Title:
ASTROLOGY BOARD GAME APPARATUS
United States Patent 3652092
Abstract:
An astrology game board comprising a flat stationary board having positioned on a surface thereof a circular indicator means rotatable about a fixed axis, disposed around said indicator means twelve radially extending bands, each of said bands having within its field in radially disposed fashion; an image of the earth having therein a orbiting flag receiving aperture, a plurality of zodiac sign symbols in circularly disposed arrangement, in proximity to each of said symbols a peg receiving aperture, and a plurality of peg receiving apertures in circularly disposed arrangement; between said bands and each associated with one of said bands a circularly disposed degree scale, said scale having at regular increments a orbiting flag receiving aperture. Each of said bands is identified by a color associated with a particular zodiac sign. The bands are arranged in the cosmic order of the zodiac signs around the indicator means. The degree scale has at its center the planet symbol and name of the planet which cosmically rules the zodiac sign of the band associated with said scale. Alternatively, said indicator means may be deleted in favor of twelve suits of astrological playing cards.
US Patent References:
/1323872.html
Lajara - December 1919 - 1323872
Game board
Atkinson - February 1927 - 1615927
Board game apparatus
Kloss - September 1952 - 2611616
/1323872.html
Lajara - December 1919 - 1323872
Game board
Atkinson - February 1927 - 1615927
Board game apparatus
Kloss - September 1952 - 2611616
Inventors:
Boyer, Richard G. (Hollywood, CA)
Boyer, Lola Elizabeth (Hollywood, CA)
Boyer, Lola Elizabeth (Hollywood, CA)
Application Number:
04/869009
Publication Date:
03/28/1972
Filing Date:
10/24/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
273/141R
International Classes:
A63F3/00; A63F3/00
Field of Search:
273/134
Primary Examiner:
Lowe, Delbert B.
Claims:
We claim
1. An astrology game board comprising:
2. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said bands are 12 in number and are equidistant from one another.
3. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said indicator means is provided, along its axis of rotation, with a projection extending outwardly from the plane of the board which is adapted to receive a rotation-imparting force.
4. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said board is in the form of a thin circular disk.
5. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said plurality of playing piece-receiving apertures in circularly disposed arrangement is disposed around a single zodiac sign symbol.
6. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein each of said bands is identified by a color associated with a particular zodiac sign.
7. An astrology board game apparatus comprising:
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said selecting means comprises a deck of at least 12 different astrological playing cards, each card carrying one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac.
1. An astrology game board comprising:
2. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said bands are 12 in number and are equidistant from one another.
3. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said indicator means is provided, along its axis of rotation, with a projection extending outwardly from the plane of the board which is adapted to receive a rotation-imparting force.
4. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said board is in the form of a thin circular disk.
5. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein said plurality of playing piece-receiving apertures in circularly disposed arrangement is disposed around a single zodiac sign symbol.
6. The astrology game board of claim 1 wherein each of said bands is identified by a color associated with a particular zodiac sign.
7. An astrology board game apparatus comprising:
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said selecting means comprises a deck of at least 12 different astrological playing cards, each card carrying one of the twelve signs of the Zodiac.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Astrology has been increasing in popularity due, in part, to interest created by the coming of the so-called "space age." The various game boards presently available on the market do not involve, so far as is known, an astrological basis in any significant sense. It would appear that a game of skill involving astrology and a knowledge of this emerging science would find a notable reception among the public. It is believed that the present invention will create interest among persons of all ages, and will prove to be a source of enjoyment and education.
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel astrology game which can be played for recreational purposes by two or more persons.
More particularly, it is an object of our invention to provide a novel astrology game which is educational and involves the use of skill.
These and other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the more detailed description which follows.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning to the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows the left-hand side of the game board of this invention in a top view.
FIG. 2 complements FIG. 1 and shows the right-hand side of the game board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the Libra band and its ruling planet, Venus, which band and planet also appear in the upper portion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view through the game board of this invention in the vicinity of the indicator means and showing the mechanical details of its rotational mounting on a fixed axis.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the central portion of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the playing pieces which can be used in playing a game on the board of this invention.
