Constellation

Constellation

(Cosmos)

Type

Constellation

Adjective

Constellatory

Source: Distant Worlds, pg(s). 50

A constellation is a perceived pattern formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another when viewed from a specific point in space and time.

There are many constellations in Golarion's night sky, including the thirteen signs of the Cosmic Caravan used by those studying astrology. Different cultures have their own constellations.

Over Golarion

This is a list of some of the more famous constellations in the night sky using the names prevalent in the Inner Sea region of Golarion:

Northern hemisphere Constellations of Golarion's northern hemisphere, which includes the Inner Sea region, draw their names from Varisian traditions. The Varisians used them to guide their wanderings for generations. The Animal Mother The Caravan The Dancer The Goblin The Jackal The Mantis The Owl The Rose The Salmon The Sea Wraith The Snakefang The Stair of Stars The Stirge The Twins The Wyrm: Considered evil by some and good by others, the great star-dragon protects his hoard

Southern hemisphere Few in the Inner Sea region can see the stars known across much of the southern hemisphere of Golarion, which are better known across southern Garund and Casmaron. Ardacordis: A mythical serpent who wrestles the Kraken to prevent it from choking the world The Fang: Protects all who travel The Ferryman: Claims lost souls The Gecko: He climbed up into the night heavens Gigas Major: The old giant Gigas Minor: The young giant The Hawk: Hunts through the heavens and protects the sun The Key: Abadar uses it to unlock the First Vault The Kraken: She ensnares Ardacordis The Sorcerer: Those who use magic look to him for guidance The Sphinx: Respected by even the gods for its wisdom The Spider: It weaves the night in its silken threads The Tarrasque: It sleeps among the stars until the end times draw near The Throne: A seat reserved for the final king Minor constellations The Owl King The Prophet The Wagon

In religion

Abadar

The constellation called the Key is said to be made to unlock the First Vault or to point the way there.

Besmara

Her ship, the Seawraith, is seen as a constellation in the night sky.

Desna

The constellation called the Stair of Stars astronomically points the way to the pole star, Cynosure, and theologically points the way to Desna's palace.

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In astrology

Constellations of a zodiac—an area of the sky centered on the sun's apparent path across the celestial sphere—form the basis of astrological studies across Golarion.

Cosmic Caravan

Astrologers in the Inner Sea region use the thirteen signs of the Varisian Cosmic Caravan as the basis for their studies and predictions. It is suspected of having an Azlanti origin, potentially making it a cousin of similar Lergeni astrology systems.

Certain psychics, called esoteric starseekers, use the constellations of the Cosmic Caravan as the source of their power; they read the constellations as other psychics read minds, and can gain access to certain spells that are associated with specific constellations.

Dragon Empires zodiac

The Dragon Empires zodiac of Tian Xia comprises twelve figures heavily associated with imperial dragons and Tian legends. This zodiac is also more concerned with specific points in time, including the daylight hours, and with phases of the moon.

Blink dog zodiac

Blink dogs are fascinated by the myths associated with their own zodiac, which they use for assessing births and seeing omens.

Jahaxi constellations

The Lirgeni and iruxi peoples of Jaha have their own combined constellations and astrological traditions. Jahaxi constellations include:

The Bird Mother

A protector of new stars.

The Bird of Paradise

A flower that grows from a drop of the sun.

Eyes of the Dead

Home to ancestors who observe the world.

The Fang

A protector of travelers.

The Horn

Supports the night sky.

The Lions

Creatures who became stars after observing a goddess.

The Sailfish

Swoops down to catch food.

The Spider

Weaver of the night.

The Spine

Supports the connection between the world and heavens.

The Twin Turtles

The two are stacked atop each other.

Kellid constellations

Dating to prehistorical times, Kellids have named constellations after similarly shaped animals. Kellids have used pictograms to show the relationships between the star patterns and the animal shapes, such as those on the entrance to the Chasm of Screams in the Mindspin Mountains. These constellations are used in astrology.

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.