Page 232 - Foundations

The Zodiac Explained

There are numerous explanations for the origin of the word “zodiac.” Perhaps the most common
attributes the etymology of this word to an ancient reference to a circle of animals in the sky. English
readers may recognize a similarity between the word “zoo,” and related words such as “zoology,” to
the word “zodiac.” The Online Etymology Dictionary provides the following entry.

zodiac (n.)
late 14c., from Old French zodiaque, from Latin zodiacus "zodiac," from Greek zodiakos (kyklos)
"zodiac (circle)," literally "circle of little animals," from zodiaion, diminutive of zoion "animal" (see
zoo).

This appears to be a reasonable explanation, and is satisfactory to many who study the zodiac. Frances
Rolleston in her seminal book Mazzaroth suggests another origin for the word.

Those who derive zodiac from Zao, to live, as composed of living creatures, instead of from the
primitive root Zoad, way, going on by steps, not only overlook the balance in Libra, but the vase for
Aquarius, and the bow for Sagittarius, of the Eastern nations.

Joseph Seiss agrees with Frances Rolleston. In his book The Gospel in the Stars he states:

Whilst the sun is thus making its annual course from west to east through the centre of this belt or
zone, the moon makes twelve complete revolutions around the earth, suggesting the division of this
belt into twelve parts, or sections, of thirty degrees each; for twelve times thirty degrees complete the
circle. We thus note twelve equal steps or stages in the Sun’s path as it makes its annual circuit
through the heavens. And this belt or zone, with these twelve moons or months for its steps or stages,
is called the Zodiac, from the primitive word zoad, a walk, way, or going by steps...

William Banks in his book The Heavens Declare shares a similar view.