The Book of Enoch is one of the more well-known and studied “Lost Books” of the Hebrew & Christian Bible. It contains five smaller books: The Book of the Watchers, The Book of Parables, The Astronomical Book, The Dream Visions, and The Epistle of Enoch. The text has been best preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Abrahamic sects in the world, who have consistently held the Book of Enoch as inspired writing. On the opposite end of the Christian denomination spectrum, the Church of Latter Day Saints also holds much of Enoch to be inspired as well, since much of it meshes with the Egyptian parchment fragments that the LDS Church purchased in the 1800s that became the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham.
Religious researcher and historian John. P. Pratt published an article titled “Enoch’s Constellations Testify of Christ” in 2006, which cites multiple studies that would place the first recorded descriptions of the constellations around 2700-2900 BC. This date is based upon the “empty spot” in the original depictions, which would have appeared around the 36° north latitude during that span of time.
Enoch is said to have made multiple journeys between Heaven & Earth by the Archangel Uriel, and was bestowed with knowledge of many subjects, including that of the movements of the sun, moon, and planets (“luminaries”). To place the man in perspective of other Biblical figures, he was in the original lineage of Man; the 4x-great-grandson of Adam and the great-grandfather of Noah. The Astronomical Book is comprised of Enoch chapters 71-82. Many articles could be written just on these chapters, and I will probably write more in the future.
I was especially interested in John P. Pratt’s analysis of how the original twelve constellations of the Zodiac, along with their 36 associated constellations (“decans” – 3 each) are related to the life and times of Jesus Christ. The modern Christian church typically decries astronomy and astrology as bad things; however, this is one of many instances where the stars and planets played a key role in ancient Biblical writings. Many of his interpretations could be applied to other ancient cultures and religions (for example, Isis and Horus as a parallel to Mary and Jesus), but I don’t know enough depth of those cultural stories to include them (yet). I have expanded on some of his points with interpretations of my own and citations from the Bible itself as well.
To read a much more in-depth study, I would recommend Christological Interpretations of the Decans (PDF) by Dr. Dale M. Sides as well as the Companion Bible Appendix 12 “The Stars Also.” These works contain more outlines, diagrams, and other useful information with much more depth than I could come close to explaining on my own. I will include his basic outline showing the progression of the constellations and his interpretation of their basic relationship to Christ at the end of the article.
1. Virgo: The Maiden
Much like how the story of Jesus begins with the Virgin Mary, the first constellation in the Zodiac is the Virgin/Maiden, more commonly known as Virgo. The only exceptionally bright star in Virgo is Spica, represented by the grain of wheat she holds in her right hand. Pratt suggests that the placement is intentional; the most prominent focal point of the constellation lies within the wheat, not the woman, symbolizing that what she holds is more important than the woman herself.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” – John 24:12
Virgo Decan 1: The Infant Prince
The Infant Prince is in the area of the Coma Berenices and Canes Venatici systems. The Persians depicted this constellation as “an immaculate virgin sitting on a throne and holding an infant.” Based on the location and description of this constellation, it is suggested that the virgin is also a queen, whose “seed” (wheat) represents her child, who is possibly viewed as more important than her. The brightest star in Virgo lies within the wheat, as does the brightest star within the Infant Prince (Cor Caroli).
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5 : 30-31
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” – Revelation 1:5
Virgo Decan 2: Centaurus (The Centaur)
The centaur, being half-man and half-horse, may represent the idea of a half-man and half-god, symbolizing a being that is both mortal and immortal. In Greek myth, this centaur was named Chiron, the immortal son of the Titan Cronos. Chiron was once immortal, but was shot with an arrow dipped in the blood of the beast Hydra and suffered enduring and immense pain. He was thus made mortal so that he could experience death to relieve the pain, and passed into the stars to become a constellation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
Virgo Decan 3: Bootes (The Herdsman)
The Herdsman was also referred to as “The Righteous Shepherd” in some ancient texts. This title was used by Jesus in the Bible to describe himself in the context of becoming mortal and dying as a man, much like Chrion.
“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11
2. Libra: The Balance or Scales
The second constellation is Libra, the balance or scales. The balance was used for weights and measures of coins and good used for payment to ensure the fairness of price. In Biblical terms, Christ paid the price for all humanity’s redemption.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – I Corinthians 6:20.
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” – I Corinthians 7:23.
Libra Decan 1: The Southern Cross (Crux)
The Persians depicted this constellation as a man holding a balance in one hand and a lamb in the other amidst the stars that made up the shape of a cross. Aside from the obvious symbolism of the cross, the lamb may be the price demanded by justice, the balance.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” – John 1:29.
