Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Star Tours #5: Andromeda

Starting point is 00:00:00 Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios. To listen, add free, access our entire catalogue of episodes, and support the show directly. Check out our premium feed by going to getsleepy.com slash support. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. If you love Get Sleepy or any of the other shows we produce here at Slumber Studios, you'll love our app called White Noise Deep Sleepy. sounds. With hundreds of sounds to choose from and the option to create custom mixes for your perfect soundscape, it can help you sleep better, improve focus, reduce anxiety, relieve tinnitus and calm babies. As a listener of Get Sleepy, we have an exclusive offer for you. Download the White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds app and get 30 days free access to all of the premium content.

Starting point is 00:00:58 just go to deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. That's deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. Did you know, our company Slumber Studios also has a sleep app called Slumber. With thousands of episodes,

Starting point is 00:01:17 including stories, meditations, soundscapes, music and audio books, it has a huge variety of sleep-inducing content, and we add new episodes every single day. You can search by narrator, hear episodes you won't find on Get Sleepy,

Starting point is 00:01:35 and even customize your background sounds to create your own perfect mix. As a listener of Get Sleepy, you can unlock all of the content in the app free for one month. Just go to slumber.fm.fm slash get sleepy. That's slumber.fm.fm slash get sleepy for instant access to all of the content in Slumber, free for one month. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thank you so much for being here. Tonight we'll be continuing our tour of the stars. This time, we'll start off in Ethiopia, in in East Africa, before travelling to the constellation of Andromeda, one of the only constellations that can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Starting point is 00:02:47 Once we're up in space, we'll discover the myth behind the stars, the tale of the Princess Andromeda and her husband, Perseus. Again, thank you to Kayla for writing this wonderful series, all of which is read by me. Before we set off into space once more, let's bring our attention to the here and now, the very spot that we're in, and the sensations felt at this moment. Once you're as comfortable as can be, adjusting anything you need to achieve. that. Just relax your breathing to a slightly slower pace. Soften your forehead and the muscles around the eyes. Release your jaw if it's clenched. And let your tongue rest gently. As those breaths

Starting point is 00:04:10 come and go, let your mind center its awareness on anything that feels good. at this moment. Perhaps it's the opportunity to rest your tired body, particularly if you've had a busy, active day. This is the time when you're finally able to reset and give your muscles the necessary relief they need. Maybe you feel good about some of the things you achieved today, a real sense of accomplishment. And so you should. Perhaps the soft feel of your bedding and the cushion support of your pillows

Starting point is 00:05:08 is what stands out to you. Or even embracing this familiar routine that you enjoy when you come to bed. You may have already taken several steps prior to this moment to settle yourself down and now you can listen to my voice and follow along with our story as intently or as loosely as you wish. Whatever feels good right now. Take a moment to just appreciate it and know that this relaxing process is leading you towards a beautiful, restorative night of sleep.

Starting point is 00:06:09 So, simply lie back, relax and listen. We're about to embark on our next adventure, starting in Ethiopia. This is where our story begins. Tonight's adventure starts off in the city of Axum in Ethiopia. In ancient times, this city was the heart. of the Axomite Empire, which had influence over much of modern-day Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and parts of Somalia. Walking around the modern city of Axum, you can see remnants of the old empire, which lasted

Starting point is 00:07:36 from the first to the seventh century C.E. Obelisks and steely are surrounded by the by ruins, the stone monuments reach up into the sky, filled with clues about the ancient history of the place. The warm air, bustling markets, and busy streets remind you that kings, philosophers, artists and all sorts of other people have inhabited this place for thousands of years. The Axomite Empire traded with the Nubians and Egyptians in the north, the Romans in the West, and the Persians to the east. Its connections with so many different surrounding cultures

Starting point is 00:08:44 made Axum a rich, multicultural region. Legends from all parts of the world merged here. Like the stories from the Cabran, a literary work that tells of the infamous meeting and partnership of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Even as a modern city, the place is still filled with an ancient wonder. Star Tours departs from a launch pad across the street from Northern Steely Park. So you decide to go for a walk there, While you wait for the sun to set, wandering around the park, you see steely of all shapes and sizes. Some of these rough stone monuments stand only a few feet high.

Starting point is 00:09:58 Others rise up into the sky, making you think of the journey to the stars you're about to embark on. The rocks for this steely are thought to have come from quarries just west of the city. You take in the beautiful carvings on some of the pillars, marvelling at the craftsmanship of the people who lived here in ancient times. As the sun sinks lower in the sky, you watch the light dance on the steely, highlighting the carvings. Walking slowly around the park in the darkening evening, you fill the earth underneath your feet, and think of all that's yet to be rediscovered in this area. Much of the park hasn't been dug up yet, so with each step you could be walking over a trove of buried treasures from the past.

