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History in the stars – Emperor Constantine







The Battle of the Milvian Bridge took place between the Roman Emperors Constantine I and Maxentius on 28 October 312. It takes its name from the Milvian Bridge, an important route over the Tiber. Constantine won the battle and started on the path that led him to end the Tetrarchy and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Maxentius drowned in the Tiber during the battle. According to chroniclers such as Eusebius of Caesarea and Lactantius, the battle marked the beginning of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. It is commonly stated that on the evening of 27 October with the armies preparing for battle, Constantine had a vision which led him to fight under the protection of the Christian God. The details of that vision, however, differ between the sources reporting it. According to one version, Constantine with his army was marching when he looked up to the sun and saw a cross of light above it, and with it the Greek words "Εν Τούτ Νίκα", En toutō níka, usually translated into Latin as "in hoc signo vinces," both phrases have the literal meaning "In this sign,[you shall] conquer.


Tomorrow is the anniversary of this battle  which brought Christianity to Rome. It is without doubt  one among other great battles that changed the course of history. In this blogsite we have seen how significant historical events are indicated by eclipses. This one is no different. Shown here is the chart for the solar eclipse of September 17, 312 just about a month before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Notice that the Ascendant [18cp21] is square Neptune [13li51] which is conjunct Gacrux [13li19], gamma Crux of the Cross and even more precisely square Acrux [18li36]; alpha Crux.





The eclipse [24vi51] is conjunct the star Kraz, [23vi56] beta Corvus of the Raven – the bearer of prophetic messages. About Corvus Nick Fiorenza writes:


Corvus is of high intelligence, ingenuity, imagination, insight and adaptability. The brains of Ravens are among the largest of any bird species. They are problem solvers, inventors and are highly opportunistic. Corvus is the keeper of secrets and a knowledge holder, but is also a prophetic revealer--the "raven messenger bird" to those who are spiritually and physically attuned, and who ask and listen. Corvus reminds us to pay attention to the signs or messages naturally expressing through the world around us moment-by-moment. The signs found in the simplest of life experience can have meaning if we are willing to be attentive to them. In fact, we can even ask to receive guidance simply by briefly holding the intent to inquire and then letting it go.





The eclipse was square Mars[21sa17] and Uranus [23sa13]. These were conjunct Rukbat [23sa] and Arkab [22sa] of the constellation of the Archer about which the Roman astrologer Manilius wrote:

As for the Archer, when the foremost portion of his cloak rises, he will give birth to hearts renowned in war and will conduct the conqueror, celebrating great triumphs in the sight of all, to his country's citadels. [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD, book 4, p.267]

Progressing the eclipse chart to 28 October 312, the date of the battle, brings Mars-Uranus to the MC signalling the battle.





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