Libra Decan 2: The Beast (Lupus)
The Beast, Lupus, was seen as an arbitrary animal (but typically a wolf, as lupus is Latin for wolf) that was killed – or sacrificed – by or for Centaurus. Pratt suggests possible symbolism with Jesus being slain as a sacrifice to pay the price of sin.
However, if the wolf is being slain by the Centaur, and the Centaur was to represent Jesus, I am not convinced that interpretation makes sense. Wolves are mentioned in other contexts in the Bible as the enemy of those of faith. Thus it would make more sense to me that this constellation could draw comparison with the Centaur (Jesus) finally defeating the Beast (Satan).
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” – Acts 20:29
Libra Decan 3: The Northern Crown
The Northern Crown (Corona Borealis) is a small constellation comprised of a ring of stars that does in fact resemble a crown. The obvious association here is that the Crown is the prize or reward for having paid the price with the balance. The serpent (Serpens) constellations is sometimes depicted as looking towards the crown, as if in jealously.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” – Hebrews 2:9
“And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” – I Peter 5:4
3. Scorpio: The Scorpion (Scorpius)
Scorpions are mentioned a handful of times in the Bible, often in the context of an infestation akin to the plagues of Egypt. Pratt merely suggests that the scorpion represents “the enemy, Death.” I found a verse in Luke that may add depth in the context of the decans of Scorpio:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” – Luke 10:19
Scorpio Decan 1: The Serpent (Serpens)
The serpent is “wrapped around” a man in the sky; the head is on one side of the man and the tail on the other. The snake, of course, is one of the oldest symbols of evil in the Bible. It also places it in the same league as the scorpion in terms of “the enemy.”
“And the Lord God said until the serpent: Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.” – Genesis 3:14
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” – Revelation 12:9
Scorpio Decan 2: Serpent Bearer / Healer (Ophiuchus)
[See above for photo]
This is the man that the serpent is wrapped around. He is also depicted as standing with one foot on the head of the scorpion, while the heel of the other foot is being stung by the tail of the scorpion. In the Bible, it is prophesied that the descendant of Eve will crush the serpent’s head, despite the serpent being able to bruise his heel.
“And I will put my enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise they head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” – Genesis 3:15
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” – I Corinthians 15:55
Scorpio Decan 3: The Kneeler (Hercules)
The Kneeler – later depicted as Hercules – is kneeling down on one knee while his other foot is holding down the head of a dragon. Thus we have another depiction of the head of a serpent being crushed. In some mythology, it is said that his other heel was harmed – like the Healer. Hercules was the son of the god Zeus and a mortal woman who became immortal; he had twelve great labors to perform, which could be compared to tasks that Jesus had to perform while on earth.
“At the last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like a viper.” – Proverbs 23:32
“In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” – Isaiah 27:1
4. Sagittarius: The Archer
In early Egyptian depictions, the Archer was depicted as a centaur with wings holding a bow. The aim of the bow (and arrow) is pointed towards the scorpion, implying that the scorpion is the enemy once again.
“Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel.” – Jeremiah 50:29
Sagittarius Decan 1: The Harp / Lyre (Lyra)
The small, hand-held harp, the Lyre, has long been associated with angels and their music; this association is linked to the book of Revelation, where the angels rejoice at the victory over the beast and his mark. This makes the Archer, and the Lyre, a symbol of celebration of good prevailing against evil.
“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints.” – Revelation 5:8
“And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.” – Revelation 14:2
“And I saw it as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the Harps of God.” – Revelation 15:2
Sagittarius Decan 2: The Altar (Ara)
Altars are used in many instances throughout the Bible. One could interpret the altar as the stage on which Jesus was sacrificed like a lamb of old. In the context of the celebrations described by the Lyre, there are more references in Revelation:
“And every creature which is in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” – Revelation 5:13
“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” – Revelation 8:3
Sagittarius Decan 3: The Dragon (Draco)
Draco is found at the very “top of the sky,” symbolizing Satan’s quest to position himself atop the heavens. The dragon’s tail coils several times, encompassing about one-third of the stars. This was likely the “Great Red Dragon” seen in the heavens by John in Revelation, and was the dragon whose head was under the foot of Hercules.
“How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.” – Isaiah 14 : 12-13
“And there appeared another wonder in Heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of Heaven, and did cast them to the Earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” – Revelation 12 : 3-4
5. Capricorn: The Sea-Goat
The Sea-Goat (Capricornus) is a hybrid creature, being a goat on top and fish tail on bottom. The creature is wounded on one knee, and some of the names given to the stars in this constellation point towards it being symbolic of sacrifice. Goats were common sacrificial animals in the Old Testament, and culminated in the scapegoat that took up the sins of Israel on the Day of Atonement. Jesus, of course, was the greatest sacrifice of all.
