From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordZōidion can denote a small figure and, astronomically, a figure or sign of the zodiac.
- In StobaeusThe report attributed to Zeno gives the sun and moon a daily motion with the cosmos and a separate progress from one zodiacal sign to another.
- In this edition“Zodiacal sign” fits the astronomical sequence; “figure” retains the pictorial origin of the term.
- A place to beginThe sun and moon advance from sign to sign while sharing the cosmos’s daily movement.
- English renderings
- zodiacal sign; zodiacal figure
Meaning
Zōidion can denote a small figure and, astronomically, a figure or sign of the zodiac. The selected use is celestial.
Use in the book
The report attributed to Zeno gives the sun and moon a daily motion with the cosmos and a separate progress from one zodiacal sign to another. The signs mark stages of that second movement. They do not themselves constitute the whole daily revolution described in the preceding clause.
Places to read
- I.25.5.2The sun and moon advance from sign to sign while sharing the cosmos’s daily movement.
- I.49.44.20A constellation is part of the souls’ appointed heavenly station.
Translation in this edition
“Zodiacal sign” fits the astronomical sequence; “figure” retains the pictorial origin of the term.
Constellation
Asterismos names a constellation or stellar arrangement. In I.49.44.20, souls that remain steadfast are promised their appointed constellation and heavenly thrones. The word locates an assigned celestial station within the narrative. It should not automatically be restricted to the twelve zodiacal signs or assigned a modern constellation name.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 213, 390. The two motions are distinguished in the report. “From rising to rising” denotes a complete daily circuit.