FIG. 7 shows one of the cards used in lieu of the indicator means on an alternate embodiment of this invention.
Turning to the drawings in greater detail, the board 10, preferably in the form of a thin circular disk, is provided at its center with indicator means 12 which is rotatable around a fixed central axis. The indicator means 12 can be made to perform its function in many ways. In the device shown in the drawings, the indicator means 12 has an arrow 14 extending from a drawing of the sun 16, the sun being the center of the solar system. The knob 18 is grasped manually by each player to cause the indicator means 12 to spin. Disposed around indicator means 12 are twelve radially extending colored bands 20. Each band is identified by a color associated with a particular zodiac sign. The bands are arranged in the cosmic order of the zodiac signs around the indicator means 12. Within the field of each of the colored bands 20 is an image of the earth 22 having therein a playing piece-receiving aperture 24. Aperture 24 is preferably positioned on the earth 22 in proximity to Cape Kennedy as shown in the drawings. The twelve zodiac sign symbols 26 are arranged circularly around the animal symbol 28 associated with the sign symbol of the particular band. Adjacent each sign symbol 26 is a playing piece-receiving aperture 30. A plurality of playing piece-receiving apertures 32 are arranged circularly around an enlarged form 34 of the sign symbol of the particular band.
The 12 sign symbols 26 around the animal symbol 28 on each band 20 are oriented to match the same relative positions as the larger individual sign symbols 34. These sign symbols 26 are generally of the same color as the larger sign symbols 34 which they represent.
Between bands 20 are ruling planets 36 having a circularly disposed degree scale 38, said scale having at regular increments a playing piece-receiving aperture 40. The scale 38 surrounds an enlarged form 42 of the planet symbol for each ruling planet. In the drawings, the planet 36 rules the zodiac sign of the band 20 which immediately follows in a clockwise direction. ##SPC1##
The 12 colored bands 20 are known as "House" or "Sign Cusps," sometimes hereinafter referred to as "SIGNS." In playing the game, the players can master the game more quickly by first learning the relationship of all the Signs to their Symbols, Ruling Planets, colors, etc., as shown in the Chart, before starting to play. The Sun, being the center of our solar system, is depicted as 16 on the rotatable indicator means 12.
The game of this invention is designed as a game of skill, and it is to the player's advantage to spin the indicator means 12 with a very slow, controlled spin. The indicator means 12 is designed for precision rotation, and preferably has the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The ideal spin is one in which the indicator means 12 is given just enough momentum for the arrow 14 to make one complete revolution from its starting point before stopping on any band 20. Play should pass from left to right around the Astrology Wheel, in keeping with the cosmic order of the Signs.
In the game, mathematical angles are known as "aspects." All the bands 20 form angles to each other, and are called major (Square, Opposition and Trine) and minor aspects. Some are termed as "good aspects" and some as "adverse aspects." In this game, all aspects of the Signs are considered "good," except the Square Aspects.
There are two Square Aspect Signs for each player, and they are located 90° or three Signs away to the right and to the left of the particular Sign he may be playing from. Each player has two Trine Aspect Signs located 120° or four Signs away to the right and to the left of his particular playing Sign. Each player has one Opposition Aspect Sign, and it is located 180° away, or directly opposite the Sign he may be playing from.
The following Sign Aspect Chart identifies the names of all Aspects that the Signs form to each other. These Aspects are the same for any player, regardless of which Sign he may choose to play on, as each player's Sign serves as the base or starting point for all angles or degrees. Obviously, the names of the Signs will be different for each player, even though the Aspect is the same.
The degrees listed in the following Sign Aspect Chart indicate the degrees or distance apart for each aspect. ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- SIGN ASPECT CHART
Degrees Aspect ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Your Own Playing Sign 0 Conjunction First Sign Left or Right 30 Semi-Sextile Second Sign Left or Right 60 Sextile Third Sign Left or Right 60 Square Fourth Sign Left or Right 120 Trine Fifth Sign Left or Right 150 Quincunx Sixth or Opposition Sign 180 Opposition ____________________________________________________________ ______________
There are four major rules for playing the Astrology Game of this invention, the "Sign Nature" Rule, "Zodiac Scoring," "Degree Scoring" and the "Triplicity" Rule.
