[split] Zodiac Terminology discussion

[-JKP-]

There are many medieval manuscripts that include three things:

• A series of zodiac figures (usually starting with Aries, Taurus, etc.) with explanations about their influence. This is usually spread over multiple folios.
  
• Diagrams of constellations, including those on the ecliptic (in other words Aries, Taurus, etc.), sometimes with schematic dots or stars to indicate the origin of the shape in relation to the organization of stars in that constellation.
  
• A wheel diagram of the zodiac figures (a zodiac) OR a planispheric wheel diagram of figures representing constellations (which often includes a line or mark to show which constellation symbols are on the ecliptic). Some manuscripts include both a zodiac and a wheel diagram of signs representing the constellations (not just those on the ecliptic).
  

Some of them also (or alternately) include a set of explanations or diagrams about ruling "planets" associated with certain zodiac symbols.

A smaller percentage additionally includes zodiac man to diagram the influence of the zodiac on specific parts of the body for planning a variety of medical procedures.

Some of them include vein man to indicate the best times (moon charts) and places to do bloodletting.

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After about 1480 or 1490 or so, they sometimes also included zodiac symbols representing the signs (the ones that are similar to alphabetic symbols).

Some manuscripts included domino-like symbolic representations of the constellations (including those on the ecliptic).


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In contrast to astrological and astronomical manuscripts, the zodiac figures used as mnemonic embellishments on calendars generally start with Aquarius since most medieval calendars begin with January.