Brahe's Ultimate Words: Select Commentary
G.D.O’Bradovich III
January 4, 2017
A characteristic of Yours Truly is the consistent inability to recognize subtle inconsistencies when they are initially encountered. It is evident that I intellectually accept what I read, but another aspect (the subconscious?) realizes an inconsistency and I will repeatedly refer to it (I confess that I may not be aware of this behaviour, I know I do it, but don't know why), perhaps as attempts to consciously find a solution.
NE FRUSTRA VIXISSE VIDEAR
Few scientific men achieve the influence and significance of Tycho Brahe, and we wonder if these exalted minds are susceptible to certain human frailties, such as entertaining doubts concerning the merit, or value, of their life's work.
Brahe spent over twenty years updating, cataloging and verifying his work on astronomy, notably his star catalogue. Brahe inherited Ptolemy’s not insignificant opus and, as scientists should, used it as a foundation to expand human understanding of our world. Only a handful of men reach the apex of their profession, even though their efforts, in time, will certainly be eclipsed by others, and we have serious reservations that these exceptional men would fear that their life's work was in vain, or would appear to be in vain.
We are confounded as to the reason, or reasons, why it would seem that Brahe’s work was in vain. We must conclude that this poorly reasoned conclusion, or opinion, can only be formed by individuals who are ignorant of science, generally, and astronomy, specifically. If Brahe were isolated and his work was relatively obscure, then we would understand the validity of his concern. However, at that time, astrology was synonymous with astronomy and Brahe was not an obscure scientist working in dark corners, but a celebrated, if not renowned, astrologer.
Although most of mankind may endure lives of desperation, quiet or otherwise, and may harbor regrets in their final days, we do not believe such behavior is appropriate for great scientific minds, whether stargazers or not. We cannot imagine that such words would be attributed to either Hardouin or Champollion, although both scientists must have known, and anticipated, that others, in the fullness of time, would verify, build upon, and expand their considerable initial work.
Brahe spent over twenty years updating, cataloging and verifying his work on astronomy, notably his star catalogue. Brahe inherited Ptolemy’s not insignificant opus and, as scientists should, used it as a foundation to expand human understanding of our world. Only a handful of men reach the apex of their profession, even though their efforts, in time, will certainly be eclipsed by others, and we have serious reservations that these exceptional men would fear that their life's work was in vain, or would appear to be in vain.
We are confounded as to the reason, or reasons, why it would seem that Brahe’s work was in vain. We must conclude that this poorly reasoned conclusion, or opinion, can only be formed by individuals who are ignorant of science, generally, and astronomy, specifically. If Brahe were isolated and his work was relatively obscure, then we would understand the validity of his concern. However, at that time, astrology was synonymous with astronomy and Brahe was not an obscure scientist working in dark corners, but a celebrated, if not renowned, astrologer.
Although most of mankind may endure lives of desperation, quiet or otherwise, and may harbor regrets in their final days, we do not believe such behavior is appropriate for great scientific minds, whether stargazers or not. We cannot imagine that such words would be attributed to either Hardouin or Champollion, although both scientists must have known, and anticipated, that others, in the fullness of time, would verify, build upon, and expand their considerable initial work.
PAWT NTRY
The Egyptian ennead is well attested in hundreds of versions of “Going Forth by Day” and in the handful of Pyramid Texts.
Before the ancients understood that the morning and evening stars were identical, we suggest that the original or primeval ennead consisted of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, the Moon, two morning stars and two evening stars. We assume that the planets initially either had no gender, as befitting well thought out deities, or were all masculine, as befitting early religious speculation.
The Sun and the Moon, appearing to be equal in size, were designated as the two eyes of Horus. Therefore, we suggest Horus would be identified with the sky, later designated as Shu.
If Horus was conceived of as the totality of the sky, then it would be appropriate that he looks over (the Sun and Moon) and cares for mankind. The all seeing eye, representing the Deity, affixed above an incomplete pyramid, representing the not yet complete work of creation, should be envisioned by the Gentle Reader.
The outer planets were designated with the name of Horus, for example, “Horus the red” is Mars. It seems from this evidence that Horus’ domain was the earthly sky and the celestial expanse, that is, everything above the earth.
In due time, the morning and evening stars would be declared Horus’ four sons. While there is no doubt that Horus has four sons, there is considerable speculation as to who their “mother” is in Egyptian literature. This is evidence that the profane were attempting to explain the myth, by providing a mother, that they inherited from the adepts.
Babi is well known as the eldest son of Osiris, while Horus is the only son of Osiris. Clearly, these myths with their contradictory details are more recent than the primeval paut myths, as we cannot believe the initial stories were subject to confusion and obvious inconsistencies.
Egyptologists have accepted all literature without seriously questioning the numerous “scribal errors” (even in stonework), blatant contradictions and inconsistencies, inherent or otherwise. If Egyptian literature holds any “secret teachings”, then the Gentle Researcher should separate profound thoughts from conventional beliefs. Amun, the hidden god, is truly obscure, making only two appearances in the Pyramid Texts.
We suggest that the morning stars would be identified as Osiris and Isis and the evening stars as Set and Nephthys. Osiris and Isis must be the morning stars, as their child, or at least his eyes, rises in the east.
Between earth and sky, or Geb and Nut, we find their four children, the morning and evening stars: Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys. The modern planet Venus would be Isis in the morning and Nephthys in the evening. This may explain why only one of the seven planets is consistently feminine.
If the Gentle Reader is confused by our designating certain aspects being Horus and then immediately contradicting it, or offering several identifications for the morning and evening stars, then the reasons are the contradictions in the literature and the conflicting opinions of modern Egyptology and not due to our reasonable interpretations of observing the celestial phenomena.
Horoscopes are independent of, and do not rely upon, either a regal or an arbitrary chronology. Horoscopes may be considered superior to both systems, as astronomy is available to all people. The locations of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars determine the year, while the location of the Sun determines the “month” of the zodiac. The locations of Venus and Mercury determine the day, and the Moon determines the time, within two hours.
“Paut” can have one of two meanings, depending on the determinant. pAwt can mean “nine” or “cycle”. The divine cycle, “pAwt nTry”, or the nine Gods, “pAwt nTry”, have identical phonemes, of course, price and pronunciation may vary. However, it seems reasonably certain the divine cycle of nine gods is none other than the nine ancient planets. In conclusion to this part, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own informed judgements.
Before the ancients understood that the morning and evening stars were identical, we suggest that the original or primeval ennead consisted of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, the Moon, two morning stars and two evening stars. We assume that the planets initially either had no gender, as befitting well thought out deities, or were all masculine, as befitting early religious speculation.
The Sun and the Moon, appearing to be equal in size, were designated as the two eyes of Horus. Therefore, we suggest Horus would be identified with the sky, later designated as Shu.
If Horus was conceived of as the totality of the sky, then it would be appropriate that he looks over (the Sun and Moon) and cares for mankind. The all seeing eye, representing the Deity, affixed above an incomplete pyramid, representing the not yet complete work of creation, should be envisioned by the Gentle Reader.
The outer planets were designated with the name of Horus, for example, “Horus the red” is Mars. It seems from this evidence that Horus’ domain was the earthly sky and the celestial expanse, that is, everything above the earth.
In due time, the morning and evening stars would be declared Horus’ four sons. While there is no doubt that Horus has four sons, there is considerable speculation as to who their “mother” is in Egyptian literature. This is evidence that the profane were attempting to explain the myth, by providing a mother, that they inherited from the adepts.
Babi is well known as the eldest son of Osiris, while Horus is the only son of Osiris. Clearly, these myths with their contradictory details are more recent than the primeval paut myths, as we cannot believe the initial stories were subject to confusion and obvious inconsistencies.
Egyptologists have accepted all literature without seriously questioning the numerous “scribal errors” (even in stonework), blatant contradictions and inconsistencies, inherent or otherwise. If Egyptian literature holds any “secret teachings”, then the Gentle Researcher should separate profound thoughts from conventional beliefs. Amun, the hidden god, is truly obscure, making only two appearances in the Pyramid Texts.
We suggest that the morning stars would be identified as Osiris and Isis and the evening stars as Set and Nephthys. Osiris and Isis must be the morning stars, as their child, or at least his eyes, rises in the east.
Between earth and sky, or Geb and Nut, we find their four children, the morning and evening stars: Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys. The modern planet Venus would be Isis in the morning and Nephthys in the evening. This may explain why only one of the seven planets is consistently feminine.
If the Gentle Reader is confused by our designating certain aspects being Horus and then immediately contradicting it, or offering several identifications for the morning and evening stars, then the reasons are the contradictions in the literature and the conflicting opinions of modern Egyptology and not due to our reasonable interpretations of observing the celestial phenomena.
Horoscopes are independent of, and do not rely upon, either a regal or an arbitrary chronology. Horoscopes may be considered superior to both systems, as astronomy is available to all people. The locations of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars determine the year, while the location of the Sun determines the “month” of the zodiac. The locations of Venus and Mercury determine the day, and the Moon determines the time, within two hours.
“Paut” can have one of two meanings, depending on the determinant. pAwt can mean “nine” or “cycle”. The divine cycle, “pAwt nTry”, or the nine Gods, “pAwt nTry”, have identical phonemes, of course, price and pronunciation may vary. However, it seems reasonably certain the divine cycle of nine gods is none other than the nine ancient planets. In conclusion to this part, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own informed judgements.
BACK TO BRAHE
Therefore, we do not believe that Brahe uttered these words, or expressed a questioning sentiment, that have been attributed to him by persons unknown. It has been suggested that a certain apprentice was present who heard Brahe’s final utterance. Any apprentice who places sayings, whether despicable sentiments or not, in his Master's name should have his apprenticeship revoked. Yours Truly is grateful that the reverse is not applicable (Vide Apprentice Anon Amus).
We readily admit the attributed final words are poignant, pathos filled and, possibly at the time of their publication, served a definite purpose, perhaps to confirm the proposition that Latin was known and used by intellectuals, thereby providing additional evidence that Brahe was not obscure.
However, to be convincing, supposed deathbed lamentations should be in the soon to be dearly departed’s native tongue, not an alien language.
In conclusion, while great minds may have temporary doubts regarding certain aspects of their work, the totality of their work is not subject to either permanent doubt or personal regret, nor is it possible that the intended audience should misunderstand the great work as being both in vain, and without value.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own informed conclusions.
We readily admit the attributed final words are poignant, pathos filled and, possibly at the time of their publication, served a definite purpose, perhaps to confirm the proposition that Latin was known and used by intellectuals, thereby providing additional evidence that Brahe was not obscure.
However, to be convincing, supposed deathbed lamentations should be in the soon to be dearly departed’s native tongue, not an alien language.
In conclusion, while great minds may have temporary doubts regarding certain aspects of their work, the totality of their work is not subject to either permanent doubt or personal regret, nor is it possible that the intended audience should misunderstand the great work as being both in vain, and without value.
As always, the Gentle Researcher will reach his own informed conclusions.
