Hello star friends,
Have you been enjoying the fuller Moon this week?
There are a few wonderful exercises in enjoying the full moon I would like to share with you. Although moon surfacing viewing is not encouraged during the full moon because: 1) it is very bright through a small telescope 2) there is no depth shadowing due to the sun shining upon the whole of the Earth Side of the Moon, thus 3) cratering is not as profound. There are some well utilized time passers when we would like to enjoy the Moon's beauty to take advantage of.
Have you noticed that a wanning moon rises later in the evening and is usually greeting us in the early morning hours? This is a wonderful opportunity to grab some field binoculars and enjoy the Moon as the moon rises. The quiet awaking of the Earth with a setting Moon gives a quiet calm to our viewing, as well as a nice way to open our day with peace. The Moon is quite symbolic of the inner intuition, so it is quite a nice exercise to allow for opening the day.
Another activity is a late night moon meditation. The meditation I share with you came to me as I sat below the moon one late evening. You are welcome to utilize this meditation for your benefit and at your comfort level. I wrote this last January, January 29th to be exact; nice how one year later it can be of benefit.
Start first by settling into a comfortable place
take a moment to notice the Moon
What phase is it? What color?
How big? How small? What direction?
What do you see in the Moon's surface?
Feel the light of the Moon washing
over you- starting from the top of
your head and spilling down over
your face- creating a beautiful
illuminating shield over you and above you.
Where would you carry the Moon?
Reach out and
Grab it
Bring it to your
Heart
Be aware of the messages it gives you
it controls the tides/water ebb and flow
What emotions is it showing you?
Who would you bless tonight?
Thank the Moon for being there
with you and its deeper insights
Let the Moon guide you as you further
explore the night sky. It protects
heals and blesses.
Peace in the Universe.
Each month the full moon also brings mindfulness to the Algonquian tribes of Native Americans from the North East region. Why you may ask? Well, they had names for each of the full moon's throughout the year, probably to reflect a natural calendar and reflection of natural lifestyles including farming and hunting. The early settling Europeans adopted these names. Over time, they became lost in time. So I'll make mention of each of the full moon names as we travel along through the months ahead as an awakening and honoring of these names and the stories, and those that had been just as aware of the universe around and within them.
January's Full Moon is the Wolf Moon, named so because of hungry wolf packs howling at night.
Lastly, check out the link for the moon map below that I have added; we will eventually chat again about the Moon, while it is starting its waxing from the New Moon, and this will become very handy to us.
"I see the Moon
the Moon sees me.
God bless the Moon
and God bless me."
Until Next Time,
Russ
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
#2 The Centaur's Students: The Serpent Holder and The Twins
Hello Fellow Gazers,
I am in the habit lately of taking a weekly evening star stroll to clear my mind of clutter and worry, and am much enjoying this new exercise. I bundle up and grab my flashlight and walking stick, and enjoy the briskness and quiet afforded by the night. This last Friday I found myself gazing at the open star cluster of the Seven Sisters, or Pleaides, but after some well-needed encouragement from my brother on the state of the world, I was more drawn to the brotherly sign of Gemini, the twins. Do not worry; I will find time to share on the sisters another time!
To start our search of the twins in the sky, find the twin stars Castor and Pollux. They can be found to the left of the head of Orion the Hunter, or the star Betelgeuse, the reddish/pink super giant that was mentioned last week as we visited with Orion. As you find this pairing, look below and you will find the twins' feet. You can then imagine the twins in the sky, standing side by side, and slowly rising about us by late evening.
The twins were educated by Chiron, the centaur that contributed to many a fine hero's success and knowledge. Of note is that Chiron is symbolized as the constellation Centaurus, which sits on the low horizon during the late spring and summer months, and is quite difficult to make out due to light pollution. Quite a disappointment, however, as I hear that Centaurus holds a wonderful view of Alpha Centauri, the closest star cluster to our home planet, Earth. Perhaps I will be successful this year in finding this cluster; if I am, I will certainly share in my victory.
