The constellations that we are taught about in Western culture and which are used in Western astrology are an amalgam of Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Latin influences which were recognized by colonial powers and represent the Northern hemisphere. The constellations that came to be used in the Southern hemisphere are largely a display of the scientific achievements of European colonial powers and some wildlife they found interesting. Both entirely ignore the sky cultures of indigenous people around the world. In the late 16th and early 17th century attempts were made by several astronomers who were Christian clergy to completely erase the sky and replace it with an entirely Christian sky. This didn’t succeed partially because the various clergy involved could not agree on the elements of these skies and partially because the principal astronomers of the day were busy creating constellations in honor of their royal sponsors. Colonial powers created systems such as the Residential Schools which partnered with the church to eliminate indigenous language and culture, resulting in many sky cultures being lost, in some cases permanently.
We know that the ancestors of our Heathen brothers and sisters were great navigators yet due to this corrosive colonial activity much of their sky lore has been lost. Very little is known about Celtic skies except bits and pieces that have come down through translations of translations of verbal lore, although discovery of the Coligny calendar has given us some pieces to work with.
The World Asterisms Project is a living project which I founded in June 2021 for the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as a celebration of the sky cultures of the world: It continues to grow as the process of naming the stars above is an ongoing process. It is also growing as ethnoastronomers and researchers investigate old records and interview elders and recover previously lost sky cultures. The World Asterisms Project has so far examined over 580 of the world’s cultures and recorded 15,229 asterisms and 1,633 names of the Sun, Moon, and Planets.
Kerr Cuhulain is the Grand Master and founder of a Wiccan order of Knighthood called the Order of Paladins, now based in Sechelt, British Columbia. The Order of Paladins embraces the Warrior philosophies, precepts and code of chivalry outlined in Kerr’s books. The Order of Paladins is a study group for people interested in Wiccan magick, energy work and rituals related to the Warrior path, focusing on empowerment, personal development and creative expression. The training focuses on the effective use of magickal energy and developing psychic skills. The Order of Paladins is constantly developing new rituals, and magick and studying our Warrior philosophy. Our members are spread across the globe and connect through local preceptories and on line. All members are expected to participate and contribute.
This class is free to supporting members of Ardantane. Others must register below. Be sure to add the number of tickets you want before clicking the Blue GET TICKETS button. The fee is $10.
Registration closes at 5PM Mountain Time on Thursday, November 28th.
Kerr Cuhulain is the Grand Master and founder of a Wiccan order of Knighthood called the Order of Paladins, now based in Sechelt, British Columbia. The Order of Paladins embraces the Warrior philosophies, precepts and code of chivalry outlined in Kerr’s books. The Order of Paladins is a study group for people interested in Wiccan magick, energy work and rituals related to the Warrior path, focusing on empowerment, personal development and creative expression. The training focuses on the effective use of magickal energy and developing psychic skills. The Order of Paladins is constantly developing new rituals, and magick and studying our Warrior philosophy. Our members are spread across the globe and connect through local preceptories and on line. All members are expected to participate and contribute.