Wandering stars and fixed stars… that’s how ancient Greek astrologers differentiated celestial bodies. Wandering stars are both of the luminaries, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – so all the basic planets that are now used in modern times. And they were called wandering because each of them has their individual rotation through the zodiac. Fixed stars on the other hand, do move but they do it at an extremely slow pace which is about 1 degree per 72 years. Fixed stars are a part of constellations (unlike planets) and they’re fixed not because they’re so incredibly slow but because they do NOT move independently from one another and the intervals between them remain the same. Whereas, as we know, luminaries and planets move at their own pace, one being faster than the other, changing speed, retrograding etc.
TECHNICALITIES AND PRECESSION
And why do fixed stars move like that and do it at such a slow pace? Well it’s because of precession of the equinoxes… which of course leads us into the topic of sidereal astrology. Because of the precession aka the wobble of Earth’s axis, the so-called first point of Aries, moves ever so slightly every 72 years. So yes, for example, in tropical zodiac Aldebaran is in Gemini but in “reality” (and I put this in quotation marks because sidereal isn’t really that precise as each sign is still rounded to 30 degrees… fyi) it’s in the constellation of Taurus – and more precisely, it’s the eye of the bull. Tropical zodiac (the one that is used in western astrology and the one I use) is kind of calibrating stuff as we go because it still uses the equinoxes as the marking points – so, around March 20th, which marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, the Aries season stars. But if we look at the “actual” sidereal zodiac, Sun is still in the constellation of Pisces.
MAGIC AND IMPORTANCE
Fixed stars used to be extremely popular and important when it comes to astrology. Medieval astrologers and mages often used them in astrological magic and when making talismans. Modern astrology pushed them aside, I guess because of their deterministic nature and because they would rather focus on the archetypes of the planets.
But, you might say, there’s so many fixed stars. If you were to cast a chart with fixed stars, the whole wheel would be covered in them! Well, this is why we look at the brightest ones, which are the most popular. There’s 15 Behenian stars. We also have the Persian 4 royal stars (3 of them are included in the behenians actually), which were considered celestial guardians of the sky – each of them standing in a different cardinal direction. And yes, because of that, they all make a grand cross: Aldebaran (east) is opposite Antares (west), while Regulus (north) – opposite Fomalhaut (south).
It’s also important to note that each fixed star has its planetary associations. Sometimes one, sometimes two… sometimes different astrologers linked them to different ones. For example, according to Ptolemy, Spica was of the nature of Venus and Mars… although later on some astrologers disagreed about it, associating it with Venus and Mercury purely because that star is linked with music and business. You’d probably see some discrepancies with all of the stars in that regard.
BEHENIAN STARS ARE:
Algol, Alkione, Aldebaran, Capella, Sirius, Procyon, Regulus, Alkaid, Spica, Arcturus, Algorab, Alphecca, Antares, Vega, Deneb Algedi
ROYAL STARS ARE:
Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut
Behenians were widely used in magic. Hermes Trismegistos wrote a lot about them, as well as Cornelius Agrippa. To quote the latter:
“Now, the manner of making these kinds of rings [& talismans!], is this, viz., when any star ascends fortunately, with the fortunate aspect or conjunction of the Moon, we must take a stone, and herb that is under that star, and fasten it under that star and make a ring of the metal that is suitable to this star, and in it fasten the stone, putting the herb or root under it; not omitting the inscription of images, names and characters, and also the proper suffimigations…” (source).
So, let’s say you wanted to use Aldebaran – you had to cast an electional chart where it conjoins Moon and put both on the ascendant or on the MC. You choose a date and use designated herbs and stones and draw sigils according to what you may want to achieve – and with Aldebaran – because it’s a benefic star – it’s of course usually wealth and honors. That is what we call planetary magic.
You may also know the term heliacal rising – it’s when a celestial body rises on the east right before the Sun. Sirius has its heliacal rising during Cancer season, hence it marked the beginning of egyptian calendar because it coincided with flood season. This might be also why the chart of Thema Mundi started with Cancer instead of Aries.
FIXED STARS IN A NATAL CHART
Okay okay, but what about natal charts? Fixed stars were of course also used in those – we count conjunctions within 2-3 degrees only. We absolutely do NOT take into account other aspects nor look at the house placement alone! Each fixed star usually brings prominence in some way… but its nature suggests if it’s for good or bad resons… or both, as even the benefic ones have their shadow side.
ALDEBARAN, as we’ve already mentioned, brings prosperity, abundance and protection but it also makes one question their integrity and purity. Funnily, because it’s a part of the bull constellation, it may cause temper tantrums. It’s additionally backed up by it being associated with Mars (by Ptolemy). An influence like this bestowes Aldebaran with pompous nature and the power and drive to make big things happen. Among all the royal stars, Aldebaran really makes you think of luxuries. I’d call it the posh fixed star. It brings honors but also intelligence, eloquence and wit. It’s a rather lighthearted and very charismatic influence and you’ll see a lot of celebrity charts with planets on Aldebaran, especially musicians or comedians… and, of course, people in power: Queen Victoria with ascendant, a couple of Popes with various planets in the degree, John F. Kennedy with the Sun and Jackie Kennedy with her Jupiter.