Chiron also is credited with giving the knowledge of the stars to the Greek people, and of creating and naming the lore behind the constellations, and of giving the gift of healing with natural herbs to our other character of interest this post, Ophiuchus. He is a true jack of many trades, and many of his qualities that are reflected in lore are truly of the renaissance man, or the gentleman. Just a thought: gentle and free as a horse and man; perhaps a connection, as Chiron was a centaur, half man and half horse?
The twins, Castor and Pollux, found their way to Chiron via Hera's jealous rage at yet another of Zeus's conquests with a mortal woman, named Leda. Leda found her way into the night sky in the summer months as a beautiful swan named Cygnus. Many of Zeus's children found their way into the night sky as an immortal honor of living the life of a hero and demi-god. Come to think of it, I do not know of many other gods that could claim as many family in the stars as Zeus.
Castor found his ability in training as a warrior and horseman; Pollux a boxer. They both thrived under Chiron's gentle guidance and were known for their inseparableness, reflected in their close embrace in the night sky. They both represent the dedication, practice, and honing of the noble gentleman in ancient culture. They were known to also have taught Hercules to wrestle and hone his hand to hand skills, and contributed to the swordsmanship of Perseus. They helped Jason navigate the sea in his successful quest of the golden fleece. They are the patron saints of sailors to this day. Thus they were most pivotal to all of our known heroes of our night sky.
It is strange, then, to divulge their cause of death; a quarrel with each other over belongings, more specifically, livestock. Castor ran his own brother through with his sword in a blind rage, and distraught, pleaded with Zeus to place both himself and his brother in the sky. After all the guidance, training, and success they contributed to other heroes, something so simple as a quarrel over the ownership and count of cattle could cause their demise? Sad, yet true. What is to be learned here? Blood is thicker than water; look after your family first, as they will hopefully never abandon you and bring you encouragement and support. Be aware of your actions and quarrels with your family; are they really worth the energy you spend on them? Where could we be sharing these energy instead; with bettering others, instead of continuing family quarrels? Thus, through gazing upon Gemini we remember that family is eternal.
Secondly we turn our attention to another student of Chiron, Ophiuchus (pronounced off-ee-YOO-cuss.) Lately in the spotlight due to a resurgence of a myth about the zodiac shifting, Ophiuchus, or the serpent holder, was identified by the Greeks as Asclepius, the god of medicine. It is interesting to note that Ophiuchus is the 13th zodiac sign, and has been thus rejected by the most ancient of cultures due to their wish to keep a twelve month calendar and system. If you are wondering where to find this constellation in the sky, you cannot just yet see him; he will make his way into the night sky in the summer months, so we will revisit him come that time.
Ophiuchus also has received a bad reputation as a serpent holder, as serpents have been linked to evil and danger, and may have been a reminder of darker side of nature, the evil of humankind. Also of note is that Nostradamus was quite fond of this constellation; most of his profound prophecy revolved around certain astrological events falling within or around the sign of Ophiuchus. These images of Ophiuchus could be further from fact; indeed, Asclepius was known as a wonderful healer, even coming to the verge of being able to raise the dead. There is certainly quite the resemblance here to a certain figure central to the Bible, being of course the bearer of human evil and sins to heal and raise the human spirit from the dead; of course, I reference Christ.
A quick note here: it is certainly not my intention to offend or disagree with any of my readers' beliefs, or suggest this in any way in my writing. My clearer goal here is to look at these star stories and to point out similarities that the reader may further ponder. The choice is, of course, yours to take what from these stories fits and leave what may not. I wish only to share the excitement of the night sky with you and the background stories that have led to my further enjoyment of the practice of stargazing.
A bit more about Asclepius. Asclepius was a son of Apollo, the god of the sun, poetry, and prophecy. He was brought to Chiron as a safety measure; Apollo had the unfortunate nature of a very fiery temper, and when he found out that Asclepius may not be his son due to fact that the mortal woman he had chosen to woo had been with another man (actually her true husband,) he was quite angry and threatened to kill Asclepius by his own hand. Thus Zeus, knowing Apollo's dangerous rage, and understanding the situation of having an extended family of one demi-god...or two, or three...removed Asclepius from danger to Chiron's care.
