Subject: Astronomy
Alignment: Melancholy
Orientation: Journeyman
Position: Grigori

(Coloured by Em)
Elias was once a great duelist in the Arena, and stories are spun by Tryna, Bardane, Abrid and Quenda about the many many duels had between Elias and Dameron. Now, as a Grigori, Elias watches over the city. A talented Astronomer, Elias is often watching the stars for signs of impending turmoil with the Outsiders. Elias is withdrawn, watchful and prefers to listen than to speak. He is often seen beyond the crowd, watching and lsitening with a smile on his face. Elias keeps many pets, some of which he hides away from the students for their more exotic nature. Some say he has a monster or two hidden in his Observatory.
Lesson One: The Planets
The planets have significant effects on the world and the beings living on it. The same holds true for Empyreans (even moreso than for other creatures) because of the strong pull that these heavenly bodies have over the essence that makes up the world, and indeed runs through every Empyrean.
The Sun - While not a planet, this star governs the solar system, and is so powerful it keeps all the other planets (including our earth) in tow. The Sun stands for masculinity, bravado, courage and attention-seeking. The Sun rules Leo. (-10% to drawing fire from other allies; -4% for acts of courage)
The Moon - Moon does not merely represent our own moon, but all the moons of our solar system. It specifically refers to our own because as ours is closest it holds great sway over the rhythms of the creatures on the planet and even over some of the elements, such as water or air. The Moon represents the feminine side, shyness, healing, contemplation, magic and intuition. The Moon rules Cancer. (-8% for casting magic, increases the efficacy of healing items by +2)
Mercury - The first of the actual planets. Mercury was named for Hermes, the Messenger god, who represented communication, swiftness and travel. Likewise this small planet governs the conscious mind, including things like memory recollection, communication, news, and coming events. Mercury rules both Virgo and Gemini. (-8% for communication with familiars, -4% on the last two moves of your action limit)
Venus - Venus, the golden planet, known as the Morning and Evening Star by the ancient Egyptians, was named for Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, passion and beauty. Known to be an unfaithful wife to Hephastus, she had relations with countless other gods and mortals, most commonly with Ares, her celestial opposite. Venus represents love, emotions, interpersonal relationships, harmony and creativity. Venus rules both Taurus and Libra. (-8% to passion/influence/actions affecting the emotions, +4% to opponents controlling their familiars)
Earth - While Earth does not have sway over itself, it is important to recognize as it is the source of all the Ether and the Essence which is usable for Magic and other intellectual endeavours. If tributes, sacrifices or libations are made to Mother Earth, the Castor who takes such care and shows such appreciation for the Giving Earth will find their magic casting more effective than those castors who abuse her gifts. (+4 to the affects of casting magics, but some libation must be made as a full action)
Mars - Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, also known as the Red Planet, is the most similar to Earth. Named for Ares, the God of War, Mars represents energy, irritability, restlessness and aggression. Those ruled by the planet Mars tend to be energetic and athletic, but have short attention spans, spontaneity and need to always be doing something. Mars lends energy and power to magic. Mars rules Aries. (-8% to high aerobic or stamina related tasks, -4% to any attack)
Jupiter - Jupiter the Gas Giant. As the largest planet in the solar system and with the most moons, Jupiter is as mysterious as it is beautiful. It has the "eye" of swirling storm winds that ceaselessly tear around the planet, although it is believed to have no solid mass. Jupiter was named for Zeus, the father of the gods, and God of Storms and the Sky. Zeus was known to hurl thunderbolts down on those who displeased him, and was even more unfaithful to his wife than Aphrodite was to her husband. The moons of Jupiter are all named for conquests of the Thunder God. Jupiter itself represents ambition, power, authority, strength, influence and religious faith. Jupiter rules Sagitarrius. (-10% for religious efforts, -2% on all strength-related actions.)