Starting point is 00:11:20 The colours in the sky turn deeper shades of pink, purple and red. In the fading light, the trees that dot the farmlands in the distance become dark shadows. Leaving the park, you cross the street to the observatory, looking forward to the unique adventure you're about to embark on tonight. Other tourists file in around you as you show your ticket while walking into the observatory. Everyone is excited to share this journey together. While you wait for the boarding call, you look around to the observatory. Where there's information about the history of astronomy in the region, you're drawn to a panel about Nabta Playa. This is a

Starting point is 00:12:39 This ancient stone circle is thought to be 2,000 years older than Stonehenge. It was found in the Nubian desert, now in southern Egypt. Some scientists believe it may be the oldest astronomical stone circle in the world. You look at the photos of grey stones in the reddish sand, and you wonder at how the ancient people used to the night sky to know when to plant and harvest their crops, and also to tell stories. A speaker announces that boarding is about to begin. You line up with the fellow tourists on the boarding dock and notice the smiles on the faces of the families, groups of friends and solo travelers, as you catch snippets of conversation.

Starting point is 00:13:59 You realize the people around you have come from all over the world to visit this fantastic place and go on this journey to the stars. You chat to a man in line behind you who's been on three Star Tours trips before. He assures you that they've been some of the best trips of his life and that the Star Tours crew are amazing and so skilled at what they do. When you get to the front of the line, you meet your guide, Nila, a tall woman with her hair in a tight bun and a friendly smile on her face. She's wearing a star-studded black jumpsuit, and she gives you a warm handshake to welcome you aboard the interstellar. She offers you a tour of the ship, pointing out to the cafe where you can order different herbal teas and snacks for your evening trip. Then she brings you to your pod,

Starting point is 00:15:31 your base for the night. Neela leaves you to get you to get settled in. You start by going to the cafe and ordering your favorite herbal tea and some kolo, an aromatic Ethiopian dish of roasted grains and seeds. As you return to your pot with your goodies, you take in the gentle hum of the engine and the excited whispers and murmurs of the other passengers, who are also getting comfortable for the dreamy journey, placing the tea and snack on your bedside table. You climb into bed, shifting around the pillows until they're just right, and choosing a soft blanket. There are windows everywhere. So no matter which way you lie, you have a great view of the night sky.

Starting point is 00:16:54 The stars are beginning to show themselves as the night darkens. You sip your tea and munch on a handful of colo, enjoying the view from your bed. Soon, Neela's voice comes over the speaker, announcing that the ship is ready for departure. The engine hums a little as the ship hovers off the ground and begins its ascent closer and closer to the stars. Your guide explains that the constellation you'll be viewing tonight is Andromeda. It was cataloged by the ancient astronomer Tolemy, The story behind the constellation comes from Greek mythology and reflects the ancient Greek perception of Ethiopia.

Starting point is 00:18:13 The night is clear as the ship floats higher. Away from the city, the stars seem impossibly bright, dotting the dark night sky so beautifully. It's hard to spot any constant. installations as the ship is moving, so you just enjoy the journey, feeling connected to the beautiful universe that we call home. Looking at the stars has been a human pastime for thousands of years. It's so delightful to be able to participate in this age-old hobby with the latest, incredibly advanced, technology. It makes you feel even more connected to the night sky and the people who've been gazing at it for millennia. The ship comes to a hovering stop and Nila points out the

Starting point is 00:19:32 Andromeda constellation. From the ship's windows, a line connects the stars, so you can see the shape of the Princess Andromeda in the night sky. Nila explains that this constellation can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere from September to May and is then visible in the Southern Hemisphere from November to January. The Andromeda constellation is so big that it quite literally contains galaxies, The milky spiral rings of the Andromeda Galaxy can be spotted from Earth. And way up here in space, it feels as though you're looking into another dimension. The Andromeda Galaxy is the Milky Way's nearest neighbor.

