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The Feast of Hannukah and the Magi

Birth of Jesus Christ — **The Feast of Hannukah and the Magi**

In our previous December blog post for 2017, we looked at the astronomical heritage of the Magi going back to Abraham. This final post for 2017 will focus more on this heritage through Daniel, as we compare some of the celestial signs that brought the Magi to Jerusalem during Hannukah week in 2 BC, to current heavenly signs in 2017.

“The truth regarding “his star” became accessible knowledge to the Magi going back to when the Persians took over the Babylonian Empire {Daniel 5:31}. As recorded in Daniel 6, at the time of transition, Daniel retained the high position he had held under Babylonian rule. According to Daniel 6:3, Daniel was again set over the Magi, and therefore could fully instruct them in the accurate knowledge of Biblical prophecy written in the stars. Thus, Daniel and his Judean companions in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar the Babylonian, and Darius the Persian passed their knowledge of the history and spiritual significance of the Constellations to the Magi who preserved it and hence were aware of the promise of the birth of the Judean King.” ¹

In the context of Daniel’s many Messianic prophecies, he founded and lead the Magi as the legitimate group of astronomers, preserving the principles of the Bible Patriarchs, that would play a key spiritual and historical role in recognizing and presenting gifts at the birth of the Messiah. As Gentile astronomers in recognition of the promised seed, the Magi were some of the first non-Judeans to realize the coming glory of the Son of God, as the prophecy of the Magi in Isaiah 60:3-6 indicates: “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

Around 600 years before the birth of Christ, Daniel as Rab-mag, and chief of the Magi, proved to be an exceptional man of God. Daniel’s distinguished career not only included being a principal administrator in two world empires-the first two empires prophesied in King Necbuchadnezzar’s dream of the Great image [Dan. 2:31-47], but also wielded great political power as “ruler over the whole province of Babylon,” with his Judean companions, [Dan. 2:48-49]. The ancient Magi formed a Priesthood of the Medes known for their profound spiritual knowledge, with special expertise in interpreting dreams. Darius the Great empowered them over the state religion of Persia, [Dan. 6:1-3]. In this capacity, where both civil and political counsel was invested with religious power, the Magi became the supreme priestly caste of the Persian empire, continuing their prominence into the Seleucid and Parthian empires. Their duties even included the choice and election of the king of the realm.

Figure 1. Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, [Dan. 2:31-47].

Since the times of Daniel, the fortunes of both the Persian and the Jewish nations were closely related. Both the Persian and Israelite nations fell under Seleucid domination following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Israel regained its independence under Maccabean leadership, as the Persians became the ruling group within the Parthian Empire.

From the book of Daniel and historical sources, the meaning of the “abomination of desolation” in one sense is the desecration of the Temple when Antiochus IV set up a statue of Zeus in the Jerusalem Temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar on December 25, 167 BC, honoring the birth of the Sun god. With this act of desolation Antiochus is seen as a forerunner of the future anti-Christ, who will also defile the third Temple. This desolation of the temple motivated the Jews into a revolt resulting in their political independence for the first time since the Babylonian Captivity. As Judah Maccabee marched into Jerusalem to purify the Temple, idols were torn down and the defiled temple altar was dismantled with a new altar and holy vessels to replace them. The first day of a new feast was set to re-dedicate the Temple on the 25th of Kislev, the same day when, three years earlier, Antiochus issued his decree. This end of foreign rule has been celebrated in the current Jewish festival of Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” (of the sanctuary) from 164 B. C. until today. This feast however is not recognized as one of the main seven feasts on the Hebrew Calendar starting with Passover. Even though Hannukah was not a feast sanctioned in the OT Law, the Jews honored this feast with much esteem.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Tradition tells us however, when Judah offered prayers of dedication in the Temple in 165 BC, only one vessel of sanctified oil was found—enough for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days! This is remembered by the kindling of lights for eight days, in the lighting of the Menorah Lamp. With this miraculous spiritual recognition, the Feast of Dedication [John 10:22], not only memorialized the removal of idols and idolatry from the Temple during this period of the Maccabees, but Jesus Christ also honored this feast celebration during his ministry. In 27 AD when Jesus opened his ministry to Israel, there were 9 weeks from the end of the Feast of Tabernacles on Oct. 11th, [Tishri 22] to the start of the Feast of Dedication on Dec. 13th 27 AD [Kislev 25] in the late fall and early Winter of 27 to 28 AD, during which time Jesus sent out the 70, [Lk. 10:1-24].

John 10:22-25

²²And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. ²³And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. ²⁴Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. ²⁵Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

Reverting back to the time of the Magi’s trek to Jerusalem, “The Star of Bethlehem,” as it has been known in tradition for centuries, has caused untold confusion with regards to the birth-date of Jesus Christ. Much of this confusion is due to the fact that the Magi actually presented their gifts to the child Jesus on Dec. 25th, 2 BC who was about 15 and 1/2 months old by this time. This holiday via Roman Catholic tradition, related to the pagan holiday Saturnalia, on the Winter Solstice that was celebrated as “Christ-mass,” once Christianity became the official state religion of Rome. However believer’s with any knowledge of this subject realize this was not Christ’s birthday. Dr. Earnest Martin documents the many reasons why the Eclipse of 4 BC, which many historians have favored, does not qualify as the sign marking the death of Herod. Instead, Dr. Martin makes a very strong case for the Jan. 9, 1 BC Blood Moon Eclipse as the one marking Herod’s Death. This provides a temporal framework for the birth of Christ on Sept 11th, 3 BC one hand, with this January 1 BC Eclipse on the other, when Jupiter was observed in the skies over Jerusalem and Bethlehem by the Magi.

Upon leaving the massing of planets in August of 2 BC, Jupiter continued in its westerly retrograde motion observed by the Magi in their normal early morning observations. It entered Virgo by December 4th of that year, shortly before dawn, where it took up a Meridian position during the conjunction of Venus-Mars. The eclipse that shortly preceded Herod’s death occurred on January 9, of the same year. Thus it was sometime during this five week period from December 4th to January 9th that the Magi journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and saw the star of Matt. 2:9.“²

As Dr. Earnest Martin relates:

“…This apparent westward motion of Jupiter each day would have indicated to the Magi to proceed in the same westward direction toward Jerusalem.“ During their visit with Herod, the Magi were directed to Bethlehem by the input of the Judean Scribes.” ³

Figure 2. The Caravan of the Magi entering Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

This question from the Magi is the first question in the NT, and very pointed one directed at Herod, who had secured the title of “King of the Jews” from Augustus Caesar, but was not able to secure Jerusalem for another three years, until after five months of Roman siege. History has no problem recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital city although the UN today and the Palestinian’s are unwilling to do so. Herod gained the throne of a thorny buffer state situated between two dominating world empires of Rome and Parthia, and as then, this continues to show Jerusalem and Israel as perhaps the most contested and important piece of real estate in the world.

” Herod and his scribes had directed the Magi to Bethlehem because of a scriptural prophecy. Now the star confirmed this location by appearing directly before them as they approached the city of David. Both Scripture and the Heavens were directing them. Interestingly, their journey brought them to Jerusalem in December, at which time a joyous festival called the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah, took place. The significance of this time is apparent when one considers that the Feast of Dedication marked the restoration of worship in the Temple after a period of foreign occupation. Now, the Magi were coming to pay respect to, or worship, the young King of the Judeans, who was the true Temple.“ ⁴[emphasis mine]

On December 25^th, 2 BC, from our website study; “The Stars over Bethlehem,” Jupiter became stationary for six days in Virgo, due to its annual retrograde motion during the Feast of Dedication, at the time of the Winter Solstice. Although Hannukah is a joyous time for Israel, and a time for gift giving, this was the opposite theme of Solstice festivals celebrated by the pagan Gentiles. Since the start of the eight day celebration of Hannukah began on December 23^rd, the Magi presented their gifts on the 3rd day of this festival. The Jews viewed Hanukkah as a 2nd feast of Tabernacles symbolizing their redemption with and the entire world to God. No fast, or mourning was allowed during the eight days of this time of joy and festivity. From the Jewish perspective, there was no better time for the Magi to present their gifts to a child in Israel than at the time of Hanukkah. Here all of Israel commemorated their triumph over the idolatry of the Gentiles and the renewal of their lives to the God of Abraham.

In a previous blog post last month we referenced the truth that the Gentile Magi arrived during Hannukah-the festival of lights, as a 2nd Feast of Tabernacles, allowing for those who missed the first one in September. It is fitting that the initial Gentile recognition and response to the light of the world took place during the festival of lights, showing God’s Grace to all mankind, [Hag. 2:7]. The timing of the winter Solstice is also key here because the Gentile Magi appeared at the expected birth of the heathen sun-god, but honored the true Son of God instead, marking a much needed transition from the heathen world’s idol practices, to the true veneration of the Promised Seed-Jesus Christ.

With both Mars and Venus in Ophiuchus, during this sign in December of 2 BC, we can see the archangel Mars-Michael, standing to protect the ascendant Morning star-the young toddler Jesus, during this time of the enemy’s attack. A noteworthy point here is Jupiter was standing still in the heavens for about six days during the Hanukkah celebration, near the intersection of the ecliptic and the Meridian in Virgo. This focuses our attention on the path of Jupiter intersecting the ecliptic; the Sun’s path, pointing out the celestial relationship between Jupiter and the Sun, not to mention their kindred symbolism.

Martin states that:

… while Jupiter was in its “standing still” position in Virgo over Bethlehem, so the Sun was also “standing still.” All know that December 25th is in the usual period of the Winter Solstice. The word Solstice means “Sun stands still.” These stationary coincidences of Jupiter and the Sun are quite related, and would have appeared significant… ⁵

Both the King Planet and the Sun were standing still during the week of Hannukah the Festival of Lights in 2 BC! This brings us to Hannukah from 12/13 to 12/21 in 2017, where the heavens are alive with follow-up celestial signs in the wake of the Rev. 12 sign of 9/23/2017. We see Jupiter in Libra moving towards the first of a triple union with Zuben El Genubi, seen below.

Figure 3. 12/21/2017 union of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra, with Mars near Spica in Virgo. 6

The significance of Libra not only refers to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but also includes the judgement of God on mankind. The ONLY way man can be weighed in Libra’s balances and NOT found wanting, is believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who bought our redemption by spilling his innocent blood at the cross, [Rom. 10:9-10]. This truth is embodied in Libra’s star, Zuben Al Chemali-the Price that Covers! 7

Jesus is the only one ever who was not only qualified, but actually laid down his life for all mankind, making him the only Way of Salvation, the Alpha and Omega-the first and last way God made available for the redemption of all humanity. Last month in our Nov. 15th blog, I supplied the Christ-centric interpretation of the Saturn-Venus union in Sagittarius which follows. In this blog we will see an alternative view of this sign based on the first of the four riders of the Apocalypse. [Rev. 6]

To brighten our holiday season this year, there is a Christmas Day conjunction of Saturn and Venus in Sagittarius! On Dec. 25th, 2017 Venus the bright and Morning Star unites with Saturn, displaying Christ’s victory over the evil one, as seen in Sagittarius where our quickly returning Lord Jesus Christ is portrayed in triumph, conquering to conquer! Here the star picture of the mounted Archer has his arrow aimed at the red heart of the Scorpion–Antares, while the foot of Ophiuchus crushes the Scorpion’s heart. As we noted in our previous blog post, Saturn has just completed its triple union with Saiph, the star in Ophiuchus’ other foot which was stung by the Scorpion, bruising the heel of the 1st and 2nd Adam’s, [Gen. 3:15]. This shows Satan’s persistent evil to obstruct God’s purposes any way he can, even though he knows he is defeated. This planetary conjunction near the conqueror’s Bow, shows the deadly accuracy of our Lord’s aim [Figure 4] to destroy the works of the enemy, [I John 3:8b].

