Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse

RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ Institute of the Lithuanian Language SPELLING OF ASTROLOGICAL NAMES ON ASTROLOGY WEBSITES KEYWORDS: spelling, capital letter, proper names, astrological names. ANNOTATION Lithuanian spelling rules stipulate that proper names are written with a capital letter, but this is only the most general rule, applicable to one-word names. The spelling rule for multiword names is twofold: some names are written with only the first letter capitalized, while others are written with a capital letter at the beginning of every word. This distinction is drawn with regard to the object being named; however, astrological names are not mentioned among the other groups of proper names in works codifying spelling rules, and thus the spelling rule for them remains uncodified. The article seeks to establish what guides the spelling of such names in actual usage and whether a particular spelling convention has become established there. The analysis of usage trends is based on texts published on astrology websites. ABSTRACT Spelling norms of the Lithuanian language determine a capitalization for a proper name use, but this is only the most general rule which is applicable to names composed of one word. In the case of composed names, there are two ways to write a name: the first word of some of them shall be written in capital letters, meanwhile each word is capitalized with the other ones, and this limit is drawn according to the object to be named. However, the names of astrological objects there among them are not mentioned in the works defining the spelling norms, so their spelling norms remain undefined. The article seeks to find out the ways of a spelling applied in the usage and whether a certain norm of spelling is settled in it. The analysis of usage tendencies of astrological names is based on texts published on astrology websites. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 2 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 INTRODUCTION Although spelling is one of the objects of language standardization, spelling rules and writing tendencies are discussed in scholarly works much less often than, say, norms and usage at the levels of vocabulary, syntax, or morphology. This is probably due first and foremost to objective reasons, such as the greater stability of norms characteristic of this level, which is evident, moreover, not only in standard Lithuanian1. Compared with other levels of language, spelling is not only more stable but also distinctive. It is often emphasized that spelling is only indirectly related to the internal structure of language and is a matter of convention (Pupkis 2005: 231; Vasiliauskienė, Rimkutė 2007: 34). If it is conventional and tends to remain stable, then new or problematic phenomena at this level would seemingly be unlikely to arise. Consequently, there would seem to be little to investigate at the scholarly level. Nevertheless, various external factors also affect spelling, prompting closer examination of some of its aspects. For example, as economic and political circumstances, and with them the source of linguistic influence, began to change at the end of the previous millennium, new names began to spread in Lithuanian, prompting studies of company names (Kniūkšta 1991, 1997, 2004, 2006) and the spelling of foreign proper names (Ambrazas 2008). In general, however, spelling is rarely examined at the scholarly level, in only a handful of studies (e.g., Vasiliauskienė, Rimkutė 2007; Gudzinavičiūtė 2012; Drukteinis 2015; Vaskelaitė 2019), although these studies do show that this level, too, is subject to innovations, variation, and problems. Thus, the lack of scholarly attention to spelling is probably due not only to objective reasons but also to more subjective ones, such as the preference given to other levels of language, or perhaps the assumption that once spelling rules have been established, anything that does not conform to them can only be an error. However, rules do not necessarily cover everything, and not simply because innovations arise in language. Works codifying spelling rules may leave one or another non-new matter unaddressed; in other words, a particular rule may remain uncodified. This article examines precisely such an unaddressed matter—the spelling of astrological names (hereafter ALP). It cannot be called a new phenomenon, since ALP arose together with astrology, whose origins, as would be indicated by 1 For example, English, Irish, French, and Japanese standard languages (Pupkis 1980: 23), as well as Chinese characters created in the second millennium BCE (Bielinskienė et al. 2014: 43), are cited as examples of spelling stability. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 3 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 different sources, are traced back even to the third millennium BC or an earlier period2. However, ALP are not mentioned in works setting out Lithuanian spelling norms. These works establish a general rule for writing proper names, which provides for at least two ways of writing literal proper names, depending on the object named. Yet astrological objects or phenomena are not mentioned among the objects named, and thus the spelling norm for ALP remains uncodified. Moreover, the norm for writing proper names is described as problematic in more than one work (e.g., Pupkis 2005: 234; Linkevičienė 2013: 7). For instance, one work states: “Some rules are formulated in such a way that, when a new name appears, ordinary language users often do not know which of those rules to rely on in order to choose the optimal spelling (this is especially true of compound names)” (Vasiliauskienė, Rimkutė 2007: 35). This article is intended to contribute to the examination of this problem. But the practical aspect—the remedying of this gap in codification—is no less important. As has been observed, language norms do not depend on written authorities (normative dictionaries, grammars, and other similar works), or on an individual’s wishes or views; rather, “what is generally used, what is the habit of the entire nation, is the norm” (Pupkis 1980: 20). It would follow that a spelling norm for ALP may have become established in usage, even though it has not been codified in normative works. Determining whether such a norm exists is the aim of this article, and this will be pursued by analyzing the spelling of ALP on astrology websites. If it turns out that spelling varies too widely, this study should nevertheless be useful from the perspective of codification—as an impetus to establish a spelling norm for ALP. The subject of this article is names that are proper, or tend to be written as proper names, in astrological texts. Proper names are discussed in works on lexicology, morphology, and even syntax, but from different perspectives and using different terminology, resulting in considerable terminological variation. For instance, morphology, which focuses on parts of speech, uses such terms as proper and common nouns (e.g., LKG 1965: 163); lexicology, which focuses on the lexicon, uses proper and common words; and onomastics, a branch of the latter, uses the terms name, proper name (e.g., Jakaitienė 2010: 267–278). The term names is also used. This terminology is carried over into normative works, where it is not used uniformly, so terminological variation arises there as well, and the relationships between the terms are— 2 For example, the Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia states that “[A]strology originated in Mesopotamia, perhaps in the third millennium BC, and spread throughout the Western world during the Hellenistic period” (VLEe). One astrology website says that “modern astrology is a legacy of Babylonian civilization and originated approximately 4,000–5,000 years ago in the Sumerian and Babylonian civilizations” (ASTR). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 4 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 rather unclear. For example, the section on capitalization in the principal publication setting out Lithuanian spelling norms—Lithuanian Spelling and Punctuation—mentions both names and titles, such as geographical names and geographical titles, animal names and animal titles, astronomical names, as well as proper names of astronomical objects and names of astronomical objects (LKRS 1992: 60–76). Neither these specific terms nor the terms name, title are explained here, so it is unclear whether these specific terms are considered distinct terms or synonyms. Untangling the relationships between the terms or standardizing the terminology is not the aim of this article. Therefore, having noted the variation, the term proper names will be used below to encompass literal proper names3. The article’s immediate subject will be called astrological names; more precisely, the abbreviation ALP will be used for these names, distinguishing them from astronomical names—ANP. When referring to more specific types of ALP or ANP, the terms denoting them will be used in full: names of astrological objects, names of astrological events, names of astronomical objects, and so on. This article concerns spelling, so it does not seek either to refine the classification of proper names or to standardize terminology; its sole aim is to examine spelling tendencies for proper names characteristic of astrology. As the article’s title indicates, the analysis will be based on texts from websites. It is well known that the internet is not the medium to which researchers of spelling would turn first, and the reason is understandable. There is a great deal in this medium that could be called elementary spelling or proofreading errors, and there is little point in examining them from the perspective of standardization, since even language users themselves would probably not agree to establish elementary spelling errors as a general norm. However, texts of varying quality are published online, including those that remain within the bounds of the standard language, making it possible to select suitable sources. Most importantly, however, the choice of the internet as a research source is dictated by the field under examination. Interest in astrology has revived relatively recently; for a long time it was a rather closed field, and it continues to be rejected by science (see Vaskelaitė 2020: 129–130). Consequently, there are not many publications in Lithuanian on this subject. More precisely, a considerable amount of popular literature is published, but it does not cover the full variety of names used in astrology, whereas these are used extensively on astrology websites. Here, terms or 3 In addition to literal names, works setting out spelling norms usually also mention symbolic names (names with symbolic meaning), identifying their use of quotation marks as the feature distinguishing them from literal names. