The Longest Night - Winter Solstice 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

Constant as the Northern Star - Polaris 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

Tricks and Treats - Atoq 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

Swan Song - Cygnus 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

Master of All Trades - Orion 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

An introduction to The Celestial Tales podcast.  Listen to this first to find out what it's all about!   Music: Skye Cuillin by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4371-skye-cuillin License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license