CASTOR and POLLUX, a fiery meteor, which at sea appears sometimes adhering to a part of the ship, in form of one, two, or even three or four fire-balls. When one is seen alone, it is properly called Helena; two are denominated Castor and Pollux, and sometimes Tyndaridae. Castor and Pollux by the Spaniards are called San Elmo; by the French, St. Elme, St. Nicholas, St. Clare, St. Helena; by the Italians, Ermo; by the Dutch, Tree Vuuren.
Castor and Pollux are commonly believed to indicate a cessation of the tempest: Helena alone, to portend a severer storm.