The extraordinary Life of the Philosopher Pythagoras

Pythagoras was born in about 570 BC, on the island of Samos. Originally, the parents of Pythagoras came to Delphi for merchandise. His father inquired of the Delphic prophet concerning his voyage to Syria. He was told that his voyage would be lucrative, that his wife was pregnant, and would bring forth a son surpassing in beauty and wisdom all that ever lived. That the child would be of the greatest advantage to the human race, and in everything about man's life. His father cared to have his son nourished with various and the best disciplines, and by the best teachers. As a lad, the demeanor and aspect of Pythagoras were most venerable, so that he was even reverenced and honored by older men. It was reasonably asserted by many that he was the son of a god. Pythagoras, at the age of 18, departed from Samos. First, to meet the great Anaximander, and then to Thales at Miletus. Thales increased the reputation Pythagoras had already acquired by communicating to him such disciplines as he could impart. He encouraged him to sail into Egypt and associate with the Memphian and Diaspolitan priests, which Pythagoras did. He studied in Egypt for 22 years. By the time he left Egypt, he was 56 years old, and he returned to Greece. Pythagoras did not believe in killing animals. It is said that Pythagoras detained the Donyon bear, which had most severely injured several of the city inhabitants. He gently stroked the bear with his hand for a long time, fed it with maize and acorns, and compelled it by an oath. It should no longer touch or harm any living thing. Then he dismissed it. The bear immediately hid in the mountains and woods and was never seen from that time again. In Sybaris, many accounts tell us that he caught a deadly serpent but also dismissed it and let it go unharmed. Pythagoras was admired by all Greece, and the best of those came to Samos on his account, so that they might participate in his erudition. He taught physics, mathematics, geometry, ethical philosophy, and logic. He delivered all various disciplines and the most excellent sciences. The citizens likewise employed him in all their embassies and compelled him to unite with them in the administration of public affairs. However, Pythagoras decided that it was not the best thing for him to do. Instead, he decided that Italy was the place to be, where men well disposed to learning were found in the greatest number. On his arrival at Cretona, he had many followers, amounting to almost 600 of them. Some of the Pythagoreans were political characters and adapted to govern. They were the guardians of the laws and ruled over certain Italian cities, unfolding to them and counseling them to adopt the most extraordinary measures, but abstaining from public revenue. He rejected all flatulent food. He encouraged his students to abstain from such things as impede to prophesy. Or to the chastity of the soul, or the habit of temperance, or a virtue. He ordered them never to sacrifice animals to the gods, nor by any means to injure animals. He encouraged them to abstain from anything animated, nor drink wine with beans because of many sacred and physical causes, and such reasons pertain to the soul. He ordered those politicians that were legislators to abstain from animals as well. For as they wish to act in the highest degrees justly, it is certainly necessary that they not injure any kindred animal. Since how could they persuade others to act justly, if they were detected in indulging in insatiable avidity by partaking of animals that are allied to us? He said that it is requisite to be purified from all maledictions, whether it is lamentable, or that which exits hostility, and whether it is reviling, insolent, or abusive. Pythagoras was likewise of the opinion that music contributed greatly to human health. If it was used appropriately, he used music in the place of medicine. There were certain melodies devised as remedies against the passion of the soul, allant against despondency and lamentation. He employed other melodies against rage and anger, and every aberration of the soul. He invented harmonic science and harmonic ratios. He predicted earthquakes, rapid expulsions of pestilence, violent winds. This is an educational outreach founded by Marguerite d'Arbogia. Marguerite is the former secretary, membership secretary, and director for ISAR, the International Society for Astrological Research. She is the former publisher of Cosmos, the ISAR journal. She is a co-founder of UAC, and also its past secretary and director. Her goal is to serve humanity and the spiritual hierarchy of our planet.