Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/451

Rh this group represented the Tree of the Garden of Light, associated with the idea of the Tree of Life in the midst of the Garden of Eden, which has a special significance when it is recalled that Scorpio may be considered as representing one phase of the Cherubim which was set in the Garden of Eden.

λ and υ Scorpii are situated in the sting of the Scorpion, which appears to be raised and about to strike the heel of the Serpent-Bearer. The former was known as "Shaula," meaning the "Sting." This star was regarded as unlucky by the astrologers, υ Scorpii was called "Lesuth." These stars were known as "the two releasers," their rising being supposed to bring relief to those suffering from lingering disease.

The row of stars from μ to υ Scorpii was known to the Polynesian islanders as "the Fishhook of Mani," with which that god drew up from the depths the great island Tongareva. They also regard μ1 and μ2 as brother and sister, fleeing from home to the sky when ill treated by their parents, the stars λ and υ, who followed them, and are still in pursuit.

The Chinese knew λ and υ Scorpii as "the parts of a lock." Above these stars are two very fine star clusters visible to the naked eye, and beautiful objects even in an opera-glass. One of these was a great favourite with Sir Wm. Herschel, who discovered that it was a star cluster and not a circular nebula, as Messier had claimed. Herschel considered this cluster the richest mass of stars in the firmament.