History of the star: A star on the head of the southern Hound of Bootes. The name Asterion seems to have derived from the Latin for "edible root", or "starry". The usual illustration of the constellation, Canes Venatici, is of two Greyhounds held by a leash in the hand of Bootes, as he is guiding the Bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor) around the pole star, Polaris.

The more northern Hound is itself named Asterion (as is the title of this star beta in the southern Hound - confusing!).

The hound; which contains this star beta (Asterion) and alpha (Cor Caroli), the two brightest stars, is Chara, which means "Dear" (to the heart of her master).

The ancient Arabs Al Karb al Ibl, the Camel's Burden, figured here.

Bartschius drew on his map of this part of the sky the River Jordan, his Jordanis and Jordanus.

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

The astrological influences of the constellation: This constellation gives a love of hunting and a penetrating mind, making those born under it faithful, keen, clever and fond of speculation. (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology , Vivian E. Robson, 1923)