Constellation Scorpio

From LoveToKnow Horoscopes

The constellation Scorpio is mired in myth, and shines brilliantly in the nighttime sky.

Scorpio and Sagittarius at the Galactic Center.

The Constellation Scorpio

The word "Scorpio" itself is Latin for "scorpion", and the constellation of Scorpio sits snugly between Libra (on its west) and Sagittarius (on its east). Luckily, it’s one of the easier constellations to find because it hosts a bevy of bright starts, including:

Antares
Dschubba
Sargas
Shaula
Lesath

Since the constellation sits almost at the very heart of the Milky Way, it contains a number of what scientists consider "deep sky objects", like that of:

Messier 6 (the Butterfly Cluster)
Messier 7 (the Ptolemy Cluster)
Messier 4
Messier 80

Consider, as well, some of the following facts:

Abbreviation: Sco

Right Ascension: 16 hours, 53 minutes and 15 seconds

Declination: -30 degrees, 44

Covers an Area of: 497 square degrees

Meteor Showers: Alpha Scorpiids, and Omega Scorpiids

Bordering Constellations include:

Sagittarius
Ophiuchus
Libra
Lipus
Norma
Ara
Crona Australis

Take particular note of the star of Ophiuchus. This is referred to (in reference to Nostradamus and the Maya) as the thirteenth or "secret" sign, and is depicted as a man holding a serpent.

The constellation Scorpio was of particular importance to both Nostradamus and the Maya because it, along with the constellation of Sagittarius, is housed at the heart of the Milky Way, the "seat" of galactic power. Moreover, it should be noted that both Scorpio’s "tail" or "stinger" and Sagittarius’s "bow" point directly to this "serpent" constellation.

General Scorpio Characteristics

Each sign has certain general characteristics associated with it. Scorpio no different:

Elemental: Scorpio, and by extension, the constellation Scorpio, is a very elemental sign. What this means is that factors that fall under this sign's domain are often stripped down to their purest form. This includes any of the astrological houses, planets and aspects related to Scorpio.

Secretive: Scorpios tend to be quiet, and some of the other more boisterous zodiac signs may interpret this as secretiveness.

Survivors: Those with this astrological sign are born survivors, and even when pushed to the brink, they will usually find a limitless reserve of strength.

Myth Associated with Scorpio

Scorpio rules the cycle of life, death and birth, and many of the myths associated with the constellation Scorpio reflects this. One such myth deals with the adventures of Gilgamesh. This is one of the oldest hero stories, dating back to Sumeria in 2,100 BC. It’s also known as The Myths of Aquarius and Uranus.

All about his ability to test his mettle, Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king, takes a journey that requires him to cross treacherous territory that's guarded by two lions (Leo), a bull (Taurus) and "scorpion men". After battling the two lions, Gilgamesh is then forced to walk through a thirty-six mile tunnel that has no light whatsoever.

Once Gilgamesh emerges from this dark passage way, he comes upon a magical, glittering place where jewels are literally hanging off the branches of the trees. It’s this journey though darkness and the subsequent rewards of enlightenment that are representative of the trials and tribulations of Scorpio.

Putting It All Together

The constellation Scorpio, along with Sagittarius, is one of the more intriguing in the sky if only because it contains so many layers. The symbol itself, the scorpion, evokes very powerful emotions of replusion and fear. However, when that imagery is combined with some of the ancient text and myths, the plot thickens. No matter what school of thought you follow, be it astronomy, astrology or both, one thing everyone can agree on that is that this zodiac sign and its constellation continue to fascinate the imagination.

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