Tonight, the Moon rests just to the left of one of the most historically influential stars in our sky, Spica. The name Spica comes from the Latin term meaning “ear” as in ear of grain. It is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, the maiden, and is often depicted as a spike of wheat or barley in her hand. Across cultures, both Virgo and Spica are associated with fertility and agriculture.

Spica’s depiction stems from early civilizations using this star as an agricultural calendar. In ancient times, the star’s location indicated what part of the growing season they were in, which was vital for farmers to know when to plant and harvest crops.

The season’s peak was indicated by Spica dominating the sky. The star would rise in the eastern sky just as the Sun sets in the west, allowing it to be seen throughout the night. As time passes, Spica starts its journey closer to the western horizon until it eventually sets with the Sun in what is known as its heliacal setting. For a brief period, Spica is absent from the night sky until its heliacal rising, where it rises into the early morning sky just before sunrise.

Towards the end of the growing season, many would use the heliacal setting and rising of Spica to mark their harvest and threshing.