[split] Discussion about the word "Zodiac"

[Koen G]

Diane: yes, if we take the month names as "canon", then an interpretation as some kind of calendar with Zodiac-themed month emblems seems to be the most logical one.

However, where I perhaps differ from your view is that, even if we ignore the month names, it is still hard to deny that there is a strong parallel with the constellations of the ecliptic. There is a feline, a pair of people, two fish... I'd say that these constellations, or even the Zodiac itself, has at least steered the series to become what it is now.

Of course I also agree with your objections against just calling this an atypical Zodiac. 

Code:

1. Ram <-> fishes 2. Bull     <-> goat 3. Twins <-> goat 4. Crab <-> "bull" with basket 5. Lion <-> "bull" with basket 6. Virgin <-> twins 7. Balance <-> two lobsters 8. Scorpion <-> leopard 9. Archer <-> virgin 10. Goat <-> scales 11. Aquarius <-> animal with ears, four mammalian legs and curly tail 12. Fishes <-> archer

I think the points in common with the constellations or even signs of the zodiac are too many to brush aside. On the other hand, like you say, there is clearly something else going on as well, and just calling this "a zodiac" ignores too many difficulties. I bet there isn't any existing "real" zodiac sequence which diverges this much from the norm in almost every sign.