Equinoxes And Solstices
Under the sidereal astrology system, what determines the passage of sun through the zodiac signs is given by the earth orbit on Sun and by an illusion effect. In the astrological map, the sun moves, but actually this movement is just made by earth, in which angle produces an illusion that seems the Sun is in front of a certain constellation of the Ecliptic (fig. 1).
Fig 1. According to the sidereal astrology system, the Sun is in Cancer.
Under the tropical astrology system (mostly used), the reference to determine when the sun is in such or such sign is given by the inclination of the Earth axis that cycles over the year. This cycle is divided between two equinoxes and two solstice periods, or if you prefer, between four weather seasons.
Equinox is a Latin derived word (aequinoctium), that means ?equal night? and refers to the year moment in which the day duration is the same of night, above all Earth.
Astronomically, it happens when the Earth reach a certain position in its orbit where the Sun seems being situated exactly on the intersection of the Celestial Equator circle with the Ecliptic circle; in other words, on the instant in which the Sun is on its apparent yearly movement through the Ecliptic, and crosses the Celestial Equator, with a zero degree declination.
The Vernal Equinox (21/03), marks the spring entry on north hemisphere and of the autumn on south hemisphere. This date is particularly considered by Astrologers, because this ?Vernal Point?, marks the begin of the Aries Sign, and as it is the first sign on zodiac, it marks the begin of the Astrological year. Is when the Sun, on its apparent movement, goes by from the south hemisphere to the north hemisphere.
On the image below, you can see a representation of terrestrial sunstroke relative to this Equinox. On this period the Earth recieve in both hemispheres the same intensity of solar light.
The Autumnal Equinox (23/09), marks the autumn entry on north hemisphere and of the spring on south hemisphere, also called of ?Libra Point?; instant when the Sun goes by from north hemisphere to the south hemisphere.
On the image below, you can see a representation of terrestrial sunstroke relative to this Equinox. On this period the Earth recieve in both hemispheres the same intensity of solar light.
The word Solstice, is derived from Latin, sol + sistere (solstitium), that means stopped sun, or immobilized, and it is relationed to the ideia that the Sun would be as if being stationary.
Marks the year period in which the Sun, on its apparent movement on celestial sphere, reaches the greatest angular distance from the Equator.
Is considered Summer Solstice (22/06) on north hemisphere and of winter on south hemisphere, when the Sun is at 0º of Cancer Sign, when the Sun reaches its greatest north declination, 23º27'. On this moment, the Sun ?imobilize? its gradual movement to the south direction and starts to go to the north pole.
On the image below, you can see a representation of terrestrial sunstroke relative to this Equinox. On this period the Earth recieve the solar rays with more intensity on north hemisphere.
On the Winterly Solstice day (21/12) on north hemisphere and of summer on south hemisphere, it marks the entry of Sun on Capricorn Sign, when the Sun reaches its greatest south declination, 23º27'. On this moment, the Sun ?imobilize? its gradual movement to the north direction and starts to go to the south pole.
On the image below, you can see a representation of terrestrial sunstroke relative to this Equinox. On this period the Earth recieve the solar rays with more intensity on south hemisphere.
Is good to remember that as soon as the weather seasons are opposed on both hemispheres, the denominations turns over themselves. And also, the could be a variation of one or two days on the described dates.
On the image below, is represented the positions of our planet in relation to Sun, on the Solstices and Equinoxes, that define the four weather seasons of the year.
The illustration above, facilitate the understanding to the Astrologers, where one can notice the equinoctial points and the solstitial ones.
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Author: Orisha Ogum
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