Arcturus

Fixed star Arcturus is a golden red star situated on the left knee of constellation Bootes. The two most fortune stars in the sky, Spica and Arcturus, are very close in longitude. While Spica is sweet and innocent, Arcturus is more apt at dealing with the darker aspects of life on earth.

Arcturus Star Astrology
Fixed star Arcturus is of the nature of Mars and Jupiter. It gives riches, honors, high renown, self-determination and prosperity by navigation and voyages.

Arcturus is one of the 15 Behenian Fixed Stars. Its image is a horse, wolf, or man dancing. It cures fevers, retains the blood and acts as an astringent. Rules jasper and plantain. Fixed star Arcturus rules two inches below the navel in the human body

Arcturus, Bear Leader-Guardian, means observer of the Great Bear, or the Ursa Major or Big Dipper, respectively. Main star of constellation Bootis (driver of oxen) has a Jupiter-Mars nature, and a reputation of achieving justice through power. It therefore makes the native belligerent and quarrelsome, especially if attached to Mars and Jupiter by conjunction. An enterprising spirit is here the rule, as indicated by Jupiter-Mars. Lasting success is promised if further good aspects are present. If critically aspected, the good influence will be hampered or made into a real handicap. If involved in legal action, such a native may lose all.

Prime star of Bootes is Arcturus, at one time the name for the Constellation itself, meaning the Driver of the Bear, Arctos (which is why our northern polar region is called the Arctic, of course). The Great Bear is obviously the most formidable creature there, and the point of Bootes’ spear is menacingly close the bear’s rump in case shouting should not be enough.

Arcturus is a fine big yellow star, easily seen if one follows down a little from the curved sweep of the Bear’s stars (the handle of The Plough, or Dipper), and one may continue the sweep down to the horizon to meet the all-important Spica, Ishtar, Queen of Heaven. The two stars are almost conjunct by longitude, leading the Arabs to see Arcturus as her protector: Al Haris al Sama, Protector of Heaven, and Al Haris al Samak, Protector of the Defenseless One.

So there we see the role of Arcturus: a protector, yes, but an unbiased protector of all. While we take what we may from Spica, from this symbol of the Heavens and Earth together, we are protected. But abuse that bounty, or take it from others, or deny it to them, and the Regent-Protector steps in upon us as upon any other predator. We are ourselves that same Regent, of course, so that it is our own hand and deed that calls us sharply to order.