History of the star: A greenish star in the middle of the tail of the Small Bear Ursa Minor.
Yildun is generally given to this, probably from the Turkish Yilduz. Vildiur, Gildun, were variations of this name.
This "dancing" of the stars generally, as well as of the planets, was a favorite simile, and in classical days specially gave name to delta (Yildun) and epsilon of this constellation, as well as in Hindu astronomy. The Greeks had for delta, "First Dancer" and for the adjoining epsilon, the "Second Dancer", there were also general designations in which alpha, beta, and the two stars gamma were included.
Alpha (Polaris), beta (Kochab), gamma (Pherkad) delta (Yildun), and epsilon constituted the group Circitores, Saltatores, Ludentes, or Ludiones, the "Circlers", "Leapers", or "Dancers" around the early pole, well known from classical times to late astronomy. (Allen).
Influence of the constellation: It is said to give indifference and improvidence of spirit and to lead to many troubles. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Tau and the 21st Tarot Trump "The Universe", "The World". (Robson). |