The Sign Nature Rule applies only in the beginning of the game. The players use this rule in order to move their Orbiting Flag shown in FIG. 6 to the "Launching Pad" (aperture 24), which is on the image of the earth 22, and from the "Launching Pad" to the starting position of the degree scale or Orbit 38 around their Ruling Planet 36. In Astrology a certain quality or Nature is given to the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. The following chart will identify the nature of all twelve Signs: ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
CARDINAL FIXED MUTABLE ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces ____________________________________________________________ ______________
"Cardinal" means "turning point" or "of basic importance," and the four Cardinal Signs mark the turning points, or the beginnings, of the four seasons of the year.
"Fixed" means "securely placed" or "fastened," and the four Fixed Signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius have the Nature of being generally more inflexible that the other Signs.
"Mutable" means "capable of change" or "variable." The four Mutable Signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are generally considered the most flexible of all the Signs.
It may be noted that each Cardinal Sign is in Square Aspect to the next Cardinal Sign in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, that is, separated by 90°. Similarly, each Fixed Sign is separated from the next Fixed Sign by 90°. Likewise for the Mutable Signs.
Zodiac Scoring consists of each player in turn stopping the arrow on all the Signs of the Zodiac and adding them to his score. After the player's Orbiting Flag is moved to the Launching Pad, his Zodiac Scoring begins, and continues throughout the game. All of the larger Sign Symbols 34 are also represented in the 12 Zodiac Sign Symbols 26, which surround the Animal Symbol 28. The 12 Zodiac Sign Symbols 26 are of the same colors and relative positions as the larger individual Sign Symbols on each of the Signs around the Zodiac.
In Zodiac scoring, each player in turn grasps the knob of the "Sun Wheel" and spins it, causing the Sun Wheel arrow to rotate and to come to stop upon any one of the signs of the Zodiac. As the player stops the arrow on each Zodiac sign, he takes one of his pegs from one of the apertures 32 and places his peg in that sign's appropriate receiving aperture 30. For instance, if the player stops the arrow on the Zodiac sign "Leo" the player places his peg in the aperture adjacent to the Leo Sign symbol . Each player in turn continues to add the signs of the Zodiac in like manner until all signs of the Zodiac have been added to his "Zodiac Score" (circle of 12 sign symbols.) This procedure of adding the Zodiac signs constitutes "Zodiac Scoring." A player may move his orbiting flag to the "Launching Pad" by stopping the Sun Wheel arrow on any sign of the Zodiac that is of the same "sign nature" as his own playing sign. For instance, if a player is playing from the sign Leo, the "sign nature" of Leo is "fixed." This means that the Leo sign player must stop the arrow on any sign of the Zodiac that is of the same "sign nature" -- i.e., "fixed." The same exact procedure is required in order that the player may move his orbiting flag from the Launching Pad to the orbit starting mark aperture 40 adjacent to the "0" to start the orbit of his "ruling planet."
All other Signs of the Zodiac are situated likewise for each player, keeping in mind, however, that each following (counterclockwise) Sign around the wheel has the player's small Zodiac Circle of Sign Symbols advanced one more Sign, so that a true orientation of the relative Sign positions is maintained for all players. Each player's small circle of 12 Sign Symbols will hereinafter be referred to as the player's "Zodiac Score."
In the beginning of the game, the players place 12 pegs in the apertures 32 which surround enlarged Sign Symbol 34. One of the pegs is a flag peg (FIG. 6) which is used as the "Orbiting Flag."
Zodiac Scoring, as explained hereinbefore, consists of each player in turn adding all the Signs of the Zodiac to his Zodiac Score. When a player stops the arrow on a particular Sign, a peg is taken from his Sign Symbol 34 and placed beside the same matching Sign Symbol in his Zodiac Score.
Degree Scoring begins for each player after he moves his Orbiting Flag to the starting position beside his Ruling Planet. Degree Scoring consists of adding degrees toward completion of the degree scale or Orbit 38 around each player's Ruling Planet 36. The flag peg is used as the Orbiting Flag, and at the beginning of the game it should be placed in the six o'clock position of each player's Sign Symbol 34. The Orbiting Flag represents the player's Sign.