“But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.” – Leviticus 16:10
“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” – Romans 5:11
Capricorn Decan 1: The Arrow (Sagitta)
Pratt says that there is little description of this particular decan. In some stories, it was the silver arrow of Apollo; in such a context it would represent the arrow with which the Sea-Goat was slain as a sacrifice.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.” – Ephesians 5 : 1-2
Capricorn Decan 2: The Eagle (Aquila)
Some descriptions of the Eagle place it together with the Arrow in the context of sending a message from above. In this context, it would be symbolic of Jesus being the messenger from the Father, from Heaven. The Eagle could also symbolize guidance down the correct path.
“Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:1
“This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” – Luke 7:27
Capricorn Decan 3: The Dolphin (Delphinus)
The “fish tail” of the Sea-Goat, in some myths, was actually the tail of a dolphin. Dolphins were seen as symbols of life and resurrection by some ancient cultures.
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” – John 11:25
6. Aquarius: The Waterman
The Waterman pours an entire river of water out of a small jar, which flows onto the head of a fish. Pratt suggests that this represents Christ as the “Master Teacher,” who “pours out blessings on the heads of his people.” I would add that providing large amounts of something (an entire river’s water) out of a small container (a jar) may also be analogous to Jesus feeding the masses with only a few fish and loaves of bread.
“The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him: Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” – John 3:2
“And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.” – Matthew 14 : 19-20
Aquarius Decan 1: The Southern Fish (Piscis Austrinus)
The Southern Fish is the fish that receives the water poured out by the Waterman. The fish is a recognizable symbol of Christianity (especially when bumper stickers were more popular than they are now). The water poured onto the fish’s head symbolizes the blessings and knowledge poured out by God and Jesus onto their followers. The followers, in turn, were referred to as “fishers of men” in the New Testament.
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you Fishers of Men.” – Matthew 4:19
“And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become Fishers of Men.” – Mark 1:17
Aquarius Decan 2: The Flying Horse (Pegasus)
In many stories about Pegasus, he comes flying down from the heavens, returning at the end of the story to carry a hero to victory or to save the day himself. This could be tied to the Second Coming, in which it is said that the Savior will return from heaven riding upon a white horse.
“And I saw Heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in Heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19 : 11-16
Aquarius Decan 3: The Swan (Cygnus)
According to Pratt, there aren’t many helpful interpretations of the Swan constellation. He says that some Christian scholars associate it with the swift return of the Savior “swan diving” back to earth with a swift return at the Second Coming. In this sense, the Swan would be very similar to the Flying Horse in terms of symbolism.
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also be the coming of the Son of Man be.” – Matthew 24 : 35-37
7. Pisces: The Fishes
In mythology, Venus and Cupid had to dive into a river to escape a ‘monster’ and were saved by being changed into fish to be allowed to hide or blend in. As before, the fish is a very recognizable symbol in Christianity. Some scholars believe that the immersion in water and transformation could represent the process of baptism. The duality of the fish, according to the same sources, could thus represent the followers of God before and after Jesus; in other words, the patriarchal Church of Israel led by Moses and the subsequent transformation to the Christian Church led by the teachings of Jesus.
“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the Baptism of John, unto that same day he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” – Acts 1 : 21-22
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), but the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” – I Peter 3 : 17-22
Pisces Decan 1: The Banded Fish (Part of Pisces)
The Banded Fish are tied together by their tails by bands that also attach them to the Sea Monster (Cetus). The leg of The Ram (Aries) is trying to break the bands apart. In scripture it is said that Christ will break the bands of death, which is what is happening here by The Ram breaking the Banded Fish free from the Sea Monster. This would be enacted through Jesus’ resurrection.
Pratt goes on to explain the degrees of rotation on the “astrological clock” that help determine passage of time based on the position of celestial bodies. There is one degree of movement on the vernal (spring) equinox every 72 years. When the “clock hand” crossed the star that represents the knot in the tail of the fish nearest the ram, the date would have been Sunday, April 3, 33 AD. This is a legitimately possible date for Christ’s resurrection. “Thus, not only is the symbolism of breaking the bands of death portrayed vividly in the heavens, even the date is indicated. If the size of the fish also refers to this timeline then the first fish represents the early church of Jesus Christ, which lasted until about AD 300.” The vernal equinox crosses the first and last stars of the second fish around the years 1800 AD and 2800 AD, perhaps pointing to a 1,000 year period of signs of the coming Rapture.
“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” – Psalm 107:14
“Christ lay in Death’s dark prison / It was our sin that bound Him / This day hath He arisen / And sheds new life around Him / Therefore let us joyful be / And praise our God right heartily / So sing we Hallelujah! / Hallelujah!” – “Christ Lag in Todesbanden” (“Chris Lay in Death’s Bonds”) – Easter Resurrection Hymn by Martin Luther, 1524.
