About this star:

A bright yellow star in the right wing of the Virgin Virgo.

Bullinger in Witness to the Stars "The star epsilon, in the arm bearing the branch, is called Al Mureddin, which means who shall come down (as in Psa 72:8), or who shall have dominion. It is also known as Vindemiatrix, a Chaldee word which means "the son", or "branch, who cometh".

Vindemiatrix was Latin Vindemiator, Vindemitor, with Ovid and Pliny; and Provindemiator and Provindemia major, Protrigetrix with others; all signifying the "Grape-gatherer," from its rising in the morning just before the time of the vintage. Rendered the in the Phainomena "Fruit-plucking Herald".

This profusion of titles from the earliest times indicates the singular interest with which this now inconspicuous star was regarded in classical astronomy. The Century Cyclopedia has the following note on it: "At the time when the zodiac seems to have been formed this star would first be seen at Babylon before sunrise about August 20, or, since there is some evidence that it was then brighter than it is now, perhaps a week earlier. This would seem too late for the vintage, so that perhaps this tradition is older than the zodiac."

The classical name was translated by the Arabians Mukdim al Kitaf; and another title was Almuredin, still seen for it, perhaps from Al Muridin, "Those Who Sent Forth". Traces of these words are found in the Alacast, Alcalst, Alaraph, and Almucedie of Bayer's Uranometria.

"Egyptians knew the star as Tasha Nefre, 'the Beautiful Boy'. Shakespeare in Act 4, Scene 3 of Titus Andronicus -- referred to an arrow being shot up to heaven to the 'good boy in Virgo's lap'" (Cyril Fagan, Astrological Origins, 1971).

On the Euphrates it may have been Kakkab Mulu-izi, "the Star Man of Fire", possibly symbolizing the god Laterak, "the Divine King of the Desert"; although that title has been assigned to mu Virginis and delta Librae.

Delta (Auva), with eta (Zaniah), gamma (Porrima), epsilon (this star Vindemiatrix), outlined a "Kennel", of the "Dogs" [Eric Morse in The Living stars says this Kennel has brothel associations, see Zaniah], and formed the Arabic 11th manzil, Al 'Awwa', "The barker". Vindemiatrix marked the eastern boundary of the Arabic 11th manzil [Influences: Gives benevolence, gain, voyages, harvests and freedom of captives. With Moon transiting here; sow, plant, take medicine but do not travel or marry. (Robson)]. (Allen).

Influence of the constellation:

By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Gimel and the 3rd Tarot Trump "The Empress". (Robson).

General influence of the star:

According to Ptolemy it is of the nature of Saturn and Mercury; to Simmonite, of Saturn and Venus, which is probably a misprint; to Wilson and Pearce, of Saturn, Venus and Mercury, and, to Alvidas, of Mercury and Saturn in evil aspect. It gives falsity, disgrace, stealing, wanton folly and often causes its natives to become widows. (Robson).

On the MC or on the Ascendant this star with its Saturn-Mercury nature is said to help mental concentration and to promote the type of native who engages for architects and businessmen. Tied up with Mars, it results in increased power of thought, tending sometimes to sarcasm and polemics. With Mars also, a danger of injuries is indicated. Badly placed, and especially so if in conjunction with Saturn or Neptune, this star is said to cause a tendency to depressive moods, skepticism a distrustful nature. Tied up with Mercury, this star, if otherwise badly place, will lead to nervous irritability. (Ebertin).

It frequently marks the death of one's partner. It figures strongly and regularly in deaths which are in some way dramatic, newsworthy or are resented in much more than the usual degree by those left behind (assassinations, common criminal murders, executions, airline disasters etc.). Al Muredin `The One Sent Forth in the Faith'. This is often the missionary. This is not to say that everyone with this star strong in their horoscope will go out and preach the gospel to the heathen, although many do indeed feel a strong religious calling. (Dr. Eric Morse).

With Sun: Worry, depression, unpopular, failure in business, harassed by creditors. (Robson).

With Moon: Worry, many disappointments, loss through law or writings and theft, bad health, failure in business. (Robson).

With Mercury: Impulsive, too hasty, loss through writings and business. (Robson).

With Venus: Trouble through love affairs, loss of friends, danger of scandal. (Robson).

With Mars: Rash, headstrong, indiscreet, energetic, trouble through law, business and friends. (Robson).

Sarcasm and polemics. (Ebertin).

With Jupiter: Trouble through law or Church, much criticism, many journeys. (Robson).

With Saturn: Cautious, thoughtful, reserved materialistic, hypocritical in religion, loss through speculation, success in business, secret difficulty with marriage partner. (Robson).

With Uranus: Deformity or disease of spine or back about which native is sensitive and seeks seclusion especially if female, danger of heart trouble, bad for marriage, death through an accident. (Robson).

With Neptune: Active, critical, mind hovers between spiritual and material things, loss through speculation and Mercurial matters, mechanical and inventive ability, temporary domestic separations, death of or separation from a child, death through an accident or Saturnian disease. (Robson).