History of the star: A greenish white star in the loin or flank of the Bear Ursa Major.
Merak, Mirak, Mirae, or Mizar, is from Arabic Al-Maraqq (1) or Al Marakk, "The loins" (of the Bear).
It may have been known by the Greeks as Helike, or Helice, one of their names for the whole constellation of Ursa Major from the city of Callisto in Arcadia.
Merak was the Hindus', Pulaha (or Pulaaha, or Pulahak), one of the seven Rishis (born from Brahma's navel).
Alpha (Dubhe) and beta (this star Merak) were the Keepers, or the Pointers, at the front of the "Dipper Bowl" in Ursa Major; a line extending through these two will direct the observer to Polaris, the North Star.
It is one of the "The Plough", also called "the Big Dipper" stars, a bucket shaped figure or asterism in the back of the Bear, outlined by the stars; Merak (this star beta), Dubhe (alpha), Phecda (gamma) and Megrez (delta).
In early Arabic astronomy these four stars constituted the coffin or bier (bier and bear come from the same root word) surrounded by mourners of Al Na'ash, who was murdered by Al Jadi, the pole-star (Polaris), and this constellation was seen as a funeral procession, attributing this title to the slow and solemn motion of the figure around the pole. (Allen).
Influence of the constellation: It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger when roused. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Zain and the 7th Tarot Trump "The Chariot". (Robson).
General influence of the star: Merak has a Mars nature and is of importance in a natal chart, if the sign Leo is tenanted and other configurations give a clue to love of command and domination. This star is credited with increasing the power to get on in life and this is especially so if in conjunction with the Sun, Mars or Pluto. (Ebertin).
Rising: Those born at the rising of this constellation will be tamers of wild beasts, that is men to teach bears, bulls and lions to lay aside their fierceness and share in human ways. (Manilius Astronomica 1st century AD). |
