History of the star: A star at the top of the Cross, Crux. Gacrux is derived from "Gamma" of "Crux". There is little traditional mythology associated with these large stars in Crux because the Cross, was unknown to the ancients 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.

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

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].

Influence of 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". (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923)