Urania

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For other uses, see Urania (disambiguation).

In Greek mythology, Urania ("heavenly") was the muse of astronomy and astrology. She is usually depicted as having a globe in her left hand and a peg in the right, and her foot on a turtle, symbol of silence. She is able to foretell the future by the position of the stars. She is often associated with Universal Love and the Holy Spirit. She is dressed in a cloak embroidered with stars and keeps her eyes and attention focused on the Heavens. Those who are most concerned with philosophy and the heavens are dearest to her.

"Urania, o'er her star-bespangled lyre, With touch of majesty diffused her soul; A thousand tones, that in the breast inspire, Exalted feelings, o er the wires'gan roll-- How at the call of Jove the mist unfurled, And o'er the swelling vault-- the glowing sky, The new-born stars hung out their lamps on high, And rolled their mighty orbs to music's sweetest sound." From An Ode To Music, by James G.Percival

Her name has been used to name astronomical observatories such as the Urania in Berlin, Vienna, Zurich and Antwerp and Uraniborg on the island of Hven.

There is a Urania Street in New Orleans, between Polymnia ("Polyhymnia") and Felicity Streets.

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