importance of fixed stars in a chart

[tara]

Hi Kim,

In my surfing of the web, I have come across fixed stars.
In my search I have found out that my Sun (26' taurus) is conjunct fixed star, Caput Algol "Evil One". It says of this star position is " one of the most violent stars of the zodiac, most unfortunate, gives a most violent disposition, with murderous tendencies, intensified when intoxicated, strangulation, beheding, danger to throat and neck."
Also, my natal mars is at 15'leo, which is described as the "worst degree of the zodiac. Either natally or in prediction. Prominent in the charts of serial killers, felons serving life sentences, hard luck, arrogant , destruction, astrology, psychic."
My natal Saturn is also conj. a bad fixed star degree.

YIKES! Obviously I'm not a serial killer or an "Evil One" ;D But, what does all this mean.

I will say I can have a very bad temper, but have to be pushed very far for it to come out. This was more of a problem when I was younger, not really anymore.
(With taurus sun, and uranus in scorp. square mars in leo - at that fixed star degree - who can blame me! )It did scare me sometimes at how angry I could actually get.

I think that every negative thing is meant to be risen above by the individual, if they chose to do so. So, although it's been a long road, I believe all of the negative stuff I'm reading about this, is proving to me that I am on the positive road. I am not acting out the negative manifestations of my chart. (or, I'm doing the best I can at least)

What is your take on fixed stars? Are they important? How are they best used in astrology? Do you have any other - positive - information about these positions?

thank you.

eagerly awaiting your reply,
tara

[Kim Falconer]

Hi Tara,

Yes, I find fixed stars very interesting as the “fixed Stars” are actual stars as opposed to the “wandering stars” or planets. They were used extensively in ancient astrology although now, probably because of their sensational, and often horiffic, interpretations, have yet to regain much popularity. It is challenging to find a psychological interpretation of a malefic fixed star like Serpentis that, in 19-22 degrees of Scorpio, was designated the accursed degree of the accursed sign. (I think Serpentis claims to be the MOST malefic star as well!)

Another problematic aspect of the fixed stars is that they number in the thousands. The question arises—like with the thousands of asteroids and dozens of Arabic Parts—which ones should be plotted and used? These are valid points for research and in the interim, one can watch the significant fixed stars as designated by the ancients to record for themselves any meaningful results.

Margaret Hone, in The modern Text Book of Astrology, L.N. Fowler & Co. Ltd. Romford, Essex 1951 p. 280, and other pioneering teachers felt them worthy of consideration, especially if a natal body made an exact conjunction or opposition to the star. They were then said to increase the significance of the natal body and also contribute the Star’s character to its expression as well.

Now, don’t panic. I have Caput Algol conjunct my MC and I haven’t been beheaded in public yet! I do think the theme of the Medusa (it’s her head, Caput Algol) is strong in my life and we do need to remember that the Medusa’s blood was an extraordinary healing potion! She was a frightening figure, but a powerful and magical one as well.

That anger you describe is energy and lots of it. It may have taken a lot of goading for you to release it in the past though now you may find ways to tap into that source without having to brew up such negative forces (that is a potent T-square!) --Lots of vitality, will and power. You wouldn’t want to trade that one!

Research and experience both are necessary to determine the greater or lesser meaning of aspects to fixed stars. Less sensational and more archetypal interpretation of the Stars themselves would be beneficial. Meanwhile, they are interesting to watch, and record. Orbs should be kept to an extremely tight degree, probably within 1.5 for the conjunction and 1.0 degree of latitude for the Parallel. The other aspects may not be notable except perhaps the opposition.

I like my link to Medusa’s head. I think it gives me strength, especially in social situations…it is true, sometimes I do “lose my head”…but I manage to get it back!

Warmly,
Kim

Oh, also of note, I have the fixed star Regulus, 29 Leo exactly on my Ascendant. Now, Regulus was known as the Astrologer’s Degree along with 29 Aquarius and referred to as Cor Leonis or The Heart of the Lion…and also it implies fluctuations in fortune, a fall from the grace of royalty. Interestingly, I came from a very prominent and powerful family and now live a contrasting humble life. Some would see it as a “fall”!

There is definitely something in the fixed stars. We’ve yet to really document them in ways relevant to us NOW!

[yangchen1]

Hi
I'd like to add that if you read everything and believed it there is the danger of turning into a fearful person which is the last thing we need to do . I leave out fixed stars simply because I don't have enough experience to interprete them, but if you do I'd love feedback
Nats

[anitalee]

Well that could explain a lot that is wrong with my life!!! The fixed star Serpentis is sitting on my natal Sun, oh joy!!! Could that be the reason I have have had a struggle all my life???