Both Kennedys had fixed stars all over their charts actually. His Jupiter was fairly close Algol – the star that is known for injuring heads or… beheadings. His MC was also on Procyon, which does bring honors but also violence and sudden loss of power. Unfortunately it all matches with his example. Jackie’s Jupiter-Aldebaran conjunction blessed her with a knack for journalism and photography. She mastered social etiquette, being charming yet somewhat guarded (that’s the bull’s influence). She also had her Venus on Capella, which rules honors and wealthy societies. And her MC-Neptune conjunction was most probably (her time of birth is rather rounded) on Regulus, which we’ll talk about in a sec.
On the other side of the zodiac, in Sagittarius, lays ANTARES – also linked to Mars, it has a lot more rebellious and fierce nature than its opponent. It is less harsh than Mars itself though as it translates to anti-Ares – the rival of Mars. Often more visible in the night sky than the malefic. This one was additionally associated with Jupiter, which is probably why it gives a somewhat broad-mindeded and liberal nature. It is still quite bratty and may result in painful experiences and destruction. It is very headstrong though. Bruce Lee was a great example of having ascendant and Sun quite close to Antares – it gave him a lot of energy, spunk, stubborness in trying to be the best of the best and slightly devilish and daring personality… unfortunately Antares also brought him premature death when Neptune was hovering and stationing around these degrees (Neptune rules drugs, overdosing and unconscious states and his death was supposedly caused by a hypersensitivity to prescribed medication).
The most popular is probably REGULUS, which is the king star and is associated with Mars and Jupiter. It may bring huge honors and power, but that power a lot of the times is overused. A quick and easy rise to prominence may also bring a fall from grace that is just as quick. And painful. An example of a strong Regulus in a chart is Donald Trump, who has it right on his ascendant and natal Mars. I guess everyone can agree that whatever that man does, he’s met with triumph and success, especially when he does things on a whim. Cause like, how on earth a billionare-turn-actor-turn-reality-show-star managed to get into office, not once but TWICE?! That’s crazy stuff, man.
But that’s not the only fixed star in his chart. He also has Capella on his Sun, which placed him in prestigious circles as well as the most malefic star, Algol, on his MC. Sounds about right. We know Algol is the star associated with violence and head injuries and Trump literally almost lost his head when Uranus and Mars went over that degree… Pretty striking, just like with Kennedy’s example.
You’ll find a lot of world leaders with planets and angles in the last degrees of Leo for that matter. But not to be all negative, the king star also brought massive fame – and a rather easy ride to success to people like Drake, who has his ascendant in that degree and Dua Lipa, who has Venus cazimi right on Regulus. For her specifically it acts beautifully. Probably because of that cazimi Venus. Those videos that people make saying how her life is perfect and she’s perfect and how she seems to be every guy’s crush really make me think of that particular aspect in her chart – it makes for a luscious vibrant and luxorious life but also for the optimistic golden spirit that she carries within herself. It also probably helps that her Gemini ascendant is right on Capella, which we now know is one of the nicer stars.
And on the other side of that we have FOMALHAUT– probably the most underrated but it’s one of my favorite fixed stars. It’s like your lush fixed star – being of the nature of Venus and Mercury (according to Ptolemy). Fommy rules creativity, art and is of a sensitive and spiritual character. It can be full of indulgence though but it’s generally very calming. Kurt Cobain had Sun on Fomalhaut, which gave him massive artistry and a spiritual nature but also depth that was maybe a bit too overwhelming for him. Being the star in the mouth of the fish, just like things deep under the ocean, it rules all that which is hidden, hence it can also brought darkness that you’re drowning in. He also had Moon on Sirius and MC on Capella – the latter two definitely brought him success and a huge fanbase – the Moon-Sirius lays in his 11th house. What probably caused him trouble was Procyon on his natal Jupiter. Procyon is a bit more malefic as it rules downfalls and oportunities that don’t last too long – and so the height of Nirvana’s career really only lasted a few years, but their legacy is massive to this day.
KEYWORDS FOR EACH FIXED STAR
Algol – 26° Taurus: destruction, misfortune, violence, accidents, beheadings
Alcyone – 0° Gemini (29° Taurus before 2000!): mysticism, visions, healing, spiritual growth
Aldebaran – 10° Gemini: sovereignty, royalty, luck, wealth, courage, favors of the gods
Capella – 22° Gemini: honors, wealth, prestige, remarkable and respected friends
Sirius – 14° Cancer: honors, prestige, drive, dedication, kindness from others
Proyon – 26° Cancer: activity, violence, irratability, prestige, sudden success and sudden failure
Regulus – 0° Virgo (29° Leo before 2011!): nobility, leadership, sovereignty, success, short-lived honors, power, lofty ideals
Alkaid – 27° Virgo: caution, control, patience, protection, luck
Algorab – 14° Libra: destruction, courage, bad temper, the gift and ability to summon or chase away bad spirits
Arctur – 24° Libra: determination, honors, tendency to excess, ambition
Spica – 24° Libra: success, wealth, business, love for art and science, gentle disposition
Alphecca – 12° Scorpio: honors, dignity, righteousness, artistic talents
Antares – 10° Sagittarius: courage, generosity, passion, open mind, destruction, feistiness, toughness
Vega – 15° Capricorn: charity, ideals, hope, sophistication
Deneb Algedi – 23° Aquarius: order, law, responsibility, maturity, protection, counseling
Fomalhaut – 4° Pisces: magic, mystery, spirituality, luck inspiration, creativity