conjunction in Pisces, (vernal equinox and rebirth) just 3 months previously! Importantly, the two occultations of Saturn occurred during daylight or after it had set so only those who study the sky would have known it. Finally, the second occultation of Saturn occurred at the approximate azimuth of Bethlehem. This too, would have been known only to astrologers.

The importance of astrology in the story of the Star of Bethlehem should not be downplayed. The star was known only to the Magi and not witnessed by anyone else (Herod's "wise men" were not allowed to practice astrology) so it is unlikely that the star was a singularly bright star, comet or planet visible to everyone. Only those versed in both astrology and astronomy noticed its appearance.

The Sequence of Events
The following is a series of events that would have been significant to the Babylonian astrologers at the time of the nativity. The first was a triple conjunction in 7 BC between Jupiter and Saturn (father and son). Three months later, in 6 BC, a massing of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars in Pisces near the vernal equinox (rebirth). Reinforcing the significance of this massing was the double lunar occultation of Jupiter and Saturn. Then two comets appeared. First a comet with a tail appeared in 5 BC followed by another comet (or a new star?) in 4 BC. Jupiter was in conjunction with Venus and Regulus (royalty) in 3 and 2 BC. Having been alerted by the first two events in 7 and 6 BC either comet of 5 or 4 BC or Jupiter's movements in 3 and 2 BC. could be the single "star" that Matthew referred to. These "multiple" events find further support in Matthew's account where he suggests that the Magi lost sight of the star but that it later reappeared. Notice too that the later the date the more closely it coincides with the oath and registration for Augustus in 3 or 2 BC.

What was most important to the Magi; the triple conjunction, the massing of the planets, the comets, a nova, four lunar conjunctions, Jupiter, or some combination of these celestial events, is not known to us. A sensible hypothesis is that some or all of these events, which occurred about the time of the nativity, were significant to the Magi, with their sequence and succession building in importance. This is perhaps the most reasonable scenario but at the same time it is certainly a very remarkable scenario, too

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type of powerful conjunction, and both Jupiter and Saturn were occulted early in 6 BC. While occultations are common, the fact that they occurred in Aries, which was the house of Judea in Babylonian astrology, adds further weight as to their importance to the Magi. Researches believe that the astrologers of Babylon knew of occultations, as well as other alignments, even if they took place below the horizon or during daylight hours. This supports the idea that the star was not obvious but may have been known only to astrologers. Whether a comet, nova, or a planet any of these would classify the star as a singular event. However, this is not the complete story.

In the time frame under consideration there occurred two other celestial events of importance. First, in 7 BC, from May to December, a triple conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Saturn occurred in the constellation Pisces that was at that time the location of the vernal equinox. In astrology the vernal equinox meant rebirth and would be of great importance. According to the ancient prophecy of Judea and known to the Magi, this occurrence could mean that a king was to be born.

Three months later, in February of 6 BC a second remarkable event occurred. Mars joined Jupiter and Saturn for a massing of the planets in Pisces with the crescent moon added to the mix (see Figure on next page). Arranged in the western sky as if pointing over the horizon, this would have made a most impressive sight. During this massing were two occultations of Jupiter on March 20 and April 17 that were preceded by two occultations of Saturn the previous day. All occurred in Pisces as they approached Aries. Such a rare occurrence, once every couple of millennia, would have been unique in the cultural memory of the Magi. Additionally, the Magi believed Saturn was a father-god and Jupiter his son. This would have added some weight to the