Planetary Conjunctions | Try-God.org

The Blood Moon Tetrad and the Rev. 12 Heavenly Signs [Part II.]

Birth of Jesus Christ — Biblical Astronomy of the Birth of Christ

The Blood Moon Tetrad and the Rev. 12 Heavenly Signs [Part II.]

In the 2nd installment on this topic, we will pick up our previous discussion on the record of the heavenly signs in Revelation 12.

The Ascension of Christ after his Resurrection marked the mandate from heaven that the King of Kings was recognized and installed by the power from the Throne of the Almighty Heavenly Father. This required among other things, that 1/3 of the dragon’s spirit realm be ejected from heaven and confined to the earthly realms. But the Dragon itself still retains his authority and access to the heavenlies. As we have noted the Second Coming of Christ includes declaring and setting up his Kingdom, and we can see Christ initiating his Kingdom Authority after he ascended, in removing the fallen angel’s access to the heavenly realms. The Prince of the Power of the Air; the Adversary still has access to the heavenly throne-room to accuse the righteous, but this will change as Christ readies to Gather the Church of his spiritual Body. The Gathering Together of the Body of Christ [II Thess. 2:1ff], takes place when Jesus Christ returns FOR his Saints and we meet him in the Air; [1 Thess. 4:17]. The enemy will be deprived of his current access to the heavens, along with his ability to accuse the righteous members of the Body of Christ, as Christ Gathers the Church. This is specifically recorded below in [Rev. 12:7-8] as the record clarifies first in the war in heaven, that Archangel Michael and his Angels fight against and cast down the dragon with his minions. Revelation 12:8 also refers both to the dragon and his angels-telling us “neither was their place found anymore in heaven.” Figure 4 below depicts the rod or scepter of Christ’s Kingdom authority, symbolized in the King planet Jupiter.

Figure 4. The decan of Cepheus the Crowned King

cepheus as the crowned king

The constellation Cepheus the crowned king, shows Christ in his royal authority with his scepter in hand and the Northern Pole Star under his feet [Eph. 1:19-23], the pole star Polaris, signifying Christ’s dominion over all Creation as seen in the precession of the poles.

(Rev 12:5) And²⁵³² she brought forth⁵⁰⁸⁸ a man⁷³⁰ child,⁵²⁰⁷ who³⁷³⁹ was³¹⁹⁵ to rule⁴¹⁶⁵ all³⁹⁵⁶ nations¹⁴⁸⁴ with¹⁷²² a rod⁴⁴⁶⁴ of iron:⁴⁶⁰³ And her⁸⁴⁸ child⁵⁰⁴³ was caught up⁷²⁶ unto⁴³¹⁴ God,²³¹⁶ and to his⁸⁴⁸ throne.

As we view the dual aspects of these Rev. 12 prophecies, we see Christ’s completed works, summarized in his sufferings, from birth through finishing his ministry, followed in his glorious Kingdom where he truly “rules all nations with a rod of iron.” This glorious aspect of Christ’s kingdom authority is not fulfilled until after the 2nd phase of the Lord Returning WITH his Saints is completed [Rev. 19:11-19]. This tells us that this Rev. 12:5 record is not strictly chronological in how all of its elements are set forth. As a result, the key aspects of Rev. 12 can carry varied meanings depending on which dual aspects of the record are being emphasized. The woman symbolized by the sign Virgo the virgin, can refer to Mary who birthed Jesus in verse 5, but it can also refer to Israel in Rev. 12:6; where she flees into the wilderness and is fed by God 1260 days. The word “child” can also refer to Jesus born of Mary, or the 7 Christian Churches addressed in [Rev. 1-3]as the spiritual Body of Christ that is “caught up unto God.” 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. The second part of this verse refers to her [Virgo’s] child [G5043-teknon]1 or “toddler.” Since Jesus was not ascended as a child, but an adult who had just laid down his life as the perfect sacrifice to redeem Mankind, his ascension fulfills his status as the first fruits from the dead. Also, the child here is “caught up;” [G726-harpazo]1 to God and His Throne. This Greek word is not used to refer to Christ’s [G305-anabaino] Ascension, but Harpazo is used specifically of the Gathering Together of the Church when we are “caught up” to meet the Lord in the Air [I Thess. 4:17], at the “Rapture.” Since the Church of Christian Believers collectively fits the description of a “child” spiritually when Christ Gathers us Together, better than Christ would himself at his Ascension [Eph. 4:8-10], it seems likely that this reference would apply in its dual significance to the Church Gathered together in glory, more than to the Ascension of Christ, after his sufferings. When Jesus completed the sufferings [Heb. 4:15] of his ministry and sacrifice for Israel and all Mankind, this was followed by the Day of Pentecost in 28 AD, which opened the Age of Grace. When Christ comes to Gather his Church, this closes out the Age of Grace; [Eph. 1:10, II Cor. 5:10], initiating the Revelation [Apokalupsis] period, where the events of the Book of Revelation take place.

As we have pointed out in other posts on this blog, these truths are also preserved in the ancient sentinels of the Giza Plateau; the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid. The union of the heavenly signs of Leo the lion, with the woman Virgo in the female-headed Great Sphinx also depicts the life of Jesus, from birth, starting with the setting of Spica on September 11th, 3 BC. This is not only depicted in Rev. 12:5 above, but also in Gen. 49:9 as Christ’s human maturation from lion’s whelp, where his prey is provided for him, seen in Job 38:39-41 below, to stalking his own prey, unto his ultimate victory casting down and rending the dragon. This is the 3-fold theme from Gen. 49:9-10 ties directly to the celestial wonders of Revelation 12, linking God’s Word together with His stellar revelation. We can see this set for us at the canonical start and finish of both the Biblical and stellar gospels, forming a parallel testimony of the Scriptures with the stars. We have seen powerful specific examples of this in the celestial triple coronation ceremony of the three unions of Jupiter and Regulus in Leo, from 3-2 BC, marking the birth of Christ.

Figure 5. The Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid

We find added evidence for this in Virgo’s crown, of the 12 signs/tribes/Apostles of the Church of Christ’s Body. This theme 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 callings, by defeating and destroying the enemy’s works, as shown in the other 10 zodiacal signs between Virgo and Leo. Here we have a reference to the Crown of 12 stars of the woman-Virgo, as her Promised Seed; Leo the Lion of the Tribe of Judah rules over the 12 tribes of Israel.

In the DENDERAH ZODIAC, Leo the lion bears the Egyptian name Pi-Mentikeon which tells of pouring out the divine wrath. Another Egyptian word referring to Leo is Aryo, the rending Lion,2 which is seen in Job 38.

Figure 6. Leo the Lion rending Hydra-the Serpent Destroyed

leo the lion

Job 38:39-41. 39. Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? Or fill the appetite of the young lions, 40. When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41. Who provideth for the raven his food? When his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

This section of the book of Job also reveals the decan of Leo called Corvus the Raven who, as we can see below in Figure. 6, with the other carrion-eaters and birds of the field, feasts upon the carcass of Hydra the serpent destroyed. An interesting astronomical truth in support of this lies in the fact that the crowned head of Virgo actually bridges about 10 degrees into the sign Leo on the ecliptic. We have already seen this in connection with the star Denebola, in the lion’s tail. The star Sarcam in Leo, is a Hebrew word meaning “the joining,“3 identifying the point where the two ends of the Zodiacal circle have their joining. This is borne out in the sign Corvus, the bird of prey devouring the sea-monster Hydra, a decan of Virgo. The bright star in the eye of Corvus the Raven, called Al Chibar in Arabic means “joining together,”4 referring also to the union of as these two ends of the true zodiac! This is pictured in Figure 7 below, depicting the Hydra a major sea-dragon constellation [Isa. 27:1], with Corvus the Raven and carrion eater, shown devouring the perishing remains of the destroyed Serpent. As the last sign of the Biblical zodiac, confirming the witness of the stars that God set in them, the Astronomy of the ancients speaks loudly in support of both the Scriptures and the heavens, as they declare the Coming Redeemer of Mankind to the glory of God; [Ps. 19:1]. As we start this study in Virgo and wrap it up in Leo, we see a primary purpose of the Great Sphinx, formed as the head of Virgo the Woman, and he body of Leo the Lion– the alpha and omega of the celestial scroll, witnessing the promised seed of mankind as the first and last way of redemption provided by the Hand of the Creator. With the witness of the other monumental elements of the Giza Plateau in unison with this record, we are afforded a most powerful testimony of Biblical Archaeo-Astronomy in the Creator’s application of His Intelligent Design principles that He incorporated into His Creation.

