My topic hasn’t really changed much since I first started my research, but in a way it has broadened. I’ve found many more connections between isolated cultures than I originally anticipated. I was researching parallel myths from around the world that focus on the creation and background stories of celestial bodies, specifically the sun, moon, and constellations. I found many stories that are similar but each have a twist that relate to the the culture or geography of its creators. For example, many cultures say that the sun and moon are driven across the sky in a boat or chariot, but in Greece they were pulled by horses or pegasuses while in china they were pulled by dragons. I realized that in order to really discuss these connections, I couldn’t just look at the myths. I have to look at ancient astronomy and what each culture knew about the way the solar system works. I also need more information about why humanity was so enraptured by the sky. I need to look into the psychology behind why most religions worship towards the sky, and why many cultures believe that their god(s) live in the sky. This also connects to tall or high places being religious, and the general connection that humans have and still have between religion and height (as seen in church steeples). I am currently in astronomy, and although that class had nothing to do with my choosing this topic, it has proven to be very helpful for me to have a deeper understanding of the science behind the solar system. I am able to evaluate the ancient astronomers’ discoveries and the validity of how ancient myth and science connect.
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteYour topic is really quite interesting! I think that looking at the psychology behind why humanity is so fascinated in the sky will definitely help you in your research of how that plays a part in culture. I think there's an aspect of humanity's innate sense of a creator, or the idea that there is something/someone out there that's larger than us - I feel, personally, as though that is ingrained in us and because of that, we look to the skies where we believe said being or force, whatever you want to call it, resides. I can't wait to read your paper as it is a subject/topic that I has always fascinated me! As you know, I believe in God and believe that we all have within us a sense of Him, or a sense of a Creator. This being said, it's alluring to see how different cultures/societies react to that instinct.
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI find your topic extremely curious, as you present the ideas of of cultures seeking and seeing the sky as a place for the god(s) and goddess(es) to reside. I think it is rather interesting that you connected the beliefs and the different, yet also similar, myths to astronomy and the different aspects to the myths according to geography. As for the part of psychology you wish to explore, I'd actually suggest looking under Alfred Adler or Carl Jung's personality traits or at least different personality theories, as there's at least an astrological aspect mentioned - being one of the oldest/ancient theories. I'm using an aspect of personality traits seen in a culture as an individual, so hopefully you'll be able to find something and if you have any questions, I'd do my best to give an answer. I think I've mentioned this before, but asking Mrs. Chapman might help, as she obviously has, or may have, a better suggestion of where to start for you. Great work, again, I'm excited to see how your paper turns out!
Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI think the more you have narrowed your topic down the more interesting it has gotten. You are absolutely right that every culture known to man has seen the sky as something divine. In today's world of technology we know that space is never-ending and composed of billions and billions of stars and other celestial bodies. To ancient people all they saw were lights in the night sky that revolved around the world, but they still treated it as something more. I can't say I have any explanation for this whatsoever but I really hope you are able to find one. I agree with Tori on talking to Mrs. Chapman, she could be a great help on the psychological part of this paper. I would also try to find a way to connect it to that Nigel Spivey documentary about cave paintings because I find it interesting that all cultures not only revered the sky but also chose to create pictures with the stars that connected to aspects of their life. Best of luck Taylor, I am sure you will write a great paper.