[split] What is "a Zodiac" and does it apply to the VM section?

[-JKP-]

Here's a good visual illustration of the zodiac (the band of constellations associated with the ecliptic) from a 13th-century perspective (Canon Misc 161). The cycle runs between Gemini and Cancer on the left and Sagittarius and Capricorn on the right:

   


The fifteen tick marks in the center (facing both directions), combined with those on the outer edge, would symbolically add up to the 30 degrees associated with each section into which this band has been divided (I'm not certain that this is what was intended, but there are 15 tick marks pointing each way and it would be difficult, at this scale, to fit all 30 in one line).



If the VMS illustrator were consulting astronomical treatises rather than astrological or occult, and stretching the series out into a band, there is less traditional imperative to begin the series with Aries, as can be seen from this example. There is a vertical line through the pole after which Aries follows, but this could be indicated in a number of ways, either visual or textual.

Also, if the illustrator were consulting astronomical treatises, rather than calendars, then the 30 divisions for each of the symbols would more likely be degrees than days.