The Hannukah feast and celebration is founded upon the defiling of the Jerusalem Temple by Antiochus IV. As a forerunner of the future anti-Christ who will declare himself-God in the third Jerusalem Temple [2 Thess. 2:3-12], the celestial signs surrounding Hannukah week deserve closer scrutiny. We find during the week of Hannukah on 12/17/2017 a massing of planets in Ophiuchus, [Fig. 4] and Venus in union with the star Saiph in the Serpent-bearer’s bruised foot. This planetary alignment in Ophiuchus includes the presence of Mercury, and the Sun. Also both the Moon and Venus are located in Ophiuchus’ wounded leg. This takes place eight days prior to the Christmas day union of Venus and Saturn in Sagittarius. Sagittarius like certain other Mazzaroth signs can have a dual meaning depending on the planets occupying its space. In the classic sense of the Sun moving in the 12 houses of the Mazzaroth [Ps. 19], each sign carries a specific meaning regarding the Sun of God-Jesus Christ, [Mal.4:2]. However, when a planet like Saturn-Satan enters a sign of the zodiac, it carries a darker significance related to the enemy. Normally, the 12 Mazzaroth signs tell of the Christ, but when we see Saturn in Sagittarius we may also be viewing signs related to the anti-Christ, especially during Hannukah for the reasons stated above. As we shared in some recent blogs, the Saturn-Saiph triple union in Ophiuchus occurred while Jupiter was in Virgo’s womb. These concurrent triple conjunctions resulted from the retrograde motions of the planets involved. This also included the Mercury’s retrograde around Regulus in Leo, as Jupiter was exiting the womb of Virgo. Mercury’s retrograde during this time occurred from Aug 13 to September 5, 2017. As Jupiter departed Virgo’s birth canal, Saturn was moving towards the bow of Sagittarius. It is interesting that one of Sagittarius‘ brightest stars is named Nunki-meaning the prince of the earth, which also relates to the anti-Christ. We find an example of this in [Dan. 9:25-27] where the first prince refers to the Messiah in v.25, but the second prince comes with his army to destroy the city and the sanctuary, not something the Messiah will ever do. This prince was Titus the future Roman Emperor, who like Antiochus VI was a forerunner of the Antichrist. 8

Figure 4. Massing of Planets in Ophiuchus during Hannukah Week in Dec. 2017. 9

As stated above, Venus the bright and morning star in its lead up to the Christmas day union with Saturn, is in conjunction with the star Saiph in Ophiuchus’ foot. This is a follow-up to the previous triple union between Saturn and Saiph, which completed Sept. 6th 2017. As Venus joins Saturn in Sagittarius we can see elements of Rev. 6 coming to life.

Rev. 6:1-2

1. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. +²And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Sagittarius is pictured below as a mythical beast called a Centaur-which forms the combined bodies of a horse and a man. So we have a bowman riding a horse, unified with his steed, with his crown [Corona Australis] going forth conquering to conquer…Daniel spoke about “beasts” in his prophecies [Dan. 7:17, 23] in reference to kings that would arise out of the earth. John in the book of Revelation [13:18] also refers to the number of the beast. 10

Figure 5. Sagittarius and Scorpius-Jamieson

As a follow -up to the Mercury retrograde concluding the first week of September 2017, Mercury’s next retrograde, according to NASA began in Sagittarius on December 3rd, encompassing the entire week of Hannukah 2017. A result of Mercury’s final retrograde of 2017 includes a triple union with Saturn in Sagittarius. The first conjunction of Mercury-Saturn on November 28 is the first in this series of three Mercury-Saturn conjunctions. A triple conjunction is when two planets, or a planet and star, appear together in close proximity on three different occasions in a short time-frame. The second Mercury-Saturn conjunction occurs on Dec. 6, 2017, when Mercury moves less than 1.5^o under Saturn. After the 2nd meeting of Mercury with Saturn, the messenger planet in retrograde unites with Venus, heralding the bright and morning star on December 15. The third union in this triple conjunction will be the closest of this series, with Mercury swinging about 0.7^o (seven-tenths of a degree) south of Saturn on January 13, 2018. This Jan. 13th conjunction next year will be easily visible [Fig. 6], in the morning sky since the shining Crescent Moon will spot-light Mercury and Saturn together.

Figure 6. The third of three unions of Mercury-Saturn from Nov. 28th 2017, to Jan. 13th, 2018. 11

The fall and winter of 2017 has been a beehive of triple planetary conjunctions leading up to and surrounding the Rev. 12 sign on 9/23/2017. I have linked many of the studies that tell this story in this final blog post of 2017, especially for the many new friends we have welcomed into the Biblical Astronomy Fellowship this year! If you take the time to check out the details of these linked studies, it will bless you in getting a fuller picture of what the Heavenly Father has set in the heavens for our edification for a time such as this. It is a genuine pleasure to meet you all, and I’m enjoying all the comments and feedback with all of your individual contributions!

Its a joy to share with such a fun and sharp bunch of folks, and I wish all of you the best of Holiday Seasons and the opportunity to help each other into a prosperous and blessed New Year!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

God Bless each and every one of you and your families…

Amen!!

Footnotes

1. Jesus Christ our Promised Seed, American Christian Press, p. 17.

2. THE STAR THAT ASTONISHED THE WORLD, Dr. Earnest Martin

3. IBID, Dr. Earnest Martin p. 47.

4. Jesus Christ our Promised Seed, American Christian Press, p. 63-64

5. THE STAR THAT ASTONISHED THE WORLD, Dr. Earnest Martin

6. Picture credit on Plate 3: https://jeffreylhunt.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/2017-2018

7. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 46

8. The Abomination of Desolation and other Prophetic terms of Biblical Eschatology [ppg. 4,8] Jon Nessle

9. Stellarium Ophiuchus Planetary Alignment Hannukah 2017.

10. The Abomination of Desolation and other Prophetic terms of Biblical Eschatology [ppg. 4,8] Jon Nessle

11. Bruce McClure “Tonight” Saturn-Mercury 1st of three [http://earthsky.org/tonight/mercurysaturn-conjunction-on-november-28]

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The Biblical Astronomy of the Christmas Day Signs in 2 BC and 2017

The Biblical Astronomy of the Christmas Day Signs in 2 BC and 2017

This week we were all reminded of the importance of the Jupiter-Venus conjunction series and the critical role it has played regarding the birth of Christ, with their dazzling June 17th, 2 BC union, as Jupiter and Venus were closely aligned in Leo. As we have noted this continuing series related to the Celestial Sphinx relating to the modern Blood Moon Tetrads, our eyes have been opened to the key role embodied by this series, with its end-time applications. The Nov. 13th, Jupiter-Venus union saw the King Planet and the bright and Morning Star, less than 1/3 of a degree apart, 1 [Rev. 22:16]. During the Jupiter-Venus conjunction, Mars was mid-body in the constellation Virgo. Both Mars and Jupiter are moving east, Mars towards Virgo, and Jupiter moving towards Libra. Following the celestial signs around the 9/23/2017, Rev. 12 sign, Venus is involved in some noteworthy activity. While moving through Leo playing its part in forming the 12 stars in Virgo’s Crown and the 2017 triple union of Mercury-Regulus, Venus and Mars converge in Leo, remaining in close proximity in the first week of October. Rising in the dawn skies of October 5th, Venus passes 2 tenths of a degree from the arch-angel Mars-Michael, as seen in Plate 1 below. 2

Plate 1. Oct. 5th, 2017 Venus-Mars Conjunction in Leo

On Nov. 19th, after leaving its union with Venus, Jupiter unites with Zuben El Genubi in Libra, on its easterly ecliptic path into Sagittarius.
After the November 13th Jupiter-Venus union, the king planet continues on its ecliptic approach entering Libra, where it will remain forty-one weeks, in a subsequent 9-month retrograde into 2018. This is the first of a triple union between Jupiter and Zuben El Genubi in Libra, that will be completed in summer of 2018, resulting from Jupiter’s retrograde in Libra. The dates for this triple union are supplied below; 3

1. 12/21/2017 union of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra.
2. 6/2/2018 union of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra.
3. 8/15/2018 union of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra.

In later Nov. 2017, we find Mars the archangel Michael moving into conjunction with Spica in the morning sky, see [Plate 3]. This union takes place on November 29th, with Mars 3 degrees north of Spica. Below we can see the Jupiter-Mars conjunction in Libra in early January 2018. This sets the stage for the triple conjunction of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra based on the 2018 retrograde of Jupiter.

Plate 2. The Jan. 7th, 2018 Jupiter-Mars conjunction 4

In the morning sky on January 7, 2018, Mars finally overtakes Jupiter in Libra, in an eye-opening conjunction, with Mars only 3 tenths of a degree separated from Jupiter. The Jupiter–Mars union of January 7th 2018 takes place after the first of 3 unions Jupiter will undergo in Libra, this time about 1/2 a degree apart from Libra’s brightest star– Zuben El-genubi. December 21st 2017, finds Jupiter in direct motion passing North of Libra’s alpha star, meaning “the purchase or price which is deficient.“5 Jupiter’s union with this bright star in Libra speaks to man’s inability to redeem himself, because he has been weighed in the balances and found wanting.

Plate 3. 12/21/2017 union of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra, with Mars near Spica. 6

The significance of Libra not only refers to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but also includes the judgement of God on mankind. The ONLY way man can be weighed in the balances and NOT found wanting, is by Believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who bought our redemption by spilling his innocent blood at the cross, [Rom. 10:9-10]. This truth is embodied in Libra’s star, Zuben Al Chemali-the Price that Covers! 7

Jesus is the only one ever who was not only qualified, but actually laid down his life for all man-kind, which makes him the only Way of Salvation, the Alpha and Omega-the first and last way God made available for the redemption of all humanity.

To brighten our holiday season this year, we will be treated to a Christmas Day conjunction of Saturn and Venus in Sagittarius! On Dec. 25th, 2017 Venus the bright and Morning Star unites with Saturn, displaying Christ’s victory over the evil one, as seen in Sagittarius where our quickly returning Lord Jesus Christ is portrayed in triumph, conquering to conquer! Here the star picture of the mounted Archer has his arrow aimed at the red heart of the Scorpion–Antares, while the foot of Ophiuchus crushes the Scorpion’s heart underfoot. As we noted in our previous blog post, Saturn has just completed its triple union with Saiph, the star in Ophiuchus’ other foot which was stung by the Scorpion, bruising the heel of the 1st and 2nd Adams, [Gen. 3:15]. This shows Satan’s persistent evil to obstruct God’s purposes any way he can, even though he knows he is defeated. This planetary conjunction near the conqueror’s Bow, shows the deadly accuracy of our Lord’s aim [Plate 4] to destroy the works of the enemy, [I John 3:8b].

Plate 4. The Arrow of Sagittarius aimed in the Galactic Center to the Heart of the Scorpion.

Of course, this week’s Jupiter-Venus union on Nov. 13th, 2017 reminds us of the Jupiter-Venus conjunctions marking the birth of Christ, on Sept. 11th, 3 BC. With the arrival of the new born king on the scene his sufferings to fulfill the OT Law as the Passover Lamb were ahead of him, where now he is looking forward to his Glory in eternal victory, and the redemption of his purchased possession–the Church of his spiritual body. The Christmas Day conjunction of Saturn and Venus in Sagittarius, recalls the exploits of the Magi in 3-2 BC, with notable celestial activity.