Asclepius learned art of healing from Chiron, and became so advanced at the trade that he was known even to be able to raise the dead. The stories of Asclepius' healing are quite interesting, and involve snakes, thus the constellation reflecting a serpent bearer. It is thought that Asclepius learned of a herb that would raise the dead; there was quite a fascination with herbal remedies, and mistletoe and willow bark were the two most profound healing herbs. If you look further into the use of willow bark, you will find that it was used extensively by the Native Americans and now by most Americans. Willow bark is quite simply aspirin! Mistletoe was known to have life-giving and mystical qualities to the ancient Greeks, thus also taking on the qualities of being able to bestow fertility.
It is thought that while saving King Minos son, a snake appeared. Asclepius killed the snake in defense. Soon after, another snake came and laid herbs on his deceased friend, and the snake shed his skin and was renewed. Snakes shed skin every year,and have come to symbolize rebirth and renewal. This regeneration truly was mystical to ancient cultures, thus the snake was revered. These positive traits of the snake seemed to get lost in all the later parallels drawn to the snake as being a harbor of evil, deception, and the like. Is there anywhere else we see he snake linked to the medical trade? Of course, the staff is seen in the medical field as a Caduceus, but this is strikingly different than the staff of Asclepius; the Caduceus has two snakes, while Asclepius' has one. You can see this staff abound within the star of life in most EMT badges, symbolizing bringing life and healing amidst danger and death.
Asclepius is also credited with raising Hippolytus, son of Theseus, who died when he was thrown from his chariot. Reaching for healing herbs, Asclepius touched youth's chest three times uttered healing words, and Hippolytus raised his head. Unfortunately after this deed, Zeus struck Asclepius down with a thunderbolt to the head due to Hades complaining that if Asclepius was to continue raising the dead, Hades would have no new souls to fill his underworld realm. Zeus made Asclepius immortal and placed him in the sky to remind human kind that there are limits to life and that there is a natural balance to life and death.
A quick note about the number three: the Greeks used the number three A LOT! There were three fates, three graces, three gorgons and three furies. There was a three headed dog Cerberus and multiples of three include nine muses and twelve Olympian Gods.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Chiron's students and their constellations. Enjoy the currently full moon out in the night sky; there is quite the gift in the full moon. You can focus and see the brighter stars that form the constellations, thus making a pleasurable and easily accessible hobby. Keep looking up; I'll catch you soon!
I am in the habit lately of taking a weekly evening star stroll to clear my mind of clutter and worry, and am much enjoying this new exercise. I bundle up and grab my flashlight and walking stick, and enjoy the briskness and quiet afforded by the night. This last Friday I found myself gazing at the open star cluster of the Seven Sisters, or Pleaides, but after some well-needed encouragement from my brother on the state of the world, I was more drawn to the brotherly sign of Gemini, the twins. Do not worry; I will find time to share on the sisters another time!
To start our search of the twins in the sky, find the twin stars Castor and Pollux. They can be found to the left of the head of Orion the Hunter, or the star Betelgeuse, the reddish/pink super giant that was mentioned last week as we visited with Orion. As you find this pairing, look below and you will find the twins' feet. You can then imagine the twins in the sky, standing side by side, and slowly rising about us by late evening.
The twins were educated by Chiron, the centaur that contributed to many a fine hero's success and knowledge. Of note is that Chiron is symbolized as the constellation Centaurus, which sits on the low horizon during the late spring and summer months, and is quite difficult to make out due to light pollution. Quite a disappointment, however, as I hear that Centaurus holds a wonderful view of Alpha Centauri, the closest star cluster to our home planet, Earth. Perhaps I will be successful this year in finding this cluster; if I am, I will certainly share in my victory.
Chiron also is credited with giving the knowledge of the stars to the Greek people, and of creating and naming the lore behind the constellations, and of giving the gift of healing with natural herbs to our other character of interest this post, Ophiuchus. He is a true jack of many trades, and many of his qualities that are reflected in lore are truly of the renaissance man, or the gentleman. Just a thought: gentle and free as a horse and man; perhaps a connection, as Chiron was a centaur, half man and half horse?