Pisces Decan 2: The King (Cepheus)
The King is shown holding ropes (or ribbons, in some descriptions) that appear to be the bands that were holding the fish. In this case, the King is a clear representation of Christ as King breaking the bands of death.
“The Sun of Righteousness appears / To set in blood no more! / Adore the scatterer of your fears / The rising Sun adore / The Saints, when he resigned his breath / Unclosed their sleeping eyes / He breaks again the bands of death / Again the dead rise” – “The Sun of Righteousness Appears” – African Methodist Episcopal Hymn by S. Wesley Jr., 1736.
Pisces Decan 3: The Chained Princess (Andromeda)
Pratt suggests that the Chained Princess should be interpreted in the context of old church symbolism in which the Church of Christ is the “woman” or “bride” and Jesus is the “bridegroom who marries the Church.” The Princess is depicted as chained to a cliff and offered as a sacrifice to the Sea Monster. She breaks the “chains,” something that Pratt is careful to differentiate from the “bands,” as follows:
“Note that the scriptures rarely vary from that imagery of the “bands (or cords) of death” and the “chains of hell.” Christ did two things for us. First, he broke the bands of death, so that someday all of us will resurrect. He also loosed the chains of hell, so that someday those who follow his commandments can escape bondage to Satan. Thus, the Fishes and Bands represent breaking the bands of death, whereas the story of Andromeda represents loosing the chains of hell. This nuance of detail in interpretation seems to have escaped earlier commentators, but is being proposed here because the symbolism is so consistent in scripture.”
“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” – Matthew 16 : 17-19
8. Aries: The Ram
The Ram is depicted historically with one front leg extended between the Bands in Pisces and his other front leg stomping on the head of the Sea Monster. In Greek myth, the Ram has a golden fleece; this was the object of the journey of Jason and the Argonauts. The Ram could therefore symbolize Christ breaking the bands of death and defeating the devil by completing the prophecy of and embodying the Resurrection, and the golden fleece the golden aura of resurrection that shines brighter than the sun.
“Jesus said unto her: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” – John 11 : 25-26
Aries Decan 1: The Queen (Cassiopeia)
If the Princess was to represent the Church, the enthroned Queen could represent the highest “final glory” that the Church will attain upon the Resurrection and Second Coming, aligning herself with the bright golden light. This is in line with the theme of the Ram embodying the Resurrection.
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.” – Revelation 21 : 23-25
Aries Decan 2: The Sea Monster (Cetus)
The Sea Monster is the beast that the Bands of the Fish (Death) are attached to as well as to whom the Princess is chained (Chains of Hell), ready to be sacrificed to him. The Sea Monster would thus represent both Death and Hell itself, while the Fish and the Princess escape both in kind.
“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25 : 8-9
Aries Decan 3: The Hero or Bridegroom (Perseus)
The Hero / Bridegroom is the savior who breaks the chains from the Princess. In Greek myth, Perseus sees the Princess about to be devoured by the Sea Monster. Before he saves her, he begs of her parents, the King & Queen, that he be allowed to marry her if he saves her. He then breaks the Princess free of her chains, slays the beast with his sword, and marries the Princess.
For the first part of this scripture, refer back to Aquarius Decan #2: Pegasus / Flying Horse, which quotes Revelation 19 : 11-16. The symbolism is much the same: the savior will return from heaven on a white horse wielding a sharp sword. Jesus is thus the hero who saves the church, and then “marries” the church.
“He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth Him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this is my joy therefore is fulfilled.” – John 3:29
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. […] There came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” – Revelation 21:2 & 21:9
“For the husband husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man levae his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself.” – Ephesians 5 : 23-33. [Included due to the comparisons of Jesus and the Church as Husband and Wife]
9. Taurus: The Bull
The Bull is stylized akin to a wild ox which has two long forward-pointing golden horns. The positioning of his front legs suggest he is charging forward. He also has seven doves on his back (The “Seven Sisters” / The Pleiades Constellation – visible from almost every point on Earth). The Book of Enoch itself speaks describes the passing of multiple millenniums as weeks; the Lord and his followers shall press forward into the Millennium of the Kingdom of God, which will govern the earth through peace after the destruction of the wicked.
“Enoch then began to speak from a book, and said, I have been born the seventh in the first week, while judgment and righteousness wait with patience [Creation]. But after me, in the second week, great wickedness shall arise, and fraud shall spring forth. In that week, the end of the first shall take place, in which mankind shall be safe. But when the first is completed, iniquity shall grow up, and during the second week he shall execute the decree upon sinners [Great Flood, 2500 BC, middle of second millennium].
