The Vernal Equinox is a significant astronomical event, marking the point when the Sun crosses the equator, heralding the beginning of spring. This event has deep historical and cultural significance, particularly in the context of the zodiac and the procession of the equinoxes. Let's explore the intricacies of the vernal equinox and its implications in astrology and ancient symbolism.
Understanding the Vernal Equinox
The Vernal Equinox marks a pivotal moment in the celestial calendar, symbolizing the Sun's return to its starting point after completing its journey around the zodiac. Each year, the Sun nearly completes its circuit but falls just short, crossing the equator slightly behind its previous year's position. This intricate dance results in the phenomenon known as the procession of the equinoxes.
The zodiac is divided into twelve signs, each consisting of thirty degrees. As the Sun regresses by about one degree every seventy-two years, it takes approximately 2,160 years to move through one entire constellation and about 25,920 years to traverse the entire zodiac. This grand cycle, known as the Great Solar or Platonic Year, sees each constellation take its turn at the vernal equinox for nearly 2,160 years before yielding to the next.
Historical and Symbolic Significance
For ancient civilizations, the Sun was often depicted by the figure of the constellation it inhabited during the Vernal Equinox. For the past 2,000 years, the Sun has risen in Pisces. Before Pisces, it was Aries that marked the equinox, and prior to that, it was Taurus.
Taurus (the Bull)’s symbolism likely arises from its agricultural significance; ancient societies used bulls to plow their fields, a task that coincided with the Sun’s passage through Taurus. This connection reflects how celestial events were intertwined with daily life and agricultural cycles.
Within the constellation of Taurus lie the "Seven Sisters," or the sacred Pleiades, revered across various cultures and famously significant in Freemasonry as the Seven Stars at the upper end of the Sacred Ladder. These stars have long been embedded in myth and legend, highlighting their importance in both astronomy and astrology.
The Vernal Equinox is more than just an astronomical event; it is a symbol deeply embedded in the fabric of human history and culture. From the procession of the equinoxes to the symbolism of the zodiac signs, the Vernal Equinox offers a fascinating glimpse into the way ancient civilizations understood and integrated celestial phenomena into their worldviews. Understanding this event helps us appreciate the intricate connections between the cosmos and our cultural heritage.
Want to know more about The Vernal Equinox and the other phenomena mentioned in this article? Check out the wonderful of Manly P.Hall and The Secret Teachings of All Ages.
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