The twins, Castor and Pollux, found their way to Chiron via Hera's jealous rage at yet another of Zeus's conquests with a mortal woman, named Leda. Leda found her way into the night sky in the summer months as a beautiful swan named Cygnus. Many of Zeus's children found their way into the night sky as an immortal honor of living the life of a hero and demi-god. Come to think of it, I do not know of many other gods that could claim as many family in the stars as Zeus.
Castor found his ability in training as a warrior and horseman; Pollux a boxer. They both thrived under Chiron's gentle guidance and were known for their inseparableness, reflected in their close embrace in the night sky. They both represent the dedication, practice, and honing of the noble gentleman in ancient culture. They were known to also have taught Hercules to wrestle and hone his hand to hand skills, and contributed to the swordsmanship of Perseus. They helped Jason navigate the sea in his successful quest of the golden fleece. They are the patron saints of sailors to this day. Thus they were most pivotal to all of our known heroes of our night sky.
It is strange, then, to divulge their cause of death; a quarrel with each other over belongings, more specifically, livestock. Castor ran his own brother through with his sword in a blind rage, and distraught, pleaded with Zeus to place both himself and his brother in the sky. After all the guidance, training, and success they contributed to other heroes, something so simple as a quarrel over the ownership and count of cattle could cause their demise? Sad, yet true. What is to be learned here? Blood is thicker than water; look after your family first, as they will hopefully never abandon you and bring you encouragement and support. Be aware of your actions and quarrels with your family; are they really worth the energy you spend on them? Where could we be sharing these energy instead; with bettering others, instead of continuing family quarrels? Thus, through gazing upon Gemini we remember that family is eternal.
Secondly we turn our attention to another student of Chiron, Ophiuchus (pronounced off-ee-YOO-cuss.) Lately in the spotlight due to a resurgence of a myth about the zodiac shifting, Ophiuchus, or the serpent holder, was identified by the Greeks as Asclepius, the god of medicine. It is interesting to note that Ophiuchus is the 13th zodiac sign, and has been thus rejected by the most ancient of cultures due to their wish to keep a twelve month calendar and system. If you are wondering where to find this constellation in the sky, you cannot just yet see him; he will make his way into the night sky in the summer months, so we will revisit him come that time.
Ophiuchus also has received a bad reputation as a serpent holder, as serpents have been linked to evil and danger, and may have been a reminder of darker side of nature, the evil of humankind. Also of note is that Nostradamus was quite fond of this constellation; most of his profound prophecy revolved around certain astrological events falling within or around the sign of Ophiuchus. These images of Ophiuchus could be further from fact; indeed, Asclepius was known as a wonderful healer, even coming to the verge of being able to raise the dead. There is certainly quite the resemblance here to a certain figure central to the Bible, being of course the bearer of human evil and sins to heal and raise the human spirit from the dead; of course, I reference Christ.
A quick note here: it is certainly not my intention to offend or disagree with any of my readers' beliefs, or suggest this in any way in my writing. My clearer goal here is to look at these star stories and to point out similarities that the reader may further ponder. The choice is, of course, yours to take what from these stories fits and leave what may not. I wish only to share the excitement of the night sky with you and the background stories that have led to my further enjoyment of the practice of stargazing.
A bit more about Asclepius. Asclepius was a son of Apollo, the god of the sun, poetry, and prophecy. He was brought to Chiron as a safety measure; Apollo had the unfortunate nature of a very fiery temper, and when he found out that Asclepius may not be his son due to fact that the mortal woman he had chosen to woo had been with another man (actually her true husband,) he was quite angry and threatened to kill Asclepius by his own hand. Thus Zeus, knowing Apollo's dangerous rage, and understanding the situation of having an extended family of one demi-god...or two, or three...removed Asclepius from danger to Chiron's care.
Asclepius learned art of healing from Chiron, and became so advanced at the trade that he was known even to be able to raise the dead. The stories of Asclepius' healing are quite interesting, and involve snakes, thus the constellation reflecting a serpent bearer. It is thought that Asclepius learned of a herb that would raise the dead; there was quite a fascination with herbal remedies, and mistletoe and willow bark were the two most profound healing herbs. If you look further into the use of willow bark, you will find that it was used extensively by the Native Americans and now by most Americans. Willow bark is quite simply aspirin! Mistletoe was known to have life-giving and mystical qualities to the ancient Greeks, thus also taking on the qualities of being able to bestow fertility.