[suz]

Hey Kim

I have Regulus = Uranus/MC... which I notice is Conjunct your Ascendant ...... how very appropriate. And in my chart Transiting Uranus is Conjuncting Natal Eros/Urania/IC (MC).... wow, it's all coming together nicely wouldn't you say? And I relate to your 'also of note' paragraph as well. More on that whenever I get to meet you.

And, Medusa... yes she is very much a part of me too... in fact I can quite easily look like Medusa especially if I let my hair go dreadlock style...

7th House... Sappho 10Cancer07... Nemesis 13Cancer35... Circe 16Cancer07... Moon 16Cancer54... Medusa 18Cancer28 Asbolus 18Cancer41... Toro 19Cancer54
All Opposite... 1st House... Saturn 17Capricorn59
All Square... 4th House... Psyche 10Aries29... Sun 14Aries43 Erato 14Aries50... Amor 16Aries15... Susa 19Aries27

Hey remember that Elton John song..."The Bitch is Back"?...Well I've changed it to "The Witch is Back"... Do you think it will take off? Maybe that's what Saturn in Cancer was doing... and the Solar Eclipse yah?.... Helping me get it all together.

Cheers x

[suz]

Ok that's really funny .... your dictionary or whatever it is that changes the freaking words here... changed the name of that Elton John song... when I read it back I thought... ok computer gremlins and then I realised you must have something on your site so that 'bad' words aren't allowed to be typed... haha...

okay then ... we all know what rhymes with 'Witch' then don't we children?.... Yes Miss

[Kim Falconer]

Lol...I didn't realize we had such a "bitch filter" here! Interesting--it must be a Libra thing...a forced refinement!

I like seeing the fixed star thread revive a bit...you all may notice I am posting more info on fixed stars from time to time as Eros transits them.

Anitalee, I know Serpentis gets a lot of bad press. I also know I live "under the fixed stare of Medusa" and am actually thriving.

An interesting project that you might like to consider is a research exploration into Serpenis. Google the point and see what you can learn. We'd love you to share that here! Also, consider the Sabian Symbol for that degree (using 20 Scorpio as we "round up".

*** SCORPIO 20 ***

A WOMAN DRAWING ASIDE TWO DARK CURTAINS THAT CLOSED THE ENTRANCE TO A SACRED PATHWAY

You may feel the need to venture down new pathways or investigate new possibilities, but you will have to muster your intuitive faith and overcome fear to enter these new realms. You will require both courage and inquisitive desire. It is clear that your sphere of operation and action will become vastly enlarged with the new perspective that will be opened to you.

Mysteries revealed. Feminine mysteries. Invitations to the unknown. Drawing the curtains.

The Caution: Being seduced into dark and sinister things. Not being shown the true picture or the truth.

Not really all death and demonic!

And Suz, Wow, you realize this last eclipse was on that potent T-square you just described?

Interesting!

Kim

[suz]

Kim... too funny

Go back and check your post...
You must have forgotten to put the 't' in Serpentis when you wrote and look what you got instead... we all know what you get when you don't put the 't' in huh? That censor thing sure works well...haha

[anitalee]

Hi Kim and thankyou. Now I have just googled this, (I will do a cut and paste here and then tell you my thoughts on this.) This is conjunct my natal Sun,

Well having read this I find it somewhat spookily accurate, here it is.

Alpha Serpentis
Unukalhai Success followed by fall, suicide, insanity, accidents, success in war, politics, writing, problems in love, forgery, shipwreck, loss, earthquake 22° Scorpio 04 Unfortunate Saturn/ Mars


Sooooo .........Problems.............in love???, been married 4 times, currently single.
Loss??..............my youngest son died tragically last year.
Shipwreck???My brother was lost at sea after a shipwreck a long time ago.
Suicide??....Yes tried that too years ago.
Insanity??...........Have thought a few times I was losing my marbles!!!

But hey I am ever the optimist and I won't let this fixed star beat me!!!

[Kim Falconer]

Wow. That is very intense. You have suffered a large share of tragedy and I am impressed that you are here, lucid, caring and able to express so clearly. There is no religion, no psychology, no astrology no model that can put a healing balm on your life…not with our current definition of “life” anyway.

Also, my apologies for misspelling Serpentis (the penis thing)

I think that you may want to focus on the power of Serpentis and the creative force that this star represents. With your sun there, you do resinate this potent energy. It's up to you how you will express it now. If that seems a wacky thing to say in the face of your violent losses and renting emotions...I am going to say something even wackier. Go look at this site:

www.whatthebleep.com/

And, see the film. I think when it comes to re-creating your life more to your liking, it is totally possible, but you are going to have to do some re-wiring. Give this perspective a go, and let me know what you think.

The definitions for Serpentis were written at a time when most people alive did not have the tools or insights to deal with the intense energy involved. I think you might be able to re-write those definitions over the next few years from direct experience that is much more enlightened.

