Scorpius? Here's your constellation | Constellations | EarthSky M6 and M7: Deep-sky gems in Tail of Scorpius The constellation Scorpius. See the bright reddish star at the ‘heart’ of this constellation? This star is very noticeable in the night sky. It’s called Antares. Here's a detailed view of the constellation Scorpius. Notice that very little of the constellation Scorpius goes north of the ecliptic, or sun's path across our sky. Scorpius is the southernmost constellation of the Zodiac. Click here for larger chart The constellation Scorpius. From the Northern Hemisphere, it is highest up in the evening on hot summer nights of July and August. Notice the two stars at the tip of the Scorpion's Tail. They are Shaula and Lesath, also known as The Stinger. How to locate the constellation Scorpius. For evening viewing, July and August are prime-time months for observing this wondrous constellation. In the Northern Hemisphere, we associate the ruby star Antares – or Ant-ares, the Rival of Mars – with the hot summer season.

And I personally associate Antares with the blooming of wild cardinal flowers on my favorite hiking trail. As the summer season wanes, Antares’ fading into the southwestern dusk presages the cooler days of autumn. In early July, in either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, Scorpius climbs to its highest point in the sky at about 10 p.m. local time (11 p.m. local Daylight Saving Time). Because the stars return to the same place in the sky about one-half earlier with each passing week, look for the celestial Scorpion in mid-July to soar highest up around 9 p.m. local time (10 p.m. local Daylight Time), and by late July around 8 p.m. local time (9 p.m. local Daylight Time). As seen from mid-northern latitudes, such as the central U.S., Scorpius never climbs high in the sky, but rather skitters along the horizon, so you need an unobstructed view southward to see this constellation in its entirety. From northern U.S.

states and the most of Canada, the Scorpion’s Tail stays at least partially submerged below the horizon, but its most brilliant star Antares can be seen as far north as southern Alaska. The sun doesn’t spend much time in front of the constellation Scorpius each year. It’s there for about a week, between about November 22 and 29. Read more about the sun in Scorpius from Bob’s Spaces. Bob also created this illustration. Sun’s passage in front of Scorpius. Given Scorpius’ great prominence to the eye, it’s ironic that the sun spends less time in front of the Scorpion than any other constellation of the Zodiac. Each year, the sun shines in the constellation Scorpius for a week, from about November 22 through November 29. If these dates seem to be in conflict with what you read on the horoscope page, remember that astrologers are referring to the sign Scorpio, not the constellation Scorpius.

Sun’s entry into each constellation of the Zodiac When the sun reaches a point on the ecliptic that’s 30o to 60o east of the September equinox point, then the sun is said to be in the sign Scorpio – irrespective of which constellation or constellations backdrop the sun at this period of time. The sun passes through the sign Scorpio (not the constellation Scorpius) from about October 23 to November 21, even though the sun is actually in front of the constellations Virgo and then Libra during this same stretch of time. The astrological signs remain fixed relative to the solstice and equinox points. But, in the sky, these seasonal markers slowly but surely shift westward relative to the constellations, or backdrop stars. Some five thousand years ago, for instance, the star Antares marked the Northern Hemisphere’s autumnal equinox point. In our day, Antares and the sun have their annual conjunction on or near December 1 – some three weeks before the December 21 solstice. Antares will mark the December solstice point some 1,500 years into the future.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) decreed the boundaries of the 88 official constellations in 1930, and the sun has been destined to spend only a week in front of Scorpius yearly ever since. As the boundaries are presently defined, the sun spends close to three weeks in front of the constellation Ophiuchus (November 29-December 18), the constellation immediately north of Scorpius. Note on the sky chart above that the IAU chose to draw most of the Ophiuchus-Scorpius border to the south of the ecliptic – the sun’s yearly pathway in front of the stars. Had the IAU chosen to draw the border to the north of the ecliptic , then the sun’s duration within Scorpius would be closer to one month. Early astronomers used key stars and easy-to-recognize star patterns (constellations) to track the motions of the sun, moon and planets upon the Zodiac. That being the case, olden astronomers were probably more inclined to use the “fixed” stars of Scorpius than of Ophiuchus for referencing the whereabouts of the wandering planets.

After all, the ancients watched the red planet Mars pair up with the ruddy star Antares in recurring cycles, and it’s no wonder that Antares was given the appellation “the rival of Mars.” Moreover, the moon routinely occults – passes in front of – Antares at certain stages in the moon’s 18.6-year cycle, although the next series of Antares ocultations won’t begin until August 25, 2023. In the skylore, and in the real sky, Scorpius (left) and Orion (right) are never seen in the sky at the same time. Illustration from a project by Hyaku at behance.net Scorpius in mythology. According to star lore, the Scorpion’s stinger brought about the death of Orion the Mighty Hunter. So when the gods gave the Scorpion and Orion their final resting places in the high heavens, they made sure to place the archenemies at opposite ends of the sky. That’s why you can never see these two constellations in the same sky together.

To this day, Orion only rises in the east after Scorpius sets in the southwest, and the reverse in also true: Scorpius won’t rise in the southeast until Orion’s departure in the west. From either the Northern or the Southern hemisphere, July is the month for Scorpius the Scorpion to reign supreme and for Orion to take his place in the underworld. But six months before or after – in the month of January – Orion has his turn to lord over the nighttime sky. Bottom line: The constellation Scorpius is easy to pick out with the eye, because it looks like its namesake. Prominent stars include Antares the Scorpion’s Heart, and Shaula and Lesath in the Scorpion’s Tail (The Stinger). The star cluster M4 can be seen right next to Antares. You can see M6 and M7 near the Scorpion’s Tail. In the lore of the sky, Scorpius is arch-enemy to Orion the Hunter.

The Wonders of Scorpius The Wonders of Scorpius By Joe Rao, SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist | July 22, 2005 06:19am ET MORE Last week we highlighted the occultation of the bright red star Antares, of Scorpius, the Scorpion. This week, with the bright Moon now vacating our early evening sky, we'll highlight the entire star pattern that we've come to know as the Scorpion. Large, famous and rich, it is the most striking and most easily learned of all the deep southern constellations seen from the United States; the most beautiful of all the zodiacal constellations. Just as Orion is the most striking winter stellar pattern, such a distinction can be claimed for Scorpius for the summer season. One star clearly outshines the others, with a fiery tinge seemingly emphasizing the scorpion's sinister appearance. That's our old friend, Antares, a supergiant star, 700 times the Sun's diameter, large enough to engulf even the orbit of Mars, if the solar system were centered on it.

Antares itself is relatively cool as stars go; only 6,000 to 7,000 degrees Fahrenheit compared with 11,000 degrees for the Sun. Its low temperature accounts for its ruddy color. It's at least 17,000 times as luminous as the Sun, yet less than one-millionth in overall density. Antares is 604 light years away and is an irregular variable star, meaning that it expands and contracts in an unpredictable manner causing its brightness to fluctuate. It has been observed to shine as brightly as magnitude 0.88, while at other times, its brightness has been down to 1.16. It usually ranks as fifteenth on the list of the twenty brightest stars in the sky. It has a small, very hot companion, bluish-white in color, but yet has been described as "a little spark of glittering emerald" because of its proximity and contrast to ruddy Antares. To the ancients, its distinctive red color suggested the planet Mars and the name Antares means "The Rival of Ares," Ares being the Greek name for the God of War.

