The magic of FIXED STARS

All of the planetary symbols in astrology have their own meanings, but these meanings and the way they play out are influenced in turn by the links each symbol

— RODERICK KIDSTON, THE MAGIC OF THE STARS

Astrology is far more complex than the twelve Zodiac Signs. Each Zodiac Sign is itself a constellation, made up of stars, and from ancient times watchers of the night skies attributed particular qualities and meanings to those stars.

Beyond the twelve Zodiac constellations, there are another 76 or so constellations and star patterns woven through the heavens. Each carries its own mysterious influence, one that astrologers have worked with for centuries. This is the magic of the stars.

With so many stars, where do you begin?

You might start with the four Royal Stars of Persia — Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut.

Or you could explore the stars connected with your Sun Sign or the planets in your birth chart.

Do you know the stars associated with your Sun Sign?

Different traditions vary slightly, but here are some of the stars often linked with each sign and some of the qualities they are said to express.

ARIES

Hamal — courage, leadership, forcefulness, independence
Sheratan — quick action, impulsiveness, risk-taking
Mesarthim — initiative, pioneering energy, sharp intellect

TAURUS

Aldebaran — honour, success, integrity, leadership
Algol — intense passion, extremes, transformative power
Capulus — raw energy, boldness, assertive force

GEMINI

Alhena — artistic talent, refinement, intelligence
Castor — writing, learning, versatility, duality
Pollux — strength, ambition, competitiveness

CANCER

Acubens — protection, sensitivity, tenacity
Asellus Borealis — nurturing, care, group loyalty
Asellus Australis — emotional endurance, persistence through difficulty

LEO

Regulus — royalty, fame, leadership, charisma
Denebola — independence, unconventional thinking, change
Algieba — ambition, confidence, creative power

VIRGO

Spica — talent, blessings, creativity, protection
Vindemiatrix — analysis, judgement, organisation
Zavijava — precision, intellect, detailed thinking

LIBRA

Zubenelgenubi — social awareness, fairness, relationships
Zubeneschamali — harmony, good fortune, diplomacy
Khambalia — balance, subtle intelligence, adaptability

SCORPIO

Antares — passion, intensity, power, transformation
Acrux — spiritual depth, conviction, devotion
Dschubba — strategic skill, secrecy, determination

SAGITTARIUS

Kaus Australis — vision, truth-seeking, wisdom
Nunki — exploration, knowledge, spiritual searching
Ascella — good fortune, teaching, guidance

CAPRICORN

Facies — focus, intensity, endurance
Deneb Algedi — justice, responsibility, wisdom
Nashira — success after struggle, resilience

AQUARIUS

Sadalmelik — humanitarianism, influence, originality
Sadalsuud — good fortune, expansion, optimism
Skat — independence, unconventional ideas, innovation

PISCES SUN

Fomalhaut — spiritual vision, inspiration, idealism
Scheat — imagination, mysticism, emotional depth
Markab — intellectual strength, discipline, spiritual testing

Many astrologers refer to these as the “Fixed Stars”. They are not truly fixed, but move only very slowly through the heavens. Compared to the movement of the planets, however, they appear almost motionless from our perspective on Earth.

Because the stars gradually shift over time, the stars traditionally associated with your Sun Sign may no longer align closely with the sign itself by the time you were born.

For this reason, you may also like to look at your birth chart to see which Fixed Stars are conjunct your personal planets. Most astrologers use a very tight orb — usually no more than one degree — when working with the stars.

As Roderick Kidston says,

the connection between a planetary point and a star creates a powerful energy. There is magic here – hidden power manifesting in ways that can be dazzling, even sometimes miraculous.