"Let there be lights in the expanse of
the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark
seasons and days and years," -- Genesis 1:14. Might God have used the stars as an eternal sign to man of His salvation plan?
 The stars are awesome evidence of God's work. It appears that God had an additional purpose in the stars. When you closely examine the names of the stars and constellations, it appears they tell an important story of salvation. For example, among the brightest stars seen from the earth are Vega which means He Shall Be Exalted, Procyon which means The Redeemer and Pollux which means He Who Comes to Suffer. Although the information presented here cannot be substantiated except by the star and constellation names themselves, there does appear to be an incredible "coincidence" that the names and pictures of the stars and their constellations should completely and without modification fit the Biblical account. Scripture doesn't speak much about the stars and their use in describing God's plans. We do know that God created and named the stars (Gen 1:14, Psalm 147:4). It seems reasonable that He might have used the stars as an eternal sign to man of His salvation plan. It also seems reasonable that Satan would try to pervert God's sign by introducing Astrology -- which has obscured all other meanings. Let's begin by exploring what Scripture says about the stars. |
Stars Are Marks of "Appointed
Times"
When God
created the heavens and the earth, He said: said, "Let there be lights
in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them
serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," -- Genesis 1:14. "Days and years" in Genesis 1:14 describe one purpose for the astronomical bodies, that of measuring time, such as years, months and days. The phrase "for signs to mark seasons" describes a more intriguing use of the astronomical bodies. The Hebrew word used for seasons, moed, means a set time or appointed time. Moed is also used to refer to the feasts of Leviticus, appointed times the Israelites were to celebrate, which also teach of God's plan for mankind. Understanding the Hebrew root word moed, we see that a purpose of the stars is to serve as signs to mark appointed times. Could it be that they are intended to be a prophetic tool to show God's plans? |
Stars Teach of Jesus
How
might the stars be used as a prophetic tool? Romans chapters 9 and 10 give us
some indications. In these chapters, the Apostle Paul states that during Old
Testament times, Israelites didn't know the righteousness that comes from
faith in Jesus and sought to establish their own righteousness, even though
righteousness by faith had been revealed to them. In Romans 10:18 Paul
quotes Psalm 19 to describe how righteousness by faith in Jesus had been
revealed to the Israelites:But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19 describes the heavens. Verses 1-4 follow: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. By quoting Psalm 19 in this context, Paul could be saying that the stars had revealed the message of righteousness by faith in Jesus. Day after day, night after night the stars told the whole earth of God's plans for salvation. But how could the stars tell of God's plans? It appears that they speak through star and constellation names and pictures. |
|
God Named the Stars
Although
it takes a great deal of imagination to see the pictures associated with the
constellations by looking at the star groupings, ancient civilizations all
over the world (China, Babylon, Central America, Scandinavia, India, Rome,
Greece, Persia, Egypt and Israel) called the constellations by the same or
similar names and portrayed them with the same pictures. The zodiac in all of
these ancient civilizations had the same twelve signs in the same order. What
could explain this consistency, at a time when travel and communications were
limited? The similarity of the names and pictures points to a common source
-- but who gave the stars and constellations their names and meanings? Psalm
147:4 suggests that this Source was God, "He determines the number of
the stars and calls them each by name." |
The
zodiac is mentioned twice in Scriptures, in Job 38:32 and in 2 Kings 23:5,
with the Hebrew word Mazzaroth, which means "The Separated",
"The Divided" or "The Apportioned." In Job 38:32, God
challenges Job to bring forth the Mazzaroth in its season. Could it be that
God brings the constellations of the Mazzaroth forth for viewing at the
proper time to show His plan?
When we
examine the star and constellation names, we see events that will happen in
the salvation of man. Some events that the stars depict have occurred, such
as the first coming of Jesus. Others are yet to be fulfilled, such as the
gathering of the believers. Astrology has distorted the original purpose of
the stars by using the same constellations of the zodiac, but attaching
different meanings to them. Astrology claims to foretell future events based
on the supposed influence of the astronomical bodies on day to day
human life. |
How to Read God's Plan
God's
plan for man's salvation must be viewed in the proper sequence to be
understood. Where the astrological zodiac goes from constellation Aries
through constellation Pieces, God's Mazzaroth begins with constellation Virgo
and ends with constellation Leo. Early zodiacs, such as the zodiac of
Dendereh, dating back to 2000 BC confirm this. In the zodiac of Dendereh, a
picture of the Sphinx is placed between Virgo and Leo. The Sphinx has the
head of a woman and the body of a lion. According to scholars, the purpose of
the Sphinx was to show the beginning and ending points for the ancient
zodiac. The ancient zodiac started with Virgo the Virgin, shown by the
woman's head, and ended with Leo the Lion, shown by the lion's body.Each of the twelve constellations of God's Mazzaroth has a prophetic meaning that tells part of the story of God's plan for man's salvation. Associated constellations and star names add to this prophetic revelation. |
|
Messiah's Two Comings Described
The
twelve constellations and their associated stars clearly depict the work of
Jesus the Messiah as Savior of man. Jesus' first coming to suffer and die for
our salvation, the blessings we have received and His second coming as a
conquering King and Judge are portrayed. Because there is so much detail in the story of God's plan as revealed by the stars, we will first summarize the story, then provide more detail in later sections. The virgin birth of our Redeemer is described by Virgo, a virgin woman. Libra, the scales tells how our Redeemer paid the required price (scales were used for trading). Scorpio shows a scorpion wounding a man's heel, while being trodden under foot, in fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 "[the seed of the woman] will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Sagittarius shows a duel-natured being (God-man) victorious over the serpent. |
Jesus,
the Goat of Atonement slain and resurrected to redeem His people is
symbolized by Capricornus, the dying goat having the tail of a live fish. The
pouring out of the Holy Spirit to God's people is shown by Aquarius,
"pourer forth of water". Pisces, pictured as two fish tied together
with a band to Cetus, the sea monster represents God's people restrained from
freedom and blessing by being tied to the sea monster (the serpent). Aries, a
vigorous though wounded lamb with a crown encircling his head symbolizes
Jesus, the Lamb of God, as in Revelation 5:12: "Worthy is the Lamb,
who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor
and glory and praise!" Associated stars picture a woman (the church)
prepared as a bride, as in Revelation 19:7: "...For the wedding of
the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."
