A BIT OF MYTHOLOGY
Aries = Ram
in Greek myth represents the animal whose fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts
Taurus = bull
In Greek legend, Taurus is identified with the disguise adopted by Zeus in yet another of his amorous adventures. On this occasion, the god had fallen in love with the beautiful Europa, daughter of King Agenor, as she strolled with her companions on the seashore. He suddenly appeared amongst them as a magnificent white bull, but one which was so gentle that they felt no fear. Europa and her maidens gathered flowers and made garlands which they hung around the animal's neck and, such was their trust in his docility, that Europa climbed upon his back. However, at this moment, the bull plunged into the sea and swam away furiously with the terrified girl. When they reached Crete, Zeus revealed his true identity and ravished her. She was to bear him three sons, the first of which, Minos, introduced the bull cult to Crete.
Gemini = twins
This zodiacal constellation represents the twins Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux to the Romans). These were born from an egg after their mother, Leda, Queen of Sparta, had been seduced by Zeus, disguised as a swan. Although only half brothers, Castor, the mortal son of Leda's husband, King Tyndareus, and Polydeuces, immortal son of Zeus, were extremely close and together took part in many adventures. Sadly, on one of these Castor was killed. Polydeuces avenged Castor's murder, but was so overcome with grief that he begged to be allowed to be with his brother in the underworld. Zeus, knowing the strength of their feelings, and for once showing some compassion, granted this request. He placed the twins side by side in the heavens so that they could alternate their time together between Hades and the home of the gods.
Castor and pollux are the brightest stars of this constellation
Cancer = crab
Early Egyptians saw CANCER, The Crab, as a lowly scarab or dung beetle, representing the dawn Sun-god Khephri, a symbol of fertility. The Greeks, however, believed this constellation represented the giant crab which continually nipped at Hercules' feet, hampering him as he battled with the poisonous, nine-headed monstrous Hydra.
Leo = Lion
lion which Hercules had to kill as the first of his 12 Labours. This fearsome beast terrorised the land, killing all who ventured near it. Not only was it more fierce, larger and stronger than other lions, but it also had the added advantage of possessing a skin which was impervious to metal, stone and wood.
virgo = Vergin
In Greek mythology, too, there is a similar theme. Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, had been abducted and taken to the underworld by Hades. In revenge her mother ruined the harvests, the earth became infertile and the people were starving. Zeus was forced to issue a decree stating that Persephone should spend only a short time each year in the underworld, and when she was released Demeter permitted Nature to resume its natural course.
or another Greek myth suggests that VIRGO represents Erigone, who hanged herself after finding her father Icarius' dead body.
libra = Scales
This zodiacal constellation is associated with balance - balance of both Nature and of Justice. Some 3000 years ago, the Sun entering LIBRA marked the beginning of Autumn, when days and nights were of equal length, i.e. balanced, and Roman astrologers considered that the constellation represented the scales held by Astraeia, goddess of Justice.
Scorpio = Scorpion
The Scorpion responsible for Orion's death. It is placed in the opposite quadrant to that of Orion.
Sagittarius = Sagittarius
SAGITTARIUS, The Archer, represents a centaur - half-man, half-horse, descended from Ixion, the man who dared to lust after Hera, wife of Zeus. Realising Ixion's intentions, Zeus sent a cloud, disguised as Hera, to trick him. The offspring of this union was Kentauros, who was shunned by gods and mankind alike. He moved to Thessaly and bred with the mares there, and so centaurs were born. Some, like Chiron, the wise and kindly centaur who befriended Hercules and who is represented by CENTAURUS, were considerate and friendly to men, but many were aggressive. SAGITTARIUS is one of the latter, a fierce hunter with his bow and arrow always aimed at Scorpius.
Capricorn = Sea goat
In Greek mythology, this constellation is associated with the time the Olympian gods sought refuge in Egypt. Unfortunately, following their epic battle with the Titans, peace did not last for long, as the monster Typhon, son of the Titan Tartarus and Earth, sought revenge. Typhon was a fearsome fire-breathing creature, taller than mountains and with arms which possessed dragons' heads in place of fingers. The Olympian gods sought to escape by adopting various disguises: Zeus, a ram - Hera, a white cow, Bacchus (another version of the myth suggests Pan) a goat. As Typhon approached, Bacchus/Pan threw himself into the Nile but, in a panic, only succeeded in changing part of his body, ending up with a goat's body and the tail of a fish. Meanwhile, Zeus had been dismembered by Typhon, but was saved when Bacchus/Pan let out an ear-splitting yell, distracting the monster long enough for an agile Hermes to collect the supreme god's limbs and carefully restore him. In gratitude, Zeus transferred Bacchus/Pan to the heavens.
Aquarius = Water bearer
Greek legend, however, tells of Ganymede, an exceptionally handsome, young prince of Troy. He was spotted by Zeus, who immediately decided that he would make a perfect cup-bearer. The story then differs - one version telling how Zeus sent his pet eagle, Aquila, to carry Ganymede to Olympus, another that it was Zeus, himself, disguised as an eagle, who swept up the youth and carried him to the home of the gods. In either case, once Ganymede arrived, he had to contend with the wrath of Hera, wife of Zeus. She was annoyed on two counts - firstly, that her husband should have such strong feelings for a mere boy and, secondly, that Ganymede was to occupy the favoured position previously held by her own daughter Hebe, goddess of youth. But Zeus was not to be thwarted and Ganymede, often riding on Aquila and always carrying the golden cup, accompanied the great god on his travels, impressing him with his kindness. This was made manifest when, realising how in need of water the people on earth were, he pleaded with Zeus to be allowed to help them and was given permission to send down rain. Eventually he was glorified as Aquarius, god of rain, and placed amongst the stars.
Pisces = Fishes
The constellation PISCES represents Aphrodite and her son, Eros, who changed themselves into fishes and jumped quickly into the Nile in order to escape from the dreaded monster Typhon.