“Afterwards, in the third week, during its completion, a man of the Plant of Righteous Judgment shall be selected [King David, 1000 BC, end of third millennium] and after him the Plant of Righteousness shall come for ever [Jesus, 4 BC – 30 AD, end of fourth millennium]. Subsequently, in the fourth week, during its completion, the visions of the holy and righteous shall be seen, the order of generations shall take place, and a habitation shall be made for them.
“Then in the fifth week, during its completion, the house of glory and dominion shall be erected for ever [Establishment & Building of the Church, 30 AD – 2000 AD, fifth & sixth millennium]. After that, in the sixth week, all those who are in it shall be darkened, the hearts of all of them shall be forgetful of wisdom, and in it shall a Man arise and come forth [Jesus, 2000 AD, at the end of the sixth millennium]. And during its completion, He shall burn the house of dominion with fire, and all the race of the elect root shall be dispersed [destruction of Jerusalem & dispersing of those who dwell there, 2000 AD – 3000 AD, end of sixth & beginning of seventh millennium].
“Afterwards, in the seventh week, a perverse generation shall arise: abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse. During its completion, the righteous shall be selected from the Everlasting Plant of Righteousness: and to them shall be given the sevenfold doctrine of his whole creation.
Afterwards there shall be another week, the eighth [4000 AD, beginning of eighth millennium] of righteousness, to which shall be given a sword to execute judgment and justice upon all oppressors. Sinners shall be delivered up into the hands of the righteous, who during its completion shall acquire habitations by their righteousness; and the house of the Great King shall be established for celebrations for ever [4999 AD, end of eighth millennium].
After this, in the ninth week [5000 AD, start of ninth millennium], shall the judgment of righteousness be revealed to the whole world. Every work of the ungodly shall disappear from the whole earth; the world shall be marked for destruction; and all men shall be on the watch for the path of integrity.
“And after this, on the seventh day of the tenth week [6999 AD, end of tenth millennium], there shall be an everlasting judgment, which shall be executed upon the Watchers; and a spacious eternal Heaven shall spring forth in the midst of the angels. The former Heaven shall depart and pass away; a new Heaven shall appear; and all the celestial powers shall shine with sevenfold splendor forever. Afterwards likewise shall there be many weeks, which shall externally exist in goodness and in righteousness.” – Enoch 92 : 4-17
Taurus Decan 1: The Hunter (Orion)
Orion, the Hunter, is the brightest constellation visible from Earth. In Greek myth, Orion is a hunter depicted with a club in one hand and a lion skin pelt in the other, wearing a pearl belt (Orion’s Belt). In this context, he would represent Jesus as the King of Kings who will rule during the upcoming millenniums [see Enoch scripture above].
Taurus Decan 2: THe River (Eridanus)
The River begins at the knee of Orion and encircles the southern ecliptic pole (opposite the dragon, who encircles the north ecliptic pole). It is the river into which Phaethon, son of Helios, was cast into and burned after he lost control of his father’s Chariot of the Sun. Pratt’s assessment:
“If the Bull is the Millennial Kingdom of God, then the Hunter could be the Ancient of Days who will come and the River the judgment of the wicked. Moreover, the entire myth of Phaethon losing control of the sun’s path in the heavens, and starting the earth on fire sounds a lot like the prophecies of the earth reeling to and for like a drunken man, and the earth burning before the Second Coming. All of these events tie to the beginning of the Millennium.”
“A fiery river issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” – Daniel 7:10
“The Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out his kingdom all things that offender, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13 : 41-42
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20 : 14-15
Taurus Decan 3: The Charioteer (Auriga)
The Charioteer holds chariot reins in one hand and a goat with her two kids in the other. In Mesopotamia, he represented a goat-herder or shepherd; Bedouin astronomers grouped constellations into animals, in which Auriga was a herd of goats. In Greek myth, he was associated with Hephaestus, the inventor of the four horse chariot, who assisted in defeating a usurper to he throne of Athens, making Erichthonius the king. In this sense, there could be a parallel between Auriga and John the Baptist: he helped in “creating” the vessel that would install the King by being the one who baptized Jesus and put the remainder of his mission into play.
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and Lo, the Heavens were opened onto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And Lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3 : 13-17
10. Gemini: The Twins
In Babylonian astronomy, the Great Twins were considered minor gods: one was ‘The One Who Has Arisen from the Underworld,’ (Meshlamtaea) and the other ‘Mighty King’ (Lugalirra). Both were titles for Nergal, the god of plague and pestilence who was the King of the Underworld. Taking only the titles, the twins could symbolize the duality of Jesus (King of Heaven) and Satan (King of the Underworld) as the two opposing forces in the spiritual realm.
