History of the star: A deep yellow star on the left arm of Hercules the Hero. The Arabic spelling for Maasym is Al-Mi'sam (1), "The Wrist". Masym, Maasym, Maasim, Mazym, Mazim, Masini, Misam, are variations.

Although Ptolemy as well as most of the stellar map-makers located omicron on the wrist of the figure; but Bayer, probably by an oversight, gave the title to lamda, not far from the left shoulder, and hence the mistake which still survives.

The same word has been used to describe the positions of the Haidi, theta and eta Aurigae but there it is there written Maha-Sim.

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

Influence of constellation: According to Ptolemy it is like Mercury. It is said to give strength of character, tenacity and fixity of purpose, an ardent nature and dangerous passions. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Daleth and the fourth Tarot Trump "The Emperor". (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology , Vivian E. Robson, 1923)

Manilius, in giving the astrological influences for this constellation, associates Hercules with tightrope walking (funambulism):

"Hercules, the figure on bended knee and called by the Greek name of Engonasin, about whose origin no certainty prevails. Of this constellation is begotten the desertion, craftiness, and deceit characteristic of its children, and from it comes the thug who terrorizes the heart of the city. If perchance his mind is moved to consider a profession, Engonasin [a Greek title for constellation Hercules] will inspire him with enthusiasm for risky callings, with danger the price, for which he will sell his talents: daring narrow steps on a path without thickness, he will plant firm feet on a horizontal tightrope; then, as he attempts an upward route to heaven, (on a sloping tightrope) he will all but lose his footing and, suspended in mid-air, he will keep a multitude in suspense upon himself" [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century, AD].

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