SANTA CRUZ -- The Santa Cruz Astronomy Club will be host to an adventure in astrology, myth and ancient history on Thursday.

The club has invited a guest speaker, Don Cerow, who is a researcher in ancient mythology and astrology. He has recently published his first book, "When the Dragon Wore the Crown," which theorizes why dragons are so ubiquitous across many ancient cultures. Cerow lived in Bonny Doon for eight years before moving out in June to tour the nation to promote his book.

Cerow said he believes that the constellation Draco, the dragon, played a central role. One of the stars in Draco, Thuban, used to hold the position of "north star," and as such was critical to the safe passage of ancient travelers.

"Everything pivoted around that star, all of creation," Cerow said.

Sooner or later, according to Cerow, someone probably saw a dragon in that particular group of stars. The idea spread as merchants and mariners traveled to the "cultures next door," and soon enough the dragon was a mythological figure in cultures across Europe and Asia.

Cerow will present this and more on astrology at his talk on at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Scout House in Harvey West Park. The house is between Evergreen Street and Harvey West Boulevard in Santa Cruz.

Jeff Gose, the club president, is hopeful that the allure of astrology will draw more people into the science of astronomy.

The Santa Cruz Astronomy Club was established in the 1970s and has seen bursts of activity throughout the years, Gose said. Some members are students at Cabrillo College and others have been in the club since its inception. Gose said that the club is always looking for more members.

"We're big on family participation, so if younger folks want to get involved, our membership is real affordable. A lot of hobbies the most expensive thing is our valuable time, but if you're willing to set some time aside it's a wonderful thing to spend your time with."

Gose, who is retired from the Air Force, has been the president of the Astronomy Club for the past 18 months. He said that the club offers to loan telescopes to members in good standing with the club, but that many members are willing to lend their personal equipment to other members who want to practice stargazing outside of club meetings.

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Santa Cruz Astronomy Club guest speaker talks constellations, mythology