It is thought that while saving King Minos son, a snake appeared. Asclepius killed the snake in defense. Soon after, another snake came and laid herbs on his deceased friend, and the snake shed his skin and was renewed. Snakes shed skin every year,and have come to symbolize rebirth and renewal. This regeneration truly was mystical to ancient cultures, thus the snake was revered. These positive traits of the snake seemed to get lost in all the later parallels drawn to the snake as being a harbor of evil, deception, and the like. Is there anywhere else we see he snake linked to the medical trade? Of course, the staff is seen in the medical field as a Caduceus, but this is strikingly different than the staff of Asclepius; the Caduceus has two snakes, while Asclepius' has one. You can see this staff abound within the star of life in most EMT badges, symbolizing bringing life and healing amidst danger and death.
Asclepius is also credited with raising Hippolytus, son of Theseus, who died when he was thrown from his chariot. Reaching for healing herbs, Asclepius touched youth's chest three times uttered healing words, and Hippolytus raised his head. Unfortunately after this deed, Zeus struck Asclepius down with a thunderbolt to the head due to Hades complaining that if Asclepius was to continue raising the dead, Hades would have no new souls to fill his underworld realm. Zeus made Asclepius immortal and placed him in the sky to remind human kind that there are limits to life and that there is a natural balance to life and death.
A quick note about the number three: the Greeks used the number three A LOT! There were three fates, three graces, three gorgons and three furies. There was a three headed dog Cerberus and multiples of three include nine muses and twelve Olympian Gods.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Chiron's students and their constellations. Enjoy the currently full moon out in the night sky; there is quite the gift in the full moon. You can focus and see the brighter stars that form the constellations, thus making a pleasurable and easily accessible hobby. Keep looking up; I'll catch you soon!
Monday, January 10, 2011
#1 The Hunter and His Dogs
The beginning of this year already brings a large shift to the universe. It brings a transition to a larger awareness, and an opening of the mind to new ideas and spiritual growth. In this way I have been urged strongly to share of the star stories that have come to me over the last few years, to embrace the healing and powerful collective energy of the lights in the sky, and encourage others to ponder and wonder on the grandness of the universe. Universe literally is "one story." Here is the start of the universe I have come to learn. I wish for you to see and to grow from the connections and quiet solitude that can be forever gained from becoming comfortable with our night sky.
Yet I am afraid to start; why? I am searching during a time of great transition over humankind, and the insight came to me over the last week while night strolling at the nearby lake. I noticed the sky of course, especially Orion the Hunter, and he prompted the challenge: "What am I hunting? What am I searching for?" Perhaps it is for a deeper knowledge, a deeper understanding of the truth, amidst all this chaos and distraction; a sense of peace and serenity from above, amidst all this turmoil. It brings such a beautiful notice to the cosmos, the idea of one energy that permeates everything living; a web of life that connects every human, animal, plant, and object. To meditate on the universe is to honor this energy.
Orion signifies such a powerful archetype in life: the warrior/hunter. It is the primal man getting back to nature and relying on his instinct. It is believing in the strength and skill we have innately. And lastly, it is the taking of bold action and direction.
The Hunter starts his journey into our night sky in late fall, standing fully above the horizon in the early winter. He is one of the most commonly sighted constellations. Most easily recognized by his prominent belt of three bright stars, he is one of the many asterisms, or sky patterns, of the late fall and winter night. His three belt stars were most significant to ancient agricultural patterns. As soon as Orion would awake from the Eastern horizon, the past peoples would prepare for harvest, thus reaping the Earth's bounty and celebrating the gift of nature to humankind.
I must pause for a moment to mention that Orion's story is a prominent introduction to the Greek and Roman understanding of the spirit of the human character, or psyche. Any story of a hero or warrior in either of these civilizations would not only have been truly known for their skill, deeds, and character, but also remembered for a hamarita, or tragic human flaw and how it may have caused their demise or handicap. I have enjoyed learning about these stories and would like to share the excitement of these stories behind these constellations, and also the warnings hidden within these myths, and let you take from them the lessons that I have found helpful to remember while soul-searching and living and honoring a renewable and spiritual life.