Indeed, the planet Mars, although popularly called, "The Red Planet," really appears more of an orange-yellow color, whereas Antares glows with a distinctive ruddy coloration. So even when Mars is near opposition (as it will be in November of this year) and appears to glow many times brighter, Antares still rivals it at least in color. Unfortunately, Scorpius is a star pattern that appears to slink across the southern sky, rather low and close to the horizon. With this in mind, it is well worth seeking out a good clear horizon to appreciate this majestic figure. The whole figure of the Scorpion is a magnificent sight and is best appreciated now in a dark sky without any interference from bright moonlight. It really looks like a huge scorpion; the upper stars of this star pattern form its body while its tail slants toward the horizon, then curves to the left and upward, a fine stream of stars ending in the wide pair -- Shaula and Lesath -- in the Scorpion's stinger.

In July 2000, the familiar head of Scorpius sported a new look as its middle star, Dschubba (from the Arabic for "the Scorpion's Forehead"), suddenly and unexpectedly brightened from its usual magnitude 2.3 to 1.9. The change was enough to make Dschubba quite plainly the brightest star in the naked-eye row of Graffias, Dschubba, and Pi Scorpii near Antares. It faded slightly a few months later, but when it emerged into the dawn sky in late December 2000, sky watchers found it still brighter than normal. It apparently reached its peak in 2003, reaching magnitude +1.6. It has since diminished to magnitude +2.0, which is still a bit brighter than normal. Dschubba is believed to be a rapidly rotating star, occasionally flinging mass out into space from its equator. Scorpions have two large claws in front, but this one seems to have had his claws clipped; they were cut off to form the constellation of Libra.

The Romans decided that there should be 12 constellations in the zodiac, instead of 11, so they made the two claws of Scorpius into the arms of Libra, the Balance. Lastly, it must be emphasized to those newcomers of astronomy that the currently accepted name of this constellation is Scorpius, not Scorpio. Principally astrologers (and some older astronomy books) use the latter for labeling the zodiacal sign of that name. Basic Sky Guides 10 Steps to Rewarding Stargazing Understanding the Ecliptic and the Zodiac False Dawn: All about the Zodiacal Light Reading Weather in the Sun, Moon and Stars How and Why the Night Sky Changes with the Seasons Night Sky Main Page: More Skywatching News & Features Astronomy for the Entire Family! Starry Night software brings the universe to your desktop. Map the sky from your location, or just sit back and let the cosmos come to you. Libra? Here's your constellation | Constellations | EarthSky Pronounce Zubeneschamali As seen from Earth, the sun passes in front of the constellation Libra from about October 30 until November 22 every year.

Libra’s star Zubenelgenubi sits almost exactly on the ecliptic , which is the sun’s yearly path in front of the background stars. At present, the sun has its annual conjunction with the Libra star Zubenelgenubi on or near November 7, or about midway between the September equinox and the December solstice. However, the conjunction date of the sun and Zubenelgenubi changes over the long course of time. Over three thousand years ago, the sun and Libra’s star Zubenelgenubi were in conjunction on the Northern Hemisphere’s autumnal equinox (Southern Hemisphere’s spring equinox). Over three thousand years into the future, the sun and Zubenelgenubi will be in conjunction on the December solstice (Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice or Southern Hemisphere’s summer solstice). Irrespective of which constellation provides a backdrop for the sun on the September equinox, the sun is said to be at the first point of (the sign) Libra when it the crosses the celestial equator going from north to south. At the return of the golden age, the goddess Astraea will dispense justice and weigh the souls of men. Image credit: Wikipedia Commons Libra in history and myth.

Several thousands of years ago – around 2,000 B.C. – the ancient Babylonians apparently associated this constellation with scales or a balance. Quite possibly, this association was made because the sun on the autumn equinox shone in front of the stars of Libra at that time. It’s at the equinox that the world realizes its seasonal and temporal balance, between the extremes of heat and cold, and with day and night of equal length all over the globe. Metaphorically, Libra the Scales serves as an age-old symbol of divine justice, harmony and balance. In contrast to their Babylonian forebears, the ancient Greeks seemed to regard Libra as the outstretched claws of the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. In fact, the names for Libra’s two brightest stars are Arabic terms that harken back to these olden times when Scorpius reigned as a double or super constellation. Zubenelgenubi translates into “the southern claw of the Scorpion” and Zubeneschamali into “the northern claw of the Scorpion.” The Romans, though inheriting much of the Greek tradition, again revived Libra as the only inanimate constellation of the Zodiac.

In Roman thought, the constellation Virgo is the embodiment of Astraea, the Starry Goddess, holding Libra, the Scales of Justice. Astrologers regard Libra as the second air sign, ruled over by the planet Venus. Although astronomy and astrology have been intertwined historically, they are now regarded as separate disciplines. Astrology assumes the positions of heavenly bodies have certain influences over human affairs which most modern-day astronomers regard as unfounded. Bottom line: Libra the Scales – a constellation of the Zodiac – can be found in the evening sky during Northern Hemisphere summer (Southern Hemisphere winter). It’s situated between two bright stars, Spica and Antares. Libra’s two brightest stars are Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, whose names rhyme with Obi-Wan Kenobi of the movie Star Wars. Antares The history of the star: Antares from p.364 of Star Names , Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.

[A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage ] Alpha (α) Scorpius , Antares, is a red binary star, fiery red and emerald green, near the center of the constellation Scorpius and was sometimes called "the Heart of the Scorpion". Antares, the well-nigh universal title for this splendid star, is transcribed from the second-century Greek astronomer Ptolemy's (Greek) Antares in the Syntaxis, and generally thought to be from {p.365} anti Ares, "similar to," or the "rival of," Mars, in reference to its color, — the Latin Tetrabiblos had Marti comparatur; or, in the Homeric signification of the words, the "equivalent of Mars," either from the color-resemblance of the star to the latter, or because the astrologers considered the Scorpion the House of that planet and that god its guardian. Thus it naturally followed the character of its constellation,— perhaps originated it,— and was always associated with eminence and activity in mankind.

Dutch scholar Grotius (1583-1645), however, said that the word Antares signifies a Bat, which, as Vespertilio, Greek tragic poet Sophocles (496?-406 B.C.) perhaps called it; but the 17th century German astronomer Bayer erroneously quoted from Hesychios (5th century. AD.) (Greek) Antartes, a Rebel, and Tyrannus. The 17th century Dutch astronomer Caesius appropriately styled the constellation Insidiata, the Lurking One. Others say that it was Antar's Star,— but they forget the second-century Greek astronomer Ptolemy,—the celebrated Antar or Antarah [ Antarah ] who, just previous to the time of Muhammad, was the mulatto warrior-hero of one of the Golden Mu'allakat. [ Muallaqat .

Allen notes: These were the famous seven selected poems of Arabia, said to have been inscribed in letters of gold on silk, or Egyptian linen, and suspended, as their title signifies, in the Kabah at Mecca.] Our word, however, is sometimes written Antar, which Beigel said is the Arabic equivalent of "Shone"; but the Latin translator of the 1515 Almagest connected it with Natar, Rapine, and so possibly explaining the generally unintelligible expression tendit ad rapinam applied to Antares in that work and in the Alfonsine Tables of 1521; or the expression here may refer to the character of Ares, the god of war.

