ATLAS: THE HOLDER OF THE HEAVENS.
He was the god who taught to ancient Greeks the
art of astronomy, so important for sailors in navigation and farmers in
measuring the seasons. We all know how important was for ancient people to know
the movement of the stars.
It is said that Atlas was punished to hold the heavens on his
shoulders because he led the titans against Zeus. Well, just this simple myth
is telling us a lot. First you can see how important is to respect the
hierarchy. Remember Cosmos is the Greek word for Universe. Cosmos means order.
Without rules it cannot be order and without someone with the authority to make
the rules to be respected then nobody would do so. Zeus represents the highest
hierarchy and the one who has the maximum authority. Going against the maximum
hierarchy, in other words, not respecting the rules will lead the
universe to chaos.
The punishment: Holding the heavens on his shoulder means to respect the order and be an example for others.
Atlas is teaching us to respect the order, the laws of the universe and, at the same time, he is teaching us to develop the capacity to endure. ENDURANCE IS THE CAPACITY TO GO BEYOND YOUR LIMITS TO ACHIEVE WHATEVER YOU WANT.
ATLAS AND HERAKLES.
There is the myth where Herakles (Hercules) is looking for the Golden Apples. Those precious fruits had the power to give immortality to the one who eat them. We would like to have some apples like those in the supermarkets, it could be awesome.
Herakles found Atlas, who knew where the apples were, the latter promised to bring the apples if Hercules would hold the heavens for him while Atlas goes for the apples. He accepted the deal. Atlas went for the apples, but he did not want to hold the havens any longer. Hercules said he would do so, but he asked Atlas just to hold it for a minute. Atlas accepted, but Hercules went away. Here we see a very clear example that being strong is not enough, you have to be smart too.
Herakles, it is said, built two pillars to help Atlas to hold the heavens. Obviously, this was done out of mercy. You can be strong, but you have to have a heart.
For more about Hercules check: GREEK HEROES AND GODS (Link at the bottom).
THE PLEIADES:
Pleione was Atlas' wife. The Pleiades, the Hyades and the Hyas were her children. Laison and Hermes were her grandsons.
The Pleiades wee seven:
- ELECKTRA (ELECKRA)
- MAIA
- TAYGETE (TAYGETA)
- ALCYONE (HALCYONE)
- ALCYONE (HALCYONE)
- ASTEROPE (STEROPE)
- MEROPE
- CELAENO.
ELEKTRA (ELECRA)
Meaning "shining' or "brilliant." She was the mother of Dardanus (Zeus was his father), the founder of the magnificent Troy.
MAIA
Her name means "Mother" or "The great one." Adding and "R" is "MARIA" (Spanish) the mother of Jesus, Mary. She was mother of Hermes (Check link on the bottom). Yes, Zeus was his father. In the Roman version Maia was the goddess of spring season and the daughter of Faunus and wife of Vulcan.
TAYGETE (TAYGETA)
Its meaning probably is "The one with a long Neck." Mother of Lacedaemon, founder of Sparta. Zeus was his father.
ALCYONE (HALCYONE)
Meaning "The Queen who rejects evil." Mother of Anthas, founder of Anthea, Hyperea, and Halicarnasssus. No, Zeus was not his father. His father was Poseidon the god of the oceans.
ASTEROPE (STEROPE)
Its meaning is "Lighting" or "sun face." Mother of Hippodaima, Leucippus, Hippodamus, and Dysponteus.Oenamus was her husband.
MEROPE
Menaing "Eloquent." Mother of Glaucus, Ornytion, and Sinon.Her husnad was Sisyphus, great grand son of Prometheus (The one who robbed the fire of the gods, but not the fire to cook as some people believe).
CELAENO
Meaning "Swarthy." Mother of Lycus (Wolf) and Chimaerus (Male goat). Prometheus was their father.
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