~*~Moonlit Mysticsm~*~

*I will be adding further information on The 22 Star Signs as 'time' allows me*

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   The 22 Star Signs listed here are the constellations lying to the North & South of the 'Zodiac Band'.  They were once used in conjunction with the Zodiac as we know it today. These 22 Star Signs reconnect Us to the Ancient visions of a Sacred & Living Cosmos, as well as to the Great Celestial Sphere around Us.

    Each Star Sign has It's own Legend, Influence and Characteristics, as well as It's Guiding Star, It's own Precious Stone and It's own special Plant also. In the coming days I will be working on getting these posted within these pages so that We can once again become familiar with Our Star Families.

Map of Star Signs in the Northern Hemisphere 

Map of Star Signs in the Southern Hemisphere

Pegasus:

Guiding Stars:

Markab (March 13-26) & Algenib (March 27-April 1)

Precious Stone: Jacinth

Plant: Moonwort

 Pegasus & the Traditional Zodiac:

March 13-20 Pegasus & Pisces: Pegasus, the son of the Sea-God, gives wings to Piscean creativity and intuition. The horse's drive & inspiration-once bridled-can help Pisces to give form to His Dreams, and this is a rather Dreamy combination.

March 21-April 1 Pegasus & Aries: Pegasus adds great imagination to the fiery Ram and give Him wings to fly. To get the most out of this combination, it is even more essential that the Winged Horse should be bridled with the help of a discipline and reason, as there can be a tendency to fly too fast and too high.

Pegasus Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

The Pegasus is one of the most famous 'horses' in Myths, Tales & Legends. The Horse is a symbol of intuition, insitinct and the unseen/unconscious forces which help Us flow through Life. The Pegasus symbolizes "Insitince Transformed", as well as Inspiration & Imagination.  Because Their hoof-marks look like Crescent moons, horses in Greece, were sacred to the Moon, which, as it lights up the darkness of the night, governs the 'World of Imagination', instinct & intuition. The Moon was also thought to be the source of all moisture, and it was believed to be the moon-shaped hooves of Pegasus, that when they struck the flowering Earth, had caused the Muses' fountain of poetic inspiration & imagination to start flowing.

Andromeda:

Guiding Stars:

Alpheratz (April 2-9) as well as, Alamach & Mirach (April 19-May 8)

Precious Stone: Pearl

Plant: Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia)

Andromeda and the Traditional Zodiac:

April 2-9, April 19-20 Andromeda & Aries: The fiery sign of Aries give Andromeda the energy & drive to break Her chains and free HerSelf & Others, while the influence of Andromeda makes the Arians both more compassionate and down-to-earth.

April 21-May 8 Andromeda & Taurus: On the positive side, this combination give great staying-power & strength, but it can be more difficult for those with Taurus to view things through a new perspective.

Andromeda Symbolism,'Myth & Legend':

These Stars around the North Pole have been seen as the Celestial Royal Family since astronomy began, at least 4,000 years ago. They are the rulers of 'The still point in the turning World', and the King Who sits on His throne, His left foot firmly planted on the Pole, was believed by the Babylonians to be the son of the inventor of astronomy. For the Greeks though, 'They' were Cepheus and Cassiopeia, the King & Queen of Ethiopia, and Their daughter Andromeda, was the Princess in the Stars nearby.

 The River of Night:

Guiding Stars:

Acamar (April 10-18), Zanrak (May 9-15) and Achernar (March 1-12)

Precious Stone: Amber

Plant: Poplar

The River and the Traditional Zodiac:

April 10-18 The River & Aries: As Aries is a fiery and impetuous sign, those born under this combination have a tendency to be more passionate and 'moody'. They also reach their destination much faster and are far less stubborn than their Piscean cousins.

May 9-15 The River & Taurus: This is the calmest and least 'moody' combination. Still waters run deep for this combination, and they are also most gifted to create an atmosphere of Peace & Harmony. Although it is also the most stubborn combination.

The River Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

Life & Time, flowing from an unknown source were envisioned in the Ancient World as a Great River, welling up from the beyond. The River Eridanus, whose heavenly counterpart, the River of Night (as it was called in Babylon), flows down from the Stars around Orion's feet towards the Southern Pole, was thought by the Greeks to come from paradise, the timelss Island of the Blessed.

The Heavenly River is also Oceanus, the Ancients Ocean Stream, which encircles the whole Universe. From it arose the Stars-with the exception of The Great Bear-only to plunge back again, like Phaethon. Oceanus was the essence of All Things. He was the Father not only of Three Thousand Rivers and the Three Thousand Sea-Nymphs, but of the Seas and of all the waters which gushed forth from the Earth as springs.

Perseus:

Guiding Stars:

Algol & Mirfak (May 16-31)

Precious Stone: Diamond

Plant: Black Hellebore (Christmas Rose)

Perseus and the Traditional Zodiac:

May 16-20 Perseus & Taurus: Perseus adds speed and sparkle to Taurus, while Taurus acts as a steadying ballast to Perseus. This is a blanaced combination.

