Diagram MAPD0342

Libra Aries: We find three feasible interpretations for this diagram. One interpretation emphasizes the mention by Capella (VIII.872) of successive diametrically opposed points along the ecliptic as the sun makes its daily motion. In this passage Capella names first the opposing signs of Aries and Libra as he describes the daily passage. A second interpretation emphasizes the four numbered sections and the opposing signs as elements of Capella's description (VIII.874) of the emergence of opposite seasons on opposite sides of the globe, with the numbers referring to the four seasons and the signs Libra and Aries as the signs for equinoxes and the change of seasons. A third interpretation has elements of both the preceding ones but refers more closely to the second (VIII.874). The signs Libra and Aries are the signs for equinoctial changes of seasons, and the four numerals refer to the first four degrees of these two signs, where, according to recognized authority (Bede, De temporum ratione, 6) the equinoxes occurred at the time of Creation, at 4° of Aries and at 4° of Libra. Johannes Scottus (Eriugena), "Annotationes in Marcianum", ed. C. Lutz (Cambridge: Mediaeval Academy of America, 1939), p. 168(at 427,6) used this definition of the equinoxes. Eriugena wrote this in the 850s. An outer circle contains a small central circle and ten lines connecting the outer with the inner circle. These ten lines are in some cases separate lines and in other cases segments of radial lines. The ten lines appear in two groups that oppose each other. Commonly the four spaces constituted by a group of five lines contain the numerals from one to four; these numerals are always arranged as opposites. That is, proceeding counter-clockwise, we find the first space in each group with the numeral for one, and so forth. Outside this arrangement of two circles with connecting lines are written the names, or abbreviations, of the two signs Libra and Aries. Each of the names appears close to one of the groups of five lines.