Matthew 2:9

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

“According to astronomical calculations, Jupiter was not visible crossing the Meridian, the “high point” over Bethlehem from September through November of 2 BC …However by December 4 of 2 BC, Jupiter became visible at the Meridian shortly before dawn…the eclipse
shortly preceding Herod’s death occurred on January 9, 1 BC. Thus it was sometime during this five week period from December 4th to January 9th that the Magi journeyed from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and saw the star of Matt. 2:9.“⁸

In reference to “came and stood over” in verse 9:

“Astronomically, stars and planets are similar to the sun in that they rise in the east and set in the west. Furthermore, a star or planet is like the sun in that it will reach a high point in the sky in relation to the observer. At this point it is on the Meridian (longitude) of the observer. During the day, the sun reaches this point at noon. Consider the stars and planets in their nightly courses. They rise in the east. At some time during the night each will reach its highest point in relation to the observer, the Meridian. If this occurs in the southern sky as one is travelling south, as with the Magi travelling from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, the star would appear to come and stand over one’s destination.“⁹

We should recall at this juncture Jupiter’s annual activities including its retrograde motion, began on December 25th, 2 BC. Martin states: “Jupiter arrived at its ordinary time for retrogression and it became stationary among the stars. But this time something unusual happened. In 2 BC as viewed from Jerusalem, Jupiter came to its normal stationary position directly over Bethlehem on December 25th…not only that, the planet assumed its stationary position while in the middle of the Constellation of Virgo, the Virgin.“ ¹⁰

Thus, according to Martin, the same astronomical phenomena that initiated Jupiter’s three Conjunctions with Regulus, its annual retrograde motion would have caused Jupiter to stand still in the heavens for about six days near the intersection of the ecliptic and the Meridian mid-body in Virgo. This occurred in week of the celebration of the Feast of Dedication in December of 2 BC. Also recall the relationship between the cycles of the Sun and Jupiter, and that the Sun, mid-bodied in Virgo for the twenty-day period, from August 27th to September 15th, marked the birth of the promised seed.

Martin goes on to say that: “on December 25th, 2 BC at the ordinary time for the Magi’s pre-dawn observations, Jupiter would have been seen in Meridian position (directly over Bethlehem) at an elevation of 68 degrees above the southern horizon. This precise position would show the planet shining directly down on Bethlehem while it was stationary among the stars.” ¹¹

Martin’s assertion that Jupiter began its retrograde motion on December 25th, 2 BC, aligns with the start of the Feast of Dedication, that year which was from December 22 to 29. As the Magi left Jerusalem, they saw Jupiter on its nightly course. Looking south they saw it high in the sky, nearing its apex on the Meridian of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Thus, the king planet-Jupiter was clothing Virgo, as the Sun did during the birth of the promised seed, mirroring the movement of the light of the world, while clearly marking the birthplace of the King of the Jews for the Magi.

Plate 5. The Journey of the Magi (1894) by James Jaques Joseph Tissot “12

These were important celestial indicators for the Magi, who would have seen the spiritual significance of “his star”—Jupiter, in” Virgo during the month of December in 2 BC, directly over Bethlehem, indicating the birthplace of the King of Kings, who would inherit David’s throne. In this light, we can understand Balaam’s great prophecy in Numbers 24, as a reference to this.

Num. 24:17-I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh, there shall come a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and he shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

“Star out of Jacob and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel“- Star = H3556 (kowkab) figuratively an illustrious Prince who is the star to rise out of Jacob, holding the scepter as ruler over Israel. 13 We should note the figure of speech polysyndetyn utilized in this verse regarding the “many ands” which emphasize each aspect of the verse appearing between the “ands.” This “star” was associated with the sceptre rising out of Israel, is a celestial reference to the sign of Leo the Lion with specific implications for it’s brightest luminary, Regulus the king star, the brightest star on the ecliptic also known as the “heart of the Lion.” The King’s sceptre is the symbol of his power over the heathens and those who oppose his purposes, by which he will rule over them with an unbending authority or “rod of iron,” [Ps. 2, Rev. 19:15]. Regulus was known by the ancients as the only king star which is linked with this scepter. This fulfills Jacob’s prophesy, that one holding this scepter would arise out of Judah according to Genesis 49. Secondly, the regal authority of this star is established in the king planet-Jupiter, whose authority as we have just seen, was symbolized by Leo the Lion, of the tribe of Judah that provided the regal stock from which the kingly line of Israel arose, first in King David, and ultimately in Jesus Christ from the “root of David” [Rev. 5:5]. The triple planetary Conjunction of the king planet Jupiter, with the king star Regulus in Leo from 3-2 BC, thus aligns specifically with the prophecy of Genesis 49:8-10, which shows the maturation of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Balaam’s revelation here in Numbers 24:17 provides a Scriptural basis for the connection between the “star of Jacob” [Jupiter] and the “Sceptre,” to the advent of Christ the King, who came forth out of Jacob’s genealogical line. Secondly, there is a celestial double meaning in the phrase: Star out of Jacob, with connotations for both the general and specific aspects of our Celestial Prelude. The complete details of the correlation between the triple Conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus in 3-2 BC, and the record in Gen. 49, is available through our bookstore on the DVD “The Biblical Astronomy of the Birth of Christ.” This unique teaching provides the in-depth instruction on the celestial pageantry of the birth of Christ, along with the history of the Magi and numerous related Biblical Astronomy topics that time does not allow in this blog post.

As we have shown, the ecliptic is structured so that each of the 12 primary signs of the zodiac of 30 degrees has three decans associated with them, of 10 degrees each. The first decan of Virgo called Coma, is depicted in the Dendera zodiac as a seated mother nourishing her infant son. Coma is the Hebrew name of this Constellation which means “the desired.” The Egyptian name for this decan of Virgo was Shes-nu the desired son, [Hagg. 2:7].14 It was in the head of this child, the desired of the nations, as Haggai prophesied him to be, that a supernova appeared over 100 years prior to the birth of Christ. E.W. Bullinger refers below, to the popular belief regarding this general sign that was prevalent in and before the first century BC:

“a traditional prophecy well known in the East, carefully preserved and handed down, that a new star would appear in this sign [Coma] when he whom it foretold, would be born.” ¹⁵

^{Plate 6. Jupiter-Saturn triple Conjunction of 7 BC.}

This tradition was based on Balaam’s declaration in Numbers 24, meaning that Balaam’s prophecy holds additional import. First, The new star, or supernova located in the head of the infant in Coma, visible for a total of over 270 years, was the general sign that prepared the Magi to be on watch for specific aspects of the second part of the Celestial Prelude, involving the series of celestial signs from 7-5 BC. These signs seen in the triple planetary Conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn in 7 BC would set the stage for the Magi’s recognition of the triple planetary union of Jupiter-Regulus from 3-2 BC, marking the long prophesied birth of the promised seed. Here we see the third aspect of Balaam’s prophecy in relation to the scepter, symbolic of the reign of the king planet Jupiter. As we have seen in our study, Jupiter is the planet that the Magi called “his Star” in Matt. 2:2.

“there shall come a star out of Jacob“- In Numbers 24:17, when “Jacob” is referred to, it refers not only to his seed, but also the land that was promised to him, in his Covenant with God. Bullinger states in reference to this star in Numbers 24:17 that the word “come” is, come forth (as in the Revised Version). He translates “there shall come a Star out of Jacob,” as: “There shall come forth a star at or over the inheritance or possessions of Jacob,” thus indicating the locality which would be on the Meridian of this star.”¹⁶ [emphasis mine]

This “Star out of Jacob” would not only be unique in its Messianic symbolism, of the Promised Seed, but also because of the terrestrial link of his birthplace-Bethlehem of Judea, in the Promised Land of Jacob’s inheritance. This holy land, especially the town of Bethlehem, was specifically marked out by his star-Jupiter, as God guided the Magi to the birthplace of both David and Christ. Rolleston has an notable remark regarding this:

“The Magi forewarned that the star must appear over Jacob, over his inheritance, would see that star in Coma passing over the center of that inheritance: but as it would also appear to pass vertically over every part of it that was nearly in the Latitude of Jerusalem, thus they could not at once fix on the spot of the Messiah’s birth, therefore they went to inquire; the Latitude, as it were, being given by the star, the longitude by the prophecy.” ¹⁷
Rolleston’s quote reveals that she also fell victim to the confusion between the general and specific signs of the Celestial Prelude. It was not the new star in Coma that led the Magi to Bethlehem, which had been shining brightly for over 100 years, but the Scepter–Jupiter in Virgo stationary due to its retrograde motion during the winter Solstice that stood over Bethlehem, the inheritance of Jacob, that inspired the great joy of the Magi. It was the dual triple Conjunctions of Jupiter-Saturn that identified the king planet as “His Star,” and the same star that got them started on their caravan which led them to Jerusalem in August of 3 BC. Since Coma is the “L”-shaped decan of Virgo, pictured below, adjacent to the Woman in the heavens, the Magi saw both the supernova in Coma, AND Jupiter in Virgo, simultaneously aligned on the Meridian in the same part of the skies over Bethlehem. We have depicted this graphically in the banner of this blog post.

Plate 6. Coma an ancient Decan of Virgo

Here we see the Witness of the Stars, and the Scriptures, working together to bring the Magi to the toddler Jesus, because their alert observation of “his star” brought them to Jerusalem and the scribe’s declaration from Micah 5:2, when Herod questioned them, sent the Magi south towards Bethlehem. Tracking again the historical references to the Coma supernova, Ignatius, one of the Church Fathers and the Bishop of Antioch, in about 69 AD, records that: “At the appearance of the Lord a star shone forth brighter than all other stars.” If we are careful not to confuse this reference with the planet Jupiter, we can deduce that this supernova was still visible to Ignatius over 200 years after it first appeared, thus marking the general time-frame of Jesus’ birth. Joseph Seiss has some viable historical references which narrow down the period wherein this supernova was visible:

“Hipparchus about one hundred twenty-five years before Christ, observed it [the Coma supernova] as a new star, and was led by it to draw up his catalog of stars. Ptolemy, about one hundred and fifty years after Christ, refers to it as having been observed by Hipparchus, but as having become so faint as hardly to be any longer distinguishable.” ¹⁸
A point of interest here regarding Hipparchus is that he is generally credited with the discovery of the precession of the equinoxes by modern science in about 134 BC. He reportedly came upon this discovery while studying the star Spica, on a celestial map produced by his predecessor, Timocharis. He noticed that Spica was about 2 degrees away from it’s location on the star map, and decided that its movement averaged one degree every 75 years; [close to the actual 72 years]. This is a key to remember in our study of Dendera’s zodiac related to Spica, and this general sign detailed in other sections of our [www.try-god.com] website. Rolleston also records the appearance of this bright new star in 125 BC, so bright that it was visible during the day.

The Magi would have witnessed both this star shining brightly in Coma, in the head of the young desired son, seen as already standing on his mother’s lap, not as an infant in a manger, [Plate 7]. Just below Coma in Virgo, Jupiter was in retrograde motion standing still on the Meridian, on December 25th during their early morning observations around 4:25 am in 2 BC, Jupiter was standing high overhead, directly above Bethlehem, as the Magi approached from Jerusalem, the general sign in harmony with the specific. This gives another reason why the Magi were the only group to recognize the specific signs of the Messiah’s birth, because the general sign was a fixture in Coma from about 128 BC to 150 AD, marking the general period the Promised Seed would appear. The typical person wouldn’t have noticed any irregularity in the heavens, because it does not stand out unless coupled with the knowledge of the specific signs, regarding Jupiter, which brought the Magi to Israel in the first place. This is another reason why the Magi were overjoyed when they saw “his star” over Bethlehem. Also of interest, is the truth that the Gentile Magi arrived during Hannukah-the festival of lights, also recognized as the second Feast of Tabernacles in Israel, allowed for those who missed the first one in September. It is fitting that the initial Gentile recognition and response to the light of the world took place during this appropriate time, indicating God’s Grace to all mankind, [Hag. 2:7]. The timing of the winter Solstice is also key here because the Gentile Magi appeared at the time of the expected birth of the heathen sun-god, but honored the true Son of God instead, marking a much needed transition from the world’s idol practices, to the true veneration of the Promised Seed-Jesus Christ. This understanding of the distinction between the general and specific signs surrounding the birth of Christ should clear up the majority of the confusion and controversy related to this topic of study, if the Bible is recognized as the standard of truth, supported by history and the accuracy of the Biblical Astronomy as detailed here.

