| Fixed star: ALGENIB | |
| Constellation: Gamma (γ) Pegasus | |
| Longitude 1900: 07ARI46 | Longitude 2000: 09ARI09 |
| Declination 1900: +14.38′ | Declination 2000: +15.11′ |
| Right ascension: 00h 13m | Latitude: +12.36′ |
| Spectral class: B2 | Magnitude: 2.9 |
The history of the star: Algenib
from p.326 of Star Names, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.
[A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage
Gamma (γ) Pegasus, Algenib, is a white star marking the tip of the Winged Horse’s wing.
Gamma (γ Algenib), marks the extreme tip of the Horse’s wing, so that its name Algenib has been considered as derived from Al Janah, the Wing, but it probably is from Al Janb, the Side. It has sometimes been written Algemo. The Persian astronomer Al Biruni (973-1048 A.D.) quoted it, with delta (δ which is now Alpheratz, the alpha (α) star of Andromeda), as Al Fargh al Thani, the Second, or Lower, Spout, i.e. of the Bucket. This also is the title of the 25th manzil (Arabic Moon Mansion), but appears in the 19th American philologist Professor Whitney’s’s list as Al Fargh al Mu’liir, the Rear Spout, and in the English astronomer Smyth (1788-1865)’s as Al Fargu
The 14th century Greco-Persian astronomer Chrysococca called it (Greek) Pegasos from the constellation.
Reeves said that it is the Chinese Peih, a Wall or Partition, thus taking the title of the 25th sieu (Chinese Moon Mansion), which it marked and, with delta (δ which is now Alpheratz, the alpha (α) star of Andromeda), constituted. It lies at the junction of the nakshatras (Hindu Moon Mansions) Bhadrapada and Revati; and, with delta (δ Alpheratz), was included in the corresponding lunar station of several other nations.
{p.327} With the same star and beta (β) Cassiopeia (Caph) it makes up the Three Guides, all these being almost exactly on the prime meridian, the vernal equinox lying in a starless region of Pisces about 15° south of gamma (γ Algenib) Pegasus
Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].
The Lunar Mansions
The 25th Arabic Lunar Mansion is Al Fargh al Thani, Al Farigh al Thani, also called Al Fargu, from Arabic Al Farigh al Mu’ah’h’ar, “the Hindmost Loiterer” or, perhaps more correctly, “the Hind Spout of the Water-jar, “the Second Spout; a Well-mouth and its accompaniments being imagined here by the early Arabs.
Robson lists two stars; this star gamma Pegasus (γ Algenib); and alpha (α) Andromeda (Alpheratz which also was the delta (δ) star of Pegasus).
Influences of the 25th Arabic Moon Mansion (mansil) Al Fargh al Thani: Increases harvests, revenues, gain, heals infirmities, hinders building, upholds prisons, causes danger to seamen and destruction of enemies.
With Moon transiting here: marry, take medicine, pursue business but do not travel or lend money. [Robson, p.75.]
The astrological influences of the constellation Pegasus
Legend: Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa (see Algol) after Perseus had cut off her head, and was afterwards tamed and ridden by Bellerophon. Being weary of earthly affairs Bellerophon attempted to fly to heaven but fell off, and Pegasus continued his course, entered heaven and took his place among the stars. [Robson, p.56.]
Influences: According to Ptolemy the bright stars are like Mars and Mercury. The constellation gives ambition, vanity, intuition, enthusiasm, caprice and bad judgment. [Robson, p.56.]
The constellation portends events concerning ships and the ocean and also changes in the weather. In medieval times it was said to indicate vain individuals with a great deal of ambition, but with very poor judgment. [Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.22.]