When in Orbit, each player in turn advances his Orbiting Flag a certain number of degrees, depending upon at which Sign the player stops the arrow. Players must win a total of 360 degrees to complete their Orbit.
If the orbit flag is either in orbit or in the orbit starting position, and the arrow stops on a square aspect sign that has already been added to the player's Zodiac Score, then that square aspect sign is lost and the peg must be placed back in its starting position and all orbiting degrees, if any, are lost. ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- ORBIT DEGREE COUNT CHART
Aspect Orbit Degree Count ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Your Own Playing Sign Conjunction No Degrees First Sign, Right or Left Semi-Sextile 10 Degrees Second Sign, Right or Left Sextile 20 Degrees Third Sign, Right or Left Square No Degrees Fourth Sign, Right or Left Trine 80 Degrees Fifth Sign, Right or Left Quincunx 50 Degrees Sixth, or Opposite Sign Opposition 120 Degrees ____________________________________________________________ ______________ NOTE: Orbit degrees differ from mathematical degrees.
When the player's Orbit is completed, he may use the Triplicity Rule to help add any remaining Signs to his Zodiac Score. As each player in turn completes the Orbit of his Ruling Planet, the "Triplicity Rule" may be used for all remaining Signs that may not have been added to his Zodiac Score at this point. This Rule quickens the pace of the game and creates a more exciting finish.
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac are associated with the four Elements, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each Element is represented by three Signs, and these three Signs, all belonging to the same Element, are known as a "Triplicity." The three Signs in each Triplicity form a Trine Aspect to each other, that is, 120° or four Signs apart. The Triplicities are as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Fire Earth Air Water Triplicity Triplicity Triplicity Triplicity ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces ____________________________________________________________ ______________
Under the Triplicity Rule, a player no longer has to stop the arrow on each particular Sign remaining, in order to add it to his Zodiac Score, but may substitute one Sign for another within the same Triplicity group.
The two Trine Aspect Signs for each player belong to the same Element or Triplicity as the Sign he is playing on. Under the Triplicity Rule, a player may stop the arrow on his own playing Sign, in order to add either remaining Trine Aspect Sign to his Zodiac Score.
The first player to complete the Orbit around his Ruling Planet and having scored on all the other 11 signs of the Zodiac, thus completely filling his Zodiac Score with all 12 pegs, wins the game.
Many variations in our invention are contemplated. For example, twelve suits of astrological playing cards may be substituted for the indicator means 12 in the center of the board 10 and the same rules for playing, described above, will apply. Each of the cards carries one of the 12 signs of the zodiac. The drawing of certain cards will replace the function of the indicator means 12.
Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the board 10 is provided with a recess 50 in which is received the rotatable indicator means 12. The indicator means 12 includes a countersunk externally threaded collar 52 which is covered by the decorative external layer 54. The layer 54 is secured by screws 56. The outer threaded member 58 carries knob 18. Underlying collar 52 is bearing race 60 in which is received thrust bearing 62. The spacer 64 of L-shaped cross section acts as a stop at the underside of threaded bolt 66 which is held by nut 68 received in recess 70. The projection 72 on collar 52 clears the underside of the head of bolt 66 by about 5,000ths of an inch so that free rotation of the indicator means 12 is provided.
The underside of board 10 is normally covered with a fibrous cloth or felt layer 74.
Many variations of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this invention is limited only by the lawful scope of the appended claims.
Astrology has been increasing in popularity due, in part, to interest created by the coming of the so-called "space age." The various game boards presently available on the market do not involve, so far as is known, an astrological basis in any significant sense. It would appear that a game of skill involving astrology and a knowledge of this emerging science would find a notable reception among the public. It is believed that the present invention will create interest among persons of all ages, and will prove to be a source of enjoyment and education.
It is an object of this invention to provide a novel astrology game which can be played for recreational purposes by two or more persons.
More particularly, it is an object of our invention to provide a novel astrology game which is educational and involves the use of skill.