May 21-31 Perseus & Gemini: These are the most quick-witted & mercurial Geminis of all, as Perseus is rather simlilar to Hermes, the airborne messenger of the gods and He Who lent Perseus His winged sandals and also, as Mercury, rules Gemini.

Perseus Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

Because an Oracle had told Acrisius that His own grandson would cause His death, He locked His daughter , Danae, in a subterranean chamber made of bronze. The Sky-God, Zues, desired Danae and rained down on Her as a shower of gold, and Perseus, the Hero of the Air & Sky, was born. The 'birth' of Perseus can still be seen each August, when His Stars re-appear over the horizon, through a 'shower of gold', the richest annual rain of shooting stars, the Perseids, which appear to stream towards Us from His rising constellation. Almost everything about Perseus, connects Him with the Air & Sky.

Orion:

Guiding Star:

Rigel (June 1-7), Betelgeuse (June 17-27)

Precious Stone: Emerald & Opal

Plant: Martagon Lily (Lilium Martagon)

Orion and the Traditional Zodiac:

June 1-7, June 17-21 Orion & Gemini: Although Gemini is an intellectual sign, it has a lot in common with Orian. Geminis are often trying to find a way to make Peace between the two sides of Their Being. Like Orion, they have a tendency to view in rather 'black & white' terms, and the stroy of Orions blinding and how He finds Wisdom and Compassion through experience, shows the way for Gemini to overcome the split within ThemSelf and help find balance.

June 22-27 Orion & Cancer: Ruled by the Moon, Cancer expresses Orions link with Artemis and Nature in It's purest form.

Orion Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

Orion was a giant so tall that He could wade through the deepest Ocean with His head above the water. His strength and beauty are legendary, as is His Love for hunting and wandering endlessly across the Heavens. Orion was destined for adventure as many of His legends explore.  To the Jewish, Orion was Nimrid, the "Mighty Hunter before the Lord".

The Charioteer:

Guiding Star:

Capella (June 8-16)

Precious Stone: Sapphire

Plant: Mint & Mandrake

The Charioteer and the Traditional Zodiac:

June 8-16 The Charioteer & Gemini: The influence of Gemini gives the Charioteer the speed and clarity of thought, while organizing powers of Auriga give drive and the ability to follow something through. These Geminis are the most consistant as well as the highest achievers amongst those born under this sign.

The Charioteer Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

Auriga, The Charioteer, was believed by the Greeks to have been Erichthonius, the in ventor of the horse drawn chariot, who was immortalized amongst the Stars. The Child of the God, Hephestus, the lame smith of Olympus, and of Mother Earth, who rejected Him at birth, Erichthonius was adopted by Athene, the Goddess of Reason, who gave Him 3 Athenian maidens to look after.

The Dogs:

Guiding Star:

Sirius (June 28-July 7), Procyon (July 18-25)

Precious Stone: Beryl & Agate

Plant: Marigold & Mugwart

The Dogs and the Traditional Zodiac:

June 28-July 7, July 18-22 The Dogs & Cancer: These Dogs have a tendency to be more affectionate than those born under Leo. They are also more nostalgic and home-loving.

July 23-25 The Dogs & Leo: Those with this combination are more adventurous than their Cancerian cousins and they also have a tendnecy to show more determination.

The Dogs Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

In Myth & Legend, Dogs have always been connected with the Goddess of the Dark phase of the Moon. From the earliest of times, They have ben seen as the Guardians of the Mysteries, standing, alert, on the threshold of death and the unknown. This belief is linked to a time when death, like the dark phase of the moon, was seen as part of the great cycle. Like the Moon, which waxes & wanes and vanishes before It reappears, it was believed that when we die we are reborn.  Death and the dark phase of the moon, are merely the unknown, through which the Dog, with it's superior instincts and it's ability to folow a scent blindly, was the ideal Guide. The Dog, which appears to sense the Spirit World around Us, also represents Our own instincitve side, which can Guide Us through the unknown regions of the soul.

The Ship of the Argonauts:

Guiding Stars:

Canopus (July 8-17), Markeb (September 22-28)

Precious Stone: Sapphire

Plant: Oak

The Great Ship and the Traditional Zodiac:

July 8-17 The Great Ship & Cancer: Both the Great Ship and the Crab of Cancer are Watery signs. The influence of the Ship helps shy & sensitive Crab to be more out-going and adventurous than other Crabs. Because this area of the heavens is so full of large & powerful Stars, those born under the Great Ship in July are also influenced by the Dog Stars.

September 22-28 The Ship & Libra: This combination is less emotional than those born under Cancer. Their quest is also more likely to be on a more intellectual level.

