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Marsilio Ficino “On Obtaining Life from the Heavens”
Portrait of Marsilio Ficino (Giovio Series), Attributed to Cristofano dell'Altissimo, c. 1552–1568.
In 1463, at the request of Cosimo de’ Medici, the scholar, priest and astrologer Marsilio Ficino set aside his work on Plato to translate the Corpus Hermeticum, restoring a lost current of ancient wisdom to Renaissance Europe and weaving it into astrological practice. At the entrance of the Embassy of the Free Mind, this divine interpreter still greets every visitor who crosses the threshold.
In this talk, we explore the astrology and magic of Ficino drawing on Book III of his Three Books on Life. There he presents an astrology that does not end in horoscopic interpretation. It is a way of receiving celestial gifts and attuning one’s own life to the divine order of the heavens. Through his writings, we will also examine whether astrology is an esoteric practice or not, and whether it distinction lies in the technique, in philosophical inquiry, or in both at once.
With the history and philosophy of Marsilio Ficino’s astrology at its center, this evening is open to everyone, and no prior knowledge is required. It also offers a first introduction to the approach and framework of the forthcoming astrology course at the Embassy of the Free Mind, making it the ideal starting point for those who wish to continue the journey.
About the Speaker
Soledad Davies is an academic researcher and practitioner of astrology. She holds an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UK), where she is currently completing a PhD on the reception of theurgy in contemporary astrology. Her work explores the intersection of astrology, philosophy, and esotericism in the Western traditions. She is currently a visiting researcher at the Centre for the History of Hermetic Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. Soledad is the founder of an astrology school where she teaches in Spanish soledavies.com and author of “Astrología, Filosofía y Magia” (Ed. Kairos, 2026)
Format
Lecture | Q&A
Date & Time
Wednesday, November 11 from 17.30 - 19.00
Language
The conversation will be conducted in English.
Price & Admission
€20 - In person ticket
€12.5 - In person discount ticket for students & stadspas holders
€15 - Recording (online ticket)
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Getting There
Address
House with the Heads
Keizersgracht 123, 1015 CJ Amsterdam
Public Transport
A fifteen-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Prefer public transport? Take trams 13 or 17, or bus 170, 172, or 174 to the Westermarkt stop. From there, walk back a short distance, turn left onto Keizersgracht, and you will find us on your right after 300 meters.
Bike
Amsterdam is best explored on two wheels, and the EFM is no exception. Ample bike parking is available along the Keizersgracht.
Car
Parking in the area is paid (~ €8,05 per hour), and spaces can be difficult to find. The nearest parking garages are Q-park Nieuwendijk at Nieuwezijds Kolk 18 (650 meters), Q-park Bijenkorf at Beursstraat 15 (950 meters), and Q-park Europarking at Marnixstraat 250 (1,300 meters). You can also park at a P+R location and travel into the centre by public transport.
Upcoming Events
From immersive cultural experiences to distinguished academic gatherings, the Embassy of the Free Mind offers a diverse agenda open to all curious minds.
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