Ad astra (phrase)

Ad astra is a Latin phrase meaning "to the stars". The phrase has origins with Virgil, who wrote sic itur ad astra ("thus one journeys to the stars", from Aeneid book IX, line 641, spoken by Apollo to Aeneas's young son Iulus) and opta ardua pennis astra sequi, ("desire to pursue the high (or hard to reach) stars on wings" book XII, lines 892–893, spoken by Aeneas to his foe Turnus in their combat). Another origin is Seneca the Younger, who wrote non est ad astra mollis e terris via ("there is no easy way from the earth to the stars", Hercules Furens, line 437, spoken by Megara, Hercules' wife).

Mottos

It is used as, or as part of, the motto of many organizations, most prominently, many air forces. It has also been adopted as a proper name for various unrelated things (publications, bands, games, etc.). It also sees general use as a popular Latin tag.

Ad astra

Ad astra per alas fideles

"to the stars on the wings of the faithful ones"

Ad astra per alas porci

"to the stars on the wings of a pig"

Ad astra per aspera

"to the stars through difficulties" or commonly translated "a rough road leads to the stars"

non lucror, exposita scientia, ad astra

"not for money, for discovering knowledge, approach the heavens"

Per ardua ad astra

"through struggle (or adversity) to the stars" or sometimes even "a rough road leads to the stars"

Per aspera ad astra

"Through hardships to the stars", "A rough road leads to the stars" or "To the stars through difficulties". Used by various organizations and groups.

Per audacia ad astra

"Through boldness to the stars"

Per herbam ad astra

"from grass to the stars"

Quam celerrime ad astra

"speedily to the stars"

Sic itur ad astra

"thus one goes to the stars"

"such is the pathway to the stars"

"a path to the stars"

"reach for the stars"

Other uses

References

  1. ↑ Fox-Davies, Arthur Charles (1929). Armorial Families: a Directory of Gentleman of Coat-Armour. Hurst & Blackett. p. 58. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  2. ↑ Ad Astra at the World of Spectrum
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.