Introduction to the Behenian stars of medieval astrology
The Behenian stars are considered to be of key significance for soul-star alchemy according to mediaeval astrology, the title ‘Behenian’ being derived from the Arabic bahman meaning “root”. If we can visualise the cosmic Tree of Life with its roots in the stars, this given title may make a little more sense. Each of these stars were thought to influence one or more of the planets. One interpretation is that these stars may guide the the soul in its search for enlightenment and wholeness and each one may offer a particular set of healing tones or frequencies. As our sun is energetically connected to key star lines in space, so our souls are connected to the stars. The Behenian stars are useful teachers for the range of ‘star types’ encountered in our celestially aligned landscape.
The original alchemical correspondences and workings are described in the writings of Hermes and Cornelius Agrippa. In these works, the names of plants and stones are mentioned along with the planetary influences for each star; together with suggestions for working with them.
This article is aimed at providing a new perspective on the Behenian stars using sideral astrology, which allows for the creation of yearly calendar of alignments. When a planet or the sun or moon are within 6° of one of the Behenian stars, their influence is said to be particularly strong. These alignments happen for each star in turn for certain days of the year as we follow the path of the sun and the moon. A set of yearly path-workings, initiations, ceremonies, meditations, preparation of healing medicines etc may be coordinated with this calendar. In this way, we may learn about these stellar influences that add colour to the subtle energy body in a wonderful soul-star alchemical ‘zodiac’.
Each star-by-star description includes some traditional correspondences, along with some of my own insight from inner meditations with the stars, but you may decide to adapt this according to your own individual perspective.
A word of caution regarding the herbal correspondences: Many of the compounds in these plants contain chemicals or substances that are poisonous or toxic to humans or animals. This article is aimed at exploring the spiritual connections but does not recommend internal consumption of any of the plants without qualified medical support. This caution extends to skin contact, as some of the plants may cause irritation or complications due to absorption through the skin.
Star profiles
Vega (Alpha Lyrae)
The amazing blue-white light of Vega shines as one of the northern stars in the constellation Lyra, the lyre or harp of heavenly music. Vega’s rapid rotation flexes the star into an egg shape. This celestial egg is under the protection of the mother bird, reflected in the names: Swooping Eagle, Vulture Star or Peace Eagle. The Golden Light Spiral connects Vega to our Sun as Vega is said to be at the apex of the sun’s way through the galaxy.
In medieval lore, Vega is associated with the winter savory plant (Satureja montana), an evergreen herb used to flavour food such as beans and other vegetables. Winter savory is a protective herb, helping to remove negative energy and encourage prosperity and good health. Savory seems to function at the violet-blue level of the aura, purifying, protecting and linking to the crown, third eye, over-lighting the star chakras; enabling us to align with the light of Vega the mother bird star and her protective wings.
Chrysolite, the golden-green form of peridot, is the stone that is suggested as our crystal ally for working with Vega. It is a stone of incredible beauty, fostering a sense of magic and wonder wherever it exists. Meditations with Vega led to some insight into the resonances between stars and stones. The Vega mysteries tach us about the entire rainbow of energies; the colours and sounds of creation.
Vega is considered a circumpolar star, and is positioned far away from the ecliptic, therefore planets do not directly cross the path of Vega. However, Vega may influence planetary conjunctions that occur between December 31st and January 12th So, Vega influences us via the solar path in winter and via the lunar path in summer in the northern hemisphere. In some parts of the southern hemisphere, Vega may be seen closer to the horizon, but further south, may not be visible at all.
Vega aligns with the sun around the time of Earth’s perihelion at the beginning of January each year. At this time, Vega may be seen to swoop down do the horizon around midnight, rising into the early morning sky before dawn. Vega reaches zenith during the summer in the northern hemisphere, when the Milky Way arches overhead. So, the light codes of Vega are transmitted via the sun in January and via the full moon in July / August. In the evening skies of the northern hemisphere, Vega may be seen over in the east in the springtime, overhead during the summer months, and toward the west in the autumn, swooping down to the northern horizon in winter with Cygnus the Swan. So, there are many opportunities for direct observations of the beautiful blue light of Vega throughout the year.