The
second coming of Jesus to judge the earth is portrayed by Taurus, a ferocious
bull and a symbol of power and rule in ancient Israel. The dual nature of
Jesus in His two appearances -- the Suffering Servant and Conquering King --
is pictured by Gemini the twins. God's people will be sheltered during His
wrath, as pictured by Cancer, "To Hold Or Encircle". Leo the Lion
is a symbol of Jesus, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah", referenced
in Revelation 5:5. Leo also depicts the destruction of the serpent through
God's wrath. |
For
convenience, we describe the constellations in three groups that describe
three aspects of the work of Jesus as Savior of man. The first group of four
constellations describe His first coming as a Suffering Servant. The middle
group shows the result of His suffering, the blessings to the redeemed. The
last group portrays His second coming as the Reigning Judge.
|
The Redeemer’s First Coming
Virgo,
Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius show the Redeemer’s first coming. Virgo depicts
our Redeemer's virgin birth. Libra, the Scales tells how our Redeemer paid the
required price (scales were used for trading). Scorpio shows a Scorpion
wounding a man's heel, while being trodden under foot, in fulfillment of
Genesis 3:15 "[the seed of the woman] will crush your head, and you
will strike his heel." Sagittarius shows a duel-natured being
(God-man) victorious over the serpent.
The Promised Seed of the Virgin
Virgo
tells of the virgin birth of the Desired Son that would be a Despised Sin
Offering to redeem man. Virgo is Latin and means a virgin. Virga in
Latin means a branch. Both words are used to refer to Jesus in the
Latin Vulgate. Isaiah 11:1 refers to Jesus as the Branch and Matthew
1:23 refers to Jesus as virgin-born.Virgo is a virgin woman holding an ear of wheat in her left hand and a branch in her right hand. The ear of wheat refers to the Seed of the woman who is to bruise the head of the serpent as was described in Genesis 3:15. In John 12:24, Jesus refers to himself as the "Kernel of Wheat" that would fall to the ground and die in order to bring forth fruit. The three associated decans (constellations) include: |
Coma, The Desired
of all Nations. In Hebrew, Coma means "The Desired" or
"Longed For". The picture of Coma is a woman with a child in her
arms. In ancient Egypt this decan was called Shesnu (The Desired Son).
The Desired Son is Jesus. The Hebrew form of the word Coma is used in Haggai
2:7, "The desire of all nations shall come".
Centaurus, The Despised
Sin Offering. Centaurus is a figure of a Being with two natures (God and
man) piercing Lupus, the enemy (a decan of Libra) with a spear. The Hebrew
name is Bezeh (The Despised). This word is used in Isaiah 53:3 to
describe Jesus: "He was despised and rejected of men". Other
names for the constellation include Asmeath (A Sin Offering) and
Cherion (Greek: "The Pierced" or "One Who Pierces"). The
dual-natured Being is over the Cross (a decan of Libra), showing his own
death. Toliman (The Heretofore and Hereafter) is the brightest star in
Centaurus. |
Bootes, He Cometh.
