Each constellation in the ancient Greek sky was associated with a specific mythological story‚ often featuring gods‚ heroes‚ or mythical creatures. These stories were woven into the fabric of Greek culture‚ shaping their religious beliefs‚ moral values‚ and societal norms. The constellations served as visual representations of Greek mythology‚ immortalizing the characters and their deeds in the stars for all eternity. They served‚ not only as waymarkers but also as sources of inspiration. The Greeks looked up at the stars and witnessed the presence of their deities‚ the exploits of their greatest heroes‚ and reminders of their moral teachings.   Greek Mythology and the Night Sky: Andromeda‚ Cassiopeia &; Cepheus Perseus and Andromeda‚ by Charles André van Loo‚ 1735-40‚ via the National Gallery of Art‚ Washington   Andromeda’s tragic story stems from the arrogance of her mother‚ Cassiopeia‚ who was known for boasting about her daughter’s beauty. She regrettably claimed that Andromeda was more beautiful than the Nereids‚ the sea nymphs.   This arrogance angered the sea god Poseidon‚ who sent a monstrous sea serpent‚ known as Cetus‚ to terrorize their kingdom. After consulting an oracle‚ King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia decided to appease Poseidon by offering their daughter to the sea monster. Consequently‚ she was chained to a rock to await her fate. Perseus‚ traveling home from his Gorgon-slaying journey‚ was captivated by her beauty and agreed to defeat the monster in exchange for Andromeda’s hand in marriage. The gods positioned Andromeda in the sky as a constellation‚ along with her parents and Perseus.   Perseus  Perseus Beheading Medusa‚ by Francesco Maffei‚ 1650‚ via Gallerie Accademia Venezia   The constellation of Perseus stands as a testament to the triumphs of this legendary hero‚ depicted with the head of Medusa in one hand and a sword in the other. He was born of the union between Zeus‚ the king of gods‚ and the mortal princess Danaë. Fearing a prophecy that his grandson would bring about his downfall‚ King Acrisius of Argos cast Danaë and the infant Perseus out to sea inside a wooden chest. Miraculously‚ they survived their journey‚ eventually reaching the island of Seriphos. As Perseus grew up‚ he embarked on numerous heroic quests but his most celebrated achievement was the slaying of the dreaded Gorgon‚ Medusa.   With her hair of serpents and the power to turn any who gazed upon her to stone‚ she was a formidable opponent. Assisted by the gods‚ Perseus successfully beheaded Medusa‚ utilizing a shield to catch her reflection and defeat her.   Throughout his perilous journey back home‚ Perseus accomplished many heroic deeds including the rescue of Andromeda from a sea monster. Utilizing the petrifying power of Medusa’s head‚ Perseus turned the creature into stone‚ saving the princess and ultimately marrying her. Returning to Argos‚ Perseus fulfilled the prophecy by inadvertently causing the death of his grandfather‚ King Acrisius. In recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments‚ the gods immortalized Perseus in the heavens as a constellation. Residing in the northern sphere‚ the Perseus constellation stands alongside the neighboring constellations of Cassiopeia‚ Andromeda‚ and Pegasus.   Ursa Major &; Minor “Ursa Major” in Urania’s Mirror‚ by Sidney Hall‚ 1825‚ via Wikimedia Commons   The mythology behind the Ursa Major and Minor constellations stems from the story of Callisto‚ a nymph devoted to Artemis‚ who caught the attention of Zeus. Zeus enchanted by the nymph‚ cunningly‚ assumed the form of Artemis. Deceived by the disguise‚ Callisto was seduced by Zeus and became pregnant with his child‚ Arcas. When Artemis discovered Callisto’s pregnancy‚ she was furious and expelled the nymph from her group.   Zeus’ wife‚ Hera also learned of the affair and‚ in her jealousy‚ transformed the nymph into a bear. Years later‚ Arcas grew up to be a skilled hunter and in a coincidental encounter faced the very bear that was once his mother.  Zeus‚ recognizing the impending tragedy and wishing to reunite mother and son‚ intervened. He transformed Arcas into a bear and placed them both in the sky as the constellations Ursa Major (the Great Bear) and Ursa Minor (the Little Bear)‚ forever united in the heavens.   Orion‚ Scorpius‚ &; The Pleiades Orion Constellation‚ by Johann Bayer‚ 1661‚ via Wikimedia Commons   The Orion constellation is one of the most recognizable and prominent constellations in the night sky. Orion‚ a mighty hunter of gigantic stature and skill‚ was born from the union of the Gorgon Euryale and Poseidon‚ the god of the sea. One myth surrounding Orion recounts his audacious claim of being capable of slaying any creature on Earth‚ a boast that caused the wrath of Gaia.   In her anger‚ Gaia sent a scorpion to punish Orion. A ferocious battle ensued‚ ultimately leading to the demise of both participants. In recognition of their epic struggle‚ Zeus immortalized them as constellations in the night sky. Orion‚ with his grand figure‚ became the eponymous constellation while the scorpion took its place as Scorpius‚ situated on the opposite side of the night sky.   