Figure 7. The Constellation Hydra; the Serpent destroyed, with the Raven.

His final defeat of the serpent is witnessed in Leo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah [Rev. 5:5], as the Lion’s extended claws are set to rend the Hydra-the old serpent destroyed–to pieces. The Hydra is the longest of the Constellations, extending below Libra’s scales through Virgo and Leo to include the sign of 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 depict a carnal facsimile 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 deception of the antichrist, leading away from, and denying the true work of Christ. This is a key end-time aspect of the devil’s works that Christ comes to destroy . In this end-timeline of Rev. 12, we find not only the Gathering Together of the Church prior to the “war in heaven” in verse 7, but also the woman is travailing in birth leading up to the delivery of the Church’s Gathering. This alerts us to the time of “Jupiter’s birthing” in Virgo, which takes place Sept. 9th, 2017. The symbolism of the king planet Jupiter being birthed in Virgo, embodies the birth of Christ’s Kingdom, as the Church of his spiritual body is manifested with him in heaven, at the right hand of the heavenly Father. An interesting note is that although the Jupiter/scepter/rod of iron enters Virgo on 8-26/27-2016 marking one of the 3 conjunctions of Jupiter-Venus in 2016-2017, it does not enter Virgo’s womb until November of 2016, where it spends 42 weeks in retrograde, a period well within the normal time of human gestation. When Jupiter exits the stellar enclosure marking Virgo’s womb on Sept. 9th, 2017, Jupiter’s “birthing” could signify a time period where the birth of the Kingdom of Christ may logically be initiated, with the Gathering Together of his spiritual body the Church. It is also noteworthy that the Feast of Trumpets occurs at the New Moon on 9-21-2017, [1 Thess. 4:16-17]. This is not a prediction of when the Church’s Gathering in Christ will occur, but only a summary of these Bible record details, combined with what the Biblical Astronomy of these heavenly signs tells us about this important time in our history and current events, highlighted by the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015, and its historical impact for Israel during the Age of Grace over the last 2000 years.

Revelation 12:7-9

(Rev 12:7) And²⁵³² there was¹⁰⁹⁶ war⁴¹⁷¹ in¹⁷²² heaven:³⁷⁷² Michael³⁴¹³ and his⁸⁴⁸ angels³² fought⁴¹⁷⁰ against²⁵⁹⁶ the³⁵⁸⁸ dragon;¹⁴⁰⁴ and the³⁵⁸⁸ dragon 1404 fought 4170 and his 848 angels,³² (Rev 12:8) And prevailed²⁴⁸⁰ not;³⁷⁵⁶ neither³⁷⁷⁷ was their⁸⁴⁸ place⁵¹¹⁷ found²¹⁴⁷ any more²⁰⁸⁹ in¹⁷²² heaven.³⁷⁷² (Rev 12:9) And the³⁵⁸⁸ great³¹⁷³ dragon¹⁴⁰⁴ was cast out,⁹⁰⁶ that old⁷⁴⁴ serpent,³⁷⁸⁹ called²⁵⁶⁴ the Devil,¹²²⁸ and Satan,⁴⁵⁶⁷ which deceiveth⁴¹⁰⁵ the³⁵⁸⁸ whole³⁶⁵⁰ world:³⁶²⁵ he was cast out⁹⁰⁶ into¹⁵¹⁹ the³⁵⁸⁸ earth,¹⁰⁹³ and his⁸⁴⁸ angels³² were cast out⁹⁰⁶ with³³²⁶ him.⁸⁴⁶

In verse 7 we have the Archangel Michael contending in spiritual warfare against the dragon and his angels. 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 key mode of operation. This shows how the enemy has marshalled his spiritual forces of fallen angels as they oppose the Heavenly Father’s Godly order. We have just seen two examples of how the serpentine aspects of the enemy’s spiritual dominion are celestially represented in the Dragon-Draco and Hydra. Lets take a closer look at Serpens the serpent.

Figure 7. Ophiuchus and Serpens in a Struggle for the Crown of Creation.

serpentine asterism

One aspect of Serpens that arrests our attention is the recurring theme of the dragon’s head and tail, that we discussed in Part I, linked with the serpentine asterism of Draco. This points to a shadow of the 4D symbolism of the Cardinal Directions, painting a picture of composite truth, as their shadows do also. Just as each of the Serpent’s 4 names in Rev. 12:9, indicate different functions in how the adversary opposes God’s purposes, so these serpents in the sky indicate varying aspects of his activity, which when taken together, provide us a detailed picture of how he works his evil designs in his dark world kingdom. Thus we should consider these four serpentine signs both individually and collectively, as shadows of the cardinal points, to 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 his east. In support of this concept, the stars within this Constellation follow suit. Burnham points out that “the Beta star in Serpens marks the head… while the Theta star marks the end of the serpent’s tail.⁵ [ppg.1764-65] 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.” ⁶

Ophiuchus’ battle against his enemy is pictured in this Constellation group as the Scorpion and Serpens. This gives us an example of how to take a composite view to glean the truth from these 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’s stinging of 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 these signs [Ophiuchus, Serpens, Sagittarius, Scorpius & Corona]. The same can be said of the four serpents in the sky, where the function and mode of operation of the evil one is concerned. A case in point we are illustrating here relates to the Mayan prophecy of the end of the World that began on December 21st, 2012. Our view of this heavenly sign-focused at the galactic center of the Milky Way Galaxy, is based on the Biblical Astronomy of this scenario, much more than the emphasis given to Mayan Astrology by many others.

The graphic below from the Voyager¹⁷Astronomy program depicts the sky on this date initiating the end of the world based on the Mayan Astrology. The main components of the scene include Sagittarius, representing the returning Lord Jesus Christ, riding his flying white steed in ultimate victory in the spiritual warfare against the dragon and its brood, represented by Serpens and Scorpius the scorpion. The Sun is centered at the tip of Sagittarius’ arrow which is pointed at the red star Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, as it’s simultaneously being crushed from above by the foot of Ophiuchus. This reveals the light of the world shining his inescapable brilliance on the kingdom of darkness, as he totally exposes the evil works of the enemy while conquering and laying waste to them all. This again represents part of Jesus’ declaration and establishment of his kingdom, in the Second phase of his victorious 2nd Coming, as he Returns WITH his Saints, who have already been Gathered Together, and are riding by his side as the armies of Heaven; [Rev. 19:11ff] setting up his everlasting kingdom of Light.

Figure 8. The Galactic Center of the Milky Way on December 21st, 2012.

light on the kingdom of darkness

As The Sun of God arises here with healing in his wings, the light of the world; [II Peter 1:19], is pictured in the heel of Ophiuchus. This is the heel wounded by the Scorpion, but his sacrificial death was only temporary, unlike the deadly head wound he inflicts on the serpent. This image of Jesus as the great healer of all our wounds was foreshadowed by Moses’ Brass Serpent, also known as the Caduceus. Even today, the symbol of the medical arts is this Caduceus. This ancient icon formed on mirrored serpents spiraling around a pole, finds its Biblical precedent in the book of Numbers 21. As we acknowledge the stellar elements of the Celestial Sphinx we can see the heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ rewinding in the context of the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015. God has seeded his celestial order with these heavenly signs to forewarn us of the end-times that we have the privilege to experience first hand, the Hope of the Ages, the Victorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior. Lets us help rescue as many of those who will acknowledge these truths with us, to enjoy our everlasting salvation with the Heavenly Father in Christ Jesus!