Bootes is pictured by a man walking quickly, with a spear in his right hand
and a sickle in his left hand. Bootes comes from the Hebrew Bo, and
means "The Coming". Names of associated stars include: Al Katurops (The
Branch, Treading Under Foot), Mirac or Mizar or Izar (The Coming Forth
as an Arrow; The Preserver; or Guarding), Muphride (Who Separates),
Nekkar (The Pierced), Merga (Who Bruises).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Tsemech
|
The
Branch; Hebrew word exclusively refers to Messiah
|
|
Zavijaveh
|
The
Gloriously Beautiful
|
|
Vindemiatrix
|
The
Son Who Comes, the Branch Who Comes
|
|
Subilah
|
Who
Carries
|
|
Subilon
|
Ear
of Wheat (John 12:24)
|
|
Coma
|
The
Desired Son; woman with child (Hag 2:7)
|
|
Centaurus
|
Dual
Natured Being piercing enemy; also called Bezeh,: The Despised and Asmeath, A
sin offering
|
|
Toliman
|
The
Heretofore and the Hereafter
|
|
Bootes
|
He
Cometh; picture: man walking quickly
|
|
Al
Katurops
|
The
Branch
|
|
Mirac
|
Coming
Forth as an Arrow
|
|
Muphride
|
Who
Separates
|
|
Nekkar
|
The
Pierced
|
|
Merga
|
Who
Bruises
|
The Required Price Paid
Libra
tells how Jesus paid the price to redeem us through His death on the cross
and gained the crown of glory.Libra is portrayed by a pair of scales. Scales were often used in trading, to weigh the price paid. In Arabic, the constellation was called Al Zubena (purchase or redemption). The brightest stars of the constellation include Zuben Al Genubi (The Price Which Is Deficient) and Zuben Al Chemali (The Price Which Covers). The Price Which is Deficient undoubtedly refers to man's attempt to pay for his own redemption. The Price Which Covers refers to Jesus' sacrifice. The three associated decans (constellations) include: |
Crux (the Southern
Cross), The Cross Endured. In Hebrew its name was Adom, (Cutting
Off), which was referred to in Daniel 9:26 "And after threescore
and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off..."(KJV). This constellation
was just visible in Jerusalem at Jesus' first coming. It has not been seen in
northern latitudes since then.
Lupus (or Victima), The
Victim Slain. This decan shows an animal that is falling down dead. The
modern name for this constellation is Lupus, (Wolf). It is also known
as Victima (Latin: The Victim) and Asedah (Hebrew: To Be Slain).
In the zodiac of Dendereh, Lupus is portrayed as a child called Sura (a
lamb). Isaiah 53:7: "He was lead like a lamb to the
slaughter..." |
Corona (the Northern
Crown), The Crown Bestowed. Corona is a picture of a crown of glory. "But
we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels now crowned with
glory and honor because he suffered death..." Hebrews 2:9. In Hebrew
this constellation is called Atarah (Royal Crown). The brightest star
in this constellation is Alpacca, (The Shining).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Zuben
Al
Genubi |
The
price which is deficient
|
|
Zuben
Al
Chemali |
The
price which covers
|
|
Crux;
The
Southern Cross |
The
cross, also called Adom, the cutting off (Dan 9:26)
|
|
Lupus
|
The
wolf slain, also called Victima, the victim slain
|
|
Corona
|
The
crown bestowed
|
|
Alpacca
|
The
Shining
|
He Bruises the Serpent's Head; the
Serpent Bruises His Heel
Scorpio
shows the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 where God was speaking to the serpent
after Adam's fall: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will
strike his heel."Scorpio the scorpion is trying to wound a man's heel, but is trodden under foot. The ancient name of this constellation is Akrab, ("A Scorpion", "Wounding", "Conflict" or "War"). The brightest star in Scorpio is Antares (The Wounding), which is red in color. Leseth, a star in the Scorpion's tail means The Perverse, representing Satan. Associated decans (constellations) include: |
Serpens (the Serpent), The
Serpent Struggling for Dominion. This decan will be described with decan
Ophiuchus. The brightest star is Unuk (Encompassing). It is also known
as Alyah (Hebrew: The Accursed); and Al Hay (Arabic: The Reptile).
The star in the serpent's jaw is Cheleb (The Serpent Enfolding).
Ophiuchus (the Man), The
Struggle with the Enemy. Together with Serpens, this decan shows the man
(Ophiuchus) grasping the snake (Serpens) while stepping on the Scorpion's heart
(shown by the red star Antares: The Wounding). The serpent is trying
to get the Crown (a decan of Libra), to obtain dominion. The Greek name
Ophiuchus is derived from Hebrew Afeichus (The Serpent Held). Stars
include Ras al Hagus (The Head of Him Who Holds), Triophas (Treading
Under Foot), Saiph (Bruised), Carnebus (The Wounding) and
Megeros (Contending). |
Hercules (The Mighty
One), The Mighty One Humbled, Yet Victorious. This decan shows a
mighty man kneeling on one knee, with his right heel lifted as if wounded and
his left foot over the head of the dragon Draco (a decan of the Sagittarius
sign). He has a club in his right hand and a three-headed monster in his
left. A skin of a lion that he has slain is thrown around him. Stars include
Ras al Gethi (The Head of Him Who Bruises), Kornephorus (The
Branch, Kneeling), Marsic (The Wounding), Ma'asyn (The Sin
Offering) and Guiam (Punishing). In Psalms 91:13 "...the
young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet." (KJV)
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Serpens
|
The
serpent trying to obtain the Crown (Corona in Libira)
|
|
Ophiciuchus
|
The
Man struggling with serpent; Afeichus, the Serpent Held
|
|
Hercules
|
The
Mighty One with wounded heel, victorious over serpent
|
|
Antares
|
The
Wounding (red in color)
|
|
Lesath
|
The
perverse; in scorpion's tail, represents Satan
|
|
Unuk
|
Encompassing;
also Alyah, the accursed (in serpent)
|
|
Cheleb
|
The
Serpent Enfolding
|
|
Rasal
Hagus
|
The
head of him who holds
|
|
Triophas
|
Treading
under foot
|
|
Saiph
|
Bruised
|
|
Carmebus
|
The
wounding
|
|
Megeros
|
Contending
|
|
Ras
al Gethi
|
The
head of him who bruises
|
|
Kornephorus
|
The
Branch, kneeling
|
|
Marsic
|
The
wounding
|
|
Guiam
|
Punishing
|
The Redeemer's Triumph
Sagittarius
shows the dual-natured (God-man) Redeemer about to shoot an arrow through the
enemy Scorpio's heart. In Hebrew, Sagittarius means Archer. It's
Accadian name is Nunki (Prince of the Earth).Psalm 21:9-13 is a good Scriptural description of this constellation. Associated constellation Ara's fire is shown in verse 9: "...you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them." Verse 12 portrays archer Sagittarius: "for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow." Verse 13 shows associated constellation Lyre's praise: "Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might." Associated decans (constellations) include: |
Lyre, Praise for
the Victorious Redeemer. Lyre is a picture of a lyre or harp. The name of
its bright star, Vega, means "He Shall Be Exalted".