Another myth associated with Orion revolves around his pursuit of the Pleiades‚ seven sisters who were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione. Determined to capture them‚ Orion chased the Pleiades across the heavens. The sisters sought divine protection and were transformed into doves. In these forms‚ they were placed among the stars as the Pleiades star cluster.   Heracles The Apotheosis of Hercules‚ by Giandomenico Tiepolo‚ 1731-1736‚ via Thyseen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional   Named after the infamous Greek hero‚ the Heracles constellation is characterized by its distinctive shape‚ a figure kneeling with a club in his hand. Heracles’ birth was the result of Zeus’ infidelity‚ as he took the form of Alcmene’s husband‚ Amphitryon‚ in order to bed her. His divine lineage gifted him with extraordinary abilities but also caused many hardships. In a fit of madness induced by Hera‚ Zeus’ jealous wife‚ Heracles murdered his own wife and children.   Thus‚ a series of tasks‚ the legendary Twelve Labours‚ was imposed on him as punishment for this heinous act. The Twelve Labours included the slaying of the Nemean Lion‚ the Hydra‚ and the Stymphalian birds. He was also tasked with capturing the hind of Artemis‚ the Erymanthian boar‚ and the Cretan bull. The fifth task was cleaning the stables of Augean. Then Heracles also had to steal the mares of Diomedes‚ the girdle of Hippolyta‚ the cattle of the monster Geryon‚ and the apples of Hesperides. His final task involved the capture of Cerberus‚ the three-headed gigantic dog that guarded the underworld. Through these triumphs‚ he demonstrated his ability to overcome seemingly impossible challenges‚ redeem himself‚ and earn his place among the stars.   Leo (The Lion) Hercules and the Leon of Nemea‚ by Peter Paul Rubens‚ 16-early 17th century‚ via Wikimedia Commons   The Leo constellation is associated with the Nemean Lion‚ a fearsome beast that was ultimately slain by the hero Hercules. Sent by the gods to terrorize the region of Nemea‚ the lion had an impenetrable golden hide‚ making it invulnerable to mortal weapons. Heracles’ first task was to slay the Nemean Lion and bring back its hide. In his encounter with the creature‚ realizing his weapons were useless‚ he strangled the lion with his bare hands eventually defeating it. He wore its impenetrable skin as a protective cloak‚ which became an iconic symbol of his triumph. The constellation represents the majestic figure of a lion and is easily identifiable due to its distinctive shape‚ including a backward question mark that outlines the lion’s head.   The Hydra  Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra‚ by Gustave Moreau‚ 1875-1876‚ via Useum.org   The largest of the 88 modern constellations‚ the Hydra constellation is based upon the myth of a terrifying serpent with multiple heads. This creature had a regenerative ability for if one of its heads was severed‚ two new heads would grow in its place‚ making it a seemingly invincible adversary. Its poisonous breath and venomous bites were also said to be deadly. The slaying of the Hydra was tasked to Heracles as the second of his Twelve Labours. With the help of his nephew Iolaus‚ Heracles devised a strategy to defeat the creature. As Heracles attacked the Hydra‚ cutting off its heads‚ Iolaus used a burning torch to cauterize the stumps‚ preventing new heads from regenerating.   Aquarius (The Water Bearer) Ganymede‚ by Gabriel Ferrier‚ 1874‚ via Wikimedia Commons   The Aquarius constellation is associated with Ganymede who enthralled Zeus with his breathtaking beauty. Taking the form of an eagle‚ Zeus swooped down from Mount Olympus and abducted Ganymede‚ taking him away to the realm of the gods. There‚ Ganymede was appointed as the divine cupbearer‚ entrusted with the task of pouring ambrosia for the gods. The image of a figure pouring liquid from a vessel can be outlined when observing the Aquarius constellation.   Gemini (The Twins) Caster and Pollux‚ 3rd century CE‚ via Italianartsociety   The constellation Gemini is said to be connected to the myth of Castor and Pollux‚ twin brothers‚ born to different fathers. Castor was the mortal son of King Tyndareus of Sparta‚ while Pollux was the divine son of Zeus‚ who had taken the form of a swan to seduce their mother‚ Leda.   The twins became renowned for their bravery and combative talents‚ often engaging in heroic adventures. Tragedy struck‚ however‚ when Castor was killed in a conflict. Devastated by his brother’s death‚ Pollux pleaded with his father Zeus to allow them to be reunited. Zeus‚ moved by Pollux’s grief‚ granted his request. As a result‚ the twins were immortalized in the stars as the constellation Gemini.   Greek Mythology and Pisces (The Fish) A Statue of Aphrodite and Eros‚ 100-160 BCE‚ via the British Museum   The escape of Aphrodite and Eros from the monstrous Typhon is linked to the Pisces constellation. Typhon‚ a fearsome creature that was said to have a hundred dragon heads‚ had been sent by Gaia to attack the gods. Aphrodite‚ the goddess of love and beauty‚ and Eros‚ her son‚ transformed into these fish to escape the danger.  The constellation can be outlined to see two fish swimming in opposite directions‚ it can be observed during autumn in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere.

