| Fixed star: ENSIS M42, The Great Orion Nebula | |
| Constellation: M42 Orion – NGC 1976 | |
| Longitude 1900: 21GEM35 | Longitude 2000: 22GEM59 |
| Declination 1900: -05.27′ | Declination 2000: -05.23′ |
| Right ascension: 05h 35m | Latitude: -28.40′ |
| Spectral class: N | Magnitude: 4.0 is the biggest star |
The history of the star: Ensis
M42 Orion, Ensis, is the Nebula marking the sword-sheath or sword-scabbard of Orion, with the celebrated Trapezium in its midst. Latin ensis means ‘sword’.
Known as Ensis to astrologers, this nebula’s correct name is M42; the Great Orion Nebula, the name known to astronomers.
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.” [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD. 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 Ensis
Of the nature of Mars and the Moon. It causes blindness, defective sight (all nebula gives this effect), injuries to the eyes, sickness and a violent death. [Robson, p.165.]
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].