While there are many ways to tell if the season of spring has arrived, looking toward the night sky with recognition of the constellations and brightest stars can be very helpful.  One star in particular is notable at this time of year: Arcturus.

Arcturus comes very close to rising as the sun sets on the spring equinox.  The actual date that Arcturus rose when the Sun set was on March 28th (the precise opposition did not occur until April 14th).  When this bright star is seen at in the early evening sky near the eastern horizon, then it is a clear indication the spring is here.  But in a growing number of areas across the globe, the starscape above us is drowned out by the numerous street lights, flood lights, parking lights and many, many other kinds of lights.  This drowning out of the stars erodes our connection to what lies above our heads and beyond the clouds.  It is fortunate that the planets, moon and brightest of the stars, including Arcturus can still be seen in most, if not all major metropolitan areas (though that only accounts for 30-40 points of light among thousands).

In the picture, Arcturus is seen to the left of the constellation of The Priestess (or in astronomical terms, the constellation Virgo).  and the bright star Spica.  Because Arcturus rises about a week after the equinox, it is technically in the sign of Libra, since the Sun is always in Aries at the spring equinox.

April 8th 2013, Arcturus and Spring

Arcturus has a very long history of viewing from ancient cultures throughout the globe.   The name of Arcturus came long before the constellation name in which it resides, called Bootes, the Bear Driver.  The Persians referred to it as the leg of the Lance-Bearer.  In India, it marked the 13th Lunar Station and known as the “Good Goer” or “sword.”  Arcturus has a relationship with the bright star, Spica (nearby).  Both of these stars were at one time known as the calves of the lion.  Spica being the “first calf” and Arcturus being the “second calf.”  In the night sky, one can see the constellation of The Lion (or Leo in astronomical terms) chased by the Priestess constellation below and to the right of Bootes (where Arcturus resides).

In the night sky, Arcturus is seen in the constellation of Bootes, or the Bear Driver.  This is just to the north of the path of the Sun (known as the Ecliptic).  This star has had some company nearby for the last few years in the planet Saturn, just south and a little to the left and below of the star Spica (see attached picture from the program, Stellarium).  Saturn is currently in the sign of Scorpio and “passed by” Arcturus in 2012.

On a personal level, those who have Libra Rising or other personal planets or points (midheaven, Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter) in that sign can look to Arcturus as a nearby star of which they can work with ceremonially.  Of course, even more broadly, for those who have planets in the culture bearer/cardinal signs (Aries, Libra, Capricorn and Cancer) can also work with Arcturus.  When an outer planet, such as Saturn, Uranus, Pluto or Neptune are in the sign of Libra, it is very beneficial to look at the night sky and see Arcturus with the naked eye.  Meditate on the star and be open to see what transmissions (thoughts, ideas, insights, epiphanies , etc) come to mind.

For those who know their astrology chart, an even deeper look can result in a intriguing connection with the star.  Arcturus currently resides at 24 degrees Libra.  Using a simple and free program to bring up your astrology chart, like astro.com will show if a person has any planets or other astrological points near Arcturus or potentially in opposition (180 degrees) or a square (90 degree angle).  By the Sabian Symbols, 24 degrees Libra is about individualization of self or in recognition that we are to follow our own path.  This is intriguing in its synchronicity to what spring equinox is all about and its deep connection with the sign of Aries.  In Shamanic Astrology, Aries is all about individualization, finding one’s mission and “going for it.”

Using the night sky in this way helps us connect to the celestial on a personal level, knowing there is much more to who we are beyond the conventional thought streams . . .

Blessings,

Erik Roth