| Fixed star: FACIES | |
| Constellation: M22 Sagittarius | |
| Longitude 1900: 06CAP54 | Longitude 2000: 08CAP18 |
| Declination 1900: -24.00′ | Declination 2000: -23.55′ |
| Right ascension: 18h 36m | Latitude: -00.44′ |
| Spectral class: C | Magnitude: 5.9 is the largest star |
The history of the nebula Facies
M22 Sagittarius, Facies, is the nebula in front of the Archer’s face.
The astrological influences of the constellation Sagittarius
The following are Ptolemy’s remarks: "The stars at the point of the arrow in Sagittarius have influence similar to that of Mars and the Moon: those on the bow, and at the grasp of the hand, act like Jupiter and Mars . . . those in the waist and in the back resemble Jupiter, and also Mercury moderately: those in the feet, Jupiter and Saturn." … By the Kabalists Sagittarius is associated with the Hebrew letter Vau and the 6th Tarot Trump "The Lovers." [Robson, p.60.]
The astrological influences of the constellation Sagittarius given by Manilius:
"As for the Archer, when the foremost portion of his cloak rises, he will give birth to hearts renowned in war and will conduct the conqueror, celebrating great triumphs in the sight of all, to his country’s citadels. Such a one will build high walls (moenia from Latin murus) one moment and pull them down the next. But if Fortune favours them too generously with success, the mark of her envy is to be seen on their faces, for she works cruel havoc upon their features. So was it that a dread warrior paid for his victories at the Trebia, Cannae, and the Lake, even before the hour of his retreat, with such disfigurement." [Translator’s note: *Hanibal who lost an eye (Livy 22.2.11: Sagittarius is one-eyed; see p.103] [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD, book 4, p.267]
"But they whose lot it is to be born under the Centaur of double form delight in yoking a team, in bringing a fiery horse to obey the pliant reins, in following herds which graze all over the grasslands, and in imposing a master on every kind of quadruped and taming them: they soften tigers, rid the lion of his fierceness, speak to the elephant and through speech adapt its huge bulk to human skills in a variety of displays. Indeed, in the stars of this constellation the human form is blended with a beast’s and placed above it; wherefore it has lordship over beasts. And because it carries a shaft poised on drawn bow, it imparts strength to limb and keenness to the intellect, swiftness of movement, and an indefatigable spirit." [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD, book 4, p.241.]
The astrological influences of the nebula Facies
The nebula in the Archer’s Face is of the nature of the Sun and Mars, and causes blindness, defective sight (all nebula can cause blindness), sickness, accidents and a violent death. [Robson, p.165.]
Much blamed for accidents and broken limbs and so on. The Latin name is from the verb Facere, to make or do something, and it is often said to portend accidents due to the victim’s own careless actions. Naturally, there is a positive side to Facies, it symbolizes well that kind of Sagittarian who goes out to climb mountains, race cars, enter the ski-jump team or the Grand National steeplechase, making it right to the top and no doubt breaking a few bones along the way. On the more philosophical side it will mark those who must see their outlook and beliefs carried into practical effect somewhere, so that they go out on missions, set up their own churches and centers engage in good works of famine or refugee relief and so on. Inevitably they get hurt at times, but perhaps find compensation in the value of their works. [The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, p.94-95.].
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].