With both Mars and Venus in Ophiuchus, during this sign in December of 2 BC, we can see the archangel Mars-Michael, standing to protect the ascendant Morning star-the toddler Jesus Christ, during this time of the enemy’s attack. A noteworthy point here is Jupiter standing still in the heavens for about six days during the Hanukkah celebration, near the intersection of the ecliptic and the Meridian in Virgo. This focuses our attention on the path of Jupiter intersecting the ecliptic; the Sun’s path, pointing out the celestial relationship between Jupiter and the Sun, not to mention their kindred symbolism.

Martin states that:

… while Jupiter was in its “standing still” position over Bethlehem, the Sun was also “standing still.” All know that December 25th is in the usual period of the Winter Solstice. The word Solstice means “Sun stands still.” These stationary coincidences of Jupiter and the Sun are quite related, and would have appeared significant… ¹⁹

Plate 7. Sunset Horizon from Jerusalem at Christ’s birth on 9-11-3 BC.

Malachi 4:2
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

The word “arise” in verse 2, is not only used of the Sun and light in general, but it and two of it’s derivatives occur in [Isaiah 60:1-3, Jer. 23:5]. As we have seen in regards to Jer. 23:5, the planet Jupiter, the sedeq planet is associated with the Messiah, Jesus Christ the righteous zemach-branch, and is one of five primary Old Testament prophecies pertaining to this Branch, as the coming promised seed. However, with the stationary choreography of Jupiter and the Sun, we have an added Messianic-solar link. The reference of “arise” above, is very interesting when considered not only from the aspect of Jupiter standing still, in Virgo, but also referring to the zemach-branch and the setting time of the star Spica in Virgo, whose ancient Hebrew star name refers to the four-fold ministry of Christ seen in the four Gospels. Thus it serves as a singular celestial marker of the moment of Christ’s birth, following on the heels between the setting Sun and New Crescent Moon at Virgo’s feet, [Plate 7] during the first moments of Tishri 1, in 3 BC! Thus, Virgo set the context for both Jupiter standing still on the Meridian as a reference to Bethlehem, the birth-place of Jesus Christ, and the star-set of Spica in reference to Jesus’ birth-time, at the beginning of New Year’s day, Tishri 1, on Israel’s Calendar.

This scenario provides us with the exact moments of the birth of Christ, about 20 minutes after sunset, with the setting of the Star Spica, coinciding with the first appearance of the Crescent New Moon on the first of Tishri, the newly born king was manifested to his earthly parents Mary and Joseph. Fifteen months later in Dec. 2 BC, the Magi paid their visit and homage to the toddler Jesus, imparting their gifts unto the young king, which would finance the impending trip of the royal family to Egypt, and away from Herod.

With this year’s Christmas conjunction we are reminded of our Lord’s 1st Advent, but even more we see his quick and victorious Return for the redeeming of the Church of his spiritual body, that we may ever enjoy our victory with him and the Heavenly Father.

Amen!

Footnotes

1. Starry Night Pro, Astronomy Software on Jupiter-Venus union of Nov. 13th, 2017.
2. Bruce McClure in “Tonight” for Plate 1 picture credit.
3. Starry Night Pro, Astronomy Software on the triple union dates of Jupiter-Zuben El Genubi in Libra, 2017-18.
4. Picture credit on Plate 2: https://jeffreylhunt.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/2017-2018
5. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 45
6. Picture credit on Plate 3: https://jeffreylhunt.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/2017-2018
7. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 46
8. Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed, p. 235. American Christian Press
9. IBID p. 234.
10. THE STAR THAT ASTONISHED THE WORLD, Dr. Earnest Martin p. 49.
11. Ibid
12. Picture credit on Plate 5; The Journey of the Magi (1894) by James Jaques Joseph Tissot
13. Strong’s Concordance on H3556, James Strong.
14. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger
15. The Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger ppg. 36-37.
16. IBID footnote p.37
17. The Mazzaroth, Frances Rolleston. Footnote on “The Star of Bethlehem.”
18. The Gospel in the Stars, Joseph Seiss, p. 161.
19. THE STAR THAT ASTONISHED THE WORLD, Dr. Earnest Martin. p. 60.

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The Biblical Astronomy of the Birth and Return of Jesus Christ; the Dual Fulfillment of Revelation 12, [Part 2]

The Biblical Astronomy of the Birth and Return of Jesus Christ; the Dual Fulfillment of Revelation 12, [Part 2.]

In Part 1 of this study we looked at various aspects of the Dual fulfillment of Rev.12, emphasizing some of the astronomical elements of this record. One of these elements was the Serpent-Dragon, where we noted the significance of Draco the Dragon, and the Draconid Meteor Shower during the birth of Christ in 3 BC, as opposed to the celestial signs tied to the Serpent–Serpens, in the end-times meaning of Rev. 12, on 9-23-17.

Rev 12:3
And there appeared³⁷⁰⁰ another²⁴³ wonder⁴⁵⁹² in¹⁷²² heaven;³⁷⁷² and²⁵³² behold²⁴⁰⁰a

great³¹⁷³ red⁴⁴⁵⁰ dragon,¹⁴⁰⁴ having²¹⁹² seven²⁰³³ heads²⁷⁷⁶ and²⁵³² ten¹¹⁷⁶ horns,²⁷⁶⁸ and²⁵³²

seven²⁰³³ crowns¹²³⁸ upon¹⁹⁰⁹ his⁸⁴⁸ heads.

This is the first of 13 uses of “dragon” in the Book of Revelation, indicative of the disorderly and rebellious nature of the fiery Red Dragon. Again we find a seven fold order of the Dragon’s spirit kingdom referenced in the Dragon’s seven heads along with the 7 crowns upon his 7 heads. The 7 heads likely refer to seven ruling [unclean spirits-daimon; Revelation 16:13-14], who embody a leading aspect of the Dragon’s authority over his earthly kingdom, and his spirit realm.

John’s Revelation in Chapter 12 of the Dragon and the Woman.

Our emphasis in Part 1 revolved around how the Meteor Shower from Draco was the focus, which changes later to the Constellation of Serpens-the Serpent. This change is not only noted in the astronomical setting, but as we will see, it is also part of the Biblical record in Rev. 12. In verses 9-10 below we find certain names of the adversary, describing traits of his nature and operations, yet they still refer to the same enemy.

Rev. 12:9-10

⁹And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ¹⁰And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

The first two names in verse 9 are the Dragon and the old Serpent, referring to differing elements of the same enemy. The 7 heads generally refer both to the dragon and the serpent but in different constellations, and settings. Draco is at the North Celestial Pole while Serpens is on the ecliptic. Draco includes a time before the dragon was cast down, resulting from the war in heaven that took place in the 1st Heavens and Earth, [2 Pet. 3:3-7]. This is consistent with the symbolism of the Dragon who embodies the war and conflict with God. The Serpent-Serpens not only embodies the contest for dominion in its struggle for the Crown with the first Adam, [Gen. 3] but the 2nd Adam also, as the deceiving tempter [Matt. 4, Lk. 4]. The Serpent’s conflict with man was not initiated until after the Dragon was cast down, since man did not become involved in the war in heaven, until after he was created in the Second Heaven and Earth, [Gen. 1:26-28]. The war in heaven involved only the angelic realm initially, between Michael and his angels against the Dragon and his, [Rev. 12: 7-8].

Once the Dragon was cast down, his first focus on Man in the conflict was the first Adam through Eve. But in the Serpent’s confrontation with Eve in the garden, he manifested more as a tempting deceiver, than he did in the open conflict of the war in heaven. Obviously the serpent was not going to fool the Almighty. Once the second
Adam-Jesus Christ permanently sealed the serpent’s fate, he was caught up unto God and his throne, [Rev. 12:5] whereupon the serpent’s efforts to persecute the woman, shifted to make war with the remnant of the woman’s seed who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ, [Rev. 12: 17]. This again illustrates the dual fulfillment of the “woman,” as Mary and Israel, her seed as the 1st and 2nd Adam, and the adversary in his multiple serpentine guises seen in his various names and functions, first at war with God, and later with man, [Rev. 12:9-10] for Corona Borealis-the Crown of dominion. This again helps us see in detail, the dual fulfillment inherent in the Rev. 12 record.

A key element in grasping this dual fulfillment of Rev. 12 involves how the 12th Chapter of the book of Revelation opens with references to signs of the Mazzaroth- the Hebrew Zodiac. This is a clue that we will not fully grasp the truths contained here, without an understanding the principles of Biblical Astronomy. God’s eternal purposes and plan to re-order the ages [Heb. 1:2] in the first and second Advents of Jesus Christ, are told in the Gospel of the Stars set in the heavens by the Almighty at Creation. [Gen. 1:14-17] exhibits how this order of Creation [Rom. 1:19-21] aligns with the order of His Written Word [Ps. 19] as seen in the Celestial Gospel. As the heavens are God’s perfect timepiece of Creation, so Jesus Christ is the temporal centerpiece and the Agent of the Creator’s master-plan for all his-story. It is only through Christ that all Creation is redeemed, and the temporal and spiritual chaos that infected all Creation via the dragon’s revolt, is healed via the re-ordering of the 7 Spiritual Administrations or Ages representing the consummation of all time.

We can see the Celestial Gospel highlighted in the recent triple planetary unions circling the Alpha and Omega Signs of Virgo and Leo, marking the primary stars of the Celestial Sphinx. In last month’s blog post concerning Saturn’s retrograde motion in Ophiuchus, we noted how this was only one of three concurrent triple planetary conjunctions leading up to the Rev. 12 sign on 9-23-17. These multiple planetary retrogrades carry a special message and end-times epistle. Ophiuchus is conclusively identified with Christ in the triple union of Saturn with the star Saiph in the serpent-holder’s left foot, meaning “bruised.” Part 2 of this study focuses more on the aftermath of celestial signs following the Rev. 12 scenario on 9-23-17.

The charts below depict not only the triple union of Saturn and Saiph in 2017, but also the concurrent triple conjunctions of Jupiter-Spica in Virgo and Mercury-Regulus in Leo on Sept. 9th of 2017. After its first union with Saiph in December of 2016, Saturn began to retrograde in Ophiuchus March 26th, 2017. Then Saturn entered Sagittarius for 84 days prior to returning to Ophiuchus May 18th, 2017. On August 21st, 2017 Saturn reached its Western stationary point North of the star Theta Ophiuchi, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse across America. Saturn’s retrograde ended a week later on August 28th, 2017. After returning to its direct motion, Saturn completed its 3rd union with the star Saiph on Sept. 6th, 2017, as Mercury was also in retrograde, looping around Mars and Regulus in conjunction in Leo, on Sept. 4th. According to Starry Night Pro,1 the dates for the triple conjunction of Saturn and Saiph in the foot of Ophiuchus are as follows:

1. Saturn-Saiph conjunction 12-25-16
The Total Solar Eclipse across America in Leo, 8-21-2017.
Lunar Occultation of Regulus in Leo, 8-21-2017.
Saturn’s Retrograde ends 8-21-2017.
2. Saturn-Saiph conjunction 8-21-2017
Saturn-Saiph-Moon conjunction 8-30-17
3. Saturn-Saiph conjunction 9-6-17

As we mentioned above, during this time frame Mercury-Regulus was also involved in a concurrent triple conjunction in Leo culminating on Sept. 9th of 2017. The dates for this key triple planetary union series based on Mercury’s retrograde motion are below.

1. Mercury-Regulus in Leo 7-25-2017
Total Solar Eclipse in Leo, 8-21-2017
Triangular Massing of Mercury-Mars-Regulus in Leo, 9-1-17
2. Mercury-Regulus during Mars-Regulus conjunction in Leo 9-4-2017
3. Mercury-Regulus in Leo 9-9-2017

As Mercury ends its retrograde motion in Leo looping around Regulus, Jupiter also completes its retrograde loop of Spica in Virgo. This depicts the Celestial Sphinx as the primary stars of both Virgo and Leo are the focus of the retrograding planets Jupiter and Mercury. Both of these retrogrades culminate on Sept. 9th, as Jupiter exits Virgo’s womb. The Celestial Sphinx marks the Alpha and Omega stars of the Hebrew Zodiac with the head of the woman Virgo unified with the body of Leo the Lion, both punctuated on this day. This recalls the Sun’s annual course on the ecliptic [Ps. 19:4-6], relating the Gospel in the stars telling the story of our Coming Redeemer, in his first and second Advents. This is the basis of Biblical Astronomy through the Ages, and it also views the ecliptic as one of Virgo’s Crowns, as the Head of the Sphinx since Mary bore the Promised Seed.