The Rudolphine Tables designated it as rutilans, Pliny's (23-79 A.D.) word for "glowing redly." The Arabians' Kalb al Akrab, the Scorpion's Heart, which probably preceded the Kardia Skorpion and Cor Scorpii of Greece and Rome respectively, became, in early English and Continental lists, Kelbalacrab, Calbalacrab, Calbolacrabi, Calbalatrab, and Cabalatrab; the Italian astronomer Riccioli (1598-1671) having the unique Alcantub, although he generally wrote Kalb Aakrab. This star Antares (α Scorpius ) alone constituted the 16th manzil (Arabic Moon Mansion), Al Kalb, the Heart, one of the fortunate stations. But the Chinese included sigma (σ) and tau (τ), on either side of Antares, for their sieu ( Chinese Moon Mansion ), the synonymous Sin, anciently Sam, sigma (σ) being the determinant; although Brown says that this Heart refers to that of Tsing Lung, the Azure Dragon, one of the four great divisions of their zodiac.

They also have a record of a comet 531 B.C., "to the left of Ta Shin," which last Williams identified with Antares; while, as the Fire Star, Who Sing, it seems to have been invoked in worship centuries before our era for protection against fire. With some adjacent it was one of the Ming t'ang, or Emperor's Council-hall; his sons and courtiers, other stars, standing close by, to whom Antares, as Ta Who, announced the principles of his government. { p.366 } The Hindus used alpha (α Antares), sigma (σ), and tau (τ) for their nakshatra ( Hindu Moon Mansion ) Jyestha, Oldest, also known as Rohini, Ruddy, from the color of Antares, — Indra, the sky-goddess, being regent of the asterism that was figured as a pendent Ear Jewel.

It was one of the four Royal Stars of Persia, 3000 B.C., and probably the Guardian of the Heavens that Dupuis mentioned as Satevis; but, as their lunar asterism, it was Gel, the Red; the Sogdians (an Iranian people) changing this to Maghan sadwis, the Great One saffron-colored. The Khorasmians (east of Persia) called it Dharind, the Seizer; and the Copts (who are now the Christians in Egypt), Kharthian, the Heart. It pointed out to the Babylonians their 24th ecliptic constellation, Hurru, of uncertain meaning, itself being Urbat according to an astrolabe discovered in the palace of Sennacherib and interpreted by the late George Smith; Brown, however, assigns this title to stars in Lupus ( Lupus adjoins Scorpius ).

Other Euphratean names were Bilu-sha-ziri, the Lord of the Seed; Kak-shisa, the Creator of Prosperity, according to German Orientalist Peter Jensen (1861-1936), although this is generally ascribed to Sirius ; and, in the lunar zodiac, Dar Lugal, the King, identified with the god of lightning, Lugal Tudda, the Lusty King. Naturally the inscriptions make much of it in connection with the planet Mars, their UI Suru, showing that its Arean association evidently had very early origin; and from them we read Masu (?) Sar, the Hero and the King, and Kakkab Bir, the Vermilion Star. Brown identifies it with the seventh antediluvian king, (the Greek word) Euedoranchos, or Udda-an-χu, the Day-heaven-bird.

In Egyptian astronomy it represented the goddess Selkit, Selk-t, or Serk-t, heralding the sunrise through her temples at the autumnal equinox about 3700-3500 B.C., and was the symbol of Isis in the pyramid ceremonials (Isis, perhaps the Moon, is identified with a number of stars). Renouf included it with Arcturus in the immense figure Menat . [ Star Names , Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889]. This is one of the four key stars in the heavens, also called archangel stars. Michael ( Aldebaran ) watcher of the East. Gabriel ( Fomalhaut ) watcher of the South. Raphael ( Regulus ) Watcher of the North. Oriel (Antares) Watcher of the West. At one time they marked the two Equinoxes and two Solstices. Aldebaran marked the zero Aries point in 3044 BC, Antares marked zero Libra 3052 BC, Fomalhaut marked zero Capricorn, 2582 BC, Regulus marked zero Cancer 2345 BC.

As one of the four Royal stars of Persia its name was Satevis; but, as their lunar asterism, it was Gel, the "Red" the Sogdians changing this to Maghan sadwis, the "Great One" saffron-colored. [The angel associations come from Eric Morse, The Living Stars , p.35. Allen's explanation of these four stars on page 256 of Star Names] These four stars have been characterized as Horses, reflected both in the famed Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (Revelations 6) and Chariot Horses in the Book of Zechariah. [Dr Eric Morse, The Living Stars , p.56.] Antares as Antar's Star, Antarah or Ántara Allen ( Star Names , p.365) says "Others say that Antares was Antar's Star, and referring to the celebrated Arabic hero Antar, or Antarah". This refers to Ántara who portrays the "Heart of the Scorpion" as in the Manilius' representation of the Scorpion character.

"By virtue of its tail armed with its powerful sting, the Scorpion creates natures ardent for war and active service, which rejoices in plenteous bloodshed and in carnage more than in plunder". The hero Ántara lived just previous to the time of Muhammad; he died 615 AD at age 90; and was the mulatto warrior-hero of one of the Golden Mu'allakat. Son of an African slave woman and an Arab sheikh, Ántara was the bravest warrior of all of the Arabs. As a lowly slave himself he was spurred to greatness by love for his noble cousin 'Abla. He had his chance when the fortunes of war turned against the tribe. With the enemy closing in on their encampment, his father called him to battle. He followed the call and soon proved himself the most valiant warrior in Arabia. In doing so he held his family to the ancient rule that only a free man with full rights may join in battle. The rule freed him of the taint of slavery and entitled him to marry his beloved.

He was a poet of the first rank; his most eloquent poem can be seen on this website page ; "Ántara's Ode," where he tells 'Abla and the world of his love for her and of the victories that made him worthy of her hand. The Lunar Mansions Antares (α Scorpius ) alone constituted the 16th manzil, Arabic Moon Mansion, Al Kalb, the Heart, one of the fortunate stations. Influences the 16th Arabic Moon Mansion Al Kalb: Causes discord, sedition, conspiracy against princes and rulers, and revenge from enemies, but frees captives and helps building. With Moon transiting here: sow seeds, travel and go to war. [Robson * , p.73.] The Hindus used alpha (α Antares), sigma (σ), and tau (τ) for their 16th nakshatra ( Hindu Moon Mansion ) Jyestha, Oldest, also known as Rohini, Ruddy, from the color of Antares, — Indra, the sky-goddess, being regent of the asterism that was figured as a pendent Ear Jewel.

