Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Senshi Notes
Chibi Usa/Small Lady/Sailor Chibi Moon
(Small Rabbit)
Chibi Usa's name is short for her mother's, Tsukino Usagi. Much of the mythology and symbolism attributed to Usagi, goes with Chibi Usa as well.
Tsukino Usagi/Princess & Neo-Queen Serenity/Sailor Moon
(Rabbit of the Moon)
Tsuki is the Japanese name for the Moon. The crescent is the planetary symbol. Usagi/Princess and Neo-Queen Serenity is based on the goddess Selene. Her main power is to purify (Moon Healing Escalation) since the power of the Moon is purity, also enchantment. Sailor Cosmos' name comes from the Greek kosmos meaning universe. [Side note for fun: In the Japanese Language of Flowers, the cosmos flower means heart of girls.]
Selene: Her name is from the Greek for light, radiance, and brightness. She was the daughter of Hyperion and Theia, and sister to Eos and Helios. Once her brother finished his journey across the sky, it was Selene's turn to pull her chariot across the heavens. She paused only to kiss her lover Endymion (the setting sun).
Selene was the Greek goddess of the Moon. She has been pictured as a beautiful young girl wearing a long white gown with wings, a golden diadem, and having long white hair. The power associated with the Moon and deity Selene was enchantment. The color white is symbolic of the Moon and Diana, as well as the metal silver. For many cultures, the Moon is a feminine symbol. It also symbolizes the soul, eternity, and immortality.
Princess Serenity is based on Selene. Queen Serenity could possibly be modeled after the Moon queen of the Chinese fairytale who lived alone on the Moon without her husband, seeing him only occasionally. This would explain the absence of the Princess' father from the story, and still fit mythologically. The Moon Kingdom is located at the Sea of Serenity (a real place), thus another possible origin for the name. Both queens are drawn according to the physical description of the goddess. Also, Selene, according to some sources, bore a crescent on her forehead.
Besides the ever present triad, the double goddess image is prevalent. The cyclical character of the goddess was said to be represented in the double goddess image, such as a mother/daughter or summer/winter metaphor. Note, the mother/daughter image is always found. At first Queen Serenity and her daughter, then once Chibi Usa appears, the motif changes to focus on the mother/daughter relationship of these two. And in the Stars series, Usagi seems to be a definite mother figure to Chibi Chibi.
Finally, these characters can be seen as the regenerative goddess. This type of goddess is associated with the symbols of the butterfly, hare, and crescent ["energy sign, symbol of becoming, denoting the beginning phase of the lunar cycle" (Gimbutas, 322)].
A popular theme in Japanese poetry is Moon-viewing, and in many instances the Moon serves as a symbol for love and desire.
Queen: Can possibly symbolize the Mother, which is the archetype feminine, embodying protection, warmth, and all phases of life. Though in the history of symbols, she takes a backstage to the King, when the Queen appears in fairytales and legends she many times is given power and influence, her role taking on more importance than before.
The Moon Kingdom: "Then they entered the spreading halls. The silver stories of the castle towered one above the other, and its walls and columns were all formed of liquid crystal. In the walls were cages and ponds, where fishes and birds moved as though alive. The whole moon-world seemed made of glass" (Martens, 33-34). This quote is from the tale "The Lady of the Moon." It sounds like Queen Serenity's palace, and reminds me partly of Neo-Queen Serenity's.
Planetary Symbol: The crescent. Also the symbol for silver in alchemy, its color reminding discoverers of Luna/Selene's sphere.
June 30: Usagi and Chibi Usa's birthday. Their sign is Cancer which is ruled by the Moon. Emotions and a nurturing nature are attributes. White and silver are the colors, silver is the metal. The crystal is one of its many stones. Cancer is Latin for crab, and the symbol is the claws of the crab.
Pearl: This is both Usagi's and Chibi Usa's favorite stone. The pearl is the stone for Cancer and the Moon; it is also the birthstone for June. It was once a symbol for long life, and for a time in history, only the nobility could wear them. Pearls are associated with love and purity.
Moonstone: Takeuchi gives this stone, along with the Pearl, as their image stones. It is also a birthstone for June and Cancer. It is known as a stone of lovers, having the power to bring reconciliation or foretell the future for them. Some say it is formed from rays of the Moon.
