Hipparchus is regarded by many as the most significant astronomer from ancient times. He is the first astronomical observer of whom there exists documentary evidence. His image; typically showing him seated and gazing into an orb, has been discovered on many coins minted between the first and second centuries. Hipparchus initiated many developments in geography and mathematics. Born in approximately 190 BC in Nicaea in modern-day Turkey, the mists of time have shrouded much of his life in obscurity. Much of what the modern world knows about Hipparchus comes from Ptolemy’s Almagest, although he is alluded to in other texts as well.
In the Almagest, Hipparchus established the lengths of the seasons and correctly measured the year to within six minutes. He also discovered the precession of the equinoxes and determined the sizes of the sun and moon by observing eclipses through a simple sighting tube, a dioptra. Hipparchus also made numerous contributions to the field of mathematics, including constructing one of the first trigonometric tables for solving triangles and dividing the circle into 360 degrees.
Aries March 21-April 20 Venus creates a beneficial alignment with your ruling planet Mars on the 10th. You’ve got an abundance of drive and can complete many tasks. Taking the initiative in close personal interactions feels satisfying during this transit. On the 15th the Moon lights up your 1st house of self. Reflect on what you want and declare your dreams and hopes for the next year. Dream big!
Taurus April 21-May 21 On the 12th your ruling planet gracious Venus forms an advantageous configuration with mystical Neptune. Truth, compassion, faith and imagination are themes that characterize this transit. The Moon enters your 7th house of partnerships on the 29th, sowing the seeds of a new relationship.
Gemini May 22-June 20 Your ruling planet mental Mercury squares off with warrior Mars on the 4th. Haste makes waste. On the 19th the Sun enters your 12th house of solitude. The next four weeks offer an excellent opportunity for self-reflection and contemplation. You could put an abundance of inspiration into effect while remaining in the background.
Cancer June 21-July 21 On the 15th your ruling planet the Moon illuminates your 10th house of public standing, revealing new understandings about your career. Explore how to modify or expand work duties. The Sun enters your 11th house of community on the 19th. Over the next four weeks, discover new parts of your community. You can gain valuable insights.
Leo July 22-Aug. 22 On the 15th the Moon enters your 9th house of journeys and higher learning, potentially causing boredom or anxiety in regards to your ideas and principles. Making an effort to remedy this will be fulfilling. Your ruling planet the Sun teams up with Uranus on the 19th. Your desires tend towards all that is innovative, unique, and cutting edge.
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 On the 24th Venus enters your 10th house of career, imparting a pleasurable sense of camaraderie and graciousness to all your business activities. Your ruling planet Mercury squares off with Saturn on the 25th. Focus on those things that require time and effort. You’re developing something of continuing worth.
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your ruling planet Venus forms a harmonious angle to Pluto on the 17th. The energy you have given to solidify a partnership has been well worth it. On the 19th the Sun lights up your 8th house of shared resources. Look for a fresh start in attaining a greater depth of unity with other people. Comprehension will develop concerning your needs in a partnership.
Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 On the 26th assertive Mars joins up with your ruling planet powerful Pluto, indicating a drive for efficiency and the elimination of unhelpful thoughts and habits. The Moon enters your 1st house of self on the 29th. Discover what is vital to you while also being considerate in your relationships.
Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 Mars creates an advantageous configuration with your ruling planet Jupiter on the 23rd, suggesting an emphasis on creativity and the ability to make headway on projects. On the 24th Venus graces your 7th house of partnerships. Extra attentiveness to and from a companion is emphasized! Intimate communication attracts you more than social activities or more spontaneous associations.
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 On the 2nd Mars merges its energies together with your ruling planet Saturn. The secret to success is to accommodate matters gradually. The Sun enters your 5th house of creativity on the 19th. You are more open to taking risks in order to find that special someone whom you can love wholeheartedly! Pursue creative projects and expand your self-expression!
Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 The Sun teams up with your ruling planet Uranus on the 18th. You emerge as an exceptional success at work. Investigating new viewpoints will help bring insight into a situation you are presently facing. On the 29th the Moon enters your 10th house of career. Success depends on previous preparation, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 On the 12th Venus is in a harmonious aspect with your ruling planet Neptune. Other people seem to be particularly considerate and sympathetic to you. Love is all around! The Moon enters your 9th house of journeys and higher learning on the 29th, fueling a desire for progress and development.
Hipparchus also created the first known systematic catalog of the heavens. He gave the positions of at least 850 stars and divided them into six brightness classes, a system of stellar magnitudes developed further by Ptolemy, whose own geocentric theory of the universe was significantly influenced by the work of Hipparchus. It is regrettable that more of his writings have not survived. It appears evident that the work of many astronomers to follow was developed from the foundation laid by Hipparchus. Have a great month, and always remember: Keep looking to the stars!