The Wise Vessel: on the Fixed Star Deneb Algedi
Today’s newsletter is a deep dive on the star Deneb Algedi, found in the tail of the Capricorn constellation. You don’t need to have much technical knowledge of astrology to appreciate the stars. We have been writing stories and praying to them since we have been looking up. This essay is meant to help readers connect more deeply to these divine messengers and better understand ourselves. If you want to know if Deneb touches your chart, see if you have any planets or significant placements within 2º of 23º Aquarius. Even if not, you have so much to learn from this subtle, tender, oracular star.
If you want to learn more about how the stars touch and guide your beautiful life, book a fixed star reading with me ⭐
Deneb Algedi is one of the most-requested stars that people ask me to write about. But before diving in, I wanted to spend plenty of time with this star, which and I many close to me have personal relationships with. I wanted soak in the wisdom of my clients, who teach me every day, so that I may rightly honor this dignified star.
“Deneb Algedi” literally translates to the “tail of the goat”, and this star is aptly located in the scaly bottom half of the Capricorn constellation. I love talking about this star because it imparts an important skill to those who work with it: protection. I believe anyone embarking on any sort of spiritual or metaphysical journey would benefit from shoring up their psychic boundaries and Deneb Algedi is a perfect being to work with towards that end.
But there are several ways of approaching this star.
Sorrow, Happiness, Life, Death
One entry-point in getting to know a star is to study their given planetary combination. Ptolemy assigned each star a planetary pair to give a sense for their flavor or quality . Like all the stars in the Goat’s tail, Deneb Algedi is of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn is a planet of structure and limits. Jupiter rules abundance and ethics. As the slowest moving visible planets, they both have to do with how society as a whole limits and impels (Saturn) as well as supports and connects (Jupiter) the individual. Austin Coppock associates this planetary pair with inheritance, stewardship, and legacy. Visions of a family farm, lovingly and sweatily maintained; a historical house preserved for posterity; money bequeathed at a certain age all populate stars tinged with this combination, particularly with Deneb Algedi. There is obligation, yes, but fruits to be gained from fulfilling one’s duties.
As Jupiter is a benefic and Saturn a malefic, many older texts divide the meaning of this star between boon and difficulty: “Robson says that Deneb Algedi causes sorrow and happiness, life and death, and beneficence and destructiveness”.1 The Skycript website tells us that all stars in the Capricorn constellation that are of the nature of Jupiter and Saturn “have the power to destroy or aid, depending upon whether they are well placed or afflicted”.2
But despite its Saturnian influence, many texts tend to find its positive potentials more compelling. Alongside the gamma Capricorn star, it was known as Al Sa’d al Nashirah, the “Fortunate One”, or the “Bringer of Good Tidings”.3 But the good tidings brought by Deneb Algedi are of a certain variety.
The Law-Giver
According to De Quindecim Stellis, a talisman made in honor of Deneb Algedi “improveth the home in which it is kept and maketh it safe from all harm; and it increaseth wealth omnimodously”.4 Here we see the theme of protection arise, but a more local form of protection than that enacted by curses or defensive attacks. When I picture a talisman protecting a home, I imagine an ambient, benevolent aura that repels negative influences and keeps the connective, beneficial spirits contained. The increase of wealth is related to Deneb Algedi’s Saturnian nature, as the planet is often associated with land-owners, buildings, wealth from the earth or property, even excessive wealth. It also brings in Jupiter’s themes of generous abundance, materially as well as spiritually.
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