Saturn - Saturn was named for Kronos, the Father of Zeus and the current pantheon. Kronos ate his children, believing they would someday overpower him and overthrow him. All of the children were eaten save Zeus, who was hidden away by his mother Rhea, who fed her husband a stone in disguise. In time, Zeus returned from the mountain to free his siblings, and Athena leapt from Kronos' head full grown and clad in armour, while Zeus carved his brothers Poseidon and Hades from the body of his dead father. Saturn is powerful and beautifully ringed, and represents both turmoil and unrest as well as the kinder aspects of higher thought, philosophy and the government of time. Saturn rules Capricorn. (-10% for any actions that require multiple turns to prepare for use, -2% for augments)
Uranus - Uranus was named for the God Ouranus that was father to Kronos and was overthrown by his son, castrated with a sickle and ruthlessly murdered, giving rise to Kronos' own fear that his children would follow in his footsetps and do the same. Uranus is often depicted as more of a monster than a man; being the earliest god, he was brutish and stupid. The planet represents rebellion, discoveries, new ideas, independance, impatience and invention. Uranus rules Aquarius. (-10% for counterattacks in which the same move is used to try to overpower the opponent, -2% for attempting skills higher than one's current difficulty level)
Neptune - Neptune, the watery green-blue planet was well-named for Poseidon, God of the Sea and one of the Rulers of the Three Worlds in Greek mythology. Poseidon was said to be the one who made the best of the creatures and set them on land, the most famous of which is the horse. Neptune stands for divine brilliance, spiritual consciousness, and wisdom. A powerful planet for magic, it often evokes deep emotions from its children and is often considered a feminine planet of gentleness and vicious wrath, mothering care and suspicion. Neptune rules Pisces. (-10% for controlling Golems, Hybrids and other constructed tools, -2% for defensive magics)
Pluto - Pluto, the last and smallest of the planets is cold and barren, with one lonely moon that scientists say was once a part of the planet that was blasted off in a collision with an asteroid or comet aeons ago. Pluto is named for Hades, God of the Dead, and ruler of the third domain according to the Ancient Greeks. 'Pluto' is a name that means 'giver of good things' and was a polite name to refer to the Lord Hades by so as to flatter and please him. Hades was a sullen and lonely God, and was one of the only gods to remain faithful to his wife, Persephone, whom he abducted from the mortal world and thus brought about winter to the mortals. Pluto, though remote, governs rebirth, self-desctructiveness, brooding behaviour, and was not known of to the Ancient astrologers. It has since been attributed to the sign of Scorpio. (Grants +1 HP to the weilder if he or she disregards blocking an incoming move in favour of trying an all out attack on their opponent, +2 HP for medicines used during combat)
Lesson Two: The Zodiac (Western & Eastern)
The Zodiac is staple of astrology that uses astronomy, pattern and metaphysics to determine the characteristics of Empyreans, as well as the stellar effects oft he universe on the lives of the people of Earth. There are two Zodiac sets we will be learning about. First is the Western Zodiac, consisting of 12 Zodiacal Signs which are based on the month (and day) of your birth; the second is the Chinese Zodiac, consisting of 12 animals which are based on the year in which you were born.
The Western Zodiac info courtesy of wikipedia
The term zodiac (from Greek zodiakos [kyklos], "circle of little animals", from zodiaion, the diminutive of zoon "animal") denotes several places where a circle of twelve animals occurs. In Chinese astrology, months and years pass through a cycle of twelve animals that imply certain fortunes or misfortunes related to events occurring within those signs.
Likewise, Indo-European cultures developed a zodiac of twelve signs associated with a yearly cycle and with constellations of stars that lie along the apparent path of the Sun across the heavens (the ecliptic). The ecliptic is the path of the Sun independent of Earth's rotation, so that it is visible as the position of the Sun as seen at the same time each day. Eventually, "ancient astronomers" (Powell 2004) divided those constellations into twelve equal zones of celestial longitude to create the first known celestial coordinate system: a coordinate system that boasts some advantages over modern systems (such as equatorial coordinate system or ecliptic coordinate system). The zodiac is also understood as a region of the celestial sphere that includes a band of eight arc degrees above and below the ecliptic, and therefore encompasses the paths of the Moon and the naked eye planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn). The classical astronomers called these planets wandering stars to diffentiate them from the fixed stars of the celestial sphere (Ptolemy).
