The Star of Bethlehem, the Legacy of the Magi both ancient and modern By Dr. Harold Williams December 21, 2016 version of Montgomery College Planetarium http://www2.montgomerycollege.edu/departments/planet/ Title slide

Some Star of Bethlehem Links The Wikipedia best online encyclopedia and in my opinion the best general encyclopedia on the planet http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Bethlehem The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi by Michael R. Molnar published by Rutgers University Press. (ISBN: 0-8135-2701-5) what I currently think is the most probable, but who knows. Biblical Magi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi

When, April 17, 6 BCE According to Starry Night Pro 5 Jupiter in Aires all of 6BC, of course it is one year in twelve. Jupiter is occulted by the Earth’s Moon.

Where, 31° 42', North and 35° 12.2’ East Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, picture from the town of Bethlehem municipal sight.

Matthew 2:1-3 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men  from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose.  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [Greek Maji] from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose [in the east] and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;

Matthew 2:4-6 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:7-9 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

Matthew 2:10-12 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Three Wise Men are named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar The Three Wise Men are named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar. From a late 6th century mosaic at the Basilica of San Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy.

Molnar’s coin Roman coin from Antioch, Syria which shows the zodiacal sign, Aries the Ram.

When, August 23, 6 BCE According to Starry Night Pro 5 Jupiter Reversed Direction, retrograde motion

When, December 19, 6 BCE According to Starry Night Pro 5 Jupiter “Stood Over”

Silver denarius issued by Emperor Augustus Caesar shows the comet of "Divine Julius" Silver denarius issued by Emperor Augustus Caesar shows the comet of "Divine Julius" which was cleverly propagandized as a good portent - Molnar Collection - RIC 1, 37a This shows the importance of astrological omens used for clever propagandizes.

A silver cistophorus shows Emperor Augustus' sign, Capricorn, holding a cornucopia signifying the great bounty bestowed upon Augustus by his horoscope A silver cistophorus shows Emperor Augustus' sign, Capricorn, holding a cornucopia signifying the great bounty bestowed upon Augustus by his horoscope - Molnar Collection - RIC 1, 493 More evidence showing the importance of astrological omens used for clever propagandizes.

The first bronze coins of Antioch depicting Aries were issued in ca The first bronze coins of Antioch depicting Aries were issued in ca. AD 5-11 which is close to when Quirinius was governor (AD 5-6) of Syria The first bronze coins of Antioch depicting Aries were issued in ca. AD 5-11 which is close to when Quirinius was governor (AD 5-6) of Syria - Molnar Collection - RPC 4265

The last coin by the governor Silanus showing Aries was issued in AD 13-14 The last coin by the governor Silanus showing Aries was issued in AD 13-14 - Molnar Collection - RPC 4269

Coin of Constantine the Great depicting Sol Invictus holding the cosmic orb as a world ruler Coin of Constantine the Great (who lived 272 to 337AD) depicting Sol Invictus holding the cosmic orb as a world ruler - Molnar Collection - RIC 7, 134 This shows the continuing importance of astrological omens used for clever propagandizes by Constantine the Great who legalized Christianity in the empire.

Bronze coin of Quadratus issued in AD 55-56 showing Aries with a star & crescent that symbolized majesty or sovereignty Bronze coin of Quadratus issued in AD 55-56 showing Aries with a star & crescent that symbolized majesty or sovereignty - Molnar Collection - RPC 4287 The Moon, Aries, and stars shown as important symbols for majesty and sovereignty in the region of Syria and Israel.