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
Aloha Erik Roth,
On O’Ahu, I have been using the date of April 25 as the rising of Arcturus (Hokulea in Hawaiian). This is because where I usually observe it is usually a few degrees above the Eastern horizon to account for the height of the mountain ridge. How I do it is to observe the moment of sunset usually over a mountain ridge and then turn around and walk to a height where I can view the Easter horizon. On O’ahu this means to observe the rising of Arcturus over the Koolau Mountains. And to verify this date I will look for Arcturus directly overhead at what I was taught to be “true midnight” or “celestial midnight.” On O’Ahu April 25, Arcturus is overhead at 12:28AM and the Sun is overhead at 12:30PM. At 12:28AM on April 25 the sun is overhead (on North South line) Mount Olympus in Greece. I am lucky to live 180 degrees away from Mount Olympus and this is how I determine true midnight.High noon os when he sun is on te Nort Souh line. This is where I am probably losing you and I apologize for this. Of course with the Equatuon of Time, when a particular star is on the North South line over O’Ahu at true midnight, changes as well as when he sun is also overhead on the North South line. This is the way my Turtle Clan Elders taught me to do astronomy for time keeping purposes. Please answer me this – what do you think of me calling April 25 the rising day of Arcturus. I have been offered the exact time when the sun sets and the star I am looking for rises at sunset by the astronomers atop Maunakea but I keep time by the “old way” and knowing these times would greatly confuse me. For a few examples using the methods taught to me, Nov 19 is when the Pleiades rise, Dec 21 is when Betelgeuse rises, Jan 4 is when Sirius rises, Feb 18 is when Regulus rises. Also for the old ways to work, clear skies are needed. For now just tell me about April 25 being too off or being OK for the statement: Arcturau rises at sunset on April 25. I have followed you for awhile and respect your views. Let me know please. Thank you, Mike
Hi Mike,
I appreciate your analysis from your location as to when Arcturus rises at sunset. It is all relative to where you live, especially in latitude, on the globe. Where I live at 45 degrees latitude in Portland, OR Arcturus rises at sunset earlier in the year, March 28th. Opposition does not actually occur until April 14th because of the star’s distance from the ecliptic, which offsets the actual opposition. AT your latitude it would certainly rise later in the year because of how far south you are compared to me. I checked the rising of Arcturus at 22 degrees North latitude and it rises at sunset at about April 14th or 15th and taking into consideration the Koolau Mountains it would be visible even later that month so I would agree with you fully on April 25th (but I’ve never been to Hawaii or have seen the Koolau Mountains, so I can only verify from my books and software and your witness to the celestial event).
The other dates seem to be in line with your observations in regards to the other stars mentioned. Sirius is typically used to signal a new year (like the ancient Egyptian peoples). Regulus, being on the ecliptic itself would rise a little earlier for you and those on a similar latitude. In Portland, it’s rise at sunset occurs a few days later.
Keep up the excellent observations and awareness! I appreciate your stellar knowledge,
Erik
Sun is oppose Arcturus in Right Ascension on April 25th.
I was born on October 29th, and so I have Sun conjunct Arcturus in Right Ascension.
using Speculum in David Cochrane’s Sirius program
33°03′ 02:12:11 Sun Anti-Culminate
33°36′ 02:14:24 Arcturus Anti-Culminate
213°03′ 14:12:11 Sun Culminate
213°36′ 14:14:24 Arcturus Culminate
HI Raymond, thank you for the info. That’s a meaningful conjunction. I haven’t studied Right Ascension in astrology. I primarily look at the ecliptic longitude as a way to see if a star is conjunct a planet. Though I have read Bernadette Brady’s work which deals with culminations and other ways to incorporate stars into astrology. More to learn there . . .
– Erik