It truly fascinates me that past civilizations would ponder the shapes of the night sky, looking for patterns and omens of benefit or maleficence. To have such time and passion to create these myths is quite profound, and admirable, and must have been a great past-time around the campfire for those wandering the wilderness. We take a moment to nod to nature, and realize that it is a powerful force, and something that has become in recent times taken for granted by humankind.
There are a few connections to be aware of as we learn of Orion: Orion is a demi-god, or the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. Just a quick note: I prefer to use Greek names of the gods and goddesses; they have always held more of a classic and nostalgic air for me, probably because of the memories that arise when I remember reading Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin in school. I found this text recently via an online search, and hope that an old copy finds its way into my life soon. My inner nerd is rejoicing!
Orion's boastful nature warns and reminds us that humankind is not more powerful than nature; that nature comes around to "sting" us and remind of of the importance of treating the resources around us with quiet respect, and not outright destruction for our own selfish wishes. How appropriate then that another constellation, Scorpio the scorpion, makes an appearance.
See, Orion had been boasting about how his hunting skills could allow him to trap and kill any and all of life's creatures regardless of size and shape. This boasting did not find the favor of Hera, queen of the Greek gods, and keeper and guardian of wildlife, so she started to send Orion challenges that would hopefully cause his demise. Orion used many forms of the hunt,such as a bow and club, and succeeded as Hera continued to send warnings to Orion to stop and to respect and know his place within the context of the natural world.
Of note here to mention is a tiny crab by the name of Cancer. This constellation, also a zodiac symbol, is one of the faintest star patterns to spot, but holds quite a gem within its heart center in the form of a star cluster by the name of the Beehive Cluster, making it a target of those becoming more familiar with binoculars or naked eye spotting during the late fall and winter seasons. A challenge for you this week would be to find Cancer the Crab in the night sky above you and gander at the cluster. You will find a link to Starmaps.com below; this is a great spot to obtain free star maps to start expanding your knowledge of the night sky. Soon you will find you are a stargazer such as I, and enjoy sharing your newest find with your friends and family.
Cancer is noticed here because although small and easily crushed by Orion, Cancer still courageously attempted to fight Orion. The crab found its end under the heel of Orion's hunters boot. It was promptly put into the night sky by Hera as a reminder of the rewards of loyalty and courage. It is also a great reminder that physical size does not measure the inner workings of a creature; do not judge a book, or a crab in this matter, by its cover, or shell!
So, Scorpio the scorpion finally found the weakness of Orion in stinging him with a deadly poison in the heel, but not at the price of Scorpio's life as well. I like to think that Cancer gave him a wonderful opening in his brave stand. You will notice to this day that Orion and Scorpio are not in the sky at the same time; they were placed at the opposite ends as a reminder of this battle to humankind. Scorpio finds its way into the night sky in the summer months. Of note is that both the constellation Orion and Scorpio hold within them beautiful pinkish/red stars, or super giants, which are easy to spot in the night sky and enjoyable through binoculars to see the unique coloration. These stars are on their way to death, thus start to over burn and exhaust their helium and hydrogen stores and grow in size and temperature. Eventually our Sun will exhibit the same fate.
Living in the Southwest keeps me very observant of where and how I walk due to the nature of the scorpion's sting. It reminds me to be observant of nature around me, and to respect the potent power that even an insect can have over humankind.
There is another variation on Orion's story. This tale is a love story, which, of course in Greek fashion, ends in tragedy. A few connections to be aware of prior to the myth: Artemis is the goddess of the moon and matron goddess of the hunter, which sways the tides and sea and symbolizes deeper inner wisdom and intuition. She is also a twin sister to the sun god Apollo. Remember two things about Orion which the two then have in common? Both are hunters, and Orion is a son of Poseidon, god of the sea, and thus is swayed by the moon's energy.
