Star Magic by Sandra Kynes

Author:Sandra Kynes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: star magick, divination, pagan, wiccan, sandra kynes
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Published: 2014-12-18T05:00:00+00:00

Figure 6.4. Aries is the god of abundance and strength.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac in modern astrology because when the system was devised this constellation marked the vernal equinox. However, Pisces is the actual constellation in position on the other side of the sun on the equinox.

Associated with the mythological golden ram, this constellation’s name is Latin and means “the ram.” The legend is about a king in a region of Greece and his second wife, the quintessential evil stepmother, who wanted to do away with her husband’s offspring. The children were a boy and girl, Phrixus and Helle. Just in the nick of time before the stepmother could strike, a winged ram with a golden fleece arrived to save them. As they flew away, Helle fell off and drowned in the strait of water in Turkey that was called the Hellespont in her honor. It is now known as the Dardanelles.

When Phrixus arrived at a place of safety, he sacrificed the ram and presented it to King Aeëtes. It may seem like a cruel end for the creature that had saved his life, but the act illustrated his gratitude to the powers that sent the ram to his rescue. In another legend, this animal’s pelt became the quest object for Jason and the Argonauts. The Aries constellation has also been regarded as Zeus disguised as a ram to escape the Titan giants during their epic battle with the Olympian gods.

According to Ptolemy, most of the stars in this constellation are equated with Mars and Saturn, a few with Mercury, and others with Venus. To modern astrologers, Aries is equated with Mars. According to Culpeper, this constellation influences the head, eyes, face, upper jaw, and front of the body.

Notable Stars in Aries

Official Designation: Alpha Arietis

Traditional Name: Hamal

Pronunciation: HAHM-al

Hamal is an orange star and originally it was the only one that marked the celestial ram. Its name comes from Arabic and means “sheep” or “lamb,” which is how the constellation was interpreted. Although it is usually depicted on the ram’s head, Ptolemy called this star the One Above the Head. Hamal is associated with action and independence.

Official Designation: Beta Arietis

Traditional Name: Sheratan

Pronunciation: SHARE-ah-tahn

Sheratan is a binary star with a white primary component and a yellow companion. This star’s traditional name comes from an Arabic phrase that has two interpretations: “the two signs” and “the two attendants.” The name is believed to refer to a time when the beta and gamma stars seemed to herald the vernal equinox.

Official Designation: Gamma Arietis

Traditional Name: Mesarthim

Pronunciation: mess-AHR-tim

This is a triple star system that includes a binary star (both components are white) and one orange star. The name Mesarthim has the same origin as Sheratan, the beta star, and was one of the two stars that heralded the vernal equinox. The Persians called Sheratan and Mesarthim the Protecting Pair. Both stars are usually depicted on one of the ram’s horns.

Magical Interpretations and Uses for Aries

The ram is associated with the Horned God and serves as a symbol of fertility and abundance.

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