Lore Lore 303: Shoot for the Stars
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Apr 6, 2026 A haunting look at space-related folklore and rituals, from Soyuz 11's fatal depressurization to astronaut superstitions and Russian preflight rites. Ancient star myths and the Pleiades pop up alongside taboos about pointing at the sky. Strange phenomena like angel hair and comet omens get recounted, then the tale of Solomon's flying carpet wraps the celestial storytelling.
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Spacefarers' Superstitions Are Safety Rituals
- Astronauts and cosmonauts are highly superstitious, maintaining rituals to feel control and luck before risky missions.
- Examples include American pre-launch meals and the commander winning a card game called Possum Fargo before suiting up.
Cosmonaut Rituals Honoring Yuri Gagarin
- Russian cosmonaut rituals center on Yuri Gagarin and mimic aspects of his preflight routine, from watching White Sun of the Desert to peeing on the launch bus tire.
- They also visit Gagarin's preserved office, lay flowers at the Kremlin Wall, and 'beg his ghost' for permission to fly.
Shared Star Myths May Be Prehistoric
- Many star myths (like the Pleiades as seven sisters) are shared across distant cultures, suggesting a common ancient origin potentially over 100,000 years old.
- The visibility change of the Pleiades implies those stories could date to when seven stars were visible to the naked eye.