These and other objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the more detailed description which follows.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning to the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows the left-hand side of the game board of this invention in a top view.
FIG. 2 complements FIG. 1 and shows the right-hand side of the game board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the Libra band and its ruling planet, Venus, which band and planet also appear in the upper portion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view through the game board of this invention in the vicinity of the indicator means and showing the mechanical details of its rotational mounting on a fixed axis.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the central portion of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the playing pieces which can be used in playing a game on the board of this invention.
FIG. 7 shows one of the cards used in lieu of the indicator means on an alternate embodiment of this invention.
Turning to the drawings in greater detail, the board 10, preferably in the form of a thin circular disk, is provided at its center with indicator means 12 which is rotatable around a fixed central axis. The indicator means 12 can be made to perform its function in many ways. In the device shown in the drawings, the indicator means 12 has an arrow 14 extending from a drawing of the sun 16, the sun being the center of the solar system. The knob 18 is grasped manually by each player to cause the indicator means 12 to spin. Disposed around indicator means 12 are twelve radially extending colored bands 20. Each band is identified by a color associated with a particular zodiac sign. The bands are arranged in the cosmic order of the zodiac signs around the indicator means 12. Within the field of each of the colored bands 20 is an image of the earth 22 having therein a playing piece-receiving aperture 24. Aperture 24 is preferably positioned on the earth 22 in proximity to Cape Kennedy as shown in the drawings. The twelve zodiac sign symbols 26 are arranged circularly around the animal symbol 28 associated with the sign symbol of the particular band. Adjacent each sign symbol 26 is a playing piece-receiving aperture 30. A plurality of playing piece-receiving apertures 32 are arranged circularly around an enlarged form 34 of the sign symbol of the particular band.
The 12 sign symbols 26 around the animal symbol 28 on each band 20 are oriented to match the same relative positions as the larger individual sign symbols 34. These sign symbols 26 are generally of the same color as the larger sign symbols 34 which they represent.
Between bands 20 are ruling planets 36 having a circularly disposed degree scale 38, said scale having at regular increments a playing piece-receiving aperture 40. The scale 38 surrounds an enlarged form 42 of the planet symbol for each ruling planet. In the drawings, the planet 36 rules the zodiac sign of the band 20 which immediately follows in a clockwise direction. ##SPC1##
The 12 colored bands 20 are known as "House" or "Sign Cusps," sometimes hereinafter referred to as "SIGNS." In playing the game, the players can master the game more quickly by first learning the relationship of all the Signs to their Symbols, Ruling Planets, colors, etc., as shown in the Chart, before starting to play. The Sun, being the center of our solar system, is depicted as 16 on the rotatable indicator means 12.
The game of this invention is designed as a game of skill, and it is to the player's advantage to spin the indicator means 12 with a very slow, controlled spin. The indicator means 12 is designed for precision rotation, and preferably has the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The ideal spin is one in which the indicator means 12 is given just enough momentum for the arrow 14 to make one complete revolution from its starting point before stopping on any band 20. Play should pass from left to right around the Astrology Wheel, in keeping with the cosmic order of the Signs.
In the game, mathematical angles are known as "aspects." All the bands 20 form angles to each other, and are called major (Square, Opposition and Trine) and minor aspects. Some are termed as "good aspects" and some as "adverse aspects." In this game, all aspects of the Signs are considered "good," except the Square Aspects.
There are two Square Aspect Signs for each player, and they are located 90° or three Signs away to the right and to the left of the particular Sign he may be playing from. Each player has two Trine Aspect Signs located 120° or four Signs away to the right and to the left of his particular playing Sign. Each player has one Opposition Aspect Sign, and it is located 180° away, or directly opposite the Sign he may be playing from.
The following Sign Aspect Chart identifies the names of all Aspects that the Signs form to each other. These Aspects are the same for any player, regardless of which Sign he may choose to play on, as each player's Sign serves as the base or starting point for all angles or degrees. Obviously, the names of the Signs will be different for each player, even though the Aspect is the same.