Silver Crystal: Ginzuishou. As far as symbols go, the stone has been considered the goddess' power or to hold her power. The stone symbolic of the Moon is the crystal, and the metal associated with the Moon is silver. Thus, both Serenitys and Small Lady have their power in the Silver Crystal.
When the Ginzuishou becomes a flower, if one sees the flower as a lotus, this can be symbolic. "In cultures shaped primarily by religions at the matriarchal level, it is the womb and breast that are prominent. In India where the lotus as the symbol of the womb is the source of all life, the ascetic sitting on the lotus throne also becomes the symbol of salvation or awakening" (Ross, 44). Though this quote applies specifically to India, the concepts fit here. Both the Silver Millenium and Crystal Tokyo are ruled under a matriarchy, and Usagi has many times been a symbol or figure of salvation, even awakening. Also, the lotus was the flower of the maiden aspect of the triple goddess.
A side note for the Ginzuishou which may or may not be related, from Pacific Mythology: Anta Kusuma was a magic jewel shaped as a flower, and with it the owner gained long life, happiness, and love. From Balinese and Javanese myth.
(Earth Place Protector)
Kamen means mask in Japanese. In the manga, he has the attatck Le Smoking Bomber. Smoking is French for tuxedo.
Endymion: Son of Aethlios (one version says Zeus and Calyce). Endymion served as both king and founder of Elis, after taking the region's throne. He had three sons (Epeus, Aetolus, and Paeon) and a daughter (Eurydice) by his wife (Asterodia, Cromia, or Hyparippe depending on the source). To determine which son would follow him, Endymion had them run a race in the Olympia, Epeus won. The famous myth surrounding him involves the Moon goddess Selene who fell in love with him. She found him asleep in a cave or upon the hill of Mount Latmos, and loved him. Some sources say Selene put Endymion to sleep to visit and embrace him every night, others claim it was so he would never age or die. With Selene he had fifty daughters (symbolic of the fifty lunar months between the Olympic games). Other sources say that the Endymion of the Selene myth is a hunter or a shepherd. But in all versions he is a youth of great beauty, who Selene falls in love with upon seeing him. Those of Elis claimed he was buried at Olympia, others say he still sleeps in the cave on Latmos.
In Naoko's story, Endymion is a young prince of Earth who falls in love with the princess of the Moon, Serenity, their characters being based on the lovers above.
King: The King and Queen together represent the unions of Heaven and Earth, the Sun and Moon, and Gold and Silver (all of which apply to the royal lovers of Naoko's story). Often the king is represented by a sword or the Sun.
Gold: Not only symbolic of the Sun, but also embodies the Earth's powers and its light. [Side note: a golden cube might symbolize the Earth in the Orient.]
Besides being representative of the Earth, Mamoru is associated and in some ways representative of the Sun. In the manga, Mamoru possesses the Golden Crystal (gold represents the Sun), the same as Usagi commands the Silver Crystal. Also, Elios is both the Earth's and Mamoru's guardian. The Sun is the guardian star of Leos, which is what Mamoru is. Another note, Helios was worshipped in the land of Elis where Endymion was ruler.
Many cultures portray the Sun and Moon as a partnership. In many instances, the Moon represents the feminine side.
AN: One of the best examples (in my opinion) from the manga of the Sun-Moon partnership is found during the SuperS saga. Mamoru is dying due to his tie to the Earth (remember the planet's dying), but Usagi also grows ill and suffers the same as her lover because she is unioned with him.
Planetary Symbol: Not used in Takeuchi's story. The symbol is Wotan's cross. He was the supreme Nordic god. Besides being the planetary symbol, it is also the symbol for the astrological element earth. Once it was a symbol for the king or for the Sun.
August 3: Mamoru's birthday. His sign is Leo, ruled by the Sun. Gold is a color, and also the metal of this sign. The rose is one of its flowers. The Sun sign is masculine, and characteristics of Leos are to be proud, romantic, self-assured, and sometimes cruel or vain. The Nemean Lion was the first labor for Hercules. No weapons could harm Leo, so finally, Hercules won by a strangle hold on the beast. To remember the great battle, Leo was placed in the sky. The symbol is the lion's tail.
(Friend of Water)
Sailor Mercury's powers are based on the Asian element water associated with the planet Mercury (known as Sui-sei, the water planet, in Japanese). Persuasiveness and sensitivity are characteristics associated with the Asian element of water. The power characteristic of the planet Mercury and deity Hermes is wisdom.