Influences of the 16th Hindu Moon Mansion Jyestha: Ruled by Mercury. A sharp asterism belonging to the serving caste and favorable for punishment, torture, imprisonment, exorcism, mesmerism and separation or union when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be valiant, wealthy, famous, well born, somewhat dishonest, fond of travelling and in a high position. With Moon here at birth native will be cheerful, irascible, charitable, but will have few friends. Rules deserts and the right side of the body. [Robson * , p.82.] The astrological influences of the constellation Scorpius Ptolemy makes the following observations: "The bright stars in the front of the body of Scorpio have an effect similar to that produced by the influence of Mars, and partly to that produced by Saturn: the three in the body itself . . .

are similar to Mars and moderately to Jupiter: those in the joints of the tail are like Saturn and partly like Venus: those in the sting, like Mercury and Mars." By the Kabalists Scorpio is associated with the Hebrew letter Oin and the 16th Tarot Trump "The Lightning-Struck Tower." [Robson * , p.60-61.] The astrological influences of the constellation Scorpius given by Manilius: "The Scorpion presides over arms" [Manilius, Astronomica , 1st century AD, book 4, p.253] "By virtue of his tail armed with its powerful sting, wherewith, when conducting the Sun's chariot through his sign, he cleaves the soil and sows seed in the furrow, the Scorpion creates natures ardent for war and active service, and a spirit which rejoices in plenteous bloodshed and in carnage more than in plunder.

Why, these men spend even peace under arms; they fill the glades and scour the woods; they wage fierce warfare now against man, now against beast, and now they sell their persons to provide the spectacle of death and to perish in the arena, when, warfare in abeyance, they each find themselves foes to attack. There are those, too, who enjoy mock-fights and jousts in arms (such is their love of fighting) and devote their leisure to the study of war and every pursuit which arises from the art of war." [Manilius, Astronomica , 1st century AD, p.239-240]. The astrological influences of the star Antares According to Ptolemy it is of the nature of Mars and Jupiter. Alvidas gives Jupiter sextile Venus, but this is unlikely considering the decidedly martial and malefic nature of the star. It causes malevolence, destructiveness, liberality, broad-mindedness, evil presages and danger of fatality and makes its natives rash, ravenous, headstrong and destructive to themselves by their own obstinacy.

[Robson * , 136.] A Mars nature, in which the powers of Mercury and Jupiter and Saturn are also added. Antares makes people tough, belligerent and pugnacious. This is an important star for military personnel and is said to convey mental alertness, strategic ability and courage and to make dare-devils, especially if tied up with the MC, Ascendant, Sun or Jupiter. If associated with Mars, courage is said to become foolhardiness, leading to increased dangers. Natives with this particular configuration have to be prepared at all times for sudden incidents, unforeseen events and potential accidents. According to tradition, Antares is of violent character and is credited with being significant for a violent death, either in battle or by process of law. On the other hand, danger may come about by fire, weapons or machinery. Antares is also said to be unfortunate for the eyes, if in conjunction with the Ascendant, Moon or Sun and this has proven to be the case by later researchers. [ Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation , Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.70-71.] If Rising: Riches and honor, violence, sickness, benefits seldom last.

[Robson * , p.137.] If culminating: Honor, preferment and good fortune. [Robson * , p.137.] With Fortuna or its dispositor, poverty. [Robson * , p.137.] With Sun: Pretended religion, insincere, honor and riches ending in disgrace and ruin, military preferment, danger of treachery, violence committed or suffered, fevers and sickness, injuries to the right eye, violent death. If rising or culminating, great honor through violence attended by difficulties and casualties. If with Mars also, pestilential disease. [Robson * , p.137.] With Moon: Popular, broad-minded, interested in philosophy, science and metaphysics, liable to change religious opinions, influential friends, favorable for business and domestic matters, active in local affairs, great power, honor and wealth but benefits may not prove lasting, danger of violence, sickness, drowning or assassination. If in 1st or 10th houses, honor and preferment but many dangers and calamities. Liable to blindness or eye injuries especially if at the same time Mars or Saturn be with Regulus.

If Saturn be with Aldebaran, danger of a violent death probably by hanging; but if Mars be with Aldebaran death by a stab, blow or fall especially if in angles. If a malefic be with Aldebaran in the 4th, 7th, 11th or 12th houses, death by a sudden sword-thrust, stab or fall (operations can be substituted for stabs nowadays). [Robson * , p.137.] With Mercury: Suspicious, wrongfully accuses friends, unpopular, uses ecclesiastic influence in business, money obtained slowly and with much difficulty, danger of sickness to the native and his family, and death of a relative at home or away. [Robson * , p.138.] With Venus: Insincere, dishonest, energetic and able but selfish. [Robson * , p.138.] With Mars: Detrimental habits powerfully affecting the life, quarrels with friends and relatives, fairly favorable for gain. If at the same time the Moon is with Aldebaran, danger of death by sword or hanging.

[Robson * , p.138.] With Jupiter: Great religious zeal real or pretended, ecclesiastical preferment, tendency to hypocrisy, benefits through relatives. [Robson * , p.138.] With Saturn: Materialistic, dishonest through circumstances created by environment, religious hypocrisy, many disappointments, loss through quarrels and legal affairs, trouble through enemies, many failures, hampered by relatives, unfavorable for domestic matters, much sickness to and sorrow from children. If at the same time the Moon is with Aldebaran, danger of death by sword or hanging. [Robson * , p.138.] With Uranus: Abnormal and extreme ideas, hypocritical, lies and exaggerates, extremely socialistic, incites to riot, lawlessness and anarchism and in danger of imprisonment on this account, occasional poverty, disharmony with relatives, more than one marriage, unfavorable for children, violent death.

[Robson * , p.138.] With Neptune: Shrewd, cunning, unbalanced and mentally unsound, secretive but apparently candid, dishonest, tendency to theft, economical, untruthful, strange religious ideas, evil environment, gain through hard work, sudden and unexpected death brought about by treachery or through enemies who will escape retribution. [Robson * , p.138.] References: Scorpius - definition of Scorpius by The Free Dictionary Scorpius - definition of Scorpius by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Scor·pi·us (skôr′pē-əs) n. A constellation in the Southern Hemisphere near Libra and Sagittarius, containing the bright red star Antares. Also called Scorpio, Scorpion. [Latin scorpius, scorpion, Scorpius; see scorpion.] Scorpius (ˈskɔːpɪəs) n, Latin genitive Scorpii (ˈskɔːpɪˌaɪ) (Astronomy) a large zodiacal constellation lying between Libra and Sagittarius and crossed by the Milky Way.

It contains the first magnitude star Antares. Also called: Scorpio Scor•pi•us Scorpius Constellation: Facts About the Scorpion Scorpius Constellation: Facts About the Scorpion By Kim Ann Zimmermann | August 6, 2012 01:58pm ET MORE The Scorpius constellation has intrigued people for centuries, not only for its distinctive shape, but also because it is one of the brightest constellations in the sky. The name is Latin for scorpion , or literally translated as the creature with the burning sting. However, Scorpius is not a scorpion to everyone. The Javanese people of Indonesia call this constellation Banyakangrem, meaning "the brooded swan" or Kalapa Doyong, meaning "leaning coconut tree." In Hawaii, it is known as the demigod Maui's Fishhook. In Chinese mythology, the constellation was part of the Azure Dragon. SKY MAP: Scorpius in July as of 10 p.m. from mid-northern latitudes.

