The origin of the Celestial Signs symbols is quite a mystery to almost everyone in the Astrological field; amateurs and adepts alike. Why is there such a mystery to the origin of these simple shapes? One would assume that, these being the most used and basic symbols in Astrology, they would be the most understood. Yet there is no information on their origin or the purpose of their shape. Most people make assumptions to their origins but their assumptions are ill justified and lack any backing evidence.
For example those who state that the reason Scorpio or Virgos symbols are M shaped is due to the fact that they are associated with M related words in their interpretation or some other silliness. During this small treatise I will go over every Celestial Sign and explain the origin of each of these symbols. The resource for this treatise, which reveals the origins of these symbols, is a 16th century manuscript called The Most Excellent and Profitable Book of the Famous Doctor and Expert Astrologian Arcandam which can be found in the library section of this website.
Each Celestial Sign or Constellation was either divided into two or three parts; that is a Head, a Tail and possibly a Belly. With each division added together we come to a total of 29 Celestial Signs but 30 Celestial Parts which will be explained briefly. The seven Signs which are divided into two principle parts, that is the Head and Tail, are; Aries, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Capricornus & Pisces. The other five are divided into three Celestial Parts (Head, Belly, & Tail) and are; Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius. For clarity sake we will discuss what a Head, Tail and Belly mean if some are uncertain. The Head of a constellation, for instance Aries, is composed of the stars which make up the beginning of the constellation, usually where the head is drawn on constellation illustrations. The Tail of the Celestial Sign is the end which connects it to the beginning of hte next Constellation or Celestial Sign. There is only one only exception to the division of Celestial Signs into parts and that concerns the Tail of Virgo which is broken into two parts. This means that Virgo has a Head and a Tail but has three parts.
1.2 - Zodiac Symbols & Origin
©2007 Antiquus Astrologia. All Rights Reserved.
ARIES
The Head of the Aries constellation star cluster is the inspiration for the symbol of Aries. The Head of Aries is given the name Aluathay, which is most likely Arabic in origin as with all other names listed here. There are four stars in this cluster. It is quite simple to see the classical symbol of Aries in this cluster. The meaning behind this cluster and the others with it can be found in the manuscript above.
TAURUS
The Head of Taurus is the star cluster which is the inspiration behind the symbol for Taurus, as Aries they have a similar facial shape to them. This is a cluster of 7 stars arranged with the bottom star being the round head of Taurus and the vertical lines being the horns. The name of this cluster is Adoldaya and is displayed as such.
CANCER
The Head of Cancer maketh the symbol for the Celestial Sign of Cancer. The Head contains 10 stars which make up the symbol of Cancer when it is turned 90°. The name of this cluster is Albacra.
GEMINI
The Belly of Gemini represents the star cluster that represents the symbol of Gemini. The shape of this symbol is similar to that of a trunk of a body and the Belly of Gemini makes up 4 stars. He is called Alaya.
LEO
The Belly of Leo is the Celestial Part which makes up the symbol for the constellation of Leo. The Belly containeth 4 stars shaped in the manner following. The clusters is named Alcomencon.
VIRGO
The Head and Tail of Virgo maketh the same cluster shape which is similar to the letter M. The name the Head of Virgo is Lacxa and the Tail is called Alecaneth. It contains in its cluster 5 stars.
LIBRA
The Head of Libra is the cluster used in the symbol for Libra. The cluster is made out of 4 stars. There is no recorded name of this cluster. The Head of Libra clearly illustrates the scales which are commonly associated with the symbol.
SCORPIOUS
The Tail of Scorpio is the inspiration for the symbol for symbol of Scorpio. The cluster contains 6 stars and is as Virgo, in the shape of an M. The name of the Tail of Scorpio is Eledrah.
SAGITTARIUS
The Tail of Sagittarius forms this symbol commonly used. The name of the cluster is Albeyda and possesseth 7 stars. The arrow of Sagittarius is always at the Head of the Constellation.
CAPRICORNUS
The Head of the Constellation Capricornus is used for the symbol of Capricorn. The name of the Head of Capricorn is Astadab. There are three stars found in this formation. This could explain why the symbol of Capricorn has altered distinctively.
AQUARIUS
The Belly of Aquarius represents the symbol of Aquarius. It contains three horizontal rows of 4 stars making 12 stars in total. The name of the Belly of Aquarius is Alchadabrah.
PISCES
The Tail of Pisces maketh the common symbol of the Celestial Sign Pisces. It contains 20 stars however it should be noted that while it differs from the traditional Sign of Pisces because the star groupings are in a circular pattern which is similar if the symbol is mirrored on itself. The name for the Tail of Pisces is Luaten.