Like the deity, Sailor Mercury is the scholar and most intelligent of the senshi, plus she wants to become a pediatrician (caduceus reference). Her attacks (Shabon Spray) and blue uniform return to the symbolism of her element. The Aqua Rhapsody comes from her deity inventing the lyre.
A little note on her attack Shabon Spray. Shabon is the Japanese spelling of the Portugese word sabao (soap). [From Ian Miller].
Mercury: Mercurius in Latin (remember Ami-Chan No Hatsukoi?). The name comes from the Latin mercator, a merchant. He was a deity of commerce, science, innovation, scholars, and intelligent speech. He was said to carry the caduceus (which is the staff that now stands for medicine). On May 15th merchants sprinkled themselves and their merchandise with water at his festival.
Hermes: Greek counterpart to Mercury. Son of Zeus and Maia (a nymph). Among other things he was also god of thieves, shepherds, running, gymnastics, and travel on land. In poetry, he was a minor patron god. Right after being born, he stole part of Apollo's herd and hid them. With a tortoise shell he created the first lyre while on his way back to his sleeping mother after hiding the cattle. His trick was discovered and an argument ensued between the parents and Apollo, but the music of the lyre as Hermes played intervened. An exchange was made for the lyre, so enchanted was Apollo with the charm of the music. Hermes went on to invent the flute and pan-pipes. He led the souls of the deceased to the underworld, and was sometimes connected with leading dreams to slumbering mortals. He is pictured with a winged cap and sandals.
Water: In representation of the Asian version of the element, one's personality might be above average in interpersonal skills, be diplomatic, intuitive, unimposing, and flexible.
Blue: The color of intelligence and the spirit, also truth and loyalty. Since it's associated with water, it also is associated with reflective and feminine qualities.
Mariner Castle: This is the castle of Princess Mercury in the manga. Like, the planet Venus, Mercury has no moons. Instead, the castle is named after the Mariner 10, the first spacecraft to gather information of Mercury.
Planetary Symbol: Hermes/Mercury's caduceus (a staff with twined serpents). Quicksilver/liquid mercury was so named and given the symbol in alchemy for its quickness.
September 10: Ami's birthday. Her sign is Virgo, ruled by the planet Mercury. The planet rules intellect and reason. Blue is one of the sign's colors, and quicksilver one of its metals. Some characteristics are being scientific, studious, and humane. Virgo's symbol is the Greek word for virgin. Virgo has been identified with the goddesses Isis, Inanna, Ishtar, and Ceres.
Sapphire: Ami's favorite stone. It is the birthstone of September and associated with Virgo. The name comes from the latin sapphirus, meaning blue. It was once able to protect kings in lore. The sapphire represents meditation and the mind.
(Spirit of Fire)
Mars: The son of Juno, and husband of Neriene (goddess of strength). He was also attributed to fertility and protection of herds and fields. Other symbols of the deity were the lance, , wolf, and woodpecker. Military honors were given in his name and sacrifices offered during and before battles for success. March was his sacred month, with his main festival held then.
Ares: Son of Zeus and Hera. This caused him to be much despised among the gods. Against Athena (goddess of ordered battalions), in battles, his side loses to hers. He was the lover of Aphrodite, who bore among others, his sons Phobos and Deimos. Elis was one place he was worshipped.BR>
The Greek counterpart to Mars is Ares. He was the god of the future, war, and fire. Mars' planetary symbol is of a sword and shield, also representative of iron (the metal of war).
Fire: Symbolic of inspiration, also resurrection and birth sometimes. Can be seen as a purification, or a symbol of divinity. Wisdom is another. In representation of the Asian version of the element, one's personality is confident, decisive, exploring, warm, emotional, and dynamic. They are born leaders.
Sailor Mars' powers are based on the Asian element fire, also associated with her planet. The Japanese name for the planet is Ka-sei, fire planet. In planetary colors, red is the color of Mars. This, plus the element representation makes her uniform red.
Passion and energy are qualities of the Asian element fire, so could explain Rei's temperment at times. Also, being a Shinto priestess, she fire reads, which could come not just from her religion but also because her deity was of the future and fire. "In many mythologies fire and light are very definitely symbols of awareness, awakening, or spiritual illumination" (Ross, 22). This quote describes that part of Rei's personality perfectly.