Starting point is 00:20:45 2.5 million light years from Earth, slowly the ship starts moving. moving again, so you can view the constellation from a different angle. The stars seem bigger and brighter here. You sip on your herbal tea as the ship moves, feeling so comfy and cozy as this adventure unfolds. When the ship stops again, it's time to hear the story behind the stars. stars. From Neela, you learn that Andromeda was an Ethiopian princess. She loved her mother, Queen Cassiopeia, and father, King Seveus, and the people in her kingdom. But there was one thing Andromeda loved above all else. A good story. She loved hearing the tales of merchants and

Starting point is 00:22:11 travelers who came from faraway places like Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Babylon. They traded gold, ivory, emeralds, and frankincense and ma'er, as well as jewelry, spices, and olive oil. Andromeda longed to go on an adventure, but while it was fun to imagine traveling to far-off lands, she knew that her place was here in Axum with her family. As Nila begins telling the story, the constellation lights up with color, fully animating the characters to create a theater of science. stars. One day when Andromeda was walking along the river, looking into the water and dreaming of adventure, she saw the reflection of something flying in the sky overhead. Something much too big to be a bird,

Starting point is 00:23:40 she looked up to see a man with winged sandals. The wings flapping slowly. slowly as he glided beneath the clouds. When the man saw her, he circled down to the bank of the river and landed next to her. He introduced himself as Perseus from Greece. At first, Andromeda couldn't believe that this might be the hero Perseus, who should heard so much about in the tales, but it must be true. How else would he have these magical winged shoes? Perseus had travelled all over Greece, but this was the farthest from home he'd ever gone before. Perhaps, Andromeda thought, she wouldn't have to leave her people at all, to go on an adventure. Perseus was delighted by her.

Starting point is 00:25:10 the sights, smells and sounds of this new place. And Andromeda loved getting to see her home through his eyes. They wandered through busy city streets and markets, Perseus taking in the craftsmanship and smelling the herbs and spices that were plentiful in Axum. Together they had acquired the architecture, paid their respects at the mausoleum, and told each other the stories of their lives under the shade of fruit trees in the palace garden. As they got to know each other better, they began to fall in love. Perseus, with Andromeda's hospitality and passion for knowledge. and And Andromeda, with Perseus's kindness and love of the unknown. So, one day, when they were strolling through the gardens, exchanging stories,

Starting point is 00:26:37 they decided to start a new story together. They announced to the king and queen that they would like to get married. King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia were delighted at the news. Together, they planned a big wedding, where they'd invite not only all their friends and family in Axum, but distinguished guests from neighbouring empires too. Andromeda's cousins helped Perseus prepare for the ceremony. Perseus presented sweets and cut leaves to Andromeda's family and settled into a room in the palace

Starting point is 00:27:36 while they finished making the wedding arrangements. Messengers delivered invitations to beloved guests far and wide. In response, elephants and camels arrived, with gifts of jewels, wines, wines, fruits and spruits. from all different parts of the world, along with notices confirming their attendance at the wedding. Decorations were put up in the Great Hall, and just walking by the kitchen was a delight, as all kinds of flavors could be smelt, cooking at all hours of the day. In the days before the wedding, guests started arriving. Both Andromeda and Perseus greeted old friends, extended family, and political allies

Starting point is 00:28:51 from neighboring kingdoms. Finally, the big day arrived. All of the guests gathered to watch the couple promised to be partners for life. They led a procession into the Great Hall, which was decorated with gold and ivory, while a band played the traditional wedding songs. First, Perseus and Andromeda danced together. But soon the rest of the guests joined in, celebrating this special day when everyone was glowing and tired from dancing. The parties sat down to a feast. Large rounds of buckwheat bread

Starting point is 00:29:59 were served with chicken stew, minced beef, rice and goat meat, spicy lamb stew, and lentils. Laughter and conversation filled the hall as the guests ate. Sharing stories, up with old friends and celebrating the love that had brought them all together on this day. After dessert, the band continued to play, and everyone danced well into the early hours of the morning. Finally, guests started to trickle out to bed, and the wedding festivities came to an end. Perseus and Andromeda were excited by their union, and felt that the day couldn't have gone any better. So full of friends, family, community, and good food and music.

Starting point is 00:31:25 For some time, the couple were happy in Axum, enjoying all that the great city had to offer. But soon, both. Both became restless. Perseus wished to return to his own kingdom in Greece, where he'd one day ruled tyrants, and Andromeda, who'd enjoyed seeing her home through Perseus' eyes, now saw the chance to finally go on her own adventure. The one she'd always dreamed of, the couple announced their plans and such a said goodbye to their family and friends in Axum, who assured the couple that no matter how long

Starting point is 00:32:24 they were away for, they'd always have a home here. Perseus and Andromeda packed their favorite things from Axum, spices, herbs, and sweet treats, and departed on their voyage. Rather than fly, they decided to to travel over land and sea, so they'd be able to visit all the different places and people between their two homelands. They climbed onto camels and left the palace in Axum. Then they headed for the city of Adulis, now in modern-day Eritrea, to reach the port where they could find a ship heading north. The camels traversed dirt paths in the highlands towards the sea. Stout trees with wide canopies provided shade in the heat as they made their way down the hillside, even though

