History of the star: A double, 4.5 and 5, bright white and gray, in the left horn of the Ram Aries. It was called "the First Star in Aries", possibly when it marked the Vernal Equinox (392 BC).

Its present title, Mesarthim, Mesartun or Mesartim, has been connected with the Hebrew Mesharetim, "Ministers", but the connection is not apparent; and Ideler considered the word an erroneous deduction by Bayer from the name of the lunar station of which this and beta (Sheratan) were members.

Alpha (Hamal), beta (Sheratan), and gamma (this star Mesarthim) may have been the Jewish Shalisha, — more correctly Shalish, — some musical instrument of triangular shape, a title also of Triangulum. And they formed one of the several Athafiyy, Trivets or Tripods; this Arabic word indicating an arrangement of three stones on which nomads placed a kettle, or pot, in an open-air kitchen; other parts of this arrangement being in Draco, Orion, Musca, and Lyra.

This star Mesartim and beta (Sheratan) were "The two signs", the dual form of Al Sharat, a Sign, as a sign of the opening year [in the days of Hipparchos 190-120 BC, about the time when these stars were named]; Sartai is from this dual word.

Beta (Sheratan) and gamma (this star Mesarthim) were the Arabic 1st manzil in Al Biruni's list, the earlier 27th, but some added alpha (Hamal) to the combination, calling it Al Ashrat in the plural. Al Matih was another name for this lunar station, as the chief components are near the horns of Aries.

Beta (Sheratan) and gamma (Mesarthim) constituted the Hindu 27th nakshatra Acvini, the Ashwins, or "Horsemen", the earlier dual Acvinau and Acayujau, the "Two Horsemen", corresponding to the Gemini of Rome, but figured as a Horse's Head. Alpha (Hamal) sometimes was added to this lunar station, beta (Sheratan) always was the junction star with the adjoining Bharani. About 400 BC this superseded Krittika (the Pleiades) as leader of the nakshatras.

Beta (Sheratan) and gamma (this star Mesarthim)  were the Persian Padevar, "the Protecting Pair"; the Sogdian Bashish, "the Protector"; and the equivalent Coptic Pikutorion; while in Babylonia, they are said to have marked the second ecliptic constellation Mahru-sha-rishu-ku, the "Front of the Head of Ku".

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

The astrological influences of the constellation: The Ram is associated with the Hebrew letter He and the 5th Tarot Trump "The Pope". (Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923)

"All the Aries stars have been in the sign Taurus for 200-300 years now. Hamal just over 600, (Botein year 505AD)  and in this same period we have seen large-scale aggression change its nature from barbaric raiding and migration of earlier centuries to the building of large empires which had to be administered and kept in peace and good order, as well as exploited by their conquerors. This is typical both of the sign Taurus and of the planet Saturn". (The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse).

The astrological influences of the constellation given by Manilius:

"The Ram, who is rich with an abundance of fleecy wool and, when shorn of this, with a fresh supply, will ever cherish hopes; he will rise from the sudden shipwreck of his affairs to abundant wealth only to meet with a fall, and his desires will lead him to disaster; he will yield his produce for the common benefit, the fleece which by a thousand crafts gives birth to different forms of gain, now workers pile into heaps the undressed wool, now card it, now draw it into a tenuous thread, now weave the threads to form webs, and now they buy and sell for gain garments of every kind; no nation could dispense with these, even without indulgence in luxury. So important is this work that Pallas herself has claimed it for her own hands, of which she has judged it worthy, and deems her victory over Arachne a token of her greatness. These are the callings and allied crafts that the Ram will decree for those born under his sign: in an anxious breast he will fashion a diffident heart that ever yearns to commend itself by its own praise. When the Ram emerges above the surface of the waves (rising) and the curve of his neck appears before his horns, he will give birth to hearts that are never content with what is theirs; he will engender minds bent on plunder and will banish all sense of shame: such is their desire for venture. Even thus does the ram himself rush forth with lowered horns, resolved to win or die. Not for them the gentle ease of a fixed abode with none but peaceful cares; it is ever their delight to travel through unknown cities, to explore uncharted seas, and enjoy the whole world's hospitality. The Ram himself gives you evidence of this: once furrowing a trail through the glassy sea, he tinged it with the gold of his fleece, when on his back he carried Phrixus, bereft of his sister (Helle) by fate's decree, and brought him to the banks of the Phasis and to Colchis". [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD, book 4, p.233]. 

The general astrological influences of the star: Daredevils and bold, danger is indicated when acting impulsively and in a foolhardy way. (Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1923)
  
Arietis is a word meaning Ministers in old Hebrew and it is noteworthy that Ptolemy gave this near neighbor of Hamal and Sheratan the same planetary simile in opposite order: Saturn-Mars. The implication is that Mesartim shows up more of the protective-administrative quality, less of the impulsive aggressive of Hamal and Sheratan which are Mars-Saturn natures. (The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse).