- Rabastan (was: The Gang of Slytherins)

[Katrina]

No: HPFGUIDX 85423

--- In Post #85408, 

Carol wrote:

*snip*

> Also, doesn't Sirius indicate somewhere that Bellatrix is about 
three
> years older than he is? That would make her three years older than
> Snape as well, and her husband is probably the same age or a little
> older. (I'm still wondering about his brother Rabastan, mentioned 
in
> another post. Anyone for an analysis of that name and its possible
> significance?) 

Katrina responds:

While I could find nothing on "Rabastan," a quick search through the 
astronomy sites for "Rastaban" turned up some very interesting 
information.  According to 
http://www.winshop.com.au/annew/Alwaid.html
Rastaban is another name for the star Beta Draconis.  It also 
says, "The Arabic name for Rastaban or Alwaid is Ra's ath-Thu'ban 
(1), 'Head of the snake'. Raso tabbani was a variation. 

[Hebrew name Rastaban, means the Head of the Subtle (serpent). In 
the Arabic it is still called Al Waid, which means, 'who is to be 
destroyed.'"

Then it lists traditions and beliefs associated with the star as 
follows:

Influence of the constellation: "According to Ptolemy the bright 
stars are like Saturn and Mars. Draco gives an artistic and 
emotional but somber nature, a penetrating and analytical mind, much 
travel and many friends, but danger of robbery and accidental 
poisoning. It gives craft, ingenuity, and valor. The Ancients said 
that when a comet was here, poison was scattered over the world. By 
the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Mem and the 
13th Tarot Trump, Death". (Robson).  

General influence of the star: It gives loss of property, violence, 
criminal inclinations and accidents. (Robson).

With Moon: Blindness, wounds, quarrels, bruises, stabs, blows 
(operations can be substituted nowadays) and kicks from horses. 
(Robson).

Interestingly, it twice associates poison with the constellation 
Draco.

Things that make you go, "Hmmmm. . . "