Rei (Spirit) is one of the four important elements in Shinto. To remove evil Rei will use the chant Rin-Byo-To-Sha-Kai-Jin-Retsu-Zai-Zen. She will also say this while meditating in front of her fire in the shrine. These are the nine magic syllables in Shinto. Click here for a chart of the nine syllables and their meaning (a big thank you to Ian Miller for making this). She also says "akuryou taisan" which means evil spirit begone, when she uses an attack with an ofuda. When she's saying the above, a silhouette appears behind her in the flames, possibly this might be Fudo-Myoo (a Buddhist deity). He appears surrounded by flames and holding a sword and rope. The rope binds passions and the sword cuts delusion. He can also be an aider and protector.
Archery is sometimes used in certain Shinto ceremonies, so this could be one origin of her Flame Sniper attack, along with the obvious reference to the Greek god of war. During one or two early episodes of the R season, Sailor Mars used an attack with a phoenix. The phoenix is an allegorical representation of Mars in the Chinese zodiac.
Sailor Mars has a manga only attack called Snake Fire. There are old stories in Japan of a snake or serpent associated with a miko. There are stories of the snake bridegroom, where the girl marries or is visited by a deity who has taken the form of a snake. In some tales, it is the woman who takes the form of a snake. Another tale associated with the miko involved cases where a woman was buried alive to act as a sacrifice to a serpent presiding over a river or lake. There is also a belief that sometimes deities will appear to an ascetic in a dream as a snake, or a snake will be the guardian's form over the ascetic.
The Mandala is used in meditation. Before a person can reach enlightenment, they must pass through the outermost circle of the Mandala, purifying fire, the fire of wisdom. At the center is a symbol of the Buddha, surrounded by the eight corners of the Earth (West, Northwest, North, Northeast, East, Southeast, South, and Southwest). Together the symbols make a lotus shape. One of Sailor Mars' attacks is the Burning Mandala, but I don't know what the symbols of her Mandala represent. They may or may not correlate.
PhobosDeimos Castle: The castle of Princess Mars in the manga. They are two moons of the planet Mars. For the mythology, see the entry on the homepage.
Planetary Symbol: The spear and shield of Mars. In alchemy it is the symbol for iron, the war metal.
April 17: Rei's birthday. Her sign is Aries, ruled by the planet Mars. Red is one of the sign's colors, and iron the metal. Of the element fire, with characteristics of strength and activity. Aries' symbol is the horns of the ram. It's fleece was the object of Jason's quest.
Ruby: Rei's favorite stone. The ruby is the stone for fire. It has been associated with insight, the spirit, courage, and passion. It was once thought to also have the power to remove evil thoughts.
(Truth of the Tree)
Makoto, in Shinto, is being true to the whole situation. "Truth in the sense of makoto involves an inner searching of the heart which is just as important as the outer confronting of the situation" (Ross, 109).
Jupiter in Japanese is Moku-sei or the tree planet. Jupiter's powers represent the Asian element of wood (Oak Evolution). Creation is one of the characteristics of the element.
Some fans wonder why Jupiter is included among the first senshi. The first four senshi under Moon, and the last four, are not based on the inner versus the outer solar system exactly. Instead Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Venus were chosen in that they were four of the first five planets discovered in astrology/astronomy.
Jupiter: Son of Saturn and Ops. Jupiter is the light bringer, bringing dawn and the full moon. His wife was Juno. He gave victory in battle, and was worshipped as such after Mars. He is the god of oaths and truth (two things Makoto expects people to live up to). The future can be revealed through him.
Zeus: Son of Kronos and Rhea. His wife was Hera. He dethroned his father, and took over his position as ruler of the gods. His power was deemed to matched the combined power of all the other deities. The number of his lovers (both immortal and mortal) and children is legendary. The eagle was sacred to him.
The Greek counterpart to Jupiter is Zeus. Jupiter was the ruler of the gods, god of lightning and thunder, and the god of peacekeeping and justice. The power associated with the planet Jupiter and god Zeus is law. The oak was his sacred tree (also supposedly it's the kind most struck by lightning); a crown of oak leaves was worn over his head (there is a crown or wreath of oak leaves intwined with the planetary symbol on Sailor Jupiter's henshin stick during the last seasons). He also had numerous affairs.
