Galactic Mythology: A Journey Through Stars & Stories With John Bucher
In this three-part lecture series leading up to the Great American Eclipse, we’ll explore the tales, cosmic wonders and ancient myths of the stars above.
Course Description
Join us with your stargazing wonder and your astronomical curiosity and to revel in the stories of the skies! In this course, we’ll journey through the cosmos, where the stars whisper their secrets and mythic heroes stride across the universe. From the tragic death of Orion, to the romantic waltz of Venus and Mars, to the rituals of the monstrous star goddess, Tzitzimitl of Aztec mythology, each constellation has a tale to tell. Our night sky is a canvas, painted with hues of starlit myths and interstellar stories waiting to be unpacked. We’ll discuss where myth meets matter and how science waltzes with folklore, and you’ll definitely walk away with impressive ways to make your next stargazing date a smash hit!
You can even flaunt your knew expertise during one the most enchanting astronomical phenomenons, The Great American Eclipse! On April 8, 2024, the Great American Eclipse will pass over Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., with countless locations able to witness the total solar eclipse, unimpeded—including in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at Atlas Obscura’s own Ecliptic Festival. No matter where you see this historic event, it’ll be a perfect time to drop your new star knowledge!
Syllabus At A Glance
This course includes three total sessions, each lasting for 1.5 hours on three consecutive Tuesdays beginning March 5.
Session 1 (Tuesday, 3/5, 8:00—9:30pm ET)| Brother Sun and Sister Moon: An introduction to astronomy and mythology
Session 2 (Tuesday, 3/12, 8:00—9:30pm ET)| The Myths of the Zodiac: The 12 signs that intersect the rising of the sun
Session 3 (Tuesday, 3/19, 8:00—9:30pm ET)| Collective Cultural Dreams in the Sky: Beyond the Greek and Roman myths
Between Sessions
While there will be no requirements between classes, additional suggested reading may be available.
Pricing Options
This course is available at three ticket prices. This tiered pricing model is designed to increase access for a wider range of students as well as to support our instructors. In addition to tiered tickets, we offer a limited number of no-pay spots for students who would not otherwise be able to take this course. No-pay spots are selected via a randomized drawing two weeks before each section begins. For more information and to apply for a no-pay spot, please click here. To learn more about our pricing model and randomized selection process for no-pay spots, please visit our FAQ page.
Community Guidelines for Students
Please take a moment to review our community guidelines for students, which aim to share our classroom ethos and help set the stage for the best possible learning experience.
Atlas Obscura Online Courses
Atlas Obscura Courses offer opportunities for participants to emerge with new skills, knowledge, connections, and perspectives through multi-session classes designed and taught by expert instructors. To learn more about our current course offerings, please visit www.atlasobscura.com/online-courses. For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our FAQ page here.
Founded in 2009, Atlas Obscura created the definitive community-driven guide to incredible places across the planet and is now an award-winning company that shares the world’s hidden wonders in person and online.
Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite that will provide access to each class meeting. Please save the confirmation email as you’ll use it to access all sessions of your course via Zoom.
Dr. John Bucher is a mythologist and storyteller based out of Hollywood, California. He serves as Creative Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation and is also an author, podcaster, speaker, teacher, and consultant. He has worked with companies including HBO, DC Comics, The History Channel, A24 Films, and has served as a consultant and writer for numerous film, television, and Virtual Reality projects. He co-hosts the Skeleton Keys podcast, which examines mythology and history in pop culture, with Historian Torri Yates-Orr. John holds a PhD in Mythology and Depth Psychology and has spoken on 6 continents about myth, story, rituals, symbols, and cults.
This lecture series is designed so students can participate live or watch a recording of each session, after it airs, at a time that is convenient for them. Sessions will take place live over Zoom, with dedicated Q&A segments for students to ask questions via video or chat. Within 72 hours after each session meets, students will receive access to a recording of the live session, which they can watch for up to two weeks after the course concludes.
Instructors may use Google Classroom to communicate with students outside of class. While students aren’t required to use Google Classroom, instructors may use this platform to post resources, discussion questions, or assignments. This platform also offers a space for students to connect with one another about course material between sessions.
We provide closed captioning for all of our courses and can share transcripts upon request. Please reach out to us at experiences@atlasobscura.com if you have any questions, requests, or accessibility needs.
