Introduction
Most people are familiar with the zodiac, a set of 12 constellations through which the sun passes over the course of a year. The alignment of the sun to these various stations in the sky determine what is popularly referred to as a person’s “sign,” meaning the constellation wherein the sun was shining on a person’s birthday. Except a person’s sign isn’t actually that at all!
Popular western astrology does not actually compute a person’s birth sign based on how the sun and stars actually align on a person’s birthday but instead where the sun and stars aligned roughly 3,000 years ago during the days of Babylonian astrologers. When someone says “I’m an Aries” they’re really saying that the sun was in Aries 3,000 years ago, but the truth of where the sun was on the day they were born may be different.
This difference is because as time has gone on, the equinoxes have shifted slightly in comparison to the stars in the sky, or sidereal longitude. The outer ring of the Restored Enoch Calendar visual circle (highlighted in the figure here) represents the zodiac with simple English names instead of their popular Latin variants. The procession of the equinoxes means that over time, this outer ring slowly rotates compared to the seasons (approximately 1º every 71.6 years).
This outer ring of constellations is also laced with certain stars that are themselves important to note, the whole (zodiac with stars) constituting the Holy Star Wheel calendar. When the sun aligns to certain of these stars, the day may be considered holy on this calendar.
Structure
- The typical approach to western astrology leads to each of the 12 zodiac constellations taking up an equal portion of the year despite the constellations being of unequal sizes. This is not how the Holy Star Wheel calendar approaches the zodiac—each constellation instead coming into play exactly according to its size and boundaries. This means some zodiacs are longer or shorter than others.
- Since the sun passes through nearly 360º of the night sky over the course of an Enoch year (specifically 359.983° within a tropical year), a particular star can be associated with each day of the year. This is a layer of astrological identification deeper than just the constellation of the zodiac since meaning and significance can be tied to each day and not just each zodiac range of dates.
- Intercalation cycles have been incorporated that accurately account for the precession of the equinoxes over 25,000 years.
The following table shows the major and minor stars within a Holy Star Wheel year along with their associated zodiac signs and Christological meanings. Notable major events in history are also noted in some cases, though not in chronological order as the events occurred in varying years throughout time (note: the table below will not list date ranges for looking into one’s “sign” inasmuch as that would require a precise lookup of the location of the sun in the sky on one’s birthday):
| Zodiac | Star | Holiness – Lunar Mansion [Aztec Sacred Round] | Meaning | Noted Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Maiden (Virgo) | Man comes to earth through woman; the fruit of her harvest is the seed of immortality and eternal life. | |||
| “ | ν Vir Maiden’s Garland | Minor | Purity of a new beginning; virginity, the glory of the maiden. | |
| “ | β Vir – Zavijava Maiden’s wing | Minor – Heavenly [Light] | The pure in heart seeing God. | Dove returns to Noah with an olive leaf |
| “ | ζ Dra – Aldhibah Dragon’s solar plexus | Major | Opposition in all things; temptations prove the righteous. | Dove departs Noah’s ark and does not return |
| “ | ι Dra – Edasich Dragon’s lightning | Minor | Truth gleaned from contemplating the darkest abyss. | Joseph Smith Jr. obtains the plates of the Book of Mormon |
| “ | η Vir – Zaniah Maiden’s left shoulder | Minor | The natural burden of being pure in an impure world. | |
| “ | γ Crv – Gienah Raven’s left wing | Minor | Faith unlocking truth to the intellectual. | |
| “ | γ Vir – Porrima Maiden’s breast | Minor | Motherhood: true rejoicing born of true love. | Fall of Eve |
| “ | η Dra – Athebyne Dragon’s seed | Major | Signs and witnesses awaiting faith. | |