Most of Sailor Jupiter's attacks are lightning based (Sparkling Wide Pressure). Makoto does her best to keep peace between her comrades, and she's been known to have a few crushes, not unlike Zeus himself.
Wood: Personality characteristics associated with this Asian element are to have great confidence and morals, to have various interests, to be unselfish, and continually try to grow as people. Its planet, Jupiter, governs Birth and Growth.
In the Chinese zodiac, just as Jupiter is associated with wood, it is also associated with the dragon. Sailor Jupiter has the attack Supreme Thunder Dragon. Also, in China, Green is the color of lightning, thunder, and the element wood. Thus, Sailor Jupiter has the green uniform.
Io Castle: This is the castle of Princess Jupiter in the manga. Io is a moon of the planet. In mythology, Zeus fell in love with Io (one of Hera's priestesses) and Hera discovering their amour turned her into a cow. Argus was appointed to guard her, but Zeus ordered Hermes to kill him. Io then wandered until her human form was returned to her and she bore Zeus a child.
Planetary Symbol: Stylized lightning bolt or Greek initial for Zeus. It is also the symbol for tin in alchemy.
December 5: Makoto's birthday. Her sign is Sagittarius, ruled by the planet Jupiter. Green is one of the sign's colors, and tin its metal. Protection is a characteristic. Sagitta is Latin for arrow, and the symbol is an arrow.
Emerald: Makoto's favorite stone. The stone once represented reproductive natural forces. Probably given to the senshi Jupiter because it's a green stone, and because this senshi has control over nature.
(Beautiful Child of Love)
Minako is a pun. Mi and ko can also be pronounced as Bi and su, making it Binasu, a Japanese pronunciation of Venus. Venus was the goddess of love and beauty. She was sometimes described as having blue eyes and long gold hair (sounds like a senshi we know).
Venus: She was significant as mother of the Roman people. April 1 was sacred to her, she was worshipped by the matrons of Rome. Originally she was a Latin goddess of spring.
The rose was Venus' sacred flower, and if you look closely at the top of Sailor Venus' henshin stick in the last two seasons, you'll see a heart shaped wreath with roses along with her planetary symbol.
Aphrodite: The Greek counterpart to Venus. She was born from foam on the sea. According to Homer her parents are Dione and Zeus. Zeus married her to Hephaestus, but she wasn't exactly faithful. She had many lovers, among them Ares and Adonis. The swan, dove, sparrow, hare dolphin, lime, and pomengrate are sacred to her. She is also a goddess of Spring and groves. She is the most beautiful and vain. At times she had the opposing distinctions of goddess of marriage, and of sensual love. Throughout, she remained the ideal of female beauty. Some said her hair was long and gold and her eyes blue.
Metal: With this Asian element, one's personality might be determined, confident, stubborn, success-driven, and like luxury.
Sailor Venus' powers are based on the Asian element of metal, also associated with her planet. Her uniform is orange, though perhaps it should be gold, for her element metal. The Japanese name for Venus is Kin-sei, or the gold planet. Her metal attack comes with the Love Me Chain, the others are based on her Roman origin (Love and Beauty Shock). Aphrodite loved gaiety and glamour, not unlike this Sailor Senshi who wants to be an idol adored by everyone. In fact, the characteristics with the element metal, are wealth and financial success. Suits Minako very well I think.
In regards to her attack, Love Me Chain, the chain can be a symbol of marriage or the unity between two entities. And also, from Yukino Ameko: In Greek mythology Hephaestus made Aphrodite a beautiful chain (called the 'Love Chain') which made her even more irresistable to men.
Magellan Castle: It is the castle of Princess Venus in the manga. The planet has no moons, so instead the castle is named after the Magellan spacecraft sent by NASA to orbit Venus and study its surface.
Planetary Symbol: A hand mirror. Venus was the vainest of the gods, and mirrors were once made from copper. Also, her major shrine was on Cyprus where copper was mined. In alchemy, this is also copper's symbol.
October 22: Minako's birthday. Her sign is Libra, ruled by the planet Venus. Yellow is one of the sign's colors, and copper its metal. Beauty and love are characteristics of the planet, and being socialable, of the sign. The symbol for Libra is the scales, and the name can mean either scales or balance.
