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Merak at 19°27′ Leo has an orb of 2°10′

The Sun joins Merak on August 11

Fixed star Merak, Beta Ursae Majoris, is a 2nd-magnitude single star on the side of the Great Bear, Ursa Major Constellation. It is also one of the four bright stars that form the bowl of the Big Dipper.
      Magnitude 2.37, spectral type A1IVps, color bluish-white. Merak is an Am star, a type of chemically peculiar star of spectral type A with an overabundance of the Iron-group metals and heavier elements. It also has a circumstellar debris disk of orbiting dust, indicating an excess of infrared radiation beyond that emitted by the star. ^[1]

β UMa is officially named Merak.
      Applied in recent times from an abbreviation of its name for the modern Arabic name maraqq al-dubb al-akbar, “the Flank (or Groin) of the Greater Bear.” ^[2]

β, 2.5, greenish white.
      Merak, or Mirak, is from Al Marāḳḳ, “the Loin (of the Bear)”; but Chilmead said Miraë, and Scaliger, Mizar. It may have been known by the Greeks as Helike, one of their names for the whole.
      The Chinese called it Tien Seuen, an “Armillary Sphere,” and the Hindus called it Pulaha, one of the Rishis. ^[13]

In Chinese astronomy, Merak ibelongs to the asterism Bei Dou (Northern Dipper) in the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure. Its astronomical name is 北斗二 Běidǒuèr, “North Dipper Two,” and is also known as:
      天璇 Tiānxuán, “The Celestial Rotating Jade.”
      从魁 Cōngkuí, “Passing-through chief.”
      天魁 Jùmén, “Huge gate.”
      法星 Fǎxīng, “Star of law.”
      枢星 Xuánxīng, “Whirling star.”
      天醫 Tiānyī, “Celestial medicine.” ^[4]

2000*	2050	Name	Orb
13♌39	14♌21	Acubens	1°20′
15♌12	15♌55	Dubhe	2°20′
19♌27	20♌04	Merak	2°10′
20♌43	21♌25	Ras Elased Australis	1°40′
21♌26	22♌08	Ras Elased Borealis	1°30′

Merak Astrology

Fixed star Merak has the spectral type A1, indicating the planetary nature of Venus and, to a lesser extent, Jupiter. However, as a mild Am star, it may also have some Mars and perhaps Saturn influence (compare with Acubens, Castor, Kurhah and Sirius). It also has a debris disk, emitting an excess of infrared radiation (compare Fomalhaut, Vega and Zouxia).

VENUS-JUPITER:   Refined, good, high morals, vivacious, sincere, pure, healthy, artistic, fortunate in love and marriage, help through relatives. ^[5]

SPECTRAL CLASS A:   Great honors, artistic appreciation, unexpected gains, good fortune, riches, good judgment, sociableness, creativeness, idealism, and impulsiveness. Challenging aspects cause wantonness, indiscretion, scandals, foolhardiness, destructiveness, cleverness, many anxious moments and a self-seeking nature. ^[6]

MERAK. β Ursae Major.
      A white, giant star, Spectral class A1, on the side of the Bear.
BASIC INFLUENCES:   The native has a ‘love of power’, the ability to get on in life, a creative ability, determination; the native can become dictatorial and is of a pragmatic nature. NEGATIVELY: The native can destroy what they build, be of a deceitful nature. ^[6]

Merak. E Arabic: “Loin” (of the Great Bear), β Great Bear. A star that, in the middle of the sign Leo, can unfold its Marian power especially in the charts of rulers, in whom the sign Leo is strongly occupied. ^[7]

Merak in the Side of the Great Bear, being the second-largest star of this constellation, has a Mars nature. Merak is of importance in a natal chart if the sign Leo is tenanted, and other configurations give a clue to love of command and domination. This star is credited with increasing the power of the native to get on in life, and this is especially so if in conjunction with the Sun, Mars or Pluto. ^[8]