Footnotes

1. Strong’s Concordance, James Strong [a. G5043-teknon, b. G726-harpazo c. G305-anabaino]
2. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger
3. IBID
4. IBID
5. Burnham’s Celestial Handbook, Robert Burnham, ppg. 1764-65
6. IBID
7. Voyager Astronomy Program, Milky Way Galactic Center 12-21-2012

The Blood Moon Tetrad and the Rev. 12 Heavenly Signs

The Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 and the Rev. 12 Heavenly Signs [Part I.]

A Primary theme of our work regarding the Biblical Astronomy surrounding the Birth and Second Coming of Christ is based on the idea of The Celestial Prelude. As we documented in our most recent Blog Post on The Blood Moon Tetrad and the Celestial Prelude, the heavenly signs over the last seven years of the BC era, recognized by the first Century Magi, not only allowed them to accurately discern the timing of the Birth of Jesus Christ, but they also set the pattern for an accurate end-time recognition of the heavenly signs marking the Second Coming of Christ. In this light, we have continued with a detailed comparison of heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ with those leading up to his glorious Return. This post carries on that theme. The accurate understanding of the Biblical Astronomy of these two most critical events in all human history, is based on the record in Revelation 12. To ascertain a proper Biblical perspective of this powerful Bible Prophecy, we must first allow that this record has a dual significance that applies in detail, both to the Birth and Return of the Lord Jesus Christ. In previous Blog posts, we have referenced the “sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow,” [I Peter 1:11] as one perspective from which to understand the dual significance of the Biblical Astronomy of the Rev. 12 record. The Sufferings of Christ were endured in his perfect sacrifice for Israel and all mankind, in the Birth, life-ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. His glory we are close to witnessing as the heavenly signs that marked his first appearance on Earth, rewind to prepare us for his victorious Second Coming. As we have been documenting, the heavenly signs, and planetary conjunctions seen leading up to, and including the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015, are setting the stage for the recapitulation of heavenly signs marking his glorious return. We can also understand the dual significance of this Rev. 12 record in light of the Ministry of Christ to Israel as the declaration of the King of Kings, which was rejected by Israel, resulting in the dispersion of the Jews during the Age of Grace, over the last 2000 years. The Second Coming of Christ represents the declaration of His Kingdom, when he sets up his Millennial Reign on Earth. As we have seen in the heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ, the Rev. 12 “Great Wonder in Heaven” was witnessed in the Sept. 11th, 3 BC sign in Virgo, fulfilling this prophecy, as the Sun Clothed Virgo with the Moon under her feet. These are the primary elements of this celestial prophecy that unmistakably mark the birth of Christ. As we have maintained for many years, and in my DVD presentation on The Biblical Astronomy of the Birth of Christ, available in our Bookstore in the Right hand margin of this page, we have documented the details of this Rev. 12 record, along with very moments of Christ’s birth in the Biblical Astronomy, and historical records that narrow the time of his birth down to a period of about 10 minutes! The graphic in Figure 1. below, from the book Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed, has been utilized a number of times to depict this heavenly sign. A number of renown, professional astronomers agree with this, not the least among them being Dr. Earnest Martin.

Rev. 12:1-2 (Rev 12:1) And there appeared³⁷⁰⁰ a great³¹⁷³ wonder⁴⁵⁹²in¹⁷²² heaven;³⁷⁷² a woman¹¹³⁵ clothed with⁴⁰¹⁶ the³⁵⁸⁸ sun,²²⁴⁶ and the³⁵⁸⁸ moon⁴⁵⁸² under⁵²⁷⁰ her⁸⁴⁸ feet,⁴²²⁸ and upon¹⁹⁰⁹ her⁸⁴⁸ head²⁷⁷⁶ a crown⁴⁷³⁵ of twelve¹⁴²⁷ stars:⁷⁹²(Rev 12:2) And she being with child^{2192, 1722, 1064} cried,²⁸⁹⁶ travailing in birth,⁵⁶⁰⁵ and pained⁹²⁸ to be delivered.

Figure 1. Revelation 12:1 sign. 1

Rev. 12 sign — Virgo Clothed with the Sun with Moon at her feet

There are a number of key elements beginning with this sign in Rev. 12:1, when viewed in the context of the Return of Christ that can qualify as a Biblical chronology in this record, once viewed in the context of the current Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015. As a key Blood Moon prophecy from the book of Joel states:

[Joel 2:31] “The Sun shall be turned to darkness and the Moon to Blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

As we have detailed in numerous posts on this Blog, the Blood Moon Lunar and Solar Eclipses that have occurred on Hebrew Feast and holy days during the previous 7 Blood Moon Tetrads in the Age of Grace, culminating in the current eighth Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015, represent a benchmark in the timeline leading to the Day of the Lord. Since we know that these heavenly signs will take place before the Second Coming of Christ, we can factor them into our comparison of heavenly signs leading us to the Lord’s Return. This is why we take note of not only the Blood Moon Tetrads, but all the Solar and Lunar Eclipses in the vicinity of the Tetrads, especially those marking the return of Israel to her homeland in 1949-50, and regaining Jerusalem in 1967-68, including the current 2014-2015 Blood Moon Tetrad. The Solar and Lunar Eclipse/Feast dates of the current 2014-2015 Blood Moon Tetrad are as follows:

April 29th, 2014 Annular Solar Eclipse
October 23rd, 2014 Partial Solar Eclipse
March 20th, 2015, Total Solar Eclipse [Nisan 1]
Sept. 13th, 2015, Partial Solar Eclipse [Feast of Trumpets]
Sept. 15/16, 2015 Celestial Sphinx Sign [Rev. 12:1-2]
Sept. 23rd, 2015 Day of Atonement/50 Year Hebrew Jubilee
Sept. 28th, 2015 Super Blood Moon-Feast of Tabernacles

The Partial Solar Eclipse on September 13th at the Feast of Trumpets this Fall is the next heavenly sign in the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015, before the fourth and Final Super-Blood Moon on the Feast of Tabernacles, Sept. 28th, 2015. Between these signs marking the Feast of Trumpets and the Feast of Tabernacles this September, we have the Day of Atonement on Sept. 23rd, 2015. This day opens the 50-year Hebrew Jubilee, year 5776 on the Hebrew Calendar! Technically, the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 does not completed until the 28th, but the fact that this initiates a special Jubilee 7–year Sabbatical period, alerts us to the synchronicity in God’s timing of these events. This Day of Atonement/Hebrew Jubilee is also critical being exactly 2 years prior to the Sept. 23rd, 2017 “Great Wonder in Virgo,” [Rev. 12: 1-2], but the Day of Atonement in 2017 is not till Sept. 30th.

As we compare this to the heavenly signs of The Celestial Prelude, there was a key planetary alignment and a Blood Moon both in Pisces, exactly two years apart on Sept. 15th 7 BC and the same date in 5 BC. These heavenly signs not only directed the Magi’s attention to the sign Virgo, clothed with the Sun, but also the lunar eclipse on September 15th of 5 BC, establishing that the Magi should be watchful of lunar activity marking Christ’s birth. This framed the 42 minute period between Sunset and Moon-set on the only day of the year when Virgo “was clothed with the Sun and the Moon at her feet, as prescribed in Rev. 12:1. Thus it is quite significant leading up to the Return of Christ that another two year period from the Day of Atonement: 9-23-2015 to the Rev. 12:1 sign on 9-23-2017, is being marked in the heavens, as at the Birth of Christ. Just as Jupiter was recognizedby the Magi as “His Star” [Matt. 2:2] at the birth of Christ, so Jupiter the King Planet is actually being “birthed” during the two weeks leading up to this sign of “the Sun clothing Virgo with the Moon at her feet,” on 9-23-2017. As we can see, the parallels between the Celestial Prelude of the Birth of Christ and his glorious Return are eye-opening!

