A Cosmic Event: What Comet NEOWISE Signals for Humanity
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Chapter 1: A Celestial Visitor
Currently, the night sky reveals the presence of Comet NEOWISE, an abbreviation for Near-Earth Object Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer. Historically, the arrival of a comet has often been interpreted as a harbinger of ominous events.
Woody Sullivan, an astronomy professor, notes that comets have long been viewed as omens, often associated with misfortune. However, there are exceptions: the comet that appeared during Julius Caesar's death was seen by the Romans as a sign of his divinity, and Napoleon took great interest in comets during his military successes.
Pope Callixtus III famously excommunicated Halley's Comet in 1456, labeling it as "the devil's instrument," suggesting he thought it had nefarious intent prior to his decree.
As our nation grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which saw over 66,000 new cases in just one day on July 10, could the comet's passage herald positive change?
After months of dismissing the virus and ignoring advice from his team, President Trump finally donned a mask during a visit to Walter Reed Military Medical Center. This navy blue mask, adorned with the Presidential seal, marks a significant departure from his previous stance and could serve as a memorable keepsake of his presidency.
This change occurred while he visited injured soldiers. Could this be a sign of breaking away from a stubborn tradition?
Reflecting on the comet's last visit 10,000 years ago, we have no record of its significance then. No one documented the events or their implications at that time.
Interestingly, this isn't the first instance of Trump wearing a mask; he previously wore one at the Ford Motor Company but refused to keep it on during the public tour.
This moment of leadership—choosing to set a positive example—invites me to consider my own stubborn habits that I could amend. (Yes, I admit, I can be quite obstinate.)
One such habit involves my sleeping arrangements. Currently, I sleep on a futon with an aging mattress, necessitating a room overhaul to accommodate a proper bed.
You know how office supply stores sell items in bulk, never just the one or two you need? My metal bookshelf is filled with unnecessary supplies. In the center of my room lie items that could be stored on that shelf if I made the effort to declutter. This change could transform my sleeping space back into a true bedroom.
Catalyst: Upcoming Foot Surgery
Next week, I have a minor foot surgery scheduled. Transitioning from my futon is likely to be painful, but perhaps it’s time for a change.
I prefer not to view Comet NEOWISE as a precursor to further disasters—of which we have a surplus. Instead, I hope it symbolizes an opportunity to address long-standing issues and remove self-imposed barriers.
Too close to the sun
Some lump of stuff flies
The heat of our solar orb
Ignites it, lights it ablaze.
How far does it go,
The everywhere consciousness?
Does a comet know it’s a comet,
Know enough to stay a comet,
And not transform into a white
Bird, at night flying, or
An angel with something important to say.
Donadagohvi (“until we meet again” in Cherokee) For the next meet-up, click here.
Chapter 2: Reflections on Humanity's Past
The first video explores the question: What Will Humans Be Like in 10,000 Years? This thought-provoking discussion considers the future of humanity and what we might evolve into over millennia.
The second video delves into the intriguing topic of What Were Humans Doing 10,000 Years Ago? It examines our ancestors' lives and the significant milestones of human history.
Aikya Param grew up in a family that cherished storytelling and artistry, culminating in her master’s degree in Women’s Spirituality from New College of California in 2002.