In Greek, the twins were Castor and Pollux. One was immortal and one was mortal. The two were associated with protection of soldiers, and thus associated with St. Elmo’s Fire. St. Elmo’s Fire is “a weather phenomenon in which luminous plasma is created by a corona discharge from a rod-like object such as a mast, spire, chimney, or animal horn in an atmospheric electric field. The intensity of the effect, a blue or violet glow around the object, often accompanied by a hissing or buzzing sound, is proportional to the strength of the electric field and therefore noticeable primarily during thunderstorms or volcanic eruptions.” Because it warned people of oncoming danger, it was often seen as a good omen or good luck to see it.
Several articles mention that Julius Caesar wrote about St. Elmo’s Fire in his journals regarding campaigns in Africa (De Bello Africo), though the context of such comments is missing. The writings are attributed to Caesar (but likely written by someone else) around 40 BC. The “omen” may have not only symbolized the fall of the Roman Republic (and beginning of the Roman Empire) but the coming of Christ himself to the Earth a few decades later.
“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” – Matthew 24:27
“And the Temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” – Revelation 11:19
“A vision thus appeared to me. Behold, in that vision clouds and a mist invited me; agitated stars and flashes of lightning impelled and pressed me forwards, while winds in the vision assisted my flight, accelerating my progress. They elevated me aloft to Heaven. I proceeded, until I arrived at a wall built with stones of crystal. A vibrating flame surrounded it, which began to strike me with terror. Into this vibrating flame I entered; and drew night to a spacious habitation built also with stones of crystal. Its walls, too, as well as pavement, were formed with stones of crystal, and crystal likewise was the ground. Its roof had the appearance of agitated stars and flashes of lightning; and among them were cherubim of fire in a stormy sky.” – Enoch 14 : 8-12.
During the Siege of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, St. Elmo’s fire was reportedly seen coming from the top of the Hippodrome. The Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, leading to the effective end of the Byzantine Empire and by extension the end of the Roman Empire. This draws a distinct parallel with the same omen seen before the fall of the Roman Republic.
Gemini Decan 1: The Hare (Lepus)
Lepus the Hare is typically shown as being hunted by Orion and his dogs (Canis Major & Minor). There is little in the way of western mythology associated with the Hare. (In Asian mythology, it is associated with the “Moon Hare,” a large hare who lives on the moon, as seen in the shape of the dark spots on the visible side of the moon.
Pratt suggests the Hare has symbolism related to the Harlot in the Book of Revelation:
“Why was a hare chosen as the enemy? That doesn’t sound very ferocious, like a dragon or venomous serpent. Was is not because of the promiscuity of that animal? The Book of Revelation makes it clear that there are two distinct enemies in the last days. One is the great harlot “Babylon” who controls the kings by riding on the back of the beast, the other enemy (Rev. 17:3-6). The beast seems to represent the governments of the wicked (enslaving) nations, whereas the harlot is probably the secret combinations of those behind the scenes who control many nations. The kings hate to be controlled, knowing they are merely being used by the harlot, so they hate her and eventually kill her (Rev. 17:16). Thus, whereas the Hero and the other dragon-slayers seem to focus more on killing the beast, the Hunter is focused on slaying the controlling force behind it. I believe the Hare to be the original figure, but the Egyptians and Persians, understanding the meaning, replaced it with the serpent, or better, with another animal riding the back of the serpent.“
“So he carried me away in the spirit of the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written: ‘Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth.'” – Revelation 17 : 3-6
Gemini Decan 2: The Big Dog (Canis Major)
In Mesopotamian myth, the Big Dog was depicted instead as a large bow and arrow; the bow associated with the warrior Ninurta and the bow with Ishtar, the daughter of Enlil. There may be some relation here with Marduk, who killed the ocean goddess Tiamat with a great bow and was was the patron deity of Babylon. This creates an interesting connection to the interpretation of the Hare as representing the Whore of Babylon.
In Greek myth, the Big Dog is usually a greyhound or similar who is assisting the hunter in pursuing the Hare (and sometimes in fighting Taurus as well). In one story, Zeus elevates the Big Dog into the sky as a reward for its speed and prowess. The Big Dog, chasing down the Hare alongside the Hunter, may represent Jesus and his followers hunting down the enemy of evil.
Gemini Decan 3: The Little Dog (Canis Minor)
The Little Dog is usually considered to be the second dog of the Hunter. This draws a parallel between the Big Dog and Little Dog with the Gemini Twins. The Big Dog is like the immortal, powerful twin while the Little Dog is more like the mortal twin. Thus the Little Dog could be like Jesus on Earth, as a man, and the Big Dog as Jesus ascended and the Savior of the Second Coming.