Below we can see the Figure 2 graphic from the Stellarium Astronomy Program, depicting the celestial sign from 9-23-2017. Virgo is “Crowned with 12 stars,” circled in red in Leo. This “crowning of Virgo” including the 3 planets; Mercury, Mars, and Venus, aligned with the king star Regulus in Leo, is fitting since Leo is the royal sign of Judah that forms the crown of 12 stars over Virgo’s head as part of the Rev. 12 sign, fulfilling Rev. 12:3 in one sense. It is fulfilled in another sense as explained below when considered from the view of the Celestial Sphinx. Also marked in Figure 2, is the king planet Jupiter being “birthed,” near Spica [Al Zimach] of Virgo, clad in the Sun with the Moon at her feet. An important note related to the Celestial Sphinx, is that as dated above, we find an added Rev. 12:1 sign on Sept. 15/16th, 2015, with the Sun in Virgo and the Moon at her feet, while Venus is in Leo from June through October of 2015 in a triple conjunction with Jupiter. Thus we see the king Planet Jupiter, in a celestial dance with the Venus-the Bright and Morning Star, leading up to the “birthing of Jupiter” in Virgo, in 2017. This seems to reflect the triple conjunction of Jupiter-Regulus in 3-2 BC, marking the birth of Christ as Jupiter the king planet crowned Regulus the King star and brightest star in Leo, which started 3 days after the Rev. 12 sign in Virgo on Sept. 11th, of 3 BC, also a sign of the Celestial Sphinx.

Figure 2. Sept. 23rd 2017- Virgo Clothed with the Sun and Crowned with 12 Stars. 2

Virgo Clothed in the Sun and the Moon at her Feet

(Rev 12:3) And there appeared³⁷⁰⁰ another²⁴³ wonder⁴⁵⁹² in¹⁷²² heaven;³⁷⁷² and behold²⁴⁰⁰ a great³¹⁷³ red⁴⁴⁵⁰ dragon,¹⁴⁰⁴ having²¹⁹² seven²⁰³³ heads²⁷⁷⁶ and²⁵³² ten¹¹⁷⁶ horns,²⁷⁶⁸ and²⁵³² seven²⁰³³ crowns¹²³⁸ upon¹⁹⁰⁹ his⁸⁴⁸ heads.

The word “appeared” [G3700]3 in verse 3, refers to a detailed gaze of fascination, noting its structure as something to be wondered at. This second “wonder in heaven,” is a celestial sign like the previous verse, since the same Greek word [G4592-semeion] is used in both instances, but referring to a different class of heavenly sign, a circumpolar called Draco the Dragon set by the Creator at the northern Celestial Pole [Job 26:13]. This is the first of 13 uses of “dragon” in Revelation, indicative of the disorderly and rebellious nature of the fiery Red Dragon. 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. These 7 heads imply 7 ruling [unclean spirits-daimon; Rev. 16: 13-14] who embody a leading aspect of the Dragon’s power over his spiritual kingdom, as he opposes the Kingdom of God in Christ. During the heavenly sign of 9-23-2017, shown in Figure 2 above there is a notable conjunction of the Moon and Saturn in Ophiuchus, once the Moon moves beyond Virgo’s feet. The sign Ophiuchus is depicted in Part II. of this post in Figure 7, in his struggle with the head and tail of the Serpent Serpens, divided by the man Ophiuchus. Serpens is also depicted in Figure 7 with the 7 stars of Corona the Crown sign over its head as the “god of this world,” symbolizing not only the authority handed over to the serpent in Adam’s fall, but also the authority of the 7 ruling spirits above. Serpens is also uniquely marked with 7 stars in its head -neck segment held by Ophiuchus, matching the description of the heavenly sign in Rev. 12:3. Thus the union of the Moon with Saturn in Ophiuchus as part of the great Rev. 12 heavenly sign on 9-23-2017, unmistakably identifies the crowned Serpent Serpens with its prominent head and tail, as this 2nd “wonder in heaven,” in verse 3 above.

(Rev. 12:4) And his⁸⁴⁸ tail³⁷⁶⁹ drew⁴⁹⁵¹ the³⁵⁸⁸ third part⁵¹⁵⁴ of the³⁵⁸⁸ stars⁷⁹² of heaven,³⁷⁷² and did cast⁹⁰⁶ them⁸⁴⁶ to¹⁵¹⁹ the³⁵⁸⁸ earth:¹⁰⁹³ and the³⁵⁸⁸ dragon¹⁴⁰⁴ stood²⁴⁷⁶ before¹⁷⁹⁹ the³⁵⁸⁸ woman¹¹³⁵ which was ready³¹⁹⁵ to be delivered,⁵⁰⁸⁸ for to²⁴⁴³ devour²⁷¹⁹ her⁸⁴⁸ child⁵⁰⁴³ as soon as³⁷⁵² it was born.

This verse [Rev. 12:4] also relates directly back to the first prophecy of the promised seed in Gen. 3:15, where the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head, while the serpent’s seed bruises the man’s heel. As the dragon’s head directs the spirit realm in his tail, the desired acts of persecution and destruction against the woman’s seed are carried out by the serpent’s seed-those who follow the Way of Cain [Jude 1:11], in open rebellion against the true God. This revealed the overriding purpose of the serpent at Christ’s birth, devouring the Promised Seed of the Woman, as soon as he was born. We saw an example of this in the actions of the serpent’s seed-King Herod, who murdered all the male children around Bethlehem under age 2, in an effort to devour the infant Jesus, as soon as he was born. Having failed at this, the enemy turned his attention to the persecution of Israel and the Christian believers as the Second Coming of Christ grows nearer. We can see this ever increasing Judeo–Christian persecution in today’s headlines, as the great Day of the Lord quickly approaches.

Figure 3. from “Apian”s Astronomicum Caesareum,” [Ingolstadt 1540 AD] The Dragon’s alternating head & tail. 4

head tail of the dragon

As seen in Figure 3: the graphic above, there is an ancient connection in Mythology and Astrology, with dragon and the lunar cycle, seen here in the lunar Node; the point where the Moon crosses over the ecliptic, was also called the dragon’s head and tail, dictating the periods of the eclipse cycle, according to the phi ratio. The Eclipse limits for both solar and lunar eclipses are dictated by a 6 degree range within 12.5° to 18.5° of the lunar Node, wherein a New Moon or Full Moon takes place. The average period of 173.333 days between eclipses, is seen as the Sun links with a lunar Node when two of these 173.333 day-periods elapse, giving us an eclipse year of 346.62 days, 18.6 days short of the solar year of 365.242. This reveals an aspect of the phi ratio because 18.618 x 18.618=346.62 telling us that the eclipse year relates to the overall luni-solar cycle via the phi ratio of 1.618. This link between the head and tail of the dragon and the eclipse cycle of the luni-solar year, establishes the importance of not only the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015, but also the related Blood Moon Lunar and Solar eclipses during this period.

Since the 6 degree range of the lunar Node was formerly tied to Draco at the northern Celestial Pole, it indicates the time before the dragon throws down his spirit realm in verse 4. However, after the dragon itself is struck down, in verses 8-9, its head and tail would be transferred from the polar regions, down to the ecliptic, where Serpens and the Hydra are located. This powerful figure of dragon casting down his 1/3 of the stars of heaven, [fallen angels] to the Earth, was symbolically depicted as a literal Meteor shower from the Constellation Draco, during the time of Christ’s birth. For a deeper look into this topic, please review our website article: “Introduction to the Jupiter-Regulus Conjunctions.” As we approach the Second Coming of Christ, this section of Scripture takes on a new perspective in reference to the War in Heaven.

When we compare the 1/3 of the stars [G792-aster]3 of heaven being cast down in Rev. 12:4 as opposed to verse 9, we find that the dragon throws 1/3 of his angels down in verse 4, but in verse 9 the dragon itself is cast out to the earth and an undisclosed number of his angels are cast out with him. The casting out in verse 4 is an action of the Serpent’s will, as these fallen angel’s are under his authority, being dragged in his tail. But in verse 9 the dragon has no choice, being thrust down with his angels. Also the War in heaven that initiates both the dragon and his angels being cast out of heaven does not take place until verse 7. Thus it appears that the first casting down of 1/3 of the fallen stars in verse 4, occurred at the birth of Christ, signified by the Eta-Draconid meteor shower that took place during Sept. 11th, 3 BC, but the second casting out of the dragon is still future.