Locating Scorpius In the Northern Hemisphere, Scorpius lies close to the southern horizon; in the Southern Hemisphere, it lies high in the sky near the center of the Milky Way. Right Ascension: 17 hours Visible between latitudes 40 and minus 90 degrees Best seen in July at 9 p.m. Scorpius used to be larger. The ancient Greeks considered the Libra constellation to be the claws of the scorpion. Scorpius has many bright stars, including Antares (α Sco), β1 Sco (Graffias), δ Sco (Dschubba), θ Sco (Sargas), λ Sco (Shaula), ν Sco (Jabbah), ξ Sco (Girtab), π Sco (Iclil), σ Sco (Alniyat), τ Sco (also known as Alniyat) and υ Sco (Lesath). Antares, a red supergiant, is the 16th brightest star, with an apparent magnitude between 0.96 and 1.8. It is part of a binary system, having a faint companion. Other binary stars in Scorpius include Beta, Nu, Xi and Sigma Scorpii.

The constellation encompasses U Scorpii, one of only 10 known recurring novas, which is the rapid increase in the brightness of a star. While it normally has a magnitude of 18, it reaches a magnitude of about 8 during outbursts, which have been observed in 1863, 1906, 1936, 1979, 1987, 1999, and 2010. Scorpius is also home to four deep space object that were among the first to be catalogued by Charles Messier : M4 (NGC6121); M6 (NGC6405), also called the Butterfly Cluster; M7 (NGC6475); and M80 (NGC6093). Constellations ancient and modern grace the skies year round. Let's see what you know about the star patterns that appear overhead every night. Start Over | More Quizzes Mythology Scorpius and Orion are often intertwined in Greek mythology. According to one myth, Orion boasted that he would kill every animal on the earth.

The goddess-hunter Artemis and her mother, Leto, dispatched a scorpion to kill Orion. Zeus put the scorpion in the heavens after it won the battle. In another myth, the god Apollo, Artemis's twin brother, grew angry and sent a scorpion to attack Orion because he claimed to be a better hunter than Artemis. Zeus put Orion and Scorpius in the sky, but they are visible at different times of the year. Astrology is not a science , and calls the sign of the scorpion Scorpio. It is one of the 13 constellations of the Zodiac. It is the eighth sign in the Zodiac and represents those born between Oct. 24 and Nov. 22. The traits of those born under the sign include determination and loyalty. — Kim Ann Zimmermann Cornerstone Constellations Notes The four "cornerstone" constellations, which date back to the Prophet Enoch, correspond to the four faces of the cherubim and the four principal tribes of Israel. Their symbols of the lion, eagle/serpent, man and wild ox (unicorn) are emblazoned on family coats of arms and the banners of nations.

But most importantly, each testifies of a different aspect of the life of Jesus Christ. Last month's article, " The Constellations Testify of Christ " was an introduction to understanding how the constellation figures revealed to the Prophet Enoch over 5,000 years ago testify of antediluvian knowledge of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. References to the constellations found in the scriptures were reviewed, as well as how the same symbolic imagery was employed by many prophets. Now let us focus on four of the most important constellations, and their four bright "royal stars." 1. The Four Royal Stars Several ancient cultures designated four bright stars in the zodiac as the "four corners of the earth" or the "four royal stars." At the time the constellations were drawn by Enoch, these four stars were near the sun's location in the heavens on the first day of autumn, winter, spring and summer, and were thus in four of the most important locations in the sky. The identity of these four stars is well known because there are, in fact, four bright stars which fit these requirements admirably.

First, the star Antares is a bright red star, which anciently marked the autumnal equinox, that is, the place in the sky where the sun appears on the first day of autumn. The next star in the sequence is Fomalhaut, which is also a bright star, marking winter. The next star is Aldebaran, another very bright red star located 180.0° around the ecliptic (the apparent path of the sun through the stars) from Antares. Thus, it precisely marked the spring equinox when Antares marked the autumn. Finally, the bright star Regulus, located almost exactly on the ecliptic, marked summer. Regulus, meaning "the Prince," was traditionally the leader of these four royal stars. [1] Each of the four royal stars is in one constellation of the zodiac, which is the circle of twelve constellations around the ecliptic. Antares is located at the heart of the Scorpion (Scorpius). Fomalhaut is located at the end of the rivers of water being poured out by the Water Bearer (Aquarius). Aldebaran is located at the eye of the Bull (Taurus).

Finally, Regulus is located at the heart of the Lion (Leo), which is the king of the constellations, even as the lion is called the king of beasts. These are called the four cornerstone constellations in this article because they form the corners of a great square in the sky and also provide a foundation for understanding gospel symbolism. Two of the royal stars are listed by the ancients as being shared by two constellations. Antares is not only the heart of the scorpion, it is also the heel of the Serpent Bearer (Ophiuchus), [2] who was encircled by a great serpent (Serpens) and who is stepping on the body and head of the Scorpion. Fomalhaut is not only in the stream of the Water Bearer, it is also in the Head of the Southern Fish (Piscis Australis). [3] In the case of the Scorpion/Serpent pair, there is a third constellation which is very closely associated with them. It is the Eagle (Aquila), which is located near the tail of the Serpent.

The Eagle has been considered to typify the enemy of the serpent and is often shown holding the Serpent in its claws, even as the Serpent Bearer is crushing the Scorpion. 2. The Four Cornerstone Constellations 2.1 Four Faces of the Cherubim. Both Ezekiel and John the Revelator describe creatures which correspond to the four cornerstone constellations. Ezekiel describes creatures with four faces: the face of a lion, of an ox, of a man and of an eagle, and later identifies them as cherubim (Ezek. 1:10, 10:14, 20-22). The first three of those forms correspond to the Lion, the Bull, and the Water Bearer constellations. The fourth apparently corresponds to the Eagle, the constellation which is often substituted for the serpent/scorpion when symbolizing the celestial aspect of the fourth cornerstone. John the Revelator also describes four creatures, each of which is found on one side of the throne of God. One was like a lion, one like a calf, one like a man, and one like a flying eagle (Rev. 4:7).

Here again we find the same four creatures which correspond to those four constellations, in this case given in the reverse order as they are found in the zodiac, which puts the leader first. The fact that these four symbols are found in a heavenly vision of the throne of God is strong corroboration of the claim in the Book of Enoch that an angel revealed the figures of the constellations to the Prophet Enoch. 2.2 Four Principal Tribes of Israel. Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons, and each of them is associated in Hebrew tradition with one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. [4] Hebrew scholars are not sure of the correspondence of all twelve, but the identity of the four which refer to the royal constellations are clear from the scriptures. They are the four principal tribes: Reuben, Judah, Dan, and Joseph. The Water Bearer pours out a river onto the Southern Fish. Each of those four tribes is associated with one of the royal constellations in the blessing given them by Jacob or by Moses. Reuben was told he is "unstable as water," which alludes to the Water Bearer.

The name Reuben, meaning "Behold a son," also ties him to the Water Bearer, which, of all the zodiac constellations, has the figure of a man. He is also mentioned as being over the "excellency of power" (Gen. 49:3-4) "Judah is a lion's whelp" (Gen. 49:9) ties him to the Lion. Moreover, John refers to Christ as "the lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5), again linking Judah to the lion. The Lion represents the King, and Judah began the royal lineage through which the Davidic line of kings came. The name Judah means "praised," suggesting that the kings who would come through him (especially Christ) would be praised. "Dan shall be a serpent...that biteth the horse heels" (Gen. 49:17), which parallels the symbolism of the Scorpion/Serpent, depicted stinging the Serpent Bearer in the heel. The name Dan means "judge" and the serpent symbolizes the wisdom of a judge.

