Post by glaucus on Mar 23, 2019 12:01:20 GMT
History of the Zodiac by Robert Powell
page 70
In the post MUL.APIN astronomy, once the twelve signs/constellations of the Babylonian sidereal zodiac were identified, through observation of the heliacal rising of these signs/constellations during the lunar months, the following correspondences were established:
The first month of the year (Nisannu) was seen to correspond to the Hired Man (Aries).
The second month (Ajjaru) to the Bull of Heaven (Taurus).
The third month (Simanu) to the Great Twins (Gemini)
The fourth month (Du'uzu) to the Crab (Cancer)
The fifth month (Abu) to the Lion (Leo)
The sixth month (Ululu) to the Furrow (Virgo)
The seventh month (Tesritu) to the Scales (Libra)
The eighth month (Arahsamnu) to the Scorpion (Scorpio)
The ninth month (Kislimu) to Pabilsag (Sagittarius)
The tenth month (Tebetu) to the Goat-fish (Capricorn)
The eleventh month (Sabatu) to the Great One (Aquarius)
The twelfth month (Addaru) to Anunitu (Pisces)
The correspondences between months and signs/constellations of the zodiac were based on observation of the heliacal risings of the signs/constellations of the zodiac. Such correspondence stating in which month a certain constellation rises, although astronomically incorrect, are of great antiquity and are attested already in the series of tablets Enuma Anu Enlil of celestial omens for the end of the second millennium BC and the first half of the first millennium BC. The practice of equating months and signs was continued in MUL.APIN and in other texts from the Neo-Babylonian period. "The system used for grouping the months was transferred to zodiacal signs. Such equivalence of months and signs can be found in several Babylonian texts from the Neo-Babylonian period.