mysteries of egyptian zodiacs - HiddenMysteries Information Central

118 5 Symbolism on Egyptian Zodiacs and New Complete Decoding
It wouldn’t be possible to find randomly such solutions for all
the zodiacs without exceptions.
5.8 Symbols of Equinoxes and Solstices
The equinox and solstice points are marked on Egyptian zodiacs
using special symbolism. These symbols for the first time
were decoded by us during our study of the Egyptian zodiacs.
They are used on different zodiacs systematically and consistently
in very similar forms so, it is not hard to understand
their meaning.
The symbols of the equinoxes and solstices are very important
for the astronomical dating. In particular, they mark
the locations of the partial horoscopes. Let us point out that
some of these symbols were misinterpreted in the existing literature.
We will discuss some of the examples in the following
subsections.
Earlier, we’ve already discussed some of the equinox and
solstice symbols used on the Egyptian zodiacs 47 . In this section
we will systematically examine this symbolism.
5.8.1 Symbols of the Autumn Equinox in
Virgo
On Figure 5.67 we show the Egyptian symbols related to the
autumn equinox. These symbols can be found on the Egyptian
zodiacs only in the proximity of Virgo or possibly near Pisces,
where the spring equinox occurs. Notice that the spring and
autumn equinoxes are located symmetrically on the opposite
sides of the ecliptic. From the astronomical point of view they
are similar, so, it is not surprising that they share some of the
symbols (but not all of them).
Let us list the symbols of the autumn equinox (see Figure
5.67):
(1) A human figure holding a child on his/her hand. This
symbol appears on the both Denderah zodiacs in the proximity
of the autumn equinox. Recall that the Egyptian
new year began in September near the autumn equinox 48 ,
so the figure of a child probably symbolizes here the new
year.
(2) Rectangular plate with wavy lines. On the Round Denderah
zodiacs one can find two such plates located near
the spring and autumn equinoxes. On the Long Denderah
zodiac one such plate is located near the spring equinox
point. Notice that on the Round zodiac, a figure of lion
reposes his two front legs on it. We should point out that
sometimes the Egyptian equinox symbols contain signs
of the neighboring constellations — Leo for the autumn
and Aries for the spring equinox (see for example Figure
5.67 (DR), (EB) and Figure 5.69 (EM)). N.A. Morozov
47 See for example Section 4.2
48 See [4], Vol. 6, p. 641.
correctly identified these rectangular plates on the Round
zodiac as symbols of the equinoxes 49 .
(3) A person sitting on a chair with spread out arms holding
two identical objects. This figure clearly indicates the
equilibrium (between the left and right hands) which most
probably symbolizes the equilibrium point between the
day and night occurring at the equinox point. However,
we found only one example of such figure (see Figure 5.67
(DR)).
(4) A self-entwined snake. This symbol appears on several
zodiacs and it is always located near the autumn equinox.
Among the Egyptian zodiacs that we investigated, this
symbol occurred on the Long Denderah, Small Esna and
Lower Athribis zodiacs (see Figure 5.67 (DL), (EM) and
(AN)).
(5) Two-headed wave-shaped symmetrical snake. Sometimes a
pair of small wings is attached near each head (see Figure
5.67 (EB)) without disturbing its symmetry. This symbol
can be found near the both equinox points and undoubtedly
it indicates the equality between the day and night.
(6) A figure on a podium with a diagonal cross. In our examples
a figure on the podium is either a bird or a human.
This symbol was used on the Egyptian zodiacs for the
autumn equinox (see Figure 5.67 (EM)) as well as for the
spring equinox (see Figure 5.69 (EM)). Let us point out
that such symbol, where the podium is without a diagonal
cross, indicates not an equinox but a solstice point. In this
case usually on the podium there is a cobra in threatening
position (with upright fore body). The diagonal cross
likely indicates the equality of a day and night.
(7) A figure with four heads. It can be associated with the
autumn and spring equinoxes. On Brugsch’s zodiac, the
equinox and solstice symbols are located in the four corners
of the picture. The symbol of the autumn equinox is
placed on the same side as Virgo. It has a body of a horse
with four lamb heads (see Figure 5.67 (BR)). On the Inner
Petosiris zodiac, near the Virgo constellation there is
a male figure with the same four lamb heads (see Figure
5.67 (P2)).
5.8.2 Symbols of the Winter Solstice in
Sagittarius
The symbols, which were used on the Egyptian zodiacs to
denote the winter solstice are shown on Figure 5.68. They are
always located in vicinity of Sagittarius. Let us list them:
(1) On almost all the Egyptian zodiacs the figure of Sagittarius
incorporates symbolism of the minimal partial horoscope
of winter solstice. This is a complex figure including
a centaur (the symbol of Sagittarius) and also signs of the
Sun, Mercury and Venus. We illustrate this astronomical
hieroglyph on Figure 5.69.
49 See [4], Vol. 6, p. 658.