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Alkaid at 26°56′ Virgo has an orb of 2°20′

The Sun joins Alkaid on September 19

Fixed star Alkaid, Eta Ursae Majoris (η UMa), is a 2nd-magnitude single star on the tail of the Great Bear, Ursa Major constellation. It is one of the three bright stars that form the handle of the Big Dipper.
      Magnitude 1.86, spectral type B3 V, color blue-white. ^[1]

η UMa is officially named Alkaid.
      Applied with various spellings since medieval times, from its indigenous Arabic name al-qā’id, “the Leader” (probably as leader of the Daughters of the Bier – see Benetnasch below)

η UMa is traditionally named Benetnasch.
      Applied with various spellings since medieval times, from the indigenous Arabic asterism name banāt na‘sh, for α, β, γ, δ, ε, ζ, and η UMa (the familiar figure of the Dipper, Plough, or Wain). banāt na‘sh is among the most ancient of indigenous Arabic names, and its original meaning or significance is unknown. As a common noun in Arabic, al-na‘sh means “the bier,” therefore later modern Arabic and Western authors were variously inclined to regard the quadrangle formed by α, β, γ, and δ as a bier. Similarly, al-banāt means “the daughters,” and the three stars ε, ζ, and η have been regarded as “daughters of the bier” (with η UMa, in another indigenous Arabic tradition, as their “leader” – see Alkaid above). ^[2]

η, 1.9, brilliant white. Alcaid, Alkaid, and Benatnasch are our present titles, from Ḳā᾽id Banāt al Naʽash, “the Governor of the Daughters of the Bier,” i.e., “the Chief of the Mourners.” Some of the Arabic poets wrote that these Daughters — the stars ε, ζ, and η — were “Good for nothing people whose rising and setting do not bring rain.”
      Al Bīrūnī gave it as Marīci, one of the Seven Rishis of India. In China, it was known as Yaou Kwang, a Revolving Light. ^[3]

In Chinese astronomy, η UMa is located in the asterism 北斗 Běidǒu, “Northern Dipper,” and is known by the following traditional names:
      北斗七 Běidǒuqī, “7th star of Northern Dipper.”
      搖光 Yáoguāng, “The Twinkling Brilliance.”
      破軍 Pòjūn, “Captured army.”
      部星 Bùxīng, “Star of ministry.”
      应星 Yìngxīng, “Complying star.”
      關星 Guānxīng, “Star of mountain pass.”
      耗星 Hàoxīng, “Star of news.”
      天衡 Tiānhéng, “Celestial measure.”
      絕命 Juémìng, “Extinction.”
      魉星 Liǎngxīng, “Star of fairy.” ^[4]

2000	2050	Name	Orb
25♍07	25♍50	Copula	1°00′
26♍41	27♍23	Labrum	1°40′
26♍56	27♍39	Alkaid	2°20′
27♍11	27♍53	Zavijava	1°40′
28♍53	29♍07	Markeb	2°10′

Alkaid Astrology

Fixed star Alkaid has the spectral type B3, indicating the planetary nature of Jupiter.

AL KAID. η Ursae Major.
      A blue star. Spectral group B3, 163 light-years distant, in the Great Bear. This star is also called Benetnash.
BASIC INFLUENCES:   This star imparts to its natives creativeness, high preferment in business, government, a fondness for power, victory over enemies, good fortune. Negatively, it creates calamities, disasters, fanaticism, sublime illness, ruthlessness, turbulence. ^[5]

Al Kaid, or Al Qaíid, comes from a variety of words meaning tribal chief, an appointed local governor and the like. Often written Alkaid, it is η Ursa Majoris, at the tip of the tail. Again, here is that greater note of authority, with responsibility for others, perhaps at a more immediately practical level than in the case of the Prince, Mizar. The full title of this star, Al Kaid al Banaat al Naásh, however, means Lord of the Daughters of the Bier, a funeral theme suggestive of the Weeping Sisters, Alcyone, to which this star is locked in trine aspect. So, then, the service required of the person with it strong on the horoscope may well be in the field of consoling people in distress of bereavement. If we were to give a planetary simile, therefore, something like Moon-Mercury is on the right lines. But Al Kaid is so close in longitude to Zavijava (Al Araph) as to only give a little extra force to the meaning and the Mercury-Mars qualities we saw there. Like Alkaid only two degrees beyond it, Copula often signifies the potential for taking public office, but there is certainly a note of misfortune if the holder allows Moon-Venus to symbolize the making of quick personal fortune from it. Nothing in Virgo permits that kind of corruption without penalty. But, excluding that temptation, Copula and Alkaid (and Labrum, between the two) can signify great respect given to the individual for services well given. ^[6]