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 5 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 names are also explained, thereby revealing their meanings. Therefore, seven websites have been selected for analysis: antropoteosofineastrologija.lt (ANTR), astrodaiva.com (ASTR), astrologijosmokykla.lt (AM), sadhanacentras.lt (SA), uranija.lt (UR), vidineastrologija.lt (VA), zachh.lt (ZA). The analysis is based on continuous prose published on the websites up to December 1, 2021. Before proceeding to analyze usage tendencies, however, it is relevant to discuss the codified norm. 1. CODIFIED NORMS AND THEIR CRITERIA The general rule for writing proper names is formulated in grammar sections dealing with nouns, and it would seem very simple: proper nouns are written with a capital letter (LKG 1965: 163; DLKG 1997: 60). However, those sections formulate only the rule for writing nouns, whereas proper names include more than just nouns. The writing of proper names is discussed in greater detail, and the norm is established, in works focused on orthography. Orthographic norms are still set out in Lithuanian Spelling and Punctuation (hereafter LKRS). They are also adopted or revised through resolutions of the State Commission of the Lithuanian Language (hereafter VLKK), but the principal normative collection of spelling rules is the second, revised edition of LKRS, published in 1992. Its first part, Orthography, as also stated on the VLKK website, remains in force insofar as it does not conflict with resolutions adopted subsequently4. The writing of proper names is discussed in the section of this collection entitled Use of Capital Letters (LKRS 1992: 61–64), and the title alone shows that the distinguishing feature used to distinguish proper names from common names is the capital letter. In practice, however, the rule of capitalization can apply only to one-word names. Two ways of writing multiword names are specified: capitalizing the first word of the name (order of the Ministry of Justice) and writing every word in the name with a capital letter (Great Bear). Names are divided here into groups, with some prescribed to be written one way and others another; the group labels and discussion suggest that the manner of writing is determined by the object being named. For instance, company, institution and 4 See http://www.vlkk.lt/aktualiausios-temos/rasyba/lkrs-turinys. At the time this article was being prepared, an updated collection of spelling rules was under consideration: Rasuolė Vladarskienė and Palmira Žemlevičiūtė’s Lithuanian Spelling: Rules, Comments, Advice. It is available at http://www.vlkk.lt/aktualiausios-temos/rasyba/apie-rasyba. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 6 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 organization names (Ministry of Justice), documents (Treaty of Versailles), holidays and events (New Year, Mother’s Day), historical events and eras (Great Northern War, National Revival era), and other names are identified as those in which only the first word is capitalized, whereas personal names (Jean-Jacques Rousseau), including one- or multiword names of mythological beings (God, Aphrodite, God the Father, Zeus the Thunderer), are names in which every word is capitalized. Only the names of a few groups are specified as being written in the latter way, which suggests that this practice is an exception to a more general rule for writing proper names. One of those few groups is the names of astronomical objects (Great Bear, Mars). However, LKRS does not distinguish a group of astrological objects, nor are such names mentioned among the other groups of proper names. They are also absent from the classification of proper nouns in the principal Lithuanian grammars (LKG 1965: 163; DLKG 1997: 60); only A Grammar of Contemporary Lithuanian labels the group as names of cosmic and astronomical objects (DLKG 1997: 60). A number of VLKK resolutions have also been adopted on the writing of proper names, and several recommendations on their spelling have been issued—for example, Recommendation on the Capitalization of Certain Religious Names, Terms and Titles (VLKK 2004)—but the spelling of ALP is not addressed in these documents5. The consolidated resolution that revised some of the spelling rules set out in LKRS lists the same groups of proper names as LKRS and does not distinguish a group of ALP; such names are not included in the other groups either (VLKK 1997). The spelling of ALP is not discussed in publications of an instructional or practical nature either (e.g. LKŽin 1998; Linkevičienė 2013: 7–24; Bielinskienė et al. 2014: 132–135; ESIV 2014: 40–69; KancKP 2020); more generally, astrological names or terms are scarcely examined at all. The author has already noted that they are rarely included even in dictionaries of international words, although astrology uses many terms whose meanings differ from those of ANP (Vaskelaitė 2020). It is true that Kazimieras Gaivenis (1990) has written about constellation names, but these too were considered names of astronomical, not astrological, objects. 5 Recommendations and resolutions are published on the VLKK website: recommendations under Current Topics (http://www.vlkk.lt/aktualiausios-temos/rasyba), and resolutions under VLKK Resolutions (http://www.vlkk.lt/vlkk-nutarimai). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 7 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 Since astrology and astronomy share common roots6, it might seem that the rule for writing ANP should suffice, and ALP should be written according to it. However, this rule applies only to the names of objects—as indicated both by the title of the section in LKRS, Names of Astronomical, Geographical and Topographical Objects, and by the examples given there (LKRS 1992: 62). Moreover, this rule is not quite so simple. First, it provides for an exception for a generic word denoting the common name of an object (star, nebula, planet), thereby seeming to introduce a third way of writing proper names—not capitalizing every word (LKRS 1992: 62). Under this exception, the prescribed forms would be Great Bear Wagon, Milky Way, but Blue Tranquility Sea, since the generic word is only sea, whereas Wagon and Way are not, although sea, wagon, and way are all common nouns. Second, making an exception for a generic word blurs the boundary between the different ways of writing names. Under this exception, two-word names of astronomical objects, such as North Star or Andromeda Nebula, would be written in the same way as names in which only the first word is capitalized, cf. Mother’s Day or Treaty of Versailles. The distinction is further eroded by the possibility, provided for in orthographic norms, of using capital letters stylistically—a possibility that, as formulated, applies both to individual words and to names. LKRS, for instance, states that capital letters may be used for words when “the concepts they denote are accorded exceptional significance and respect” (But now, National Revival period, it is painful to see the spirit’s spaces stretching hopelessly wide), and names: “Out of respect, all the words in the names of the most significant organizations, social movements, historical events, documents of particular importance, and other similar entities may be written with capital letters” (LKRS 1992: 71). As the latter LKRS formulation and its examples show, when a name is capitalized out of respect, its generic word must also be capitalized: Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference, Universal Declaration of Human Rights Declaration, and so forth. This would mean that although the rule for writing names of astronomical objects makes an exception for the generic word (cf. Sea of Tranquility Sea), the possibility of using capital letters for stylistic reasons eliminates that exception. It is true that, as the formulation quoted shows, this possibility is not explicitly identified as applying to names of astronomical objects, but the wording “and other 6 It is stated that astrology originated in Mesopotamia around the 3rd millennium BC and later spread through the Western world during the Hellenistic period; it is also noted that it helped astronomy develop: in the first centuries AD, the distinction emerged between astronomy as the science of the stars and astrology as divination from the stars (VLEe). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 8 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 that “all words in similar names” would suggest that this is possible. Indeed, the aforementioned Recommendations on the Capitalization of Certain Religious Names, Terms, and Titles (hereinafter, the Recommendation) show that when writing religious names, the generic word may be capitalized for stylistic reasons: Christmas Mass, Gregory’s Mass (VLKK 2004). On the other hand, in referring to the names of holidays and commemorative days, examples such as Guardian Angels’ Day, Feast of the Holy Innocentsfeast are also given here, which would contradict the rule formulated in LKRS concerning the stylistic use of capital letters in names7. Thus, the exception for the generic word not only obscures the boundary between ways of writing proper names, but also gives rise to conflicting norms. One reason for the resulting ambiguities may be that capitalization serves several functions: it expresses respect and distinguishes a proper name from a common noun, but is also used in attempts to distinguish some proper names from others8. The criterion for this latter distinction is not specified in works that codify spelling norms. From the spelling perspective, the boundary drawn between names of persons (and animals and mythological beings) and other kinds of names might suggest that this distinction follows the distinction made in lexicological works between two types of proper nouns—names of living beings and names of inanimate things (see Jakaitienė 2010: 266). However, from the spelling perspective, a boundary is also drawn among inanimate things: that is, names of astronomical (as well as geographical, topographical, and natural) objects are distinguished from names of other inanimate things (e.g., holiday names). This might suggest that the domain in which a name is used is taken into account: ANP are treated differently from, say, names of historical periods and epochs (Didysis šiaurės karas, Šviečiamasis amžius). But the groups listed in the LKRS section Writing Certain Other Names show that different treatment is envisaged not only for names of historical periods and epochs, but also for names not associated with any particular domain (say, names of holidays or documents); this would suggest that lexical group is also taken into account: names of objects (e.g., astronomical ones) are distinguished from names of events (holidays, occasions). Reconciling these two criteria is, of course, difficult, since astronomy is not limited to names of objects, and history is not limited to names of periods and epochs. The Recommendation shows, for example, that religious names also include more than names of objects—names of acts of worship are used, for instance (Altoriaus Sakramentas, Pirmoji Komunija). 7 The note following the Recommendation states that it was prepared as a draft and considered at the VLKK meeting of June 3, 2004, but was not approved. See http://www.vlkk.lt/vlkk-nutarimai/projektai/kai-kuriu-religiniu-vardu-terminu-pavadinimu-rasymas-didzja-raide. 8 A sentence also begins with a capital letter. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 9 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 The aforementioned Recommendation introduces another criterion for drawing distinctions among proper names: the significance of their meaning. It discusses names with exceptional significance as examples of those written with every word beginning with a capital letter, such as titles of sacred texts and their principal parts (Naujasis Testamentas, geroji Naujiena, Vetus Latina), and names of the most important acts of worship (Eucharistijos Sakramentas, Pirmoji Komunija). By contrast, names without exceptional significance are listed as being written according to the general rule for writing names—with only the first word capitalized (Pradžios knyga, Dvylikos apaštalų liturgija). Such a criterion of exceptional significance would coincide with the criterion of using capital letters for stylistic reasons. However, after listing groups of names with exceptional significance in section 2 of the Recommendation, section 4 states that “[R]eligious terms and names, especially in religious texts, are characteristically written with capital letters for stylistic reasons: words and phrases are capitalized when the concepts they denote are accorded exceptional significance and respect,” and separately lists cases of stylistic capitalization, such as names of phenomena and events in Church history (Kristaus Gimimas, Kristaus Prisikėlimas). Thus, although the relationship between names of exceptional significance and names written for stylistic reasons is not explicitly specified in the Recommendation, their being mentioned separately would suggest that religious names of exceptional significance are distinguished from phrases used for stylistic reasons, even though LKRS regards exceptional significance as a basis for stylistic capitalization. In any