Metaphysical meaning of Mazzaroth (mbd)
Mazzaroth, maz'-za-roth (Heb.)--prognostications; forewarnings- constellations, i. e., the twelve signs of the zodiac; stellar influx; circle of places; diadems; crowns.
A name given to the signs of the zodiac (Job 38:32; see margin also). The signs of the zodiac and the names of the greater stars reach so far into the past that no one knows for certain just where they originated. Josephus and the Jewish rabbis claim that the science of astronomy began with the immediate descendants of Seth, who was Adam's son.
The zodiac is the name given by people of old to an imaginary band passing around the heavens, wide enough to include the circuits of the sun and the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, and Saturn. It is just a convenient method of reference to the position of the stars. Animal figures and outlines were chosen to represent these stars, and their relative position in the heavens, for animistic reasons.
Meta. For ages man has believed that he is influenced by the stars for good or for ill, according to the planet under which he has been born, and entirely apart from his own volition. However we are now awaking to the truth of Shakespeare's declaration, "The fault . . . is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings," and to the truth of God's own word in Genesis, to the effect that He made man in His own image and likeness, and gave him dominion. This dominion is, first of all, over himself. Thus man becomes master of his own fate and can make his life what he will. In time he will rule even the elements and the stars, consciously.
The query, "Canst thou lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season?", means: Can you cause the sun and the planets to make their prescribed circuits, and to continue in them? Mazzaroth, meaning prognostications and referring to the signs of the zodiac, signifies metaphysically one's power to guide one's own life and to foretell the outcome of the thoughts and intents of one's own mind and heart.
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Preceding Entry: Mattithiah
Following Entry: Mearah