Ara (the Altar), Consuming
Fire Prepared for His Enemies. Ara is an upside-down altar with fire blazing
downward, depicting the lake of fire. The ancient Arab name for it was Al
Mugamra (Completing or Finishing). The Greek word Ara is used as a
curse to the enemy who will one day be cast into "eternal fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41; Revelation
20:10). Psalm 21:9-13 describes the fire of Ara (v. 9:"...you will
make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,
and his fire will consume them."), the archer Sagittarius (v.
12:"for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with
drawn bow."), and the praise depicted by Lyre (v. 13:"Be
exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your
might."). |
Draco (the Dragon) The
Serpent Cast Out. Draco is a great dragon that has been cast out. Draco
in Greek means "Trodden On". The Hebrew is Darach (To Tread).
Psalm 91:13 speaks of this "...the dragon shalt thou trample under
feet." (KJV) One of the stars in the head of Draco is named Rastaban
(The Head of the Subtle) or in Arabic, Al Waid (Who Is to Be
Destroyed). Other stars include Ethanin (The Long Serpent), Thuban
(The Subtle), Giansar (The Punished Enemy) and El Atik (The
Fraudulent)
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Naim
|
The
Gracious One
|
|
Al
Shalua
|
The
Dart
|
|
Al
Warida
|
Who
Comes Forth
|
|
Lyre
|
Harp
|
|
Vega
|
He
shall be exalted
|
|
Ara
|
Upside
down alter with fire blazing downward
|
|
Draco
|
The
great dragon who has been cast out
|
|
Rastaban
|
The
head of the subtle
|
|
Ethanin
|
The
long serpent
|
|
Glansar
|
The
punished enemy
|
|
El
Atik
|
The
fraudulent
|
The Blessings to the Redeemed
The result
of the Redeemer's work, the blessings to the redeemed are shown by the second
group. The constellations include Capricornus, The Atoning Sacrifice and
Resurrection; Aquarius, The Holy Spirit Poured Upon the Redeemed;
Pieces, The Redeemed Blessed Though Bound (depicting the current Church
Age); and Aries, The Crowned Lamb and His Bride.
The Atoning Sacrifice and Resurrection
Capricornus
is a symbol of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus and the blessings
procured for the redeemed. Capricornus is Latin for "goat" and is
depicted by a dying goat having the tail of a live fish. It symbolizes the
Goat of Atonement slain for the redeemed and new life coming forth. In Old
Testament times, the goat was used as a sin offering, "...to take
away the guilt of the community by making atonement for them before the
LORD.", Leviticus 10:16-17. Associated decans (constellations)
include: |
Sagitta
(the
Arrow), The Arrow of God Set Forth. This arrow is not meant for the
enemy, but for the Son of God, and is sent by God. This is also seen in the
prophecy about Jesus Christ in Psalm 38:2, "For your arrows have
pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me."
|
Aquila (the Eagle), The
Pierced One Falling. Aquila is a falling eagle. Its stars include Altair (The
Wounding), Al Cair (The Piercing), Tarared (Wounded or Torn),
Al Shain (Bright, Red Colored), Al Okal (Wounded in the Heel).
Delphinus (the Dolphin), The
Dead One Rising Again. This is a dolphin that is full of life, with his
head up and leaping out of the sea. This shows resurrection from death. |
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Daneb
Al Gedi
|
The
Sacrifice Cometh
|
|
Dabih
|
The
Sacrifice Slain
|
|
Ma'asad
|
The
Slaying
|
|
Sa'ad
al Naschira
|
Who
Carries
|
|
Sagitta
|
The
Arrow
|
|
Aquila
|
A
Falling Eagle
|
|
Altair
|
The
Wounding
|
|
Al
Cair
|
The
Piercing
|
|
Tarared
|
Wounded
or Torn
|
|
Al
Shain
|
Bright,
Red Colored
|
|
Al
Okal
|
Wounded
in the Heel
|
|
Delphinus
|
The
Dolphin; The Dead One Rising Again
|
Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth
for the Redeemed
Aquarius
is a symbol of the giving of the Holy Spirit to God's people. Aquarius
(Latin: pourer forth of water) shows a man pouring water from an urn into the
mouth of a fish. The water represents the Holy Spirit (represented in
Scripture as water or wind) and the fish represents God's people. The Holy
Spirit was given at Pentecost fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus.