Merak, the star beneath Dubhe, helps us point the way to the Pole for us. Merak is β Ursae Majoris, and the name comes from Al Maraqq, the loin (of the Bear). We need to take little note of that; its role is the same as that of Dubhe in every respect, and this will to play a guiding part, yet not quite in the leading place, is typical of the region of the Leo Sign, not quite equal to mighty Regulus. Merak has a Saturn-Mercury nature, perhaps with a little of the Mars drive that we find with ε Leonis, Ras Elased Australis just after it. ^[9]

The Giant Gate Star

In Chinese astronomy, Merak is the 2nd star of Bei Dou (Northern Dipper) in the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure. It was anciently called Tiānxuán, the “Celestial Rotating Jade,” or “Jade Hidden in Stone.” It was also known as the “Dark Star,” but most commonly as Jùmén, “Giant Gate Star.” It is one of the 12 Main Chinese Fixed Stars.

The Giant Gate star is the star of right and wrong, the law, speech, language, doubt and talent. It is generally inauspicious (a dark star), representing disputes, persecution and punishment. But it is also like a double-edged sword, giving a complex and polarizing personality. In meeting rooms, the Jumen person is eloquent, logically sound, and persuasive; but in private, they often hurt their closest loved ones with a single word. They seem to possess a talent for communication, yet are deeply entangled in its difficulties.

Jumen people are strong-willed, principled, frank,  outspoken and unafraid of authority, with clear likes and dislikes. They have the courage to be an opinion leader and speak out for justice, uphold righteousness, expose corruption, and eliminate evil. But they can also be sharp-tongued, stir up trouble, talk too much, and easily offend people. Either way, Jumen indicates being entangled in disputes and the need for tact and diplomacy, or knowing when to remain silent. A conjunction or opposition to the Sun mitigates its dark nature.

Positives: Eloquent, sincere, honest, straightforward, focused, direct, ambitious, deep, thoughtful, upright, principled, meticulous, conventional, kind-hearted, discernment, quick thinking, keen insight, wisdom, power, status, penetrating speech, skilled in expression and debate, investigative depth, strong comprehension, analytical reasoning skills, a keen intuition for hidden matters.

Negatives: Suspicious, argumentative, arrogant, aggressive, jealous, nitpicky, critical, narrow-minded, lack of perspective, unpopular, gossip, verbal conflict, strained interpersonal relationships, imprisonment, hardship, loneliness, secrecy, treachery, hidden anxieties, reluctant to assume responsibility, and difficulty getting along with others, convincing others and gaining support.

Jumen careers include lawyer, judge, politician, public official, academic researcher, research and development engineer, teacher, orator, talk show host, critic, advisor, strategist, and work in planning, public relations, auditing, logistics, materials management, and coordination. ^[10]

The second is Xuan (Merak), the law star, which governs the earth. It is also said that Xuan represents the earth, governs yin punishment, and is associated with women and symbols. Its division is Chu, and according to the Book of Han, it governs Yizhou. The Celestial Phenomena Divination says: “If one extensively constructs palaces and recklessly excavates mountains and hills, then the sky will be obscured and the color will change.” ^[11]

Merak with other fixed stars in the natal chart.

Merak and Nunki: Prioritizes emotion over reason. Suited for a freelance career and has artistic potential. A life filled with hard work and gossip, requiring several ups and downs before enjoying good fortune. Suitable professions include education, media, catering, and entertainment, which rely on eloquence. 

Merak and Polis: An active and quick mind, strong perception, good at logical analysis and reasoning, and excellent interpersonal skills. ^[12]

Asterism Bei Dou the Northern Dipper

15♌12 to 26♍56

The Big Dipper, with its handle holding Longjiao (the dragon’s horn), balances Nandou in Yinnan (the Southern Dipper, and its head resting on Shen Shou (the head of Orion), represent the emperor’s chariot, which moves from the center to oversee all under heaven, establishing the four seasons, balancing the Five Elements, adjusting seasonal rhythms, and setting all records [determining the cycles]. It is the pivot of the seven celestial bodies and the origin of Yin and Yang.