A month after the “birthing” of Jupiter, on October 13th Mercury passes 1 degree South of the King planet in Virgo.2 Here Mercury heralds the birth of Jupiter, establishing their recent concurrent retrogrades and mutual triple conjunctions, in a unified message of the Witness of the Stars. Its like the heavens took a “pregnant pause” for Jupiter’s birthing, before the purpose of their Creation is manifested. The Celestial witness has been circulating in the skies since time immemorial, revealing the heavenly signs of the Birth and Return of Christ, and now in the end-times when time is short, the entire history and stellar testimony is glorified in preparation for the Returning Lord Jesus Christ!

This October 13th Jupiter-Mercury union in Virgo recalls a similar union of these two planets a year earlier almost to the day, on Oct. 11^th, 2016, in a pre-dawn Mercury conjunction with Jupiter, as Mercury passed within a degree of Jupiter in a Sunrise union.3 Its important to realize that this occurs during the Jupiter-Venus conjunction series from 2015-2017, as part of the Celestial Sphinx signs in Virgo and Leo. This conjunction series includes two triple unions of Jupiter-Venus, one each in Leo then in Virgo, the head of the Woman united with the body of the Lion, as the two main components of the Great Sphinx. We find this manifested also at the birth of Christ in a dazzling Jupiter-Venus conjunction in Leo on June 17th of 2 BC. It was also 2 Jupiter-Venus conjunctions that actually bracketed the majority of heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ in 3-1 BC!

Jupiter-Venus Conjunction

The 1st Jupiter-Venus Conjunction marking the birth of Christ took place on August 31st, 3 BC, in Leo, with the last one occurring on August 21st, 1 BC, in Virgo. Here we find an interesting variation on a Celestial Sphinx sign directing us to the planetary unions of Jupiter-Venus, marking an initial fulfillment of the Rev. 12:1-2 prophecy relating to the sufferings of Christ in his ministry as the Passover Lamb. This alerts us that we should also look for similar Celestial Sphinx signs as a precursor to the Lord’s Second Coming.

The following dates for signs of the Celestial Sphinx witnessing Jupiter-Venus conjunctions in Leo in the Hebrew Jubilee year of 2015-2016 are as follows:

June 30th, 2015
August 25th, 2015
October 26th, 2015

The following dates saw Jupiter-Venus conjunctions in Virgo in 2016-17, culminating with Nov. 13th 2017:

July 27th, 2016
Feb. 26th, 2017
Nov. 13th, 2017

Near dawn in the first days of November 2017, Venus the Morning Star following Jupiter through Virgo, passes by Spica-Al Zemach, the branch and offspring of God appearing closest before sunrise on November 2. 5 Spica, shining in its 1st magnitude brilliance, illuminates the four fold ministry of Christ it embodies in Scripture, seen in the spiritual light of the four Gospels. When paired with Venus, the 3rd brightest object behind the Sun and Moon, this conjunction is one that deserves our attention.

The Nov. 13th, Jupiter-Venus union finds the bright and Morning Star, less than 1/3 of a degree apart, 6 [Rev. 22:16] from the king planet. Do you think the Heavenly Father wants us to notice these signs of the Celestial Sphinx? During this Jupiter-Venus conjunction we find Mars mid-body in the constellation Virgo. Both Mars and Jupiter are moving east, Mars in Virgo, while Jupiter is moving east through Libra. In late Nov. 2017, we find Mars the archangel Michael moving into conjunction with Spica in the morning sky. This conjunction takes place on November 29th, with Mars only 3 degrees north of Spica.7 This completes a parade of planets through Virgo, forming her crown in Leo on 9-23-17, commemorating Jupiter’s birthing from Virgo’s womb.

After the November 13th union, Jupiter continues its ecliptic path on the way to Libra, then after completing its 2017 retrograde in Virgo, at midnight in Israel on December 25th, 2017, Jupiter enters Libra where it remains 41 weeks, in a subsequent 9-month retrograde in 2018.

Venus and Mars in Virgo near Spica, Nov. 2017. 8

In the morning sky on January 7, 2018, Mars finally overtakes Jupiter in Libra, in an eye-opening conjunction, with Mars less than one-quarter degree separated from Jupiter.9 The Jupiter–Mars conjunction of January 7th 2018 takes place after the first of 3 unions Jupiter will undergo in Libra, as a result of Jupiter’s retrograde motion, this time with Libra’s brightest star- Zuben Elgenubi. In mid-December 2017, Jupiter in direct motion passes less than a degree North of this star, meaning “the purchase or price which is deficient,“10 in its 1st conjunction. Jupiter’s union with this Alpha star in Libra speaks to man’s inability to redeem himself, because he has been weighed in the balances and found wanting.

The significance of Libra not only refers to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but also includes the judgement of God on mankind. The ONLY way man can be weighed in the balances and NOT found wanting, is by Believing in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who bought our redemption for us by spilling his innocent blood on the cross, [Rom. 10:9-10]. This truth is found in Libra in the star called Zuben Al Chemali-the Price that Covers! 11

Jesus is the only one ever who was not only qualified, but actually laid down his life for all mankind, which is why he is the only Way of Salvation, the Alpha and Omega-the first and last way God has made available for the redemption of all humanity.

Libra and Scorpius From Jamieson circa 1822. 12

Beginning 2018 Jupiter will be located about 2° East of Zuben Elgenubi, reaching its Eastern stationary point in March. Jupiter starts its retrograde, in opposition in early May, around 3° East of Zuben Elgenubi. The planet passes North of the star again in early June, reaching its Western stationary point in mid-July. As it resumes direct motion Jupiter proceeds passing North of Zuben Elgenubi for a third union in mid-August 2018. Jupiter having completed its triple union with Zuben El Genubi, then leaves Libra on October 11th, 2018. 13

According to modern terminology LIBRA is known as “THE SCALES,” but, astronomers have realized there was a high historical probability that LIBRA has been an ancient Egyptian corruption. In the Akkadian language, which predates the Egyptian, the months of the year were named after the signs of the zodiac, and {TULKU} the sign of the 7th month is what we now call LIBRA. “Tul” means “mound” and “ku” means sacred, thus “tulku” means “sacred mound” or “holy altar.”¹⁴

The Akkadian name for LIBRA was BIR, meaning: “the light,” where the lamp with its light, or the altar and its fire were symbolized. The emblem by which LIBRA is still known today appears much more like the top of an altar, than a pair of balances. This agrees with the message of the Mazzaroth better than “the scales” because the tribe of Levi was linked with Libra, as the Levites were the Hebrew priesthood who had charge over the holy altar, and the “balance of the sanctuary.” The sacrifice linked with the Passover Lamb under OT Law, (Capricorn & ARIES), foreshadowed the once and final sacrifice Christ paid, the perfect price of redemption for all mankind.

The ancient shape of this heavenly altar was circular. The circular disc of the altar is preserved in its two circular scales, forming the modern sign of LIBRA. At one point the circular picture of the altar of LIBRA disappeared, as the use of this sign penetrated the Occident. When it reached Greece only the “Chelai” remained; which is the Greek word for the sign, meaning “the claws.” As a result the scorpion of SCORPIO, depicted in the heavens as reaching towards the pair of scales in LIBRA, came to symbolize both signs, its body-SCORPIO with the claws supplanting LIBRA. Since the Levites had charge of the Tabernacle services, whose tent was located in the center of Israel’s wilderness camp, surrounded by the 12 tribes in their zodiacal order, the sign of the altar was removed from the outer circle of the ecliptic. Being positioned in the center of the circle Libra embodied God’s presence among His people [Num. 2:17]. This documents the historical process of how the pair of circular scales depicting LIBRA were substituted for the ancient circular altar. By covering the meaning of the altar, the Mazzaroth message was clouded and eventually lost for a time. On the ecliptic, SCORPIO appears just left of LIBRA. In the Akkadian the Scorpion was called GIR-TAB, meaning “the seizer and the stinger.“15 Some ancient sources relate SCORPIO as the only triple sign of the Zodiac, reflecting the triune ministry of the thief to steal, kill and destroy, [John 10:10a]. At the same time the “destroyer” aspect of the Scorpion [Rev. 9:11], while stinging Ophiuchus in the heel, stretches out its claws to seize the altar.

Hydra the Serpent Abhorred and Destroyed. 16

The Hydra is the longest of the Constellations, extending below Libra’s scales through Virgo and Leo to include Cancer. These four signs; the woman, her seed, his sacrifice, and the altar, not only represent 1/3 of the entire circle of the 12 signs of the zodiac, but also reflect a carnal image of Christ’s righteous sacrifice, in the religion of human works, attempting to earn salvation while ignoring the completed work of Grace, given by God in His only begotten Son. Thus, as the Hydra [the serpent destroyed] slithers below these four signs of the zodiac, he represents the counterfeit and the deception of anti-Christ, leading away from, and denying the true work of Christ. This is an important and ongoing aspect of the devil’s works that Christ came to destroy; [John 10:10, I John 3:8].

The man “Ophiuchus” personifies both the first and second Adam, is engaged in a death struggle with the serpent, for the dominion of the world, symbolized by the crown. We can see this because it was the devil in serpent form, who stole the crown from the first Adam; and again the serpent struggling with the perfect 2nd Adam-Jesus Christ; who now has dominion over the world. Not only does the serpent fail in the attempt, but is utterly defeated and trodden under foot [Ps. 91]. The Scorpion’s conflict represents an aspect of the Serpent, in how the enemy tries to seize on God’s true atonement, and substitute “the way of Cain” as his own counterfeit religious altar of human merit, replacing the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The idea of salvation by works has been around a long time, and was in large part of what the Protestant Reformation was fought over. In SCORPIO we can see the effort of the Scorpion to wound the man in the heel, depicting the serpent in Genesis 3:15, while the other foot of the man is placed over the red heart of the Scorpion; Antares showing it’s destruction in the conflict. The Hebrew name of the Scorpion-akrab, meaning to war or conflict, is referred to in Psalm 91.

Psalm 91:11-13
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.”

As we recall the spiritual authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, seated at the right Hand of God in the heavens, we should be mindful that we retain this same authority over the enemy, since we have been raised to be seated in Christ at the same apex of spiritual power, [Eph. 2:5-7, Lk. 10:17-20]. We find evidence of this also in Rev. 12 below.

(Rev 12:5) And²⁵³² she brought forth⁵⁰⁸⁸ a man⁷³⁰ child,⁵²⁰⁷ who³⁷³⁹ was³¹⁹⁵ to rule⁴¹⁶⁵ all³⁹⁵⁶

nations¹⁴⁸⁴ with¹⁷²² a rod⁴⁴⁶⁴ of iron:⁴⁶⁰³ and²⁵³² her⁸⁴⁸ child⁵⁰⁴³ was caught up⁷²⁶ unto⁴³¹⁴

God,²³¹⁶and²⁵³² to his⁸⁴⁸ throne.

This verse encapsulates the victorious life, ministry and completed work of Jesus Christ, from birth to resurrection and beyond, in one verse of Scripture. This figure of speech is called symperasma, provides a summary and conclusion of the subject matter-the inevitable Coming and ultimate Victorious Return of the Promised Seed. The emphasis here shows Christ’s ultimate victory over the serpent and its seed, despite all the enemy’s efforts to obstruct the purposes of the Heavenly Father. This emphasis is monumentally preserved in the Great Sphinx with the head of the Woman Virgo bearing the infant promised seed, who matures to fulfill his highest of calling, by defeating and destroying the enemy and its work, as shown in the other 9 zodiacal signs between Virgo and Leo. His final victory over the serpent is witnessed in Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah [Rev. 5:5], as the Lion’s extended claws rend the Hydra to pieces.

