| Fixed star: ALBALDAH | |
| Constellation: Pi (π) Sagittarius | |
| Longitude 1900: 14CAP51 | Longitude 2000: 16CAP15 |
| Declination 1900: -21.11′ | Declination 2000: -21.01′ |
| Right ascension: 19h 09m | Latitude: +01.26′ |
| Spectral class: F3 | Magnitude: 3.0 |
The history of the star: Albaldah
from p.359 of Star Names, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.
[A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage
Pi (π) Sagittarius, Albaldah, is a 3rd magnitude star on the back of the head of the Archer, in an area of the sky that is comparatively untenanted except for this and other faint stars.
This was Al Tizini’s (Arabian astronomer, first half of 16th century) Al Baldah, from the 19th manzil (Arabic Moon Mansion), which it marked; Al Achsasi considering it as Al Na’ir, the Bright One, of that lunar station.
Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].
The Lunar Mansions
The Arabic 19th manzil lay in this vacant space from the upper part of the Sagittarius toward the horns of the Sea-Goat, and was known as Al Baldah, the "City", or "District", to which this star owes its name. Al Biruni described the 19th Manzil as "the head of Sagittarius and his two locks." He compared this 19th manzil to "the interstice between the two eyebrows which are not connected with each other," — a condition described by the word ‘Ablad, somewhat similar to the Baldah generally applied to this star. Al Na’ir, "the Bright One", of that lunar station was another name for it. [Allen Star Names p.355.
Influences of the Arabic 19th Moon Mansion Al Baldah: Favorable for harvest, gain, buildings, and travelers, but causes divorce.
With Moon transiting here: take medicine, navigate and put on new clothes. [Robson, p.73.]
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.]
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].