There are 69 stars in the sign, viz., five of the 3rd magnitude (all in the bow), nine of the 4th, etc.
The names of the brightest stars are significant:—
Hebrew, Naim, which means the gracious one. This is exactly what is said of this Victor in the same Psalm (xlv.), in the words immediately preceding the quotation above (verse 2):
“GRACE is poured into Thy lips;
Therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever.”
Hebrew, Nehushta, the going or sending forth.
We see the same in the Arabic names which have come down to us: Al Naim, the gracious one; Al Shaula, the dart; Al Warida, who comes forth; Ruchba er rami, the riding of the bowman.
An ancient Akkadian name in the sign is Nun-ki, which means Prince of the Earth.
Again we have the picture of a Centaur as to his outward form, i.e. a being with two natures. Not now far down in the south, or connected with His sufferings and sacrifice as man; but high up, as a sign of the Zodiac itself, on the ecliptic, i.e. in the very path in which the sun “rejoiceth in his going forth as a strong man.”
According to Grecian fable, this Sagittarius is Cheiron, the chief Centaur; noble in character, righteous in his dealings, divine in his power.