Scorpio (astrology): Difference between revisions
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==Mythology== |
==Mythology== |
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Ancient Babylonian boundary stones show the figure of the scorpion was used an emblem of autumn, symbolic of the decline of the Sun's power after the autumnal equinox, which was then located within its stars.<ref>William John Hinke, ''A new boundary stone of Nebuchadrezzar I. from Nippur'', p.106. Vol. 4 of Researches and treatises, University of Pennsylvania Babylonian Expedition, 1907.</ref> Scorpio's ancient zodiac myth is most clearly revealed in the Epic of [[Gilgamesh]] where the gate of the sun is guarded by a pair of scorpion-men. Gavin White, author of ''Babylonian Star Lore'', writes: |
Ancient Babylonian boundary stones show the figure of the scorpion was used an emblem of autumn, symbolic of the decline of the Sun's power after the autumnal equinox, which was then located within its stars.<ref>William John Hinke, ''A new boundary stone of Nebuchadrezzar I. from Nippur'', p.106. Vol. 4 of Researches and treatises, University of Pennsylvania Babylonian Expedition, 1907.</ref> Scorpio's ancient zodiac myth is most clearly revealed in the Epic of [[Gilgamesh]] where the gate of the sun is guarded by a pair of scorpion-men.<ref>For the relevant passage in the Gilgamesh myth see Maureen Gallery Kovacs, ''The epic of Gilgamesh'' [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=YYxEd9c0EUYC&lpg=PA76&dq=gilgamesh%20scorpion&pg=PA76#v=onepage&q&f=false p.76] (Stanford University Press, 1989; ISBN 9780804717113). For reference to the zodiac analogy see Gerald S. Hawkins, ''Mindsteps to the cosmos'' [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tr2TE_uYXuAC&lpg=PA42&dq=gilgamesh%20scorpio%20zodiac&pg=PA42#v=onepage&q&f=false p.42] (World Scientific, 2002; ISBN 9789812381231).</ref> Gavin White, author of ''Babylonian Star Lore'', writes: |
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{{quote|The gate marks the start of an underground tunnel that was travelled by the sun during the course of each night and was traversed by Gilgamesh on his way to the visit the immortals who lived beyond the confines of this world. In terms of the sun’s annual circuit of the stars this tunnel can naturally be thought of as symbolising the sun’s autumnal descent into the darkness of the underworld.<ref>Gavin White, ''Babylonian Star Lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-lore and Constellations of Ancient Babylonia'' p.34. London: Solaria Publications, 2008. ISBN: 9780955903700.</ref>}} |
{{quote|The gate marks the start of an underground tunnel that was travelled by the sun during the course of each night and was traversed by Gilgamesh on his way to the visit the immortals who lived beyond the confines of this world. In terms of the sun’s annual circuit of the stars this tunnel can naturally be thought of as symbolising the sun’s autumnal descent into the darkness of the underworld.<ref>Gavin White, ''Babylonian Star Lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-lore and Constellations of Ancient Babylonia'' p.34. London: Solaria Publications, 2008. ISBN: 9780955903700.</ref>}} |
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Revision as of 18:39, 29 November 2011
Scorpio (♏) is the eighth astrological sign in the Zodiac, which spans the zodiac between the 210th and 239th degree of celestial longitude. Generally, the Sun transits this area of the zodiac between 24 October and 22 November each year (sometimes the dates vary slightly). Individuals born during these dates, whilst the Sun is within this sign are called Scorpios.[1] CharacteristicsAs a sun signAccording to Alan Leo, generally considered to be the founder of modern psychological astrology and sun sign astrology[2], people born with the sun in Scorpio are "very determined, reserved, tenacious and secretive. They are firm and somewhat proud, and capable of unmistakable traits of character that cause them either to be very much liked or very much disliked. Their somewhat suspicious nature causes them to be distrustful, but amidst all their apparent evil traits of character, they have that grit and backbone which enables them to make higher attainments than those born in the other signs. The wisdom of the serpent lies concealed in this sign, and they may become so discreet, wise and prudent as to possess a genius that is extraordinary. It has been said "the greater the animal the greater the man," and it may be that in the animal passions there lie the germs of the spiritual force, which, when sent upwards, may achieve great and mighty things. That which seemed latent will and desire in the sign Taurus becomes, in this sign, expressed energy. The Scorpio man's desires are potent and charged with the power to attain the object of his desires, but when the desires are subservient to the will, there are none more powerful or determined."[3]
CompatibilitiesIn Synastry, the natives of Scorpio are generally considered to be most compatible with the natives of the other water signs, Cancer and Pisces.[9] However, compatibility based on sun-sign alone is considered to be only a very general guideline. The branch of astrology dealing with interpersonal relationships is called Synastry. In this, astrologers analyse the horoscopes of both parties being considered with particular reference to the positions of the Sun and Moon, and Venus and Mars.[10]
MythologyAncient Babylonian boundary stones show the figure of the scorpion was used an emblem of autumn, symbolic of the decline of the Sun's power after the autumnal equinox, which was then located within its stars.[11] Scorpio's ancient zodiac myth is most clearly revealed in the Epic of Gilgamesh where the gate of the sun is guarded by a pair of scorpion-men.[12] Gavin White, author of Babylonian Star Lore, writes:
Scorpion men are featured in several Akkadian myths, including the Enûma Elish. They are the mythological spawn of Tiamat, created to revenge the betrayal of her mate Apsu. They are described as guarding the gates of the sun-god Shamash at the mountains of Mashu, where they warn travellers of the danger that lies beyond their post. The Gilgamesh myth declares that their heads touch the sky, their "terror is awesome" and their "glance is death".[14] In Egyptian mythology, the scorpion-goddess Selket offered representation of Scorpio, which at the time of the Old Kingdom contained the autumn equinox.[15] In Greek mythology Scorpio features in the myth of the the giant hunter Orion and the Goddess Artemis. According to the Phenomena of Aratus, Orion was enjoying the slaughter of all manner of beasts when he laid his hands upon Artemis's robes. In anger she proved his vulnerability by rousing the deadly scorpion whose unsuspected bite destroyed the supposedly invicible hunter. The goddess raised the Scorpion to the heavens in gratitude, placing its constellation in opposition to that of Orion. The scorpion and the hunter are thus said to be linked forever in conflict in the sky, so that Orion flees beneath the western descendant whenever his murderer rises in the east.[16] The dates that the Sun traverses the sign of Scorpio according to the Sidereal system are (generally) between 13 November and 14 December each year. References
External links
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