case, it becomes clear that the codification of rules for writing proper names not only attempts to reconcile several criteria, but also gives rise to normative inconsistencies. Normative works do not explain or specify why a boundary tends to be drawn between proper names in terms of their spelling. The reason may be the exceptional significance of certain names, or a different tradition of writing proper names that has developed in different domains (e.g., in astronomical texts), or some other factors. That a domain can indeed influence spelling tendencies is also reflected in some exceptions specified in normative works. For instance, the Recommendation states that in religious texts certain common nouns, such as mišios or bažnyčia, are to be capitalized (Bažnyčia, Katalikų Bažnyčia; Mišios, Bernelių Mišios). The spelling of religious holiday names is also prescribed differently here (Trys Karaliai, Visi Šventieji) than in the LKRS, which is primarily oriented toward general usage. In general, however, the rules for writing both religious names and proper names tend to be formulated as universal rules, without taking account of the context in which a name is used BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 10 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 or genre and stylistic characteristics. For example, the Grammar of the Lithuanian Language mentions only the general possibility of proper nouns becoming common nouns (LKG 1965: 163), while the LKRS likewise states that saulė, mėnulis and žemė are written in lowercase not in texts of a particular style or genre, or in general usage, but when these words are used not as astronomical names (Patekėjo saulė; Čia Lietuvos žemė; Blyškiai švietė mėnulis), and that the word visata is generally written in lowercase (LKRS 1992: 63). Overall, the review of the codified norm makes it clear that the seemingly simple rule for writing proper names—which identifies capitalization as the feature distinguishing a proper name from a common noun—is quite complicated. The difficulties arise from the exception made for generic words, from the fact that the capital letter serves more than one function, and from the application of several criteria to distinguish some proper names from others. Contradictions arise even in normative works. It is therefore understandable that ambiguities may occur in usage. That they do occur is suggested by entries in the VLKK Consultation Bank (hereafter, KB), compiled on the basis of questions submitted by language users. Questions are raised both about the boundary between proper and common names (visata, galaktika) and about the use of capital letters in names from various groups, for example, holidays and commemorative days (how many capitals in the name Naujieji metai; Angelų sargų ar Angelų Sargų diena?), geographical names (Kuršių nerija ar Kuršių Nerija? Didysis Kanjonas ar Didysis kanjonas?), and astronomical object names (how many capitals in the names Didieji Grįžulo Ratai, Paukščių Takas?). The entries show that questions are also asked about names belonging to groups or subgroups not distinguished in normative works, for example, calendar names (Mėnulio kalendorius ar mėnulio kalendorius?) and trade-route names (Šilko kelias ar šilko kelias? Gintaro kelias ar gintaro kelias?). This would suggest that ambiguities may also arise from uncertainty about which group of proper names a name belongs to. It is true that ALP is not mentioned in this resource either. 2. NAMES OF ASTROLOGICAL OBJECTS Some proper names used on astrology websites denote objects that appear to correspond to astronomical ones, and the names are also written in the same way. However, the websites reveal BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 11 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 differences in meaning, as well as the fact that expressions referring to names that do not coincide with astronomical ones are also used in this field. 2.1. Names of Astrological Planets and Other Celestial Bodies All the websites examined use names for objects called celestial bodies in astronomy, but the names of planets are by far the most common: Venera, Marsas, Merkurijus, Jupiteris, Saturnas, Uranas, Plutonas, Neptūnas. Most websites also mention the asteroid Chironas. Other celestial-body names are less frequent, at least on the websites selected for analysis, suggesting that not all celestial bodies are equally important from an astrological perspective. For example, only one text states that comets are also important in astrology (ASTR). An explanation in another text would suggest that celestial bodies are not equally relevant to different astrological schools: “There are hundreds of asteroids. Some schools of astrology pay little attention to asteroids, while others devote considerable attention to them” (ASTR). On the other hand, astrological texts also refer to celestial bodies described as undiscovered from an astronomical perspective: “The most commonly used asteroid is Chiron; Russian astrological schools also use Proserpina, which Western astrology regards as a fictitious point (it has not yet been discovered as a physical body; its existence is inferred indirectly)” (ASTR). However, even when the names of the celestial bodies mentioned coincide with their astronomical names, they are used with different meanings in astrological texts. These objects are hardly even called celestial bodies here. Both the explanations provided on the websites and the context reveal that in astrology they are not material celestial bodies whose mass or volume one might wish to assess and discuss, but repositories of symbolic meanings. Thus, Saturn is associated with authority, discipline, restrictions, the economy, asceticism, and old age, while Jupiter is associated with laws, justice, foreign countries, and travel. Comets are interpreted as messengers from the heavens, a message from the cosmos to the Solar System about particularly important events (ASTR). On one website, planets and other celestial bodies are described as spiritual beings: “This may sound like poetry, but since antiquity it has been asserted that planets and other celestial bodies have a consciousness of their own, that they are not only physical but also spiritual beings, essences, and that they were called cosmic logoi” (ASTR). In astronomy, of course, these objects are viewed differently; comets, for instance, are “low-mass, low-density cosmic bodies orbiting the Sun in ellipses BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 12 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 or parabolas,” while planets are “large-mass, large-dimension cold cosmic bodies orbiting a star (in the Solar System, the Sun)” (Straižys 2003). The spelling of astrological “celestial body” names shows that differences in meaning do not determine spelling conventions: in astrological texts, these names are also written with initial capitals, for example: Thus, courage and determination to act (Mars) encounters restrictions, hierarchical power structures, and the economy (Saturn), laws and justice (Jupiter), and transformation (Pluto) are the main themes of ASTR; When Mercury is afflicted, the ability to express thoughts clearly and fluently, to learn, write, and drive diminishes SA; In astrology Mars is considered a planet of evil ZA. Incidentally, the names also appear in website texts as names of astronomical objects, for example, Throughout July, Mars and Venus can be seen above the western horizon after sunset ASTR. One website, where each planet is discussed in particular detail, also provides both an astrological and an astronomical explanation. For example, Mercury is described astrologically as “mental abilities and intellect, writing, speaking, trade, sciences,” and astronomically as “the planet closest to the Sun. The surface temperature on the side of the planet facing the luminary reaches 427°C. Due to the lack of an atmosphere, the surface in shadow cools rapidly at night to −173°C” (ZA). Another website publishes a pair of texts mentioning stars that can be seen with the naked eye in the summer sky, namely Sirijus, Arktūras, Vega, Denebas, Altairas, Rigelis, Kapela, Procionas, without assigning them any astrological significance (ASTR). However, this context does not allow us to claim that the consistent spelling of celestial-body names is due to analogy with ANP, or that the names of astrological objects were borrowed from astronomy. The roots of astrology and astronomy, as noted both on websites (ASTR, ANTR) and in printed publications (e.g., Bogun 1999), were shared; only later did the latter diverge from astrology. Both astrological and astronomical planets are named after ancient gods⁹, so the consistent use of initial capitals in these names is more likely due to the tradition of capitalizing the names of deities or mythological beings. Incidentally, the links between astrology and mythology 9 According to Algirdas Sabaliauskas, the principal “godfather of the astronomical planets was the famous German astronomer Johann Elert Bode (1747–1826), who published a star atlas in 1778 marking 17,240 stars. Neptune and Pluto were discovered after J. E. Bode’s death (Neptune in 1846, Pluto in 1930). However, following tradition, their discoverers also gave the newly discovered planets the names of ancient gods” (Sabaliauskas 2020: 300–302). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 13 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 are also mentioned on websites 10. However, astrological names cannot be equated with mythological names either, since their meanings do not coincide completely. This is particularly evident from the website already mentioned, which offers not only astrological and astronomical but also mythological interpretations. For instance, Mars, described astrologically as “your actions, strength, determination, leadership,” is explained from a mythological perspective as a god of fertility who can destroy crops, cause livestock to perish, or simply prevent them from growing (ZA). Another difference compared with astronomical names is that in astrology the Sun and Moon are also called planets, although astronomically the Sun is a star and the Moon is Earth’s satellite. As can also be inferred from explanations provided on websites, this designation is connected with early observations of celestial bodies: those visible to the naked eye were considered planets, including Mercury, Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter, as well as the Sun and Moon. A special term is even used collectively for these seven celestial bodies: the great seven or septener (ASTR). Later, following the discovery of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, they too were added to the set of astrological planets; thus, astrology websites mention and list ten planets. Nevertheless, even though the Sun and Moon are described differently from astrological and astronomical perspectives, and their meanings also differ (in astrology, the Sun is associated with consciousness, one’s way of perceiving the world, and the possibilities of self-realization, while the Moon is associated with the subconscious and feelings), this does not affect spelling: in astrological texts, the names Sun, Moon are also written with capital letters, e.g.: Strong inharmonious Sun – this is pride, arrogance, a disdainful attitude toward others, despotism ASTR; The zodiac sign in which each of us has the Sun, is special because it describes our potential for growth, awakening, maturity, and fulfillment VA; In astrology Moon symbolizes human feelings and emotional nature ZA. Only a couple of instances of different spelling were found (moon, lunar eclipse ZA), but, judging from the spelling in those same texts, these seem to have resulted from oversight. In these cases, capitalization is determined by a status analogous to that of the other planets, as well as by the fact that the Sun and Moon are often mentioned among the other planets, e.g.: The days of the week are governed by the great seven—the seven planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn), known since antiquity and 10 For example: “Astrology and mythology have always gone hand in hand. In astrology, the planet (asteroid) Chiron is associated with healing. According to legend, the mythological deity, the centaur Chiron, was Asclepius’s teacher, renowned for his wisdom and extraordinary healing powers. The essence of the healing practiced by both Chiron and Asclepius is to heal with what made you ill. Chiron was severely wounded and suffered pain. Therefore, in astrology he symbolizes not only a healer but also our inner wound, our most painful spot” (VA). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 14 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 visible from Earth to the naked eye ASTR. However, as the sentence However, the two most important [planets], called luminaries in astrology, –the Sun and the Moon, expressing consciousness and the subconscious, the Father and the Mother, our active, diurnal, and passive, nocturnal, sides ASTR, suggests, in astrology these two planets are also considered the most important. Therefore, the impetus to use capital letters may also stem from the exceptional significance or respect accorded to a concept, or from stylistic considerations (see also section 4). In any case, most of the names discussed are single-word names and do not allow us to determine whether, in writing ALP, the ANP rule is followed, which prescribes capitalization of every word in a name, or the more universal rule according to which only the first word of a name is capitalized. 2.2. Horoscope points, or fictitious planets The astrological-object names discussed above coincide completely in form with astronomical-object names, but astrological texts also use names that coincide only partially or not at all. These are the names of certain horoscope points. The arrangement of celestial bodies at the time of birth (or at another significant moment) is represented in an astrological diagram—the horoscope. It marks the planets and other celestial bodies, but also marks points which, as explained on websites, are not material celestial bodies but mathematically calculated points. They are called fictitious planets or fictitious points, and, since they are associated with karma, often also karmic points. Their names are foreign words: Lilit (Lilith), Selena, Rachu (Rahu), and Ketu. On one website, Lilit and Selena are associated with the Persian astrology of Avesta11, while Rachu and Ketu are associated with the Vedas, i.e. Indian astrology (ASTR)12. However, these horoscope points are mentioned or discussed in more detail 11 On another website, which provides a mythological interpretation of the Moon as a planet, one of the Greek goddesses, Selena—sister of Helios and wise goddess of fertility—is identified as the Moon’s archetype. Other Moon goddesses mentioned there are Diana and Hecate, the latter associated with twilight, ghosts, and mysteries that emerge after darkness has fallen, thus embodying the dark side of the Moon (ZA). 12 Articles on astrology explain that in Vedic mythology Rachu and Ketu are two parts of the same demon. The demon had obtained the elixir of immortality by deception and, disguised as a demigod, had taken a place among the demigods, between the Sun and the Moon. However, he was recognized and the highest god was informed. The god hurled a discus and thus cut Rachu in half. The head continued to be called Rachu, while the body came to be called Ketu. In Vedic mythology, the eclipses were explained as the result of Rachu and Ketu’s struggle with the Sun and Moon (Čerem isinas 2015a, b). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 15 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 are discussed on all the websites, which suggests that they are an integral part of astrology based on the Western tradition. Indeed, the websites also attempt to explain them astronomically, for example, “Selena is not a planet but a mathematically calculated point associated with the Moon’s orbit around the Earth, more precisely, with its closest approach to Earth, when it receives the greatest amount of reflected sunlight from the Moon” (ASTR); this explanation reveals links with astronomy, but the proper names Lilit, Selena, Rachu, Ketu are not used in astronomy, and the emphasis on the karmic nature of these objects would also suggest that they are distinctive ALP. On astrology websites, Lilit is associated with dark karma, and Selena with light karma and protection. Two other points are also associated with karma: Rachu with the karmic tasks a person must carry out in this life, and Ketu with those carried out in past lives. These latter two points are collectively called both Mėnulio mazgais and, notably, this term is linked with astronomical terminology: astronomy uses the terms Mėnulio orbitos mazgai, Mėnulio orbitos taškai.13 All four one-word names are written like personal names, with a capital letter 14, for example: Karminiai mazgai žinomi visose astrologijos tradicijose, o Selena ir Lilit – daugiausiai Avestos (persų) astrologijoje ASTR; Horoskope Rachu padėtis parodo, kokias savybes būtina ugdyti savyje, kokį gyvenimo kelią pasirinkti, norint greičiau judėti pirmyn SA; Karminiai Mėnulio mazgai visada yra opozicijoje, tačiau ta opozicija kitokia nei planetų – ji sako, kad negalima šių dviejų taškų, vadinamų Rahu ir Ketu, analizuoti bei realizuoti atskirai ASTR. However, they are rarely used on their own; they are used with certain modifiers, which can also function as synonyms. Some examples of usage would allow these necessary companions to be interpreted as a relationship between an appositive and the word it qualifies, e.g.: He spoke about the Black Moon Lilith, who that day left in peace all the Scorpios who conceal their grudges deep within themselves and moved into the constellation Sagittarius UR; December 15 (7:05 a.m.)the White Moon Selena moves into Sagittarius together with Venus ANTR; the Ascending Karmic Lunar Node Rahu – this is the fastest path to the soul’s evolution SA; Nevertheless, in Capricorn there will also be the Descending Karmic Node Ketu, so one should not overdo cultivating Capricornian traits ASTR; The lunar nodes, namely the ascending node Rahu and the descending node Ketu, are two other abstract points formed at the intersection of the Sun’s and Moon’s orbits in the zodiac. However, as the examples show, there is also a tendency to capitalize these appositives 13 Such terms, for example, are used in Visuotinėje lietuvių enciklopedijoje; see Mėnulis, užtemimai (VLEe). 14 An article on astrology states that Ketu, translated from Sanskrit, means vėliava (Čeremisin as 2015a). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 16 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 letter, whereas White Moon and Black Moon are consistently written with a capital letter, with the second word of the name (Moon) also capitalized; on the websites, it also functions as a one-word proper name. The reason for capitalization can be inferred from the same texts. They show that the longer phrases are presented as synonyms of the one-word names, for example: In the astrological chart of the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, the Sun and Mercury form an aspect with Black Moon (Lilit) in Scorpio ANTR; Until May 10, the Descending Karmic Lunar Node (Ketu) will continue its journey through your zodiac sign UR; Rahu, or the Karmic Ascending Lunar Node, expresses the direction of evolution, what one should turn toward and learn in this life ASTR. Although texts generally give, and continue to use, both the short and the long member of a synonymous pair, either may also be used alone as a substitute for the other, for example: Black Moon, or Lilith, indicates all the immoral deeds committed in past lives for which a person was not punished and which lie deep in the subconscious. Lilith reflects our dark side, which is most susceptible to instinct, our dark nature, influenced by those around us and by various temptations ZA. Thus, these phrases tend to be capitalized because they too are considered names of horoscope points (fictitious planets). However, only Black Moon and White Moon are written consistently. The spelling of the other pair of horoscope points varies. Only the phrase Lunar Nodes is written uniformly, for example: Another indicator of karma is, as it were, the direction of a person’s evolution: the position of the Lunar Nodes in the signs and houses of the horoscope ZA; by contrast, the spelling of the specific names formed with it is inconsistent. Sometimes the phrases descending karmic lunar node and ascending karmic lunar node occur as common nouns, but such variation is rare—most often, the phrase is given the status of a proper name. However, usage varies in the application of the rule for writing proper names. In some cases, the general rule for proper names seems to be applied, requiring the first word to be capitalized (except for a proper name and a generic term), for example: When an eclipse occurs near the Descending Karmic Lunar Node, located at one end of the axis, it brings past-determined events to the fore; when it occurs near the Ascending Karmic Lunar Node, it opens paths to future prospects. In other cases, the rule for writing astronomical or other names is applied, requiring every word to be capitalized, for example: this is how new experience of the soul is accumulated, coming through the Ascending Karmic Lunar Node – Rahu SA; In January, two eclipses will form near the Descending Karmic Node Ketu ASTR. This variation indicates uncertainty, BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 17 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 which of the two rules for writing proper names to apply, while also highlighting a gap in codification—the failure to distinguish the ALP group when codifying rules for writing proper names. At least these names clearly differ from ANP. On the other hand, as the aforementioned astronomical terms lunar orbital nodes, lunar orbital points would suggest, certain links with ANP exist, and this may also be a factor behind the fluctuations that arise in usage. However, astronomical and astrological assessments of objects differ. From an astronomical perspective, nodes, as the Astronomical Encyclopedic Dictionary would suggest, are “points on the celestial sphere where the orbit of a cosmic body intersects a selected plane. In the Solar System, these are points where the orbit of a planet (and likewise the Moon) intersects the plane of the ecliptic” (Straižys 2003). From an astrological perspective, they are points on an astrological chart—a horoscope. Moreover, in astrological texts these points are often called planets or equated with them, e.g.: August is, in a way, a continuation of the astrological trends of July, when Mars’s destructive expression intensifies through the aspects it forms with other planets, such as Lilith, Chiron, Saturn, Jupiter, Pluto ANTR. The texts show that Selena, Rahu, and other objects called horoscope points, like planets, “move,” e.g.: Unfortunately, this year the Sun in Aquarius is burdened by the sign of the transiting Black Moon, or Lilith, which will remain in Aquarius until May 4 ASTR. Thus, the tendency to capitalize these word combinations may be encouraged by comparing the objects they denote with planets (they are also called fictional planets). This is also supported by the occasional capitalization of the name of another important horoscope point—Ascendant. This object is usually mentioned as a horoscope point, but is sometimes called a planet, and it is precisely in such cases that this name, too, is capitalized, e.g.: The planets closest to Earth have the greatest influence on a person—these are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Ascendant SA. Besides the aforementioned gap in codification, there may be other factors behind the tendency to capitalize every word in a name. Astrological texts often give Latin equivalents, as in the sentence His ascendant is on the very royal star—Regulo (Cor Leonis) UR. And the names of one pair of horoscope points are generally used as unadapted Latinisms—Medium