26
CELESTIAL SPHERE.
There is a splendid star Antar, or Cor Scorpionis, on the breast of Scorpio.
9. Sagittarius. The Archer. A centaur or man on horseback bearing a bow.
10. Capricornus. The horned Goat. A goat with the hinder extremities of a fish.
11. Aquarius. The man who holds the watering Urn. Aquarius bears on his right arm an urn, from which water is flowing, and in his left hand[1] probably some ears of corn, emblems of the primitive offering to the Deity before the introduction of wine and animal sacrifices. When the Sun was in Aquarius the Romans commenced their year: the ninth of February was "Veris initium."
" . . . . . cum frigidus olim
Jam cadit, extremoque inrorat Aquarius anno."
(Virg. Geor. iii. 303.)
"Quæ, simul inversum contristat Aquarius annum,
Haud usquam prorepit."
(Hor. Sat. i. l. 36.)
Jam cadit, extremoque inrorat Aquarius anno."
(Virg. Geor. iii. 303.)
"Quæ, simul inversum contristat Aquarius annum,
Haud usquam prorepit."
(Hor. Sat. i. l. 36.)
12. Pisces. The Fishes. One is called the northern and the other the southern. Their tails are united by a band.
- ↑ It is impossible to determine the article, which was borne in the left hand of Aquarius and of Orion.
