How To Learn The Zodiac Signs Constellations!
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The Zodiac plays a big part in the world, especially in pop culture, astrology, and even mythology. But how much do you actually know about the Zodiac? Join us as we dive deep into it all!
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13. What Is The Zodiac?
There are actually quite a few Zodiacs out there, including one referencing the Greeks (which is what we'll be referring to here) and the Chinese Zodiac (for which they label a year after whatever animal is next in the Zodiac). But for the Greek one, what does it reference, what does it all mean?
To keep it very basic, the Zodiac is a series of 12 constellations that are in ecliptic, or the path of the sun, our sun. So thus these 12 are seen as special because the sun passes by them when it moves. Or at least, that's how we perceive it here on Earth (as we're technically the ones moving).
Now, as for where the word "Zodiac" comes from, that would be the Greek word "Zodiakos" which means "circle of animals". Which is poetic because all of the constellations (save for one) represents living animals in our world today.
And because there are 12 constellations in the Zodiac, and 12 months of the year, we've assigned special dates to them based on the position of the sun when it passes through them and thus we get the 'signs'. Which eventually led to horoscopes...and that's another list entirely.
So, knowing all of that, shall we get started on the significance and details of each constellation?
12. Aries
Not to be confused with the Greek God Ares, Aries is a ram, and is passed by the sun between April 19th till May 13th. As for the stars that make it up, that would be Hamal, Sheratan, 41 Ari, Botein, HD 20644, ε Ari, 35 Ari, and γ2 Ari. Yeah, that's a mouthful, isn't it?
The constellation is quite a ways away, such as with its brightest star, Hamal, which is 66 light years away from where Earth it. Yet that proves how bright it is so that we can see it from Earth itself.
Aries the ram is depicted many different ways across many different mythologies, including ones in both western, Egyptian, and the Greek. In terms of Greek mythology, the ram known as Aries was one with a golden fleece, one that helped save a son from being sacrificed by his father after a conspiracy had been hatched to end them. The ram was later sacrificed to Zeus, and the fleece was given to him as a tribute, who later gave it to others, who then hung it in a cave guarded by a dragon.
Also though, for those who know their Greek tales, you'll know that the Golden Fleece was the goal/reward of Jason and Argonauts, and they were able to steal it successfully.
11. Taurus
Is anyone feeling rather bullish today? You know...because is a bull...nevermind. In terms of the path of this constellation, it is crossed by the sun between May 14th till June 19th. The stars that make it up include Aldebaran, Elnath, Alcyone, ζ Tau, and θ2 Tau2. Try saying some of those names 5 times fast.
Taurus is actually quite far away from Earth, almost 400 light years away, so don't expect to see it up close.
Not unlike Aries, there are many different depictions of Taurus the Bull in both mythologies aboard and Greek mythology itself. For example, there are many references to the bull being Zeus, who was known to shapeshift all the time to be close to his many mistresses. One story even states that he turned one of this mistresses to a bull to hide her from Hera (who was known for jealously and lashing out at said mistresses). Others though believe that it could be a reference to the Cretan Bull that Heracles had to deal with in one of his many labors.
Either way, the bull became not just a constellation, but a figure of many different mythologies, including ones worshiped to this day.
10. Gemini
Ok, how many twins in the house? No, really, I'm curious, and it's poetic because Gemini is a term that is used in pop culture and culture the world over to talk about the "twins" of the world. Including a recent movie "Gemini Man".
As for the stars, there are 85 stars that technically make up the constellation, but the main ones are Pollux, Alhena, Castor A, Tejat Posterior and Castor B...to name a few. Again, there's 85 of them and that's just the ones that we can see!
In terms of distance, the closest star of the constellation Tejat Posterier is 230 light years from Earth.
Going to the Greek Mythology texts for the origin of the twins...well let's just say it's a bit...messy. You see, while they were twins, each boy, Pollux and Castor, had a different father. I'm not saying a word...
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