Aries [air-eez, -ee-eez]

Aries

[air-eez, -ee-eez]
Aries [Lat.,=the ram], constellation lying on the ecliptic (the sun's apparent path through the heavens) between Taurus and Pisces; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It contains the bright star Hamal (Alpha Arietis). About 2,000 years ago the vernal equinox was located at the beginning of Aries and was thus also called the "first point of Aries"; however, the precession of the equinoxes has since shifted the vernal equinox into Pisces. Aries reaches its highest point in the evening sky in December.

(Latin: “Ram”) In astronomy, the constellation lying between Pisces and Taurus; in astrology, the first sign of the zodiac, governing approximately the period March 21–April 19. It is represented by a ram, which is sometimes identified with the Egyptian god Amon. In Greek mythology Aries was identified with the ram that carried the prince Phrixus out of Thessaly to Colchis. Phrixus sacrificed the ram to Zeus, who placed it in the heavens as a constellation. Its golden fleece was later recovered by Jason.

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