CASTOR and POLLUX, a fiery meteor, which at sea appears sometimes sticking 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 more properly called Helena; two are denominated Castor and Pollux, and sometimes Tyndaridae. Castor and Pollux are called by the Spaniards, San Elmo; by the French St Elme, St Nicholas, St Clare, St Helene; by the Italians, Heremo; by the Dutch, Tree Vuuren.

Castor and Pollux are commonly judged to portend a cessation of the storm, and a future calm; being rarely seen till the tempest is nigh spent. Helena alone portends ill, and witnesses the severest part of the storm yet behind. When the meteor sticks to the masts, yards, &c. they conclude, from the air's not having motion enough to dissipate this flame, that a profound calm is at hand; if it flutter about, it indicates a storm.