Ceremonial and initiatory working with Vega may include winter star rites, January new year blessings, pathworking with the mother stars, star maidens, weaving goddesses and diamond light meditations. Vega represents the weaver maiden of the Tanabata festival in Japan and the Double Seventh festival in China. From my own experience, Vega teaches about the full rainbow codes and how they relate to the crystal kingdoms throughout the worlds. The golden light spiral radiates from here, as our sun is journeying toward (or around?) Vega whose light awakens our memory of our cosmic ancestry. Vega is a wonderful star to begin any inner star work as the star mother herself is said to station here.
Deneb Algedi
Deneb Algedi is the yellow star of the fishy tail of the sea goat, Capricornus. This star is traditionally associated with the earth guardians as protectors of the creatures of land and sea. Astrologically, Deneb Algedi is said to impart a sense of determination, persistence, a peace-loving nature, a love for animals and an affinity for the sea. The nature spirits that look after forests and forest creatures are under the protection of this star.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is the plant corresponding to that of Deneb Algedi in the medieval literature. Marjoram is an herb of happiness, grace and longevity with great medicinal and culinary value. Marjoram is sacred to the goddess Aphrodite, included in wedding bouquets for a long, and happy marriage. The marjoram plant is also believed to promote peace in the home and in the soul.
The stone for Deneb Algedi is Chalcedony, which comes in various colours depending on the mineral content. This crystal ally is said to bestow strength, resilience, persistence and determination to reach goals, in keeping with the nature of Capricornus the Sea Goat. Pink chalcedony encourages us to view the world with a renewed sense of wonder and child-like curiosity. Blue chalcedony helps us to develop our abilities to listen and communicate effectively with our fellow humans, animals and the more subtle realms of nature. White chalcedony imparts a sense of calm, peace and receptivity upon the bearer.
Deneb Algedi aligns with the sun in mid-February, reaching opposition in mid-August, appearing near any full moons that occur in mid-August. These are the times when we can make offerings of thanks to the nature spirits and earth guardians and to the protectors of the animals, including all sea creatures. Working with the wonderful Marjoram and chalcedony at these Algedi alignments, we may light a candle and pray for a peaceful home and meaningful relations with our fellow creatures great and small.
Algol (Beta Persei)
The Algol star system includes an eclipsing binary (pair) of stars known as Algol A and Algol B that meet each other every 2.87 days. Algol A is a fast-spinning blue star, and Algol B is an orange subgiant star. A third star, Algol C, a whitish yellow star, has been found to orbit Algol A every 1.86 years. These dynamics mean that Algol’s magnitude is variable, dipping from ~2.1 to ~3.4 over 2.87 days. Algol may have once been a lot closer to our solar system than its current estimated distance of about 94 light years.
Algol, is also named Caput Gorgonea, meaning ‘head of the gorgon’ (Medusa). This star is connected to the life force, to the primordial powers of nature, to the greening of the world, and to the mysteries of the gorgons. Ptolemy attributed Algol to the planets Jupiter and Saturn.
Meditations with the star Algol revealed a light realm with many winged beings, including dragonflies that symbolise renewal, transformation, resurrection and fertility, in keeping with the theme of ‘greening’ and the creative powers of nature. In the meditation, the dragonflies were weaving the light realms or dimensions around the plants and water with the living light of the sun and the earth itself.
Agrippa assigns the black hellebore (Helleborus niger) to Algol. This plant is said to keep banish evil influences and drive away madness but is toxic internally to humans. There is also a plant known as the Medusa flower (Echium vulgare) whose blue-purple flowers are considered to inspire a sense of harmony and increasing an intuitive connection to nature. The Medusa flower is also associated with soothing periods of transformative change and calming anxiety. Euphorbia caput-medusae, native to the Cape region of South Africa is a sprawling succulent plant resembling the serpent-like hair of Medusa.
