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!
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