UNUKALHAI | The Neck of the Snake

Astronomical information and designation: α Serpens. A pale yellow star in the neck of the Serpent.

Position: 23rd Scorpio (2026- 22° 26')

Planetary nature: According to Ptolemy it is of the nature of Saturn and Mars; to Simmonite, of Saturn and Venus; to Pearce, of Saturn, Venus and Mars; and, to Alvidas, of Mars and Saturn in opposition to Venus. 

Suggested orb: 1 deg. approx.

History of the star

Sometimes called Cor Serpentis, "the Serpent's heart". Unukalhai is Arabic 'Unuq al-Hayyah, "Neck of the snake". Variations were Unuk al Hay, Unk al Hayyah, Uunk al Hay. It was also Alioth, Alyah, and Alyat, often considered as terms for the broad and fat tail of the Eastern sheep that may have been at some early time figured here in the Orientals' sky; but we know nothing of this, and these are not Arabic words, so that their origin in Al Hayyah of the constellation is more probable. Alpha may have been the lucidus anguis of Ovid and Vergil, as it certainly was the Cor Serpentis of astrology. (Allen).The neck, rather than the head, is where a snake has its brain, its seat of knowledge. So this star is all about that knowledge that the good doctor has won from his labours, that knowledge of where we came from, what we are, where we are going, what holds us back, what to do about healing it. 

This Saturn-Mars star does in some measure merit the black reputation it has gained from the debasers of astrology, for those who will abuse and, mis-use, the gifts available here, are as deserving of being struck off the register as any corrupt doctor. But those who will give service, in healing or teaching of what they receive, have only good fortune where Unukalhai shines on them. (Dr. Eric Morse).

General influence of the star

It gives immorality, accidents, violence and danger of poison. (Robson). In the Neck of the Serpent, Unukalhai shows its properties as a Martian force combined with Saturn and is often really dangerous and destructive. There will be chronic diseases, which are not easily detected, these will result in a weakened state of health and operations will be necessary. There will be accidents. This is especially true with Uranus or with Neptune.

Unukalhai With Sun: Many quarrels and disappointments, unfortunate life, seriously affected by death of family or friends. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Moon: Clever, evil environment, hatred of authority, involved in intrigues and plots, banished, imprisoned or hanged for crime probably by poisoning. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Mercury: Dishounorable, accused of forgery or theft of papers, ill-health, narrow escapes, danger of bites from poisonous animals. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Venus: Enmity, jealousy of own sex, bad for domestic matters, favourable for gain, secret death probably by poison. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Mars: Violence, quarrels, lying, crime, violent death probably by poison. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Jupiter: Hypocrisy, deceit, banishment, imprisonment or exile. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Saturn: Secret insanity, drug taker, secret crime and poisoning often for no reason, shrewd, cunning, intelligent, studious, often physician or nurse, usually unmarried, may commit suicide or be confined in an asylum or prison. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Uranus: Spasmodic insanity, wealthy and luxurious environment, often fails to obtain inheritance, bad for marriage, may commit crime, sudden death often by suicide. (Robson).

Unukalhai With Neptune: Shrewd, ingenious, courageous, persistent, intuitive, evil environment, often criminal, trouble through opposite sex, bad for gain and marriage, violent death. (Robson). The conjunction will make the native prone to infectious diseases and also to poisoning.

Unukalhai With MC: If with the MC and in conjunction also with 'malefics' it is damaging to the social position, often there will be many difficulties in the professional life. (Ebertin).