Coeli and Imum Coeli, e.g.: The so-called major aspects (formed by certain angles between two planets) are also important: trines, sextiles, oppositions, squares, especially conjunctions with planets, the Ascendant, and Medium Coeli (MC, or the beginning of the 10th house) ANTR. An article published earlier revealed that astrological terminology is closely connected with BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 18 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 Latin (Vaskelaitė 2020), which would support the assumption that the occasional capitalization may be influenced by the Latin tradition of writing names in running and non-running texts. However, websites do not tend to capitalize other terms, although a large proportion of them are of Latin origin (see Vaskelaitė 2020). Only isolated instances occur. For example, in just one text the term stelium is capitalized: The conjunction of three or more planets is called Stelium AN. This would only confirm the tendency to capitalize the names of horoscope points that are also regarded as planets in astrology. However, since works codifying the spelling rules for the group of astrological object names do not distinguish these names or specify their relationship to the names of astronomical objects, it is unclear which rule for writing proper names should be applied to them. 2.3. The Zodiac and its signs Another name with an astronomical analogue is widely used on all the websites: the Zodiac; the texts also provide an astronomical explanation, e.g.: “The Zodiac is a band of the celestial sphere approximately 16 degrees wide, through the middle of which runs the ecliptic (the Sun’s path), touching 13 constellations” (VA). Nevertheless, it is also explained here that the astronomical and astrological Zodiacs are not the same, and these differences are linked to the differences between the constellations of the Zodiac. First, astronomical constellations “have no strictly defined boundary and are spread widely across the sky, some occupying more of the celestial sphere than others,” whereas astrological constellations divide the Sun’s apparent annual path into 12 equal parts, each 30 degrees wide. Second, astronomy identifies thirteen constellations of the Zodiac (including Ophiuchus), while astrology distinguishes 12. Third, in astrology these divisions of the Zodiac are not called constellations—they are called Zodiac signs. Thus, this two-word name, too, differs from its astronomical counterpart (cf. Zodiac constellations). The names of the individual Zodiac signs also differ: astrology uses not the Cancer constellation or the Leo constellation, but the sign of Cancer, the sign of Leo, and so on. The short forms of the names do, however, coincide: Cancer, Leo, etc. Their meanings nevertheless differ: in astrology, these “constellations” are also clusters of symbolic meanings. For example, Gemini is associated with information, its transmission, intellectual abilities, language, writing, and also loquacity, BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 19 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 curiosity, Cancer—with family, home, homeland, history, patriotism, and sensitivity. Cf. the astronomical explanation of the name Gemini: “A zodiac constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, covering an area of 514 sq. degrees. In Lithuania, it is best seen in winter <....>” (Straižys 2003). Thus the name Zodiac also has a different meaning in astrology. No precise definition is given, but its use indicates that it is a symbolic structure. One website explains the Zodiac in a metaphysical sense as “the great cosmic circle containing 12 cosmic laws that describe the stages of birth, development, death—that is, evolution—of any phenomenon, both on Earth and in the Universe, and within and without” (VA). The two-word name Zodiac circle is also used. In astrology, planets and other celestial bodies “travel” through the Zodiac, and explanations of their interactions with the parts of the Zodiac circle, or zodiac signs, form the basis of many texts published on astrology websites. As one can infer from them, as they travel through one zodiac sign and then another, the planets bring certain areas to the fore and determine events of greater or lesser importance, for example: Twelve years ago, in 2008, Jupiter, entering Capricorn together with Pluto, began the economic-financial crisis, that is, the transformation of the economy ASTR; When Pluto enters Aquarius in 4 years, we will already be standing more firmly with both feet in a completely different civilization, which is now being born through pain and suffering UR; As Jupiter travels through Cancer it will be a very favorable time for buying land or a house, working in one’s garden plots and vegetable gardens, starting a family, and having children AM. These events are decisive not only for humanity or countries, but also for individuals; according to the explanations, the latter influence depends on the positions of the celestial bodies at a person’s birth—that is, on their birth horoscope. Western astrology assigns the Sun special significance in it: depending on which part of the Zodiac circle the Sun occupied at the moment of birth, people are classified as the so-called Aries, Taurus, Capricorn, and so on. Thus, in astrological texts, the one-word names of zodiac signs are used in two senses: they are not only parts of a symbolic structure, but also certain types of people, generalized according to the Sun’s position in the Zodiac at the moment of birth. Incidentally, magazine forecasts and descriptions of character traits are usually aimed precisely at these types, although more than one astrology website emphasizes the importance of the positions of all the planets in the horoscope, whose preparation also requires knowing the time of birth to the nearest minute. However, websites also reveal that astrology is not homogeneous—some branches are consumer-oriented15. 15 “In Western Europe, more and more new approaches are emerging that combine astrology with psychology. Russian astrological approaches tend more toward prognostication. Many approaches come from the United States and Canada, directly applied to BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 20 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 Names of zodiac signs used in either sense are written with an initial capital, for example: Being in Sagittarius Jupiter will be generous to everyone, but most of all, of course, to Sagittarians SA. Cf. also: As Mars travels through Virgo, advocacy of a healthy lifestyle is activated AM and All professions requiring a sharp mind and precision are very suitable for Virgos ZA. The fact that some are animal names (Aries, Taurus, Scorpio, etc.) and others are different kinds of names (Gemini, Virgo, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Libra16) has no bearing on this; cf.: The twelve zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces) were created by Babylonian priests in 700 BCE ZA; On August 22, the Sun moves from Leo into Virgo ASTR. The Lithuanian name for Venus, Aušrinė17, mentioned on two websites, is also written with an initial capital (VA, ASTR). It is true that some texts might suggest that a type generalized according to the Sun’s position in the Zodiac tends to be named with a one-word term, while a part of the symbolic structure is named with a longer term; cf.: Often, from a mere glance, one can guess that this person was born under the sign of Scorpio and It is difficult to communicate with a Scorpio ZA. In some cases, an attempt is made to distinguish the character type by using the word people (e.g., Virgo people are intelligent ZA), or in another way, e.g.: Those born under the sign of Pisceshave exceptional intuition ZA. However, this distinction is often not made—the parts of the Zodiac circle are also named using a one-word term, for example: While Jupiter was traveling through Libra, there were many opportunities to develop partnerships and social relationships outwardly, whereas when it was in Scorpio, the inner substance and values of relationships will matter more ANTR. The phrase zodiac sign. is likewise used in two senses. For instance, in the sentence Usually, the transition of a slower-moving planet from one zodiac sign to another takes about a year, and sometimes longer ANTR, it denotes a part of the Zodiac circle; whereas in the sentences One cannot claim that if a person’s zodiac sign is Scorpio, then the person is vengeful ZA—it denotes a generalized type. It is true that some examples seem to suggest that the phrase is written with a lowercase initial when used in the latter sense, for example: Deeply intuitive and sentimental, Cancer can be one of the most complex zodiac consumer” (ANTR); “In the present-day world (and probably earlier, too), three branches of astrology can be distinguished: fatalistic, consumer-oriented, and evolutionary-spiritual” (ANTR). 16The division of the Zodiac into 12 constellations is associated with Babylon, while their naming after animals is associated with the Greeks (ASTR). K. Gaivenis writes that the names of constellations in Lithuanian (as in Russian and English) are translated, and some have undergone semantic transformation. For example, the Lithuanian Aquarius has been identified with a male being who lives in water; an earlier term, Vandenius, meant “water-carrier or water-dipper” (Gaivenis 1990: 51). 17More Lithuanian constellation names (e.g., Šienpjovys, Sietynas, Įkštandis; the former name for Scorpio, Parplys Kirminėlis) are mentioned by K. Gaivenis (1990). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 21 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 signs ZA. This could be a sign of differentiation between the two meanings, but fluctuations involving the spelling of the word Zodiac usually cannot be explained by differentiation of meaning, e.g.: Imagine that God created 12 zodiac signs and gave each one its own Gift. And so, what is God’s message to each of the Zodiac signs? ZA; Everyone knows at least some of the traditional characteristics of all zodiac signs characteristics and This person’s Zodiac sign is Aquarius ZA. In some texts there is a stronger tendency to write the term used in either sense with a lowercase letter, but this is more likely the result of standardizing the spelling, e.g.: This astrological chart, as mentioned, consists of 12 zodiac signs, in which planets and various other astrological elements are arranged. In this way, each zodiac sign acquires a certain quality and energy potential, depending on how many planets and other important points are located where VA. Even Zodiac, Zodiac circle is written with a lowercase letter in this context, e.g.: All these celestial bodies, as they move, travel along the same path, which in astrology is called the zodiac circle. The conjunction of these two zodiac giants strongly influences and colors the overall tone of the year VA. However, in astrology, the Zodiac sign as a generalized type is inseparable from the Zodiac sign as a part of the Zodiac circle; more precisely, it is the manifestation of one or another Zodiac energy at the human level. Thus, standardization also occurs in the other direction, e.g.: Jupiter’s cycle, during which this planet traverses the entire Zodiac circle, lasts 12 years, or Cancer is the first water sign in the Zodiac circle VA. As becomes clear, in this case too there is variation in the spelling of a name that only partly coincides with the astronomical one (cf. Zodiac constellations and Zodiac signs). There is no uncertainty about the spelling of the related word, although it is unclear whether it is written with a lowercase initial because of the codified norm's exception for a related word, or because the rule that only the first word of the name is capitalized is being applied. This cannot be determined from the ANP names listed on any of the websites, which are also two-word names: Perseus constellation, Boötes constellation, Lyra constellation, Cygnus constellation, Aquila constellation, Summer Triangle, Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud, North