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Citation: S/HE: An International Journal of Goddess Studies V1 N2 (2022)
Publisher: Mago Books (https://magobooks.com)
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Published date: October 31, 2022
Publisher: Helen Hye-Sook Hwang, Ph.D.
Mago Books Editorial Representative: Matthew Kim Hagen, M.A.
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Abstract: The Overview Effect is a shift in consciousness that occurs upon seeing Earth from space. It was reported by astronauts as a state of awe involving a profound comprehension of life on Earth. The Overview Effect is discussed as an emerging feminine archetype and an evolving myth of the Earth Goddess Gaia, which commenced with the iconic photos of Earthrise and the Blue Marble. These images and the Overview Effect as described by astronauts are critically discussed in relation to their impact on religious, feminist and environmental trends and worldviews. Women astronauts’ responses to the Overview Effect are firstly observed through themes depicted in sci-fi films, which is followed by a critical discussion of the Overview Effect through the female gaze of women astronauts. Secondly, the discussion centers on feminist transpersonal, psycho-spiritual, and mythic approaches to the Overview Effect. The demonstrations disclose women astronauts’ unique artistry and creative projects alongside embodied and participatory knowledge and agendas aimed at deepening humanity’s relationship with the Earth as the cosmic cradle of humanity.
Gaia
I shall sing to the earth
mother of the gods
bride of heaven
sparkling with stars[1]
Keywords: overview effect, myth, goddess, Gaia, archetype, transpersonal psychology, spiritual, space art, women astronauts, feminist, technoetic
The Overview Effect
The Overview Effect is a term coined by the space philosopher Frank White and explicated in his book The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution.[2] According to White,[3] the Overview Effect was reported by astronauts upon seeing Earth from space. They described the experience as a shift in consciousness involving an alteration of perspective of self and identity along with a profound comprehension of the meaning and purpose of human life on Earth. The Overview Effect is regarded as an altered state of consciousness that induces a profound sense of awe. Recent neuroscience studies involving the induction of awe through the use of imagery confirm that the iconic NASA image of Earthrise has induced awe in individuals, and on a larger scale, “a collective sense of the sublime.”[4] Awe directs one’s attention to an external environment. It amplifies feelings of oneness with nature and people, promotes creativity, decreases materialism and engenders altruistic actions. Interestingly, awe induction through dramatic Earth-from-space videos has been shown to promote humility, reduce arrogance and narcissism whilst improving social qualities.[5]….
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[1] Excerpt from “The Homeric Hymn to Gaia,” written down in the 5th century BC. Jules Cashford, “Gaia, Mother Goddess Earth in Ancient Greece,” accessed August 3, 2022, https://aras.org/documents/gaia.
[2] Frank White, The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution.
[3] Ibid.
[4] David B, Yaden, Jonathan Iwry, Kelley J. Slack, Johannes C. Eichstaedt, Yukun Zhao, George E. Vaillant, and Andrew B. Newberg, “The Overview Effect: Awe and Self-Transcendent Experience in Space Flight.” Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice 3, no. 1 (2016): 6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cns0000086.
[5] Ibid.
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S/HE: An International Journal of Goddess Studies Volume 1 Number 2 (2022)