Topaz: Minako's favorite stone. Because of the color, this may be why the yellow topaz was given to Minako. It was once worn as an amulet to cure sadness or bestow courage.
(Instant King of Darkness)
The Japanese name for the planet Pluto is Meiou-sei, King of Darkness. Pluto was the god of the underworld, and Sailor Pluto's Dead Scream comes from this. Her role at the time gate comes from Kronos (Cronus) being Pluto's father mythologically. The god's name of Kronos being similar to the word for time, Chronos, Kronos later became associated with time. Note in the series that Sailor Pluto must call upon her father, Chronos, in order to use her power over time. Sailor Pluto's staff is a silver key. Silver keys are a symbol of temporal power. It was also a symbol for knowledge of the afterlife, or to unlock the gates of the underworld.
Hades: Greek counterpart to Pluto. Lord of the dead. Rhea and Kronos were his parents. When the world was divided among the three sons, Hades received the underworld, with Poseidon receiving the sea, and Zeus everything else. He was husband to Persephone. He carries a scepter, and has a helmet of invisibility. In the beginning, he was said to use his staff to drive the souls of the dead to his realm, but later this task fell to Hermes. (Perhaps this correlates to Sailor Pluto's staff, though she uses it for different purposes). His throne is of ebony. "The Rich One," he owns the riches of the earth. Among the immortals he is not favored, and mortals would not breath his name on fear of calling attention to themselves. The cypress and narcissus are sacred to Hades.
Charon Castle: This is the castle of Princess Pluto in the manga. Charon is a moon of the planet Pluto. In mythology, he was the ferryman who carried the souls of the dead across the River Styx.
Planetary Symbol: Letters P and L, for Pluto.
October 29: Setsuna's birthday. Her sign is Scorpio, ruled by the planet Pluto. Black is one of the sign's colors (might explain this senshi's fuku color). The symbol for Scorpio is the stinger of a scorpion, Scorpius. It was Scorpius who caused the death of the hunter Orion. He and Orion were placed on opposite sides of the sky so that Orion would not be hurt again.
Garnet: Setsuna's favorite stone, also the stone of her orb. Can represent Scorpio, healing, and compassion. The name is Latin for seed like since the crystals in the rock look like pomegranate seeds. The stone can also be symbolic of truth and faith.
(Faraway King of Heaven)
The Japanese name for the planet Uranus is Tennou-sei, King of Heaven. Uranus was the god of space and air, also the starlit sky. Saturn was one of his children. Sailor Uranus' attacks are both air (World Shaking) and space (Space Sword).
Uranus: His name means heaven. Gaea appeared and gave life to Uranus, who she in turn took as husband. His children he concealed in the darkness of earth, much to Gaea's displeasure. She and Kronos led a rebellion against him, setting up his youngest as ruler of the gods.
Blue and Gold: These colors represent the element of air.
Miranda Castle: Miranda is the castle of Princess Uranus in the manga. It is a moon of the planet. The name comes from the play "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. Miranda is the second daughter of Prospero (the magician).
Planetary Symbol: Stylized H, after Herschel who discovered the planet. The website Planetary Forces, Alchemy, and Healing had this to say on the planetary symbol: "The overall shape of the pictogram is that of an antenna, which goes well with the multiple symbolic associations of this planet with waves, electronics, and modern technology in general. Uranus which means 'sky' in Greek, is also the planet of aviation and flying, and of space technology."
January 27: Haruka's birthday. Her sign is Aquarius, ruled by the planet Uranus. It's element is air. Blue is one of the sign's colors (might be why this senshi's fuku is blue). The symbol for Aquarius is waves of water. To the Greeks and Persians it was the constellation of the water pot.
Amber: Haruka's favorite stone. The stone can represent Aquarius, protection, and strength. Due to its color, and the fact it has electric properties, this stone is also a symbol of solar attraction. It symbolizes courage in China.
(Full King of the Ocean)
Kaiou-sei is the Japanese name for the planet Neptune, and means King of the Sea. Sailor Neptune's attack deals with the ocean (Deep Submerge). Also, her character is a master of the fine arts. When she plays the violin, her music is said to sound like the ocean.
Michiru is a little like the Japanese sea goddess Benten. She is an "example of the ideals of feminine deportment and accomplishments in the arts" (Japanese Gods and Myths, 46). Benten is the patroness of musicians, as well as the goddess of water, music, the arts, eloquence, love, and wisdom.
