The wonder of the night sky has always captivated humankind. For many thousands of years before the telescope was there, ancient people studied the stars with the naked eye. The movement of the cosmos had its effect not only on seasons, but also on human feelings, according to them. Some of these notions happen to align with modern scientific perspectives on humans. So, our thoughts, moods, and inner states adjust with cosmic rhythms.
1. Tracking Shadows using Sundials
One of the earliest methods uses shadow movement. The Egyptians built obelisks to measure the Sun’s travel. Shadows indicated time of day and the emotional rhythm of the communities. People were more energized with shorter shadows and calmer with longer shadows.
With contemporary studies on circadian rhythm, we know sunlight also has an impact on mood. A 2018 study conducted by Harvard found a confirmed correlation between insufficient sun exposure and increased sadness and fatigue. Ancient populations likely managed their emotional cycles by tracking the shadows.
Did you know? The oldest sundial known to date was in Egypt, dating back to 1500 B.C.
Islam also emphasizes the Sun’s role in determining the timing for prayer. Muslims regulate their emotions and behaviour by measuring the lengths of shadows for their Salah. This is an example of how ancient ways of measuring time integrate into spiritual discipline.
A real life case is there in the desert dwellers of Arabia. Before clocks, they observed shadows to determine when to rest, travel, and pray. Their emotional calmness is anchoring to a cosmic order.
2. Watching the Moon’s Phases
Modern science is now beginning to catch up with these philosophers. One study done in Switzerland showed, on average, that a person takes longer to fall asleep when it is a full moon. The study also cited an increase in mood swings. Therefore, it would seem, in fact, evidence does exist that relates a lunar influence on mood and emotions.
Did you know? The term lunatic is derived from the Latin word luna, which means moon.
Additionally, the Qur’an references the lunar influence as a sign of guidance: “They ask you about the new moons. Say, they are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.” (2:189, Qur’an)
For a practical example, Muslims use moon sighting to start their month of Ramadan. A visible crescent moon brings joy to hearts and uplifts people around the world. I mention this to show that the emotional relationship to the phases of the moon continues to exist through the practice of lunar observation in religion and society.
Read more: 4 Must-Watch Docs on Ancient Beliefs
3. Aligning Temples with Star Risings
Many ancient temples had multitasking star alignments. Egyptians aligned pyramids with the constellations of Orion’s belt. Mayans designed temples for the rising of Venus. These alignments were not haphazard. Ancient observatories believed that the emotions of the worshippers were affected to a greater degree while witnessing certain rising stars.
Modern psychology teaches us that rituals connected to the cosmic order can impact emotional states by minimizing symptoms related to anxiety. A Stanford study on religious practices with synchronized rituals found that these rituals could reduce anxiety or emotional distress. These ancient star-aligned temples worked similarly as an emotional anchor.
Did you know? The Great Pyramid is aligned to true north with more accuracy than modern compass points!
Islam has transitioned from worship of stars to worship of Allah. The Kaaba is aligned with the cardinal points, allowing Muslims to pray anywhere with a unified emotional connection. Worshipping while aligned to the cardinal points replaces the superstition of the stars for divine connection.
5. Star Calendars for Farming and Feelings
The Babylonians, the Chinese, and the Arabs built star calendars. All recorded star patterns so they could predict rain and drought, and what to plant when; and it also affected their feelings. An abundant harvest felt wonderful, while the star warnings of famine were terrifying.
We see similar patterns today. The weather does affect our sense of well-being. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that has been proven to lower our mood when there’s a lack of sunlight. Ancient star calendars used star observations to predict and unknowingly forecast the emotional climate, too.
Now you know: As far back as 1200 B.C. Babylonians recorded the movements of stars on clay tablets.
The Qur’an tells us: “And He it is who made for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darkness of the land and the sea” (Qur’an 6:97). So, it is clear that they were important survival tools, not just for predictions of fate.
6. Noting planetary motion.
Humans have always tracked the visible planets – astrological cultures like the ancient Greeks & Persians even had emotions for the planets. Martian-like emotions are associated with warlike sentiments, and Venus-like emotions are associated with love. Also, they integrated the emotional states linked with planets into poetry, political affairs, and everyday feelings.
Studies in neuroscience suggest why humans project their emotions onto the planets. Humans tend to externalize inner states, which creates some separation or context for understanding one’s life. Also, planetary “alignment” shifts also impact Earth’s gravity and magnetic fields, and these changes likely explain sleep patterns & emotional rhythms.
Fun fact: Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the moon, it’s even visible in the daytime!
7. Stars, Poetry, and Feelings
Often Adam’s and Eve’s (or poets’) poems are about stars. Likewise, many poets, like Chinese mystics and Greek philosophers, write poems about stars. Also, they thought stars captured human feelings like love, sadness, hope, and inspiration. And poetry was the heart’s method of tracking stars.
Modern psychology agrees. Hence, expressing your feelings with metaphors can lessen stress. Also, researchers from Cambridge explored how poetry engages brain regions that regulate feelings. So, ancient star poetry, then, was as much an art form as it was emotional medicine.
Did you know? In pre-Islamic Arabia, poets were even honored by entire tribes when they wrote shining poems about stars.
Islamic Poetry did the same. Sufi poets like Rumi wrote that each soul is “a star reflecting divine light.” Also, these poems inspired emotional healing as they transcended time and consciousness.
Conclusion
Modern science has confirmed some of these connections. The sunshine, moonlight, and stars all affect sleep, mood, health, and more. Also, Islam refines the connection by also reminding us that stars are signs of Allah and not controllers of fate.
As a result, we too still have some echoes of the ancient method of sky tracking and its place in our hearts.
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