Ophiuchus
Today, I have been reading of the thirteenth and astrologically-ignored zodiacal constellation, Ophiuchus. Given the range of dates which could apply to this constellation, especially if the twelve zodiacal months were split into a more natural thirteen, Ophi could be more interesting for me than Sagittarius. Here's one interpretation:
The most recent interpretation is that the figure represents the legendary physician Asclepius, who learned the secrets of life and death from one serpent bringing another some herbs which healed it (Asclepius had previously tried to kill it). In order to avoid the human race becoming immortal under Asclepius' care, Zeus eventually killed him with a bolt of lightning, but placed him in the heavens to honour his good works.
Other interpretations are equally ego-tickling. Yeah, many of us don't put any real faith in such things. I just found it interesting.
The most recent interpretation is that the figure represents the legendary physician Asclepius, who learned the secrets of life and death from one serpent bringing another some herbs which healed it (Asclepius had previously tried to kill it). In order to avoid the human race becoming immortal under Asclepius' care, Zeus eventually killed him with a bolt of lightning, but placed him in the heavens to honour his good works.
Other interpretations are equally ego-tickling. Yeah, many of us don't put any real faith in such things. I just found it interesting.