Unveiling the Western Myths Behind the 12 Zodiac Signs
Aries
Originally a prince of Iolcus, Phrixus fled with his sister to escape their stepmother's murderous intent. They escaped on a flying golden ram sent by Zeus. Tragically, his sister fell into the sea and drowned, but Phrixus safely reached Colchis in the eastern Black Sea, where King Aeëtes provided him refuge. In gratitude, Phrixus sacrificed the golden ram and gave its fleece to Aeëtes, who then displayed it in a forest tree, guarded by a sleepless dragon. The constellation Aries honors this golden ram!
Taurus
In the area now known as Lebanon, there was once the prosperous kingdom of Phoenicia. Europa, the beautiful daughter of the Phoenician king, was one day approached by a white bull while playing by the sea. The bull, who was Zeus in disguise, invited her to ride on his back. Europa accepted, and the bull carried her across the sea to the island of Crete. There, she became the beloved of Zeus and bore three children. The name of the continent Europe is said to derive from Europa. The constellation Taurus commemorates this white bull.
Gemini
The twin brothers of Gemini are the sons of Zeus, who had transformed into a swan, and Leda. As they matured, the elder brother excelled in horsemanship, while the younger was a master boxer who engaged in numerous adventures. Tragically, the elder brother was killed in a battle. The younger brother, longing to be with him again, beseeched Zeus to lift the curse of immortality from him. In granting his wish, Zeus transformed both brothers into a constellation.
Cancer
Legend has it that during Hercules’ battle with the monster Hydra, a crab tried to assist Hydra by pinching Hercules with its claws. In the struggle, the crab was crushed. However, the goddess Hera pitied the brave crab and honored it by placing it in the sky as the constellation Cancer.
Leo
This lion from Greek mythology roamed the forests of Nemea and was no ordinary creature; it was an immortal beast. After being defeated by Hercules, it was immortalized as the constellation Leo.
Virgo
Virgo is believed to represent the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by Hades, the underworld deity, causing Demeter to grieve. In her sorrow, she hid herself away, leading to a halt in crop production and a resulting famine. Zeus, intervening, ordered Hades to return Persephone. Nevertheless, since she had eaten four pomegranate seeds in the underworld, she was bound to return there for four months each year.
Libra
The constellation Libra isn't named for its appearance. About 3,000 years ago, the sun entered this constellation during the autumn equinox, when day and night were equal in length. It symbolized a balanced scale, and some legends suggest that the goddess Athena used such a scale to judge humanity's deeds. Another belief is that the neighbor constellation Virgo might symbolize the goddess.
Scorpio
Orion, a giant and hunter in ancient Greece, often bragged about his ability to catch any prey. His arrogance angered a goddess who sent a scorpion to intercept him. The scorpion stung Orion, leading to his demise from its venom. Consequently, Orion became the constellation Orion, and the scorpion was honored as the constellation Scorpio.
Sagittarius
Cheiron, an exceptionally wise centaur, was a master in medicine, horsemanship, and martial arts. Even Hercules sought to learn from him. During a dispute, Hercules accidentally hit Cheiron with a poisoned arrow. Though immortal, Cheiron chose to relinquish his immortality to Prometheus to end his suffering, allowing him to die. To honor him, Zeus placed Cheiron in the stars as a constellation.
Capricorn
Pan, a god with goat horns, enjoyed playing the pan flute. While feasting with other gods near the Nile, a terrifying monster attacked them. Pan attempted to escape by transforming into a fish, but only his lower half managed to change. Amused by Pan's appearance, Zeus placed him in the sky as the constellation Capricorn.
Aquarius
During a divine banquet on Olympus, Hebe, Zeus and Hera’s daughter, was the cupbearer until her marriage to Heracles. Seeking a replacement, Zeus noticed a handsome young shepherd and descended to Earth as an eagle to abduct him. The boy, Ganymede, thereafter served as the gods' cupbearer. Impressed by Ganymede, Zeus gifted him a jug filled with the water of wisdom, eventually transforming him into the constellation Aquarius.
Pisces
The constellation Pisces is a tribute to the goddess of beauty and love and her son. One day, while by the Euphrates River, a monster attacked them. In their haste to escape, they transformed into two fish, thus becoming the constellation Pisces.