R.H. Allen adds that; “the conclusion of the verse [Rev. 12:4] “did cast them to the earth,” would show a possible reference to meteors.”⁵ This is the earliest reference in print I have found that ties a Meteor shower to this section of Revelation 12. This Meteor shower that originates from the tail of Draco, the dragon, is linked to its parent comet, known today as the Giacobini-Zinner Comet. Traditionally comets have been viewed as omens of dis–aster, perhaps another ironic twist from the Heavenly Father to mark the fall of the archaic Morning Star with a heavenly sign pointing out his own disastrous end, at the birth of the Ascending Morning Star Jesus Christ. As we can see, a dual perspective of this record in Rev. 12 based on it applications to both the Birth and Return of the Lord Jesus Christ, opens up some aspects of these truths that have gotten little or no attention to date. Part II of this post will look into more of these details as they come to the surface.

This concludes Part I of this post, we will follow-up with Part II later this week.

Footnotes

1. Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed, American Christian Press [picture credit]
2. Stellarium Astronomy Program, Virgo clothed with the Sun and the Moon at her feet; 9-23-2017.
3. Strong’s Concordance, [G3700, G4592, G792], James Strong.
4. Apian”s Astronomicum Caesareum, [Ingolstadt 1540 AD]
5. Star Names their Lore and Meaning, R.H. Allen

The Blood Moon Tetrad and The Celestial Prelude

The Blood Moon Tetrad and the Celestial Prelude

Our thesis since the first printing of the articles on The Celestial Prelude 12 years ago is based on heavenly signs leading up to the First Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ, relating to the idea that the Magi witnessed a previous pattern of signs in the heavens, allowing them to recognize the signs marking the birth of Christ, when they appeared. The Heavenly Father laid out a pattern of specific heavenly signs so that He could keep His Wise Men informed about critical events concerning His Purposes with the Promised Seed. If our approach adheres to the principles exhibited in the pathway blazed by the First Century Magi, staying faithful to these Principles of Biblical Astronomy that they learned from the Prophet Daniel, then perhaps it would not be presumptuous of others to desire similar success in discerning the heavenly signs leading up to the Second Coming of Christ, even as the Magi did at his birth.

As we consider the historical context that produced the Magi, and the ancient Babylonian astronomical traditions that influenced them, we take note of the case of the Babylonian Zodiac. A key part of this history includes how the 12 main signs of the Babylonian zodiac, each of 30 degrees in the 360 degree circle of the ecliptic, was transmitted to ancient Greece. Many scholars are not certain, as to the process by which this occurred, thus its engaging to realize that both the ancient Greeks and Babylonians came under the rule of the Persian empire governedby Cyrus the Great in 539 BC. It was during the rule of Darius I, “the Mede” that the Prophet Daniel presided over the Royal Court of Astronomers. Drawing on the rich astronomical traditions of the Biblical Patriarchs combined with the famous astronomical expertise of the Persian Magi, Daniel’s potent influence convinced Darius’ high Court of Royal Astronomers to adopt salient principles of Biblical Astronomy. Also key aspects of Zoroastrianism agreed with the Biblical standard practiced by the Hebrews, carried on by the Magi. These Persian astronomers of the king’s court, generally consisted of two main categories, first those following in the astronomical tradition taught by Daniel, as their leader and Rab-Mage. Secondly, those who followed the astrological influences of “Magic” and the occult, strenuously forbidden in the Hebrew Scriptures. As a result, the Magi following the Scriptural tenets, knew of the Coming Promised Seed based on the pattern and Prelude of heavenly signs that identified the Messiah when he appeared on the scene. The Magi were also familiar with Daniel’s prophecy concerning the 70 weeks judged on Jerusalem relating to the coming Messiah, [Dan. 9:2, 24-27]. Daniel’s influence had the added effect of preserving the astronomical truths of the Promised Seed, contained in the form of the zodiacal narrative, which God entrusted in the most capable hands of the time.

In the Summary of the Celestial Prelude, the 12 key elements [see below] that the Magi recognized in the Jupiter-Saturn triple conjunction of 7-6 BC, were posted that had a direct application in helping them understand the heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ in 3-2 BC. The triple conjunction of Jupiter-Saturn in 7-6 BC which the Magi were best acquainted with, is covered in my article on The Specific Signs @ [www.try-god.com]. Doctor Earnest Martin agrees as he states in his writings: “The year 3/2BC was certainly an extraordinary one for visible astronomical exhibitions, as there was no year similar to it for many years on either side (a foretaste had occurred back in 7 BC, as Jupiter and Saturn had come into conjunction on 3 occasions: May 26, October 3, and December 1, and this was followed in early 6 BC with a close triangulation with Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. This occurred when the planets were in Pisces.”1 [emphasis mine]

12 Characteristics of the Celestial Prelude

* Jupiter was clearly marked as “his star.”

Jupiter was involved in a triple planetary Conjunction.
Jupiter was involved in a series of planetary conjunctions.
Jupiter’s retrograde motion would play a key role.
Jupiter’s triple union was followed by a massing of planets.
This massing of planets was followed by a Mars Conjunction.
The Jupiter-Mars Conjunction was followed by a series of lunar occultations, and a total lunar eclipse.
This series of conjunctions would last about two years.
The annual twenty days when the Sun is in Virgo would be a key.
The September 15th alignment of Jupiter, Saturn the Earth and Sun in 7 BC that occurred in the evening at sunset, directed the Magi’s attention to the end of the 20-day period when Virgo was “clothed with the Sun.”
The second lunar eclipse on September 15th of 5 BC established that the Magi should be watchful of lunar activity during this time. This framed the 42 minute period between Sunset and Moonset on the only day of the year when Virgo “was clothed with the Sun and the moon at her feet.” [Rev. 12:1-2]
The September 15th Heliacal Rising of Jupiter and Saturn foreshadowed the Heliacal Setting of Spica, located between the setting Sun and Moon in Virgo, identifying a 30-minute period when the birth of Christ happened.

As was noted above, Lunar activity, especially Lunar Eclipses were a key element in the heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ. Not only do lunar eclipses frame all the heavenly signs of the birth of Christ between 5-1 BC, but the actual birth of Christ was framed between Sunset and Moonset on September 11th 3 BC as stated specifically in the 11th key above. The first key noted above was that the King Planet Jupiter was involved in a triple planetary conjunction, that the Magi understood as the Jupiter-Regulus triple conjunction of 3-2 BC, in Leo.

Figure A. Leo the Lion

The major signs marking the birth of Christ on September 11th 3 BC, are not only sealed with this triple union of Jupiter-Regulus in Leo, but also by 3 Jupiter-Venus conjunctions, with the primary one in Leo on June 17th the next year. In addition, the great majority of heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ were bracketed by 2 Jupiter-Venus unions in 3 and 1 BC. The first 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 highlighting conjunctions of Jupiter-Venus, that took place following the 1st fulfillment the Rev. 12: 1-2 prophecy relating to the sufferings of Christ in his ministry as the Passover Lamb, to redeem Israel and all mankind. This alerts us that we might look for like Celestial Sphinx signs as a precursor to the Lord’s Second Coming. The fact that there were also 2 Venus-Mars unions framing the central Jupiter-Venus union between March 31st, and Dec. 9th, 2 BC, marking the birth of Christ, sets a precedent that we find also in 2015, before the glory of the Lord’s Second Coming. In this light, it is with great interest that we discover between the 2 Venus-Mars conjunctions of 2015, 3 Jupiter-Venus unions will occur in Leo, followed by Jupiter-Venus unions in Virgo, in both 2016 and 2017. As we view the heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ from 3 to 1 BC below, we will point out a series of parallels between these signs, and the current period marked by the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015. By focusing on the specific planetary conjunctions that set the pattern in marking the birth of Christ and looking for these signs repeating in the modern context of the Blood Moons, we follow the Magi’s example, that should lead us to the victorious Return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Heavenly Signs of 3 BC to 1 BC

