8.4 Lesson 1: Podcast: As It Is Above, It Is Below

Summary

This video explores the profound relationship between the earth, the sky, and the rhythms of life through the perspectives of indigenous astronomer Professor Annette Lee. As a Lakota and Ojibwe scholar, Lee highlights how science and indigenous knowledge systems intersect, emphasizing the importance of recognizing interconnectedness. She shares stories of how cultures like the Egyptians and Lakota have used celestial patterns to guide life, from farming to navigating seasons. This podcast reveals how we can reconnect with the natural world by understanding the stars, offering a holistic view of science and life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Professor Annette Lee, an indigenous scholar and astronomer, shares her deep connection to the stars and their importance in her culture.
• 😀 Indigenous knowledge systems, like those of the Lakota and Ojibwe, view the sky not as a distant, isolated phenomenon, but as a fundamental part of life.
• 😀 Science, particularly astronomy, is an essential tool for understanding the universe, but it is crucial to acknowledge the scientific contributions of non-European cultures.
• 😀 Indigenous peoples have been studying the sky for thousands of years, using stories to transmit scientific knowledge across generations.
• 😀 The relationship with the sky is integral to indigenous cultures, providing direction, hope, and guidance for the present and future.
• 😀 Indigenous scientific knowledge acknowledges that all living things are interconnected, and the earth and sky form a harmonious system.
• 😀 The phrase 'As it is above, it is below' in Lakota culture reflects the balance and flow between the spiritual world (above) and the material world (below).
• 😀 The Ojibwe community uses constellations to understand the rhythms of the earth, with constellations like the Loon marking important cultural connections.
• 😀 The Great Panther constellation (a.k.a. Leo in Western astronomy) in Ojibwe culture signals seasonal changes like spring, melting ice, and violent storms.
• 😀 Understanding the stars and their patterns provides guidance for living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth, helping individuals align their lives with these cosmic forces.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on the relationship between the Earth and the sky, emphasizing how indigenous cultures, such as the Lakota, Dakota, and Ojibwe, view the sky as a guide for life and how their knowledge systems connect the natural world with the rhythms of the Earth.

Why is the relationship with the sky considered important by Professor Annette Lee?

Professor Annette Lee explains that the relationship with the sky is vital because it provides direction, context for our past, guidance for the present, and a path for the future. It reflects the interconnectedness of all living things and offers a broader understanding of life's purpose.

What role does science play in Professor Lee's perspective on astronomy?

Professor Lee recognizes science, particularly Western science, as a precise tool that has advanced our technological capabilities. However, she also advocates for a broader understanding of science that acknowledges indigenous knowledge systems and their contributions to understanding the natural world.

What is the significance of indigenous knowledge systems in science?

Indigenous knowledge systems provide a holistic view of science that emphasizes interconnectedness and the relationship between living things, the Earth, and the sky. These systems have been used for thousands of years, often incorporating storytelling and observation to transmit knowledge.

What example does Professor Lee provide to illustrate a narrow focus in science?

Professor Lee mentions a nuclear waste site in St. Louis, where radioactive waste was dumped along the river. This example illustrates how modern science sometimes overlooks the broader environmental and ethical considerations of human actions, such as the long-term impact on natural systems like rivers and ecosystems.

How do the Egyptians' use of the star Sirius relate to their agricultural practices?

The Egyptians used the helical rising of the star Sirius to predict the flooding of the Nile, which was crucial for their agricultural system. The flooding of the Nile brought fertile soil and nutrients necessary for crop cultivation, which was essential for survival.

What does the Lakota phrase 'kappamini' signify?

'Kappamini' in Lakota represents the connection between the sky (spiritual world) and the Earth (material world). It embodies the concept that both realms are equally real, reflecting each other, and the flow of energy between them is essential for health, strength, and healing.

How do indigenous communities like the Lakota, Dakota, and Ojibwe view constellations?

Indigenous communities such as the Lakota, Dakota, and Ojibwe use constellations to organize their understanding of the sky and connect it with the natural rhythms of Earth. These constellations are more than just scientific patterns; they carry cultural significance, often linked to seasonal changes, life cycles, and survival.

Why is the Ojibwe loon constellation important?

The Ojibwe loon constellation is significant because it is visible year-round and helps the Ojibwe people place stars in the sky. The loon also holds cultural value, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the natural world, and it plays a role in guiding their understanding of the universe.

How do the Great Panther constellation and its associated teachings relate to the seasons?

The Great Panther constellation, or 'g'way,' is associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Its appearance in the sky marks the end of winter, snowmelt, and violent storms. This constellation teaches about the seasonal rhythms, including the natural cycles of life and renewal, vital for understanding the changing environment.