The 2006 Planting Calendar Pages                                                         

January 2010      Feb 2010      March 2010

KEY TO THE SYMBOLS

The symbols in the Calendar representing the planets and zodiac constellations were developed for use by both astronomers and astrologers. As with most sciences, the Science of the Sky has its own special language. Our alphabet here consists of 12 constellation symbols and 9 planet symbols, plus the easily recognisable Sun & Moon. They are as follows.

Planet Symbols
Information from www.solarsystem.nasa.gov

The astronomical symbol for the Sun is a shield with a circle inside. Some believe this inner circle, or "boss" represents a central sun spot.

The symbol for Mercury represents the head and winged cap of Mercury, god of commerce and communication, surmounting his caduceus (staff).

The symbol for Venus is designated as the female symbol, thought to be the stylized representation of the hand mirror of this goddess of love.

The symbol for Earth shows a globe bisected by meridian lines into four quarters.

The symbol for the Moon is a crescent.

The symbol for Mars represents the shield and spear of the god of war, Mars; it is also the male or masculine symbol.

The symbol for Jupiter is said to represent a hieroglyph of the eagle, Jove's bird, or to be the initial letter of Zeus with a line drawn through it to indicate its abbreviation.

The symbol for Saturn is thought to be an ancient scythe or sickel, as Saturn was the god of seed-sowing and also of time.

The symbol for Uranus is represented by combined devices indicating the Sun plus the spear of Mars, as Uranus was the personification of heaven in Greek mythology, dominated by the light of the Sun and the power of Mars.

The symbol for Neptune is the trident (long three-pronged fork or weapon) of Neptune, god of the sea.

The symbol for Pluto is a monogram made up of P and L in Pluto (and also the initials of Percival Lowell, who predicted its discovery).

Constellation Symbols

In most cases the symbols for the constellations are derived from the constellation names. Over the centuries astronomers and astrologers looking at the 12 groupings of fixed stars that make up the Zodiac, have seen images in these groupings - mainly animal images - and have named the constellations according to these images. The images are all related to mythological characters and stories. The constellation groupings, names and symbols are as follows:

Pisces / Mina
2 Fish tied together

Aquarius / Kumbha
Boy with water jug

Capricorn / Makara
Goat with a Fish Tail

Sagittarius / Dhanush
An Archer

Scorpio / Vrischika
A Scorpion

Libra / Tula
Weighing Scales

Virgo / Kanya
A Maiden

Leo / Simha
A Lion

Cancer / Karkata
A Crab

Gemini / Mithuna
Twin Brothers

Taurus / Vrishaba
A Bull

Aries / Mesha
A Ram

Other Symbols

All the other symbols used in the Calendar are fairly self-explanatory.
      Ag - Apogee
      Pg - Perigee
      N - Node

- Start of Descending Period

- Start of Ascending Period

- Moon Opposite Saturn

- New Moon

- Full Moon

     CONSTELLATIONS ACCORDING TO THE 4 ELEMENTS

Root or Earth day
Virgo / Kanya
Capricorn / Makara
Taurus / Vrishaba

Leaf or Water day
Cancer / Karkata
Scorpio / Vrischika
Pisces / Mina

Flower or Air/Light day
Gemini / Mithuna
Libra / Tula
Aquarius / Kumbha

Fruit/Seed or Fire day
Sagittarius / Dhanush
Aries / Mesha
Leo / Simha

For an introduction to the Rhythms click on this link.

You know what the day's Rhythm is but can't remember what farming activities are best on that day - click here.

You want to sow seed, or harvest, or cultivate, etc. but can't remember which is the recommended Rhythm for that particular activity -- click here.