The serpent is acknowledged by the Lord as being one of the wisest of his creatures, probably because of its having the wise judgment of knowing when to strike. For example, the Lord has admonished his servants to be "wise as serpents and yet without sin" (D&C 111:11). The kind of wisdom referred to especially refers to that of being a good judge. Antares, the bright star in the scorpion, is located at the heart, which the Lord acknowledges as the seat of wisdom. For example, the Lord put wisdom into the heart of King Solomon so that he could judge his people wisely (2 Chron. 1:11-12, 1 Kings 10:24; compare Exodus 26:2, Ecc. 8:5, Job 38:36). Finally, Joseph is compared to a wild ox, with the multitudes of Ephraim and Manasseh compared to its two horns (Deut. 33:17). The King James version of the Bible translates the Hebrew word for wild ox as "unicorn," as noted in the footnote of the L.D.S. edition.

The Hebrew word apparently refers to an extinct species of wild ox which has two long forward pointing horns, which is exactly how Taurus is depicted. The bright star in the Bull represents its eye, which is the symbol of a seer (one who "sees"). Joseph was known as a great seer, so the Bull was especially appropriate for his sign. The name Joseph means "Jehovah has added," probably referring to his multitude of descendants. Thus, each of the four principal tribes of Israel is explicitly correlated in the blessings of Jacob to one of the four cornerstone constellations. 2.3 Balaam's Prophecy. This same imagery was repeated in the prophecy of Balaam about the destiny of Israel. He mentions that Israel "shall pour water out of his buckets" (Reuben/Water Bearer), "he lay down as a lion" (Judah/Lion), and he has "the strength of an unicorn" (Joseph/Bull), and shall "break their bones" as does either an eagle or constrictor serpent (Dan; Num. 24:7-9). The fact that again all four figures correspond to the cornerstone symbolism indicates that this prophecy likely refers to the constellations associated with these tribes.

2.4 Banners and Directions. Each of the tribes of Israel had a flag or banner with its sign. The Hebrew word for "sign" is translated "ensign" in the King James Bible (Num. 2:2), but Hebrew commentators make it clear that the signs also refer to zodiac constellations. According to tradition, the figure of a man was found on Reuben's banner, a lion on Judah's, a serpent on Dan's, and a bull on Joseph's (or more precisely, on his son Ephraim's, who took his place). When they camped, they did so with these four banners facing the four directions: Judah facing East, Reuben facing South, Ephraim facing West, and Dan facing North (Num 2:3,10,18,25). 2.5 Heart, Might, Mind and Strength. The four cornerstone constellations are also apparently symbolic of the four aspects of living souls: the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. One example where the Lord seems to acknowledge these categories is when he tells us to serve him with all our "heart, might, mind and strength" (D&C 4:2, 59:5).

The heart seems clearly to indicate emotions, the mind represents mental capacities, and strength is physical. The word "might" apparently refers to spiritual strength because the Lord sometimes says "soul" instead of might (Mark 12:30). Thus "heart, might, mind and strength" apparently refers to our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical aspects. Note that again these four are in the same order as the four cornerstone constellations. 2.6 Elements. The Lord also uses the symbols of fire, wind, water, and earth to represent these four aspects of living creatures. For example, he stated that "ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, and so became of dust a living soul..." (Moses 6:59). As a related example, there are two baptismal ordinances, each of which has a double significance. We are taught that the baptism of water symbolizes burial after death (Rom. 6:4), when we are immersed in the earth. Furthermore, the baptism that is associated with the ordinance of confirmation is often referred to in the scriptures as the "baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost" (2 Nep.

31:13-17; D&C 19:31, 20:41). 2.7 Colors. These four elements are also represented by four colors. Red symbolizes the fire, blood, and emotions. White represents the spiritual, just as white clothing is used for baptisms and other sacred ordinances. Black represents the earth, and physical things in opposition to the spiritual. The water is blue (or sometimes blue-green). One example of these colors from the scriptures is the colors of the four horses in the Book of Revelation. The first four of the seven seals each have a different colored horse and also one of the four cherubim associated with them. The colors in order are white, red, black, and yellow-green (chloros in Greek, translated "pale," Rev. 6:1-8). A further indication that this symbolism refers to the constellations is that the rider of the black horse holds a balance in his hand even as the Scorpion holds the Balance (Libra) in its claws. And again, they are in the same order as the constellations, but beginning with the Bull.

One of the strong indications of these four aspects in the stars is the placement of each of the royal stars in the constellation. Regulus is located at the heart of the Lion and the color associated with Judah/East/Lion is red. The heart is considered to be the center of the emotions and red is the color of blood/fire, which was the element associated with the emotions. Thus the red lion of Judah ties to the emotions. The ancient Greeks described Taurus as a snow-white bull. Aldebaran, the first magnitude star is located at the eye of the Bull. The eye is symbolic of a seer, as was Joseph of Egypt, who was associated with the Bull. Thus, the Bull is apparently symbolic of spiritual strength, and especially the gift of being a seer. Fomalhaut is located in the head of the Southern Fish. This is perfect placement to represent mental powers. The color that is associated with this direction varies: it can be blue, green or even yellow. The blue and green probably represent the water, whereas the yellow has been attributed to the sunlight coming from the south (the direction associated with Reuben/Water Bearer).

Antares is located at the heart of the scorpion, whose color is black. The heart is the seat of wisdom, and the scorpion/serpent symbolizes wisdom. The heart/chest can also symbolize physical strength. Thus, the placement of all four of the royal stars in the cornerstone constellations is consistent with the symbolism of emotional, spiritual, mental and physical aspects of all living souls. Note also that the spiritual and physical are opposite each other in the circle (white opposite black), as are the mental and emotional (blue opposite red). The Royal Flag of Scotland with the Red Lion of Judah 2.8 Heraldry and National Flags. The four symbols with their traditional colors are common in coats of arms used in heraldry, and also in the symbolism of many national flags. For example, the royal flag of Scotland is composed of the red lion on a gold background. The symbolism here is apparently that their kings are from the royal blood line of Judah. The arms of England reverse those colors, with a gold lion on a red background. The coat of arms of Great Britain combines these symbols (along with Ireland's harp), flanked by the lion and unicorn.

The unicorn is an excellent symbol for the British people who are mostly descendants of Joseph, and the lion for their kings, from the royal line of Judah. The Griffin is half eagle and half lion Some nations combine two different symbolic animals together, perhaps to represent the combining of two families. One example is the griffin, which has the head and wings of an eagle and the lower body of a lion. It also said to have the ears of a horse (unicorn or wild ox?). It is found on many coats of arms throughout the region of the Baltic Sea and may represent the combining of Dan and Judah (and Joseph?). The British Coat of Arms with the Lion and Unicorn 2.9 Four Hebrew Tabernacle Colors. The Lord commanded Moses to use four colors of cloth repeated throughout the tabernacle, especially for embroidering images of the cherubim. They were blue, purple, scarlet, and linen (white), nearly always mentioned in that order (Ex. 26:31, 36; 27:16; 28:5-15). Those are the same as the four colors of the cherubim, with purple substituted for black.