The gemstone for Algol is the diamond, signifying a very pure state of consciousness and purity of thought. Diamonds often emerge from the deepest sources of the earth or from distant supernovae beyond the solar system, formed via a process of rapid metamorphosis (Medusa was turned to stone in the story). Diamonds are seen as liberators from demonic influences, representing virtue, clarity, objectivity and the courage to overcome fear, assisting with all mental processes.
Algol aligns with the sun at the beginning of May each year, reaching opposition at the beginning of November. Via the sun, Algol influences the fertility of the land from the lightning and thunder and our connection to the ‘dreaming tracks’ of the earth. Via the moon, Algol is a dream weaver, helping us to ‘join the dots’ and gently transform our fears into positively oriented purposefulness.
The Pleiades
The Pleiades are an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. Six or seven of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye. These six or seven beautiful, blue-white stars appear to shine amidst a glowing net of light. Most of the stars in this group are classed as blue-white giants or subgiants, with many of them being multiple star systems. The Pleiades are associated with the seven doves that carried ambrosia to the infant Zeus. These stars teach about the rainbow mysteries, paths to enlightenment and the nature of light. They carry the energy of peace and encourage us to work cooperatively with all our relatives in the human, animal, bird, insect, plant and mineral worlds, in the knowledge that each belongs somewhere on that rainbow spectrum of light.
The fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare) is mentioned as being linked with the Pleiades in traditional lore. This plant is sacred to the planet Mercury, whose mother was Maia, the eldest of the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades. The aroma of fennel is said to enhance a state of heightened awareness, connectivity and increased capacity for communication at a level of purity, honesty and integrity. The mercurial nature of fennel helps us to access the ‘higher mind’ aspect of our beings. Fennel also has a wonderfully wide range of medicinal uses, including purifying and detoxing properties that prepare us for any spiritual connections with the light of these stars and their guardians in the lands of light.
Rock crystal is the stone attributed to the Pleiades. This clear silica-based rock has the potential to reflect all colours of the rainbow and helps in our light work with the stars and the planet Earth, connecting us to the crystalline net of light that holds and sustains all things. Working with rock crystal, we’re able to detect imbalances in out auric field, and then follow our own intuition to find ways to heal and repair these imbalances, restoring the aura to health and wholeness – a full rainbow body of light.
The Pleiades star cluster aligns with the sun during the middle part of the month of May (18th-25th) when the rainbow light codes join with the solar rays in a glorious aurora in visual and invisible spectrums. The midnight culmination of the Pleiades occurs in our current calendar on 21st November. Many people connect with these stars at this time in relation to festivals of light that honour the ancestors.
Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri)
The red giant known as Aldebaran is a bright orange-red star in constellation Taurus, at approximately 67 light years. Aldebaran is thought to have a red dwarf stellar companion, plus a probable planetary companion in orbit. In Babylonian star lore, Aldebaran is the ‘Fire Star’ of Girra or Gibil, who blesses the water with holy fire from his torch. In Sanskrit, this is the star of Rohini, the red deer, representing the goddess of wisdom and eloquence. Ro is the heavenly place where the primaeval light is born. The ancient Egyptians may have associated this star with the life-giving waters of the Nile and the goddesses Hathor and Satis.
Astrologically, Aldebaran is considered a star of purification, protection, strength, wisdom, regeneration and revelation. As the ‘Eye of Light’ Aldebaran provides a source of illumination and enlightenment for those pure of heart. As a former marker for the spring equinox, Aldebaran became ‘Watcher of the East’.
The milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the traditional plant for Aldebaran. The beautiful mauve-pink flowers arrive when the star is heliacally rising during the months of July to September. Milk thistle is considered to possess detoxifying properties, being supportive to the liver and internal organs. In folk lore, the milk thistle plant is said to be sacred to the Virgin Mary, lending qualities of protection, nurturing spiritual growth and enhanced self-awareness in alignment with the Earth. This plant is included under the ’magenta ray’ of balance and integration. Just as Mary nurses the infant Jesus, Hathor births the infant Horus, and our sun encourages us toward enlightenment under the protection of the Earth. Milk thistle is a good ally for working with the energies of the red star Aldebaran.
As Aldebaran reaches alignment with the sun at the beginning of June, the roses come into flower in the northern hemisphere, and the rose festivals are celebrated in some parts of Europe at this time. The rose is another wonderful ally for working with the energies of Aldebaran via the sun, opening the heart and third-eye chakras to beauty, love, peace and joy. The aura of the rose affords protection and balance for the heart and soul.
The stones that are mentioned in connection with Aldebaran are the ruby and the garnet which resonate with the qualities of this star, encouraging self-confidence, endurance, vitality and courage. Garnets are said to help the bearer to expand their horizons and gain a sense of purpose.
Aldebaran aligns with the sun from 29th May until 2nd June, rising before the sun after the June solstice and reaching opposition at the beginning of December, when it may be seen in the evening sky in the path of the moon.
Capella (Alpha Aurigae)
This bright white-yellow star shines at the top of the constellation Auriga. Capella is a multiple star system; the main two components are beautiful golden yellow giants that orbit each other every 104 days. In the northern hemisphere, Capella stays above the horizon all year round.
In classical mythology, Capella is associated with the goddess Amalthea, goat mother of Zeus, possibly symbolising the appearance of the bright Capella in the night sky at the December solstice. There are other references to Capella as being ‘mother of the sun’ such as that of the northern tradition, where Capella is one of the stars of the Reindeer Mother.
Capella aligns with the sun just before the June solstice appearing at dawn, fulfilling the role as ‘chariot of the sun’ and ‘messenger of light’. In ancient Egypt, Capella was thought to be sacred to Ptah and to the cat Ma-a-tu, guardian of the sun and protector of the tree of life.
The Horehound plant (Marrubium vulgare) also known as ‘eye of the star’ is traditionally mentioned in correlation with the star Capella. Horehound is a bitter herb that was added to some beverages and candies, toxic to most livestock, but a beneficial food source for pollinators. Magically, the white horehound plant is said to be a powerful herb of purification, encouraging a sense of wholeness of vision and the ability to see things as they truly are. Please note: the reader is directed to the disclaimer at the beginning of this article regarding the precautionary use of all herb plants. Horehound is not recommended for internal consumption,
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is another plant associated with this star. Thyme, known for its aromatic and anti-infective properties has a wide range culinary and medicinal uses. As an herb of purification, thyme has been used since ancient times to purify the atmosphere in temples and funerary rites. Thyme is also said to bring courage, strength, clarity of mind and good fortune. Thyme may be used for creating a heightened sense of awareness in working with the energies of Capella and the constellation Auriga.
The stone associated with Capella in the traditional texts is the sapphire, a crystal with immense potential for bestowing a sense of joyous connection with the Earth and the realms of the devas and nature spirits, much like the herb thyme. Emerald helps rejuvenate the eyesight, restore balance and enhance friendships, encouraging a sense of openness and compassion.
Capella aligns with the sun at the beginning of June, appearing in the morning sky before the June solstice sunrise, reaching culmination in early December.
Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris)
The beautiful rainbow-hued Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and is approximately 8 light-years away. Sirius is considered a binary system consisting of a bright bluish white A class star (Sirius A), and a fainter dwarf companion (Sirius B), a source of a rare kind of low-energy x-rays. A second companion, Sirius C has also been detected in orbit around Sirius A.
The heliacal rising of Sirius, dedicated to the goddess, Isis, signalled the annual flooding of the Nile in ancient Egypt, heralding the start of the New Year. The warm days associated with the heliacal rising of Sirius are known as the ‘Dog Days’, Sirius being the ‘Dog Star’ of Canis Major, the greater dog.