The Pegasus Syndrome, as exemplified in the legends of Perseus and Bellerophon, is concerned with the innate ability possessed by some people to negotiate difficulties by rising above them, on the one hand, and the danger of overreaching themselves, on the other. Pegasus, by birth, is the child of Medusa and Neptune, symbols of ‘wisdom’ and ’emotion,’ respectively, which shows the dichotomy of his nature. As in the story, Bellerophon attempted to fly to Olympus (overreach his potential). He believed that Pegasus was subject to his will. However, it was Pegasus who made it to Olympus, while Bellerophon was tossed back to earth, lame and reproached by others. It is unwise to take any situation for granted as the ‘lesser’ person (or, in this case, beast) may be the very one to teach us the much needed lesson in humility. Pegasus is also indicative of a specific mission in life which the inquirer will always find the time and energy to pursue, although the path may be sewn with difficulties (the Chimaera) and limitations (Bellerophon’s doubt or arrogance). So, the Pegasus Syndrome is the seeming ability to “fly over any situation,” though the reverse may be a lesson in humility, being “taken down a peg,” as it were. [Rich’s Pegopedia http://thanasis.com/pegasus.htm
The astrological influences of the constellation Pegasus given by Manilius:
“Pegasus the winged Horse will appear and gallop aloft in the heavens. It will bring forth people endowed with swiftness of movement and limbs alert to perform every task. One man will cause his horse to wheel round in caracoles, and proudly mounted on its back he will wage war from on high; horseman and soldier in one. Another will possess the ability to rob the racecourse of its true length such is his speed that he will seem to dissemble the movement of his feet and make the ground vanish before him. Who more swiftly could fly back from the ends of the earth as messenger or with light foot to the earth’s ends make his way? He will also heal a horse’s wounds with the sap of common plants, and will know the herbs which bring aid to an animal’s limbs and those which grow for the use of man.” [Manilius, Astronomica, 1st century AD, book 5, p.350-353.]
The astrological influences of the star Algenib
Of the nature of Mars and Mercury. It gives notoriety, dishonor, violence, misfortune, and denotes the naked and poor professional beggar. [Robson, p.122.]
Penetrating mind and a strong will, as well as determination. An impressive way of speaking and a gift for oratory. In conjunction with the Sun, it will make for a fighting spirit and a love of learning. Connected with Mercury, Venus and Jupiter, one can count popularity and interest in art and literature and distinction; if not further configurations also point to similar gifts. With Saturn, in general, it is thought of as an impeding factor, but has a name for good memory according to Morin. If angular with Mercury and Uranus, Algenib will make for an inventive spirit. [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.12, Algenib is given as alpha Pegasus which is an error because the name and degrees are right for this star Algenib, gamma.]
Excess of heat resulting in violence and perhaps misfortune or dishonor. [Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.22.]
With Sun: Mental disturbances, fevers and ill health, some danger of accidents. [Robson, p.122.]
A fighting spirit and a love of learning. [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.12.]
With Moon: Dishonor, loss by scandal, exiled or forced to flee, ill health, trouble through writings. [Robson, p.122.]
With Mercury: Quick temper, mental disturbances, success in legal and other disputes. [Robson, p.122.]
With Venus: Generous, proud, quick temper, bad morals, drink or evil habits, favorable for financial affairs. [Robson, p.122.]
With Mars: Quick mind and body, lying or theft, danger of accidents. [Robson, p.122.]
With Jupiter: Hypocrisy, financial success, real or pretended religious enthusiasm. [Robson, p.122.]
With Saturn: Many enemies, success, secret help from powerful friends and influential relatives, bad morals. [Robson, p.122.]
Good memory. [Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.12.]
With Uranus: Active and eccentric mind, reformer or agitator, great influence over the minds of others necessitating journeys, peculiar ideas in advance of the time, mystic and fond of mysteries though frank and open, domestic troubles especially in a woman’s map. [Robson, p.122.]
With Neptune: Conceited, stubborn, deceptive, cowardly, vacillating, untruthful, envious, superstitious, strong passions, sex troubles, evil surroundings, many enemies, mechanical ability, criminal tendencies, may be forger, sudden and violent death. [Robson, p.123.]
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].