The Fixed Stars

Mekbuda

Zeta Geminorum

The drawn-in paw, from the Arabic al-maqbudah. It stands at about 14° Cancer (tropical).

The drawn-in paw, the Lion's foot contracted.

Zeta Geminorum, Al Maqbudah, the drawn-in paw, the contracted counterpart to Mebsuta's outstretched one in the old Lion of the Arabs. It is one of the famous Cepheid stars, a light that swells and fades on a fixed clock, by which astronomers gauge distance. In the twins it marks a bent knee. Little traditional lore attaches beyond its name.

Paired with Mebsuta, the contracted paw against the outstretched.