Andrews was introduced to the Pleiades as being “our relations” by her Bardi Aboriginal grandmother when she was growing up in Australia, thusly her interest was sparked to do extensive research into the myths surrounding the Seven Sisters.
In her studies, Andrews ascertained that the Pleiades have intrigued and inspired humankind in a multitude of cultures, leaving an indelible mark on people for millennia with stories having been related by poets, priests, prophets, shamans, storytellers, artists, and historians. Notably, Andrews found the Pleiades appear in myths and stories from all around the world, and that in many instances they appear quite similar.
Though Andrews pays especial attention to the influence of the Pleiades on indigenous people in Australia and North America, she also relates ancient mythology from Egypt, India, Greece, and South America. In addition, references to the modern world are explored, including American presidential elections, Halloween, Atlantis, the Titanic, and the Subaru automobile. Theosophical writings about the Pleiades have also affected Andrews writing of this book creating a tinge of New Age to her work.
I found the book to be thought provoking, although at times, I felt Andrews’s suppositions to be rather far-reaching. This is not an easily read book of myths about the Pleiades, but is more akin to a scholastic textbook. Throughout the book there are many quotes, which admirably, Andrews has given credit for all the sources of her information, but I personally found myself losing track of what I was reading because of continually needing to go to her notes, thusly I found myself having to reread a lot of material, which I found tedious to do.
For those of you who revel in source books packed full of facts and who have a bent for delving into the finest detail and the smallest nuance, then this book will be a treasure trove of information for you.
~review by Lone Eagle Eye
Author: Munya Andrews
Spinifex Press, 2004
pp. 368, $19.95
www.spinifexpress.com.au
