History of the star: There is a mix-up with this star, kappa Hercules, positioned on the right elbow of Hercules - (25SCO45); and chi Hercules positioned on the left elbow (8SCO16). In astronomy listings this star is unnamed but chi Hercules is called Marsik. In astrological listings; this star, kappa, is listed as Marsik; chi Hercules is unnamed. R.H. Allen in Starnames says that Ptolemy and the Arabian astronomers located lamda on the right elbow (where it is here now at 25SCO43), but Smyth (astronomer 1788-1865) on the left. The confusion of the titles written with the letter s probably coming from early confusion with the letter f. The Dorians called chi  … the Elbow. Marfak, Mirfak, Marsia, Marfic, and Marsic are all found for this star, -  but it properly is Marfik, from Al Marfik, the "Elbow". [Lamda Ophiuchus is named Marfik.]

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". (Robson).

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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