In this post, we'll explore the fascinating topic of the zodiac signs, their origins, and the stories behind each symbol or animal that represents them . Each constellation lends its name to one of the twelve signs, and each sign has a legend rooted in Greek mythology. These legends are closely tied to the nature and characteristics associated with each sign.
The word zodiac comes from Greek and means "circle of animals." In astrology, the zodiac is based on the division of a band of the celestial sphere, known as the ecliptic, into twelve equal parts . The sun, moon, and planets trace their paths along this band. Each of these twelve equal parts has a constellation from which it takes its name.
The zodiac holds great importance in Western astrology, but it is also significant for other cultures with astrological traditions. Chinese culture, for example, places great importance on it, although its definition of the zodiac differs from the one we are familiar with. Since their inception, the twelve signs of the zodiac have been used by humans because it was believed, and continues to be believed, that they exert influence over celestial bodies and our destiny.
History of the zodiac signs
To understand the history behind the zodiac signs, we must go back to the historical period in which astronomy and astrology emerged. Astronomy is the study of celestial bodies, while astrology attempts to explain the influence these celestial bodies have on life on Earth.
These two concepts originated in Mesopotamia thousands of years ago, when those responsible for observing the skies began recording the movements of the sun, moon, and stars . They noticed that some stars remained stationary in the same place, while others changed position.
These stars moved along a band in the sky, a band known as the Zodiac. Today, we know that these stars are not stars, but planets.
As time went on, the Mesopotamians began to associate both meanings and deities with the planets , based solely on their appearance. Furthermore, they sought to find a link between what they were observing and what was happening on Earth. All of this led them to believe that the universe was connected to the Earth and the events that unfolded there.
Where does the concept of zodiac come from?
The concept we know today as the zodiac originated with the Babylonians, who used it to refer to a calendar that allowed them to track the passage of time . As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the zodiacal region is divided into twelve parts, each with twelve lunar cycles, since the lunar year was adopted.
These beliefs began to spread throughout many parts of Asia. When they reached Egypt, they began to propagate to all corners of the world. Thanks to this, the foundations of astrology as we know it today were established.
In Egypt, a system known as horoscopic astrology began to develop . A horoscope was usually calculated when a new individual was going to be born, always taking into account the alignment of the heavens.
Based on Western astrology, each person born under a different zodiac sign has a distinct personality and future, depending on their sign. The interpretation of these signs varies depending on the culture.
western zodiac; zodiacal constellation
In the following table that you will find, you will observe the zodiacal constellations and the animal or character representation of each of them.
| ZODIAC CONSTELLATION | GREEK NAME | REPRESENTATION |
| Aries | Κριóς | Carnero |
| Taurus | Ταυρος | Toro |
| Gemini | Gemini | Twins |
| Cancer | Κακρίνος | Crab |
| Leo | Leo | Lion |
| Virgo | Virgo | Virgin |
| Pound | Ζυγóν / Χηλαί | Balance |
| Scorpio | Scorpio | Scorpion |
| Sagittarius | Τοξóτης | Goalkeeper |
| Capricorn | Capricorn | Goat horn |
| Aquarius | Ύδροχόος | water carrier |
| Pisces | Pisces | Fish |
Signs of the zodiac; symbology and mythology
There are several exploratory theories about the signs of the zodiac . One of them is that of Isaac Newton, which stated that the zodiacal constellations were related to the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, in which certain signs would be characters from the legend.
In this section, we will focus on the traditional interpretation of each zodiac sign according to Christian art . The images that define each zodiac sign are reliefs depicted on the Gate of the Lamb.
Aries
It is represented by the image of a lamb . For followers of Christianity, it is related to the biblical ram and the figure of Christ, or the Lamb of God.
In classical mythology, the Golden Fleece, also known as the Golden Ram , was sent by Queen Nephele for the protection and safety of her children. According to legend, Jason was tasked with finding this golden ram and bringing it back to Earth.
Taurus
Its historical origins lie in winged bulls and the sacred Apis bull . This symbolism extends to the ox depicted in the manger at the birth of Jesus. Zeus transformed himself into a bull, taking the name Taurus, to abduct Europa, the daughter of Agenor and Telephassa. Zeus fell in love with her and sought to win her over by carrying her on his white back.
This myth of the bull is also related to Hercules and his second labor , capturing the Cretan Bull. If you want to know more about Taurus compatibility, visit Taurus in Love.