Blessings on the journey,
Kim

[glaucus]

My Moon is in alignment with Fomalhaut in Pisces Austrinus.....I am very idealistic
My Moon is in alignment with Sadalmelik in Aquarius....I am have been lucky in my life
My Mercury is in alignment with Zuben Eschamali in Libra....I am interested in social reform
My Venus is in alignment with Unukalhai.......I have had a lot of misfortune in love,thoughts of suicide,was in US Navy and had problems in it,and I have a history of depression/anxiety,as well anger issues,bad temper,and I have hormone imbalance issues.

[Aphrodite]

In my opinion, Serpentis has lost most of it's punch. In days of old (way back!) it was once at 19 degrees Scorpio - hence that degree is now largely considered a malefic degreee. However, Serpentis has since moved 3 degrees!

Unukalhai, otherwise known as Alpha Serpentis, is now at 22 degrees Scorpio. The Sabian keyword & meaning for this degree is Transition - A little white rabbit rests contentedly in his cage; before the eyes he metamorphoses into an elf in a fairy glade.

Yes, it still carries much of the original meaning with it. But it is hardly horrific at this point. You can read all about it here:

users.winshop.com.au/annew/Unukalhai.html

But, if you are still worried about 19 deg Scorpio, you better look here, as well! Seriously folks, click the link - I dare you! LOL

users.winshop.com.au/annew/Zubenelshamali.html

Zubenelschemali or "the Northern Scale" (of Libra) is currently sitting at 19 Sco 22. This sheds an entirely different light on things. If you blend the interpretation of this star with the aspects in question, you get a much more enlightened view. ;D

As for the terribly evil Caput Algol, you can read about it here:

users.winshop.com.au/annew/Algol.html

Make sure you check out the list of people with Algol influence - very interesting! Of course, we need to write to the author to have Kim added to the list.

Blessings to All,

Aphrodite

[ana]

Helen Mirren has Mars with Algol

[Aphrodite]

Interesting choice to point out. Thank you!

One description of ALGOL is "Primitive female sexuality; strangulation, beheading, danger to throat and neck, murder, violence, mass catastrophe, the "Evil One", the Demon Star; passionate; intense; hysterical."

Let me quote you some passages from Wikipedia about Helen Mirren...

..."in 2000 Nicholas Hytner, who had worked with Mirren on the film version of The Madness of King George, cast her as Lady Torrance in his revival of Tennessee Williams' Orpheus Descending at the Donmar Warehouse in London. Michael Billington, reviewing for The Guardian, described her performance as 'an exemplary study of an immigrant woman who has acquired a patina of resilient toughness but who slowly acknowledges her sensuality.'

At the National Theatre in November 2003 she again won praise playing Christine Mannon ("defiantly cool, camp and skittish", Evening Standard; "glows with mature sexual allure", Daily Telegraph) in a revival of Eugene O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra directed by Howard Davies."

She has many nude performances to her credit.

In most cultures, throughout history, women who were strong and openly displayed their sexuality and their bodies were punished for it - not praised. This type of behavior was feared and reviled; it was the kind of behavior that could cause a woman to "lose her head" (literally).

We are lucky to live in a society that allows a woman to own her sexuality and to express her power in a positive manner. This is a new thinking and still rare.

As Helen Mirren exemplifies, it is wonderful to see how the energy of Algol is expressed when it is accepted and integrated fully into the psyche. She owns her power and projects it to the world for all to see. Is it evil? Is she a demon? Does she incite violence or mass catastrophe? Unfortunately, many people in the world today would still think so. The truth is that she is beautiful, sensuous and courageous. She blesses other women by her example.

Bravo Helen!

Blessings,

Aphrodite

P.S. TRUE CONFESSION: In my natal chart ALGOL is conjunct #1388 Aphrodite and #672 Astarte (7th house); sextile #214 Aschera (5th house); and square Uranus (10th house), inconjunct my Libra Ascendant and semi-sextile Ceres (8th house - 9th cusp). While not actually in aspect to ALGOL, my Mars in Aries is in the 7th house, less than 3 degrees from the descendant. It is tied in there somehow!

[Aphrodite]

I have to make a correction here. If the Internet source is correct on her birthday (July 26, 1945), Helen Mirren would not have Mars with Algol. At almost 7 degrees of separation, it is more than a little out of orb. It would be correct to say that Mars is conjunct the constellation, Beta Perseus, which includes Algol. Even so, her chart is still as remarkable as the woman!

Since stars cast no rays, it is usually not advisable to use more than 1 degree orb. Sometimes I do, but only with very large/high magnitude or important stars or perhaps when the star is clearly tied into a complicated aspect pattern, a kind of "guilt by association" thing. Even then, the aspect must be very tight at some point of the pattern.

Warm regards,

Aphrodite