Many stars around the Dipper indicate peace and stability; fewer stars within the Dipper suggest that people will live in fear. If the moon transgresses it, it indicates war, death, or a general amnesty. A white halo passing through three stars is an omen that the ruler should fear. A comet near the Big Dipper indicates danger for the sovereign. If a comet transgresses it, it indicates a change of ruler. A meteor that transgresses indicates foreign war. If a guest star transgresses, it signifies military conflict. If the five planets transgress it, the country will experience chaos and a change of rulership. ^[11]

Constellation Ursa Major the Greater Bear

14♋42 to 02♎49

URSA MAJOR. The Greater Bear.
      Legend.   Callisto, daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, of whom Jupiter was enamored, became a follower of Diana on account of her love of hunting. Jupiter sought Callisto by assuming the form of Diana, and Juno, who discovered the intrigue, turned Callisto into a bear. Angry that the bear was placed in heaven, Juno requested her brother Neptune never to let those stars set within his kingdom, and for this reason they are always above the horizon in Europe. To account for the length of the bear’s tail [because in reality bears don’t have tails], it is said that Jupiter, fearing her teeth, lifted her by the tail, which became stretched because of her weight and the distance from earth to heaven.
      Influence.   According to Ptolemy, Ursa Major is like Mars. It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengefulness when roused. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Zain and the 7th Tarot Trump “The Chariot.”
      Magical.   Gives craft, ingenuity and valor. ^[5]

Astrologically, both Bears were said to presage an evil influence. They are particularly injurious as regards the affairs of nations and kings. ^[13]

Fixed Star Merak Conjunctions

Ascendant conjunct Merak: A square or round face, high and wide cheekbones, a straight nose, and a large mouth. In terms of personality, they are straightforward, eloquent, enjoy arguing and commenting, are suspicious, learn many things but master few, are not sociable, and are prone to gossip and disputes. Their career often faces initial difficulties followed by easier ones; their early work is unstable, only becoming stable in middle age. They will work hard throughout their life, requiring great effort to achieve success. Their marriage is also prone to turbulence due to arguments and personality clashes. 14

Simone Lahbib 0°02′, José Argüelles 0°03′, Lady Rose Gilman 0°05′, Holly Marie Combs 0°11′, Jeff Buckley 0°13′, Christopher Reeve 0°19′ (and S. Node), Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 0°19′, Zelda Williams 0°21′, Ella Fitzgerald 0°21′, Georges Louis Duvernoy 0°22′ (and Sun), Mary MacArthur 0°29′, Charles XII of Sweden 0°29′, Sébastien Lecornu 0°30′, Susan Strasberg 0°31′, Naruhito 0°31′ Kirsten Dunst 0°35′, Corey Feldman 0°41′ (and Mercury), Catherine, Princess of Wales 0°48′, Stanton T. Friedman 0°50′, Sawyer Spielberg 0°53′, Alec Douglas-Home 0°53′, Kurt Tucholsky 0°53′, Muhammad Ali 0°54′, Steven Seagal 0°56′ (and Pluto), Georges Cuvier 0°56′, Richard Carpenter 0°57′, Rosaleen Norton 1°03′, Galileo Galilei 1°17′ (rated C), Roger Moore 1°22′, Garrison Keillor 1°23′ (and Mercury),  Sonia Gandhi 1°37′, Julien Rochedy 1°40′, Indira Gandhi 1°51′, Jewelle Gomez 1°51′, Marilyn Manson 1°51′, Michael Moore 2°06′.

