What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ancient World-Wide System: Star Myths of the World, Volume One
This completely new edition of Star Myths of the World, Volume One, stands as the definitive guide to the ancient world-wide system of celestial metaphor which forms the foundation for the world's ancient myths, scriptures and sacred stories, from virtually every culture on every inhabited continent and island of our planet. Embark on a journey of exploration through the myths of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient India, Ancient China and Japan, and of the cultures of Australia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas. You will encounter astonishing connections between the myths, and see how these connections reveal the existence of a vast ancient system which predates even the most ancient cultures and civilizations known to conventional history. And you will learn to listen to the myths in the language they are actually speaking -- a language of the stars, intended to convey profound (and practical) truths for our benefit and blessing in this life.
912 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2019
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 17, 2019
I first learned of Mathisen's work through his YouTube channel and looked to this book to provide some more details on his work. It is well written in plain language with analogies many people may understand used to demonstrate meaning. This book is the first in a multi-volume series, and I have yet to read the others. (I believe there are four volumes as of this review.) Even without reading all volumes, this book makes the Ancient World-wide System in question clear, as the volumes are organized by region. I read the revised second addition which benefits from ability to reference which other volumes similar types of myths may be referenced in.
The premise itself is clear and though as an individual reader, I may disagree with some of the subjective aspects of matching constellations to specific scenes from mythology, I did find the overall concept plausible and even likely. After I became familiar with Mathisen's work, I found myself recognizing the forms of the constellations not only in art of antiquity but in later paintings of mythological or religious figures and even in certain decks of tarot cards. Clearly there's a system in use, though it may not always be common knowledge or used by all
In this work, the author, Mathisen, references influential works such as Hamelt's Mill (De Santillana and Von Dechen) and The Stars (Rey). I don't think one has to have read those before reading this, as the most necessary information is quoted or referenced, but I do recommend those works.
I liked this work. I wouldn't say, in my opinion, this book or the series provides someone the fullest 'picture', because while I agree with Mathisen's non-literalist interpretations for the most part, I do think there's a place for interpreting the myths as based *some* historical aspects or on symbolism that connects to others aspects of the natural world other than the stars. That said, I do recommend this book for those who have an interest in non-denominational spirituality, comparative mythology, astronomy, or ancient knowledge. I think the proposed system is one important part of a greater body of ancient knowledge and this work is a great introduction to this part.
The premise itself is clear and though as an individual reader, I may disagree with some of the subjective aspects of matching constellations to specific scenes from mythology, I did find the overall concept plausible and even likely. After I became familiar with Mathisen's work, I found myself recognizing the forms of the constellations not only in art of antiquity but in later paintings of mythological or religious figures and even in certain decks of tarot cards. Clearly there's a system in use, though it may not always be common knowledge or used by all
In this work, the author, Mathisen, references influential works such as Hamelt's Mill (De Santillana and Von Dechen) and The Stars (Rey). I don't think one has to have read those before reading this, as the most necessary information is quoted or referenced, but I do recommend those works.
I liked this work. I wouldn't say, in my opinion, this book or the series provides someone the fullest 'picture', because while I agree with Mathisen's non-literalist interpretations for the most part, I do think there's a place for interpreting the myths as based *some* historical aspects or on symbolism that connects to others aspects of the natural world other than the stars. That said, I do recommend this book for those who have an interest in non-denominational spirituality, comparative mythology, astronomy, or ancient knowledge. I think the proposed system is one important part of a greater body of ancient knowledge and this work is a great introduction to this part.
April 12, 2025
I understand why there are so many stories in this book but after around 400 pages the comparisons of different stories to the same sets of constellations did get a bit tiresome. I think this book could have made its point in fewer pages. Otherwise, I do find the idea this author suggests very interesting. Probably wouldn’t read all of the other books in this series and, if you’re mainly interested in one particular culture group of myths, it’s probably safe to just go straight to that book. As repetitive as this gets I’m sure you’ll understand the larger implications the author is making.
November 1, 2021
Esoteric Wisdom! One of the best books I read so far on the subject "as above so below" can't wait to read Vol 2
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews