What are constellations?
Constellations are groups of bright stars that make up imaginary shapes. The stars that make up constellations appear close together but are actually quite far about in space. Many societies saw patterns in the stars that they related to their gods, goddesses or characters from their culture. Most familiar constellations come from ancient Greece. Due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis and its orbit around the sun the constellations have to be divided into two different groups, circumpolar and seasonal. Circumpolar constellations are the ones that rise and set. All the other constellations are seasonal. The northern and southern hemispheres see different circumpolar and seasonal constellations.
Constellation uses throughout history
People have used stars and constellations for many different reasons. These reasons have changed over the years.
The first use of stars was most likely religious. People believed that their gods and goddesses lived in heaven and had created the stars. Many cultures thought that the positions of the stars were gods' way of telling them stories. It would have seemed normal to these people to have recognised the patterns, give them names and tell stories about them. Different cultures developed their own interpretations of the stars.
A more practical use of constellations was for agriculture. Before calendars were invented farmers relied on the stars to determine when to sow and harvest their crops. Constellations made the patterns of the stars easy to remember. Ancient farmers knew that when, for example, the constellation Orion was fully visible that winter was coming soon. Constellations allowed farmers to plan ahead.
Constellations were also used by people who were travelling long distances by ship as a navigation tool. Constellations allowed people to determine their latitude as well as which direction was north, south, east or west. This allowed ships to travel across the globe easier.
The first use of stars was most likely religious. People believed that their gods and goddesses lived in heaven and had created the stars. Many cultures thought that the positions of the stars were gods' way of telling them stories. It would have seemed normal to these people to have recognised the patterns, give them names and tell stories about them. Different cultures developed their own interpretations of the stars.
A more practical use of constellations was for agriculture. Before calendars were invented farmers relied on the stars to determine when to sow and harvest their crops. Constellations made the patterns of the stars easy to remember. Ancient farmers knew that when, for example, the constellation Orion was fully visible that winter was coming soon. Constellations allowed farmers to plan ahead.
Constellations were also used by people who were travelling long distances by ship as a navigation tool. Constellations allowed people to determine their latitude as well as which direction was north, south, east or west. This allowed ships to travel across the globe easier.
The signs of the zodiac
The zodiac is made up of twelve 'star signs'. There is a constellation that corresponds with each star sign. A persons birth date determines their star sign. The constellation that sets directly above the sun as it sets on a persons birth date is their star sign.
Each sign of the zodiac is believed to have certain traits, habits or a certain personality. People can get a daily, weekly or monthly horoscope which, from the positions of the stars and planets astrologers work out, amongst other things, which traits or qualities will be more dominate for that particular period of time (day, week, month).
For example the horoscope for the zodiac Aries on the 22 of November 2012 was:
You are being extremely self indulgent today and motivation for this might not come from the right space. If you're being overly possessive or envious of other people and what they have, you really won't be purchasing things based on what you need but rather on how you would like to be seen.
Each sign of the zodiac is believed to have certain traits, habits or a certain personality. People can get a daily, weekly or monthly horoscope which, from the positions of the stars and planets astrologers work out, amongst other things, which traits or qualities will be more dominate for that particular period of time (day, week, month).
For example the horoscope for the zodiac Aries on the 22 of November 2012 was:
You are being extremely self indulgent today and motivation for this might not come from the right space. If you're being overly possessive or envious of other people and what they have, you really won't be purchasing things based on what you need but rather on how you would like to be seen.
About the star sign Pisces
Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, and it is also the final sign in the zodiacal cycle. Hence, this sign brings together many of the characteristics of the eleven signs that have come before it. Pisces, however, are happiest keeping many of these qualities under wraps. It is a pair of fish that represents Pisces. This symbol prompts to others that these people 'go with the flow' and 'don't make waves'. Both of these labels are true, since Pisces are fluid and easy-going, in keeping with the Mutable Quality assigned to this sign.
Pisces is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter (the original ruler of Pisces) was the king of the gods, while Neptune was the ruler of the seas. When Neptune was discovered in recent times, it was attached to this sign.
The Element associated with Pisces is Water. Those born under this sign easily relate to the emotional and unpredictable nature of this liquid gold. Pisces feel a great deal, and they also feel misunderstood much of the time. They're not quite pushovers, but they're certainly sensitive.
More relaxation for the Fish comes in the way of sports, specifically water sports. Pisces loves to swim, and it's this easy glide in a pool or the sea that serves to alleviate much of their stress. Once their mind is at ease, the Fish should focus on their feet, a frequent source of discomfort. Soothing comfort comes in a world coloured in purple and soft white. When it comes to the game of love, Pisces are caring and romantic and a most creative mate.
The great strength of the Pisces-born is their compassionate and charitable nature. These folks love to help others and do so in the most imaginative of ways. It's their feeling sensibility that wins people over.
Pisces is ruled by Jupiter and Neptune. In ancient Roman mythology, Jupiter (the original ruler of Pisces) was the king of the gods, while Neptune was the ruler of the seas. When Neptune was discovered in recent times, it was attached to this sign.
The Element associated with Pisces is Water. Those born under this sign easily relate to the emotional and unpredictable nature of this liquid gold. Pisces feel a great deal, and they also feel misunderstood much of the time. They're not quite pushovers, but they're certainly sensitive.
More relaxation for the Fish comes in the way of sports, specifically water sports. Pisces loves to swim, and it's this easy glide in a pool or the sea that serves to alleviate much of their stress. Once their mind is at ease, the Fish should focus on their feet, a frequent source of discomfort. Soothing comfort comes in a world coloured in purple and soft white. When it comes to the game of love, Pisces are caring and romantic and a most creative mate.
The great strength of the Pisces-born is their compassionate and charitable nature. These folks love to help others and do so in the most imaginative of ways. It's their feeling sensibility that wins people over.
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