March 20: Astrology Day

The god Apollo was quite fond of his personal assistant, a white raven named Corvus. But when Corvus brought the unwelcome message that Apollo’s mistress had been unfaithful, he was so angry that he changed all ravens into the black birds that we know today. And he exhausted Corvus by constantly summoning him, for the most trivial chores.  One day, he wanted water, and the bird obediently dove down to a stream. Ignoring the curled up snake at the river bank, he started filling his cup. But what was that smell, so delicately sweet? Figs! Hmm… Maybe he could have just one. Or two… A few more wouldn’t harm. It was almost dark, when he realised Apollo would be furious. Again. He thought himself so clever, grasping the snake and showing it to Apollo: “I had to fight this beast to get to your water!” It didn’t work. Apollo cursed Corvus to be thirsty forevermore, and that’s why all ravens sound hoarse. In his rage, the god flung the bird, the cup and the snake into the sky. They’re still there, as the constellations Hydra, Crater and Corvus.

Apollo kills Coronis, Print, Johann Wilhelm Baur, Harvard Art Museum, Cambridge, USA

Apollo pouring Libation, kylix, Delphi Archaeological Museum, Greece