Midheaven conjunct Merak: Usually earns money through their speech, making them suitable for professions related to speaking, such as teaching, law, publicity, advertising, and performing arts. They may also consider careers in the medical field. If well-aspected, the person is upright, proactive, and has a serious work ethic; hard work will lead to success, and a military career is particularly suitable. They can achieve wealth, prosperity, and both fame and fortune. With harsh aspects, they are prone to disagreements with superiors, troubles, and setbacks in their career. They are more suited to professions like ventriloquism; otherwise, they are prone to gossip and disputes. Their life will be filled with hardship and constant trouble; they may even face lawsuits.

Padre Pio 0°00′, Rudy Galindo 0°20′, P. L. Travers 0°25′ (and Sun), Marc Edmund Jones 0°29′ (and Moon, Saturn), Hugo Spatz 0°50′, Bernadette Peters 0°52′ (and Saturn), Sid Vicious 0°55′, Amélie Mauresmo 1°01′, Gustave Flaubert 1°08′, Matt Prokop 1°14′, Edward Higgins White 1°29′, Chaka Khan 1°31′, Rafael Nadal 1°39′, Mel B 1°46′, Niki de Saint Phalle 1°46′, Vito Genovese 1°48′, Eva Braun 1°50′, Chris Pratt 1°53′, Katharine Hepburn 1°57′, Linda McCartney 2°03′, Hera Mirtel 2°05′, Christian Dior 2°10′.

Descendant conjunct Merak: Frequent arguments and quarrels between spouses, often stemming from jealousy, lead to turbulent relationships, with first loves rarely lasting. The spouse is generally eloquent and may have a cheerful personality, but could also be eccentric and prone to jealousy. Choosing a spouse with a significant age gap is advisable; if the partner works in a profession requiring communication or is in a controversial environment, friction may be reduced. With harsh aspects, marital difficulties will be greater, potentially leading to separation, death, or bigamy. If well-aspected, the spouse will be successful in their career, and for women, they may be supportive wives and mothers. 14

Michael J. Fox 0°16′ (and Mars), Whoopi Goldberg 0°26′, Lucky Luciano 0°40′, Barack Obama 0°49′, David Bowie 1°10′, Manly P. Hall 1°16′, Eric Gill 1°17′, William Lilly 1°34′, Ivan The Terrible 1°53′

Imum Coeli conjunct Merak: Generally considered inauspicious, potentially indicating a weak bond with parents, a significant generation gap, and poor communication. If well-aspected, it slightly harms the parents, suggesting a distant relationship. With the Sun, arguments between father and son are likely. 14

Machine Gun Kelly 0°01′, Reinhard Heydrich 1°21′, Henry Kissinger 1°25′, Edward Snowden 1°40′, Cara Cunningham 1°47′.

Part of Fortune conjunct Merak: Jeremy Renner 0°05′, Jimi Hendrix 0°42′, André Chouraqui 1°04′ (and Sun), Charlton Heston 1°08′ (and Neptune), Richard Nixon 1°31′, Chris Brown 1°36′, Adam Driver 1°44′, Hugh Hefner 1°47′.

Sun conjunct Merak: Preferment in government, astrology, occult, science, writings, and affairs connected with public matters. The native has drive and determination, the ability to get ahead, and become dominant in their activities. ^[6]

Increased power to get on in life. ^[8] 

Auspicious, a passionate and insightful thinker with the talent to “awaken the dreamer with a single word.” If well-aspected, there is a possibility of receiving favors or promotions from people of different ethnicities. Giant Gate Star – Yun Yu’s wise words.