| “ | θ Dra Base of Dragon’s tail | Minor | Righteousness awaiting the acceptance of neglected truths. | 12 spies of Israel return from Canaan |
| “ | α Boo – Arcturus Herdsman’s left knee | Major | Hidden blessings for joining the flock. | Noah born |
| “ | α Vir – Spica Maiden’s seed | Major – Infant | Abundant life formed out of love | Fall of Adam |
| “ | ν Boo Herdsman’s crook | Minor – Honored [Wind] | An ensign to the flock. | |
| Scales (Libra) | The beginning of man’s mortal existence is fraught with carefully weighed decisions. | |||
| “ | α Lib – Zubenelgenubi Higher end of Scales | Major | The redeemed made alive in Christ. | Temple of Solomon dedicated, Virgin Mary died |
| “ | α CrB – Alphecca Jewel of the rent necklace | Minor | The pure in heart building up the waste places of Zion. | |
| “ | α Ser – Unukalhai Tamed Snake’s heart | Major – House [Temple] | Power to crush the head of the serpent. | Temple of Solomon accepted, Lunar alignment on Christ’s resurrection |
| Scorpion (Scorpio) | In his mature years, mortal man reaps the sowing of his choices and ultimately finds death at the end. | |||
| “ | σ Lib – Brachium Higher weight pan of Scales | Minor | Exaltation following humiliation of the redeemed. | |
| “ | δ Sco – Dschubba Scorpian’s Mouth | Minor – Opposition [Lizard] | The words of prophets against bodily sins. | Eber died, Peleg born |
| “ | α Sco – Antares Scorpian’s Heart | Major – Balanced | Wisdom from rebirth. | Enoch establishes Zion |
| “ | ν Dra Dragon’s Mouth | Major | The spirit of prophecy reserved for the testimony of Christ. | Abraham born, Seth ordained |
| “ | β Dra – Rastaban Dragon’s Eye | Major | A seer pursued by and delivered from the wicked. | Enoch born |
| “ | α Her – Rasalgethi Divine Son’s Head | Minor | Control by the highest authority. | Temple of Solomon finished |
| “ | ξ Dra – Grumium Dragon’s Jaw | Minor | Power over enemies. | |
| “ | γ Dra – Eltanin Dragon’s Crown | Major – Mastery [Serpent] | Dominion over the kingdoms of the world. | |
| “ | λ Sco – Shaula Scorpian’s Stinger Point | Minor | Judgement poured out. | Enos died |
| Archer (Sagittarius) | Like the arrow loosed from its bow, the spirit embarks on a new journey when the mortal coil is shed. | |||
| “ | γ Sgr – Alnasl Archer’s Arrowhead | Minor – Departed [Death] | Spiritual forewarning of impending judgements. | |
| “ | δ Sgr – Kaus Media Archer’s Bow Grip | Minor | A revelator unveiling the spirit world. | Enoch translated, Patriarch Joseph Smith Sr. ordained |
| “ | ξ Sgr Archer’s Eye | Minor | A seer bringing an increase of intelligence, the glory of God. | Joseph Smith Jr. born |
| “ | π Sgr – Albaldah Archer’s Nape | Minor – Priest | A joint-heir wearing the crown of the Priesthood. | |
| “ | α Lyr – Vega Lyre’s Plectrum | Major | Revelation of God’s mind, turning hope into faith. | Virgin Mary born |
| “ | α Aql – Altair Eagle’s Head | Major | Revelation, the fountain of divine instruction. | Noah’s ark completed, breath put into Adam |
| Sea Goat (Capricornus) | The spirit world is bifurcated into those held captive by love of materiality (the fish half) and those who are free through sacrifice (the goat half). | |||
| “ | α Cap – Algedi Tip of Sea Goat’s Horn | Minor | Announcement of good tidings from the horn of plenty. | Gabriel appears to Zacharias |
| “ | β Cap – Dabih Base of Sea Goat’s Horn | Minor – Released [Deer] | The sound of good news proclaimed to the captives. | |
| Waterman (Aquarius) | Purification is symbolized by passing through the waters dedicated for that purpose to God, rinsing away past filth for the truly penitent. | |||
| “ | ε Aqr – Albali Waterman’s Left Hand | Minor | Support by priesthood servants. | |
| “ | β Del – Rotanev Dolphin’s Heart | Minor – Captives [Rabbit] | Held down by a heart set on the things of this world. | |
| Sea Goat (Capricornus) | γ Cap – Nashira Sea Goat’s Dorsal Fin | Minor | Thrashing in the air, kicking against the pricks. | |
| Waterman (Aquarius) | β Aqr – Sadalsuud Waterman’s Left Arm | Minor – Providing [Water] | Power in the priesthood obtained through righteous living. | Noah ordained, 12 apostles chosen in latter days, Hyrum Smith born |
