New Epoch Speakers
History in the Making
Proudly Presents:
Dr. Kay Leather
Kay is a teacher of many years standing and an
excellent science researcher. She teaches astronomy courses and
has co-authored two books: “Work of the Gods” and
"Stonehenge Aeotearoa."
For her work in promoting native culture and learning, Kay is
recognized as Maori royalty: an exceptionally rare honor for those of
western descent. In the Phoenix Astronomical Sopciety Kay was a major
player in the building of Stonehenge Aotearoa, and is part of the
Almanac and Newsletter editorial team. Maori astronomy, navigation,
ancient astronomy and education are her areas of interest. Kay is a
member of the Royal Society.
Polynesian and Maori astronomical knowledge is separate from the
ancient systems of Mesopotamia, Greece, the Moorish world, Europe,
China, Yucatan or other places and cultures. However, all deal with the
same phenomena and so offer valid comparisons and insights to those who
study them. Modern world astronomy is built on the knowledge of the
past and the way in which the universe came to be and is ordered
according to the theories or myths.
The ancient Maori view of the heavens is only one small part of the
total religious philosophy. We of this time and age, can appreciate
that philosophy even if we may not completely understand it. In the
myths and stories from Polynesia a particular map of the heavens is
invoked. As the ancestors moved south so they adapted to the map to
incorporate the stars seen from these latitudes. This was the work of
learned people, scientists. Today we can take their work further into
the far realms of Te Kore, to the origin of matter.
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