History of the star: A double star and both irregularly variable, 3.1 to 3.9 and 5 to 7, orange red and bluish green in the head of the Man Kneeling or the Hero  Hercules. Arabic Rasalgethi from Ra's al-Jathi (1), "Head of the kneeling one". It was variously called Al Ras al Jathiyy, Ras Algeti, Ras Algiatha, Ras Algetta, Rasacheti, Ras Elhhathi, Ras Alhathi, Ras Alheti; — all Arabian translations of the Greek names.

The early Arabic nomads' title for it was Al Kalb al Ra'i, "the Shepherd's Dog", that our alpha shared with the adjoining lucida of Ophiuchus, 5° distant (Ras Alhague) which was the Shepherd. 

[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].

Boldness and a drive to gain power. If well aspected it is said to give enjoyment and favors from women. If badly aspected, it is said to cause irritation, especially in connection with the female sex. (Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1923)

Rising: Wise and clever man, but can also indicate an individual trained in various tricks, a liar who deceives with different kinds of plots. (Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990).   

Setting: Affected by devious plots. (Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990).

• Starlists
• Homepage
• Discussion
• Moon Mansions