The degrees listed in the following Sign Aspect Chart indicate the degrees or distance apart for each aspect. ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- SIGN ASPECT CHART
Degrees Aspect ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Your Own Playing Sign 0 Conjunction First Sign Left or Right 30 Semi-Sextile Second Sign Left or Right 60 Sextile Third Sign Left or Right 60 Square Fourth Sign Left or Right 120 Trine Fifth Sign Left or Right 150 Quincunx Sixth or Opposition Sign 180 Opposition ____________________________________________________________ ______________
There are four major rules for playing the Astrology Game of this invention, the "Sign Nature" Rule, "Zodiac Scoring," "Degree Scoring" and the "Triplicity" Rule.
The Sign Nature Rule applies only in the beginning of the game. The players use this rule in order to move their Orbiting Flag shown in FIG. 6 to the "Launching Pad" (aperture 24), which is on the image of the earth 22, and from the "Launching Pad" to the starting position of the degree scale or Orbit 38 around their Ruling Planet 36. In Astrology a certain quality or Nature is given to the twelve Signs of the Zodiac. The following chart will identify the nature of all twelve Signs: ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
CARDINAL FIXED MUTABLE ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces ____________________________________________________________ ______________
"Cardinal" means "turning point" or "of basic importance," and the four Cardinal Signs mark the turning points, or the beginnings, of the four seasons of the year.
"Fixed" means "securely placed" or "fastened," and the four Fixed Signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius have the Nature of being generally more inflexible that the other Signs.
"Mutable" means "capable of change" or "variable." The four Mutable Signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces are generally considered the most flexible of all the Signs.
It may be noted that each Cardinal Sign is in Square Aspect to the next Cardinal Sign in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, that is, separated by 90°. Similarly, each Fixed Sign is separated from the next Fixed Sign by 90°. Likewise for the Mutable Signs.
Zodiac Scoring consists of each player in turn stopping the arrow on all the Signs of the Zodiac and adding them to his score. After the player's Orbiting Flag is moved to the Launching Pad, his Zodiac Scoring begins, and continues throughout the game. All of the larger Sign Symbols 34 are also represented in the 12 Zodiac Sign Symbols 26, which surround the Animal Symbol 28. The 12 Zodiac Sign Symbols 26 are of the same colors and relative positions as the larger individual Sign Symbols on each of the Signs around the Zodiac.
In Zodiac scoring, each player in turn grasps the knob of the "Sun Wheel" and spins it, causing the Sun Wheel arrow to rotate and to come to stop upon any one of the signs of the Zodiac. As the player stops the arrow on each Zodiac sign, he takes one of his pegs from one of the apertures 32 and places his peg in that sign's appropriate receiving aperture 30. For instance, if the player stops the arrow on the Zodiac sign "Leo" the player places his peg in the aperture adjacent to the Leo Sign symbol . Each player in turn continues to add the signs of the Zodiac in like manner until all signs of the Zodiac have been added to his "Zodiac Score" (circle of 12 sign symbols.) This procedure of adding the Zodiac signs constitutes "Zodiac Scoring." A player may move his orbiting flag to the "Launching Pad" by stopping the Sun Wheel arrow on any sign of the Zodiac that is of the same "sign nature" as his own playing sign. For instance, if a player is playing from the sign Leo, the "sign nature" of Leo is "fixed." This means that the Leo sign player must stop the arrow on any sign of the Zodiac that is of the same "sign nature" -- i.e., "fixed." The same exact procedure is required in order that the player may move his orbiting flag from the Launching Pad to the orbit starting mark aperture 40 adjacent to the "0" to start the orbit of his "ruling planet."
All other Signs of the Zodiac are situated likewise for each player, keeping in mind, however, that each following (counterclockwise) Sign around the wheel has the player's small Zodiac Circle of Sign Symbols advanced one more Sign, so that a true orientation of the relative Sign positions is maintained for all players. Each player's small circle of 12 Sign Symbols will hereinafter be referred to as the player's "Zodiac Score."
In the beginning of the game, the players place 12 pegs in the apertures 32 which surround enlarged Sign Symbol 34. One of the pegs is a flag peg (FIG. 6) which is used as the "Orbiting Flag."
