Dictionary term
Lepus
Direct answer
Lepus is a southern-equatorial constellation representing a hare directly beneath the feet of Orion.
Lepus is the Hare, a compact winter pattern below Orion.
Lepus is the Hare, a compact winter pattern below Orion.
A symbolic locator, not a substitute for an observational chart at a specific place and time.Quick reference
- Use when
- Drop south from Orion's Belt and feet to the quadrilateral around Arneb and Nihal.
- Do not use it for
- Lepus is not part of Orion even though most stick-figure maps place it immediately under the hunter.
- Reference category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related terms
- Leo Constellation, Leo Minor, Libra Constellation, Lupus
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The story behind Lepus
Lepus appears among Ptolemy's ancient constellations and is traditionally linked with Orion's hunting scene.
Lepus in spiritual tradition
Lepus turns the space below a famous giant into a distinct and approachable field.
Lepus: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual sky reference. It can support wonder and orientation without turning a measured position or inherited pattern into a claim of fate or private revelation.
Lepus in numerology
Lepus is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Lepus matters
Its convenient position and moderate stars make it an easy next constellation after a beginner learns Orion.
Lepus at work: an example
Globular cluster M79 lies south of the main figure and is unusual for a Messier globular far from the galactic center.
Where interpretation stops
Lepus is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- International Astronomical Union: The Constellations - Official names, abbreviations, and boundaries for the 88 modern constellations.
- NASA Space Place: What Are Constellations? - NASA introduction to constellation regions, patterns, visibility, and seasonal sky changes.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Also appears in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Find the Hare beneath Orion
Lepus in a book is one thing; Lepus in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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More in Constellations & Star Lore
Common questions
What is Lepus?
Lepus is a southern-equatorial constellation representing a hare directly beneath the feet of Orion.
How is Lepus used in an almanac?
Drop south from Orion's Belt and feet to the quadrilateral around Arneb and Nihal.
What should I avoid when interpreting Lepus?
Lepus is not part of Orion even though most stick-figure maps place it immediately under the hunter.