11. Cancer: The Crab
Pratt suggests that the crab takes the role of the “deliverer.” Crabs are able to pick up items in their claws, hold them tight, and deliver them to whatever destination awaits. In this sense, Jesus can be seen as the “Great Deliverer” – he “descended into hell and the gates of hell could not prevent him from delivering his people to freedom from the bondage of death and hell.” He also points out this this is both a past description (through the resurrection) and a future description (through His return).
I would add that Jesus carrying the cross would be a more literal / physical act that would embody a role as the “deliverer,” because without that journey, the death and resurrection could not have taken place.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” – Matthew 6:13
“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was “Jesus of Nazareth – The King of the Jews.” – John 19:19
Cancer Decan 1: The Little Bear (Usra Minor)
The Little Bear was originally depicted as a small very with an oversized tail. However, the Arabs drew it as a small flock of sheep and the Persians drew it as a woman. The Arab flock would undoubtedly symbolize the follows of Jesus; he is the shepherd and the herdsman, who is said to have guarded the flock.
For a more controversial interpretation, the woman from the Persian depictions could be related to Mary Magdalene, I’ll leave it that for the purposes of this writing.
Cancer Decan 2: The Big Bear (Ursa Major)
The Big Bear is typically shown with the same associated symbolism as the Little Bear, just at a larger size.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32
“Take heed therefore unto yourself, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28
Cancer Decan 3: The Ship (Argo)
In Greek Mythology, the Ship (“Argo”) carries Jason and his Argonauts on a quest to retrieve the golden fleece of the Ram, much like Jesus leading his followers to the truth and salvation. In Persian depictions, this decan was shown as a woman, much like the Big Bear and Little Bear. Thus the Ship is the vessel by which the Deliverer is able to travel.
12. Leo: The Lion
The Lion is the King of Kings and King of the Beasts (and the Jungle) in the sky and is typically shown stomping on the head of the enemy serpent. Jesus is referred to as the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” and, of course, the King of Kings. The Lion could therefore be related to Christ’s reign after destroying the Beast.
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” – Revelation 5:5
“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” – Revelation 13:2
Leo Decan 1: The Water Serpent (Hydra)
The Water Serpent wraps itself around about a third of the other constellations; in ancient times they would say that the dragon swallows the sun during an eclipse. In Greek myth, Hercules fought Hydra; when he cut off the head, two more grew back in its place, and so forth. When Jesus died on the cross, it was a victory for mankind, but it also caused the forces of evil to return twofold. As this is the final constellation, perhaps its defeat will take place during the Second Coming.
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.” – Revelation 13:1
Leo Decan 2: The Cup (Crater)
The Cup is either attached to, or sitting upon, the back of the Water Serpent. Mr. Pratt states that there is not much mythology or symbolism associated with the Cup, but that it could be related to two different verses in Revelation: either the cup of wine of the wrath of god, or the golden cup held by the harlot who rides the beast. The second of these scenarios shows how it could represent both the harlot and her punishment at the same time.
Without straying too far into controversy (at least for this article), I will add that it could be an allusion to the Holy Grail or Chalice possessed by the Big or Little Bear.
“And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” – Revelation 16:1
“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” – Revelation 17:4
Leo Decan 3: The Raven (Corvus)
The Raven is also on the back of the Serpent and is depicted as pecking at the coils of the snake. Once the Beast is slain in Revelation, God calls the birds of heaven to devour the body of the beast [“the flesh of the armies of the wicked nations who fought against God“].
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” – Revelation 19 : 17-18
John Pratt’s Conclusion:
It appears that all 48 of the original constellations can be identified and that they indeed form a more or less coherent representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is still much more research to be done, especially to fill in details, but the general outline seems clear. A virgin Maiden is the mother of an Infant Prince who is half mortal and half god (Centaur) and who will grow up to be the Good Shepherd (Herdsman). He is the Redeemer who will pay the price of sin (Balance) through his suffering (Cross) as a sacrifice (Beast) in order to win the Crown. He will be the great Healer who will crush sickness and death (Scorpion). He is the Savior (Archer, Hercules) who slays the Dragon, resulting in great rejoicing (Harp). He is also the Goat (Sea-Goat) sacrificed on the Altar, but then resurrecting (Dolphin). He is the messenger of his Father (Eagle and Arrow). He is the Master Teacher (Waterman), who pours out knowledge and blessings on his church (Southern Fish), carrying it upward (Flying Horse) to someday be glorified (Swan). He is the Ram who breaks the Bands of Death, and the Hero who looses the chains of hell which bind and shackle both his former-day and latter-day Church (Fishes) to the awful Sea Monster. The Hero is also the Bridegroom who then marries his Church (Princess). He is enthroned as the King and the glorified church becomes his Queen. At the beginning of the Millennium, Christ reigns as King and Lord of Hosts of the Kingdom of God (Bull). As the royal Hunter he destroys the harlot (Hare) who has perverted religions and governments worldwide, and he executes judgment on the wicked (River). He is both the Father and the Son (Twins). He who comes in power to destroy the great harlot (Hare) at the Second Coming (Big Dog) is also he who came in meekness and allowed himself to be slain by her at the First Coming (Little Dog). He is the Deliverer (Crab) who leads the dead up out of hell (Ship) and delivers his flocks (Big and Little Bears). As the millennial King (Lion), he permanently overcomes the fleeing Water Serpent, who suffers the Cup of the wrath of God, and whose corpse is eaten by birds of prey (Raven).
