Royal Arch Banner, and the Royal Arch itself is best exemplified by the appearance of the constellations themselves, and Leo, typical of strength, is at the very summit of the Arch at low twelve on Feb. 5th. This is the best time to view the Arch, says Brown,[1] as it then appears in all its beauty in the starry skies.
The symbol of Leo (Ω) some think is intended to represent a crouching lion, or its mane or tail; others claim that it outlines the conspicuous figure in the group, the so-called "Sickle of Stars," by which many identify the constellation. The centre of the "Sickle" marks the radiant point of the celebrated Leonid meteor shower, that astonished the world by the brilliant displays of 1833 and 1866, and to which we owe much of our knowledge of meteoric astronomy.[2]
Besides the figure of the Sickle which marks the head of the Lion, there is a rectangular figure which marks his hind quarters. In this place was situated one of the Hindu lunar stations, represented by the figure of a Bed or Couch.
Astrologers distinguished Leo as "the sole house of the sun," and taught that the world was created when the sun was in that sign. They called it "the House of Lions." Those born between July 22d and Aug. 22d are said to be born under the sign Leo and governed by the sun. Such persons are large framed, austere of countenance, with dark eyes and tawny hair, strong voice, and leonine character, resolute and ambitious, but generous and courteous. Leo governs the heart and back and reigns over Italy, France, Bohemia, Sicily, Rome, Bristol, Bath, Taunton, and Philadelphia. It is a masculine sign and fortunate.
- ↑ Stellar Theology by Robt. Brown.
- ↑ "The 'Sickle' in its entirety," says Serviss, "is an attractive asterism, and hanging so conspicuously in the sky on a spring evening it may be imaginatively regarded as a harbinger of the opening of the season when the thoughts of men are turning to preparations for future harvests."
