“Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest—
…Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!
Drink and the devil had done for the rest—
…Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!…… Ah, Hoy matties!
I remember watching The Page Master and wanting to hang out with the Book of Adventure… Oh, to be watching Moby Dick gives Capt. Ahab the thrill of his seaman life. To be mate on Capt. Hook’s flying ship fighting against the Lost Boys, or to be friends with Flapjack and join in on the shenanigans with Captain K’nuckles. Ah, to be one with the open waters, not knowing what lies beneath the surface. To be precisely how we were intended to be free like the Ocean breeze…

What makes one want to be a sea merchant? What makes one want to be a seaman or a sailor in the first place? Is it just like aviation, and does it have to be in your blood? Indeed, it’s a rough life, but it seems to be a fulfilling life. Or is it? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a sailor? A fisherman? How is it living on water versus living near it? It’s pretty apparent what the difference is; however, does one get called by the Sea, or does one choose the Sea? Undoubtedly, the lives of a sailor, a fisherman, and a sea merchant are all different, but this blog doesn’t talk about their lives or how or why they chose the life of the Sea.

“Avast ye, hearties! We’ve laid hands on a bounteous hoard pilfered from the richest galleons on the Spanish Main. Gold doubloons, precious gems, and the finest silks, all stowed away in our hold, a prize worth more than the wildest dreams of avarice. But mark me words, we’ll need to be as cunning as the devil himself to keep our loot from the grasp of the King’s navy and rival buccaneers. So, hoist the Jolly Roger, set a course for the nearest hidden cove, and let’s prepare to parley or fight for our right to this ill-gotten gain. May Neptune himself envy our fortune!” In this blog, we will explore the deep waters of astrology and explain why sailors trust this celestial compass over the real thing. As we submerge ourselves in this ancient way of sea travel, we will understand why constellations are the first GPS. So, grab your duffle bag and the telescope, make sure you have your rubber wading suit handy, and don’t forget to kiss your mother goodbye as we prepare for the Voyage of a Lifetime! Set the sail, clear the deck, pull the anchor, and don’t forget to check the lifeboats because once we set the latitude and longitudes, knots pick up, then and only then will we belong to the Sea!

The Beginning of Space Travel 

The bond between astrology and sailors stretches back to the earliest voyages, where the stars were not just points of light in the night sky but crucial navigational aids that guided explorers across the vast and unpredictable oceans. This relationship is steeped in history, mythology, and a profound respect for the celestial bodies that have guided humanity’s maritime adventures.

Sailors and pirates have used astrology for thousands of years to navigate and predict weather patterns. In ancient times, sailors relied on the stars to determine their position at Sea and to chart their course. They used the position of the sun and the moon to determine latitude and longitude and the moon’s phases to predict tides.

The Origins of Celestial Navigation

Using the stars to navigate the seas likely dates back to the Polynesians, around 3,000 years ago, who were among the first to use the stars systematically for oceanic voyages. Their understanding of celestial navigation was incredibly advanced, enabling them to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean and settle on the far-flung islands of Polynesia.

Pirates also used astrology to navigate and determine the best times to attack their prey. By studying the positions of the stars and the moon, pirates could predict the movements of their prey and plan their raids accordingly. They also used astrology to forecast weather patterns, which could significantly impact their ability to sail and attack.

The first documented use of the stars for navigation in the Western world can be traced back to the Phoenicians around 1200 BCE, who used the stars to navigate the Mediterranean. However, it was the Greeks who significantly advanced celestial navigation. The Greek astronomer Hipparchus (190-120 BCE) is often credited with developing the first known method of using the stars to navigate at Sea, using the North Star (Polaris) position to determine latitude.

MTHYS AND ASTROLOGY

As sailors ventured into the unknown, the stars became more than just navigational tools; they were imbued with mythological significance. Constellations were named after mythical figures, and sailors’ lore was rich with tales that personified celestial phenomena. Astrology played a significant role in these beliefs, with sailors attributing excellent or bad fortune to the positions of the stars and planets.