As we are assured of final victory we need only walk in the full confidence and Love of our Lord, knowing that He is coming quickly to exhibit us to the Heavenly Father for all eternity!

Footnotes

1. Starry Night Pro, Astronomy Software on the 2016-17 triple conjunction of Saturn

2. Ibid, on the October 13th, 2017 Jupiter-Mercury Conjunction.

3. Ibid on the October 11th, 2016 Jupiter-Mercury Conjunction.

4. Ibid on Jupiter-Venus conjunction graphics and dates.

5. Ibid on Venus-Spica union in Nov. 2017.

6. Ibid on Jupiter-Venus union on Nov. 13th, 2017.

7. Ibid on Mars-Spica

8. Venus and Mars in Virgo near Spica, Nov. 2017 picture credit from Bob McClure.

9. Starry Night Pro, Astronomy Software on the Jan. 7th, 2018 Jupiter-Mars union.

10. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 45

11. Ibid, p. 46

12. Libra and Scorpius From Jamieson circa 1822.

13. Starry Night Pro, Astronomy Software on the 2017 triple conjunction of Jupiter in Libra

14. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 47.

15. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger p. 47

16. Germanic Astronomy and Mythology-picture credit.

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The Biblical Astronomy of the Birth and Return of Jesus Christ and the Dual Fulfillment of Revelation 12, [Part 1]

The Biblical Astronomy of Birth and Return of Jesus Christ and the Dual Fulfillment of Revelation 12, [Part 1]

In our study of the Biblical Astronomy of the Birth and Return of Christ we have noted that Jupiter the king planet, as the Star of Bethlehem led the Magi to Jerusalem, and ultimately to the young child Jesus. In our thesis of the Celestial Prelude we have also shown that the triple planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BC, served the Magi well in fore-shadowing the actual signs of the birth of Christ, directing them to another triple planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus, four years later. We have also shown the likelihood that these triple unions of Jupiter-Saturn may have marked the birth of Abraham, circa 1953 BC. A key element of the signs marking the birth and return of Christ is understanding the dual significance of Rev. 12. This study will endeavor to highlight key elements of this dual significance according to the Biblical Astronomy teaching inherent in Revelation 12.

In the History of Astronomy the Conjunction cycle of Jupiter-Saturn is thought to open a window on the precession of the equinoxes, according to the base 60 mathematical pattern. This phenomena was witnessed in the ancient Astronomy of numerous cultures including the Maya, Romans, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Chinese, and astronomers of ancient Egypt. In fact, the Chinese Zhuanxu Calendar is thought to have started in 1953 BC, linked with a significant predawn all-planet alignment on March 5th. According to astronomers Kevin Pang and John Bangert of the Jet Propulsion Labs, in an ancient text written by Liu Xiang [77-9 BC], this alignment took place near the Pegasus Square, [Plate II] between the two fish of Pisces. Pang stated: “While the beginning of a day is dawn, a five-planet conjunction occurring at dawn, with a new moon, and the start of spring would truly be the beginning of all cycles. For calendar makers, such a moment would also be an ideal starting point for counting days, months, years and planetary periods.” 1 The idea of a Jupiter-Saturn triple union taking place with an alignment of the planets, indicates a possible termination point, where all solar system planetary cycles were in agreement early in their cycles. This idea agrees with Jupiter-Saturn triple unions occurring in Pisces only once every 800 years, showing how this Conjunction series subdivides the 25,920 year cycle of precession. Since 30 cycles of Jupiter-Saturn triple conjunctions taking place in Pisces, totals a period of 24,000 years, a they serve to generally break down this long cycle of the precession of the equinoxes, into 2000 year ages.

Figure 1. The Precession of the Equinoxes

Like the ancient Egyptians, the Maya pyramid-building culture of ancient Mexico had a very advanced Astronomy. Their own version of the 360-day year, was called a “tun” adding 5 extra days, called “haab,” considered an unlucky period, on a regular basis to make a 365 day year. According to Peter Thompkins, Mayans also; “calculated the orbit of the Earth about the Sun as 365.2420 days, and marked the close of the year by the erection of a stone they called a “tun.” They did likewise for a twenty-year cycle or “Katun,” a period they believed governed by the Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.” ² [emphasis mine]

Thompkins continues in telling us; “The Maya had a very special sacred year of 260 days called tzolkin, that the Aztecs called tonalamatl.” This 260-day sacred calendar was “divided into 13 months of 20 days and the multiples of 13 and 20 became the heart of a chronological computation, stunning in its simplicity and exactness. A greater cycle of 260 years was 13 consecutive Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction cycles of 20 years.”³[emphasis mine]

This greater 260–year cycle based on Jupiter-Saturn Conjunctions, was also a tool anciently utilized by the Mayans to break down the very long cycle of the precession of the equinoxes. Thompkins states that: the “Maya also had a cycle of 942,890 days, or 2,582 years, that turned out to be 130 Jupiter-Saturn Conjunctions.”4 Twice this cycle [5,163 years], not only gave the equivalent of the greater 260-year cycle of Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions, but 100 of these greater 260-year cycles was equal to 26,000 years, often reckoned the length of the precession by the ancients, as seen in Figure 1 above.

The following chart shows how precessional ages correlate to the Biblical Administrations, revealing a consistent progression of themes as God’s Plan of the Ages unfolds. This provides the overarching context for God’s plan of redemption and restoration of Mankind and Creation, through the redeeming work of Christ-the centerpiece of the Ages.

**Precessional Ages Aligned with Biblical Administrations**
Zodiacal Sign	Biblical Administrations	Heavens & Earth	Precess Age Start Dates	Scripture
Sirius	Angels First Estate	First		Gen.1:1-2
Gemini	Original Paradise	Second	6480 BC	Gen. 3:8ff
Taurus	Bible Patriarchs	Second	4320 BC	Gen. 3:23ff
Aries	O.T. Law	Second	2160 BC	Ex. 19:16ff
Pisces	Christ/Grace/Revalation	Second	7BC-now	Matt. 3:11ff Acts 2:1ff IThess. 4:13
Aquarius	Final Paradise	Third	2153 AD	Rev. 21

This march of the precessional ages is recorded in certain ancient star maps like the Dendera zodiac, from ancient Egypt, in a recognition of the axes built into its structure. God designed certain triple Conjunctions of Jupiter-Saturn as individual markers and movements in a grand celestial Symphony of the Ages, ultimately leading to Christ’s Birth. The 1953 BC triple union of Jupiter-Saturn took place in the sign Aquarius, marking the Birth of Abram. As the Father of Many Nations, and progenitor of the line of believer’s, Abraham through his offspring, Isaac and Jacob would bear the promised seed. This triple Conjunction confirmed that Christ would come out of the nation of Israel, constituting the 12 tribes of Jacob, whose name God changed to Israel, to reflect their spiritual inheritance.

The Prophet Daniel taught the Magi and other astronomers of the king Nebuchadnezzar’s court [Dan. 5:11] about these planetary unions from the contemporary example of a Jupiter-Saturn triple union 523-522 BC in Virgo. Less than 400 years later, in 132 BC a new star or supernova exploded onto the scene, in a decan of Virgo called Coma.

Pictured as seen in the Dendera zodiac below, in the head of the child held in his mother’s arms, the new star, or supernova entered the picture drawing attention to the sign Coma, meaning “The Desired of all Nations” [Hag. 2:7]. This supernova burned brightly for about 275 years as a beacon lighting the way to the general time wherein the birth of Christ would occur. This truth disclosed that as The Desire of all Nations, Jesus Christ was coming for the redemption of all mankind, not just Israel.

Plate I. The decan Of Coma

The Magi were surely some of the first of these Gentiles whose response to this light of salvation made history. The Coma supernova also set the stage for the next triple union of Jupiter-Saturn in 7-6 BC that lead to the birth of Christ. This Conjunction took place in Pisces and marked a transition in the ages of the precession of the equinoxes, from the Age of Aries to the Age of Pisces. This new Precessional Age was marked because in the prior 2160 years, Aries was the sign wherein the Sunrise occurred on the Spring equinox. The Triple Conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn in 7 BC marked the first time the Sun arose in the Sign of Pisces, on the Spring equinox, signifying the new Precessional Age of Pisces. Below we find the king planet Jupiter in retrograde motion in Pisces in 7 BC, [Plate II] forming its triple union with Saturn. The dates of these three conjunctions are as follows:

1. Jupiter-Saturn in Pisces: May 27th, 7 BC
2. Jupiter-Saturn in Pisces: Oct. 5th, 7 BC
3. Jupiter-Saturn in Pisces: Dec. 1st, 7 BC

Over 2000 years has already passed since this opening of the Piscean Age, with the Birth of Christ taking place four years after its opening. This Sign of Pisces is marked by two fish, one swimming vertically towards the North Pole and the other horizontally along the ecliptic. These fish represent the houses of Israel and Judah, and it further disclosed that the Promised Seed would come out of the Royal House of Judah. Christ had to be the Son of Adam, Abraham and David to fulfill all righteousness. The fullness of the gap between the sufferings of the Lord, seen during his first Advent, and his glorious return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, continues to take place in the spiritual Administration of Grace and the Piscean Age. Finally, this 7 BC triple Conjunction [Plate II] gave the Magi all they needed to identify the signs marking the birth of Christ in 3-2 BC, when the triple Conjunction of Jupiter-Regulus occurred in Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, [Rev. 5:5]. This panoramic view of Biblical and Celestial History, beautifully encapsulates how God utilized the Gospel in the stars, coordinated with Divine Scripture, to disclose in increasing detail the identity of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.

Plate II. Jupiter in retrograde its triple union with Saturn in Pisces in 7 BC. 5

A central theme in God’s plan of the ages becomes evident in the triple conjunctions of Jupiter-Saturn in celestial history. As we have seen in the signs surrounding the birth of Christ, the Celestial Prelude involving the 7 BC triple Conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn, was key in unlocking the understanding for the Magi to recognize the actual signs of Jesus’ birth in 3-2 BC. As we noted in the celestial signs surrounding the birth of Abraham, as a forerunner of Jesus Christ, we can witness a recurring theme involving the retrograde motion of the King planet-Jupiter, in relation to Saturn. The central theme regarding these Jupiter-Saturn unions delineates along interrelated Biblical themes found in Rev. 12. The first theme is spiritual warfare between the celestial powers of light and darkness. It also outlines the spiritual/genetic line of the Promised Seed from Abraham to Christ.

Another principle guiding our study of the birth and return of Christ concerns the dual fulfillment of the signs evident in Rev. 12. We find this first in the dual significance of the “woman” of Rev. 12. In verses 1-2 the woman refers to Mary who bore Jesus Christ, as she is symbolized in the constellation Virgo, the only sign of a woman on the ecliptic. As the Rev. 12 record proceeds, the representation of this woman changes. Rev. 12:6 tells us this woman fled into the wilderness for 1260 days, which does not match with the time Joseph and Mary fled Israel with Jesus into Egypt, so it no longer refers to Mary, but Israel. From the first prophecy of the Promised Seed [Gen. 3:15] the woman’s seed was declared as the one to bruise the serpent with a terminal death blow to its head. Rev. 12:4 below reveals the central goal of the adversary, “to devour the woman’s child as soon as it was born.” All of Biblical history revolves around this conflict between the two seeds; the seed of the woman and the serpent’s seed. Just as the “woman” has a dual fulfillment, so the symbolism in reference to the serpent–dragon in Rev. 12 changes also.

Revelation 12: 3-5
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven”- “Another” is a Greek word indicating that this heavenly wonder was different from that described in Rev. 12:1. Even as the first heavenly wonder involved the woman of the Constellation Virgo, so this second heavenly wonder, although different from Virgo, was still a celestial Constellation.