Artemis fell in a great love with Orion due to his skill in hunting. It was not very favored by the gods to have relationships with mortals or demi-gods, and Apollo, her brother, was not fond of her open interest of Orion. Knowing this, he schemed the demise of Orion by Artemis' hand. Apollo knew that Orion liked to swim and bathe in the sea as he was welcome to do so by Poseidon, so he took his sister on a walk of the beach. They soon came upon Orion swimming far out in the sea, so he was not recognizable. Apollo made a bet with her that she could not hit the far target with archery. See, both Apollo and Artemis are known for their incredible marksmanship. She drew her bow and arrow, and hit the target true. Later that evening, under a full moon, she walked the same beach and came upon Orion, dead on the beach. She lamented and placed him into the night sky to honor him. Some say this heartbreak contributed to her vow of chastity. The lesson here: be careful of the opinions and close-mindedness of others in affairs of your own heart and intuition.
These are the two stories of the Hunter. When you glance above at the night sky next, find him and remember these tales, and perhaps pull out your newly obtained sky map and learn his stars and hidden treasures. While you are gazing, perhaps you will acquaint yourself with his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Canis Major boasts the brightest winter night sky star, named Sirius. It is a good example of a young star, bright white and blue in its coloration.
Lastly, see if you can spot the rabbit the hunting dogs are tracking. This is Lepus, the hare, and is our last guest in our discussion. There are no current stories that bring more understanding as to why Lepus is there; perhaps you will create your own!
Yet I am afraid to start; why? I am searching during a time of great transition over humankind, and the insight came to me over the last week while night strolling at the nearby lake. I noticed the sky of course, especially Orion the Hunter, and he prompted the challenge: "What am I hunting? What am I searching for?" Perhaps it is for a deeper knowledge, a deeper understanding of the truth, amidst all this chaos and distraction; a sense of peace and serenity from above, amidst all this turmoil. It brings such a beautiful notice to the cosmos, the idea of one energy that permeates everything living; a web of life that connects every human, animal, plant, and object. To meditate on the universe is to honor this energy.
Orion signifies such a powerful archetype in life: the warrior/hunter. It is the primal man getting back to nature and relying on his instinct. It is believing in the strength and skill we have innately. And lastly, it is the taking of bold action and direction.
The Hunter starts his journey into our night sky in late fall, standing fully above the horizon in the early winter. He is one of the most commonly sighted constellations. Most easily recognized by his prominent belt of three bright stars, he is one of the many asterisms, or sky patterns, of the late fall and winter night. His three belt stars were most significant to ancient agricultural patterns. As soon as Orion would awake from the Eastern horizon, the past peoples would prepare for harvest, thus reaping the Earth's bounty and celebrating the gift of nature to humankind.
I must pause for a moment to mention that Orion's story is a prominent introduction to the Greek and Roman understanding of the spirit of the human character, or psyche. Any story of a hero or warrior in either of these civilizations would not only have been truly known for their skill, deeds, and character, but also remembered for a hamarita, or tragic human flaw and how it may have caused their demise or handicap. I have enjoyed learning about these stories and would like to share the excitement of these stories behind these constellations, and also the warnings hidden within these myths, and let you take from them the lessons that I have found helpful to remember while soul-searching and living and honoring a renewable and spiritual life.
It truly fascinates me that past civilizations would ponder the shapes of the night sky, looking for patterns and omens of benefit or maleficence. To have such time and passion to create these myths is quite profound, and admirable, and must have been a great past-time around the campfire for those wandering the wilderness. We take a moment to nod to nature, and realize that it is a powerful force, and something that has become in recent times taken for granted by humankind.
There are a few connections to be aware of as we learn of Orion: Orion is a demi-god, or the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. Just a quick note: I prefer to use Greek names of the gods and goddesses; they have always held more of a classic and nostalgic air for me, probably because of the memories that arise when I remember reading Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths by Bernard Evslin in school. I found this text recently via an online search, and hope that an old copy finds its way into my life soon. My inner nerd is rejoicing!
Orion's boastful nature warns and reminds us that humankind is not more powerful than nature; that nature comes around to "sting" us and remind of of the importance of treating the resources around us with quiet respect, and not outright destruction for our own selfish wishes. How appropriate then that another constellation, Scorpio the scorpion, makes an appearance.