Strictly speaking, the eventual culmination of the Indo-European zodiac (originating with Babylonian, Greek, and Indian astronomers) includes signs (also constellations) that are not all represented by animals (e.g., Libra, Virgo, Gemini). However, the term probably derives from earlier conceptions of the constellations along the ecliptic as sculpted animals. As with the Chinese zodiac, Indo-European astrologers understand the movement of the planets and the Sun through the zodiac as a method to explain and predict events on Earth.
The zodiac symbols are early modern simplifications of conventional pictorial representations of the signs, attested since Hellenistic times. The characters are encoded in unicode at positions U+2648 to U+2653 (hexadecimal numbers): Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Pisces.
Aries
Aries (Latin for Ram) is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It lies between Pisces to the west and Taurus to the east.
The Western astrological sign Aries of the tropical zodiac (March 21–April 19) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (April 19 - May 13). The planet Mars is the ruler of the sign. The Sun is considered to be in its exaltation in Aries, while Saturn is considered to be in its fall (its weakest sign) and Venus is in its detriment. Astrologically, Aries is a Fire sign and represents bold action.
The part of the body the sign rules is the head.
Taurus
Taurus (Greek for Bull) is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It sits large and prominent in the winter sky, between Aries to the west and Gemini to the east; to the north lie Perseus and Auriga, to the southeast Orion, and to the southwest Eridanus and Cetus.
In Western Astrology the sun is in the sign of Taurus from April 20 to May 20 in the tropical zodiac and May 14 to June 19 in the sidereal zodiac.
In the tropical zodiac it represents the newly re-established life of springtime. In siderial astrology it is associated with the constellation Taurus and is associated with the Greek myth of the bull-form taken by Zeus in order to win Europa.
Venus is the ruler of the sign. The Moon is in its exaltation here, while Uranus is considered to be in its fall and Mars traditionally in its detriment. Taurus is a fixed Earth sign. According to astrology, those under its influence are typically conservative and appreciate the finer things in life. They are highly sensual. Additionally, they are the more sentimental and emotive of the Earth signs. Considered calm, generous, and loyal friends, Taureans are also known for being stubborn and jealous, and possessing extremely violent tempers, the latter of which is rarely displayed, but unforgettable.
The areas of the body under Taurus' control are the neck and throat. Venus in Taurus is meanwhile associated with a pleasant singing voice. A stout physique can also be indicated by Taurus influence, especially with the Ascendant.
Gemini
Gemini (Latin for twins) is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It is part of the winter sky, lying between Taurus to the west and the dim Cancer to the east, with Auriga and the near-invisible Lynx to the north and Monoceros and Canis Minor to the south.
The Western astrological sign of Gemini forms part of the tropical zodiac (May 21 - June 20) and of the sidereal zodiac (June 15 - July 16). Note that according to the IAU, the sun enters the constellation at June 21 and leaves it at July 21, however, these dates are based on the currently defined borders of Gemini which were purely drawn for navigational purposes without consideration for use by astrology.
In tropical astrology it is associated with the decorated floral profusion of late spring and early summer. In sidereal astrology it is associated with the constellation Gemini and the Greek myth of Castor (or Kastor) and Pollux.
Gemini is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Libra and Aquarius). It is also one of the four mutable signs (along with Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces). Its polar opposite is Sagittarius. It is the domicile of Mercury. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Gemini rules the nervous system, the lungs, the hands and arms. The symbol for Gemini is the twins. Gemini are communicators of the Zodiac. They are also the nonconformists of the Zodiac.
