Seven Sisters In The Sky: Myth and Symbolism of Pleiades

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The Pleiades star cluster has been an object of fascination and wonder for thousands of years. You may know her as the Seven Sisters. No wonder, in many cultures, the Pleiades have been associated with mystical and spiritual beliefs. Befittingly is also seen as a group of powerful and magical beings.

Myth Behind Pleiades

In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of the sea-nymph Pleione and  Atlas -a Titan who was punished by Zeus to hold up the sky on his shoulders for eternity. Their names were Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope. Their name, Pleione means “Ladies of Plenty” from the Greek word pleiôn “plenty.”

According to the myth, they were pursued by Orion, the giant hunter, who was in love with them. To protect the sisters probably from getting raped, Zeus transformed them into stars and placed them in the night sky.

Another tale suggests that the Pleiades were the companions of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, who transformed them into stars to protect them from the advances of Orion, a giant hunter.

Whatever the myth is, the story of the Pleiades constellation is strong a metaphor for the power of sisterhood and the strength that comes from sticking together. Because of its feminine sisterhood energy, the 7 sisters constellation has been associated with fertility and abundance and is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

What Is So Special About The Pleiades?

The Seven Sisters, are beautifully located in the constellation Taurus and they are special for many reasons:

Visibility

The Pleiades are one of the most easily visible star clusters in the night sky. They can be seen with the naked eye from almost anywhere on Earth and have been observed and recorded by many different cultures throughout history.

The Pleiades are a relatively young cluster, estimated to be only around 100 million years old and contain over a thousand stars. They are also made up of hot, bright, and massive stars that emit beautiful blue-white light.

Mythology and Symbolism

The Pleiades have been associated with mythology and symbolism in many different cultures, including Greek, Japanese, and Native American. They are often seen as a symbol of fertility, and abundance. They are often associated with the planting and harvesting of crops, and their appearance in the sky is seen as a sign of prosperity and good fortune.

Daughters of Atlas are a symbol of sisterhood and feminine power. In Hinduism, the Pleiades are associated with the birth of the warrior goddess Durga. Finally, in some Native American cultures, they are seen as the spirits of ancestors who have passed on and are guiding the living through their journey.

In Christianity, this constellation does not hold any significant religious or spiritual meaning. However in Islam, these stars are known as Al-Thurayya and are mentioned in the Quran. They are often associated with guidance and protection, and are believed to have been a source of inspiration for Arabic poets throughout history. The Pleiades are also significant in Islamic astronomy, as they mark the beginning of the Arabic lunar calendar. In traditional Islamic culture, the sighting of the Pleiades after sunset is used to determine the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan.

Astrology

In astrology, the Pleiades are considered a significant star cluster and are said to have a powerful influence on human destiny. They are associated with qualities such as intuition, creativity, and psychic ability, and are often used in horoscopes and astrological charts.

Astrologically, the arrival of the Pleiades in the night sky is often considered a sign of spring and has been used to mark the beginning of agricultural seasons.

Witchcraft

In witchcraft and Wicca, the seven Pleiades are the source of divine inspiration and guidance. Many witches believe that the stars can bring them closer to the spirit world and help them tap into their own intuition and psychic abilities. Some also believe that the stars can be used for divination and prophecy, and they can help witches connect with their ancestors and spirit guides.

The Pleiades have been seen as a source of divine inspiration and mystical experience. Some spiritual traditions believe that the stars can bring people closer to the spirit world and help them tap into their own intuition and psychic abilities.

The Pleiades are also associated with the element of air. They are used in spells and rituals that involve communication, travel, and intellectual pursuits. The Pleiades is a symbol of clarity, focus, and creativity, and are often used to help witches tap into their mental powers and abilities.

Pleiades Star Ritual: “The Celestial Harmony”

When the Pleiades are at their zenith (highest point in the sky) you can use their powerful light for a ritual. November 21st, 2023 Seven Sisters will be at this zenith! Tonight write down 7 things you want to attract and 7 things you want to banish in your life this year. Let this paper see the lights of the stars all night, put it near a window and in the morning burn it by visualizing your wishes.

The Pleiades star cluster is a powerful symbol in many cultures and spiritual traditions. Whether you are a witch, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone drawn to the night sky’s magic, the Pleiades offer a source of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance that can help you connect with your inner self with the world around you.

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