Deep Zodiac
The Deep Zodiac is the mystical practice of divining the future by a unique form of astrology. Instead of gazing out of the window into the local void, a practitioner of the Deep Zodiac gazes downwards at a pool of liquefied Zodiacal Tar and divines the future by tracking the minute differences in the foreign constellation of stars that shimmer within.
Zodiacal Constellations
The star field within the pool of liquefied tar matches no known star field to be found in the Great Constellation. Indeed, each source of Zodiacal Tar contains its own wholly unique set of stars that reveal themselves when it is melted. Nevertheless, common sets of stars can be seen at different times and at different points in space, and it is these common constellations that are used for divinitory interpretation.Aquillio
The Pen A constellation in the shape of a traditional scribe's quill dripping a trail of Nebula Ink from the nib star. Wielded by the fates themselves, it is said that the appearance of Aquillio marks the start of a new chapter, and the stars that the nib star is pointed towards at are considered to be especially portentous.Caryopus
The Grain Pile Less of a structured constellation and more of an amorphous cluster of faint, distant stars. Caryopus is associated with abundance and stability.Celata
The Sallet A constellation in the shape of an armoured helmet fitted for the head of a Greater Draconid. Celata is associated with protection from harm.Cyathus
The Frond A constellation in the shape of the curled frond of a snap fern. Cyathus is associated with growth.Flagelnon
The Lash A constellation in the shape of a lash where each star is a knot in a quintet of chords. Flagelnon is associated with pain and suffering, and also with reckonings, retribution, and divine punishment. Flagelnon is sometimes mistaken for the constellation Hydraea.Hydraea
The Serpent A constellation in the shape of a wyvern with many heads, each with a red glaring eye. The number of Hydraea's heads is never constant, but is always at least two. Hydraea is associated with diverging fates and conflicting outcomes. A five headed Hydraea is sometimes mistaken for the constellation of Flagelnon.Kita
The Sail A constellation in the shape of a Manta Wyvern's fin wing. Kita is associated with the rolling tides off of the Protium Shore.Lepidracus
The Dragon Moth A constellation in the shape of a Dragon Moth in the genus lepidracora, and is specifically linked to the Moultworm. By tradition, Celestial Silk is not prepared until Lepidracus can be seen in the Zodiacal Tar that is being used in the process.Mendastius
The Friar A constellation in the shape of a hunched and hooded figure. Mendastius is associated with itinerant travel, charitable acts, and goodwill.Pharos
The Beacon A constellation in the shape of a tower with a light at the peak. This star is a variable star that pulses slowly in brightness. Pharos is associated with navigating through difficult interstellar conditions, and with warnings of danger ahead.Tertriada
The Triad Sisters A trio of constellations who wander the star fields. Sometimes they are together, and sometimes they are apart. Sometimes all three are present, sometimes two, and sometimes just the one on her own. Cinder, the eldest, is associated with the past. Ember, the middle, is associated with the present. Kindle, the youngest, is associated with the future.Other Features
These are transient astrological features that are typically not directly related to any specific constellation.Novae
A star within the tar has reached the end of its life and tore itself apart in violence. Novae are always considered to be significant, though the precise interpretation of these events are a matter of interpretation. Novae typically occur away from any visible constellation, but occasionally they are closely linked to specific signs. Novae in the vicinity of Aquillio illuminate the Nebula Ink trailing from the nib star. Novae in the heads of Hydraea are said to warn of a coming decision where some paths lead to total ruin. A nova in Pharos's pulsing star is said to be a beacon offering guidance in a time of need.Blots
A stain on the parchment of the Deep Zodiac, a drop of Nebula Ink blotting out a patch of stars. Blots obscure the skies in ways that are difficult to detect and correct for and are taken as signs that the fates are still fluid and variable, not yet fixed in stone.Domain Warp
The familiar shapes of the constellation are stretched and skewed in irregular ways, fundamentally altering any possible interpretations of the constellations.The mad practice of casting fates by an untouchable sky where North has a meaning again.
Divination as astronomy is cool