Cancer
In astronomy and astrology, Cancer (Latin for crab) is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. Cancer is small and dim, and to many it does not resemble a crab. It lies between Gemini to the west and Leo to the east, Lynx to the north and Canis Minor and Hydra to the south.
The Western astrological sign Cancer of the tropical zodiac (June 21 - July 22) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (July 21 - August 9).
In some cosmologies, Cancer is associated with the classical element Water, and thus called a Water Sign, forming Watery Trigon with Scorpio and Pisces. It is also one of the four cardinal signs (along with Aries, Libra, and Capricorn).
It is the domicile of the Moon or "House of the Moon", and this concept might originate from an ancient belief that Moon was located here at the creation of the world. Cancer is also the exaltation of Jupiter, and the traditional astrology claims it is the triplicity of Mars, one of the three lesser dignities which the modern astrology does not recognize.
Since Cancer is the opposite sign of Capricorn, which is the domicile of Saturn and the exaltation of Mars, Saturn naturally becomes detriment in Cancer, and Mars, although has the dignity of triplicity, becomes fall.
Many modern astrologers consider it to be significant that Pluto was discovered on the longitude of 20 degrees Cancer and the first atomic bomb was detonated at the moment when Saturn reached this longitude. Saturn is said to become particularly malefic in Cancer and Leo, for they are opposed to Saturn's own domiciles. Richard Saunders writes in Astrological Judgement and Practice of Physick (1677) that Black Plague of 1593 has been caused by transiting Saturn in Cancer, breeding "Flegm, thin Water, and Melancholy mixt".
Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the human body, viewed as the microcosmic counterpart of the heavenly signs. Cancer rules the breasts and belly. Caesius likened the sign to "the Breastplate of Righteousness" in Ephesians VI:14.
Elsbeth and Reinhold Ebertin extended this concept to that every single degree of 360 degrees of zodiac correlates to a specific part of human anatomy. In their Anatomische Entsprechungen der Tierkreisgrade (Anatomical Correspondences of the Zodiac Degrees, 1949), the section about Cancer starts with the 1 degree of Cancer correlating to the sixth rib, ends with the 30 degree of the sign correlating to the twelfth dorsal vertebra.
In the 1970s there was a proposal to rename the zodiac sign, as some astrologers felt that an imagined association with the disease Cancer was off-putting. Some people with the sun sign of Cancer refer to themselves as "Moonchild" instead, the sign being ruled by the Moon in astrology.
Leo
Leo (Latin for lion) is a constellation of the zodiac. Leo lies between dim Cancer to the west and Virgo to the east.
The Western astrological sign Leo of the tropical zodiac (July 24 – August 23) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (August 10 – September 15).
In some cosmologies, Leo is associated with the classical element Fire, and thus called a Fire Sign (with Aries and Sagittarius). Leo is also one of the Fixed signs (along with Taurus, Scorpio, and Aquarius).
It is the domicile of the Sun. The Egyptian pharaoh Nechepso, and his priest Petosiris, taught that at the creation of the world the Sun rose here near Denebola, and hence Leo was Domicilium Solis, the emblem of fire and heat, and the "House of the Sun".
Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Leo rules the heart and spine.
Virgo
Virgo (Latin for virgin) is a constellation of the zodiac. Lying between Leo to the west and the Libra to the east, it is one of the largest constellations in the sky. It can be easily found through its bright α star, Spica.
Who exactly Virgo was considered to represent is uncertain; in history, it has been associated with nearly every prominent goddess, including Ishtar, Isis, Cybele, Mary, Mother of Jesus, and Athena. Virgo may also feature, along with Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor, as part of the source of the myth of Callisto, either as Callisto herself, or as Hera. Persephone (who in some mythologies, notably the Eleusinian Mysteries, was considered to be a form of Demeter) is often mentioned as well, Virgo being visible mainly in the spring months when she was believed to have risen from the underworld.