Neptune: He was husband to Salacia (goddess of salt water). God of oceans.
Poseidon: The Greek counterpart to Neptune. Son of Kronos and Rhea. Amphitrite was his wife. He lived in a golden palace in the sea. He could grant naval victories.
Triton Castle: The castle of Princess Neptune in the manga. Triton is a moon of the planet Neptune. In mythology, Triton was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. His upper body was that of a man, but the lower half was that of a dolphin. He controls the billows of the sea with his twisted sea-shell.
Planetary Symbol: Neptune's trident.
March 6: Michiru's birthday. Her sign is Pisces, ruled by the planet Neptune. Its element is water, and green one of its colors (might explain this senshi's fuku color). Characteristics of this sign are to be artistic, musical, intuitive, and sympathetic. The symbol for Pisces is two fish together.
Aquamarine: Michiru's favorite stone. The birthstone of March and Pisces. The name of the stone is latin for water of the sea. Amulets made of aquamarine were once worn by sailors to keep them safe from the sea.
(Earth Sprouting Firefly)
The Japanese name for Saturn is Do-sei, earth planet. Earth is the fifth Asian element, and the one ascribed to the planet Saturn. Sailor Saturn's weapon is the glaive, she is the senshi of silence, or death and destruction.
Saturn: Saturnus (the sower). He was god of the harvest. His reign was called the golden age. During his rule there was equality in social rank. He was husband to Ops, the goddess of fertility. Saturnalia (December 17) was his sacred festival. It represented a going back to the golden age. It was said that when someone was about to die, Saturn could be seen with a scythe (glaive).
Kronos: Saturn's Greek counterpart. God of time, earth, death and destruction. Son of Gaea and Uranus. He overthrew his father, and was later overthrown by his son Zeus. He married Rhea (also his sister). The main Olympians were their offspring, but fearing for his sovereignty Saturn devoured all his children, save one. With his mother's help, Zeus later saved his brothers and sisters and took over his father's position. He, like Saturn, was a god of the harvest. The name Cronus became confused Chronos (time) and so Kronos became the god of time as well.
Earth: In representation of the Asian version of this element, one's personality might be serious, filled with foresight, conservative, disciplined, and reliable.
Firefly: Fireflies, in a certain folk tradition, are souls of the dead. There is a popular song in Japan, "Hotaru no Hikari," which is a song used usually in farewell. Perhaps the image of the firefly's light as farewell could be the inspiration for Hotaru's name, or the folk belief. As the senshi of silence, her appearance marks an ending to the present world. The firefly can be a symbol for spiritual illumination. In Japan, they are also a symbol for environmental conservation. Also, in Japan they have a ghostly significance, and in ancient days were thought to have medicinal qualities. Their ointment was thought to drive away the spirits of evil.
Titan Castle: Titan is the castle of Princess Saturn in the manga. Titan is a moon of the planet Saturn. In mythology, the titans were also born of Uranus and Gaea. They helped their brother Kronos to overthrow their father and become king of the gods.
Planetary Symbol: Saturn's scythe. Because it is heavy and dull, lead was given Saturn's symbol in alchemy.
January 6: Hotaru's birthday. Her sign is Capricorn, ruled by the planet Saturn. Purple is one of the sign's colors (could explain this senshi's fuku color), and lead its metal. The symbol for Capricorn is the horns of a goat. Capricorn was a goat-headed or horned sea monster to many of the ancients.
Fluorite: Hotaru's favorite stone. Is associated with Capricorn. Purple fluorite can represent protection, intuition, and health. In Japanese the stone is called hotaruishi.
Seiya Kou/Sailor Starfighter: Light of the Star Arrow
Taiki Kou/Sailor Starmaker: Light of the Big Air
Yaten Kou/Sailor Starhealer: Light of the Night Sky
Princess Kakyuu: Princess Fireball
Like Mamoru, Seiya is a Leo. His birthday is July 30. Seiya is self-assured and romantic, both characteristics of a Leo. The color red and the rose belong to his sign. Taiki is a Gemini, whose ruling planet is Mercury. His birthday is May 30. He and Ami share the genius trait. In fact, his name is a pun, since the word taiki can also mean genius. Yaten is an Aquarius, whose birthday is on February 8.