The proximity of the Sirius star system to our own solar system, together with the unique electromagnetic effects from the dynamic interactions of Sirius A and B, brings us into conscious alignment with the aura of Sirius, and the unique light codes. This alignment occurs via the sun at the beginning of July and continuing for the heliacal rising into August. Sirius crosses the meridian at midnight on 1st January in our current epoch and ‘flavouring’ the light of the ‘wolf moons’ of January and February.
The plant allocated to the Sirius in the medieval literature is the evergreen Juniper, of the Cypress family. The ashes of the Juniper are traditionally added to cornmeal in the making of corn bread, providing a complimentary mineral enhancement in this staple food. Juniper is a powerfully protective plant, associated with the ancestors. The berries are a food source for birds and small mammals. In Scotland, Juniper features in the New Year celebrations to purify the home, including animals, livestock and connect with the ancestors.
The stone Beryl is mentioned in connection with Sirius, especially the ‘golden’ beryl or ‘heliodor’, which is part of the family that includes aquamarine and emerald. This stone is connected to the beautiful golden light spiral and to spiritual enlightenment, protection and guidance. Beryls help us to learn about the amazing connections between earth and sky, opening our eyes to the true beauty and wonder of nature.
Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris)
The primary star of the Procyon star system is a yellow-white sub-giant with solar-like oscillations. The secondary component is thought to be a fainter white dwarf. Procyon is a relatively close neighbour to our solar system at just over eleven light years.
This star is associated with the ‘torch-bearing’ maiden of the goddess Isis and relates to navigation and communication, being a messenger star of the deities, under the protection of Mercury. Procyon rises into the morning sky a good hour before Sirius begins the heliacal rising. Procyon is also connected to Anubis and Hecate as openers of the ways or guardians at the crossroads, since Procyon appears next to the Milky Way, ‘river of stars’ that the sun crosses each year.
Working with the energies of Procyon introduces us to the interdimensional and synchronous nature of our world and our Universe; the dots seem to become more connected, the pieces of the jigsaw seem to fall into place, and we seem to be able to call on a guiding force beyond the mundane to show us the way.
The Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) plant, whose flowers face toward the sun, is linked with Procyon. The Heliotrope is toxic to humans, dogs and cats, but attractive to butterflies, the beautiful purple flowers are best admired without picking them. The grounding energies of Heliotrope are in fact much more effective if you tune in to a living plant, allowing the rays of the sun or moon to reveal their true light. Meditating with the Heliotrope may bring a sense of hope, courage, peace and protection.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), a member of the mint family, is another plant associated with Procyon. The pretty pale mauve flowers of the pennyroyal, that grows by the riverside, water courses or roadside, attract butterflies and bees. The ancient Greeks considered this plant to be powerfully purifying to the air, dispelling unwanted influences. Pennyroyal is also known to be repellent to fleas and other pests. The oil contains the poisonous chemical pulegone, no wonder this plant is associated with the deities of the crossroads, boundaries and subliminal spaces.
Agate is a stone that helps aid concentration, filtering out unwanted distraction of thought and encouraging a sense of calm contemplation. Agate works well in conjunction with the energies of Procyon, functioning as a ‘way-shower’, strengthening and balancing the aura and providing signposts that may light our path.
Regulus (Alpha Leonis)
Regulus is a multiple star system whose main component is an amazing bright blue rapidly rotating star at approximately 79 light years. A white dwarf star orbits the main star every 40 days. Regulus is the nearest star to the ecliptic and regularly forms conjunctions with the moon, planets and other minor planets. The sun conjuncts regulus in August (22nd – 23rd) each year. The heliacal rising of Regulus in September is accompanied by a conjunction with the planet Venus as morning star every eight years. Regulus reaches opposition in late February.