May 19th, 3 Before Christ	Mercury-Saturn	Taurus
June 12th, 3 “	Venus-Saturn	Taurus
Aug. 31st, 3 “	Jupiter-Venus	Leo
Sept. 9-12, 3 “	Eta-Draconid Meteor Showers [Rev. 12:1-4]	Draco
Sept. 14th, 3 “	Jupiter-Regulus	Leo
Feb. 17th, 2 “	Jupiter-Regulus	Leo
March 31st, 2 “	Triangular massing of Venus, Mars* & Saturn*	Taurus
May 8th, 2 “	Jupiter-Regulus	Leo
June 17th, 2 “	Jupiter-Venus	Leo
Aug. 27th, 2 Massing of Planets	Jupiter, Venus, Mars & Mercury	Leo
Aug. 28th, 2 Before Christ	Alignment of Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Sun & Moon	Leo
Dec. 9th, 2 “	*Venus-Mars*	Scorpius
Dec. 25th, 2 “	“Star of Bethlehem”	Virgo
Jan. 9th, 1 Total Lunar Eclipse	Blood Moon in Gemini-Herod’s Death
Aug. 21st, 1 Before Christ	Jupiter-Venus	Virgo

As we summarize the heavenly signs in the chart above in comparison to the signs of 2014-2016, we highlight the following points of interest:

There are 3 Jupiter-Venus Conjunctions set to take place in 2015, all in Leo, with additional Jupiter-Venus unions occurring in Virgo in 2016-17. Jupiter-the King Planet unites with Venus-the Bright and Morning Star, in Leo the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, [Rev. 5:5]. The following dates depict Jupiter-Venus conjunctions in Leo during the Hebrew Sabbatical/Jubilee year of 2015:

June 30th- July 1, 2015 [Jupiter-Venus]
July 31st, 2015 [Jupiter-Venus]
October 25-26th, 2015 [Jupiter-Venus]
October 28th, 2015 [Jupiter-Venus, Mars unite in a 1 degree triangular massing]

The 3 Jupiter-Venus Conjunctions marking the birth of Christ in the above chart compare to the three Jupiter-Venus Conjunctions of 2015, however there were additional heavenly signs involving Jupiter–Venus marking his birth. On August 27th and 28th reflected in the chart above and the graphic below, there was a massing of planets including Jupiter-Venus, followed by a planetary alignment of Jupiter, Venus, Mars, with the Sun and Moon. This planetary alignment in Leo, along with the September 11th signs markingthe birth of Christ [Sun clothing Virgo with the Moon at her feet] will be repeated again on September 23rd, 2017!!

**August 27th Massing of Planets in Leo**

Once Again Dr. Martin describes this birth event of the Messiah:

“On 27 August, 2 BC, the planet Mars, which had played no active part in the conjunctions, “caught up” with Jupiter and formed a very close union (Mars travels faster in its motion through the stars than Jupiter and overtakes it in a little over 2 years). At this conjunction the two were only 0.09 degrees from each other. Such nearness is not an ordinary occurrence. Besides this, there was also a convergence of Venus and Mercury into the same part of the sky as Jupiter and Mars. This means that four major planets were all positioned around one another in an exceptional longitudinal relationship. An assemblage of planets in such close proximity to one another is called in astrological circles a massing of the planets. And look at the close association they had to each other. The longitude of Jupiter was 142.6 degrees, Mars 142.64, Venus 141.67, and Mercury 143.71. This would have been an interesting sight to behold, but the visible effect would have been diminished because of the rays of dawn, since the four planets were only 8 degrees ahead of the Sun.“2 [emphasis mine]

This Massing of Planets is mirrored on October 28th, 2015 as Mars joins Jupiter and Venus in a 1 degree triangular massing of planets. Also, just as there were two sets of Triple planetary conjunctions marking Christ’s birth, [Jupiter-Regulus/Jupiter-Venus] so, there are two sets of Triple planetary conjunctions [Jupiter-Venus/Mercury-Venus] during the two years of the Blood Moon Tetrad in 2014-2015. The following dates reflect 3 Venus-Mercury planetary unions of 2014. Here Mercury-Gabriel, the Messenger Arch-angel is unified three times with Venus-announcing Jesus Christ the Bright and Morning Star.

Venus-Mercury Conjunctions of 2014

Jan. 7th, 2014 [1 year prior to central Blood Moon Tetrad date of 2014-2015]
October 17th, 2014
Dec. 30th, 2014

Not only do these three Mercury-Venus unions set the stage for the Jupiter-Venus conjunctions of 2015-2017, but the first union of Mercury-Venus falls 1 year before to the center date of all the celestial activity linked to the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015. In other words, the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 falls in between two lunar triples, on the Days of Av, starting Dec. 21st, 2010 and finishing Jan. 21st, 2019. As we consider also that the first Blood Moon of this Tetrad on April 15th, 2014, with the last Blood Moon on Sept. 28th, 2015, the mid-date between these Blood Moons is also January 5th, 2015! This depicts not only the rarity of this Blood Moon Tetrad, but also its precision, from two mathematical views. As these Blood Moons of the end days are centered between the saddest days on the Hebrew Calendar, the days of Av in 2010-11 and 2018-19, they commemorate the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple on two key occasions in their history, one of which we have highlighted below, with the 69-70 AD heavenly signs, marking the Romans Destruction of their Temple. In the original work on The Celestial Prelude, I did not include a reference to Mercury-Venus conjunctions in the chart above, but in his book, The Birth of Christ Recalculated, Ernest Martin states; “On the morning of September 1, Venus and Mercury came into conjunction only .35 degrees apart...”3

Dr. Martin goes on to tell us how this Mercury-Venus conjunction set the stage for the Jupiter-Venus conjunctions around the birth of Christ, highlighted by their spectacular June 17th union:

“After the Sept. 1 meeting with Mercury, Venus journeyed back into the light of the Sun, emerging in the West as an evening star about 20 December, 3 BC, and when this happened, an observer would have noticed the planet just after sunset moving progressively higher in the sky (going more easterly) with each succeeding day. This movement placed Venus on a collision course with Jupiter which was moving westward. At the period when Venus had just passed its easternmost elongation from the Sun (the farthest east of the Sun that Venus ever reaches) on 17 June, 2 BC, the two planets “collided”. They were only 0.04 degrees away from each other. This was a most uncommon occurrence. To an observer on Earth, the luminosity that each planet displayed made them look like one gigantic star. It was as if Venus had stretched herself as far eastward as she was able, in order to join with Jupiter as he reached westward to meet her. This conjunction occurred at the exact time of the full Moon. The whole of the evening sky was being illumined from the east by the full light of the Moon, while the western quarter was being adorned with the Jupiter/Venus conjunction. Professor D.C. Morton, Senior Research Astronomer at Princeton University, said this conjunction of 17 June, 2BC, was a notable astronomical event [ZPEB, vol. I, pg. 398]. Such closeness had not been witnessed in generations. Roger W. Sinnott, writing in the astronomical journal Sky and Telescope, December, 1968, ppgs. 384-386, referred to this conjunction as a brilliant “double star” which finally gave the appearance of fusing together into a single “star” as the planets drew nearer the western horizon. He said that only the sharpest of eyes would have been able to split them and that the twinkling caused by the unsteady horizon atmosphere would have blended them into one gigantic “star” for almost all viewers. “The fusion of two planets would have been a rare and awe-inspiring event” [pg. 386]. Here were the 2 brightest planets in the heavens merging together. This was happening at the period when Venus was approaching her time of greatest brilliance.”4 [emphasis mine]

The following dates, depict similar Jupiter-Venus conjunctions in Virgo in 2016-2017:

July 27th, 2016
Aug. 26-27th, 2016 [Jupiter enters Virgo]
Feb. 26th, 2017
Sept. 23rd, 2017 [Virgo clothed with the Sun/Moon @ feet]-Rev. 12:1-2
Nov. 13th, 2017