See, Orion had been boasting about how his hunting skills could allow him to trap and kill any and all of life's creatures regardless of size and shape. This boasting did not find the favor of Hera, queen of the Greek gods, and keeper and guardian of wildlife, so she started to send Orion challenges that would hopefully cause his demise. Orion used many forms of the hunt,such as a bow and club, and succeeded as Hera continued to send warnings to Orion to stop and to respect and know his place within the context of the natural world.
Of note here to mention is a tiny crab by the name of Cancer. This constellation, also a zodiac symbol, is one of the faintest star patterns to spot, but holds quite a gem within its heart center in the form of a star cluster by the name of the Beehive Cluster, making it a target of those becoming more familiar with binoculars or naked eye spotting during the late fall and winter seasons. A challenge for you this week would be to find Cancer the Crab in the night sky above you and gander at the cluster. You will find a link to Starmaps.com below; this is a great spot to obtain free star maps to start expanding your knowledge of the night sky. Soon you will find you are a stargazer such as I, and enjoy sharing your newest find with your friends and family.
Cancer is noticed here because although small and easily crushed by Orion, Cancer still courageously attempted to fight Orion. The crab found its end under the heel of Orion's hunters boot. It was promptly put into the night sky by Hera as a reminder of the rewards of loyalty and courage. It is also a great reminder that physical size does not measure the inner workings of a creature; do not judge a book, or a crab in this matter, by its cover, or shell!
So, Scorpio the scorpion finally found the weakness of Orion in stinging him with a deadly poison in the heel, but not at the price of Scorpio's life as well. I like to think that Cancer gave him a wonderful opening in his brave stand. You will notice to this day that Orion and Scorpio are not in the sky at the same time; they were placed at the opposite ends as a reminder of this battle to humankind. Scorpio finds its way into the night sky in the summer months. Of note is that both the constellation Orion and Scorpio hold within them beautiful pinkish/red stars, or super giants, which are easy to spot in the night sky and enjoyable through binoculars to see the unique coloration. These stars are on their way to death, thus start to over burn and exhaust their helium and hydrogen stores and grow in size and temperature. Eventually our Sun will exhibit the same fate.
Living in the Southwest keeps me very observant of where and how I walk due to the nature of the scorpion's sting. It reminds me to be observant of nature around me, and to respect the potent power that even an insect can have over humankind.
There is another variation on Orion's story. This tale is a love story, which, of course in Greek fashion, ends in tragedy. A few connections to be aware of prior to the myth: Artemis is the goddess of the moon and matron goddess of the hunter, which sways the tides and sea and symbolizes deeper inner wisdom and intuition. She is also a twin sister to the sun god Apollo. Remember two things about Orion which the two then have in common? Both are hunters, and Orion is a son of Poseidon, god of the sea, and thus is swayed by the moon's energy.
Artemis fell in a great love with Orion due to his skill in hunting. It was not very favored by the gods to have relationships with mortals or demi-gods, and Apollo, her brother, was not fond of her open interest of Orion. Knowing this, he schemed the demise of Orion by Artemis' hand. Apollo knew that Orion liked to swim and bathe in the sea as he was welcome to do so by Poseidon, so he took his sister on a walk of the beach. They soon came upon Orion swimming far out in the sea, so he was not recognizable. Apollo made a bet with her that she could not hit the far target with archery. See, both Apollo and Artemis are known for their incredible marksmanship. She drew her bow and arrow, and hit the target true. Later that evening, under a full moon, she walked the same beach and came upon Orion, dead on the beach. She lamented and placed him into the night sky to honor him. Some say this heartbreak contributed to her vow of chastity. The lesson here: be careful of the opinions and close-mindedness of others in affairs of your own heart and intuition.
These are the two stories of the Hunter. When you glance above at the night sky next, find him and remember these tales, and perhaps pull out your newly obtained sky map and learn his stars and hidden treasures. While you are gazing, perhaps you will acquaint yourself with his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Canis Major boasts the brightest winter night sky star, named Sirius. It is a good example of a young star, bright white and blue in its coloration.
Lastly, see if you can spot the rabbit the hunting dogs are tracking. This is Lepus, the hare, and is our last guest in our discussion. There are no current stories that bring more understanding as to why Lepus is there; perhaps you will create your own!
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