| “ | α PsA – Fomalhaut Waterman’s Water | Major | Blessings of humility poured on the Church. | Noah died |
| “ | α PsA – Fomalhaut Waterman’s Water | Major | Blessings of knowledge poured on the Church. | Moses delivers the law a second time (Deuteronomy) |
| “ | α Cyg – Deneb Head of the Cross | Major | Head of the Cross, a symbol of the third heaven. | |
| “ | γ Aqr – Sadachbia Waterman’s Right Hand | Minor – Body | High Priests to regulate the church and gather the elect. | |
| Fishes (Pisces) | The work of salvation entangles two main fish: one pointing away from the motion of the sun, disobedient Gentiles, and one pointing toward the celestial pole, obedient Israel. | |||
| “ | β Psc – Fumalsamakah West Fish’s Eye | Minor | A seer to the gentiles. | Levi born, Levi died |
| “ | α Peg – Markab Pegasus’ Wing | Minor – Agency [Jackal] | Power to go forward or backward, a decision. | |
| “ | α Cep – Alderamin The King’s Right Shoulder | Minor | Robes of the Melchizedek Priesthood. | The First Vision of Joseph Smith Jr. |
| “ | δ Peg – Alpheratz Pegasus’ Seed | Minor | To sire, a rite to fatherhood. | Amram died, Jochebed died, Kirtland Temple dedicated |
| “ | α And – Alpheratz Pure Princess’ Head | Minor – Adored [Baboon] | The beauty of a penitent child in the eyes of its father. | LDS church established |
| Ram (Aries) | The sacrificial ram has one foot tying two Fishes together and another foot crushing the head of a sea monster, the devourer of nations. Through sacrifice comes salvation and deliverance. | |||
| “ | μ Psc West Fish’s Rope | Minor | Gathered as by a Fishing Net. | 1833 Revelation 12 Sign, Christ’s Public Ministry begins, Elijah appears at the Kirtland Temple |
| Fishes (Pisces) | α Psc – Alrescha Knot Joining Fish Ropes | Minor | Death and Hell. | |
| Ram (Aries) | β And – Mirach Pure Princess’ Seed | Minor – Lord | Bearing the souls of men. | Leah born |
| “ | γ Ari – Mesarthim Ram’s Left Horn | Minor | Horn of the Ram used for anointing with holy oil. | Rachel born, Aaron Anointed |
| “ | β Ari – Sheratan Ram’s Right Horn | Minor | Horn of the Ram as a ritual musical instrument. | Zebulon born, Alma delivered |
| “ | β Cas – Caph The Queen’s Head | Minor | Made royal through marriage. | Dinah born |
| “ | α Tri – Mothallah Triangle’s Head | Minor | It is finished. | Joshua died |
| “ | α Ari – Hamal Ram’s Heart | Major – Revived [Grass] | Resurrection from death. | Christ resurrected |
| “ | ν Ari Ram’s Fleece | Major – Tabernacle [Reed] | Glorified garment of skins representing a resurrected body. | |
| “ | δ Ari – Botein Ram’s Right Cannon | Minor | Holiness to the Lamb. | Jacob, Esau b |
| Bull (Taurus) | Ephraim gathers Israel with his horns and will be crowned with his blessings in Zion. | |||
| “ | ο Tau Bull’s Fore Outer Claw | Minor | The Bull (Taurus) as a Wild Ox. | Isaac/Rebekah married, Jacob’s Ladder vision, Lehi departs Jerusalem |
| “ | η Tau – Alcyone [Pleiades] Bull’s Brahman Hump | Major – Brides [Lion] | Seven women taking hold of an one man. | Covenant of circumcision instituted, Nephi departs Jerusalem, John the Baptist restores the Aaronic Priesthood in 1829 |
| “ | α Per – Mirfak Hero’s Solar Plexus | Minor | The Concealer of the Pleiades, protector of virtue. | Isaac’s birth foretold, construction of Solomon’s temple begins |
| “ | α Tau – Aldebaran Bull’s Right Eye | Major – Anointing | Seer of Ephraim, a descendant of Joseph of Egypt. | Jacob/Leah married, Isaac blesses Jacob, Joseph of Egypt born, Rebekah died, Asenath born, Israel crosses the Jordan River |
| “ | β Ori – Rigel Father’s Left Foot | Major | A man of war off to conquer. | Baby Jesus shown to priest; Peter, James, & John restore Melchizedek Priesthood; Abram/Sarai married; Jacob/Rachel married; Jacob Wrestles with God |
| “ | α Aur – Capella Shepherd’s Ewe | Minor | Glory. | |
| “ | δ Ori – Mintaka God’s Bosom Ties | Major | Opening of the Face, Giving of Light. | |
| “ | ε Ori – Alnilam God’s Bosom Ties | Major – King [Falcon] | Beauty in Scarlet Anger. | Noah’s Ark rests on Ararat, |
| “ | ζ Ori – Alnitak God’s Bosom Ties | Major | Rejoicing in Knowledge. | |
| “ | ζ Tau – Tianguan Right Horn | Minor | A gathering invite. | |
