- The Zodiac is the area of the sky through which the Sun, Moon and Planets travel, a path eight degrees either side of the Ecliptic.
- In Ancient Astronomy and Astrology the Zodiac was divided into 12 Signs, each having 30° of celestial longitude. The zero degree of longitude is the Sun’s position at the First Point of Aries also known as the Vernal Equinox.
History
- Zodiac means the same in both Astronomy and in Astrology and is from the Latin ‘Zodiacus’ which is derived from the Greek meaning ‘Circle of Animals’, since over half of the Signs are of animals.
- It is thought that the Zodiac and its 12 signs originated in the Sumerian City States of Mesopotamia such as Ur, between 3,800 BCE and 2,700 BCE, and was then taken over by the Greeks circa 500 BCE.
Definition
- A circle centred on the Ecliptic.
- The belt of the Zodiac extends 8-9 degrees north and south of the Ecliptic.
- The starting point is the First Point of Aries also known as the Vernal Equinox.
- It is divided into 12, by lines of Longitude spaced apart every 30 degrees.
- Each of the 12 divisions is named after a Constellation and called a Sign.
The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac
| Sign | Zodiac Number | Ecliptic Longitude | Quarter | Symbol |
| Aries | 1 | 0° – 30° | First Quarter (0°-90°) | The Ram |
| Taurus | 2 | 30° – 60° | The Bull | |
| Gemini | 3 | 60° – 90° | The Twins | |
| Cancer | 4 | 90° – 120° | Second Quarter (90°-180°) | The Crab |
| Leo | 5 | 120° – 150° | The Lion | |
| Virgo | 6 | 150° – 180° | The Maiden | |
| Libra | 7 | 180° – 210° | Third Quarter (180°-270°) | The Scales |
| Scorpio | 8 | 210° – 240° | The Scorpion | |
| Sagittarius | 9 | 240° – 270° | The Centaur | |
| Capricorn | 10 | 270° – 300° | Fourth Quarter (270°-360°) | The Goat |
| Aquarius | 11 | 300° – 330° | The Water Carrier | |
| Pisces | 12 | 330° – 360° | The Fish |
Sources
Image: The Zodiac, Bracken House, Cannon Street, London