That substitution could well be because purple was the color of Levi, and the tribe of Levi were the temple workers. Moreover, black is the least appropriate of the colors for a temple, which symbolizes spirituality (white). In support of this interpretation, note that in the Book of Revelation, the 144,000 temple workers include the tribe of Levi (purple), but not the tribe of Dan (black) (Rev. 7:4-8). 2.10 The Four Kinds of Flesh. The symbolism of the figures of the constellations also explain the "four kinds of flesh" as described in the scriptures. As already discussed, the Book of Revelation and Ezekiel both mention creatures having the faces of the lion, bull, man, and eagle.

When the Prophet Joseph Smith inquired to know their meaning, the Lord explained: "They are figurative expressions, used by the Revelator, John, in describing heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man, and of beasts, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air; that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created."  D&C 77:2 Here the Lord mentions four kinds of creatures: man, beasts, creeping things, and birds. The Hebrew word translated as "creeping things" in the Old Testament includes reptiles, amphibians, fish, [5] and all invertebrates. Paul also mentions four kinds of flesh: " All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds" (I Cor. 15:39). Here he used "fishes" to represent the "creeping things" category.

The Lord gives modern day support to Paul's usage by repeating his same four categories (D&C 29:24, 101:24). The four cornerstone constellations include representatives of each zoological category of animal by making use of double and triple constellations. First, the Scorpion, Serpent Bearer, and Eagle form a set represent invertebrates, reptiles, and birds. Second, the Water Bearer and the Southern Fish form a double constellation representing mankind and fish. The Bull represents beasts (mammals). The lion is the king of all the beasts and hence might well represent all creatures. [6] 3. Roles of Christ Each of these four constellations also refers to a different role of the Savior, who personifies all the best traits of mankind combined. To understand them, let us consider each of these four constellations in more detail. The Scorpion, with his red heart Antares 3.1 The Scorpion and Serpent Bearer. The Serpent Bearer has been wounded in the heel by the Scorpion and is wrestling the Serpent, which encircles him. [7] He appears, however, to have the Serpent under control.

His feet are firmly planted, and one of them is crushing the body and head of the Scorpion. There are at least two important meanings which these constellations bring to mind. First, they can be seen as a graphic portrayal of the great promise that Adam and Eve heard in the Garden of Eden, when they were being judged by the Lord for having partaken of the forbidden fruit. The promise was given that someday her seed (her descendant) would have power to crush the serpent's head, even though the serpent would be able to bruise his heel (Gen. 3:15). There are several heroes in the constellations with one foot on the head of a serpent and the other foot having been wounded. For example, the Lion's feet are on the head of the Fleeing Serpent (Hydra), and Hercules' foot is firmly planted on the head of the Dragon (Draco). The Serpent Bearer's Foot Crushes the Scorpion Second, it reminds us of the serpent around the staff that healed the Israelites who looked at it, after having been bitten by the fiery flying serpents (Num. 21:8).

The serpent on the staff has long been a symbol of healing and medicine, generally believed to be the source of the caduceus staff of Mercury still is used by our medical profession today. If, however, the idea was already shown in the constellations, then it dates much farther back than Moses. The Serpent Bearer apparently symbolizes Christ as the great Healer who would crush the serpent's head by overcoming death. Paul's imagery in asking "O death, where is thy sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55) readily calls to mind the futility of the scorpion stinging the Master Healer who could victoriously crush death forever. The Caduceus The symbolism of the serpent is two fold. Sometimes the serpent represents Satan, and sometimes it represents the Savior, as when Moses had the people look to the serpent on the staff to be healed. Thus, it is not only the Serpent Bearer who crushes the scorpion who represents Christ, but also the serpent/scorpion itself. The Heart of the Scorpion most likely symbolizes the Wise Judge, which again is best typified by Christ, who is called the "Righteous Judge" (2 Tim 4:8, Moses 6:57).

The red star Antares, which is noted for its reddish color, is also in the foot of the Serpent Bearer, and Christ is described as having "feet like unto fine brass," (Rev. 1:15). The Water Bearer 3.2 The Water Bearer. This constellation shows a man pouring a river of water out of a small jar, which descends onto the head of a fish. The water was said by the Greeks to be mixed with nectar, or to be "living water." The living water seems to refer to the Savior's true teachings and to temple blessings (John 4:14, 7:38; D&C 110:10), so the Water Bearer apparently represents Christ as the Master Teacher as well as he who endows with power. A very common name for the Savior during his ministry was "Master," which is the translation of the Greek word for teacher. This ties to the symbolism of the Water Bearer as representing the mental aspect of mankind. This is another double constellation, and the royal star is also in the head of the Southern Fish.

The fish is one symbol of Christ's Church, and one of the Savior's roles is to be the head of his church (Eph. 5:23). The Bull with his red eye Aldebaran 3.3 The Bull. Taurus, the Bull, is a wild ox described by the Greeks as having a hide as white as snow and two long forward pointing horns like polished bronze or gold. Only the front half of the bull is shown in the constellation. Its front two legs are bent as if charging ferociously. The bright red star in the Bull is found in its eye, representing a seer, and the Savior was the greatest prophet and seer. Even as the bull is described as being "snowy white" [8] and having a red eye, so also the savior was described as having hair "white as snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire" (Rev. 1:14).

The meaning of the wild ox seems to have been capsulized perfectly by Moses who declared that the thousands of Manasseh and the ten thousands of Ephraim are the two horns of the wild ox of Joseph, and that they would "push the people together from the ends of the earth" (Deut. 33:17, D&C 58:45), referring to the gathering of the house of Israel in the latter-days. [9] Note that the Lord used this same imagery of the thousands and also ten thousands as he introduced Moses on the day that Moses actually restored the keys of gathering Israel (D&C 110:9). Perhaps the most interesting part for latter-day saints is that the Bull is apparently symbolic of the latter-day Kingdom of God. The prophecy of the history of the world in the Book of Enoch refers to kingdoms as animals, with the great millennial kingdom represented by a white bull: Then I saw that a snow-white bull was born, with huge horns; all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the sky feared him and made petition to him all the time.

I went on seeing until all their kindred were transformed, and became snow white cattle; and the first among them became a wild ox, and that wild ox became a great beast with huge black horns on its head. The Lord of the sheep rejoiced over it and over all the cattle. I myself [Enoch] was in their midst.  1 Enoch 90:37-39 [10] ( 89:45-49 in Laurence translation). This symbolism precisely matches that of the constellations. The white bull, the Kingdom of God in the last days, breaks into pieces the other kingdoms and grows to fill the whole earth (Dan. 2:35, 44; D&C 65:2, 105:32). "All their kindred" being transformed into snow-white cattle matches the symbolism of the twelve snow-white oxen which hold up the baptismal font in L.D.S. temples, in which all the tribes of Israel are symbolized by the bull, the symbol of the tribe of Joseph.