This pouring of the Holy Spirit is referenced in Isaiah 44:3 "For I
will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will
pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your
descendants." The man in the constellation is called Hupei Tirion ("The
Place of Him Coming Down" or "Poured Forth"). Associated
decans (constellations) include: |
Piscis
Austrinus (the
Southern Fish), The Blessings Received. In Arabic, its name is Fom al
Haut (The Mouth of the Fish). This decan is a fish with a wide open
mouth into which flows water from Aquarius. This is a picture of the church
receiving the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
Pegasus (the Winged
Horse), The Soon Return of the Redeemer. This decan is a winged horse.
Peka or Pega means "Chief" and Sus means "Swiftly
Coming". The stars in this constellation include Markab (Returning
From Afar), Scheat (Who Carries), Enif (The Branch), Matar (Who
Causes to Overflow with Joy). From the stars, we see the message that the
Branch (Jesus) is swiftly returning from afar. This message is also given in
Revelation 22:20: "Surely I come quickly". (KJV) |
Cygnus (the Swan), The
Sure Return of the Redeemer. This decan is pictured as a swan flying
across the heavens. In both Greek and Latin its name means
"circling" and "returning". In the zodiac of Dendereh, it
was called Tesark (This From Afar). Stars include Deneb (The Lord
Comes), Albireo (Flying Quickly), Sadr (Who Returns as in a
Circle), Azel (Who Returns Quickly) and Fafage (Shining Forth).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Hupel
Tirion
|
The
Place of Him Coming Down; Poured Forth
|
|
Sadal
Suud
|
The
Pourer Out
|
|
Sheat
|
Who
Goes and Returns
|
|
Meon
|
An
Urn
|
|
Picis
Austinus
|
The
Southern Fish; Fish receiving water from Aquarius; Depicts blessings to God's
people
|
|
Pegasus
|
Pega
means "chief"; Sus means "Swiftly coming"
|
|
Markah
|
Returning
from Afar
|
|
Scheat
|
Who
Carries
|
|
Enif
|
The
Branch
|
|
Matar
|
Who
Causes to Overflow WIth Joy
|
|
Cygnus
|
Circling,
Returning; The Sure Return of the Redeemer
|
|
Deneb
|
The
Lord Comes
|
|
Albireo
|
Flying
Quickly
|
|
Sadr
|
Who
Returns as in a Circle
|
|
Azel
|
Who
Returns Quickly
|
|
Fafage
|
Shining
Forth
|
Deliverance Out of Bondage
Pisces
is pictured as two fish that are tied together with a band (one of the
associated constellations) to Cetus, the sea monster (a constellation of
Aries). The fish, a symbol of God's people, are restrained from freedom and
blessing by being tied to the sea monster. Another of the associated
constellations shows a chained woman (God's people) and the third associated
constellation shows the Deliverer near by. The Egyptian name from the zodiac
of Dendereh is Picot Orion or Pisces Hori (The Fishes of Him That Cometh).
Associated decans (constellations) include: |
The
Band,
The Redeemed Bound, But Binding Their Enemy. This is the band that
connects the two fish and the sea monster (Cetus, a decan of Aries). Its
Egyptian name was U-or (He Cometh). In Arabic it was called Al Risha (The
Band or Bridle).
Andromeda (the Chained
Woman), The Redeemed in Their Bondage and Affliction. Andromeda is a
picture of a woman whose arms and feet are chained, in misery and trouble.
The chained woman represents Christ's church in bondage to sin. In Hebrew it
is called Sirra (The Chained). The names of its stars are: Alpheratz
(The Broken Down), Adhil (The Afflicted), Mirach (The Weak),
and Al Mara (The Afflicted). The Deliverer (Cepheus) will free her, as
in Isaiah 52:1-3: "...loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O
captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves
for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money."(KJV) |
Cepheus (the Crowned
King), Their Redeemer Coming to Rule. Cepheus is a glorious king,
crowned, enthroned with a scepter in his hand. Cepheus means "the
Branch". It is also called Hyk (The King). In the zodiac of
Dendereh it was called Pekahor (This One Cometh to Rule). Its stars
include Al Deramin (Coming Quickly), Al Phirk (The Redeemer) and
Al Rai (Who Bruises or Breaks).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Alsamaca
|
The
Uphold
|
|
Okda
|
The
United
|
|
The
Band
|
Band
that connects two fish with Sea Monster
|
|
Andromeda
|
The
Chained Woman
|
|
Alpheratz
|
The
Broken Down
|
|
Adhil
|
The
Afflicted
|
|
Mirach
|
The
Weak
|
|
Al
Mara
|
The
Afflicted
|
|
Cepheus
|
Crowned
King, Enthroned with a scepter in His hand
|
|
Al
Deramin
|
Coming
quickly
|
|
Al
Phirk
|
The
Redeemer
|
|
Al
Ral
|
Who
Bruises or Breaks
|
The Crowned Lamb and His Bride
Aries, a
vigorous ram or lamb with a crown encircling his head, is a symbol of the
crowned Messiah, Jesus and His Bride the church. In Latin, Aries means
"the Lamb", "the Chief" or "the Head".