According to one interpretation, the constellation depicts Astraea, the virgin daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Themis. Astraea was known as the goddess of justice, and was identified as this constellation due to the presence of the scales of justice Libra nearby, and supposedly ruled the world at one point with her wise ways until mankind became so callous she returned to skies disgusted.
In western astrology the sun is in the sign of Virgo from August 23 to September 22. An Earth sign, ruled by Mercury, Virgo is represented by the figure of the Virgin. Those born under this sign are often analytical and methodical in their day-to-day lives and can appear reserved and cool in manner. They have an excellent grasp of complex detail and often choose careers in business. In their personal relationships they are usually intensely loyal, but often nervous and lacking in self-confidence. They are also inclined to be self-centered and overly critical of others. Virgos are traditionally associated with an interest in food or drugs, and are often found in careers linked to nutrition, analytical chemistry or pharmacy.
Libra
Libra (Latin for balance) is a constellation of the zodiac. It is a fairly inconspicuous constellation and has no star of first magnitude, lying between Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east. As the names of the brighter stars testify, it was at one point part of Scorpius' claws.
The Western astrological sign of Libra is part of the tropical zodiac (September 23 (Autumn equinox) – October 22) and the sidereal zodiac (October 18 – November 16). It is associated with the constellation Libra and the classical element Air, making it an Air sign. Libra is also one of the Cardinal signs (along with Aries, Cancer and Capricorn). Its symbol is the scales. Its ruling planet is Venus.
As an Air sign, Libra is associated with thought, perspective and communication. In combination with the other elements, air feels that water will obscure it, earth will suffocate it, but fire will inspire and uplift it. As a Cardinal sign, it is associated with initiation and creativity. Its polar opposite is Aries.
Scorpio
Scorpius (Latin for scorpion) is one of the constellations of the zodiac. In western astrology it is known as "Scorpio". It lies between Libra to the west and Sagittarius to the east. It is a large constellation located in the southern hemisphere near the center of the Milky Way.
It is associated with the constellation Scorpius and the classical element Water, making it a Water sign. Scorpio is also one of the Fixed signs (along with Taurus, Leo and Aquarius). Its symbol is the Scorpion. It is co-ruled by the Mars and Pluto.
Being 8th house of natural zodiac, Scorpio is associated with regeneration, occult studies, hidden issues, mysticism, death and sex. In combination with the other elements, water feels that fire will make it boil, air will evaporate it, but earth will shape and channel it. As a fixed sign, it is associated with focus, individuality and determination.
A malific and weak watery sign, Scorpio typically has great difficulty dealing with stress and pressure. Although they try to hide this insecurity behind a mask of psudo "toughness", they are easily overcome by situations. William Lilly, 17th century astrologer classed the signs as such; from highest in essential force and dignity to lowest: Aries, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer, Aquarius, Leo, Sagitarius, Gemini, Taurus, Scorpio, Virgo and Pisces. Although there is a variation where Taurus is 2 places above the one listed, being under Leo. The last 3 signs being greatly unfortunate.
The typical Scorpio will hide their essential weakness in character by attempting to dominate every situation. This invariably leads to irritation as they have neither the strength nor essential dignity to sustain such behaviour, where even the most mundane interactions and conversation they are childishly trying to dominate and control.
Scorpio is the weakest of the fixed signs; those being: Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio (in order of strength) and is classed below the Fire and Air mutable signs Sagitarius and Gemini, being the only fixed sign that is weaker in essential force and dignity than a mutable sign.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius (Latin for Archer) is a constellation of the zodiac, commonly depicted as a centaur drawing a bow. Sagittarius lies between Scorpius to the west and Capricornus to the east.
The Western astrological sign of Sagittarius is part of the tropical zodiac (November 22 – December 21) and the sidereal zodiac (December 16 – January 14). It is associated with the constellation Sagittarius and the classical element Fire, making it a Fire sign. Sagittarius is also one of the Mutable signs (along with Gemini, Virgo and Pisces). Its symbol is the archer. It is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Mercury, however, is in its detriment in the sign.
