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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 be-tween 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.
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 20 Mercury forms a harmonious angle with your ruling planet Saturn on the 19th. A colleague could endorse your efforts and put you in line for promising long-term opportunities! On the 18th the Sun races into your 3rd house of communication. Over the next four weeks, discover new parts of your community. You can gain valuable insights.
Aquarius Jan. 21-Feb. 19 On the 12th Mars faces off with your ruling planet Uranus. Under this influence, you have less tolerance for matters that make you feel limited or restricted. Mars is in your 4th house of home and family on the 14th. Clearing up miscommunications with relatives seems to be important.
Pisces Feb. 20-March 20 Venus is in an advantageous configuration with your ruling planet Neptune on the 17th. You are inspired by others, and you could be fortunate in matters of the heart! Love is all around! On the 19th the Moon lights up your 7th house of partnerships, providing new opportunities for relationships.
Aries March 21-April 20 On the 1st your ruling planet Mars squares off with Pluto. Patience is the key to resolving any conflicts that may arise. The Sun enters your 12th house of solitude on the 18th. 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.
Taurus April 21-May 21 Your ruling planet Venus forms a harmonious configuration with Uranus on the 2nd, helping you to fulfill your dreams of making life more enjoyable for the benefit of all! On the 14th Mars enters your 1st house of self, giving you energy, self-confidence and drive. Keep things in balance by taking some time to relax.
Gemini May 22-June 20 On the 3rd your ruling planet Mercury enters into an advantageous angle with Jupiter. The focus under this influence is favorable for spiritual growth and expanding the frontiers of your consciousness! Mercury is in your 10th house of career on the 10th. Others are amazed with your ability to scale creative heights and come in under budget!
Cancer June 21-July 21 Your ruling planet the Moon illuminates your 8th house of shared resources on the 4th. This influence inspires turning over a new leaf in relation-ships. You are taking it to the next level! On the 18th the Sun enters your 9th house of higher learning. The next four weeks provide an opportunity to examine your life from a larger perspective. Imagine the possibilities!
Leo July 22-Aug. 22 On the 7th your ruling planet the Sun harmonizes with Jupiter, suggesting you now have a stronger sense of identity. You experience an upswing as your faith in your own effectiveness grows. Venus enters your 6th house of service on the 3rd, stimulating the desire to create harmony and camaraderie with your colleagues.
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Your ruling planet Mercury creates a beneficial configuration with Mars on the 7th. This is a good time to devote your energy to nurturing things that signify long-term security. On the 19th the Moon lights up your 1st house of self. As is your desire, so is your will. As is your will, so is your deed. As is your deed, so is your destiny!
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 On the 18th your ruling planet Venus faces off with Saturn. Take extra care with loved ones on that day. Mercury enters your 6th house of service on the 10th. The emphasis is on health, fitness, and feelings of objectivity when it comes managing the details of your life that confer to you feelings of competency and productivity.
Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 22 Venus faces off with your ruling planet Pluto on the 22nd. Issues in a relationship that have been developing below the surface can emerge at this time. Extra empathy and consideration will go a long way. On the 3rd Venus is in your 3rd house of communication. You are especially adept at smoothing over any ruffled feathers during this influence.
Sagittarius Nov. 23-Dec. 21 On the 22nd Mercury squares off with your ruling planet Jupiter, suggesting you should utilize restraint and caution if you are flying too close to the Sun! The Moon enters your 3rd house of communica-tion on the 4th. Now would be a good time to explore further education and development of new skills.
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.
