VMs: Re: astro-nymphs?

["Rafal T. Prinke" <rafalp@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Rene Zandbergen wrote:

> But now, I am a bit confused about the meaning
> of the legend. Is the image also from the 11th
> C or does it only happen to be bound together
> with the Aratus text?

No, it is definitely 11th c. (well, maybe 12th, but
certainly not 16th).

I went back to have a look at the image that was discussed
a few years (?) ago - and IIRC you brought it to our
attention then. I mean the image from a Byzantine version
of Ptolemy dated to the year 820 (at least that is what
the caption in Kenton's _Astrology. The Celestial Mirror_ says).
I have scanned it and put here:

  http://main.amu.edu.pl/~rafalp/HERM/VMS/obrazki/ptolemy_byzantine.jpg

The innermost circle (around the figure of Helios in his chariot)
contains naked nymphs much like those in the VMS. The outer ring
of inscriptions is quite obvious (even to me) and contains
Roman names of months in Greek letters. But the inner ring puzzles
me - especially as most labels seem to start with the same letters
(again - much as in many VMS labels). They must refer either to
the planets above or "nymphs" below - and certainly are abbreviated.

The planets themselves are also of interest. Note their attributes
- quite unlike those of the Roman/Western astrological tradition known
to us. For example, Mercury as the ruler of Gemini has a basket with
some stuff on his back (in his merchant role?) but in Virgo he
seems to hold small sacks (money?) in his hands. 

Best regards,

Rafal