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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
An astronomer with a Jungian streak, Krupp (Echoes of the Ancient Sky), the director of the Griffith Observatory in L.A., synthesizes the study of the heavens with archeology in an intriguing attempt to understand the cultural power of shamans and kings in ancient civilizations. In the tradition of Frazer, Eliade and Campbell, the author seeks commonality in the use of sky myths by shamans from cultures as diverse as the Mayan, Egyptian, Tibetan, Mongolian, Chinese, Turkic, African and Inuit, as well as those of the indigenous peoples of the American plains, Northwest and Southwest. Carefully analyzing sacred petroglyphs, pictographs and statuary, he traces the evolution of culture from hunting bands to the establishment of complex civilizations. The journey includes study of the natural high places of the earth, which direct human awe heavenward toward the sky gods. Alternately, the chthonic depths of caves and grottoes are examined for insight into the traditions of nurturing mother goddesses and fertility cults. Throughout, reference to ancient awareness of the movement of the planets and constellations, especially in regard to the solstices and equinoxes, is highlighted. With an anecdotal style and with reference to myriad illustrations, Krupp enngagingly explores the historic derivation of political control descending from the skies, to rulers. The harmonics of order implicit in the structure of the cosmos, he forcefully contends, are endangered by contemporary reactionary, earthbound cultures, engendering conflicts that are expressed in rising social intolerance and religious fundamentalism.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Is there a connection between political power and the knowledge of astronomy? Krupp (The Moon and You, S. & S., 1993), an astronomer and director of the Griffith Observatory, maintains that throughout history, knowledge of cosmic principles has allowed individuals to attain great political standing. The establishment of dynasties frequently involved the ultimate deification of a monarch or lineage in relationship to celestial myths and was evidenced in cosmic rituals. Krupp describes numerous creation myths from around the world, coupled with sky worship rituals as practiced by shamans and rulers. Common mythic elements are examined, along with the political power that resulted from the mastery of astronomy over the masses. Numerous photographs, drawings, and illustrations provide visual details for the many societies covered here. Krupp also explains how the separation of church and state in this country has taken the use of miracles and sacred power out of the political arena. Krupp's argument would have achieved greater impact with a longer chapter along this vein. This book will appeal to lay readers as well as scholars.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L., Kan.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Editorial Reviews
An astronomer with a Jungian streak, Krupp (Echoes of the Ancient Sky), the director of the Griffith Observatory in L.A., synthesizes the study of the heavens with archeology in an intriguing attempt to understand the cultural power of shamans and kings in ancient civilizations. In the tradition of Frazer, Eliade and Campbell, the author seeks commonality in the use of sky myths by shamans from cultures as diverse as the Mayan, Egyptian, Tibetan, Mongolian, Chinese, Turkic, African and Inuit, as well as those of the indigenous peoples of the American plains, Northwest and Southwest. Carefully analyzing sacred petroglyphs, pictographs and statuary, he traces the evolution of culture from hunting bands to the establishment of complex civilizations. The journey includes study of the natural high places of the earth, which direct human awe heavenward toward the sky gods. Alternately, the chthonic depths of caves and grottoes are examined for insight into the traditions of nurturing mother goddesses and fertility cults. Throughout, reference to ancient awareness of the movement of the planets and constellations, especially in regard to the solstices and equinoxes, is highlighted. With an anecdotal style and with reference to myriad illustrations, Krupp enngagingly explores the historic derivation of political control descending from the skies, to rulers. The harmonics of order implicit in the structure of the cosmos, he forcefully contends, are endangered by contemporary reactionary, earthbound cultures, engendering conflicts that are expressed in rising social intolerance and religious fundamentalism.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Is there a connection between political power and the knowledge of astronomy? Krupp (The Moon and You, S. & S., 1993), an astronomer and director of the Griffith Observatory, maintains that throughout history, knowledge of cosmic principles has allowed individuals to attain great political standing. The establishment of dynasties frequently involved the ultimate deification of a monarch or lineage in relationship to celestial myths and was evidenced in cosmic rituals. Krupp describes numerous creation myths from around the world, coupled with sky worship rituals as practiced by shamans and rulers. Common mythic elements are examined, along with the political power that resulted from the mastery of astronomy over the masses. Numerous photographs, drawings, and illustrations provide visual details for the many societies covered here. Krupp also explains how the separation of church and state in this country has taken the use of miracles and sacred power out of the political arena. Krupp's argument would have achieved greater impact with a longer chapter along this vein. This book will appeal to lay readers as well as scholars.?Gloria Maxwell, Kansas City P.L., Kan.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Editorial Reviews
Product Details
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