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What is the zodiac? |
Space
The scorpion, the bull, the lion… These are a few constellations of the zodiac, a collection of star formations that together make a giant ring in the sky. Many of the constellations are in the shape of animals, so the Greeks called this area of the sky “zodiakos kyklos,” meaning “circle of animals.” The Greek term was shortened to “zodiac,” the word we use today!
There are twelve constellations (groups of stars) in the zodiac, and each one has a sign that matches the imaginary shape created when a person connects the stars. The constellations of the zodiac are: Aries (the Ram), Taurus (the Bull), Gemini (the Twins), Cancer (the Crab), Leo (the Lion), Virgo (the Virgin), Libra (the Scales, or Balance), Scorpio (the Scorpion), Sagittarius (the Archer), Capricorn (the Goat), Aquarius (the Water Bearer), and Pisces (the Fish).
The sun seems to pass through each constellation of the zodiac in the sky at a different time of the year, although we know it’s really the Earth and other planets that do the traveling around the sun! In addition to the twelve constellations of the zodiac, the sun seems to pass through an unofficial thirteenth constellation—Ophiucus, or the Serpent Bearer. However, most people do not consider Ophiucus to be a part of the zodiac.
Some people believe that the name of the constellation the sun
appears to travel through at the time of one’s birthday is also the name
of that person’s “sign.” For example, if the sun seemed to be passing
through Gemini on the day you were born, your sign is Gemini. In
addition, some believe that people who have the same sign may share
certain qualities and traits. For example, those with a Taurus sign are
said to be understanding, stubborn, and loyal.
Other
people believe that while it may be fun to learn about their sign, any
similarities they may have to the qualities of that sign are pure
coincidence--they have their own unique traits they develop throughout
life, regardless of their sign. Whatever you believe, it sure can be fun
to look up at the sky and search for the constellations of the zodiac!