Star ASTR. However, as can be seen, uncertainty arises over the capitalization of the first word in the name Zodiac sign, and this may be related either to uncertainty about the boundary between common and proper names, or to a gap in codification—the failure to distinguish ALP as a group of proper names and to specify their relationship to ANP. Only as ANP are Zodiac, Zodiac sign discussed in KB as well, although the examples given use ALP, not ANP (According to the Zodiac, he is an Aries and My sign is Capricorn). Here, incidentally, BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 22 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 it is stated that when Zodiac is used to refer to a person's character or fate, as a common noun, it should be written with a lowercase initial, e.g.: What is your zodiac? (KB). However, such an exception may be intended for general usage, whereas tests on astrology websites highlight the close connection between the Zodiac sign as a character type and the Zodiac sign as a part of the Zodiac circle; therefore, it is difficult to differentiate the name used in these two meanings through spelling. Nevertheless, astrology websites may be attempting to follow this recommendation intended for general usage, and this may be one of the reasons for the variation found there. Indeed, besides the previously discussed one-word and two-word names of Zodiac signs, three-word names are also widely used on websites, e.g.: From the 16th, Mercury will move into the Pisces zodiac sign, shifting thinking toward intuition ASTR; This planet rules the Gemini and Virgo zodiac signs ASTR. The phrase zodiac sign forming part of these names is written with a lowercase initial. Only one instance of a form such as Sagittarius Zodiac sign was found (later in the same text, Libra zodiac sign is written ZA). Nevertheless, the prevailing tendency in the spelling of three-word names does not make it possible to determine whether the rule of capitalizing the first word of the name is being applied in this case, or whether this spelling is used because the phrase zodiac sign is treated as a generic term within the name. 3. SPELLING OF OTHER NAMES The ALP discussed are names of objects. Even if they differ in meaning from the names of astronomical objects, and in some cases also in form, certain connections with the latter exist; thus, when writing them, one might seem to be guided by the rule for spelling astronomical object names formulated in normative works. However, astrology websites use not only names of objects. 3.1. Astrological events When the group of astronomical object names is distinguished in LKRS, in fact only objects are mentioned, such as Big Dipper, Milky Way, North Star, Andromeda Nebula (LKRS 1992: 62). No events or phenomena are listed here, but surely astronomical phenomena include more than just objects BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 23 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 names. Indeed, one of the astrology websites uses the name Perseidų lietus (‘Perseid meteor shower’)—the name of an astronomical phenomenon. Of course, many astronomical phenomena have common-noun names, for example, saulėgrįža (‘solstice’) or lygiadienis (‘equinox’). There are also common-noun names for astrological phenomena, such as tranzitas (‘transit’) or ingresija (‘ingress’), and these are written with a lowercase initial letter on websites. Others are capitalized, such as Saulės užtemimas, Mėnulio užtemimas, Plutono ir Saturno konjunkcija, Marso–Neptūno jungtis (‘solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, Pluto–Saturn conjunction, Mars–Neptune conjunction’), but the first word in these names is a proper name, also used on websites as a name in its own right, so it is unclear whether the entire compound name is used as a proper or a common noun. Nevertheless, in the names of some phenomena the first word is a common noun, but it is written with a capital letter, suggesting that the name is treated as a proper name. For example, the names of four annual phenomena—two equinoxes and two solstices—are capitalized, e.g.: At the end of March 20, just before midnight, at 23:58, the Sun will enter the zodiac sign of Aries and Pavasario lygiadienis (‘Spring Equinox’) will occur ASTR; How should we welcome Rudens lygiadienį? (‘the Autumn Equinox’) ASTR; This is the Žiemos saulėgrįžos (‘Winter Solstice’) moment, signifying that the point of greatest darkness has been reached ASTR; This year Vasaros solsticija (‘Summer Solstice’) will be on the 21st ASTR. On other websites, and even on the same websites, these names are written in lowercase, e.g.: On March 20 (at 5:50), the Sun will enter the sign of Aries—pavasario lygiadienis (‘spring equinox’) will occur ANTR; Christmas Eve dinner is like the žiemos saulėgrįžos (‘winter solstice’) culmination AM; From that moment, the day will grow longer, and the light will increase until the vasaros solsticijos (‘summer solstice’) ASTR. On astrology websites, these phenomena are generally described as events, and discussion of them makes clear that they are particularly significant events from an astrological perspective. For instance, the astrological year begins with the spring equinox. At the same time, website explanations reveal their connection with holidays, e.g.: This is a special time—one of the four most important turning points of the year, on which the šventės (‘holidays’) of all religions and traditions are based ASTR. It is noted that Persians celebrate the New Year at the spring equinox (ASTR). The summer solstice is described as coinciding with Rasos, later identified with Joninės. The winter solstice is associated with Kūčios; one website states that in Lithuania it has long been known as the Feast of the Nine-Horned Stag (AM). In this context, the names of these astrological events are capitalized, e.g.: The Western world associates New Year with another important turning point of the year—Žiemos solsticija (the moment when a turning point occurs from the greatest darkness toward its increase) ASTR. However, these important events are not only associated with holidays but are also named as holidays; for example, the spring equinox is Naujaisiais astrologiniais metais (‘Astrological New Year’) ASTR. Thus, in astrology these names have a different meaning from their meaning in astronomy, and this is reflected in different capitalization tendencies—writing the name with a capital letter. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 24 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 In astronomy, these names have a different meaning, and this is reflected in different capitalization tendencies: the name is written with a capital letter. It is true that these names are also two-word names, so it would be difficult to determine which of the two rules for capitalizing proper names they follow: the rule requiring each word to be capitalized, with an exception for a related word, or the rule for holidays, historical periods, and various other names, which requires only the first word to be capitalized. On the other hand, when discussing these astrological events, websites often also offer an astronomical explanation of them, while describing them in the most general terms, for example, the autumn equinox as the end of the warm part of the year. This encourages the lowercase spelling of these names, characteristic of astronomical or general-use texts, e.g.: There are 4 pivotal moments in the annual cycle, essential to all people and all beings on Earth: these are summer and winter solstices and the spring and autumn equinoxes ASTR. Some cases suggest that this spelling predominates, even when a particular event is referred to as a celebration, e.g.: The ecliptic crosses the celestial equator at two points: spring equinox point (March 20–21) and autumn equinox point (September 22–23) – at that time, the lengths of day and night are equal. The autumn equinox celebrationmarks the end of the warm part of the year. It is also a celebration of respect and gratitude celebration, when, since ancient times, people have given thanks to the gods for the harvest that would help them survive the cold season. From the autumn equinoxthe period of Ilgės begins, and from this point we begin moving toward All Souls’ Day and the mysteries of Scorpio ANTR. On the other hand, even a single word understood as the name of a celebration is written with a capital letter, as in the sentence How to celebrate Equinox and the New Year of the Sun? ASTR, although normally there is a tendency to write one-word names in lowercase, e.g.: A solstice is one of the 4 most important astronomical moments of the year (two solstices and two equinoxes) ASTR. The spelling example How best to celebrate Joninės, or Rasos, or simply the Summer Solstice? ASTR occurred only once. Mėnulio fazių pavadinimai astrologijos tekstuose taip pat parašomi didžiąja, pvz.: Ši Jaunatis paskatins per ateinantį Mėnulio mėnesį susikoncentruoti į darbą, savo tikslų siekimą, sustiprins atsakomybę už šeimos stabilumą ir paskatins pasirūpinti tėvais AM; Viskas įvyks tuoj po Saulės užtemimo, Jaunaties metu VA. Mėnulio fazės astrologijos tekstuose kaip šventės neminimos, tačiau iš aiškinimų matyti, kad tai irgi svarbūs astrologiniu požiūriu įvykiai, ypač jaunatis ir pilnatis. Kaip rodytų kad ir sakinys Taigi, retrogradinis Merkurijus ir Jaunatis – tai impulsas keisti savo mąstymą, požiūrį, supratimą, naujai atrasti tai, kas sena ir patikrinta, laisvintis iš priklausomybių bei viso to, kas trukdo evoliucijai VA, jaunatis vertinama kaip mintims ir BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 25 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 a time that gives feelings particular strength, the full moon is associated with the realization of thoughts. On the other hand, new moons and full moons are also explained in the same texts as astronomical phenomena, so in some cases lowercase spelling prevails, e.g.: A solar eclipse always coincides with a new moon. Everyone knows that during a new moon one should make plans for the future and dream SA. Two-word combinations that occur are written with only the first word capitalized, e.g.: Soon, on the morning of October 9, there will be a New Moon a new cycle will begin ASTR; Venus's new moon is associated with the reassessment and reordering of values ANTR. But examples of this kind of spelling also occur, such as The conjunction with the Sun is called Venus's New Moon VA; This Sunday evening at 19:30 Lithuanian time, the New Moon in the zodiac sign of Scorpio AM. These, like the cases that emerged in the discussion of the spelling of horoscope-point names, Descending Karmic Lunar Node and the like, may result from applying the ANP spelling rule. True, that rule provides for an exception for the generic word, but the discussion of the codified norm has already shown that this exception is cancelled or rendered unclear by the option for stylistic spelling provided by the codified norm. 3.2. Elements and Principles Variation over whether a name is classified as a proper or common noun also arises when writing names that have no astronomical analogues whatsoever and are mentioned in neither the category of astronomical-object names nor among other groups of proper names in the codification of proper-name spelling norms. Their origins should be sought in philosophy, specifically in Aristotle’s theory that all creation on Earth is made up of four elements: fire, earth, air, and water (ANTR)18. This theory is also reflected in astrology, where names formed with both the word element and the word element are used. These, however, are not names of natural phenomena. Here the zodiac signs are divided according to the four elements, and this classification gives rise to both one-word and two-word names: Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Earth sign (element), Air sign (element), and so on. Longer variants also occur, such as Fire element sign. Both one-word and multiword names vary in their capitalization, and this variation shows that there is uncertainty about whether the name 18 “One of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BCE), who studied the influence of the heavens on earthly affairs, stated, drawing on the knowledge of ancient spiritual traditions, that all creation on Earth is made up of four elements: fire, earth, air, and water” (ANTR). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 26 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 to consider it a proper name. For example, one website says: Thus, when Lilith moves into Taurus, the Earth element becomes more vulnerable for 9 months Earth element VA, while another says: If you spit on the ground, litter, pollute, or disrespect the earth element; the air element is polluted by profanity, smoking and other kinds of fume-making, lying, as well as idle chatter ASTR. One site says Gemini – an air sign, so this element is characterized by lightness ASTR, while another says Taurus is an Earth sign (like Virgo and Capricorn) ZA. The same website's texts also vary; compare: Sagittarius – a fire-element sign and Thus, during this period, one should look for help in Earth signs VA. Different spellings occur even within the same text: Let us begin with the Elements. There is Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) and It is also very important to note that even if your child's zodiac sign is Aries, that does not mean that the fire element will be predominant ZA. Finally, inconsistencies also occur within a single sentence Thus Air signs will have mentality as the main emphasis, fire – will, water – feelings, earth – the physical body ASTR, though the latter case most likely arose from inattention. Some texts also mention that zodiac signs may be divided into feminine and masculine signs, and use the names of the masculine and feminine principles. Their spelling varies considerably. Nevertheless, the comparatively infrequent use of these names suggests that the recommendations in the VLKK Consultation Bank to write them in lowercase—yin and yang—are not followed in website usage. There is a stronger tendency to capitalize them: In this case, he tends to manifest himself more through the In principle, the feminine aspect of divinity ANTR; This is the Jan element ASTR. The reason for the discrepancy between the recommendation and actual usage, as with the spelling of names such as Zodiac, zodiac sign, may be that the recommendation is intended for general usage, whereas the usage discussed here is that found on astrology websites. Moreover, the spelling of these names is unsettled in other respects as well, cf.: nevertheless, the In–Jan balance will remain, as Mercury and Venus will move into Aries at almost the same time ASTR; This equinox moment is intended for pausing and preserving that balance, that memory of perfect equilibrium, that IN–JAN harmony ASTR. 3.3. Astrological cycles and other periods When LKRS lists names of historical events among names written with only the first word capitalized, it also groups epoch names with them, such as the Age of Enlightenment, BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 27 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 Renesansas ar Atgimimo epocha (LKRS 1992: 69). Tiesa, čia pat nurodoma išimtis: tokie epochų pavadinimai kaip akmens amžius, antika, viduramžiai rašytini mažąja. Išimtis nepaaiškinama, taigi nėra aišku, kokiu pagrindu ji daroma – taip numatoma tikrinio žodžio virtimo bendriniu galimybė ar skirtis tarp pavadinimų rašymo bendrosios vartosenos ir specialiuosiuose tekstuose? In any case, epochs need not be solely historical. For instance, astrology websites mention astrological epochs: the Age of Pisces (era), the Age of Aquarius (era). Since the first word of these names is the name of a Zodiac sign, they are written with a capital letter, e.g.: It can be said that this is another significant step of the Age of Aquariustowards its establishment ANTR. But in astrology in general, periodization is based on cyclicity. Periods during which planets travel around the Zodiac are called cycles, for example, the Jupiter cycle, the Uranus cycle, the Saturn cycle, the Pluto cycle, as well as the Solar cycle and the Lunar cycle. Since the first word of these names is the name of a planet, they too are written with a capital letter, e.g.: Thus, as the Saturn cycleends, each of us individually and all of us together will undergo a time of reckoning ANTR; as already mentioned, the Jupiter cycle – 12 years ANTR. The works that set out spelling norms do not mention the names of cycles, let alone astrological cycles, but no variation in their spelling occurs on websites, since these names are also two-word names, and the second word is written the same way under both the rule that provides for an exception for a generic term and the rule that provides for capitalizing only the first word of a name. Astrology websites also feature names for shorter periods, such as months or days: the solar month, the lunar month, the solar day, the lunar day. LKRS does not mention names for shorter periods in its small group of names for historical events and epochs, but under the group of holiday names it gives names of festive days as well, for example, All Trades Day (LKRS 1992: 69). As became clear in the discussion of the codified norm, the spelling of such names gives rise to contradictions: the Recommendation mentions names of holidays and festive days, in which every word except the generic term is to be capitalized. However, the names of days used in astrological texts are not names of holidays: solar and lunar days are distinguished according to which calendar—the solar or the lunar—is used. Nevertheless, no variation occurs in the spelling of the names the solar day, the lunar day, or of the month names the solar month, the lunar month, since they consist of two words. When writing two-word names, as the examples of the names of equinoxes and solstices showed BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351-7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 28 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 or the spelling of the name Zodiac signs, uncertainty arises only over whether the name should be classified as a common or a proper noun. In addition to the day names mentioned, websites also use names such as Lantern Day, Hecate’s Day, Hydra Day, among others—these are day names based on a symbol. Two-word year names are also used according to the Avestan tradition or the Chinese calendar, e.g.: the Year of the Snake, the Year of the Pig. Neither group is included in discussions of the spelling of proper names, but the spelling of these two-word names does not vary either, e.g.: The 15th day of the New Year is called Lantern Day, when everyone lights paper lanterns ASTR; Unfortunately, this is the eve of a solar eclipse and Hydra Day ASTR; According to the Avestan tradition, this is the Year of the Doe ASTR; Therefore, during the Year of the Pigit is advisable to exercise and eat healthily and properly so that we can maintain excellent health AM. Nevertheless, the websites selected for analysis primarily represent Western astrology, so such ALP are used less frequently there. However, the longer year names according to the Chinese calendar that do occur reveal that their spelling raises the same uncertainties as the spelling of multiword horoscope-point names—that is, there is variation between the two ways of spelling proper names; compare: Essentially, from the 19th onward, the trends of the New Year (Year of the White Metal Ox) become noticeable, as Jupiter moves into Aquarius ASTR and Year of the Metal White Ox—a time of reforms, change, progress, new technologies, and turbulence UR; What does the Year of the White Metal Rat mean? ASTR and 2017—the Year of the Red Fire Rooster—will begin on January 28 UR, Starting a family business in the Year of the Fire Roosteris favorable for you UR; likewise, Couples may experience many temptations and trials, because the Roosterwill encourage them to seek freedom and romance UR. This also highlights a gap in codification: the ALP group is not distinguished when rules for spelling proper names are set out, and the relationship between such names and ANP is not specified. 3. STYLISTIC USE OF CAPITAL LETTERS In addition to the proper names discussed, or names inclined to be written as proper names, which are common to all the websites selected for analysis, many individual words are also capitalized on these websites. This spelling indicates that they apply the option provided by the codified norm of using capital letters for stylistic reasons: words are capitalized when the concepts they denote are accorded exceptional significance or respect, e.g.: These are the kinds of people who have desecrated sacred astrology and all BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 29 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 sacred teachings, because, unable to grasp their depth and Essence, they reduced them all to crude fortune-telling and turned details taken out of context into the essence ANTR; The period of Selena’s return is an opportunity for both the Nationand the individual to rise ANTR; This largest planet in the Solar System is also called the zodiac’s Teacher, an authority shaping our worldview, inspiring the search for higher Truth, teaching Faithand idealism VA; In spiritual astrology, Jupiter is associated with Faith, Knowledge, Knowing, Wisdom, spiritual guidance and Destiny, or Purpose ANTR. This kind of capitalization is particularly characteristic of astrology websites, and it probably contributes to the fact that the words sun, moon and earth are also written here only with capital letters. As discussed in Section 2.1, the main factor in capitalizing the words sun and moon is the status of these objects as analogous to other planets; at the same time, astrology websites reveal that they are the most important astrological planets. Thus, respect is probably also a factor in their capitalization. Apparently, this accounts for these names being capitalized even when used not in an astrological or astronomical sense, but, for example, as names of natural phenomena, e.g.: Throughout the history of human civilization, in many cultures, the Sun, like many other natural phenomena, was an object of worship ZA; It is so good that Lithuania has lately also been receiving generous amounts of sunshine—an opportunity to draw energy and inspiration. <...> The Midsummer festival has long been celebrated when the Sunclimbs to the very top of the celestial vault and bathes the World in a stream of the greatest powers of light AM. It would also be difficult to distinguish the meanings on astrology websites, since usage reveals that they are connected. Astrology websites do not even apply the exception provided by the codified norm for writing the word earth in lowercase when it is not the name of an astronomical celestial body. At the beginnings of astrology, Earth was the point of reference from which the movements of the planets were observed, and for a long time it was believed that it was not Earth that revolved around the Sun, but the other way around—that is, a geocentric conception of the world was maintained19. Of course, in contemporary astrological texts Earth is mentioned both as a planet and as a planet in the Solar System. At least on the websites selected for analysis, no particular symbolic meanings are assigned to this object, so respect is probably also what encourages the capitalization of this word. Even when used in the senses “the world,” “the world inhabited by people, as opposed to the celestial realm,” or other meanings, it is written with a capital letter, e.g.: In this case it can 19The creator of the heliocentric world system was Nicolaus Copernicus. His ideas are set out in the work On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres, 1543 (see VLEe). