The zodiac circle and its components

On the signs of the Zodiac, in principle, every literate person has some idea. Interest to horoscopes and astrological forecasts from time to time flares up with special force, then fades and reborn again. Particularly the need to understand the vicissitudes of one's destiny arises at critical moments in life, when an important decision should be taken. That's when we call for help astrology, to lift the veil over the future.

Introduction to the Zodiacal Circle

The basis of astrological knowledge is the observation of the zodiacal circle and planets, the constellations that pass through it. The zodiacal circle from the Greek translates as "the circle of animals," "animals in the circle." In fact, this is an imaginary circle, which is divided into 12 imaginary parts of equal size. Each of them corresponds to a certain constellation, and as exactly half of them are connected with animals, hence the originality of the name.

The zodiacal circle was invented by mankind for a long time, more than 4 thousand years ago. The first information about him came from ancient Babylon. The Babylonians have a circle with constellations, and around it originally moved the Moon. In the future, the zodiacal circle was divided into equal parts, and in addition to the Moon, attention was also paid to other planets and stars, including the Sun.

The next stage in the exploration of the celestial sphere is associated with the ancient Greeks. They introduced the concept of the Zodiac, renamed the individual constellations. Thanks to the Greeks, we got so familiar Aries and Libra. And the zodiacal circle itself has somewhat changed. Ancient astronomers included in it 13 constellations, therefore, divided into 13 parts. True, later the "superstitious" constellation was ruled out. However, astronomers and astrologers are still arguing about Ophiuchus to this day.

Scientists have identified one more nuance. Modern astrology signs of the zodiac should be considered differently, and the circle should start not with Aries, but with Pisces. The error lies in the lack of time and astronomical changes associated with leap years. Taken in the Middle Ages as a basis, the Ptolemy's calculation system is somewhat outdated, but it remains as the only working one.

Star "loss"

So, in Ancient Greece was not twelve, but thirteen signs of the zodiac. "Loss" was the constellation Ophiuchus, about which the debate is taking place: should the Sun pass through it or not? Ie, how important are the degrees that affect the sun on its way. Practicing astrologers, of course, take into account all the subtleties, but in the popular literature for the convenience of understanding the subject Ophiuchus is not taken into account. But he is remembered by everyone who is familiar with ancient mythology. After all, the constellation received its name from Aesculapius, more precisely, in his honor. So the name of the God of Medicine not only entered into aphorisms and winged expressions, but also ascended to the sky as a constellation.

We and our horoscopes

Horoscopes can be believed and do not believe, take seriously or talk about them with a mockery - this is a private matter for everyone. According to the definition of astrologers, it is like a snapshot of the sky, a map on which the positions of the Sun, Moon, all 9 planets and some stars are accurately indicated at the time the person came to this world. To compile an accurate horoscope, not only the number, month and year of birth are important, but also time, at least approximate, and also a settlement. That's why people born almost simultaneously can not have the same horoscopes.