Starting point is 00:33:55 Andromeda would return to this place. This was the last time she'd see it through such familiar eyes. When she returned, the land would be changed too. Through the lens of all the different landscapes she'd experienced on her travels, Andromeda marveled at the thought. When they arrived in Adulis, they were met with salty sea air, and the sounds of traders haggling for goods. Andromeda and Perseus loved the livelyness. of this place, where people came from all corners of the world to trade not only goods, but also

Starting point is 00:34:57 thoughts and ideas. After spending a couple of days in the port city, they found a sailor heading north, who was happy to take them to Egypt. Excitedly, they boarded the ship, feeling the gentle rocking of boat as they made their way up the coast, even though it was called the Red Sea by many. Andromeda noticed that the color of the water varied. Some days, it really did appear red, perhaps reflecting the color of the reddish-brown earth just below the surface. Other times, the water was a turquoise blue, tempting the traders and explorers to jump in for a cooling swim during the midday heat.

Starting point is 00:36:14 The boat passed ports in Nubia, where people waved from the shores, and Andromeda could see golden statues in the distance, continuing up the coast. The boat finally reached Egypt, where Perseus and Andromeda disembarked and said their goodbyes to all the new friends they'd made on board. Andromeda had heard many stories of Egypt, but it was one thing to hear about it, and another thing entirely to see it. On camels, they made their way to Alexandria. They travelled through cities along the Nile, past the pyramids, giant statues of pharaohs and sphinxes, and grand temples and palaces. It was easy to see why this place contained so many stories.

Starting point is 00:37:39 When they arrived in Alexandria, there was something. about it that felt like home to Andromeda, the mixture of so many people from the Mediterranean, and the sharing of art, textiles, spices, and ideas felt familiar to her. She wandered through the halls of the Great Library. There, all around her were more stories and information than she'd ever dreamed of. The couple explored the markets, meeting the local people, and they visited the palaces, where they greeted the leaders, their partners in trade, like old friends.

Starting point is 00:38:43 After a few days enjoying the magnificent city, Perseus secured one more boat passage to take them to Greece, Andromeda said goodbye to the new friends she'd made in Egypt, while she was sad to be leaving the great city of Alexandria. She was grateful to it as well. It had taught her that more than one place could feel like home, and that coming home after a long adventure felt just as sweet as leaving with exciting things on the horizon. Perseus and Andromeda sat on the deck of the ship and watched Alexandria fade into the distance.

Starting point is 00:39:49 The warm sun shone down on them as they enjoyed the gentle rocking of the boat on the Mediterranean Sea. They'd already experienced so much together and Andromeda was excited to finally see the place that her husband called home. They sailed past the island of Crete, home to the great Mycenaeanian civilization, and watched people fishing from the shore and swimming in the Blue Sea.

Starting point is 00:40:35 Heading north, they reached the coast of Peloponnese. They drifted past trading ports and cities. with colorful marble columns, until they finally reached Tirins, entering through the great city walls. Perseus took Andromeda to the palace, where they entered a long hall with tall wooden columns under throne. After so much travel and adventuring, it was time to make their new home. Andromeda loved seeing all the Greek architecture, trying new foods, and listening to different

Starting point is 00:41:34 kinds of music, and there were many great storytellers in Greece. With tales of heroes and heroines, Andromeda felt like she was living in one of her stories, knowing that this place was tied to so many tales that she used to enjoy. joy, like those of Hercules. Most of all, she liked seeing this new land through the eyes of Perseus. She enjoyed getting to meet his friends and seeing everything he loved about the place that she could now call home. Andromeda and Perseus settled into life in Tirans. And eventually, Perseus took the throne and became king of Mycenae. That came with its own set of adventures, ruling the people and travelling to neighbouring kingdoms.

Starting point is 00:43:04 The couple weren't sure when they'd next depart on a voyage. They dreamed of going back to see more of Egypt and to visit and to visit and Romero's family again, in Axum, they knew that wherever they went, they had each other. But they also delighted in having a wealth of friends and family in different parts of the world that they could return to when the time was right. For now, they enjoyed their rule in Tirans, but both knew that the next adventure was just around the corner. As Nila finishes the story, the lights connecting the stars slowly fade. Now all you can see through the window are the blazing stars in the dark night sky. Nila lets you know that you're free to sleep

Starting point is 00:44:28 while the pilot makes the slow journey back to earth. Though, if there's anything you need during the night, she and the crew of the interstellar are there for you. You snuggle under your blankets. The light hum of the engine starts up again as the ship begins to move. Like Andromeda, you'll soon return to your home and you'll see it through new eyes after the adventure you've had.

Starting point is 00:45:15 The ship continues to rock gently, letting you fall deeper and deeper into rest.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Star Tours #5: Andromeda

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