The Bull
Taurus is one of the oldest signs of the zodiac, and is represented by the bull, which is apt – the word Taurus means ‘bull’ in Latin. His story is associated with Zeus, who is said to have turned himself into a bull to successfully woo the beautiful daughter of a king. Over the years, he has been seen as somewhat of a warrior, facing Orion the Hunter. Taurus has also been seen as a protector, as he stands in the way of Orion and the nearby famous star cluster called the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, the seven beautiful daughters of the God Atlas. The constellation remains a symbol of masculinity, power and protection in the cosmos.
Taurus is another of the constellations that have been identified as the same figure through multiple cultures – and in multiple eras. For centuries, it was a guide for Incans in their crop planting, was associated with Egyptian Gods & Goddesses, and Babylonian astronomers called Taurus the ‘heavenly bull.’
Apart from constellations, galaxies and nebulae also have been named after animals. A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust that is connected to the birth or the death of stars. Many of them form very recognisable shapes, and have been named for such. For example, you can find the Horsehead nebula, Crab nebula, Cat eye nebula, Eagle nebula, and the Manatee nebula.
Search online for these and you’ll be enchanted at the swirls of dust and gas that come together to form a beautiful shape.
What does it have to do with you?
If you feel that this is ancient nonsense, constellations and stars and their associated stories have consistently found new life in popular culture. Harry Potter fans will recognise the names Draco, Sirius, Regulus, Merope and Bellatrix. If you are familiar with the myths behind these constellations, you might as well yell, “Spoiler alert!” for the character progression of their wizarding counterparts. The animal connection is evident with many as well – Draco is Latin for Dragon, Sirius is the Dog star. Perhaps our favourite is that Regulus, the brightest star in the Lion constellation (a Griffin is a combination of a Lion and Eagle). Regulus is situated right where the Lion’s heart is, which indicates being ‘lionhearted’ or brave, and mirrors his character in the books.
Marvel fans will recognise the name Hydra (which is depicted as a water serpent in the sky), and, of course, the 12 signs of the Zodiac can be found in constellation form above us.
Some animals have been placed in the sky for protection, or as a reward, or to honour their role in legends and stories. Not every animal constellation has a fantastic story or myth for being placed in the sky, but they do serve an important purpose, just like their earthly counterparts. Some of the constellations, like the lizard or the fly, are there to fill a gap where there is no recognised constellation, which helps us to grasp and define the infinite universe.
In 1627, there was an attempt to re-map the stars and “Christianise the constellations.” Part of this included replacing all 12 of the zodiac constellations with the 12 Apostles of Jesus. The astronomer also went further by trying to incorporate further biblical iconography in the stars, such as replacing the ship that was meant to represent the voyage of Jason & Argonauts for the golden fleece, to represent Noah’s ark. This re-mapping didn’t gain much popularity, and has become a historical footnote. However, this contributed to the important discussion that stories linked to the stars were at the time a social and political commentary thrown up into the sky for all to see.
The point of this history lesson is to emphasise the enduring nature of animals. Of wildlife, of pets, of creatures that have roamed the earth since time immemorial. For literal centuries, animals have been part of the global narrative. They have helped to guide us; they have been revered, placed among the Gods in the Heavens, and hold key places in history and mythology. Stories like that of Ursa Major and Canis Major have their roots in protection, companionship, rewards of bravery and commemoration of glorious feats.
Coming back to earth: Improving animal welfare in Guyana is not just about feeding a stray dog or spaying a cat; it is about changing an entire society and its norms. It is about encouraging those who love animals to speak up and help others understand why animals are important. It is about educating and weaving animal welfare into the very fabric of our daily lives. It is about making kindness and empathy as common as breathing. We all look for meaning and purpose in our lives, and the sky is as good a place as any to do so.
Animal reverence has found its way into so many cultures and so many religions. So why do we have to continue to prove their relevance and importance? Perhaps the real question is: Why do some of us actively harm what history, religion, culture and mythology have all identified to be saviours; holy, and in many cases superior?
Doctor’s Note: Paws for a Cause – Guyana (“Paws”) is a local animal welfare group operating and registered in Guyana as a non-profit inc. The group works to prevent animal cruelty; to promote humane, ethical, and responsible pet ownership; to advocate for controlling the animal population via spay and neuter campaigns; to educate the public; and to assist in cases of reported animal neglect and abuse. The group’s work extends beyond dogs and cats, and includes all wildlife in Guyana. Occasionally, the group would contribute a “Paws Perspective” to the Sunday Times’ “Pet Care” column, detailing its experiences in animal welfare.