Note also that it prophesies that Enoch himself would be with the latter-day saints, which agrees with modern revelation (Moses 7:63). The Bull may represent Zion, the Kingdom of God in the western hemisphere, from which the law will go forth (Isa. 2:3, D&C 133:21). Moreover, because the Bull apparently represents the Kingdom of God and its great armies, another probable role of the Savior represented by the Bull is "the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (1 Samuel 17:45). The Lion, with Regulus at his heart 3.4 The Lion. The Lion is the symbol of the King, and the symbolism for the Savior's mission is clearly as his role as King of Kings (Rev. 17:14, 19:16). Thus, all of these constellations point to Christ. The Lion may also represent the eastern half of the Kingdom of God in Jerusalem from which the word will go forth, even as the Bull represents the Kingdom of God in the West (Isa. 2:3). It is depicted with its forepaws near the head of the Fleeing Serpent.

4. The Gospel Story It was proposed a century and a half ago that the set of all 48 of the original constellations tell the entire gospel story from the birth of Christ through his reign in the millennium. [11] That appears to be true, but will require much more research to be well understood. One feature of that story is that it appears to be in chronological order, beginning with the Virgin (Virgo) and ending with the Lion (Leo). The four cornerstone constellations only tell a small part of that story, but nevertheless form key points. The first two apparently refer to the first coming of Christ, and the second two to the second coming. The Serpent Bearer crushing the Scorpion, clearly refers to the promise that Adam and Eve heard in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:15). It apparently refers to when Christ was wounded by the serpent (Satan) at his Crucifixion, but the Serpent was crushed when Christ overcame death. Next, the Water Bearer pouring living water onto the head of the Fish was begun during the Savior's mortal ministry, but more fully fulfilled after the Resurrection when Christ spent forty days teaching deeper truths to his apostles and giving them further blessings.

He did likewise with the Nephites and lost ten tribes. The third sign, the Bull, refers to the Kingdom of God in the last days which will prepare for the second coming of Christ by gathering the tribes of Israel from the four corners of the earth. It also refers to the restoration of his teachings through a great seer. It probably includes the symbolism of the Savior at his Second Coming at the beginning of the Millennium, trampling enemies underfoot. The fourth sign, the Lion, most likely refers to the Kingdom of God in the millennium, where all things are gathered into one, and Christ rules as King of Kings. It also seems to include the final overcoming of Satan at the end of the Millennium because the Lion is crushing the head of the Fleeing Serpent. Thus, the Lion may represent the Kingdom of God finally overcoming Satan forever at the end of the Millennium in the great war at that time. Next month we will discuss the four royal stars in more depth.

As we begin to understand the depth of information contained in these constellations, we might exclaim with Enoch, "I blessed the Lord of glory, who had made those great and splendid signs, that they might display the magnificence of his works to angels and to the souls of men; and that these might glorify all his works and operations; might see the effect of his power; might glorify the great labor of his hands; and bless him forever."  Enoch 35:3 Notes Allen, Richard, Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, (New York: Dover, 1963), p. 256. Rolleston Frances, Mazzaroth; or the Constellations, (London: Rivingtons, 1862), p. II:15 quotes Dupuis who quotes Zoroaster in The Boundesh as stating that Antares is also in the heel of the Serpent Bearer. Aratus also states that the Serpent Bearer's foot is firmly planted on the breast and eye of the scorpion. Today Fomalhaut is considered to be only in the Southern Fish, but Ptolemy lists it as in both constellations.

For example, Josephus, when referring to the 12 stones on the breastplate of the high priest on which are inscribed the names of the 12 tribes of Israel (Ex. 28:21), states, "And as for the twelve stones, whether we understand by them the months, or whether we understand the like number of the signs of that circle which the Greeks call the Zodiac, we shall not be mistaken in their meaning." (Antiquities III.vii.7, Whiston translation). The word is translated "moving creatures" in Gen. 1:20, which describes the creation of life in the waters. Another aspect of these scriptures is that D&C 77 mentions symbolism of degrees of happiness and I Cor. 15:40 mentions the three degrees of glory. There are indications that anciently the ecliptic represented the earth, which would mean the four cornerstone constellations were the four corners of the earth. The constellations found above the ecliptic represented beings in heaven and those below were in the underworld.

If so, then the four vertical constellations might represent the celestial kingdom (eagle), terrestial (man, lion, bull, serpent), and telestial (scorpion). Or perhaps the scorpion represents the sons of perdition (D&C 88:102). More research is required. Most star maps do not show the encircling, which Aratus explicitly mentions. Allen, op. cit., p. 378. Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah, p. 202. Translation by E. Isaac in The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, ed. James H. Charlesworth, (New York, Doubleday, 1983), vol I. Rolleston, op. cit. Antares ANTARES (Alpha Scorpii). A brilliant jewel set within the Milky Way , Antares guides us to one of the great constellations of the sky, the Zodiac 's Scorpius (or Scorpio), the celestial scorpion, one of the few constellations that actually looks like what it represents.

Antares, a class M (M1.5) red supergiant gleaming redly at the scorpion's heart, has a color similar to Mars. Since it is found within the Zodiac, which contains the apparent path of the Sun and planets, it is commonly mistaken for the red planet, a fact shown by its name, Antares, or "Ant-Ares," which means "like Mars," "Ares" being the Greek name for the god of war. This magnificent first magnitude (typically 0.96) star, shining opposite Betelgeuse , its counterpart in Orion , is ranked the 15th brightest in the sky. It is, however, a semi-regular variable that can change by several tenths of magnitude over a period of years. Its great distance of 550 light years (second Hipparcos reduction) reveals that it is truly luminous, to the eye almost 10,000 times brighter than the Sun . Because it is cool, only about 3600 degrees Kelvin at its surface, it radiates a considerable amount of its light in the invisible infrared.

When that is taken into account, the star becomes some 60,000 times brighter than the Sun (with considerable uncertainty). A low temperature coupled with high luminosity tells us that the star must be huge, luminosity and temperature giving a radius of about 3 Astronomical Units. It is so big that astronomers can easily detect and measure the size of its apparent disk, which gives an even bigger radius of 3.4 AU, 65 percent the size of the orbit of Jupiter. The difference is caused by uncertainties in distance, temperature, the state of pulsation, and the actual location of the mass-losing surface, as the star is slowly evaporating under a fierce wind that has encased it in a gas cloud, or nebula, that shines by light scattered from the ultraluminous star within. The amount of dimming by interstellar dust is not well known. If as high as half a magnitude, Antares could be as bright as 90,000 Suns, pretty much taking care of the radius discrepancy.

Buried within the wind is a fifth magnitude (5.5) hot class B (B2.5) companion star (only 3 seconds of arc away) that hides within Antares' bright glare. The two are separated by roughly 550 AU and take perhaps 2500 years to orbit each other. The companion hollows out a small ionized region within the wind, and although blue-white, has the reputation of appearing green as a result of a contrast effect with its brilliant reddish mate. Antares, with an uncertain mass of 15 to 18 solar masses, probably does not have much time left to it. It is massive enough someday to develop an iron core and eventually to explode as a brilliant supernova . The event may be a million years off, an astronomical blink of an eye; or it may occur tonight, so keep a watch on one of the great stars of the nighttime sky. The companion, however, at around 7 to 8 solar masses, seems to be just below the supernova limit and will probably die as a massive white dwarf . See the Moon visit Antares. Written by Jim Kaler 6/05/98.

Last updated 6/26/09. Return to STARS .

Question: In which of the constellations of the Zodiac is the bright star Antares found?
Answer: Scorpio