The fact that so many precise scriptural types of Jesus Christ appear in the constellation figures, grouped by subjects and in chronological order, provides compelling confirmation that the claim of the Book of Enoch is true: The figures were revealed as a testimony of the Elect One who would come to save mankind. It is a visual witness that details of the life of Christ were known long before the Great Deluge. Thus, the constellations form one of only surviving ante-diluvian witnesses of the Good Shepherd, the Redeemer, the Righteous Judge and Great Healer, the Savior, the Ultimate Sacrifice, the Master Teacher, the Great High Priest, the Bridegroom, the Lord of Hosts, the Son of God, the Deliverer, and the King of Kings: Jesus Christ.
Dr. Dale M. Sides – Outline
- Virgo: The Prophecy of the Promised Seed.
- Coma: Messiah as the Desire of all Nations with the Woman.
- Centaurus: The Victor and the Victim.
- Bootes: The Coming One.
- Libra: The Redeemer’s atoning work.
- The Southern Cross: The Cross Endured.
- Lupus: The Victim Slain.
- Corona: The Crown Bestowed.
- Scorpio: The Redeemer’s Conflict.
- Serpens: Striving for the Crown and Glory.
- Ophiuchus: Defeating Serpents and Scorpions.
- Hercules: The Mighty Man Victorious.
- Sagittarius: The Redeemer’s Triumph.
- Lyra: Praise Prepared for the Conqueror.
- Ara: Fire Prepared for His Enemies.
- Draco: The Dragon Cast Down.
- Capricorn: The Result of the Redeemer’s Sufferings.
- Sagitta: The Arrow God Sent Forth.
- Aquila: The Smitten One Falling.
- Delphinus: The Dead One Rising Again.
- Aquarius: The Blessings Assured.
- Piscis Australis: The Blessings Bestowed.
- Pegasus: The Blessing of the Holy Spirit Quickly Coming.
- Cygnus: The Blesser Surely Returning.
- Pisces: The Blessings on Jew and Gentile.
- The Band: Union of Authority Over Evil.
- Andromeda: The Redeemed in Bondage.
- Cepheus: The Coming King.
- Aries: The Risen Ram.
- Cassiopeia: The Queen Enthroned.
- Cetus: The Great Enemy Bound.
- Perseus: The “Breaker” Delivering.
- Taurus: Messiah Coming to Rule.
- Orion: The Redeemer Breaking Forth as Light.
- Eridanus: Wrath Breaking Forth as a Flood.
- Auriga: Safety for His Redeemed In the Day of Wrath.
- Gemini: Messiah as the Prince of Princes.
- Lepus: The Enemy Trodden Under Foot.
- Canis Major: The Coming Glorious Prince.
- Canis Minor: The Exalted Redeemer.
- Cancer: Messiah’s Redeemed Possessions.
- Ursa Minor: The Chosen Sheepfold.
- Ursa Major: The Elect of God.
- Argo: Paradise Gained.
- Leo: Messiah’s Consummated Triumph.
- Hydra: The Old Serpent Destroyed.
- Crater: The Cup of Wrath Poured Out.
- Corvus: Vengeance on the Wicked.
My Conclusion:
I find that some of the decans and their explanations are a bit of a stretch to connect to Jesus and the Gospel. However, my knowledge of their historical depictions and meanings is nowhere near as nuanced as John Pratt or Dr. Dale M. Sides, so I admit that some obvious or important points may have went over my head. I am sure that other religions around the world could (and probably have) attempted to relate their key figures to the constellations, and probably with similar success.
I did learn quite a lot in the process of further research of this subject, and hope to continue to learn more about the constellations and the mythology that surrounds them. I would also highly encourage you to read the Book of Enoch if you haven’t before; it is incredibly interesting and enlightening.
History/Politics/Theory 
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