The Ship Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

The story of Jason and the fifty Argonauts, and Their quest for the Golden Fleece, is one of the most famous of the Greek legends. "Never before or since, was so gallant a ship's company gathered together, as the heroes who set sail in the Argo", according to one Ancient Writer.  Many of 'Them" had been brought up by the Wise Centaur, who taught Them All, "To shoot, To Sing, To Tell the Truth!". He also taught Them medicine, Science, Music and He taught Jason navigation by the Stars.

The Dragon:

Guiding Stars:

Gianfar (July 26-August 7), Grumium & Etanin (December 17-23)

Precious Stone: Magnet, Lode-Stone

Plant: Tarragon

The Dragon and the Traditional Zodiac:

July 26-August 7 The Dragon & Leo: This combination makes for the most proud & fiery of Leos. They are a force to be reckoned with and tend to be the most creative Dragons.

December 17-21 The Dragon & Sagittarius: These Dragons are very similar to the Leo Dragon, but are generally more idealistic and less proud.

December 22-23 The Dragon & Capricorn: This is the most practical of the combinations as well as more introverted & more likely to achieve their goals.

The Dragon Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

The word 'Dragon' is related to the Greek word 'Drakos', meaning 'Eye'. In the Ancient World, the Dragon was the Dweller on the Threshold, the Guardian of Temple Sanctuaries, of hoards of jewels or of the Golden Fleece, who must be conquered or outwitted before the hero wins the prize.

In China, the Dragon stands for Heavenly, Spiritual Power and Wisdom, as well as for the magnetic currents which are considered to fertilize the Earth. ('ley-lines')

Both Eastern and Western philosophies can be found in the Celtic tale of Merlin, who as a child was asked why the tower of King Vortigern kept falling down however often it was mended and rebuilt.  Merlin replied that beneath the tower's foundations two Dragons-symbolizing the Earth's virtility & power- were fighting. This meant that only a True King could tame the powers of the land He ruled...and Vortigern could not.

The Great Bear:

Guiding Stars:

Dubhe & Merak (August 8-15), Phekda, Mergrez, Alioth & Mizar (August 24-September 10)

Precious Stone: MoonStone

Plant: Willow

The Great Bear and the Traditional Zodiac:

August 8-15 The Great Bear & Leo: Those with this combination are more regal & flamboyant. Thanks to the Lion, King of Beasts, they have a double dose of power & grandeur, and are extroverts who are a force to be reckoned with.

August 24-September 10 The Great Bear & Virgo: This combination tends to be more introverted and the more solitary side of The Bear. Life is more of a Spiritual Quest for wholeness and they are the more gentler of the combinations.

The Great Bear Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

To the Ancient Greeks, this constellation represented Callisto, a nymph of the mountainous kingdom of Arcadia.

The Early English linked this constellation to both the Bear & Wagon. 'They' saw it as the home of King Arthur, whose Round Table is reflected in the constellations circling the Pole, and whose name some say comes from the Celtic word for 'Bear'. And as King Arthur lay dying after His last battle, a bier appeared, containing 3 Mysterious, immortal Queens to take Him across the water to the Other-World of Avalon, where They would heal His wounds. Legend also has it that Arthur is not dead, but sleeping in a cave inside a mountain, with His Knights beside Him, and that He will return one day to save His country in its hour of need. Even this part of His story is reflected in the Stars, for the seven most important Stars of the Bear-Wagon are also known as the  Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, who lie dreaming, like King Arthur and His Knights, however, They are resurrection. Unlike King Arthur and His Knights, however, They are said to have woken after 200 years and gone down to the local town to get provisions, after which They went to sleep once again more.

Arthur, the 'Once and Future King', has many links with the far more Ancient Arcas, the "Bear" King and Son of the great Goddess, Artemis, who rules the Arctic Pole.

The Serpent:

Guiding Stars:

Unuk Elhaia (November 11-19), Alya (December 24-28)

Precious Stone: Serpentine

Plant: Mistletoe

The Serpent and the Traditional Zodiac:

November 11-19 The Serpent & Scorpio: Many of the traits traditionally associated with the sign if Scorpio come from the Serpent, not the Scorpion, from the magnetic gace, to the interest in sex, birth and death.

December 24-28 The Serpent & Capricorn: The influence of the Scorpio adds subtlety and cunning to Capricorns ambition.

The Serpent Symbolism, 'Myth & Legend':

The Serpent has stood for Power & Life. It's ability to shed It's skin made It a symbol of rebirth and immortality. About 9,000 years ago, the Serpent gradually came to be seen as the consort of the Goddess, not only an expression of Her.  Gradually images appeared with the Tree of Life, The Goddess and Her Serpent Lover in the timeless Garden of Immortality. Their union brought fertility to the Earth. In this earlier garden....there is no fear of feath, no punishment and no guilt or shame.

The Serpent promises Rebirth and Transformation.....NOT evil, malice & deceit.

The Star Signs Continued (Page 2)