OBSERVANCES
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Saganalia

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The Union of Mystriks is excited to announce our first official week of celebration: Saganalia, observed for a whole week beginning on November 9th, the birthday of Carl Sagan, with the last day being November 15th. This particular week is dedicated to honouring the life and work of a man whose wisdom, compassion, and relentless curiosity made the cosmos feel more accessible and awe-inspiring for all.

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Why Celebrate Carl Sagan?

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Carl Sagan was a brilliant scientist, visionary communicator, environmental advocate, and humanitarian. Through his books, such as Cosmos, Demon Haunted World and Pale Blue Dot, and his work on groundbreaking projects like the Voyager Golden Record, Sagan illuminated our shared connection as “star stuff” and the fragile beauty of our “pale blue dot” in the vast cosmos. His lifelong devotion to kindness, a humble perspective, and the pursuit of the best approximate truth via the methods of science aligns perfectly with the core principles of Mystrikism.

It is important to note, that Saganalia is not a week of worship or adoration. Mystriks do not venerate individuals as divine or infallible. Instead, we honour Carl Sagan as an exceptionally wise human being whose legacy inspires us to search for answers, embrace humility, and live ethically.

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Celebrating Saganalia:

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Saganalia is a week to pause, reflect on our place in the cosmos, and dive into new learning and exploration. Here’s how you can participate:

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• Read, Watch, and Reflect: Read Sagan’s books, recorded speeches, and documentaries. Reflect on the themes of curiosity, humility, and the interconnectedness of life.

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• Star-Gaze with Intention: Look to the night sky more often this week, contemplating the grandeur of the universe and our shared place within it. Lay out a picnic blanket and soak it in.

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• ​​Deep Learning Challenge: Dedicate time over the week to deeply immerse yourself into a subject outside your usual interests. Move beyond light investigation and aim for a expansive understanding. Some random examples:

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• ​Explore a new genre of music, studying its history, great artists, and subgenres.

• Learn about the life of tardigrades (water bears).

• Master a new skill, like hip-hop dance moves or calligraphy.

• Investigate how the brain perceives colour and the processes behind it.

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The goal is to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge, honouring Sagan’s insatiable curiosity.

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Saganalia is a week of profound respect for the unknown, learning, and exploration. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the cosmos, deepen your understanding, and carry forward the values Carl Sagan exemplified. As Sagan himself said: “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

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Bright Cosmos! 

Happy Saganalia!