Boötes is the most ancient constellation in the sky. Indeed, it has been reconized by numerous
cultures in slightly different forms. The first reference to the name Boötes comes from
"The Odyssey" by Homer almost three millenia ago.

In one of his most popular incarnations, he is called the Hunter and, with his Hounds (Canes Venatici), he eternally circles the Bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, around the North Pole. In fact, the brightest star in Boötes is Arcturus, which can be loosely translated as "Bear Guard."

He is also called the Herdsman and his journey around the pole represents his task of keeping the celestial beasts together. Another legend says that Bootes was the son of Zeus and Callisto. Hera changed Callisto into a bear who was almost killed by Boötes when he was out hunting. Luckily, she was rescued by Zeus and he took her into the sky where she is now Ursa Major, the Great Bear.

One of the most popular stars in the sky is called Arcturus. It is the fourth brightest star in the sky and it holds the distinction of being the brightest star in the northern half of the celestial sphere. The name "Boötes" is at least 3000 years old, but in those ancient times the name most likely applies to the star Arcturus rather than to the entire group of stars we see today. The Egyptians believed that those north circumpolar stars that never set over the horizon, were evil. And one of the most evil of these northern constellations was the Great Bear. Boötes, they believed, was placed in the sky to guard the Great Bear and see that she did no harm. The Egyptians pictured Boötes as a constellation they called the Hippopotamus.

Boötes is visualized as a man standing with one foot on a mountain and the other foot stepping off the mountain. This symbolizes his positioning for security and his trust in the inevitable. In one hand, he is holding a staff representing his leadership abilities. In the other hand, he holds the leashes of two hunting dogs. This suggests openness and trust in his guides. Boötes is traditionally seen as a shepherd. In the modern world, we may recognize Boötes' archetypal presence in politicians, group leaders and even people walking their dogs. Arcturus is located just above Boötes' knee.

The Greeks at one time also knew Boötes as the Bear Watcher, or Bear Guard because he seems to chase Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, the Great and Small Bears, across the sky. Boötes is also called the Herdsman because is seems to hold the leashes of the Hunting Dogs, the constellation Canes Venatici. Greek mythology has many stories about the origin of Boötes. According to one legend, Boötes is Arcas, the hunter-son of Callisto, the Great Bear. In another myth, Boötes was the son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Boötes is credited with inventing the plow and was placed in the heavens his invention. Both the Hindus and ancient Chinese regarded Arcturus as a pearl-star. In Chinese myth, a huge dragon was eternally chasing and trying to capture this star.

The Egyptians believed that those north circumpolar stars that never set over the horizon, were evil.  And one of the most evil of these northern constellations was the Great Bear.  Boötes, they believed, was placed in the sky to guard the Great Bear and see that she did no harm.  The Egyptians pictured Boötes as a constellation they called the Hippopotamus.

Crystallotus Home | E-zine

Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.