Revelation 5:12, in describing the Messiah says: "Worthy is the Lamb,
who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor
and glory and praise!" When Jesus was crucified on the 14th of the
Jewish month Nisan, the sun had entered Aries and was at the spot of the
stars El Nath (Wounded, Slain) and Al Sheratan (The Bruised, The
Wounded). The associated constellation Cassiopeia is a picture of the
church (God's people) prepared as a bride, as in Revelation 19:7: "...For
the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready."
Associated decans (constellations) include: |
Cassiopeia
(The
Enthroned Woman), The Captive Delivered and Preparing for her Husband, the
Redeemer. Cassiopeia is the same woman who was chained in Pisces, now
freed and enthroned. She is fixing her hair with her left hand and adjusting
her robe with her right hand. Cassiopeia means "the enthroned" or
"the beautiful". In Arabic it is Ruchba (The Enthroned). In
the zodiac of Dendereh it is known as Set (Set Up As Queen). An
ancient name was "The Daughter of Splendor". Its stars include
Schedir (The Freed) and Caph (The Branch).
Cetus (the Sea
Monster), The Great Enemy Bound. Cetus is the largest of the
constellations. It represents Satan. Its stars include Mira (The Rebel -
Satan was the angel who rebelled against God), Menkar (The Bound or
Chained Enemy), and Diphda (The Overthrown). |
Perseus (the Breaker), "The
Breaker" Delivering the Redeemed. Perseus is a soldier with a sword
in his right hand and a helmet on his head. In his left hand he carries his
adversary's head dripping blood. Perseus is Latin for "the
breaker". In Hebrew, it is Peretz (The Breaker). In Micah
2:12-13, the Messiah to come (Jesus Christ) is portrayed as the Breaker that
goes ahead of His people: "...I will surely gather the remnant of
Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah...The breaker is come
up before them..."(KJV). In the zodiac of Dendereh, Perseus was
known as Kar Knem (Who Fights and Subdues). Stars include Mirfak (Who
Helps), Algenib (Who Carries Away) and Atik (Who Breaks). The
star in the adversary's head is called Algol (The Demon) also known as
Rosh Satan (The Head of the Adversary).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
El
Nath
|
Wounded,
Slain
|
|
Al
Sheratan
|
The
Bruised, The Wounded
|
|
Cassiopeia
|
The
Enthroned Woman
|
|
Caph
|
The
Branch
|
|
Cetus
|
The
Sea Monster
|
|
Mira
|
The
Rebel
|
|
Menkar
|
The
Bound or Chained Enemy
|
|
Diphda
|
The
Overthrown
|
|
Perseus
|
The
Breaker
|
|
Mirfac
|
Who
Helps
|
|
Algenib
|
Who
Carries Away
|
|
Atik
|
Who
Breaks
|
|
Algol
|
The
Demon
|
The Redeemer's Second Coming
The second
coming of the Redeemer is shown by the third group of constellations. The
constellations include Taurus, The Coming Judge of the Earth; Gemini, The
Duel Natured King; Cancer, His Possessions Held Secure; and Leo,
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
The Coming Judge of the Earth
Taurus,
a ferocious bull called rimu in the Hebrew Scriptures portrays Jesus'
second coming to judge the earth. The wild bull symbolizes power and rule. In
Numbers 23:22, Balaam described God's power in leading Israel: "God
brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox (Hebrew:
rimu)." Stars include The Pleiades (Congregation of the Judge),
Aldeberan (The Governor, Captain, Leader) and Elnath (The Wounded).
Jude 14-15 describes the Lord's coming for judgment: "See, the
Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge
everyone..." The three associated decans (constellations) include: |
Orion
The
Glorious One.
Orion is a mighty hunter (a picture of Jesus) with a big club in his right
hand and a lion skin in his left hand. His left foot is raised to kill Lepus,
his enemy (a decan of Gemini). Orion means "Coming Forth as a
Light". In Hebrew this constellation is called Chesil (A Strong One,
a Hero). The Egyptians called it Hagat (This Is He Who Triumphs).
