| Fixed star: BELLATRIX | |
| Constellation: Gamma (γ) Orion | |
| Longitude 1900: 19GEM33 | Longitude 2000: 20GEM57 |
| Declination 1900: +06.16′ | Declination 2000: +06.21′ |
| Right ascension: 05h 25m | Latitude: -16.48′ |
| Spectral class: B2 | Magnitude: 1.7 |
The history of the star: Bellatrix
from p.313 of Star Names, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.
Gamma (γ) Orion, Bellatrix, is a pale yellow star marking the left shoulder of the Hunter.
Bellatrix, the Female Warrior, the Amazon Star, is from the translation, rather freely made in the Alfonsine Tables, of its Arabic title, Al Najid, the Conqueror. The 13th century Persian astronomical writer Al Kazwini had this last, but the 15th century Tartar astronomer Ulug Beg said Al Murzim al Najid, the Roaring Conqueror, or, according to the 17th century English orientalist Thomas Hyde, the Conquering Lion heralding his presence by his roar, as if this star were announcing the immediate rising of the still more brilliant Rigel (β, the largest star in Orion), or of the whole constellation of Orion. This Murzim occasionally appears in our day as Mirzam, which is also applied to both of the stars beta (β) in the two Dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor – Mirzam and Gomeisa) as heralds of Sirius and Procyon
The 10th century Persian astronomical writer Al Sufi had Al Ruzam, which the 17th century English orientalist Thomas Hyde said was another of the very many Arabic words for the lion, but Beigel thought it also a reference to the camel, another roarer. Still it is well to remember in this connection the German astronomer Ideler (1766-1846)’s remark that “etymology has full play with a word which has not traveled beyond astronomical language,”—a statement equally applicable to very many other star-names.
The 17th century Dutch astronomer Caesius cited Algauza from the name for the whole constellation of Orion
This star gamma (γ Bellatrix) marks the left shoulder of Orion, and naturally shared the Arabs’ Mankib, and the Hindus’ Bahu, titles of the star alpha (α Betelgeuse) on the right shoulder of Orion and forearm of the Stag.
In Amazon River myth Bellatrix is a Young Boy in a Canoe with an old man {p.314}, the star Betelgeuse, chasing the Peixie Boi, a dark spot in the sky near Orion
Alpha (Betelgeuse) with this star gamma (Bellatrix) and lambda (Meissa) were the Euphratean Kakkab Sar, the “Constellation of the King”, or Ungal – which portended fortune, martial honors, wealth, and other kingly attributes.
In astrology it was the natal star of all destined to great civil or military honors, and rendered all women born under its influence lucky and loquacious; or, as old Thomas Hood said, “women born under this constellation shall have mighty tongues.”
Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].
The astrological influences of the constellation Orion
Legend: The giant Orion was created out of an ox-hide by the Gods, Jupiter, Neptune and Mercury, at the request of Hyreus who had entertained them. He was blinded by Oenopion (the name means “wine-faced”) for having raped Merope, Oenopion’s daughter, but recovered his sight by exposing his eyes to the rising sun. In consequence of his boast that he could slay any beast bred upon the earth the scorpion (Scorpius) was brought forth and Orion died from its sting. [Robson, p.55.]
Influences: According to Ptolemy the bright stars with the exception of Betelgeuze and Bellatrix are like Jupiter and Saturn. It is said to give a strong and dignified nature, self-confidence, inconstancy, arrogance, violence, impiety, prosperity in trade and particularly by voyages or abroad, but danger of treachery and poison. It was thought by the Romans to be very harmful to cattle and productive of storms. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Aleph and the 1st Tarot Trump “The Juggler.” [Robson, p.55.]
The astrological influences of the constellation Orion given by Manilius:
“Near neighbor to the Twins (Gemini), Orion may be seen stretching his arms over a vast expanse of sky and rising to the stars with no less huge a stride. A single light marks each of his shining shoulders, and three aslant trace the downward line of his sword: but three mark Orion’s head, which is imbedded in high heaven with his countenance remote. It is Orion who leads the constellations as they speed over the full circuit of heaven.” [p.35.]
Orion will fashion alert minds and agile bodies, souls prompt to respond to duty’s call, and hearts which press on with unflagging energy in spite of every trial. A son of Orion’s will be worth a multitude and will seem to dwell in every quarter of the city; flying from door to door with the one word of morning greeting, he will enjoy the friendship of all.” [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD. p.305.]
The astrological influences of the star Bellatrix
According to Ptolemy Bellatrix is like Mars and Mercury; and, to Alvidas, Mercury and Mars in good aspect. It gives great civil or military honor but danger of sudden dishonor, renown, wealth, eminent friends and liability to accidents causing blindness and ruin. If prominent in a woman’s map it makes her loquacious and shrewish, and gives a high-pitched, hard and sharp voice. [Robson, p.145.]
If positive properties can be drawn out, will lead to advancement and success, but those who succeed always have to allow for being surrounded with envy and hatred. Quick decision making, thoughts and plans being realized with energy, courage, fighting spirit, strategic talents, ability to organize, discrimination. Reckless aggressiveness of a belligerent daredevil. [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.33.]
Associated with marriage for money and honors followed by reverses. [Larousse Encyclopedia of astrology].
Great courage, but a tendency to fight futile or lost causes if it is not well aspected. [The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, p.134.]
If culminating: Quarrels, hatred, fraud committed or suffered, forgery, swindling, coining and perjury. [Robson, p.145.]
With Sun: Vacillating, changeable, indecisive in business, mechanical ability, riches and honor but final ruin, blindness by accident, disease, extreme sickness, fevers or violent death. [Robson, p.145.]
With Moon: Luxury, lust, vain ambition, waste, ruin, blindness by accidents, great power, honor and wealth, honor in martial matters, as soldier, surgeon, metal worker; may attain distinction through courage. [Robson, p.145.]
With Mercury: Honor and preferment in military matters, favorable for friendship and social affairs. [Robson, p.146.]
With Venus: Much suffering through love affairs owing to unrestrained feelings. [Robson, p.146.]
With Mars: Strength, energy, success as soldier, surgeon or metal worker, liable to accidents. [Robson, p.146.]
With Jupiter: Philosophical and religious mind, hypocrisy, may be fanatic, legal prominence, and great honor but danger of slander. [Robson, p.146.]
With Saturn: Secluded and studious life, reserved, thoughtful owing to lack of interest, poverty at end of life, often single but if married the partner may die young, no children. [Robson, p.146.]
With Uranus: Mental disturbance, much activity, occult or unpractical interests, repeatedly suffers through the same mistakes, disharmony with relatives and neighbors, successful in the occupation of making peculiar machinery but little financial gain; unfavorable for domestic matters, many minor accidents. [Robson, p.146.]
With Neptune: Keen intellect, extremist, little forethought or balance, many quarrels, ability for mercantile pursuits, associated with companies connected with patents or electrical instruments, bad for marriage or partnership, many unexpected events, fairly good for gain, many narrow escapes but eventual violent death. [Robson, p.146.]
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].