How the stars got their name

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THE origins of the zodiac are as shrouded in uncertainty as the pseudo-science of astrology itself. Early Babylonian (2000BC – 500BC) astronomers were probably the first to name the 12 constellations of the zodiac. The Romans gave the constellations the Latin names we use now, and adopted from the Greeks early techniques for predicting the future using horoscopes.

Some constellations, like Pisces, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aires, which are the Latin for fish, bull, lion, scorpion and ram, look very similar to the animals after which they have been named. Capricorn is another example, but this means \"horned like a goat\".

Myths and images

The stars don't just look like their names. Each constellation has a myth or a practical reason that explains the origin of its name. The Greeks and the Romans named the stars of Gemini, from the Latin for twins, after mythical hero brothers. After all, they look like two men standing together.

The Babylonians first named the stars of Cancer after a crab. The Greeks then kept the name, but changed the myth to reflect Hercules' struggle against his enemy, the goddess Hera. She commanded a crab to grab Hercules' foot during a battle and, because it loyally obeyed, Hera gave the crab a place among the stars.

Libra, which comes from the Latin for \"balance\", was associated with harvest season. The weighing of the crops was performed when the stars of Libra shone brightly in the sky.