Zodiac Series

Each photo is based on the Greek Mythology of the twelve constellations of Astrology. My goal was to choose models that were born under the zodiac they were representing and have the photo released on their birthday to celebrate them alongside the origin of the sign.

I completed this series as a year long project of 2019.

Capricorn

Originating from the constellation Capricornus. The symbol is based on Enki the god of wisdom and waters with the head and upper body of a goat and lower body and tail of a fish. Enki is also known to be the god of knowledge, mischief, magic, and creation.

Modeled by Cassidy Maples born January 18th

Aquarius

In Greek Mythology Ganymede is a divine hero who is describes as the most beautiful of mortals. Zeus fell in love with his beauty and granted him eternal youth and immortality as the cup-bearer for the gods. Placing him in the sky as the constellation Aquarius.

Modeled by Ray Highberger born January 26th

Pisces

Pisces is the latin word for “fish” and is one of the earliest zodiac signs on record, appearing as far back as 2300 BC. One of the myths is that an egg fell into the Euphrates river that was rolled to the shore by a fish. Doves sat on the egg until it hatched, out of which came Aphrodite. As a sign of gratitude, Aphrodite put the fish into the night sky.

Modeled by Krystal Turner born March 11th

Aries

Aries is based on the Chrysomallus, a flying ram with golden fleece. The myth begins with Phrixus who was going to be sacrificed to end a drought, was saved by the flying ram summoned by his mother Nephele. He collected the fleece and sacrificed the ram returning it to the gods to become a constellation. The fleece was past down and seen as a symbol of authority and kingship.

Modeled by Bayleigh Cheek born March 30th

Taurus

The constellation was a sacred bull to the Egyptians that was associated with the renewal of life in spring. During the Spring Equinox Taurus would become covered by the sun, this “sacrifice” led to the renewal of the land. Cults centered around the sacred bull began to form during the age of the Taurus or “The Age of Earth Agriculture and the Bull.”

Modeled by Sydney Highberger born May 3rd and Roy the Calf

Gemini

Castor and Pollux were twins in Greek and Roman mythology, known together as the Dioscuri. Castro was mortal and Pollux was divine. When Castro was killed Pollux asked Zeus if they could share one immortality to keep them together, rather than spending eternity on Mount Olympus. They were transformed into the two brightest stars in the constellation Gemini.

Modeled by Charlie Segovia born May 25th

Cancer

In Greek Mythology Cancer was part of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. The goddess Hera, swearing to kill Hercules, casted a spell of madness causing him to commit a great crime. In order to be forgiven, he had to perform these difficult tasks one of which was to destroy the nine-headed serpent Hydra. During the battle Hera sent the Karkinos, a giant crab, to aid the serpent by distracting Hercules. When the Karkinos was killed, Hera put the crab in the sky for the heroic sacrifice.

Modeled by Jillian Doerr born July 17th

Leo

The constellation is associated with the mythological Nemean Lion. A vicious monster with impenetrable hide and claws that could cut through armor. The lion kidnapped women from Nemea and kept them in its lair in order to lure in men while posing as a woman in distress. When the men arrived she would kill them. The Nemean Lion was killed as the first Labor of Hercules.

Modeled by Miranda Fite born August 12th and Hannah M.

Virgo

Virgo is based on the Astraea of Greek Mythology, the goddess of innocence. When the Iron Age brought along the misery and wickedness of Humanity, Astraea abandoned earth and went to the skies where she transformed into the constellation. When she returns one day, she will once again bring the utopia that was during the Golden Age, bringing the end to human suffering.

Modeled by Kaylee (Kiwi) Jones born September 18th

Libra

The Scales of Justice are held by Themis, the Greek personification of divine order, fairness, law, natural law, and custom. The ability to see into the future lead her to become one of the Oracles of the Delphi and the goddess of divine justice. Libra is the only zodiac constellation represented by an inanimate object. The other eleven signs are either an animal or mythological character throughout history.

Modeled by Skylar Eisenmann born September 28th

Scorpio

Scorpio is associated with the Greek deity Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, and wild animals. Her lover and hunting companion Orion boasted that he would kill every animal on earth. As the protector of all living things she sent a scorpion to kill Orion. Zeus raised the scorpion into heaven afterwords at the request of Artemis and did the same for Orion to serve as a reminder for mortals to curb their excessive pride. Every winter Orion hunts in the sky but he flees as constellation of the scorpion comes.

Modeled by Marie Treangen born November 20th

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is the centaur Chiron, who’s intelligence forms a bridge between earth and heaven. A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, he was highly revered as a teacher and tutor. Mentoring many heroes such as Achilles, Perseus, and of course Hercules. During a battle Chiron was hit with one of Hercules’ arrows poisoned with the blood of Hydra. Though he was a master of the healing arts he could not heal himself and willingly gave up immortality. His half-brother Zeus placed him in the stars to be honored as the constellation.

Modeled by Ash Fitch born December 20th and Femme Fatal the horse

 

A special thank you to contributors of this project!

Loviatars - Rentals (Taurus, Cancer, Libra)
Megan Bell - Make up Artist (Pisces, Leo)
Allison Oliver & Devin Rose - Hair and Make up Team (Virgo)
Selam Yohannes & Juan - Assistance (Virgo)

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