Fifteen stars, 1424

The measure of precession is 1˚ in about 71 years. We can therefore work backwards from the current position of the fixed stars and establish their positions in the period of the Voynich ms. 

Let us calculate the adjustment in round figures to the year 1424:

2024 minus 1424 = 600 ÷ 71 = 8.4 

So, for general purposes, such as zodiacal stations, we can rotate the sphere of the fixed stars backwards about eight and a half degrees - for easy calculation, 8˚ and a bit.

If Sirius (Canis Major) is currently at 14˚ Cancer, in 1424 it was at (about) 6˚ Cancer. Since the stars move together - are fixed - we can apply the same adjustment to all of the fixed stars.

This, of course, is their celestial longtitude - their position projected onto the ecliptic. 

In the Middle Ages broadly speaking, and throughout the period relevant to our manuscript, there was a set of fifteen stars counted as especially important. We should properly begin with them. 

Their positions in 1424 are listed below. 

I have also listed their Decanate, according to the system known to  Ptolemy. Decanates are important in the Voynich astrology.

We are not looking for astronomical precision down to the minutes and seconds. We want to know what signs and decans and other astrological divisions the stars occupied at that time. This allows us to have a general grasp of the celestial order as it was then.

As it happens, none of these fifteen stars change zodiacal sign over the 600 years, but 8˚ is enough to change their decanate.  

Again: the adjustment is about eight degrees, slightly more. To find the (approximate) current positions of the stars, add 8˚+.

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FIFTEEN IMPORTANT FIXED STARS, 1424

Algol = 19˚ Taurus, decan = Moon

Alcyone (in the Pleaides) = 22˚ Taurus, decan = Saturn

Aldebaran = 2˚ Gemini, decan = Jupiter

Capella (Hircus) = 14˚ Gemini, decan = Mars

Polaris (Cauda Ursae) = 21˚ Gemini, decan = Sun

Sirius (Canis major) = 6˚ Cancer, decan = Venus

Procyon = 18˚ Cancer, decan = Mercury

Regulus (Cor Leonis) = 22˚ Leo, decan = Mars

Algorab (Ala Corvi) = 6˚ Libra, decan = Moon

Spica = 16˚ Libra, decan = Saturn

Arcturus (Alchamath) = 17˚ Libra, decan = Saturn

Alphecca = 4˚ Scorpio, decan = Mars

Antares = 2˚ Sagittarius, decan = Mercury

Vega (Vultur Cadens) = 7˚ Capricorn, decan = Jupiter

Daneb Algedi = 16˚ Aquarius, decan = Mercury

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