Boötes is located next to the Great Bear—the image of God's Church—and depicts the One who shepherds, keeps, and leads God's flock. The names of its stars speak of the Guardian of the heavens, a worker in the vineyard, a belt of strength, and a shepherd's staff. This is an image of the Holy Spirit, who builds the Church, guards it, and reminds it of Jesus Christ.
Full interpretation
Verifiable historical, etymological and topographical statements are accompanied by sources. The theological conclusions are the project’s interpretation according to its published methodology.
The constellation Boötes is located next to the Great Bear, representing God's Church. The very image of Boötes unfolds the theme of a shepherd who cares for the flock, protects it, and leads it along a safe path.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
The brightest star of the constellation is Arcturus. Its name is connected with the Greek Arktophylax, meaning "Guardian of the Bear." Thus Boötes is depicted as the one who shepherds and guards the Great Bear—God's flock.
Another Arabic name for Arcturus is Haris al-sama, coming from the expression "guardian of the heavens." This strengthens the image of a heavenly Guardian watching over God's people.
In the Arabic tradition, Arcturus was considered one of two "exalted" stars. The second was Spica—the "Ear" of the Virgin. Jesus Christ came as the promised Seed of the Virgin, then ascended and opened the way for the descent of the Holy Spirit. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, created the Church, and since then has been with her, leads her, strengthens her, and reminds her of Christ's words.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Another star of Boötes is Nekkar. Its name comes from an Arabic word meaning "digger" or "worker with a spade in the vineyard." In the Bible, God's people are often compared to a vineyard. Therefore Nekkar reveals the image of the Holy Spirit working in God's vineyard—the Church.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
The star Itzar, or Izar, comes from an Arabic word meaning "belt" or "loincloth." Its name is reminiscent of the star Mizar in the Great Bear, connected with the image of the loins. This image speaks of the strength with which the Holy Spirit girds God's people for service.
Ancient Sumerians called one of the stars in the western part of Boötes "star of abundance." This recalls the name of God El Shaddai—God Almighty or God of Abundance. Another star in the eastern part of the constellation was called BAL.TESH.A — "star of worthiness." It points to the One who alone is worthy of glory, honor, and worship.[Hunger & Pingree · MUL.APIN][Rogers · Origins][Вавилонские звёздные каталоги][Stellarium · MUL.APIN][Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Another important star is Alkalurops, or Alkalurops. Its name comes from the Greek word kalaurops, meaning "club" or "shepherd's staff." The staff is a sign of pastoral authority, protection, and guidance. It reminds that the Holy Spirit shepherds the Church, keeps it, and leads it to still waters.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Thus the names of the stars of Boötes form a unified picture:
Arcturus — Guardian of God's flock; Haris al-sama — Guardian of the heavens; Nekkar — Worker in God's vineyard; Izar — Belt of strength; star of abundance — fullness of God's gifts; BAL.TESH.A — worthiness of the One alone worthy; Alkalurops — shepherd's staff.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
Boötes therefore depicts Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd and the Holy Spirit as the Shepherd and Guardian of the Church. He builds God's people, strengthens them with power, works in them, reminds them of Jesus' words, and leads God's flock along the path of life.[Kunitzsch & Smart][IAU · имена звёзд]
