History of the star: Acrux is probably a word coined from alpha Crucis. Its position is defined as near the ankle-bone of the right hind foot of the Centaur (Centaurus), and was zeta Centaurus as part of the Centaur as noted by Ptolemy until the Southern Cross constellation was invented in 1679. It was discovered to be double by some Jesuit missionaries sent by King Louis XIV to Siam in 1685; and another companion, of the 6th magnitude, is 60" away. The two larger stars are 5" apart, with a position angle of 120°. alpha lies 2° east of the equinoctial colure, and, at its culmination, touches the horizon in latitude 27° 30' on the 13th of May, due south from Corvus.

[Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889].

There is no ancient mythology associated with these large stars in Crux because the Cross was unknown to the classicists by its present title, its four chief stars being noted by Ptolemy (in Egypt where it was visible) as a part of the Centaur Centaurus, which now surrounds it on three sides.

Bayer, who invented Crux in 1679, outlined it over the hind feet of the Centaur, these now are alpha (Acrux), beta (Mimosa), gamma (Gacrux), and delta Crucis (unnamed), —alpha at the foot, gamma at the top, with beta, and delta (unnamed), as the transverse.

Etymology: This is also a pre-Christian, Q-R-GH (guttural) word. I suggest more a sense of cross-purposes and energies in conflict. (Isaac Mozeson).

CROSS in The Word: To quote the definition, a CROSS is an upright "beam," with another beam "fastened" horizontally, upon which the noble Romans would CRUCIFY convicted innocents. The fastening of boards and the impaling of hands and feet, as well as the CROSS-WISE shape of a CROTCH or CROSS, all recall the term Hebrew KERES (hook, clasp - Exodus 26:11). Hebrew KORUS is to bow or bend (Isaiah 46:2). KAR-SOL is a joint or ankle, and KHIRSAL is to cross (one's legs). If a beam is crucial to a CRUCIFIX or any CRISS-CROSS shape, there is KERES(H) (board, plank— Exodus 26:23) to consider. Derivatives: ACROSS, CLASP, CREASE, CRESCENT, CRISP, CROCHET(Y), CRUISE, CRUSADE, CRUSADO, CRUX and LACROSSE.

[Isaac Mozeson, author of The Word dictionary, Edenic (Biblical Hebrew)].

The astrological influences of the constellation: "Crux is said to give perseverance, but many burdens, trials and responsibilities, together with much suffering and many hardships. In connection with rulerships of countries it may be noted that Brazil was named the Land of the Holy Cross by the discoverer Cabral on May 1st 1500, and that the constellation Crux has been represented on the postage stamps of that country". (Robson*).

The general astrological influences of the star: It gives religions beneficence, ceremonial, justice, magic and mystery, and is frequently prominent in the horoscopes of astrologers and occultists. (Robson*).

Inventive mind, intuition and wisdom, a grasp for the inner nature of one's fellow man. The gift of successful investigation of the hidden side of things. A deeply religious nature connected with mystical and theosophical interests. (Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1923)

Associated with a love of display. (Larousse Encyclopedia of astrology).

References

 *(Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology , Vivian E. Robson, 1923)