The Autumn Triangle  
 

Though seen at its brightest here in the autumn months, this constellation is known more commonly as the great summer triangle.  And unlike most of the 88 known constellations, this particular constellation has no myth associated with it.  In actuality, it was named by two dutch astronomers in the late sixteenth century.  Why?  Only they know.

The constellation is actually an asterism, which means it is a group of stars that are part of another or several other constellations.  An example of this is the Big Dipper which is also a part of Great Bear constellation.

To that end, the autumn triangle definitely fits the definition.  Three stars comprise the points of the triangle.  Deneb is part of the constellation Cygnus, and is known as the tail of the swan.  Altair (or Atair) is part of the constellation Aquila, and is known as the eye of the eagle.  And Vega is part of the constellation Lyra.   (The triangle’s points are also referred to as The Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.)

The star Vega is the best way to begin locating this particular constellation since Vega is the fifth brightest star in the sky.  To locate the triangle, face the south shortly after dark while looking directly overhead.  You should see two bright stars - Vega and Deneb.  The brightest will be Vega, which is a blue-white star to your right.  Once you’ve found them, lower your head about a third of the way down towards the horizon.  Straight down will be Altair.

You will be able to see this particular constellation through early winter, but by then you’ll need to look near the western horizon to locate them.  And for those trivia buffs out there, did you know that 4,000 years ago, the North Star was actually the star Thuban.  It is currently the star Polaris.  And in 10,000 years it will be the star Vega.  Ah, the joys of research.

So as you’re out celebrating the Sabbat, take a moment and gaze to the heavens.  Celebrate the triple stars as you celebrate the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and triple god (youth, adult, and dying/reborn being).  May your ritual celebrations bring blessings and joy to your hearts.
 

© 2000 Mother