The concept of the celestial sphere holds significant importance in Pagan traditions spanning various civilizations and cultures throughout history. The pagan celestial sphere is a representation of the cosmos, encompassing the stars, planets, and celestial bodies that populate the sky. It serves as a framework for understanding the movements and relationships between these heavenly entities. The celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere surrounding the Earth, with the observer positioned at its center. Pagan cultures viewed the celestial sphere as a divine realm inhabited by gods, goddesses, and other mythical beings. They believed that the gods controlled the movements of celestial bodies, using them as a means of communication and interaction with the mortal world.
The figures given do not express the actual planetary declinations as known to modern science, which in the case of Venus and Mercury are greater than here stated. The ancient scientists registered what they saw with the naked eye. They were unaided by the telescope, or by knowledge that the Sun was the centre of the system. At any rate they based their geometry upon a geocentric system, and on what they actually observed. There is clear proof that there is no ground for the rash statements of religionists to the effect that the ancients had knowledge equal to that of mechanically assisted scientists of today.
For me in particular, though, I find the seven planets to be a great filing system for reality, compatible with others such as the elements, easy to work with, and actually quite comprehensive. From there, I can build a working, spell, or ritual designed to meet my goals, stemming from what I already know about that particular Sphere and its relationship to me and the world around me.
They believed that the gods controlled the movements of celestial bodies, using them as a means of communication and interaction with the mortal world. The pagan celestial sphere played a vital role in religious ceremonies and practices. For example, rituals were conducted to honor specific deities associated with celestial bodies, such as the sun god or moon goddess.
Celestial Globe
Long before there were planetariums or advanced technologies available for studying the sky, people devised ways of depicting the sun, moon, planets, and stars in relation to the Earth. There was a desire to learn about astronomical history and events; people wanted to figure out how Earth fit into the grand scheme of the universe. Globes helped to put objects into perspective, and served as scientific instruments, ornamental showpieces, and physical illustrations of the astronomy beliefs of the day.
Globes have been visual representations of the physical characteristics of Earth and Sky for thousands of years. Generally, there are three types of globes. Terrestrial globes detail geographical features of the Earth. There are also globes that illustrate the physical features of celestial bodies, such as the moon or Mars. Celestial globes, like the one pictured here, are spherical maps of the sky—models of the visible heavens.
Image Image ImageAs scientists and astronomers became more knowledgeable of the sky and objects in it, the celestial globe became more detailed and accurate. The concept behind it is that the globe is a sphere that shows the Earth as its imaginary center on which the stars, constellations, and various astronomical circles are drawn. It is mounted in a harness that allows it to rotate and be tilted to different latitudes. There were a few problems with this type of globe, however; for example, it depicts the figures of the constellations facing outward, toward the user, rather than inward, toward the center of the globe.
A man named Erhardt Weigel built this celestial globe near the turn of the 18th century. He was a professor of Astronomy at the University of Jena in Germany. A lamp placed in the hollow center projected light out through the small holes punched in the embossed copper sphere. The stars are represented by these small holes, and by looking into the globe through one of four larger holes, the stars are seen in their correct configuration as points of light against a dark background. Thus, the globe is the earliest known in existence of the optical planetarium. Weigel's model is dated 1699; it was acquired by The Franklin Institute in June of 1932 from Emil Hirsch of Munich, Germany.
The constellations Weigel used are not the standard ones, but ones he made up to depict the European royal families. Instead of the usual pagan figures, Weigel made the constellations into the arms of the ruling families. For example, the constellation Orion is a double-headed Austrian eagle.
Astronomy is one of the longest-studied sciences in history. Scientists have attempted to answer questions that seem far beyond our understanding for centuries. As long as we wonder about heavenly objects, some will try to recreate the nighttime sky with instruments such as the globe, lighting the world as the stars themselves do with their ideas, models, and theories.
Reference: Instruments of Science: An Historical Encyclopedia New York & London, 1998.
Note: The object pictured above is part of The Franklin Institute's protected collection of objects. The images are © The Franklin Institute. All rights are reserved.
Saturn 24 deg. 50 min., Jupiter 25 deg. 28 min., Mercury 26 deg. 22 min., Venus 27 deg. 12 min., Mars 27 deg. 50 min.
Additionally, astrological practices were prevalent within Paganism, with the celestial sphere utilized to interpret the significance of planetary positions and their influence on human lives. The pagan celestial sphere also had a broader cultural and symbolic significance. It represented the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. The movements of the celestial bodies mirrored the patterns observed in nature, such as the changing seasons and the tides, reinforcing the idea of a grand cosmic harmony. Despite the diverse interpretations and beliefs surrounding the celestial sphere in different pagan cultures, the underlying theme of reverence for the heavens remains constant. Pagans saw the celestial sphere as a manifestation of the divine, a source of guidance, and a reminder of their place within the vastness of the universe. Today, remnants and echoes of the pagan celestial sphere can still be found in contemporary pagan and neopagan traditions. The fascination with astrology, the admiration of celestial events, and the worship of celestial deities continue to be prevalent in many spiritual practices, preserving the ancient connection between humanity and the heavens. In conclusion, the pagan celestial sphere represents the cosmic realm inhabited by gods and goddesses, serving as a framework for understanding the movements and relationships of celestial bodies. It holds religious, cultural, and symbolic significance in pagan traditions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the universe and the reverence for the heavens..
Reviews for "The Dance of the Seven Planets: Pagan Views on Astrology and the Celestial Sphere"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Pagan celestial sphere" to be extremely underwhelming. The concept was intriguing, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing felt disjointed and lacking depth, making it difficult for me to engage with the story or connect with the characters. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom punctuated by brief moments of action. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. John - 1 star
In my opinion, "Pagan celestial sphere" was a complete waste of time. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, lacking any sort of originality or surprise. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or relatability, making it impossible for me to care about their journey. The writing style was also lackluster, with poorly crafted prose and dialogue. I struggled to finish this book and regretted ever picking it up.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pagan celestial sphere" based on the intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it did not deliver. The story felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to become invested in the narrative. The characters were also poorly developed, with their actions and motivations often feeling forced or unrealistic. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with the story dragging on in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars
While "Pagan celestial sphere" had its moments, I ultimately found it to be a mediocre read. The plot had potential, but it felt underdeveloped and lacked a satisfying resolution. The writing style was also average, failing to immerse me fully in the world the author was trying to create. Additionally, the characters felt superficial and lacked the depth needed to make me care about their fates. Overall, it was an average book that I would not actively recommend to others.