The Latin Cor Leonis and the Arabic Qalb al-Asad translate into “heart of the lion”. This beautiful celestial source of ultramarine and white-golden light is associated with the lion guardians, Archangel Michael, Archangel Ariel, Horus and Isis-Sekhmet. At the annual Regulus-solar conjunction, there is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the heart of the sun and to connect the heart, solar plexus and crown chakras to inspire our dreams and heart-centred living.
Regulus is associated with the celandine (Chelidonium majus), a plant in the poppy family with bright yellow flowers that encourages a sense of positivity, well-being and raises the vibrations of the aura. The name ‘swallowwort’ was coined by the ancient Greeks who observed that swallows took the plant into their nests. The flowering of the celandine became associated with the arrival of the swallows in the spring and their departure in the autumn. This plant is said to aid good eyesight, both physical and astral.
Granite is the stone mentioned by the medieval scholars in association with Regulus. This is a stone of strength and stability, helping us to ground our visions, balance our emotions, and see the ‘bigger picture’. Granite is a perfect companion for working with the energies of Regulus, grounding the chakra activations and potential visionary expansion in a peaceful, harmonious way aligned with love and light.
Algorab (Delta Corvi)
The double star Algorab is positioned in the constellation Corvus the Crow or Raven consisting of a bright ultra-white star with a yellow-white companion. The light of Algorab reaches us across ~87 light years, teaching the qualities of inventiveness, intuitiveness and curiosity, leading to the discovery of hidden things – all the attributes of our incredible bird relatives. Working with the energies of Algorab and the stars of Corvus may be beneficial for gaining insight and clarity of perception and improving our sense of focus and vision, seeing things from a higher perspective, or ‘birds-eye view’.
The sun aligns with Algorab in terms of shared declination on 25th September, colouring the daytime sky, reaching opposition just after the March equinox, colouring the night sky.
The wonderful burdock (Arctium spp.) is the plant allocated to Algorab. The magenta-purple flowers of the burdock are visible from July to October and are valuable sources of food for moths and other pollinators. The seeds of the burdock are eaten by linnet, goldfinches and siskins. As a protective herb, burdock is said to ward of the ‘evil eye’. Additional benefits include increasing our capacity to see into the ‘otherworld’, connecting with the subtle realms of faeries and nature spirits, and to the higher dimensions of light, enhancing clarity of vision and purpose.
Onyx is believed to help provide a protective shield, filtering out and guarding against unwanted influences. Onyx is a good ally for clearing away any negative ‘dross’ and gaining insight into matters of concern, partnering well with the energies of Algorab.
One suggestion for aligning with Algorab to receive teachings, inspiration and guidance from this unique stellar source would be to work with the energies of the burdock plant (appreciating the living energies of the plant in situ if possible) during the daylight hours just after the September equinox. And then to allow the energy of Algorab and the stars to provide revelation through the dreamtime after the March equinox, perhaps placing a small piece of onyx crystal somewhere nearby.
Algorab is the Behenian star mentioned by Hermes, but Agrippa assigns the star Gienah (gamma corvi). Both are in the right wing of the crow or raven.
Spica (Alpha Virginis)
This blue-white star marks the ‘ear of wheat’ held by the star maiden, outlined as the constellation Virgo. A bright blue giant star (Alpha Virginis A) with a large output in the ultraviolet range accompanies a smaller blue-white star (Alpha Virginis B). The gravitational interaction between these two stars pulls them both into egg-shapes. The strong stellar wind from Alpha Virginis A scatters the light of Alpha Virginis B, both stars reflecting one another’s light. This truly unique star system is said to be approximately 250 light years away from our solar system.
The proximity of Spica to the ecliptic means that planets and the moon regularly come into conjunction with the star. The sun reaches Spica in mid-October each year, two weeks before its heliacal rising. Spica is seen on the path of the moon in mid-April.