These two brightest planets – Venus and Jupiter – teamed up to provide the closest planetary conjunction of 2014, and it was the closest Venus- Jupiter conjunction until August 27, 2016, noted above. In the eastern dawn, starting mid-August, these 2 dazzlingly-brilliant planets moved closest together around August 18, 2014. The King Planet and the Bright and Morning Star were only about 1/3 degree apart. This notable Venus- Jupiter union was the only one of 2014, which took place between the first two Blood Moons of the 2014-2015 Blood Moon Tetrad. Interestingly we will see a 2nd Jupiter-Venus union of this Blood Moon Tetrad, on July 1, 2015, between the 3rd and 4th Blood Moons of our 2014-2015 Blood Moon Tetrad. The first Jupiter-Venus union associated with the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 took place in the Beehive cluster in the Sign of Cancer, the Crab on August 18th, 2014. Since there is no Hebrew word for “crab” we know this is not the original star picture in the Hebrew Mazzaroth for this Zodiacal Sign. There are two prominent stars in this sign called the Northern and Southern Asses, linked to the Hebrew Tribe Issachar, as seen in Genesis 49.

Jupiter and Venus buzz the Beehive — **August 18th, 2014 Jupiter-Venus conjunction in Beehive Cluster of Cancer**

[Gen. 49:9-12]. ⁹Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? ¹⁰The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. ¹¹Binding his donkey to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, And his clothes in the blood of grapes. ¹²His eyes are darker than wine, And his teeth whiter than milk.

The Beehive Star cluster or nebulae in the sign Cancer, also known as Praesepe, means “multitude or offspring, indicating the redeemed coming into their place of eternal rest.”5 This is an obvious indicator of the return of Christ leading his faithful to their everlasting peaceful rest in the Lord. These modern heavenly signs of the Celestial Sphinx are manifesting before our eyes in the last days leading to the victorious Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, informing us in no uncertain terms that the end is near. Dr. Martin provides some fascinating details shedding light on the rewind of the heavenly signs marking the Lord’s Second Coming.

“While Jupiter was on its westward journey to link up with Venus for the spectacular 17 June, 2BC reunion, Jupiter was showing some displays of its own. Just 33 days after the first Jupiter/ Venus conjunction (12 August, 3BC), an observer would have seen Jupiter come into juxtaposition with Regulus (the principal star in the constellation of Leo, a star of the 1st magnitude). The conjunction occurred on 14 September, 3BC, and viewed from the Earth the two celestial bodies were 0.67 degrees apart. After that, Jupiter proceeded on his normal course through the heavens, and on 1 December, 3BC, the planet stopped its motion through the fixed stars to begin its annual retrogression. In doing so, it headed once again towards the star Regulus. On the 17th of February, 2BC, the two were reunited (1.19 degrees apart). Jupiter was again side by side with the star, the two bodies being 1.06 degrees from each other (for Jupiter to unite with Regulus 3 times in 1 year is not common. It occurred 12 years earlier in 15/14BC, and before that in 86/85BC. It was not to recur until 69/70AD). After this 3rd conjunction with Regulus, Jupiter continued moving westward for 40 days (in an apparent sense) to reunite with Venus in the rare conjunction of 17 June, 2BC.”7

As we compare these heavenly signs around the birth of Christ with the current signs of the Blood Moon Tetrad leading to 2017, we note that even as Jupiter moves in its annual retrograde motion entering Virgo in August 26-27 2016, for a total of 294 days, taking us into 2017, it only spends 40 days in Virgo’s mid-section, symbolizing the birthing of the Messianic Kingdom. Jupiter marks its entrance into Virgo with the second Jupiter-Venus union of 2016. This is worthy of our attention indicating a key event with the King Planet-Jupiter related to his virgin Bride–Virgo/Israel leading to his glorious Second Coming. This alerts us to be watchful of the Sun Clothing Virgo leading us directly to the signs of 9-23-2017! Dr. Martin also mentioned that triple conjunctions of Jupiter-Regulus were uncommon, since the next one did not recur till 69/70 AD. As we may recall, this lead to the Roman’s destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem, prophesied by Christ. Although there were no Blood Moons during this period, there were Lunar and Solar Eclipses taking place on the following Hebrew Feast and Holy days:

10-18-69 there was a Partial Lunar Eclipse on the Feast of Tabernacles.
3-30-70 there was a Total Solar Eclipse on Nisan 1. [as we saw on 3-20-2015]
4-14-70 there was a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse at Passover. [similar to 2014 Passover Blood Moon]
9-23-70 there was an Annular Solar Eclipse on Rosh Hashanah. [1947 years before the 9-23-2017 sign to the day!]

As this rewind of heavenly signs marking Christ Jesus’ first appearance on earth occur in the context of the current Blood Moon Tetrad, the celestial warnings of the Second Coming are undeniable to those with eyes to see and ears to hear. All these heavenly signs seem pointed towards September 23rd, 2017, when we will see the Rev. 12 heavenly signs of 9/11/3BC marking the birth of Christ. These signs from [Rev. 12:1-2], that mark the Returning Lord, will replay in a climax of these celestial announcements as they re-appear before our eyes. We will take a closer look at the upcoming heavenly signs of September 23rd, 2017 in a post soon to follow. We are not predicting a specific date for the Lord’s return, but God would not have seeded the heavens with all these awesome signs, if He did not want us to be aware of the signs of the times. Prepare yourself and your loved ones as the end approaches.

Footnotes

1. The Birth of Christ Recalculated, Ernest Martin
2. Ibid
3. Ibid
4. Ibid
5. Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger
6. Picture Credit for M44 Beehive Cluster; Chris Marriott’s SkyMap
7. The Birth of Christ Recalculated, Ernest Martin

Passover Blood Moon-April 4th, and Nova Sagittarii 2015

April 4th, Passover Blood Moon and Nova Sagittarii 2015

As a present and primary purpose of this blog, we have been documenting the Biblical Astronomy of the Blood Moon Tetrads, including the current April 4th, 2015 Passover Blood. As with previous Blood Moons in this Tetrad, it has appeared in Virgo, near Spica [Al-Zimach] which means “the Branch of God“- referring to Jesus Christ. Thus the Blood Moon Tetrads have prophesied of Christ and his Second Coming, not only according to the prophecies of Joel, that we have documented in previous posts, but in other ways also. It is thus significant that this Blood Moon takes place both on Passover and the Resurrection Sabbath when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The Passover is a major feast for Israel signifying their redemption from bondage and exodus from Egypt, while the Resurrection of Christ is a foundation for Christianity and the Gentiles for redemption from the bondage of this world. These heavenly signs also speak loudly of the unity that both Jews and Gentiles have in Christ, as the Apostle Paul relates to us in Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:11-22 (NKJV)

¹¹Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— ¹²that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Christ Our Peace

¹⁴For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, ¹⁵having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. ¹⁷And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. ¹⁸For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Christ Our Cornerstone

¹⁹Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²²in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Without Christ there is no peace, only the same old divisions that still separate Israel from the world. To support these scriptural truths we have the heavens crying out to us in these Blood Moon Tetrads, for people to work together so that all can hear and share these truths of the redemption made available in Christ. Just as God had a plan for the believers of Israel to work with the Gentile believers in the first century Church, so He has a plan for these believers today in the unity of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ. We can see the witness of the stars aligning with the testimony of God’s Word around the unity that God has made for us in Christ. [Eph. 4:3-7]

One aspect that makes Biblical Astronomy so much fun is the Creator has utilized not only these Blood Moon Lunar and Solar Eclipses, as we have just seen in the last two weeks with the March 20th, Total Solar Eclipse on Nisan 1 and the Spring Equinox, but other astronomical signs like planetary conjunctions, meteor showers and even Novae and Supernovas, to speak to us via His heavenly tapestries. It is thus with great interest that I read about this kind of heavenly sign recently,- a Nova in Sagittarius that appeared on the scene just prior to the Total Solar Eclipse on March 20th. This new star has been dubbed “Nova Sagittarii 2015, #2” and has a very interesting story to tell. This Nova first appeared in Sagittarius in the teapot asterism on March 15th, at the heart of this constellation. According to Sky and Telescope, “the Nova peaked from March 21-22 @ 4.3 magnitude, then dropped to a 5.9 magnitude…”1 Thus it first appears as a new star in Sagittarius just prior to the Total Solar Eclipse on March 20th, and reaches its apex magnitude, as the brightest star in Sagittarius during and immediately after the Total Solar eclipse took place. The graphic below depicts the teapot figure in Sagittarius where the Nova appeared, in relation to the adjacent Constellation Scorpius.