Zodiac Scoring, as explained hereinbefore, consists of each player in turn adding all the Signs of the Zodiac to his Zodiac Score. When a player stops the arrow on a particular Sign, a peg is taken from his Sign Symbol 34 and placed beside the same matching Sign Symbol in his Zodiac Score.
Degree Scoring begins for each player after he moves his Orbiting Flag to the starting position beside his Ruling Planet. Degree Scoring consists of adding degrees toward completion of the degree scale or Orbit 38 around each player's Ruling Planet 36. The flag peg is used as the Orbiting Flag, and at the beginning of the game it should be placed in the six o'clock position of each player's Sign Symbol 34. The Orbiting Flag represents the player's Sign.
When in Orbit, each player in turn advances his Orbiting Flag a certain number of degrees, depending upon at which Sign the player stops the arrow. Players must win a total of 360 degrees to complete their Orbit.
If the orbit flag is either in orbit or in the orbit starting position, and the arrow stops on a square aspect sign that has already been added to the player's Zodiac Score, then that square aspect sign is lost and the peg must be placed back in its starting position and all orbiting degrees, if any, are lost. ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- ORBIT DEGREE COUNT CHART
Aspect Orbit Degree Count ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Your Own Playing Sign Conjunction No Degrees First Sign, Right or Left Semi-Sextile 10 Degrees Second Sign, Right or Left Sextile 20 Degrees Third Sign, Right or Left Square No Degrees Fourth Sign, Right or Left Trine 80 Degrees Fifth Sign, Right or Left Quincunx 50 Degrees Sixth, or Opposite Sign Opposition 120 Degrees ____________________________________________________________ ______________ NOTE: Orbit degrees differ from mathematical degrees.
When the player's Orbit is completed, he may use the Triplicity Rule to help add any remaining Signs to his Zodiac Score. As each player in turn completes the Orbit of his Ruling Planet, the "Triplicity Rule" may be used for all remaining Signs that may not have been added to his Zodiac Score at this point. This Rule quickens the pace of the game and creates a more exciting finish.
The 12 Signs of the Zodiac are associated with the four Elements, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each Element is represented by three Signs, and these three Signs, all belonging to the same Element, are known as a "Triplicity." The three Signs in each Triplicity form a Trine Aspect to each other, that is, 120° or four Signs apart. The Triplicities are as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Fire Earth Air Water Triplicity Triplicity Triplicity Triplicity ____________________________________________________________ ______________ Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces ____________________________________________________________ ______________
Under the Triplicity Rule, a player no longer has to stop the arrow on each particular Sign remaining, in order to add it to his Zodiac Score, but may substitute one Sign for another within the same Triplicity group.
The two Trine Aspect Signs for each player belong to the same Element or Triplicity as the Sign he is playing on. Under the Triplicity Rule, a player may stop the arrow on his own playing Sign, in order to add either remaining Trine Aspect Sign to his Zodiac Score.
The first player to complete the Orbit around his Ruling Planet and having scored on all the other 11 signs of the Zodiac, thus completely filling his Zodiac Score with all 12 pegs, wins the game.
Many variations in our invention are contemplated. For example, twelve suits of astrological playing cards may be substituted for the indicator means 12 in the center of the board 10 and the same rules for playing, described above, will apply. Each of the cards carries one of the 12 signs of the zodiac. The drawing of certain cards will replace the function of the indicator means 12.
Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the board 10 is provided with a recess 50 in which is received the rotatable indicator means 12. The indicator means 12 includes a countersunk externally threaded collar 52 which is covered by the decorative external layer 54. The layer 54 is secured by screws 56. The outer threaded member 58 carries knob 18. Underlying collar 52 is bearing race 60 in which is received thrust bearing 62. The spacer 64 of L-shaped cross section acts as a stop at the underside of threaded bolt 66 which is held by nut 68 received in recess 70. The projection 72 on collar 52 clears the underside of the head of bolt 66 by about 5,000ths of an inch so that free rotation of the indicator means 12 is provided.
The underside of board 10 is normally covered with a fibrous cloth or felt layer 74.
Many variations of this invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this invention is limited only by the lawful scope of the appended claims.