The interlocking gold rings represent the union of male and female, by which life is perpetuated. The life cycle is metaphorically superimposed on the solar and lunar cycles. Birth and death are associated with the new moon and the southern solstice, which occurs just before the end of the modern calendar year. As time passes, people grow up, have children, and grow old; the Moon waxes and wanes; and the Sun moves to the north, then returns to the south.
The new moon is shown on the right, between Sagittarius and Capricorn, the Sun's location at the southern solstice. Moving counterclockwise, to the first quarter moon and the first equinox, takes us through childhood, coinciding with the Sun's journey through Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Continuing to the full moon and northern solstice takes us through parenthood, coinciding with the Sun's journey through Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. Continuing to the third quarter moon and the next equinox takes us through grand parenthood, coinciding with the Sun's journey through Cancer, Leo, and Virgo. Returning to the new moon and southern solstice takes us through great grand-parenthood, coinciding with the Sun's journey through Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius. Full circle.
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