| MEKBUDA | |
| Zeta Gemini | |
| 13CAN36. | 14CAN59. |
| +20.43'. | +20.34'. |
| 07h03m. | -02.02'. |
| G0. | 3.8 Variable |
History of the star: A variable star, 3.7
to 4.5, pale topaz, on the right leg of Pollux in Gemini. The Arabic
spelling for Mekbuda is Al Maqbudah (1),
or Al Makbudah
"The pulled-in" paw, "Contracted" paw, from its marking the extended paw of
the early Arabic Lion - the drawn-in paw of the ancient Asad (Leo); but
some, with less probability, derive it from Al Mutakabbidah,
"a Culminating Star". [Star
Names,
Their Lore and Meaning,
Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889].
The astrological influences of the constellation: "Ptolemy
makes the following observations; the stars in the feet of Gemini have an
influence similar to that of Mercury, and moderately to that of Venus; the
bright stars in the thighs are like Saturn. It is said to cause trouble and
disgrace, sickness, loss of fortune, affliction and danger to the knees. By the
Cabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Qoph and the 19th
Tarot Trump, The Sun".(Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology
The astrological influences of the constellation given by Manilius:
"The arms to shoulders joined are accounted to the Twins" [Manilius p.119]
From the Twins come less laborious callings and a more agreeable way of life, provided by varied song
and voices of harmonious tone, slender pipes, the melodies inborn in
strings and the words fitted thereto : those so endowed find even
work a pleasure. They would banish the arms of war, the trumpet's
call, and the gloom of old age : theirs is a life of ease and
unfading youth spent in the arms of love. They also discover paths
to the skies, complete a survey of the heavens with numbers and
measurements, and outstrip the flight of the stars: nature
yields to their genius, which it serves in all things. So many are
the accomplishments of which the Twins are fruitful. [Manilius,
Astronomica