The Constellations Followed By Mizraim: Astronomy of Egypt Illustrated

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars and the stories they tell? The practice of observing and understanding the stars dates back thousands of years, and one of the oldest civilizations to study the heavens was ancient Egypt. In this article, we will explore the constellations followed by Mizraim, also known as Egypt, and delve into the fascinating world of Egyptian astronomy.

Ancient Egyptian Astronomy: A Journey Through Time

Ancient Egyptians believed that the stars in the sky were connected to the gods and the afterlife. They studied the movements of celestial bodies and developed a complex system of astronomy that influenced their religious beliefs and cultural practices.

Being an agricultural society heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile, Egyptians relied on the sky to predict the changing seasons. They even built massive structures like the Great Sphinx and the pyramids to align with specific stars and constellations.

Mazzaroth: Or, the Constellations, Followed By Mizraim; Or, Astronomy of Egypt (Illustrated)

by Frances Rolleston(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13089 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	430 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Constellations: Stories in the Night Sky

Similar to other ancient civilizations, the Egyptians identified patterns in the stars and grouped them into constellations. These constellations played a vital role in their understanding of the universe and heavenly divination.

One prominent constellation in Egyptian astronomy was "Sahu," which represented the god Orion. Egyptians associated this constellation with Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Orion's placement in the sky was believed to align with the annual Nile flooding, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

Another important constellation was "Mesekhtiu," also known as Ursa Major or the Great Bear. Egyptians believed that this constellation guided the deceased to the Northern Sky and ultimately to the afterlife.

The Role of Mizraim: Egypt's Unique Perspective

Within the context of ancient Egypt, Mizraim refers to the biblical name for Egypt. Egyptian astronomy was greatly influenced by their beliefs in Ma'at, the goddess of truth, balance, and cosmic order. The study of the stars was intricately tied to maintaining the harmony of the universe.

Through their observations, the Egyptians noted that certain constellations appeared at precise times of the year, indicating the changing seasons. This knowledge allowed them to develop a calendar that guided their agricultural activities, ensuring the successful cultivation of crops.

Astronomical Instruments: Tools of the Ancients

To study and track celestial movements, the Egyptians utilized various instruments. One of the oldest known astronomical instruments is the "merkhet," a primitive version of the modern-day astrolabe. The merkhet helped in determining the time and direction of celestial events.

Another crucial instrument was the "gnomon," which measured the sun's shadow and aided in determining the time and the seasons. The Egyptians also used the "mankhet," similar to a plumb line, to accurately measure vertical positions of stars.

The Legacy of Egyptian Astronomy

Although ancient Egyptian astronomy primarily served practical purposes like determining agricultural patterns and establishing a calendar, their observations and beliefs laid the foundation for future civilizations' astronomical studies.

Egyptian knowledge of astronomy influenced the Greeks, and their ideas eventually found their way into contemporary Western culture. The constellations and stories passed down through Egyptian mythology continue to captivate modern-day stargazers who gaze up at the night sky.

The constellations followed by Mizraim, or ancient Egypt, offer a glimpse into the rich history of astronomy. From the stories they wove with the stars to the instruments they used to observe celestial events, the Egyptians left a lasting legacy in the field of astronomy. So, the next time you find yourself marveling at the twinkling stars above, remember that the ancient Egyptians saw much more than just distant lights – they saw a divine connection between the heavens and the mortal realm.

Mazzaroth: Or, the Constellations, Followed By Mizraim; Or, Astronomy of Egypt (Illustrated)

by Frances Rolleston(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13089 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	430 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Frances Rolleston's fascinating and thoroughly researched accounts of constellations derived from Egyptian astronomy appear fresh and original even in the modern day. This eBook edition includes over seventy charts crucial for understanding the text.

Published gradually in the 1860s, these investigations of Egyptian astronomy are framed within the original 48 star constellation. By using this against known texts and inscriptions from Egypt, Rolleston was able to learn an immense amount not merely of how Egypt's astronomers and scientists considered the stars, but how later societies and religions developed as a result of this early astronomy and astrology.

Egypt was the first ancient civilization to substantially study and map the constellations of stars and their movements. Many of the Bible's references to the heavens are informed by Egyptian recordings, and the modern star signs and constellations we refer to today - which Rolleston has as her frame of understanding - began their existence in Egypt.

Rolleston boldly demonstrates how Egypt's astronomy had a heavy bearing on the authors of both the Old and New Testaments. Simply put, Christianity would be a very different religion - perhaps unrecognizable from its present form - had Egypt not recorded and developed its system of astronomical observations and symbols. The very first constellation is 'The Virgin' - conceived by the Egyptians, the symbolic sign was an important religious concept.

The bulk of this text is an in-depth investigation of each constellation and its meaning. We traverse the twelve star signs of modern astronomy, together with the stories of the Bible. Not content with identifying the constellations' interpretation in the Middle East, Rolleston also examines how they were viewed in ancient India and Scandinavia, noting the religious significance that arose in these civilizations.

In ancient societies the stars and astronomical phenomena were thought important in spiritual matters. Human society placed great meaning upon the stars and their patterns, believing that they were messages from the heavens. Rolleston's study is superbly researched, and an underappreciated classic for its comprehensive account of the long marriage between the spiritual traditions, and the stars above.