It’s All Written in the Stars

In Los Cabos and its outskirts, the starry sky is beyond amazing. You could fall in love, by simply laying on the beach looking up at the stars on a warm night. The study and science of astronomy, makes us seem minuscule in size before the impressive and infinite universe. On Saturday, One Happenings had the pleasure of attending an astronomy tour, which was full of surprises and incredible stories; there are so many stories of stars and constellations in the sky that it was hard to choose a specific one to write about. But of course, we picked a love story to share with you on this article.

This particular story is about a constellation called Corona Borealis (the Northern Crown), and according to Greek mythology it symbolizes the crown of the princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. It tells the legend that every nine years, seven boys and seven girls from Athens were sent to Crete as an offering, by King Minos to Minotaur, a monster, half man half bull. If this offering was not made, Minotaur would terrorize the city. The Minotaur resided in the labyrinth of Crete.

On the third occasion of this offering, Theseus volunteered to slay the monster. When he arrived to Crete, Princess Ariadne fell in love with him and gave him a ball of gold string so he could find his way out of the labyrinth after slaying Minotaur. Theseus promised Ariadne, that if he returned from the labyrinth, he would marry her and take her with him. Theseus came to the heart of the Labyrinth and upon the sleeping Minotaur. Once the beast awoke, Minotaur and Theseus fought until Theseus killed the monster and then used the sting to escape the labyrinth.

Theseus took Ariadne with him, but on his return home, he left her in Naxos. He abandoned her. The gods felt pity for her and gave her a beautiful crown which after her death was placed in the sky by Dionysos. Ariadne died of love. Hence the Crown Borealis that we can see in the sky. The Crown Borealis also represents the thread that Ariadne gave Theseus.

This is only one of hundreds of stories found in the sky. When in Cabo, think of having a bonfire welcome party on the beach and having an astronomy showing. Or possibly after your Rehearsal dinner! It is not only beautiful, but also romantic and a different and original thing to do for your guests.

Thank you to Luis Camarena a man full of knowledge that shared his passion for the earth and the sky and gave us this wonderful tour.

***Wedding Planner is a regular bi-weekly ESCAPES magazine on-line column by Adriana Dupinet and Leslie Bost, Wedding Planners and Event Organizers from ONE Happenings Weddings & Events.