The hilt of Orion's sword is the figure of a Lamb. Stars include Betelgeuse (The
Coming of the Branch), Rigel (The Foot That Crushes), Bellatrix (Quickly
Coming or Swiftly Destroying), Saiph (Bruised), Alnitak (The
Wounded One), Mintaka (Dividing as a Sacrifice), Algebor (The
Mighty), Alnagjed (The Prince), Almirzam (The Ruler), and
Heka (Coming). Orion is a symbol of the Lord, the Light coming forth,
as in Isaiah 60:1-2: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the
glory of the Lord is risen upon thee..."(KJV)
|
Eridanus Wrath of God
Poured Out on His Enemies. Eridanus is a river of fire that wanders
through the sky toward Cetus (a decan of Aries), through the northern
hemisphere ending at the star Achernar (The After Part of the River)
in the southern hemisphere. Other stars include Cursa (Bent Down) and
Zourac (Flowing). The fiery stream of God's wrath in judgment is
referenced in Daniel 7:9-10: "A fiery stream issued and came forth
from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand
times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were
opened." (KJV)
Auriga, Protection
of the Redeemed in the Day of Wrath. Auriga is a picture of a shepherd
holding a mother goat with a pair of kids - safe and protected in the arms of
the shepherd. Its stars include Capella (She Goat), Men Kalinan (The
Chain of the Goats), Elnath (Wounded or Slain - as in John 10:11
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep"), and Haedi (The Kids). In Ezekiel 34:22 God speaks of
His flock: "I will save my flock, and they will no longer be
plundered. I will judge between one sheep and another." |
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
The
Pleiades
|
Congregation
of the Judge
|
|
Aldeberan
|
The
Governor, Captain, Leader
|
|
Elnath
|
The
wounded or slain
|
|
Orion
|
Mighty
Hunter; Coming Forth as a Light; Carries sword with hilt having the figure of
a lamb
|
|
Betelgeuse
|
The
Coming of the Branch
|
|
Rigel
|
The
Foot That Crushes
|
|
Bellatrix
|
Quickly
Coming or Swiftly Destroying
|
|
Saiph
|
Bruised
|
|
Alnitak
|
The
Wounded One
|
|
Mintaka
|
Dividing
as a Sacrifice
|
|
Algebor
|
The
Mighty
|
|
Alnagjed
|
The
Prince
|
|
Almirzam
|
The
Ruler
|
|
Heka
|
Coming
|
|
Eridanus
|
River
of Fire
|
|
Acherna
|
The
after part of the river
|
|
Sourac
|
Flowing
|
|
Auriga
|
Shepherd
holding safe a mother goat with kids
|
|
Men
Kalinan
|
Chain
of the Goats
|
|
Haedi
|
The
Kids
|
The Dual Natured King
Gemini
symbolizes the dual nature of the Messiah: Suffering Servant and Conquering
King. The twins of Gemini were called Castor and Pollux in Latin, and Apollo
and Hercules in Greek. Apollo or Castor means "Ruler" or
"Judge". Hercules or Pollux means "Who Comes to Labor or
Suffer". Stars include: in the foot of Pollux - Alhena (Hurt, Wounded
or Afflicted); in the leg of Castor - Mebsuta (Treading Under Foot). This
is a fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between you
and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel." Associated decans (constellations)
include: |
Lepus
The
Enemy Trodden Underfoot (a picture of Satan). Lepus is a rabbit
that is located below Orion's foot (the foot that contains the star Rigel
"The Foot That Crushes"). An ancient Persian zodiac shows this
constellation as a snake, which is likely its original representation. Its
stars include Arneb (The Enemy of Him Who Comes), Nibal (The Mad), and
Sugia (The Deceiver).
|
Canis
Major,
Coming Prince of Glory. The modern picture of Canis Major is a dog.
The ancient representation was Naz (The Hawk Coming Swiftly Down). Stars
include Sirius (The Prince), Mirzam (Ruler), Adara (The
Glorious), Wezea (The Bright, The Shining) and Alshira Aljemeniya (The
Prince of the Right Hand).
Canis
Minor,
The Coming Redeemer. The modern picture of Canis Minor is a dog,
smaller than Canis Major. The ancient Egyptians called it Sebak (The
Conquering or Victorious). Its ancient picture was a human with a hawk's
head. Its stars include Procyon (Redeemer, Saviour), Gomeisa (Burdened
or Bearing for Others), Alshira Alshemeliya (The Prince of the Left
Hand). |
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Alhena
|
Hurt,
wounded or afflicted
|
|
Lepus
|
Modern:
Rabbit; Ancient: Snake
|
|
Arneh
|
The
Enemy of Him Who Comes
|
|
Sugia
|
The
Deceiver
|
|
Canis
Major
|
Modern:
A Dog; Ancient: The Hawk Coming Swiftly Down
|
|
Sirius
|
Prince
|
|
Mirzam
|
Ruler
|
|
Adara
|
The
Glorious
|
|
Wezea
|
The
Bright, The Shining
|
|
Alshira
Aljemeniya
|
The
Prince of the Right Hand
|
|
Canis
Minor
|
Modern:
Dog; Ancient: The Conquering or Victorious
|
|
Procyon
|
Redeemer,
Savior
|
|
Gomeisa
|
Burdened
or Bearing for Others
|
His Possessions Held Secure
Cancer
is a symbol of a shelter for God's people. Cancer comes from a Latin root
word "To Hold Or Encircle". In the zodiac of Dendereh it was called
Klaria (Cattlefolds). The modern picture for Cancer is a crab. From the translations of its name and the names of its stars, it's likely that it had a different ancient picture. Its stars include Tegmine (Holding), Acubene (Sheltering or Hiding Place), Ma'alaph (Assemble Thousands), Alhimarean (The Kids or Lambs) and Praesepe (Multitude). The three associated decans (constellations) are: |
Ursa
Minor,
The Stronghold of the Saved. Ursa Minor is known as the Little
Bear. Another name for it was Arcas (The Stronghold of the Saved). It
is felt that the Greeks may have mistakenly thought the constellation was
called by the Persian word Dob (Bear) rather than the Hebrew word Dowb
(Sheepfold). Thus the original meaning of this constellation may have
been a sheepfold, thus representing the church.
