In Greek Mythology the constellations were mostly god-favoured heroes who received a place in the heavens in memorial of their deeds. They were regarded, as semi-divine spirits, living entities who strode across the heavens.
The Paiute of North America describe the stars as the children of the sun and moon. Because the sun loves to eat his children, the stars disappear whenever he rises above the horizon. However, the moon, their mother, often dances happily across the sky with the stars.
Someone chooses to combine these 2 stories into one - when we leave we go back to the family of heavens. Up there we dance when the moon rises and are watching and blessing our families below us.
May your dad rest in peace.
My column illustration titled "My Star" | April 2015
