Algol, known colloquially as the Demon Star, is a bright multiple star in the constellation of Perseus and one of the first non-nova variable stars to be discovered. As Robson states, "It is the most evil star in the heavens".
Astronomical information and designation: β Perseus (abbreviated Beta Per, β Per). Algol is a binary and variable white star. It is located 92.8 light years away from Earth. Algol changes its brightness, because it is an eclipsing binary - every 68 hours and 49 minutes.
Position: 27th degree Taurus (2024- 26° 30').
Nature: Jupiter-Mars
Suggested orb: 1°
Mythology: Algol represents the head of the Gorgon Medusa (the Gorgon's head, a ghastly sight, deformed and dreadful, and a sight of woe - Iliad), who was slain by Perseus. Medusa was cursed by Athena and she was turned into a horrible monster with snakes for hair. Anyone who met her gaze was immediately petrified. Perseus put her head on his shield. Even slain Medusa's head still retained its terrible power.
The fixed star: Τhe demon "blinks” for roughly 8 hours as the dimmer star of the pair passes between the brighter star and the Earth. Ancient Arabs thought it was spooky, and called the star Algol, a word which derives from the Arabic Al Ra’s al Ghul, Al-Ghul, or Ri’B al Ohill, which is translated “The Demon’s Head”. Al-Ghul literally signifies a "Mischief-maker".
Algol was in Hebrew known as Rosh ha Shaitan, or “Satan’s Head”, as some traditions have referred to Algol as the Head of Lilith. Lilith, Adam's legendary first wife, believed to have been in existence before the creation of Eve. She is believed to be the nocturnal vampire from the lower world.
The Chinese called Algol Tseih She, which is “Piled up corpses” and was considered a violent, dangerous star due to its changing vivid colours. "The Blinking Demon" is another common name. On some 17th century maps Algol was labelled, “The Specter’s Head”.
It is said to have been thus called from its rapid and wonderful variations. Algol is the most famous of the eclipsing variables and the only one known of in ancient times. This behaviour was attributed to a pulsing eye of the Gorgon Medusa.
Some writers have connected Algol with the Egyptian Khu, or spirit. The Khu is considered a shadow spirit which feeds on other shades of the dead.
In reference to the writings and initiatory symbolism of Michael W. Ford, Algol is the sigillized in one form as a Chaos Star with an Averse Pentagram in the centre. The Pentagram refers to the Eye of Set, timeless and divine, godlike and independent. The Chaos Star is destruction, Change and power – all of which emerges from the Eye of Shaitan, or Set. It is this Chaos which then brings Order. Algol is the mirror of the sorcerer, one who may enter and reside in the pulsing eye of blackened flame.
Influence: Ιt is considered extremely unfortunate. It causes misfortune, massive destruction, violence, drowning, beheading, electrocution, violence, hanging, electrocution and mob violence. In personal horoscopes, Algol gives a dogged and violent nature that causes death to the native or others.
With Sun: Violent death or extreme sickness. If also in no aspect to a benefic, or there is no benefic in the 8th house, and the dispositor of the Sun in a day nativity or if the Moon in the night one is in square or opposition to Mars, the native will be beheaded; if the luminary culminate he will be maimed, mangled, wounded or torn to pieces alive; and if Mars is at the same time in Gemini or Pisces his hands or feet will be cut off. (Robson)
With Moon: Violent death or extreme sickness.
With Mars or if Mars be elevated above the luminaries when Algol is angular or with the hyleg: the native will be a murderer who will come to an untimely end. The same is caused by Algol angular. (Robson)
Decennial movement:
1950 25° 28'
1960 25° 36'
1970 25° 45'
1980 25° 53'
1990 26° 02'
2000 26° 10'
2010 26° 18'
2020 26° 26'
