Theia fights against the giants. Altar of Pergamon. Photo Credit: Miguel Hermoso Cuesta CC BY-SA 4.0
TWH – In Greek stories, we learn that Theia was a Titaness, one of the primordial deities that preceded the Olympians and subsequent gods and goddesses. Theia is the daughter of Gaia and Uranus, and she was the consort of Hyperion, another Titan. Together, Theia and Hyperion were the parents of Helios (the Sun), Selene (the Moon), and Eos (the Dawn). Thea’s name is derived from the Greek word “theos,” which means “divine” or “goddess.”
Theia is the goddess of sight and vision that is often associated with shining light and heavenly light. She has also been referred to as the goddess of the moon. Thea also has a role as the mother of important celestial deities, symbolizing the brilliance and radiance of heavenly bodies in ancient Greek cosmology.
Later versions of the Greek stories mention “The Sun came from Theia and Hyperion, and from the Sun came gold.”
In the modern sciences, Theia shares her name with a planet no longer part of our solar system. Instead, Theia is a hypothetical planet-sized object that is believed to have existed in the early solar system. The Giant Impact Hypothesis suggests that Theia collided with a young Earth about 4.5 billion years ago, leading to the formation of the Moon.
According to this theory, the collision between Earth and Theia was a massive event, causing debris to be ejected into space. Over time, this debris came together due to gravitational forces, forming the Moon. This scenario explains some of the similarities in isotopic compositions between Earth and the Moon.
Theia itself no longer exists as a distinct celestial body, its proposed existence and collision with Earth are important concepts in the study of planetary formation and the origin of the Moon.
That is until scientists spotted a mysterious lump in the Earth’s mantle. Last Monday, scientists published in the prestigious journal, Nature, that two continent-sized anomalies are likely the buried relics of Theia. The theory is not new, but Anil Oza told Nature News that “ this paper is the first in my mind to really take that notion seriously.”
The scientists created some mathematical models that held to the evidence. As Nature News reports, “The model isn’t a smoking gun that the mantle anomalies are remnants of Theia, but Yuan and his colleagues have “made a case that [the scenario] can be taken seriously”, Canup says. “It’s not just a throwaway idea, which is kind of what I think [it] was before this work.” The next step will be validating the models by comparing rock samples from the mantle with some from the Moon.”
The study’s lead author, Dr. Qian Yuan, a geophysicist and postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology, reported he had a eureka moment about the blobs and model. “I was afraid of turning to other people because I (was) afraid others would think I’m too crazy,” Yuan said.
Plutarch’s fable, The Moon and her Mother, reminds us that everyone has their own strengths and qualities. It is futile to compare oneself to others and wish for what they have. Instead, one should embrace their own uniqueness and be content with their abilities and attributes.
Announcements:
20th Conference on Current Pagan Studies: 2024
Sadly, the Conference on Current Pagan Students has been canceled for this coming year. Jeffrey Albaugh, PhD., the program manager for the conference, wrote “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the Conference of Current Pagan Studies for the year 2024. Due to unforeseen issues that have arisen, we are unable to proceed with the event as planned. We understand the disappointment this may bring, but we are committed to making the conference an enriching and safe experience for all participants, which has regrettably become unattainable for this year.
We want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly, and it is in the best interest of the Pagan community and the conference itself. The health, well-being, and quality of the experience for our attendees are of utmost importance to us.
However, we have every intention of returning with the Conference of Current Pagan Studies in 2025. We are already working diligently to resolve the issues that led to this year’s cancellation and to make the 2025 conference a truly exceptional and inclusive gathering.”
He added, ” We appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and we look forward to reconvening in 2025 for a memorable and enriching Conference of Current Pagan Studies.”
Do you have news to share with our community? Elevations? Events? Let us know at pcn@wildhunt.org.
Upcoming Gatherings:
The next Earth-based Spirituality Team (EBSAT) event has been announced. EBSAT is for “anyone who keeps the sacred Earth at the center of their practice. We see action on climate change as an urgent moral imperative. We aim to reach out into our global communities and recruit volunteers for Citizens’ Climate Lobby. We recognize and honor the spiritual nature of climate work.”
The Earth-based Spirituality Team is for Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, Occultists, Druids, Gaians, Goddess-worshippers, Earth-worshippers, Animists, Deep Ecologists, Scientific Pantheists, Creation-centered Christians, Secular Humanists, and Religious Naturalists. We enthusiastically welcome indigenous people, followers of African Diasporic Traditions, shamanic practitioners, and anyone who shares our reverence for Mother Earth.
Here is a brief on the EBSAT:
Open Coven is running the following in-person events in Western North Carolina this Fall and early winter. Open Coven is run by TWH writer Liz Watkin, a fiber artist and educator with an online learning background.
Open Coven provides resources on using fiber art for magick. This includes embroidery and fiber art kits, classes, and online workshops. For more info. visit their website:
- 11/18 & 11/19 – Pop-up: 11 am – 7 pm at Asheville Raven and Crone (640 Merrimon Ave #207, Asheville, NC)
- 11/25 – Magick Talisman Class: 2 – 4 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W. Asheville)
- 12/9 – Tarot Bag Class: 2 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W. Asheville)
- 1/13 – Altar Cloth Class: 1 – 5 pm at The Well (3 Louisiana Ave, W. Asheville)
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Positively Noteworthy
We thought some positive drone images were called for, for a change, and are happy to report that an 11-year-old and totally blind labrador retriever that had been missing for 3 days from her UK home has been safely found. The dog’s pet parent did not think Molly was ever going to be found according to Drone To Home CEO Phil James speaking with Newsweek.
The drone team was called on the third day of Molly’s disappearance, but at that point, the owner already believed she had passed.
Drone To Home located Molly in just two hours. Molly was jumping like a puppy when her farmer owner spoke to her after getting out of the car.
@dronetohome Tissues at the ready. ❤️ 11yr old labrador missing for 3 days and totally blind. We were informed only today and within 2 hours we found her and reunited her to her delighted owner. She was jumping like a puppy when her farmer owner spoke to her after getting out the car. Drone To Home continue to deliver on their promise to be the best they can be. With the help of our monthly individual donations, our monthly company sponsors and your huge support we continue to be positive, humble and determined. Please visit www.dronetohome.co.uk and donate to the registered charity Drone To Home. ❤️
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Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Ethereal Visions Tarot: Luna Edition, by Matt Hughes, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Major arcana, (0), The Fool
The week ahead is liable to offer opportunities for new beginnings, creative endeavors, and potential adventures. Following the beat of one’s own heart is likely to be key this week.
Conversely, pursuing ideas and projects with reckless abandon and with little regard for consequences can result in burnout, dismay, and even apathy.
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