Gem #319 - A mariner must have his eye upon rocks and sands, as well as upon the north star

AI image.

Long ‘fore the advent of positional navigation via orbiting satellite, those early mariners - braving the unknown, charted their intrinsically intimidating courses by way of iridescent starlight. These veteran sailors - with their stomachs of steel, faced innumerable challenges of incomprehensible intensity along the way. Their strengthened vessel - an instrument reliant on her crew for constant fine tuning, would aim for perfect harmony in the tumultuous waves she so gracefully conquered. Wayward winds of epic proportions, required vigilance from those on board; so that the dank and musky bilge would not acquaint itself with razor sharp rocks, nor be grounded on granular shores.

Along with the terrain and seas being skillfully recorded by early explorers, so too was the night sky mapped out – by astronomers. Charts in hand, sea dogs carefully plotted their treacherous journeys; rudders intentionally setting their bows based on their perceived locations – with the north star serving its logical heading in the northern hemisphere. The southern celestial pole, however, required a little more ingenuity - with the southern cross pointing directly to it. It was by these and like means, using sophisticated celestial tools such as the cross-staff, astroblade, quadrant, octant, sextant and chronometer.. that sailors could realistically focus on their chosen destination.

Though without a doubt we exist in an altogether different era, the same rudiments nonetheless hold true for the way in which we lead our lives. Each and every day, we are presented with countless perils; those which will directly affect us, and others which we somehow manage to skillfully navigate around . The lessons we learn as a result thereof, serve as invaluable navigational charts; our heartfelt instincts on the other hand, interestingly operate as the most perfect compass. Keeping our wits about us for any of the approaching pitfalls, as well as having that clear destination firmly set in our mind.. permits us to bravely sail the stormy swells of life - hope and wonder ever present in our precious hearts.

Till next time,

ma3str0

Disclaimer:

Accompanying image created by Artificial Intelligence using a carefully calibrated AI prompt, with the associated AI Generated Art License having confirmed that I own the copyright to the same. My writing is original, with inspiration drawn from the Public Domain work: Gnomologia: adages and proverbs, wise sentences, and witty sayings - 1817 (compiled by Thomas Fuller, M.D. 1654 - 1734). Nothing should be construed as any form of advice. Practice due diligence. All Rights Reserved.