Ursa
Major,
The Assembled Flock. Ursa Major is known as the Big Bear. Job 9:9 and
38:32 refer to this constellation. The Hebrew word used means "To Hasten
or Assemble Together". The constellation is called Alnaish (The
Assembled Together) by the Arabs. As with Ursa Minor, it is felt that the
Greeks may have mistakenly thought the constellation was called by the
Persian word Dob (Bear) rather than the Hebrew word Dowb (Sheepfold).
Stars include Dubhe (A Heard or A Flock), Merak (Flock), Phad (Guarded
or Numbered), Megrez (Separated), Alioth (She Goat), Mizar (Small),
Alcor (The Lamb), and Alcaid (The Assembled). |
Argo, The
Travelers Safely Home. Argo means "A Company of Travelers". Its
stars include Canopus (The Possession of Him Who Comes), Tureis (Possession),
Soheil (The Desired), Asmidiska (The Travelers Released) and
Sephina (Abundance).
|
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Tegmine
|
Holding
|
|
Acubene
|
Sheltering
or Hiding Place
|
|
Ma'alaph
|
Assemble
Thousands
|
|
Alhimarean
|
The
Kids or Lambs
|
|
Praesepe
|
Multitude
|
|
Ursa
Minor
|
Modern:
Little Bear; Ancient: Stronghold of the Saved
|
|
Ursa
Major
|
Modern:
Big Bear; Ancient: The Assembled Together
|
|
Dubhe
|
A
Herd or Flock
|
|
Merak
|
Flock
|
|
Phad
|
Guarded
or Numbered
|
|
Megrez
|
Separated
|
|
Alcor
|
The
Lamb
|
|
Alcaid
|
The
Assembled
|
|
Argo
|
A
company of travelers
|
|
Canopus
|
The
Possession of Him Who Comes
|
|
Tureis
|
Possession
|
|
Soheil
|
The
Desired
|
|
Asmidiska
|
The
Travelers Released
|
|
Sephina
|
Abundance
|
Lion of Judah
Leo the
Lion is a symbol of "the Lion of the tribe of Judah", Jesus,
referenced in Revelation 5:5. In the zodiac of Dendereh, the word Knem
(Who Conquers) is written under the constellation of Leo. In Hebrew it
was called Arieh (Lion). In Syriac it was Aryo (The Rending Lion). Leo is a lion standing on the serpent Hydra. Its stars include Regulus (Treading Underfoot), Denebola (The Judge Who Comes), Algiebha (The Exaltation), Zozma (Shining Forth), Minchar Alasad (The Tearing of the Lion) and Aldafera (Enemy Put Down). The three associated decans (constellations) are: |
Hydra, The Old
Serpent Destroyed. Hydra means "The Abhorred" and is a picture
of a serpent (Satan) being destroyed. Its brightest star is Alphard (The
Excluded or Put Out of the Way). Revelation 20:10 speaks of this event:
"And the devil that deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire
and brimstone...and shall be tormented day and night for ever and
ever"(KJV).
|
Crater, The Wrath of
God Poured Out on The Serpent. Crater is a picture of a cup. It
symbolizes the cup of the wrath of God, mentioned in Revelation 14:10 and
Revelation 16:19.
Corvus, The
Devouring of the Old Serpent. Corvus is a raven who is tearing at the
flesh of the serpent Hydra. In Revelation 19:17-18 it describes fowl eating
the flesh of the enemy. Stars include Alchibar (Accursed), Algoreb
(Raven), Minchar Algoreb (The Raven Tearing to Pieces) and Minchar
Alsugia (The Deceiver Torn to Pieces). |
Summary of Associated Stars and
Constellations
|
Name
|
Meaning
(Translation)
|
|
Regulus
|
Treading
Underfoot
|
|
Denebola
|
The
Judge Who Comes
|
|
Algiebha
|
The
Exaltation
|
|
Zozma
|
Shining
Forth
|
|
Minchar
Alasad
|
The
Tearing of the Lion
|
|
Aldafera
|
Enemy
Put Down
|
|
Hydra
|
The
Abhorred; pictured as a serpent
|
|
Alphard
|
The
Excluded or Put
|
|
Crater
|
Cup
(of the wrath of God; Rev 14:10 and 16:19)
|
|
Corvus
|
Raven
tearing flesh of Serpent Hydra
|
|
Alchibar
|
Accursed
|
|
Algoreb
|
Raven
|
|
Minchar
Algoreb
|
The
Raven Tearing to Pieces
|
|
Minchar
Alsugia
|
The
Deceiver Torn to Pieces
|
Heavens Declare the Glory of God
The stars
speak God's message of salvation. They tell of prophecies that have been
fulfilled, such as the virgin birth, atoning sacrifice and resurrection of
Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit. Through the stars we can foresee
events that have yet to be fulfilled, such as the day of God's wrath, the
safety of God's people during God's judgment upon the world and the coming of
Jesus to judge and to rule.Although the practice of Astrology has distracted us from the true purpose of the stars, God's meanings still come shining through as the Light of the World.
Due to limited space, all of the star and associated constellation names and meanings could not be described here. Two good books for further study and references for this booklet are "The Witness of the Stars" by E. W. Bullinger and "God's Voice in the Stars" by Kenneth C. Fleming. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version copyright 1985 by The Zondervan Corporation, except where noted (KJV= King James Version).
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