Spica is a ‘seed bearer’ in more than one sense, bearing the seeds of light that grow under the light of the sun and the souls of beings. Spica is under the auspices of the goddess Isis, the Virgin Mary, the Corn Maiden and Ceres / Demeter who nurtures the seed / soul potential within her children, the light-bearers. Attuning with the light of Spica helps align us with our true potential, our true soul’s belonging and nurtures that potential into fruition. Spica teaches us about the special ‘glue’ that holds all things and is at the centre of all things, the love that mends all hearts and guides us to health and wholeness.
The wonderfully diverse herb Sage (Salvia officinalis) is one of the plants associated with Spica, supporting the elevation of the spirit, soul and consciousness with purity and grace. Sage helps restore, rebalance and reconnect our body, mind, spirit and soul. The sage plant is also beneficial for gaining a healthy sense of perspective under the loving protection of Mother Nature. It is said to bestow strength, wisdom, health and longevity.
The emerald is the stone that is mentioned for Spica in the Behenian star correspondences. Emerald is a stone that helps to connect us with the loving, guiding aspect of Nature, rebalancing and restoring a sense of joy and wellness. It helps us connect with our true essence, inspiring us to pursue our dreams, enhancing our relationships and broadening our vision.
Arcturus (Alpha Boötes)
The orange giant star Arcturus is the brightest star in the constellation Boötes the Bear Herder or Ox Herder. Arcturus is a relatively old star that is around 25 times the size of our sun, at just over 37 light years. If we locate the constellation Ursa Major (Great Bear) in the sky and follow our line of sight from the star at the end of the bear’s unusual long tail, we can trace an arc to the bright golden-orange Arcturus. Hence, the Bear Herder follows the bear around the north pole and filters energy streams from the constellations of the Great and Little Bears.
There is much potential for enlightenment from meditative contemplation with Arcturus, a star companion of the spiritual quester and truth seeker. This is a star of sages and artisans, teaching maturity, wisdom and insight. Aligning with the Arcturian star streams, helps to encourage a sense of responsibility and love for our animal and bird brothers and sisters that accompany us on our journeys.
It is written that the Plantain (Plantago major) is the plant associated with Arcturus. The Latin planta meaning ‘sole of the foot’ may refer to the growth habit of plantain, which seems tolerant to compacted ground such as that of paths and trackways. Metaphysically, plantain may help enliven the solar plexus, providing an energetic shield to the entire aura, and strengthening the willpower. Plantain is a useful ally for working with Arcturus, providing a barrier for all negative influences and providing a bridge with the ancestors, guides, animal spirits and guardians in the light realms.
The amazing stone known as Jasper is the one mentioned to compliment Arcturus in the medieval literature. Jasper is a ubiquitous stone of many colours and varieties that is traditionally associated with protection, courage, honesty and strength of purpose. Jasper is therefore a good crystal ally for Arcturus, along with the plant plantain.
Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis)
Alphecca is a binary star consisting of a white ‘hypergiant’ with a yellow companion at approximately 75 light years. Traditionally, Alphecca conveys a sense of honour, artistic ability, dignity and grace, in the likeness of the planets Venus and Mercury.
In Celtic astronomy, Corona Borealis is the abode of Arianrhod, the weaver goddess of the Silver Wheel, who teaches about the cycles of time and the star mysteries. Alphecca is also the star representing the jewel in the crown of the Minoan princess Ariadne.
Topaz is the stone ascribed to Alphecca in the traditional lore, a valuable crystal helper for aligning the energy meridians of the body, inspiring creativity and connecting with the ancestors and guides in the higher light realms. Topaz is therefore a wonderful crystal to keep close by during meditations and in times of convalescence when we may need that little something extra to provide encouragement.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is the plant associated with Alphecca, strengthening memory, dispelling negativity, and cleansing the air. As a plant of Venus-Aphrodite who gave the crown to Ariadne in one version of the story, flowering rosemary features in bridal wreaths, inspiring fidelity and longevity.