Sirius, one of the most famous nautical stars, is associated with the Greek myth of Orion, the hunter, and his faithful dog. Sailors used Sirius for navigation and saw it as a harbinger of the hot, storm-prone season, which could influence their voyages.

Advancement Over Time

The advent of the magnetic compass in the 12th century did not diminish the importance of the stars in navigation. Celestial navigation continued to evolve, with the development of the astrolabe in the Hellenistic world and later the sextant in the 18th century. These devices allowed sailors to measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, calculating their latitude more precisely.

The 20th century has brought sophisticated electronic navigation systems, such as GPS, which seemed to prevent the need for celestial navigation. However, the practice has seen a resurgence among sailors who appreciate the skill, tradition, and independence it offers. The U.S. Naval Academy, for example, reinstated celestial navigation in its curriculum in 2015, acknowledging its value as a failsafe against cyber threats to electronic navigation systems.

Modern-Day Sailors and the Stars

Despite the ubiquity of modern navigational tools, many sailors continue to look to the stars for guidance. This preference is not just about practicality; it’s a deeply felt connection to the history and tradition of seafaring. Learning to navigate by the stars is a rite of passage, linking today’s sailors with their forebears in a timeless dance with the cosmos.

The allure of celestial navigation lies in its blend of art and science, myth and reality. It demands a deep understanding of the night sky, a skill that modern sailors cherish as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, technological aids. By navigating the stars, sailors maintain a connection to the ancient mariners who first charted the seas, ensuring that the rich legacy of celestial navigation continues to guide future generations across the world’s oceans.

Final Thoughts

Regarding navigation and prediction, astrology also played a role in superstition and mythology among sailors and pirates. Many believed in the influence of the stars on their destiny and would consult with astrologers before setting sail. Some even believed in the power of the stars to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Despite advances in navigation technology, astrology remains integral to the tradition and culture of sailing and piracy.

Many sailors and pirates still use astrology for navigation, prediction, and superstition, a fascinating aspect of the maritime world. Astrology has played a significant role in shaping the history of the maritime world, from navigation and prediction to superstition and mythology. It has been a valuable tool for sailors and pirates for thousands of years. 

I couldn’t resist not having the whole song on here, so here you go!

“Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done the rest, Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! The mate was fixed by the bosun’s pike, The bosun brained with a marlinspike And cookey’s throat was marked belike It had been gripped by fingers ten; And there they lay, all good dead menLike break o’day in a boozing ken—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Fifteen men of the whole ship’s list—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!Dead and be damned and the rest gone whist—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! The skipper lay with his nob in goreWhere the scullion’s axe in his cheek had shore—And the scullion he was stabbed times four. And there they lay, and the soggy skies Dripped all day long in up-staring eyes—At murk sunset and at foul sunrise—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Fifteen men of ’em stiff and stark—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Ten of the crew had the murder mark Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! There was cutlass swipe or an ounce of lead, Or a yawing hole in a battered head—And the scuppers’ glut with a rotting red—And there they lay—aye, damn my eyes!—All lookouts clapped on paradise—All souls bound just contrary wise —Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Fifteen men of ’em good and true—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Ev’ry man jack could ha’ sailed with Old Pew—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! There was chest on chest of Spanish gold, With a ton of plate in the middle hold, And the cabins riot of stuff untold. And they lay there that took the plum, With sightless glare and their lips struck dumb, While we shared all by the rule of thumb—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! More was seen through a stern light screen—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Chartings undoubt where a woman had been! Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! ‘Twas a flimsy shift on a bunker cot, With a dirk slit sheer through the bosom spot And the lace stiff dry in a purplish blot, Oh was she wench or some shudderin’ maid That dared the knife and took the blade! By God! She had stuff for a plucky jade—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest—Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! We wrapped ’em all in a mains’l tight, With twice ten turns of a hawser’s bight, And we heaved ’em over and out of sight—With a Yo-Heave-Ho! and a fare-you-well! And a sudden plunge in the sullen swell Ten fathoms deep on the road to hell! Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!