As a Fire sign, Sagittarius is associated with action, passion, and energy. Those under its influence are said to be idealistic and adventurous, but often deficient in tact. As a Mutable sign, it is also associated with resourcefulness, holism and adaptability.
The parts of the body under Sagittarian influence are the hips, thighs, and traditionally the liver.
Capricorn
Capricornus ( or , Unicode: ♑), a name meaning "Horned Goat" or "That which has horns like a goat's" in Latin, is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It is commonly called Capricorn, especially in astrology. It is commonly called the sea-goat, as it is in an area of the sky known as the Sea. Capricornus is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. Under its modern boundaries it is bordered by Aquila, Sagittarius, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus and Aquarius.
The Western astrological sign Capricorn of the tropical zodiac (December 22 - January 19) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (January 19 - February 15).
In some cosmologies, Capricorn is associated with the classical element Earth, and thus called an Earth Sign (with Taurus and Virgo). It is also one of the four Cardinal signs (along with Aries, Cancer, and Libra). It is the domicile of Saturn and the exaltation of Mars. Its polar opposite is Cancer. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Capricorn rules the knees, bones, and skin. The ancient symbol of this sign is the sea monster, which harks back to the time in antiquity when Capricorn was considered a water sign and not an earth sign. The symbol for this eventually changed to that of a seagoat, which is a mythological creature that has the head and upper body of a goat and the lower body of a fish, and this was an attempt to meld the watery qualities that this sign originally possessed with the earthly qualities that astrologers wanted it to acquire. In modern times the symbolism for this sign has evolved once again, with astrologers doing away with the figure of the seagoat altogether in favour of the mountain goat, which has almost eradicated the watery themes that once encompassed this sign.
Aquarius
Aquarius (Latin for the Water-bearer or Cup-bearer) is the eleventh sign of the zodiac, situated between Capricornus and Pisces. Its symbol is , representing part of a stream of water.
Aquarius is one of the oldest recognized constellations along the zodiac, the sun's apparent path. It is found in a region often called the Sea due to its profusion of watery constellations such as Cetus, Pisces, Eridanus, etc. Sometimes, the river Eridanus is depicted spilling from Aquarius' watering pot.
The Western astrological sign Aquarius of the tropical zodiac (January 20 or January 21 -to- February 18 or February 19, respectively)[1] differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (February 16 - March 11).
In some cosmologies, Aquarius is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Libra and Gemini). It is also one of the four Fixed signs (along with Leo, Scorpio, and Taurus). Its polar opposite is Leo. It is the domicile of Saturn (since its discovery Uranus has been considered Aquarius' ruling or co-ruling planet by many modern astrologers). Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Aquarius rules the circulatory system as well as the ankles. The symbol for Aquarius is the water bearer.
Pisces
Pisces (Latin for fish (plural)) is a zodiac constellation which lies between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east.
The Vernal equinox is currently located in Pisces, due south of ω Psc, and, due to precession, slowly drifting below the western fish towards Aquarius.
The Western astrological sign Pisces of the tropical zodiac (February 19 - March 20) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (March 12 - April 1 cool .
A water sign, ruled by Jupiter, or more-commonly, Neptune, Pisces is symbolized by the motif of two fish, swimming in opposite directions. People born of this sign are said to be patient and sensitive, but often lack personal direction. They may be artistic, but are often impractical and worry a lot. Charity work, nursing, art, and archaeology are careers they love best.
The Eastern Zodiac
The Rat - You are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.
The Buffalo - Also known as the Cow, A born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative methodical, and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic and always demanding your own way. The Buffalo would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser.
The Tiger - You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a "Hothead" or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador.