Gemini
The constellation Gemini represents two twins, Castor and Pux . One was the father of the god Zeus, and the other a mere mortal. They were bound by strong ties of love and brotherhood and achieved great fame as warriors.
So strong was their bond that, after the death of one of them, Castor, they refused to separate. This led the god Zeus to permanently unite them in the sky , forming the constellation we know today as Gemini. For those who wish to delve deeper into the love life of Gemini, you can consult Gemini in Love.
Cancer
A sign whose representation is a crab and which is related to the abandonment of the lower nature by human beings to begin a spiritual quest.
Greek legends say that this giant crab was sent by the goddess Hera against Hercules while he was fighting the Hydra of Lerna. But in the end, Hercules managed to crush it with great fury after being bitten on the foot. Those born under this sign can learn more about their personality in Cancer Personality.
Leo
Represented by the figure of a lion and associated with the king of beasts , the Nemean Lion, who faced Hercules. To kill the animal, he had to confront it with his bare hands, as the lion's hide was so impenetrable that not even arrows could pierce it.
After killing, skinning, and decapitating the animal, he made a cloak and a helmet to acquire the virtues and supernatural strength that this being possessed.
Virgo
For Christians, this constellation is represented by the figure of a virgin holding a golden ear of wheat . It is the only female image in the zodiac, and is therefore associated with purity and perfection.
According to the mythology of the constellations, Virgo symbolizes the goddess Astraea . This goddess lived among men, but when they became corrupted and evil took hold, she had to retreat to the sky, transforming into the constellation of Virgo.
Pound
Interpreted as a pair of scales, it commemorates Themis, the goddess of justice and eternal laws . This goddess represented divine order, as well as laws, customs, and a good relationship between men and women. She initially lived on Earth, but after some time traveled to the sky as the constellation Libra. The influence of Venus in Libra can offer more details about the characteristics of Librans; see Venus in Libra.
Scorpio
It embodies the figure of a scorpion, as its name suggests . According to legend, it is associated with Orion, the hunter who declared to Uranus that he would destroy all animals. The goddess Artemis, goddess of animals, sent a scorpion to Orion to kill him. Both the animal and Orion were lifted into the heavens and placed at opposite ends of the constellation. If you wish to explore more about Scorpio in love, we invite you to read Scorpio in Love.
Sagittarius
The ninth sign of the zodiac, depicted by a centaur with a bow and arrow. This mythological creature, half man, half horse, represents duality, that is, the intellectual capacity of men and their potential for wisdom.
The constellation Sagittarius is associated with the myth of the centaur Chiron . This being was wise, protective, and also mastered surgery and the healing powers of plants. He was wounded by Hercules in battle, and Zeus placed him in the heavens.
Capricorn
A goat with a fish tail is the astrological symbol for Capricorn . It is associated with the god Pan, son of the mythological creature Amalthea, the goat of the sea. This god terrified men not only with his appearance but also with his character. In the Middle Ages, his image was transformed, becoming associated with the devil.
Aquarius
The eleventh sign of the zodiac, represented by the figure of a water bearer , Aquarius is linked to the storm god Ramman. In Greek mythology, it is often associated with Odysseus, king of Ithaca.
In this mythology, Aquarius is also linked to the legend of Ganymede . The god Zeus fell in love with him, taking him to Olympus where he granted him not only immortality but also eternal beauty. As a final reward for cooperating with the gods, he placed him in the sky, transforming him into the constellation Aquarius.
Pisces
The last sign of the zodiac, whose symbol is two fish swimming in opposite directions . In Greek myths, this sign is associated with Poseidon, who ruled over the sea. The trident he wielded symbolized his dominion over the ocean.
What zodiac sign am I?
In this last section, for those interested in knowing which zodiac sign corresponds to their date of birth , below we leave you a list clarifying your doubts.
- Aries: born between March 21 and April 19
- Taurus: born between April 20 and May 20
- Gemini: born between May 21 and June 20
- Cancer: born between June 21 and July 22
- Leo: born between July 23 and August 22
- Virgo: born between August 23 and September 22
- Pound: born between September 23 and October 22
- Scorpio: born between October 23 and November 21
- Sagittarius: born between November 22 and December 21
- Capricorn: born between December 22 and January 19
- Aquarius: born between January 20 and February 18
- Pisces: born between February 19 and March 20
The twelve signs of the zodiac are the ones that we have been seeing throughout this publication, each one of them is assigned unique characteristics. Therefore, according to the beliefs and customs of each culture, these characteristics are passed on to people born under that sign.