Moira Deeming 0°01′, Jerry Falwell 0°02′, André Chouraqui 0°05′ (and POF), Alex Haley 0°11′, Steve Wozniak 0°18′ (and Pluto), Hulk Hogan 0°18′ (rated C), Hugo Eckener 0°24′, Ian Charleson 0°18′, Miss Cleo 0°33′, Jin Xing 0°35′, Iris Berben 0°39′ (and Pluto), Naveed Akram 0°41′, Antonio Banderas 0°42′, Jim Beck 0°45′, Buck Owens 0°48′, Lucy Broadwood 0°48′, Liu Cunren 0°48′, Jimmy Dean 0°49′, Phoenix Askani 0°50′ (and Moon), Danielle Wood 0°52′, Danny Bonaduce 0°53′ (and Uranus), Natanael Greene 0°53′, Charles Albright 0°55′, John Derek 0°59′, Kylie Jenner 1°00′, Robert Crampton 1°01′, Arina Averina 1°02′ (and Mercury), Dina Averina 1°03′, (and Mercury), Mark Knopfler 1°03′, George Soros 1°03′, Anatoly Kashpirovsky 1°06′ (and Mercury), Norris McWhirter 1°07′, Alexandra Filippenko 1°07′, Ross McWhirter 1°08′, Joe Rogan 1°09′, Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia 1°11′, Bernard Boursicot 1°13′, Martinus Thomsen 1°14′, Richard Atcheson 1°22′ (and Moon), Alan Shearer 1°25′ (and Mars), Louise Bogan 1°34′, Melanie Griffith 1°35′, Herbert Hoover 1°37′ (rated C), André Obrecht 1°38′, Kira Grünberg 1°38′, Kathleen Battle 1°40′, Sam Eliot 1°42′, P. L. Travers 1°46′ (and MC), Amy Shapiro 1°47′, Vivek Ramaswamy 0°57′ (and Mercury), Georges Louis Duvernoy 2°22′ (and AC). 

Moon conjunct Merak: Leadership ability may be developed, if so such natives will be recognized as leaders in their fields of activities and can gain high preferment. The native can be very determined; has the ability to get on in life, is pragmatic and has a desire to be dominant without the dogged persistence of an Algol conjunction. ^[6] 

Richard Atcheson 0°11′ (and Sun), Paul McCartney 1°10′, Beau Bridges 1°10′, Marc Edmund Jones 1°20′ (and MC, Saturn), Volodymyr Zelenskyy 1°24′, Phoenix Askani 2°02′ (and Sun), 

Mercury conjunct Merak: The native is ingenious, can become active in many careers or areas. There can be indications of the native being indecisive and possibly easily influenced in making decisions. These natives tend to follow what they believe is the popular trend. ^[6]

Yves Saint Laurent 0°07′ (and Venus), Vivek Ramaswamy 0°14′ (and Sun), Mata Hari 0°14′ (and Mars), Herb Ritts 0°17′, Garrison Keillor 0°37′ (and AC), Bonnie Parker 0°54′, Anatoly Kashpirovsky 1°44′ (and Sun), George Wallace 1°44′, Nick Fuentes 1°58′, Corey Feldman 2°05′ (and AC), Dina Averina 2°04′ (and Sun), Arina Averina 2°05′ (and Sun), Ed Gein 2°07′ (and Mars). 

Venus conjunct Merak: The native has creative abilities, imagination. Domestic problems are possible. The native will be socially inclined and generally outspoken. Attracts many, some of great influence. Native may excel in many fields of activities. ^[6]

Yves Saint Laurent 0°02′ (and Mercury), Tyler Perry 0°33′, Tom Cruise 0°58′, Phil McGraw 1°23′ (and Pluto), Caligula 1°45′, Michael Jackson 1°46′. 

Mars conjunct Merak: This conjunction gives to its natives the inborn ability to become a leader and dominate situations. It is almost a ‘do or die’ type conjunction. They will attract attention to themselves, generally through their own efforts and most likely they will not care to have someone else perform for them. The native can rise to an authoritative position or make such a position for themselves. Negatively, the native has the same drive for power and excitement, it could prove difficult to hold them in check. Caution should be exercised in selecting their associates, they should avoid becoming involved in intrigues and those that do get involved could find themselves engulfed in situations from which there is no escape. Natives with this conjunction could receive recognition, but it might not be lasting. ^[6]

Increased power to get on in life. ^[8]

Danielle Carolan 0°02′, Nicolás Maduro 0°08′, Michael J. Fox 0°16′ (and DC), Michael Wolff 0°17′, Brigitte Bardot 0°23′, Al Gore 0°34′, Mata Hari 0°38′ (and Mercury), Marshall Applewhite 0°40′, Maximilien Robespierre 0°58′, Charles II of England 0°59′, Amy Winehouse 1°20′, Jodie Foster 1°20′, Bella Hadid 1°24′, Anne Frank 1°28′, Thomas Jefferson 1°44′, Helen Keller 1°56′, Alan Shearer 2°07′ (and Sun), Ed Gein 2°10′ (and Mercury).