Although Alphecca is positioned far north of the ecliptic, the solar alignment by shared declination occurs in mid-November each year, with the culmination in about mid-May. Corona Borealis is situated opposite the Pleiades, so whenever the Pleiades are with the sun, Alphecca is with the moon and vice versa.
Antares (Alpha Scorpii)
Antares is an amazing red supergiant star in the constellation Scorpius, illuminating the wonderful Rho Ophiuchus cloud complex, creating a beautiful rose-coloured aura. Once an infrared filter is used to view this region around Antares, a feathery white apparition is revealed in the shape of a bird, whose wings surround the nearby stellar nursery.
Antares with its enormous reach across space teaches generosity and compassion, inspiring goodwill under the Law of Love. As a star of the initiatory goddess Isis-Selket, Antares meditations help align us to the mysteries through the gateway of the heart. Selket teaches us how to respect the medicinal plants and the animals, whilst also bearing guardianship of the pyramid mysteries. Much beneficial healing prayers of goodwill and love may be generated in meditating with Antares which aligns with the sun each year from 30th November to 2nd December and reaches culmination at midnight at the beginning of June.
Birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis) is an evergreen vine-like plant that is repellent to reptiles. The flowers are said to resemble the birth canal; therefore, the name is connected to childbirth. Although this highly toxic plant is not recommended for working with physically, the magical qualities may be appreciated from a photograph or drawing. Birthwort is not commonly found in northern Europe but may be found in parts of central and southern Europe. The heart-shaped leaves, serpentine qualities and associations with birth and rebirth may be why it has been chosen for Antares.
Sardonyx is the stone mentioned by Agrippa as the magical companion to Antares, but Hermes also mentions the amethyst. Sardonyx helps with strengthening the resolve, grounding and connecting to the Earth, providing support and inspiration for the life path. Amethyst is famed for its abilities to connect us with the higher spiritual realms, soothing anxiety and creating a contemplative atmosphere. Both crystals work magically in conjunction with Antares and the connection to the mystery traditions.
Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris)
Polaris, the North Star or the Pole Star is a multiple star system in the constellation Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. The main star is a golden yellow supergiant that has at least two other smaller companions. The beautiful bluish-white Polaris Nebula may be viewed through a telescope in this area of the sky.
According to Agrippa, Polaris rules over the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) whose leaves and wonderful blue flowers turn toward the north. Chicory root makes a lovely coffee substitute with a unique flavour and grounding properties that help in balancing an awareness of surroundings with intuition, corresponding nicely with the energies of Polaris and the orientation process. Chicory flower essence helps to provide a protective layer of light in the aura, so that you can be fully present, calm and centred. The orientation toward Polaris, the star of the north, connects us with the element of Earth, to the ancestors, to our own inner knowing, and to our highest source of guidance, our guiding light that helps us navigate the waters of life.
Magnetite is the stone associated with Polaris, its ferrimagnetic properties being used as a type of compass. Magnetite’s fortifying, balancing and grounding energies nicely reflect those of chicory.
Alkaid (Eta Ursae Majoris)
The 15 Behenian stars mentioned by Agrippa and Hermes remain consistent in all but one of the stars: Agrippa includes the northern pole star, Polaris, whereas Hermes mentions Alkaid, the tail star of the Great Bear (such a long tail for a bear!).
Alkaid, also known as Benetnasch, is a bright blue main sequence star at approximately 104 light years distance. The gemstone and plant correspondences are the same as those of Polaris. Alkaid is one of the stars of foundation, orientation, navigation and stability, being one of the guides for establishing the directions and anchoring the temples between earth and sky.
References
The Book of Hermes on the Fifteen Fixed Stars
Agrippa, H. C. The Philosophy of Natural Magic
Allen, R.H. 1963 Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning
Gienger, M. 1998 Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook
National Institute of Medical Herbalists: A Herb for Every Month https://nimh.org.uk/herbal-resources/
White, G. 2014 Babylonian Star-lore: An Illustrated Guide to the Star-lore and Constellations of Ancient Babylonia
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