The Rabbit - You are the kind of person, that people like to be around affectionate, obliging, always pleasant. You have a tendency, though, to get too sentimental and seem superficial. Being cautious and conservative, you are successful in business but would also make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor.
The Dragon - Full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a "big mouth" at times. You are intelligent, gifted, and a perfectionist but these qualities make you unduly demanding on others. You would be well-suited to be an artist, priest, or politician.
The Serpent - Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. Keep your sense of humor about life. The Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist, and fortune teller.
The Horse - Your capacity for hard work is amazing. Your are your own person-very independent. While intelligent and friendly, you have a strong streak of selfishness and sharp cunning and should guard against being egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician.
The Goat - Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Goat can be charming company. Your are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber.
The Monkey - You are a vary intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.
The Rooster - The Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd and definite in decision making often speaking his mind. Because of this, you tend to seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser, and extravagant to an extreme. Born under this sign you should be happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, soldier or world traveler.
The Dog - The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.
The Pig - You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest but by expecting the same from others, you are incredibly naive. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer.
Lesson Three: The Constellations


information from Wikipedia
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) divides the sky into 88 official constellations with precise boundaries, so that every direction or place in the sky belongs within one constellation. In the northern celestial hemisphere, these are mostly based upon the constellations of the ancient Greek tradition, passed down through the Middle Ages, and contains the signs of the zodiac.
In three-dimensional space, most of the stars we see have little or no relation to one another, but can appear to be grouped on the celestial sphere of the night sky. Humans excel at finding patterns and throughout history have grouped together stars that appear close to one another.
A star pattern may be widely known but may not be recognized by the International Astronomical Union; such a pattern of stars is called an asterism. An example is the grouping called the Big Dipper (North America) or the Plough (UK).
The stars in a constellation or asterism rarely have any astrophysical relationship to each other; they just happen to appear close together in the sky as viewed from Earth and typically lie many light-years apart in space. However, one exception to this is the Ursa Major moving group.
The grouping of stars into constellations is essentially arbitrary, and different cultures have had different constellations, although a few of the more obvious ones tend to recur frequently, e.g., Orion and Scorpius.
Cosntellations hold mythology and meaning, and influence the Zodiac, and augment the movement of the planets. Casting of spells, planting of seeds, growing of Golems, creativity and clarity, as well as many other aspects of daily Empyrean life are influenced by the Constellations. If you would like to check to see which constellations are currently visible in the night sky, please go to the Clock Tower.
The currently recognized Constellations:
Andromeda •
Antlia •
Apus •
Aquarius •
Aquila •
Ara •
Aries •
Auriga •
Boötes •
Caelum •
Camelopardalis •
Cancer •
Canes Venatici •
Canis Major •
Canis Minor •
Capricornus •
Carina •
Cassiopeia •
Centaurus •
Cepheus •
Cetus •
Chamaeleon •
Circinus •
Columba •
Coma Berenices •
Corona Australis •
Corona Borealis •
Corvus •
Crater •
Crux •
Cygnus •
Delphinus •
Dorado •
Draco •
Equuleus •
Eridanus •
Fornax •
Gemini •
Grus •
Hercules •
Horologium •
Hydra •
Hydrus •
Indus •
Lacerta •
Leo •
Leo Minor •
Lepus •
Libra •
Lupus •
Lynx •
Lyra •
Mensa •
Microscopium •
Monoceros •
Musca •
Norma •
Octans •
Ophiuchus •
Orion •
Pavo •
Pegasus •
Perseus •
Phoenix •
Pictor •
Pisces •
Piscis Austrinus •
Puppis •
Pyxis •
Reticulum •
Sagitta •
Sagittarius •
Scorpius •
Sculptor •
Scutum •
Serpens •
Sextans •
Taurus •
Telescopium •
Triangulum •
Triangulum Australe •
Tucana •
Ursa Major •
Ursa Minor •
Vela •
Virgo •
Volans •
Vulpecula •
For information on each Constellation, please look in the Clock Tower.