Fig. 598.—Gemini.
Gemini, the Twins, which are supposed to be Castor and Pollux, though it is believed that two goats were the original sign—which statement, taken in connection with the ram and the bull, that were also turned out in the spring-time, may have something to recommend it. But now Castor and Pollux are generally recognized as the constellation. During the expedition for the Golden Fleece, the electric appearance, now known as St. Elmo’s Fire, became visible upon them, and their effigies were placed in the forepart of ships as a good omen. This led to the adoption of the “figure-head.” They were made into stars when Pollux was immortalized by Jupiter, for he divided the boon with his brother. The planet Uranus was discovered near this constellation, which contains eighty-five stars.
Fig. 599.—Cancer.
Cancer, the Crab, is the next in order, and the only derivation we can find for this is that Juno sent a crab to attack Hercules when he was busily engaged with the many-headed Hydra. The crab was directed to pinch the hero’s foot, but it appears rather a lame device for the Queen to adopt. The crab, however, was killed by Hercules, and placed amongst the stars by Juno as a reward; so he gained immortality cheaply. He, Cancer, contains more than eighty stars, but none of them of any particular note. Some writers explain the sign as reminding the ancients of “the retrograde movement of the sun to the north”; but as a crab does not move “backwards,” we will still adhere to mythology as equally satisfactory at any rate. Cancer, however, was termed the “northern gate of the sun.”
Fig. 600.—Leo.
The next is Leo, the Lion, which came round in summer and at the period of much heat, so this fierce animal may have been chosen to represent that season. But mythology will have us credit the Nemæan Lion sent against Hercules by Juno as the origin of this constellation. The lion was, like the crab, placed amongst the stars when he was killed. He is a very brilliant constellation, and a very bright star called Regulus is to be seen in his chest—“Cor Leonis.” Another very fine star of the second magnitude is observable in the tail. The Lion consists of ninety-five stars, the principal ones being of the first and second magnitudes.