Jupiter conjunct Merak: Preferment in sports, writings, philosophical matters. These natives will be recognized for their good deeds or contributions, or other actions. They will not go unnoticed. ^[6]

Hasan Piker 0°13′, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard 0°34′, Sirhan Sirhan 0°38′, Rudy Giuliani 1°23′, Oliver North 1°55′. 

Saturn conjunct Merak: Tom Brady 0°04′, Hillary Clinton 0°06′, Stephen King 0°34′, Marc Edmund Jones 0°38′ (and MC, Moon), Clarence Thomas 0°47′, Alice Cooper 0°50′, Bernadette Peters 1°02′ (and MC), Sidney Gottlieb 1°13′.

Uranus conjunct Merak: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor 0°19′, Charles Cullen 0°27′, Adam Schiff 0°28′, Richard Ramirez 0°41′, Michael Hutchence 0°55′, Ivan Lendl 1°00′, Sarah, Duchess of York 1°23′, Ayrton Senna 1°26′, Jeffrey Dahmer 1°36′, David Koresh 1°42′.

Neptune conjunct Merak: Benjamin Creme 0°13′, George H. W. Bush 0°14′, William Blake 0°40′, Charlton Heston 1°21′ (and POF), Malcolm X 1°30′, Linda Goodman 1°32′, Danny Bonaduce 1°58′ (and Sun). 

Pluto conjunct Merak: Increased power to get on in life. ^[8]

Robin Williams 0°04′, Phil McGraw 0°14′ (and Venus), Donald Harvey 0°22′, Steven Seagal 0°25′ (and AC), Pablo Escobar 0°33′, Jeff Bridges 0°35′, Caitlyn Jenner 0°38′, Harvey Weinstein 0°42′, Benjamin Netanyahu 0°43′, Iris Berben 0°51′ (and Sun), Steve Wozniak 0°53′ (and Sun), Christina Onassis 1°01′, Chuck Schumer 1°06′, Richard Branson 1°37′, David Duke 2°04′, Charles III 2°08′.

North Node conjunct Merak: Sean Hannity 0°05′, Jim Carrey 0°44′, Steve Irwin 0°52′, Kim Kardashian 1°35′, Mikey Madison 1°55′, Sabrina Carpenter 2°04′, Jimmy Carter 2°06′.

South Node conjunct Merak: Vladimir Putin 0°08′, Yuri Gagarin 0°28′, Pierre-Auguste Renoir 0°47′, Larry Fink 1°12′, Mark Wahlberg 1°18′, Christopher Reeve 1°54′ (and AC). 

References

1. Merak (star) – Wikipedia.
2. A Dictionary of Modern Star Names, Kunitzsch, Smart, 2006, p.56.
3. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, Richard H. Allen, 1889, p.438.
4. Ursa Major in Chinese astronomy.
5. Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.65, 101, 232.
6. The Power of the Fixed Stars, Joseph E. Rigor, 1979, p.117-118, 245-246.
7. Course in scientific natal astrology; Volume 2, Johannes Vehlow, 1934, p.265.
8. Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1971, p.43.
9. The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.146.
10. Giant Gate Star – Baidu Encyclopedia.
11. Song History, Volume 49, Chapter 2, 1346.
12. Giant Gate Star – Yun Yu’s wise words.
13. Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.7.
14. The Gloomy Star (Jue Meng): Superfate.