In this mini episode we explore some of the Yule stories behind Christmas - meeting characters from Pagan, Wiccan, and Norse Mythology.

In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what the winter solstice is and why it happens.

Happy Holidays everybody!

Research Survey

The Celestial Tales is part of a research project.  For more information, and to get involved (by end of Dec 2021), find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO

Music

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

This time we explore the North Star, Polaris, through a story from Hinduism.  We'll meet Dhruva, a young boy whose family troubles will lead him to discover his own power.  We'll learn that sometimes the best thing you can do is stay right where you are.

In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what's so special (or not?) about Polaris.

Research Survey

The Celestial Tales is part of a research project.  For more information, and to get involved (by end of Dec 2021), find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO

Music

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Indian Meditation by Liron

Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7634-indian-meditation

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In a bit of a Halloween special, we explore a 'dark constellation' called Atoq, through a collection of Andean myths surrounding the fox.

We'll meet Fox and watch him try to be taken seriously after a pretty unlucky start.  There will be tricks played and treats given, though they might not all work out as expected.

In the astronomy section of the show, we'll find out what exactly a dark constellation is, and what causes it; as well as getting excited over a very cool photograph.

Announcement

The Celestial Tales is part of a research project.  For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO

Music

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

No Frills Cumbia by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3571-no-frills-cumbia

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In episode 2 of The Celestial Tales, we explore the recognisable constellation of Cygnus through the tale of Orpheus, from Ancient Greek mythology.

We'll join Orpheus on two of his quests as he discovers the power of music and learns that, when a god is giving you instructions that your life depends on, you really should be listening carefully!

We'll discuss just some of the many interesting objects in and around Cygnus, including two very famous asterisms (and get clearer on what asterisms are).

Content warnings:

While nothing is graphic, there are themes of death and grief in this episode - frequently mentioned from 14 minute mark onwards.

Announcement

The Celestial Tales is part of a research project.  For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO

Music

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

A Lost Map Of A Heaven by Shaoqing "Luna" Li

Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5070-a-lost-map-of-a-heaven

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license 

In episode 1 of The Celestial Tales, we explore the well-known constellation of Orion through a character from Irish Mythology.

Lugh is a young Irish god ready to find his place in the world - and prove that he has a skill or two up his sleeve.

We talk about some of Orion's most famous features, and begin to explain what fuels them.

Content warnings:

While nothing is graphic, there are occasional violent moments, including violence directed at children.

4:14 - 4:38 - mention of child murder

12:44 - 14:04 - description of battle including death

Announcement

The Celestial Tales is part of a research project.  For more information, and to get involved, find the survey here: https://uwe.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGtfAsWfqsNb9YO

Music

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Teller of the Tales by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4467-teller-of-the-tales

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music:

Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license