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Andromeda is an autumn

v
Constellations of the Zodiac
Ancient astronomers noted that the sun
makes a yearly journey across the
celestial sphere, part of which is
represented in the picture by the blue
band. The ancient astronomers associated
dates with the constellations in this narrow
belt (which is known as the zodiac),
assigning to each constellation of stars the
dates when the sun was in the same
region of the celestial sphere as the
constellation. The twelve zodiacal signs for
these constellations were named by the
2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, as
follows: Aries (ram), Taurus (bull), Gemini
(twins), Cancer (crab), Leo (lion), Virgo
(virgin), Libra (balance), Scorpio
(scorpion), Sagittarius (archer), Capricorn
(goat), Aquarius (water-bearer), and Pisces
(fishes).
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Reserved.
Microsoft Encarta 2009. 19932008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights
reserved.
Andromeda
Andromeda is a "V" shaped constellation
best viewed in the fall if you live in the
Northern Hemisphere. Andromeda lies
close to the north pole, so only a few in
the Southern Hemisphere can see this
strangely shaped constellation in the
spring.

Betelgeuse in the Constellation Orion


Betelgeuse is the brightest star in the
constellation Orion, one of the more
recognizable constellations of the winter
sky in the Northern Hemisphere.
Betelgeuse is situated 650 light-years
from Earth. The star is an extremely
luminous red supergiant and is destined to
eventually explode as a supernova.
Corbis
Microsoft Encarta 2009. 19932008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights
reserved.

Big Dipper
The Big Dipper is a constellation of seven
stars in the northern celestial hemisphere.
It is also known by the names Ursa Major

(the Great Bear), the Plow, Charless Wain,


and the Wagon. In Hinduism, the seven
stars in the constellation represent the
seven rishis, or holy ancient sages.
Jerry Schad/Photo Researchers, Inc.
Microsoft Encarta 2009. 19932008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights
reserved
Cassiopeia was the wife of
King Cepheus. She was very pretty, and
would often brag that she and her
daughter were more beautiful than the
sea nymphs, the Nereids. They
complained to Poseidon, who sent a
monster to Cepheus' land. In order to
save their country, the king and queen
sacrificed their daughter,Andromeda.
Just before the monster, named Cetus,
ate the princess, Perseus saved her. All
five figures are represented in the sky as
constellations.
Cassiopeia

tail of the swan is marked by the bright


star Deneb, Arabic for "tail". Three fainter
stars cross the line between Deneb and
the head of the swan, Albireo. Cygnus flies
southward along the summerMilky Way,
and into the Summer Triangle.

The Constellation Cygnus, the Swan


Click on image for full size

Andromeda is a "V" shaped constellation


best viewed in the fall if you live in the
Northern Hemisphere. Andromeda lies
close to the north pole, so only a few in
the Southern Hemisphere can see this
strangely shaped constellation in the
spring.

Draco the Dragon


Draco the dragon is a
circumpolar constellation, which means it
revolves around the North pole. It can be
seen all year round. Draco is only present
in the Northern Hemisphere, so those
living in the Southern Hemisphere will
never see this long constellation.

Eridanus
Eridanus is known as the Celestial River. It
most often related to the Nile or Euphrates
Rivers because they were so important to
ancient civilizations. Eridanus is the
second longest constellation in the night
sky.

Cygnus
Cygnus, the Swan, is also known as the
Northern Cross because of its shape. The

Crux - The Southern Cross


If you live in the Northern Hemisphere,
you must be south of latitude 30 degrees
to begin observing Crux, one of the
smallest, but most easily recognized
constellations in the sky. Crux lies along
the Milky Way and is surrounded
by Centaurus, the Centaur, on three sides.

The Constellation Aquila, the Eagle


LibraFriendly, amiable and attractive,
Libra individuals are also quite popular
among their friends, more so because
they tend to play able, trustworthy and
balanced team strategists for their groups.
However, many a Libra are found to be too
manipulative or stubborn for their own
good.
In relationships, the Scales or Libra are
very loving and careful. They make for
beautiful, elegant partners, always well
turned out, and are a treat to be taken
along on dates, parties and social dos.
Most Libra-born are graceful, polite and
admire beauty in all its forms. They love a
good life.

The Constellation Crux, the Southern


Cross
Hercules
Hercules, the great Greek warrior, can be
seen kneeling in the sky for northern
latitudes throughout the Spring months.
Hercules first becomes visible in the east
in April, and works his way high across the
night sky through October.

I
"I am"
March 21 - April 20
1st Fire sign - 1st Cardinal sign (spring
equinox) - Masculine
In analogy with Mars, his ruler, and the 1st
House
Aries governs the head.

"I have"
April 21 - May 20
1st Earth sign - 1st Fixed sign - Feminine
In analogy with Venus, her ruler, and the
2nd House
Taurus governs the neck and the throat.
The Constellation Hercules, the great
Aquila
Aquila, the celestial eagle, is one of the
three constellations which have bright
stars forming the Summer Triangle. A
nearly perfectly straight line of three stars
symbolizes part of the wings.

"I think"
May 21 - June 21
1st Air sign - 1st Mutable sign - Masculine
In analogy with Mercury, his ruler, and the
3rd House
Gemini governs the arms, the lungs and
the thorax.

2nd Water sign - 3rd Fixed sign - Feminine


"I feel"
June 22 - July 22
1st Water sign - 2nd Cardinal sign
(summer solstice) - Feminine

In analogy with Pluto, her ruler with Mars,


and the 8th House
Scorpio governs the sexual organs and the
anus.

In analogy with the Moon, her ruler, and


the 4th House
Cancer governs the stomach and the
breast.

"I love"
July 23 - August 22
2nd Fire sign - 2nd Fixed sign - Masculine
In analogy with the Sun, his ruler, and the
5th House
Leo governs the heart and the spine, and
the eyes, according to some authors

"We think"
November 22 - December 20
3rd Fire sign - 3rd Mutable sign - Masculine
In analogy with Jupiter, his ruler, and the
9th House

"We achieve"
December 21 - January 19
3rd Earth sign - 4th Cardinal sign (winter
solstice) - Feminine
In analogy with Saturn, her ruler, and the
10th House

"I serve"
August 23 - September 22
2nd Earth sign - 2nd Mutable sign Feminine

Capricorn governs the knees, the bones


and the skin.

In analogy with Mercury, her ruler, and the


6th house

"We love"
January 20 - February 18
3rd Air sign - 4th Fixed sign - Masculine In
analogy with Uranus, his ruler with Saturn,
and the 11th House

Virgo governs the intestine.

Aquarius governs the ankles and the legs.


"We are"
September 23 - October 22
2nd Air sign - 3rd Cardinal sign (autumn
equinox) - Masculine
In analogy with Venus, his ruler, and the
7th House
Libra governs the kidneys and the bladder.

"We have"
October 23 - November 21

"We serve"
February 19 fvrier - March 20
3rd Water sign - 4th Mutable sign Feminine
In analogy with Neptune her ruler with
Jupiter, and the 12th House
Pisces governs the feet and the blood
circulation.

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