Fixed Stars in a Person’s Fate

The topic of stars in a natal chart has intrigued many generations. They are attributed with a magical power capable of instantly elevating the horoscope owner to the pinnacle or plunging them into a whirlpool of misfortune. If an inexperienced user sees star names in an astrology processor, clicks on them and reads the interpretations, they might think they are doomed to eternal hardships or, conversely, born under a lucky star with no way to change it.

What is true and what is not depends on many factors, but one thing is clear – no star can be attributed with a powerful, fatal influence on life. However, there are moments when it is worth considering their strength. The mere presence of a star in a particular house does not indicate anything. It is important to understand their connections with the individual pattern of planets in a natal chart. A key factor in interpretation is one of Hermes Trismegistus’ principles: “As above, so below, as within, so without.”

Characteristics of Fixed Stars

It took 2000 years to finally understand that the division of stars into wandering (horoscope planets) and fixed is quite arbitrary.

Astrologers of ancient times, and even in later centuries, were able to track the movements of celestial bodies and planets; however, they lacked the instruments to determine how significantly such stars as Altair, Algol, Sirius, Arcturus, Aldebaran, and others, shifted relative to other heavenly bodies, deeming them fixed.

British astronomer and astrologer Edmond Halley was the first to notice the displacement of certain bright stars relative to planets and declared his discovery. Later, it was confirmed by other prominent 18th-century scientists: Nicolas Lacaille, Tobias Mayer, and Friedrich Bessel, who provided a detailed description of celestial bodies.

It is now scientifically proven that over a period of 72 years, stars considered fixed shift by 1° of the zodiac. These calculations are essential because as a star changes position, it can move away from a planet beyond the allowable orb, weakening its influence, or conversely, draw nearer, suggesting a fateful impact on the native.

The most crucial point to understand about a fixed star is that it exerts real influence when in aspect with a planet or the cusp of a house. The orbs of stars are quite small, which must also be considered, realizing that not everyone will have their life ruined by Algol, or be blessed with talents by Spica.

How Fixed Stars Affect Fate

The influence of stars differs from that of planets. It is usually swift and fatal, especially when approaching the cusp of a house or a planet.

The native has no chance to avoid this turn of events, and there is no time for reflection or preparation: either you head towards happy changes, or dodge an avalanche of destructive events.

Planets, on the other hand, influence in an obvious and somewhat predictable way when considering the nature of their position in the sign, house, transits, and aspects in the natal chart.

A tip for astrologers: if there is an incredibly strong influence on the native’s fate by a planet in a weak position, without aspects, or involvement in transits, then most likely, a powerful fixed star is hidden behind it. This is why it is important to consider the placement of all celestial bodies to have a clear picture.

The power of fixed stars depends on several factors:

1. Magnitude: the strongest are representatives of the first magnitude, decreasing down to the fourth, however, stelliums are a special category, their strength is summed.

2. Placement: the closer to the earth, the more significant the intervention in the life scenario.

3. Characteristics of the planet in contact: the influence is stronger if they share similar natures, and furthermore, a beneficent star may neutralize the negativity of a malefic planet, or vice versa, a Saturnian nature can strongly distort the nature of benevolent Venus and Jupiter.

4. The individual horoscope picture: fixed stars amplify what is originally ingrained in the chart. If there is a tendency towards a brilliant career, a rapid rise will occur, but if a person is oriented towards home coziness, the same opportunities will pass by.

5. Position in the houses: in a falling house, all resonances are much weaker than in an angular one.

Without a union with planets and cusps, you may not expect one star to suddenly have a destructive influence or give you the chance to become a leader and an influential figure.

The Most Significant Stars

Another important point is not to make predictions solely based on a star’s position in a specific place in the horoscope. However, in horary forecasts, their influence can and should be considered.

There are several stars whose significance has become classic and widely known, while in other cases, it is necessary to study the history and characteristics, comparing them with the data of the planet that has entered into aspect with them.

The malefic stars include:

Algol – the most evil and destructive. However, for forecasting, other factors must be considered; it does not always mean physical destruction but brings suffering;

Alcyone – provokes an unfortunate outcome, blindness, disappointments;

Antares – the destruction of what has exhausted itself.

Traditionally beneficial stars include:

Aldebaran – hope for an improved situation, favorable opportunities;

Regulus – high status, wealth;

Spica – calm happiness from self-actualization and a successful marriage.

To work through malevolent stars, one has to face their shadow side. The planet in aspect with the star will guide which dark traits of character to emphasize as compensation. These could include assertiveness in the struggle for leadership, aggressive ways of earning, staunchly defending one’s point of view in controversial issues, but it is always necessary to maintain a balance to avoid absolute negativity.