An addition sent from Marina Baccari: "Based on their birthdates, you calculated their sun signs (Seiya is a Leo, Taiki is a Gemini and Yaten an Aquarius- so am I, by the way). But there is one thing: Astrology is geocentric. This means that when we calculate somebody's sign, we assume they were born on planet Earth. But the Sailor Star Lights were born on another planet, so the kind of Astrology we use does not apply to them (even when it is true they indeed have all the qualities related to the sun signs that would correspond to each of them). The constellations affect other planets differently form the way they affect Earth, so it is impossible to calculate their sun signs."
It should be noted the Three Lights may possibly be inspired by the mythological use of three in general. The Fates, Norns, the Trimurti, the triple goddess aspect to name a few. Takeuchi works in threes throughout the BSSM manga, the constant reoccurance of the triple goddess, the three feline guardians, and the final example of the Three Lights themselves. And with this she may have intended a subtle thematic balance to her story.
The Lights may be based on the idea of the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. The Hindu triad, trimurti, was made up of Shiva (the Destroyer), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Brahma (the Creator). Sailor Starfighter may be based on the Destroyer, Sailor Starhealer on the Preserver, and Sailor Starmaker on the Creator.
The Three Lights may also possibly have some influence from Shinto. The San Hikari are the Three Lights (Sun, Moon, and stars) in Shinto. This goes back to the three element rule in Shinto. They are necessary and important to all life in the universe. Seiya in such a case, could represent the Sun. He wears the red rose which can be for Leo, ruled by the Sun. Star Fighter's attack, Star Serious Laser, may have something to do with the idea of the Sun's ray or light perhaps. The Sun is principal of the three deities or elements, and Seiya is the one most prominent of the three in the story. Taiki's may represent the Moon. He wears the white rose which can stand for both the Moon and wisdom. The elements of water and life correlate to the element of the Moon, so might explain Star Maker's attack, Star Gentle Uterus, symbolic of growth or the creation of life. Also, the Moon is the quietest of the three, and Taiki can be said to be the quietest and least intrusive of the three lights. Yaten may represent the stars. The lights of the night sky are the stars (hence Yaten's name). I'm not sure how Starhealer's attack, Star Sensitive Inferno, fits, but I do know that stars are self-luminous (the Sun is an example), so maybe from the idea of light and heat comes an inferno.
Princess Kakyuu's planet is Kinmokusei. Kinmokusei is the Japanese name for the osmanthus, the fragrant olive tree. That's why the starlights sense their princess through the scent of the fragrant olive. The plant has orange flowers, which explains the emblem on Kakyuu's forehead, and the flowers of her headpiece. Her kingdom is the Red Cercis Kingdom. Cercis is a type of flower.
Ves-Ves, Palla-Palla, Cere-Cere, and Jun-Jun were named after asteroids, which were named after the goddesses found below.
Vesta: Hestia in Greek. Goddess of fire and hearth. She was worshipped in the form of an eternal fire (which was never allowed to burnout), instead of a statue. Matrons called upon her to bless their households. Ves-Ves' sailor fuku and hair are probably red due to her association with fire.
Pallas: Pallas Athene. Minerva in Rome. She sprang from Zeus' head in full armour. She was a virgin goddess, and goddess of war, victory, the sky and air, and wisdom. Palla-Palla's sailor fuku and hair are probably blue due to either her associations with water or air, or because she was the goddess of wisdom.
Ceres: Demeter in Greek. She was the goddess of agriculture, marriage, death, and fertility. She was given the first fruits of the harvest. Ceres was sometimes portrayed with a basket of flowers. Cere-Cere might have a pink sailor fuku and hair because of her association with flowers and agriculture.
Juno: Hera in Greek. Wife of Jupiter and queen of heaven. She was representative of woman, and was the protector goddess of women during childbirth and marriage. Jun-Jun's sailor fuku and hair might be green due to her association with birth, and the fact that Sailor Jupiter's fuku is green.
Gimbutas, Marija. The Language of the Goddess. Great Britain: Thames and Hudson, 1989.
Martens, Frederick H. Chinese Fairy Tales. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1998.
Ross, Floyd Hiatt. Shinto: The Way of Japan. Boston: Beacon Press, 1965.
Ancient Cultures: Japanese Gods and Myths. New Jersey: Chartwell Books, 1998.
