How to divide the Ecliptic?
The Ecliptic can be divided into any number of zones. Wellknown is the division of 27 or 28 moonstations of about 13 each, marking the angular distance covered daily by the moon. The division in lunar mansions links an astronomical phenomenon, the moon’s movement, with a division of space. The same principle probably underlies the division in twelve: it seems to be based on the approximately twelve lunation cycles in the solar year (whose quarterperiods of roughly seven days may also be related to the division in weeks). But why should immutable space be subjected to divisions suggested by the coincidental and highly impermanent data of the moon’s motion? There could well have been no moon at all (as is the case for Venusians), or mankind could have come into existence and designed a Zodiac millions of years ago, when the moon was closer to the earth and its cycle as expressed in earthly days or fractions of earthly years much shorter. Freeing ourselves from the suggestions emanating f
