Anne Kampf

At the beginning, science was based on what we would now call “magical thinking”. The sky was a source of answers, and the logic behind the idea of turning lead into gold was clear. Red Thread: Occult to Science and Beyond begins with an overview of all things ancient, esoteric, astronomical, mythical, and alchemic. Though the questions may have changed as science evolved, our need to understand the heavens and the earth has always been part of what it is to be human.

Since I read the stories of the Legends of Olympus as a child, I have been fascinated by the stories of Greek and Roman Mythology. In this chapter, we explore the heritage of the planetary names and the ways in which the heavens have helped people to understand everything from the passage of the seasons to their place in the universe. We look at Babylonian astrology, the Egyptian astrologers who refined the tradition, and the Greek myths that shaped it into what it is today.

We may think of ancient myths as being descended from the stars, but they were built through years of spiritual and intellectual experiences. Here, we explore the analogies that have fascinated countless generations of thinkers and questioners. We trace the significance of the number 12 across cultures and traditions, observing the echoes and patterns that can be found in everything from the names of the constellations to the symbolic roles of the 12 disciples of Jesus.

A pattern is a pattern is a pattern, regardless of whether we choose to accept or ignore this fact. Recently, neuroscientists and anthropologists have made new connections between physical features such as eye color and common behavioral patterns, reinforcing the tropes and traits that astronomers have linked to zodiac signs for centuries. But far from seeking to stereotype those around us, when we understand these patterns and tendencies, we can adapt our behavior and response to others to live in a more balanced and receptive way.

In this chapter, we examine the building blocks of life in the universe and the dualities that form its foundations. Throughout the fields of science and philosophy, we encounter opposites that coexist and even depend on each other. Actions have reactions and balance is key. When we grasp this principle, we can better navigate our lives, relationships, and the world around us.

We are surrounded by patterns. Anyone who claims that the future cannot be predicted should reflect more deeply on the way that, throughout history, repetitive behavior has led to similar outcomes. The stories that form our cultural shorthand are also populated with archetypes. These archetypes can serve as a map of our values, reveal our unconscious motivations, and allow us to gain a clearer understanding of how to work with our strengths and weaknesses to achieve our goals.

In this chapter, we look at the forces that shape our world on an minute level, and at the incomprehensible strength of celestial objects, sunspots and tides. As our knowledge of the universe and the forces that govern it increases, so do the number of questions we have. But here, we complete the circle as we discover that moons, stars, and planets – the very stuff of mythology – may influence everything from the growth of plants to human behavior after all.

I draw, undoubtedly, my own conclusion, but I extend an invitation for you to draw yours upon reading this book. Your perspective and feedback hold immense value to me, and I would be truly grateful if you could share your thoughts after immersing yourself in its pages. Your input means the world to me.