean Press, The Mountain Astrologer, and academic publications. They have also studied and worked professionally in handicrafts as diverse as butchery, floristry, and metal engraving, receiving a BA focused in printmaking from San Francisco State University and an MFA focused on interdisciplinary arts from the City College of New York (CUNY). Additionally, Hamade has exhibited artworks and live performances focusing on ritual across the United States, as well as hosting an every now and then podcast under the name starnightdwell.