“and behold a great red dragon“- Although there are several celestial candidates for this sky dragon, including Hydra which also spans a third of the stars of the ecliptic with its massive size, it becomes apparent that Draco is the sign that is referred to in its initial significance in Revelation. This is the first of 13 occurrences of the Greek word “drakon“ in the book of Revelation, with the first eight uses of this word here in Rev. 12, [Rev. 12:3,4,7,7, 9,13,16,17, Rev. 13:2,4,11, Rev.16:13, 20:2]. The number thirteen is symbolic of rebellion and the dragon embodies the idea of spiritual warfare in the heavens. As we inspect the details of the Biblical record of Revelation 12, the characteristics of Draco the dragon come to the surface. The first incidence of the word “Dragon” in Rev. 12:3 are focused traits of Draco over the other names of the adversary in Rev. 12:9. As a result of the war in heaven, the dragon and his third of the heavenly angels were cast down to the earth. This was depicted astronomically as a meteor shower in 3 BC, surrounding the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Figure A. The October 8th Giacobinid Meteor shower of 2000.

R.H. Allen was one of the first I’m aware of that linked the casting down of the dragon and his angels to a meteor shower. The meteor shower in question originated from the Dragon at the North pole, links to its parent comet known as the Giacobini-Zinner Comet. According to Robert Wadsworth, author of the Biblical Astronomy Newsletter:

“Meteor showers are named after the constellations they are seen radiating from as veiwed from earth. The radiant of this particular shower was in Draco the Dragon.” Wadsworth states; “Giacobini-Zinner is a well known short-period comet of 6.5 years, and has been observed to circle the Sun on many other occasions.”⁶ Wadsworth also states in another Newsletter that, “The shower erupts only around the years of the comet’s closest passages.”⁷

Although the Earth’s passage through the comet’s trail can be predicted, the resulting intensity of the Meteor shower cannot be, with much certainty. In the October 7th-8th Giacobinid Meteor shower of 2000, [Figure A] Draco was observed high above the horizon during the early evening. Wadsworth tells us: “Earth reached the same point in its orbit as with the 1998 Meteor shower, at about 9 PM on October 7th, portraying the casting down of the dragon. He also adds that this scenario along with the meteors-falling stars-brings to mind Rev. 12:3-4.”⁸ Thus Wadsworth also, sees a correlation between a Meteor shower and the fallen angels being cast to the earth, as R.H. Allen did 100 years before.

I was not aware of the idea of this specific Meteor shower being linked to the second celestial wonder of Rev. 12, until
I heard a teaching of Rev. John Nessle regarding the Eta-Draconid Meteors correlated with the birth of Christ.

According to Rev. Nessle, there are actually 3 sets of Draconid meteors, two of which show a radiant from Eta-Draconis. One of these is viewed as the greater and the other the lesser of the Eta-Draconids. It is the lesser of these two that occurred during the period of Sept. 9th-12th in 3 BC.9 A defining factor of this Meteor shower is that the lesser Eta-Draconids are best viewed at sunset, or in the early evening, while most Meteor showers are best seen later at night, as stated in the excerpt below from the October 2nd, 98’ Weekly News Bulletin of Sky & Telescope;

“On the evening of Oct. 8th, debris from the Periodic Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner may provide a stunning sky show. The Giacobinid Meteor shower produced two of the greatest Meteor displays seen in the 20th century in 1933 and 1946. Lesser showers arrived in 1926, 1952, and 1985. Unlike most Meteor showers, the Giacobinids are at their best in the evening rather than after midnight. Their radiant is in the tail of the Constellation Draco. This point is highest right after dark at mid-northern latitudes; it moves lower throughout the night and is near the horizon by dawn.”¹⁰

This fact alone showing the meteors falling from their radiant in the dragon’s tail as the dragon sign itself descends from the upper reaches of the sky to the earthly horizon in the dawning of a new day, when Christ was born depicted the casting down and descent of the dragon’s power, on the Sept. 11th birth of Christ. Since this new day began at sunset in the Hebrew Calendar, the moments of the birth time of the promised seed were revealed with the setting of the star Spica, about 20 minutes after Sunset in Virgo. The graphic of Draco at the celestial North Pole below [Plate III] depicts the head and body of the dragon inside the northern polar circle, with the dragon’s tail starting with the star Thuban, outside of the polar circle.

Plate III. Draco the Dragon and the North Astronomical pole, from the Star Atlas of Hevelius. 11

Also shown is Cepheus the Crowned King with Polaris, the pole star, between his feet.

Since the star Eta-Draconis is located below the serpent’s head near the ecliptic North pole, with Thuban in the dragon’s tail, as the equatorial pole star, it symbolizes the dragon’s dominion, both as the original morning star and the god of this world. We should note that although this north-pole of the Equator was wrested from the dragon, via the precession of the poles, he still holds sway over the pole of the ecliptic, the celestial axis around which the circle of the equatorial pole revolves. This is a still point in the heavens near the core of the Dragon, and the Cat’s Eye Nebula [NGC 6543] between the stars Grumium and Chi Draconis. A note of interest regarding the star Grumium, also spelled Grumian, meaning the subtle or deceiver, is Denning: “considers it the radiant of the Meteor stream seen about the 29th of May, also called The Draconids.”¹² This identifies one of 3 separate Meteor showers from Draco, with this one being the only one whose radiant is not Eta-Draconis. In Figure i. below, three stars of the 2nd magnitude stars in the head of the dragon are readily apparent, along with the red star Thuban in the serpent’s tail. The testimony of the dragon sign embodies the enemy cast down, along with a category of the spirit realm seen in the meteor shower framing the birth of Christ. Although the casting down of the dragon took place in the 1st Heaven and Earth, [2 Pet. 3:5-7] in the deep past before human history, the Dragon’s fall with his minions was not a foregone conclusion until Jesus Christ was resurrected and Ascended. This is one aspect of the Rev. 12 record, shows it is not in chronological order. With the birth of Christ, the prophecy of the dragon’s doom [Gen. 3:15] was embodied in the promised seed for the first time. This Meteor shower from September 9th-11th 3 BC, marking the birth of the ascending Morning star, shows most clearly this transition of heavenly and earthly power, tolling the death knell of Draco’s dominion. The occurrence of this Meteor shower at sunset was another sign of confirmation that would have drawn the Magi’s focus to sunset, as the time of day to be watchful for the celestial signs marking the birth of Christ.

Figure i. Draco the Dragon at the Celestial North Pole

This Eta-Draconid Meteor shower during the birth of Christ also links to the planet Saturn, tying the Jupiter-Saturn triple conjunction of 7 BC to the Jupiter-Regulus triple union in Leo 4 years later. This first stellar connection is based on the retrograde motion and triple unions of Jupiter, 4 years apart. Saturn is also linked to the star Eta-Draconis in its regular transit across the Meridian at midnight of May 23rd, documented for centuries taking place only 3 days prior to the first Jupiter-Saturn union on May 27th of 7 BC. This binds the 1st Jupiter-Saturn Triple conjunction to the series of celestial signs marking the birth of Christ from 3-1 BC, opening with the May 19th, 3 BC Mercury-Saturn union. This not only provides another conclusive celestial bond between the signs of 7-5 BC and 3-1 BC, but also links Draco vertical at the north pole to the Jupiter-Saturn triple union,

horizontal on the ecliptic, depicting the casting down of Draco from his high perch at the North Pole to his horizontal position on the ecliptic. This linkage between the planet Saturn and the star Eta-Draconis focuses on the original dominion of the dragon especially his temporal lordship, at the pinnacle of Creation. But the Meteor shower depicts the dragon cast down at sunset, signifying the twilight of his radiance and dominion. The Eta-Draconid Meteor

shower surrounds the birth of Jesus Christ on September 11th, leading to the first Jupiter-Regulus triple conjunction in Leo, on the 14th. This September 14th date is key for at least three reasons. First, it falls within the annual twenty-day period when Virgo is clothed with the Sun. Secondly, it marks the start of Saturn’s 13-year ring cycle 13, and thirdly it marks the 1st Jupiter-Regulus Conjunction in Leo in 3 BC. Since this Planetary union was visible to the Magi, as early as the 11th of September, the meteors would have been falling from their perch high in the northern sky, signifying the casting down of the dragon with his third of the stars of heaven, at the same time of the events marking the birth of Christ, the heir apparent to fill the gap in heaven vacated by the serpent and his minions.

Plate IV. Stellarium shows the ecliptic signs Cancer through the Bow of Sagittarius in the Fall of 2017. 14

Plate IV. above shows the Virgo-Ophiuchus section of the ecliptic in December of 2017 following the Rev. 12 signs of September 2017. The Sun is no longer clothing Virgo, having moved on to Ophiuchus-Scorpio, while these planets are no longer aligned in Leo, but Mars is in Virgo, Jupiter is in Libra and Saturn has past Ophiuchus into Sagittarius.

Thus we can see the keys that recognition of the Eta-Draconid Meteor shower provides in the initial fulfillment of the dragon of Rev. 12:3-4. But in the recent celestial signs related to Sept. 23rd of 2017, there are other aspects of the record concerning the serpent in Rev. 12 that surface. In the signs surrounding the birth of Jesus, the focus was upon Virgo and Leo along with Draco, however in 2017 taking into account all the concurrent planetary triple conjunctions, the zodiacal signs of Ophiuchus, Serpens, Corona, Scorpio and Libra play a much larger role. The linguistic roots of “Ophiuchus come from the Hebrew and Arabic “Afeichus” meaning the serpent held.”15 Here we find the Serpent-held by Ophiuchus located under the woman–Virgo’s feet, ready to devour the promised seed at birth. We know this was fulfilled at the birth of Christ when Herod had the children two and younger, murdered in Bethlehem. But in the 2nd fulfillment with the 9/23/17 birthing of Jupiter sign in Virgo, we can see the risen Lord Jesus Christ restraining the serpent-Serpens, in Ophiuchus, [2 Thess. 2:3-6]. Ophiuchus is conclusively identified with Christ in the triple conjunction of Saturn with the star in the serpent-holder’s left foot, called Saiph, meaning “bruised.” This of course is linked to the first prophecy of the promised seed in Gen. 3:15, seen in Plate V, below.

Plate V. Ophiuchus, Serpens, Scorpius & Corona

(Rev 12:9) And²⁵³² the³⁵⁸⁸ great³¹⁷³ dragon¹⁴⁰⁴ was cast out,⁹⁰⁶ that old⁷⁴⁴ serpent,³⁷⁸⁹ called²⁵⁶⁴ the Devil,¹²²⁸ and²⁵³² Satan,⁴⁵⁶⁷ which deceiveth⁴¹⁰⁵ the³⁵⁸⁸ whole³⁶⁵⁰ world:³⁶²⁵ he was cast out⁹⁰⁶ into¹⁵¹⁹the³⁵⁸⁸ earth,¹⁰⁹³ and²⁵³² his⁸⁴⁸ angels³² were cast out⁹⁰⁶ with³³²⁶ him.⁸⁴⁶

In verse 9 we find four names of the adversary [dragon, old serpent, the Devil, and Satan], referring to four different aspects of the enemy’s spiritual dominion over the darkness of this world. We also see a fifth name-deceiver, which is a common trait in the other four names of the enemy. The Devil must deceive people into following his ways, because nobody in their right mind would ever voluntarily follow him if they knew his true nature. Thus deception is a universal trait of the enemy’s kingdom, and his mode of operation. This shows how the enemy has marshaled his spiritual forces of fallen angels in juxtaposition to the Godly order of Light. As we consider Serpens the serpent, one aspect of Serpens that arrests our attention is the recurring theme of the dragon’s head and tail, that we discussed relating to Draco. This alerts us to the idea that, as each of the enemy’s four names in Rev. 12:9, indicate different functions in how the adversary opposes God’s purposes. These serpents in the sky indicate varying aspects of his opposition to God, when taken together, provide a detailed picture of how he works his evil designs as god of his world kingdom. As we consider these four serpentine signs both individually and collectively, we will glean a fuller lesson of their message. As Robert Burnham states: ”Serpens is the only star group completely divided into two portions: Serpens Caput [head] to the west of Ophiuchus, and Serpens Cauda [tail] to the east.”¹⁶
In support of this structure, the stars within this Constellation follow suit. It is intriguing to notice that the head and tail of the dragon are specifically marked by the 2nd magnitude stars of this Constellation. Burnham points out that “the Beta star in Serpens marks the head… while the Theta star marks the end of the serpent’s tail.”¹⁷ He goes on to highlight an intriguing link to Roman myth, where “Serpens is a symbol of the divine healer Aesculapius who became the god of medicine, and who appears in the sky as Ophiuchus the serpent bearer.” ¹⁸

Ophiuchus’ battle against his enemy is pictured in this Constellation group as the Scorpion and Serpens, in conflict over the Crown of dominion. This gives us an example of adopting a composite view to glean the truth from theses celestial signs. Man’s struggle for dominion against the serpent is highlighted by the temporary wound the serpent inflicts on him, as shown by the Scorpion bruising his heel [Gen. 3:15]. The star picture of this initial prophecy of the promised seed cannot be fully grasped, unless we take a composite look at [Ophiuchus, Serpens, Sagittarius, Scorpius & Corona], in the context of the birth signs of the promised seed in Rev. 12.

