Gemini

:For information on the US space program named Gemini see Project Gemini.

Mythology

Since this constellation is easily viewable as two parallel stick figures http://www.coldwater.k12.mi.us/lms/planetarium/myth/Gem.gif, considering faint stars visible to the naked eye, it was associated with the myth of Castor and Polydeuces (also known as the Dioscuri). The myth of these twins heavily concerns cattle theft, and may be connected to early views of the Milky Way, as a herd of dairy cows or cattle, by which they are situated.

Related Topics:
Castor and Polydeuces - Dioscuri - Cattle - Milky Way - Dairy - Cow

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The orientation of the constellation can vary (since they readily form stick figures whether leaning right or left), though the twins are usually viewed as left leaning. However, when right leaning, one of the twins resides in the Milky Way, and the other outside it, a situation making it appear that one of the twins is stealing the cattle, and the other is observing. In this situation, together with the area of the sky that is deserted (now considered as the new and extremely faint constellations Camelopardalis and Lynx), and the other features of the area in the Zodiac sign of Gemini (i.e. Orion, Auriga, and Canis Major), this may be the origin of the myth of the cattle of Geryon, which forms one of The Twelve Labours of Herakles.

Related Topics:
Camelopardalis - Lynx - Zodiac - Gemini - Orion - Auriga - Canis Major - Geryon - The Twelve Labours - Herakles

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Astrology

The Western astrological sign Gemini of the tropical zodiac (May 21 - June 20) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (June 20 - July 20).

Related Topics:
Astrological sign - Tropical zodiac - May 21 - June 20 - Sidereal zodiac - July 20

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In some cosmologies, Gemini is associated with the classical element Air, and thus called an Air Sign (with Libra and Aquarius). It is also one of the four mutable signs (along with Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces). Its polar opposite is Sagittarius. It is the domicile of Mercury. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Gemini rules the hands and arms. The symbol for Gemini is the twins.

Related Topics:
Classical element - Air - Virgo - Sagittarius - Pisces - Domicile - Mercury - Twins

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