New Star in Sagittarius 2015 — Nova Sagittarii 2015

This story however does not end here! Sky and Telescopegoes on to say that after Nova Sagittarii 2015 had brightened with the Total Solar Eclipse, it dimmed from March 23rd through April 2nd, but has “re-brightened to a magnitude of 4.6 as of 4/3/2015…”2 to coincide with the Passover Blood Moon following on 4/4/2015. The graphic below shows the Teapot asterism in relation to the Sagittarius Constellation star picture where the arrow from the Conquering Christ is aimed at the heart of the Scorpion, seen in its Red Star Antares. In Biblical Astronomy, the Star names of the constellations tell the story seen in the star picture, which we see in the Akkadian name of the star Nunki in the teapot, meaning the Prince of the Earth.3 Also, “the Hebrew and Syriac name of this constellation is Kesith, meaning the Archer [Gen. 21:20], while the Arabic name is Al Kaus-the arrow,” which is Sagittarius in Latin.4

We can thus see the original meaning of this constellation preserved in the modern usage, but to remind us of the Almighty’s intent in showing us this star picture, He has named and numbered the stars [Ps. 147:4] from antiquity. From the Heavenly Father’s Hand, we have a secondary heavenly sign supporting the theme of the Blood Moon Tetrads over the last 200 centuries, with a Nova that appears and re-brightens in synch with the Solar and Lunar eclipses opening the Spring of 2015, warning of the Second Coming of Christ! This is not the first time a Nova or Supernovae has figured prominently as a heavenly sign marking the Promised Seed. In our study of The General Sign, of the Celestial Prelude, leading up to the birth of Christ, a Supernovae was visible for over two centuries. The first decan, or subordinate sign of Virgo was originally called Coma, meaning; the desired or longed for, seen in the Book of Haggai.

Haggai 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.¹

In his book Witness of the Stars, E.W. Bullinger documents the perversion of the meaning of the sign and star picture of Coma, by the Greeks, into the hair or wig of Berenice. Coma was originally pictured as a woman holding her child, in the Dendera zodiac, who was the desired one of the nations. It was in this decan of Virgo that around 125 BC, a new star, so bright that it was visible in daytime, suddenly appeared in the head of the holy child seated in the lap of the woman in the sign Coma, pictured below.

The new star, or supernova in the head of the infant in Coma, visible for over 200 years, was The General Sign, the Star out of Jacob, [Num. 24:17] that prepared the Magi to watch for the specific aspects of the second part of the Celestial Prelude, which included the Jupiter-Saturn triple unions of 7-6BC in Pisces. We find this second aspect of Balaam’s prophecy relating to the scepter, symbolic of the reign of the king planet – Jupiter. We have shown in our study conclusively that Jupiter was the planet that the Magi referred to as “his Star” in Matthew 2:2. The Magi had noted the triple Conjunction of signs from 7-6 BC, involving Jupiter and Saturn, that gave them a blueprint for the actual signs marking Christ’s birth, starting in 3 BC. An early sign in August of 3 BC motivated them to begin their caravan to Jerusalem. Both of these aspects of the General and Specific heavenly signs marking the birth of Christ are apparent in our website study on “The Stars Over Bethlehem,“ providing further details of what the Magi observed in the skies overhead at the Messiah’s birth, both in Virgo and Coma. Even as a new star was prominent marking the birth of Christ, so it seems that new stars or Nova’s are also significant in marking his Second Coming. In some of the Psalms below we find references to the arrows of our King as he rides prosperously through the armies of the enemy. Starting in Psalm 45 we read of the Glories of our Messiah;

Psalm 45: 1-5 (NKJV)

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”^[a] A Contemplation^[b] of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

45 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

²You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. ³Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your majesty. ⁴And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things. ⁵Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; The peoples fall under You.

Psalm 64:7-10 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded. ⁸So He will make them stumble over their own tongue; All who see them shall flee away. ⁹All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. ¹⁰The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Ophiuchus Wrestling the Serpent for the Corona [Crown of dominion]

crown of dominion

Both of these chapters speak of the arrows of Sagittarius as deadly weapons in the hands of our King, the Prince of the Earth–Jesus Christ. The context of this study on Sagittarius and Scorpius, reveals key background information to understand the bigger picture of the truth seen in these heavenly signs. In the graphic above, the sign above the Scorpion is Ophiuchus, seen battling his dual headed enemy pictured in this Constellation group as the Scorpion and Serpens. This gives us an example of how to take a composite view to glean the truth from the starry signs. Man’s struggle for the crown of dominion against the serpent is highlighted by the temporary wound the serpent inflicts on him, as shown by the Scorpion stinging 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 these signs [Ophiuchus, Serpens, Sagittarius, Scorpius & Corona]. A case in point we are illustrating in the graphic below relates to the Mayan myth of the end of the World on December 21st, 2012. Our view of this heavenly sign will always be focused more on the Biblical Astronomy than on Heathen myths and astrology. Here the galactic center of the Milky Way Galaxy, is the focus, with the Sun in its midst, as seen in the graphic below from the Voyager¹⁷Astronomy program. This depicts the sky on 12-21-2012, the supposed end of the world in Mayan astrology. The main components of the scene include Sagittarius, representing the returning Lord Jesus Christ, riding his flying white steed in ultimate victory in the spiritual warfare over the dragon and his brood, represented by Scorpius the scorpion and the serpent. The Sun is centered at the tip of Sagittaruis’ arrow, pointed at the red star Antares, the heart of the Scorpion, as it’s simeultaneously being crushed from above by the foot of Ophiuchus.This reveals the light of the world shining his inescapable light on the kingdom of darkness, as he totally exposes the evil works of the enemy while conquering and laying waste to them all.

light on the kingdom of darkness

As The Sun of God arises here with healing in his wings, the light of the world is pictured at the heel of Ophiuchus. This is the heel wounded by the Scorpion, but the sufferings of Christ’s sacrificial death were only temporary, as they were followed by his resurrection from the dead, signifying his ultimate victory over death. However, the deadly wound Christ inflicts on the serpent in the Lord’s victorious Second Coming. is the final crushing blow that will destroy the works and kingdom of the adversary. Revelation 19 below relates the record of Christ’s victory over the Anti-Christ and his false Prophet at the end of days.

Revelation 19:11-21 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ Riding His White Horse

¹¹Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹²His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had^[a] a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,^[b] followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵Now out of His mouth goes a sharp^[c] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. ¹⁷Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,^[d] ¹⁸that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free^[e] and slave, both small and great.” ¹⁹And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. ²⁰Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. ²¹And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

The heavens have come alive with numerous signs telling us that the end is near, and the Second Coming of Christ is at hand! We are only months away from the conclusion of the Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 and with each Blood Moon Lunar and Solar eclipse the heavenly and earthly signs intensify. What are you doing to prepare for the Return of the Lord?

Footnotes

1. Sky and Telescope , 4/8/15
2. IBID
3. Witness of the Stars. E.W. Bullinger, p.63
4. IBID

Figure 4. The decan of Cepheus the Crowned King

The Blood Moon Tetrad of 2014-2015 and the Rev. 12 Heavenly Signs [Part I.]

Christ Our Peace

Christ Our Cornerstone

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”[a] A Contemplation[b] of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.

Jesus Christ Riding His White Horse

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”^[a] A Contemplation^[b] of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.