Much has been written about the latest missive fired at astrologers by an astronomer attacking astrology. All astrologers know about the zodiac and we are all aware of the constellation of Ophiuchus which does indeed touch on the ecliptic.
However the constellations and the signs of the zodiac are two different things. The signs are equal divisons of the zodiac and are 30 degrees each. Zodiac means ‘circle of animals’ or ‘wheel of life’ and the 12 signs are connected to 12 of the constellations. The zodiac signs follow the relatively narrow path of the sun- known as the ecliptic.
The constellations -and there are 88 of them- are all varying in size and occupy the whole night sky. Rather than get into the rights and wrongs of the fight, I am more interested in what the process is showing us.
Why are we being asked to look at Orphicus the Serpent Bearer at this time?
Ophiuchus is a large constellation located around the celestial equator. Its name means “serpent-bearer”, and it is commonly represented as a man grasping the snake that is represented by the constellation Serpens. This is linked to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, and the entire Adam and Eve story.
However the serpent is also connected to healing, to rebirth and resurrection.
Wikipedia states: According to Roman era mythography, the figure represents the healer Asclepius, who learned the secrets of keeping death at bay after observing one serpent bringing another healing herbs. To prevent the entire human race from becoming immortal under Asclepius’ care, Zeus killed him with a bolt of lightning, but later placed his image in the heavens to honor his good works.
According to Catherine Tennant in her brilliant book ‘The Lost Zodiac’Â we learn more. Orphicus was half mortal half divine and the son of Apollo. He was brought up by Chiron, the wise centaur. However, although he learnt the healing arts from him, the gift of bringing the dead back to life was given to him by Athene in the form of mistletoe.
As Chiron moves into Pisces on February 8th I suggest that we are all being asked to widen our vision and encompass the whole of the Universe, as Catherine Tennant suggests, not just the narrow path of the Sun.
Catherine’s book describes 22 ancient star signs and is a mine of wonderful information. You can find out your connection with one of the other constellations close to your date of birth, and the legend that you may find illuminating.
Click this link to buy from Amazon.
The Lost Zodiac: 22 Ancient Star Signs : What They Mean and How to Find Them in the Night Sky
blessings, Pam