Signs

The first of the twelve signs commences at that point of the ecliptic through which the sun passes at the period of the vernal equinox-the signs are counted from west to east. As explained under the head of Sign, the ecliptic is divided into 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each, called Signs. A belt in the heavens extending 8 degrees on each side of the ecliptic is called the zodiac, hence the term, "Signs of the zodiac." Their names, ad the order in which they follow each other, also the characters by which they are indicated, are as follows:

Northern Signs.

Aries-the Ram.

Taurus-the Bull.

Gemini-the Twins.

Cancer-the Crab.

Leo-the Lion.

Virgo-the Virgin.

Southern Signs.

Libra-the Balance.

Scorpio-the Scorpion.

Sagittarius-the Archer.

Capricornus-the Goat.

Pisces-the Fishes.

The Signs derived their names form the 12 constellations of the Zodiac.