SUBLUNARY SPHERE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "sublunary sphere" refers to the region of the universe that lies beneath the moon, according to ancient cosmology. Derived from Latin roots, "sub" meaning "below" or "beneath," and "luna" meaning "moon," the word emphasizes the location and boundaries of this particular sphere.
In ancient cosmological theories like that of Aristotle and Ptolemy, the universe was believed to be divided into different concentric spheres. The sublunary sphere occupied the space between the Earth and the Moon. It was considered the region of constant change and imperfection, contrasting with the celestial spheres beyond the Moon which were thought to be perfect and eternal.
Within the sublunary sphere, the physical world was believed to exist, encompassing Earth and its surroundings. This sphere was associated with the four classical elements of earth, air, fire, and water, which were considered the building blocks of nature. It was also believed to be the realm where common phenomena such as birth and death, growth and decay, and the changes of the seasons occurred.
In a broader sense, the term "sublunary sphere" can be metaphorically used to refer to the earthly, mundane, or material realm, as opposed to the transcendent or spiritual realms. It denotes the realm of human existence, with all its imperfections, transience, and limitations.
Overall, the concept of the sublunary sphere provides a framework to understand the ancient understanding of the universe and its divisions, as well as the distinction between the ephemeral and imperfect nature of earthly existence and the more divine and eternal nature of the celestial realms.
Etymology of SUBLUNARY SPHERE
The word "sublunary" comes from the Latin term "sublunaris", which combines "sub" (meaning "under") and "luna" (meaning "moon"). In ancient cosmology, it was believed that there were distinct spheres or realms beyond Earth, with the sublunary sphere being the area below the moon. It was thought to be the realm of change, decay, and imperfection, contrasting the celestial realm believed to be above the moon. The term "sphere" refers to the concept of a celestial or divine realm being a separate sphere or realm within the overall cosmology.
