| MERGA | |
| 38 Bootes | |
| 14LIB01. | 15LIB27. |
| +46.32'. | +46.07'. |
| 14h49m. | +57.52'. |
| F4. | 5.8. |
History of the star: Merga marks the Reaping-hook held in the left hand of the Herdsman Bootes. This word is from Marra, a Hoe, or Rake, and still is sometimes seen as Marrha for the star. Pliny called it Falx Italica [falx is sickle-shaped].
[Star
Names,
Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen,
1889].
The astrological influences of the constellation: "It is said to give
prosperity from work, strong desires, a tendency to excess, a fondness for rural
pursuits, together with some liking for occultism. The
Kabalists associate it with the Hebrew letter Teth and the 9th Tarot
Trump, The Hermit". (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology
The astrological influences of the constellation given by Manilius:
True is the name men have given him (the Bearwarden), threatening-like he presses forward as one does over a team of bullocks. To those born under Arctophylax - Arcturus, fortune herself makes bold to entrust her treasures, so that the wealth of monarchs and temple finances will be in their keeping [custodianship is a suitable endowment for the Bearward]; they will be kings under kings and ministers of state [politicians], and be charged with the guardianship of the people or, as the stewards of grand houses, they will confine their business to the care of another's home. [Translator's note: strictly speaking Arcturus is a star, but the name is used by ancient astrologers for the whole constellation of Bootes and for the star alone, it is often difficult to distinguish which of these the authors are referring to]. [Manilius, Astronomica