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 30 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 highlight collective diseases of alienation—the loss of connection with Earth (nature), which we are in the process of destroying through VA20; During the eclipses’ sphere of influence, Heaven seems to illuminate everything so that the diverse experience accumulated by that moment can be seen and evaluated, and on this basis the guidelines for further development in the lives of people and Earth are laid out ANTR. As noted in the discussion of the codified norm, LKRS also lists the word universe as one to be written with a lowercase letter. It is true that the VLKK Consultation Bank might lead one to conclude that this spelling applies only to the word used in general contexts to mean the cosmos or humanity, whereas in astronomy texts it is customary to write it with a capital letter. It is also capitalized on astrology websites, e.g.: Astrology is the path to knowing oneself, and through oneself, others and the whole Universeand God ANTR. Yes, incidentally, the word galaxy is also written this way, e.g.: The Sun is the center of our Galaxycenter ZA. Nevertheless, neither the universe nor the galaxy is discussed on these websites as an astrological object, so spellings such as the most pleasant throughout the universea star that bestows blessings, UR, or the Rasa feast is a reminder from nature and the universeto us that human life rolls along like the Sun’s wheel AM, which would indicate that these words are being treated as common nouns or that prescriptive recommendations are being followed. For stylistic reasons, as provided for in LKRS, not only a word but also a phrase may be written with an initial capital. Websites, too, abound with examples of phrases written with initial capitals. However, usage varies. Some phrases, as provided for in LKRS, are written with each word capitalized, e.g.: Jupiter is the Teacher, God, or simply Higher Consciousness, able to guide and help one find a connection with one’s higher, divine essence; It is the time for understanding the laws of life, birth and death, one of the cosmic principles – Universal Order, or Truth ASTR; Thus, the second law is Cosmic Order and Truth ANTR; The White Moon, or Selena, shows the way to Light, Truth, and also to Highest Harmonylink ZA; In classical astrology, Venus and Jupiter are also called Lesser and Greater Fortune VA; others are written with only the first word capitalized, e.g.: Pluto is the ancient underworld ruler, god of all the dead (Greek Hades) UR; At this time, one should remember to look up at the Sky more often, meditate on the vast expanses, and feel and comprehend the miracle of life and Divine Creationmiracle VA; In astrology, called Great Fortune, it is the largest planet in the Solar System SA. But the discussion of the codified norm showed that usage exhibits tendencies related to stylistic capitalization 20 The examples provided in the Dictionary of the Lithuanian Language would suggest that a word used in these senses is written as a common noun (http://www.lkz.lt/?zodis=%C5%BEem%C4%97&id=32024850000). BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 31 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 uncertainties, and, as they are reflected in usage, these uncertainties may also encourage or contribute to fluctuations in the spelling of ALP. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Works that set out the spelling norms for proper names do not mention names such as ALP; however, an analysis of spelling based on astrology websites reveals an entire group of names that are written, or tend to be written, as proper names in astrological texts. Some of them (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, the Sun, the Moon, Chiron, etc.; Aries, Gemini, Scorpio, Pisces, etc.) appear to coincide with the names of astronomical objects—planets, asteroids, Zodiac constellations, or other celestial bodies—but they differ from astronomical object names in meaning: in astrology, they are accumulations of certain symbolic meanings, associated more with mythological beings than with astronomical objects. The forms also coincide only partially (cf. lunar orbital nodes and lunar nodes). Although the name Zodiac is used in both astrology and astronomy, the names of the Zodiac’s components differ (Zodiac sign and Zodiac constellation; Aries zodiac sign, Aries sign, and Aries constellation). Astrological texts also use proper names specific to astrology (Rahu, Ketu, Lilith, Selena, Black Moon, White Moon, Medium Coeli, Imum Coeli). Some names have not only astronomical analogues but also counterparts in general usage, yet they are used with different meanings in astrological texts. Astronomical phenomena—the equinoxes and solstices—emerge in astrological texts more as holidays or significant astrological events, and this difference in meaning is reflected in differences in spelling (written as Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, etc.). A different meaning is also assigned to lunar phases in astrological texts; differences in meaning are likewise reflected in spelling tendencies (Full Moon, New Moon). The counterparts of some names used in astrology, namely those for the elements (Fire or fire, Fire sign or fire sign, etc.), are philosophical rather than astronomical. Most one-word ALP are stable and show no variation (Jupiter, Venus, Gemini, Pisces, Selena, etc.). Under the codified spelling norm for proper names, which provides for two ways of writing proper names, in both cases the first word is prescribed BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 32 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 capitalization, so the consistency of the spelling of one-word ALPs is probably determined by this circumstance. The spelling of some two-word astrological names is also consistent (Mėnulio mazgai, Mėnulio diena, Saulės mėnuo, Hidros diena, Gyvatės metai, etc.; Juodasis Mėnulis, Baltasis Mėnulis), but this is probably because the first word in such names is a proper name, written with an initial capital in the same texts, while the second word is written identically under both rules for proper names: one provides for an exception for a generic term, and the other prescribes capitalization only of the first word. The spelling of one- and two-word names reveals only uncertainties related to the boundary between proper and common names (Jaunatis and jaunatis, Pavasario lygiadienis and pavasario lygiadienis, etc.; Ugnies ženklas and ugnies ženklas, etc.). However, the spelling of multi-word names varies considerably (Besileidžiantis karminis Mėnulio mazgas, Karminis besileidžiantis Mėnulio mazgas, Besileidžiantis Karminis Mėnulio mazgas; Metalinio Baltojo Buliaus metai, Baltosios metalinės žiurkės metai), and these variations highlight uncertainties or shortcomings in the codification of proper names. The greatest variation is between the two principal ways of writing proper names prescribed by the codified norm—capitalizing the first word and capitalizing every word. A factor behind this variation may be astrology’s close connection with Latin, as well as the fact that the ALP group is not distinguished among other proper names and its relationship to ANP is not specified; consequently, the spelling norm for ALPs has not been codified. Only the spelling norm for ANPs has been codified, but ALPs and ANPs overlap only in part, which is why usage exhibits uncertainty as to which rule should be followed in writing them. Uncertainty concerning the stylistic spelling option provided for by the codified norm may also encourage variation. Reflecting the lack of codification of a spelling norm for ALPs and uncertainties associated with using capital letters for stylistic reasons, spelling tendencies for ALPs also reveal shortcomings in the codification of spelling norms for certain other proper names. Overall, they highlight uncertainties concerning the spelling norm for particular proper names, the spelling norm for a particular group of proper names (ANPs), and the criteria and norms for spelling proper names. The universality of the usage tendencies identified here could be assessed more confidently by examining the spelling of ALPs in printed publications, but that remains a task for future research. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 33 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 ŠALTINIAI AM – www.astrologijosmokykla.lt ANTR – www.antropoteosofineastrologija.lt ASTR – www.astrod­aiva.lt SA – www.sadhanacentras.lt UR – www.uranija.lt VA – www.vidineastrologija.lt ZA – www.zachh.lt LITERATŪRA Ambrazas Vytautas 2008: Svetimų tikrinių vardų rašymas, Vilnius: Lietuvių kalbos institutas. 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Vasiliauskienė Virginija, Rimkutė Erika 2007: Probleminiai lietuvių kalbos rašybos ir skyrybos aspektai, Kaunas: Pasaulio lietuvių kultūros, mokslo ir švietimo centras. Vaskelaitė Ramunė 2019: Simboliniai pavadinimai: samprata, grupės sudėtis, rašymas: mokslo studija, Vilnius: Lietuvių kalbos institutas. Prieiga internete: http://lki.lt. Vaskelaitė Ramunė 2020: Vienažodė astrologijos terminija kilmės požiūriu. – Terminologija 27, 128–163. ISSN 1392-267X. Prieiga internete: http://journals.lki.lt/terminologija/article/view/2029/2120. VLEe – Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija, 2001–2020. Prieiga internete: http://www.vle.lt. VLKK 1997: Valstybinės lietuvių kalbos komisijos nutarimas „Dėl lietuvių kalbos rašybos ir skyrybos“ (1997 m. birželio 19 d., Nr. 60). Prieiga internete: https://e-seimas.lrs.lt. BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 35 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 VLKK 2004: Rekomendacija dėl kai kurių religinių vardų, terminų, pavadinimų rašymo didžiąja raide. Prieiga internete: http://www.vlkk.lt/vlkk-nutarimai/projektai/kai-kuriu-religiniu-vardu-terminu-pavadinimu-rasymas-didz iaja-raide. Gauta 2021 12 10 Priimta 2021 12 30 WRITING ASTROLOGY NAMES IN ASTROLOGY SITES Summary The spelling norms of the Lithuanian provide for capitalization as a character of a proper name, distinguishing it from the common name. However, capitalization is only the most general rule that can be easily applied to one-word names. In the case of composed names, there are two ways to write the name: some are written in capital letters the first word, in others there are capitalized every word. This boundary is drawn according to the object to be named: the capitalization of the names of certain objects (e.g. institutions, documents, holidays) is expected to be the first word of the name, and the capitalization of the names of other objects (e.g. astronomical, geographical, mythological) is expected to be each word of the name. However, a group of astrological names is not distinguished and such names are not mentioned among the allocated groups of proper names, so the norm of their writing remains uncoded. Writing astrology names on astrology websites reveals that the well-established and problematic Writing astrology names on astrology websites reveals that the well-established is writing of only of astrological names composed of one word. When writing composed names, it fluctuates, and those fluctuations reveal that attempts are being made to apply the rule of capitalization of the name, and the rule providing for the writing of the name in all capital letters. These fluctuations reflect the lack of a codified norm – the exclusion of a group of astrological names and the non-mention of names that denote astrological objects among other proper names. This reflects the need of codification of the norm of writing astrological BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204 RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ. Astrologinių pavadinimų rašymas interneto svetainėse | 36 doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2021.94.07 names. However, reflecting the lack of such a norm, the tendencies of writing astrological names together highlight the uncertainties and gaps in the norms of writing proper names, which encourages the codification of the norms of writing proper names clearly or adjusted. KEYWORDS: spelling, capital letter, proper names, astrological names. RAMUNĖ VASKELAITĖ Lietuvių kalbos institutas Petro Vileišio g. 5, 10308 Vilnius [email protected] BENDRINĖ KALBA 94 (2021) http://journals.lki.lt/bendrinekalba ISSN 2351–7204