| Twins (Gemini) | The dual nature of Christ is depicted in the mirror image of the Twins, one reflecting his mortality and the other, his immortality. | |||
| “ | η Gem – Propus Mortal Twin’s Left Calf | Minor | One comes twice (Twins). | Adam left the Garden of Eden, Cloud departs the tabernacle of Moses, Jared the father of Enoch ordained, Wise Men visit infant Christ |
| “ | α UMi – Polaris Lesser Sheepfold Leading Sheep | Minor | The unmoving guide, a symbol of the third heaven. | |
| “ | μ Gem – Tejat Mortal Twin’s Left Knee | Minor | Providence of a firm foundation. | Angel to Amulek |
| “ | ψ Dra Dragon’s Heart | Major | One Heart and Mind. | |
| “ | α CMa – Sirius (Kolob) Anubis’ Eye | Major – Seer [Ibis] | The Great One (brightest), nearest to the throne of God (asterism: Throne of Jawza). | Three Witnesses viewed the plates, Hyrum Smith died, Joseph Smith Jr. died |
| “ | α Gem – Castor Mortal Twin’s Head | Major | Overcomes the Underworld. | Mortality Begins, Enoch ordained, Manna begins appearing for Israel, Enos ordained, Peter died |
| “ | δ Gem – Wasat Immortal Twin’s Seed | Minor – Seed | Eternal lives. | |
| “ | β Gem – Pollux Immortal Twin’s Head | Major | Mighty King. | Sarah born, Jacob to Egypt, Lucy Mack Smith born |
| “ | α CMi – Procyon Wepwawet’s Eye | Major | Opens the Ways (Wepwawet). | Benjamin born & Rachel died, Emma Hale born |
| Crab (Cancer) | A natural gatherer and assembler of things, the Crab uses its claw to drag things from the waters of chaos. | |||
| “ | μ Cnc Crab’s Right Swimming Leg | Minor | Retrieves from the depths, the Crab. | Annunciation to Mary, Israel arrives at Mt Sinai |
| “ | δ Cnc – Asellus Australis Crab’s Heart | Minor – Assembled [Motion] | Deliverer from the waves, the Crab. | David died |
| “ | λ Dra – Giausar Dragon’s Tail Tip | Minor | Speedy slither of the serpent. | Mary & Elizabeth meet, Fall of Jerusalem |
| “ | κ Dra Dragon’s Tail Base | Minor | Whip-like tail of the Dragon. | Moses ascends Mt Sinai leaving Israel to build the golden calf |
| Lion (Leo) | True prophets and servants of God have always roared words of truth to defend the lion-like fulness of both their faith’s stratum and their family’s structure. | |||
| “ | κ Leo Lion’s Nose | Minor | The Lion picks up the scent. | |
| “ | β UMa – Merak Greater Sheepfold Found Sheep | Minor | Rejoicing in the one that was lost now found. | |
| “ | μ Leo – Rasalas Lion’s Eye | Minor | Seer of Judah. | Judah born, Solomon born |
| “ | ε Leo Lion’s Mouth | Minor – Word [Knife] | Speaks the harsh truth, sharper than a two-edged sword. | |
| “ | α Leo – Regulus Lion’s Heart | Major – Contending [Storm] | The time to choose always comes to an end. | Cainan son of Enos born, New and Everlasting Covenant renewed upon Isaac |
| “ | α Dra – Thuban Dragon’s Tail | Major | Judgement passes. | Naamah born, Leah died, David born, Solomon’s Temple burned |
| “ | β CVn – Chara Horus’ Eye | Minor – Progeny | A seer who brings joy. | Shem born |
| “ | α Cvn – Cor Caroli Horus’ Heart | Minor | Heart of the Heavenly Queen’s infant prince. | Mary Magdalene died |
| “ | β Leo – Denebola Lion’s Tail | Minor – Extending [Lotus] | Joy and rejoicing in his train. | |
| “ | η UMa – Alkaid Greater Sheepfold Wanderer | Minor | One to rescue from the wolves. |
Summary
Astrologers have for ages assigned meaning to the placement of the sun amongst the stars at the time of someone’s birth. Though this practice cannot be verified as having a basis in gospel truth, there is doubtless intended significance of some kind within the story of the stars as the sun passes along its yearly course.
As we observe the Christological meaning behind the constellations of the zodiac, each star within them emphasizes a different aspect of that storied element. The table above provides some insight into the most notable of these stars.
Technically, the Holy Star Wheel contains a list of 371 stars (an extra leap week of stars added during intercalation periods). For the majority of them (those not marked as minor or major holiness), it will be up to each user of this calendar to study that star’s position in a given constellation and ponder the meaning for him or herself.