1526 - Ferdinand of Austria chosen as King of Bohemia 1895 - George Brownell patents a machine to make paper twine (Mass) 1920 - British Empire receives League of Nations mandate over Nauru 1944 - San Francisco M-Ocean View streetcar resumes service and is extended to Market St 1965 - British government proclaims ends oil-embargo against Rhodesia 1970 - USSR performs nuclear test at Eastern Kazakh/Semipalitinsk USSR 1971 - "Diamonds are Forever"‚ 7th James Bond film‚ last starring Sean Conner‚ also starring Jill St. John is 1st released in West Germany 1971 - Cease fire between India and Pakistan in Kashmir 1988 - NY Islanders break 12 game losing streak‚ beat Devils 5-2 2017 - Sebastián Piñera wins Chile's presidential election run-off‚ returning to office after 4 years More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1807 - France issues the Milan Decree‚ which confirms the Continental System. 1928 - John McGraw backs NL President John Heydler's designated hitter idea 1941 - World War II: Beginning of the Siege of Sebastopol. 1978 - Referendum approves new constitution of Rwanda 1983 - The Provisional IRA bombs Harrods department store in London‚ killing six people and injuring 90 2020 - King Carl XVI Gustaf says Swedish authorities have failed in their response to COVID-19‚ criticizing the country's controversial anti-lockdown strategy More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1847 - Émile Faguet‚ French writer and critic (d. 1916) 1914 - Syed Mushtaq Ali‚ Indian cricketer (prolific batsman of 30's and 40's)‚ born in Indore‚ British India (d. 2005) 1953 - Mark Gane‚ rocker (M+M)‚ born in Toronto‚ Ontario 1961 - Sara Dallin‚ British musician (Bananarama)‚ born in Bristol‚ England 1973 - Rian Johnson‚ American filmmaker (Star Wars: The Last Jedi‚ Knives Out)‚ born in Silver Springs‚ Maryland 1976 - Patrick Müller‚ Swiss footballer More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1981 - Edwin Erich Dwinger‚ German writer (General Vlassov)‚ dies at 83 1983 - Erik Christensen‚ NHL player 1991 - John Blatnik‚ (Rep-Minnesota‚ 1947-75)‚ dies at 80 2009 - Dan O'Bannon‚ Screenwriter‚ after a short illness (b.1943) 2010 - Mary Tregear‚ British museum curator (Ashmolean) and Chinese art historian‚ dies at 86 2022 - Manuel Muñoz‚ Chilean soccer striker (26 caps; CSD Colo-Colo)‚ dies at 94 More Famous Deaths »

A trailer for a new Hollywood movie premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival next month‚ asks the question “What’s the most dangerous animal on the planet?” to which the answer is “white people”. The [...] The post Trailer For New Hollywood Movie Says ‘Most Dangerous Animal In The World Is White People’ appeared first on The People's Voice.

Globalist billionaire Bill Gates has warned US citizens that they must comply with compulsory new Digital ID technology by 2028 at the latest – or face “exclusion from society.” The United Nations‚ the Bill and [...] The post Bill Gates: US Citizens ‘Must Accept Digital ID By 2028’ Or Face ‘Exclusion From Society’ appeared first on The People's Voice.