“and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” These efforts of the serpent to devour the promised seed, and the nation that would bear him are seen in their second fulfillment, especially with its celestial location and the following characteristics of Serpens. Obviously the serpent’s efforts to devour the promised seed were not successful at his birth, but that did not stop the enemy’s conflict with Jesus, even after his Ascension. Here we can see the serpent’s focus in this conflict changing from Mary and her seed to Israel. As the serpent holder divides the serpent into its head and tail sections, the head and neck of the serpent are marked with seven stars, [Plate IV] as the Greek word for “heads” indicates.

“having seven heads“; kephale [*G2776] Thayer’s states; “Metaphorically anything supreme, chief, prominent; of persons, master, lord. Its also used of a husband in relationship to his wife, [I Cor. 11:3, Eph. 5:23], of Christ the lord of the church, [Eph. 4:15, 5:23, Col. 2:19, 1:18, 2:10].”19 As the Lordship of the arisen Morning Star Jesus Christ is identified in his positive traits, so the serpent’s negative traits are symbolized in the name “Lucifer” (halal), denoting a coordination of light and sound, seen in the seven notes of the musical scale as they tie to the seven colors of the light Spectrum. The importance of seven heads correlates to the seven stars of the serpent’s lordship and his authority exercised as god of this world. [Job 26:12-13]
This likely refers to a seven-fold leadership in the spirit realm as a shadow image of Christ’s Lordship, [Eph. 1:20-23, Rev. 1:16-20].

Plate VI. Corona Borealis

“and seven crowns upon his head- the word crowns [G1238] means “a diadem filament of silk, linen, or something similar. 20 Used here and [Rev. 13:1, 19:12.]” The Crown decan here is Corona Borealis, marked by seven stars, forming a crescent, the brightest of which is Al Phecca meaning the Shining, [Plate IV, VI]. This crown symbolizes spiritual dominion as the reason for the serpent’s conflict with Ophiuchus. But with Christ’s Ascension to the right Hand of God in Heaven, [Rev. 12:5] this conflict is a foregone conclusion against the serpent.

As this star picture of Ophiuchus’ battle against the serpent relates directly back to the first prophecy of the promised seed in Gen. 3:15, where the seed of the woman bruises the head of the serpent, while the serpent’s seed bruises the man’s heel, we can see the dragon’s head directing the spirit realm in his tail. Here the dragon exercises his desired acts of persecution and destruction against the woman’s seed, carried out by the serpent’s seed-those following the Way of Cain [Jude 1:11], in open rebellion against the true God. Ophiuchus is conclusively identified with Christ in the triple union of Saturn with the star in the serpent-holder’s left foot, called Saiph, meaning “bruised.” The graphic below in Plate VII shows concurrent retrogrades of Mars and Saturn in 2016, climaxing in August with a conjunction of Saturn-Mars and Antares, the red heart of the Scorpion. Scorpio appears in Plate V, as crushed under the right foot of Ophiuchus. This planetary conjunction of Saturn and Mars on Aug. 24th of 2016, led to the Great American Total Solar Eclipse on August 21st, 2017 as Saturn completed its 2017 triple union with Saiph in Ophiuchus’ left foot, being stung by the Scorpion in Plate V above. E.W. Bullinger tells us that “Saiph is also the name of the star in Orion’s right leg and the very word used in Gen 3:15, connecting Orion to the primeval prophecy. Like Ophiuchus, Orion has one leg bruised: while with the other he crushes the enemy underfoot.“21

Plate VII. Concurrent Retrograde motions of Saturn and Mars 2016-2017.

Saturn’s 2016 retrograde motion is shown in Plate VII above in the upper left solid white line marking the dates of Saturn’s progress from 2-14-2016 to 9-1-2016. Mars concurrent retrograde is seen with the dotted line starting in Libra in the upper right, through Scorpio also from 2-14-2016 to 9-1-2016.

The two retrogrades of Saturn and Mars align with Antares the heart of Scorpio on 8-24-2016, as seen in Plate VIII below. These concurrent retrogrades of Saturn and Mars in 2016 set the celestial stage, not only for the triple union of Saturn and Saiph in 2017, but also the concurrent triple conjunctions of Jupiter-Spica in Virgo and Mercury-Regulus in Leo on Sept. 9th of 2017. Saturn began its retrograde in Ophiuchus March 26th, then Saturn entered Sagittarius for 84 days prior to returning to Ophiuchus May 18th, 2017. Around August 21st, 2017 Saturn reached its Western stationary point North of the star Theta Ophiuchi, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse across America. Saturn’s retrograde ended a week later on August 28th, 2017. After returning to its regular motion, Saturn completed its 3rd union with Saiph on Sept. 6th, 2017, as Mercury was in retrograde, looping around Mars and Regulus in conjunction in Leo, on Sept. 4th. Saturn remains in Ophiuchus till November 18th, 2017, before heading back into Sagittarius.

Plate VIII. The planetary conjunction of Saturn and Mars with Antares in Scorpio on Aug. 24th of 2016.

After the heavenly sign of 9-23-2017, there was also a notable conjunction of the Moon and Saturn in Ophiuchus, once the Moon moved below Virgo’s feet. The sign Ophiuchus depicts the man in his conflict with the Serpent Serpens. The Serpent is shown above in Plate V, with the 7 stars of Corona the Crown over its head, just out of reach of the “god of this world.” The symbolism of this crown also changes depending on the identity of the man Ophiuchus. In Original Paradise via the serpent’s temptation of Eve, this crown embodied the authority that God gave the first Adam over the earthly kingdoms, that was handed over to the serpent. The tempter confirmed this in [Luke 4:5-6] when the Devil told Jesus “all this power will I give unto you, and the glory of them, for that is delivered unto me…” This shows Jesus was tempted with Adam’s former dominion, delivered unto the Devil. Jesus did not dispute that the Serpent had this power as he claimed, he just did not succumb to the temptation. Thus, the authority of the first Adam was included in the crown of Corona Borealis, as the potential authority held by the second Adam-Jesus Christ, that the Devil has eternally failed to obtain. Another element of this authority is seen in the 1/3 of the heavenly stars cast down in the dragon’s tail. This authority was within the serpent’s grasp prior to his fall, but it does not include the other 2/3’s of heavenly angels under the dominion of Christ, in service to the Heavenly Father. Thus we can see a dual significance of the Crown-Corona Borealis as it relates to the Serpent, depending not only on if he is interacting with the first or second Adam, but if the second Adam, then if it is the risen Christ.

“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” This verse, illustrating the figure of speech symperasma, effectively encapsulates the entire life of the promised seed, from the sufferings beginning at his birth, to the glory of his enthronement at the right hand of his Heavenly Father, during the gap of the Grace Administration. This is the story that occupies the centerpiece of history, and is the central theme of the celestial gospel, God’s purpose of the Ages, regarding the coming of His only begotten son Jesus Christ, to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus Christ as the second Adam restores godly spiritual order, thrown into chaos by the failed coup of the serpent’s revolt and resulting war in heaven.

Thus the union of the Moon with Saturn in Ophiuchus as a latter part of the Rev. 12 heavenly sign on 9-23-2017, unmistakably identifies the Serpent-Serpens with its prominent head and crown, as the 2nd “wonder in heaven,” related to the end times return of Christ in Rev. 12: 3. We can also see how the dual fulfillment of the Dragon-Serpent changes depending on whether the enemy is interacting with the authority of the 1st or 2nd Adam. The main key to unlocking the Scriptures always begins with Who is Jesus Christ, and his authority changes before and after his Resurrection and Ascension. Obviously, Rev. 12:1-2 does not refer to the risen Christ, and not until verse 5, where he is caught up to God’s throne does the authority of the risen Christ come into effect. We find here the seven fold order of the Dragon’s spirit kingdom referenced in the Dragon’s 7 heads along with the 7 crowns upon his 7 heads.

In summary, we have seen a dual fulfillment of Rev.12, in a number of important aspects of this text, first with the “woman” as Mary and Israel. Secondly, with the woman’s seed as both the first and second Adam. Thirdly, we find a dual fulfillment related to the adversary, first with Draco the dragon, then with Serpens the serpent. This is evident in how the Dragon was cast down in the 1st Heaven and Earth, prior to time or human history, and before there was a created human for the serpent to struggle with. Finally, we also find a dual fulfillment with Corona Borealis the Crown of dominion and its associated authority, which changes depending on whether the serpent is interacting with the first or second Adam. As we recognize these key elements of Biblical Astronomy in the Rev. 12 record, we can clarify our understanding and help others who may be confused with all the rampant theories on this subject.

God Bless!!

Footnotes

1. JET PROPULSION LABORATORY-CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY and NASA. June 1oth, 1993. John Bangert and Kevin Pang
2. Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids. Peter Thompkins. p.289.
3. Ibid
4. Ibid
5. Graphic video credit on Plate II, from [Bobmoler.wordpress.com]
6. The Biblical Astronomy Newsletter, Robert Wadsworth
7. Ibid
8. Ibid
9. “Happy Belated Birthday-Jesus Christ,” Rev. Jon Nessle
10. October 2nd, 98’ Weekly News Bulletin of Sky & Telescope Magazine
11. Draco the Dragon and the North Astronomical pole, from the Star Atlas of Hevelius.
12. Star Names Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen p. 210

13. Saturn’s rings were last wide open in 2002-3, when Saturn’s Southern hemisphere was tipped in our direction. The rings then began to close up, showing an increased narrowing aspect, with Saturn dimming with each successive opposition. The rings appeared edge-on to the Earth in September 2009, when the Earth passed through the planet’s ring plane. The Northern face of the ring came into view later in 2009, as they slowly began to open up once more. The ring system is again wide open to view in 2017, when Saturn’s Northern hemisphere will be fully tipped towards earth. When the rings are wide open (i.e. when Saturn is brightest) the planet is seen in Taurus or Gemini (when its Southern hemisphere is facing Earth) in Scorpius, Ophiuchus or (when its Northern hemisphere faces Earth). Edge-on ring aspects occur when Saturn is at the Aquarius/Pisces border (when oppositions take place around September) or in Leo (oppositions occur around March). [http://www.nakedeyeplanets.com/saturn-orbit.htm]

14. Picture credit; Plate IV. Stellarium Astronomical Software
15. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger. p.58
16. Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Robert Burham. p.1764
17. Ibid, p. 1764-5
18. Ibid
19. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the NT, [G2776], Joseph Thayer
20. Ibid, [G1238]
21. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger. [p.127]
22. Astronomy Now, picture credit for Plate VIII. The planetary conjunction of Saturn and Mars with Antares in Scorpio on Aug. 24th of 2016.