Precessie van de nachtevening 1706

This print was made by Sébastien Leclerc I in the late 17th or early 18th century. Here we see a diagram that attempts to explain the precession of the equinoxes, a phenomenon involving the Earth's slow wobble on its axis. Note the circle, which represents the Earth. This is a symbol of wholeness, perfection, and cyclical time, an ancient symbol predating even the classical philosophers. The diagram shows lines and cones emanating from the center of the Earth, reaching out towards the stars and celestial bodies. This radiates from a central point, evoking a sense of cosmic order and harmony. The diagrammatic lines create an emotional link between the human mind and the universe. The precession of the equinoxes is not immediately apparent; it requires observation and contemplation, akin to unlocking the secrets of the cosmos. Across time, the circle has appeared in various forms, from halos around saints to the Ouroboros devouring its own tail. In each instance, it speaks to humanity’s collective yearning for understanding our place in the universe.