A U.S. Navy warship shot down more than a dozen terrorist drones fired by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists based in Yemen that were operating over the Red Sea on Saturday as attacks against U.S. forces and large commercial shipping vessels continues to escalate. “In the early morning hours of December 16 (Sanna time) the US Arliegh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64)‚ operating in the Red Sea‚ successfully engaged 14 unmanned aerial systems launched as a drone wave from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen‚” U.S. Central Command said in a statement. “The UAS were assessed to be one-way attack drones and were shot down with no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries. Regional Red Sea partners were alerted to the threat.” U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said that HMS Diamond also shot down one of the terrorist drones on Saturday. “HMS Diamond‚ one of the Navy’s most advanced warships‚ swiftly intercepted and neutralised a potential threat to merchant vessels in the Red Sea using a Sea Viper missile‚” the British Military said. “Alongside @RoyalNavy ‚ we remain steadfast in safeguarding the lawful passage of ships in the region.” HMS Diamond‚ one of the Navy's most advanced warships‚ swiftly intercepted and neutralised a potential threat to merchant vessels in the Red Sea using a Sea Viper missile. Alongside @RoyalNavy‚ we remain steadfast in safeguarding the lawful passage of ships in the region. pic.twitter.com/9GGnF1PAaZ — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) December 16‚ 2023 The incident on Saturday followed multiple Houthi attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea on Friday. Early Friday morning‚ “Houthi forces contacted the Motor Vessel MSC ALANYA‚ a Liberian flagged vessel that was traveling north in the southern part of the Red Sea and threatened to attack it‚” CENTCOM said. “The Houthis directed the vessel to turn around and proceed south. Although there were no U.S. ships in the area‚ U.S. forces maintained direct communications with the vessel‚ and the ALANYA continued north.” About two hours later‚ “a UAV launched from Houthi held territory struck the Liberian flagged Motor Vessel AL JASRAH as it was travelling south in the Red Sea‚” the statement said. “The AL JASRAH immediately broadcast a mayday signal that said the crew was fighting a fire caused by the attack.” Approximately four hours later‚ “Houthi forces launched two ballistic missiles towards the international shipping lanes in the Bab el-Mandeb strait‚” the statement concluded. “One of these missiles struck the Liberian flagged MV PALATIUM 3‚ which broadcast a mayday call and reported that the vessel was on fire. The USS MASON has responded to that request. The other missile likely missed any ships.”

Jewish-American Actor Michael Rapaport was in Israel this last week to increase pressure on international organizations to forces Hamas to release the more than a hundred Israelis that they are still holding hostage. Rapaport highlighted the wide range of people that he has met while visiting the country‚ saying that the nation’s “spirit” was special. “Your reputation really precedes you‚” he said. “The kindness‚ the warmth‚ the generosity that I’ve experienced in my time here‚ has been unparalleled in my travels. And unfortunately‚ amidst this spirit‚ there’s also a deep sadness and heartbreak that is apparent. Right over there by a tree I met a 69 year old Brazilian born Jewish woman named Pearl‚ whose family moved here when she was just nine years old. I said to Pearl‚ how you doing? And she started crying. And she said not good. She said what have they done to our country? I’ll never forget that. I know that everyone here has been affected and everyone is hurting in Israel. I also know that despite what we see on the news‚ despite what you see on social media‚ everybody in my city of New York is hurting also.” “The families that I’ve spoken to‚ who have sons that are still held captive inside Gaza after being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in broad daylight are devastated‚” he continued. “The heartbreak and despair that they are enduring is unimaginable and cannot be portrayed by any actor‚ Jewish or not. Currently‚ there are 129 men‚ women‚ and babies who have been in captivity for 71 days. 71 days. They need to come home now. There are two children — a 10 month old baby who still relies on formula and his four year old toddler brother — they need to come home now. There are 19 women‚ most of whom are in their 20s and 30s‚ 19 young women need to be freed akshav [immediately].” He also called on the male hostages‚ both young and old‚ to be released so they can go back to their families. “This is not just an Israel or Jewish crisis. This is not just an Israel or Jewish crisis‚” he continued. “This is a world wide global humanitarian crisis. The Red Cross‚ you need to get involved‚ you’re an embarrassment.” “From the bottom of my heart to the family members and friends that I’ve met since I’ve been here‚ the family members that I’m looking out‚ the family members behind me and around me‚” he said. “I know that so many people have suffered. I know that people are scared. I know that people are heartbroken and I am so sorry for the loss of so many lives. I want you guys to know this because I know it and I’ve only been here five days‚ Israel will rise. Israel is not going anywhere. The Jewish people are not going anywhere. I also want to encourage all Jewish people all around the world‚ whether you’re secular‚ Sephardic‚ Hasidic‚ and everything in between to stick together. Be nice to each other smile at each other and stick together stand tall‚ stand proud‚ stand stronger than ever‚ and bring the hostages home thank you guys and I love you.” WATCH: Actor and comedian @MichaelRapaport rallied at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv Saturday‚ continuing calls for Hamas to release all hostages in Gaza. @livenowfox pic.twitter.com/q6lC8naVlo — Giacomo Luca (@GiacomoLucaTV) December 16‚ 2023