Benetnash, the last star in the Great Bear, means “hired mourners”. If the influence of Benetnash is exercised, an influence of a Mars-Uranus-Saturn nature is present. Experience has shown that many human lives are to be mourned. Reinhold Ebertin made a survey of this fixed star when associated with transits of the major planets over this degree… In accordance with adopted belief of ancient times, this fixed star is supposed to be bound up with the realm of the dead and is therefore associated with death and mourning. In an important position in a mundane map, Benetnash will claim human lives in calamities such as mine accidents, collapse of houses and bridges, mountain slides, earth tremors and weather catastrophes. Uranus was in exact conjunction with Benetnash at the end of July 1968. This time was marked with extreme tension between Prague and Moscow, followed later in August by the Russian takeover of the CSSR. Tank crews occupied a Damascus broadcasting station. At the same time there was a rebellion in Yemen, racial strife flared up in Indiana and the Czech reformers in Schwarzau on the Theiss fought for the freedom of their nation on July 30, as the Russian political big wigs widened their maneuvers in Poland. In the DDR, at the same time, there began a mass movement of the Viet Cong. Bloody riots took place in Mexico, and at least 100 human lives were lost when a volcano erupted in Costa Roca. Tied with Saturn in a natal cosmogram, Benetnash is supposed to lower vitality. If both Mars and Uranus are poorly placed, the death of the native is said to be a sudden one. ^[7]

Alkaid was called “the destroyer of nations” by Islamic astrologers, but it is not known if this was only related to the “favorable” destruction of enemy nations or pertained to nations in general. Alkaid has the nature of Jupiter so the former interpretation is the most likely. ^[8]

The fixed star Alkaid meaning (Hired Mourners) marks the tail of the constellation Ursa Major (Big Bear) at a distance of 104 light-years from Earth. At 27° 04′ Virgo with a magnitude of 1.9. Alkaid has congruent energy with the planets Mercury, Saturn and the Moon. A rather unfortunate star connected to global catastrophes and the unpleasantries of war. A marker of trouble and instability. This star seeks revenge on those who try to control others or place restraints on them. In this case, Alkaid can have a profound positive effect on the world. As it says here is a chance for change. How are you going to go about it? With the power of God-like qualities, karma plays an important role in the judgement found in this fixed star. The message here is a higher power is watching. The universal law of all things in the universe is sewn together by love. Is the lesson of Alkaid fixed star meaning? Those who have Alkaid stars, prominent in their natal chart. Have quite a challenge to remain on the right side of the fence. The moral ground must be maintained to turn this star into having positive traits. Once achieved Alkaid actually works for you to highlight the spiritual side of your nature. Appealing to the natural high one gets from doing the right thing. ^[9]

Broken Army Star

In Chinese astronomy, fixed star Alkaid is the seventh star of Běidǒu, the “Northern Dipper” asterism, within the Zǐ wēi yuán, “Purple Forbidden Enclosure.” This star was anciently called 搖光 Yáoguāng, “Jade Light,” and 破軍 Pòjūn, “Broken Army Star” but is most commonly referred to as Po Jun. It is one of the Fourteen Main Stars used in Chinese astrology (Purple Star Astrology).
      The energy of Alkaid is associated with depletion. It governs spouses, children, and servants. It represents the vanguard and daredevils in the army, charging into battle with the aim of victory, but also facing great danger with inevitable losses. Furthermore, when deep in enemy territory, there is the risk of insufficient reinforcements. Well aspected or conjunct a benefic, Alkaid signifies continuous and inexhaustible support from the rear, hence the term “rooted.” Therefore, Alkaid implies destruction before construction.
      Alkaid is a pioneering type star. It sounds destructive and can easily lead people to form a preconceived notion that this star is bad, but the inventor’s original purpose was also to highlight its distinct characteristics.
      In ancient texts, Alkaid represents destructive power and depletion. Among the fourteen main stars, it is the most impulsive and has the strongest variability.
      Consumption is a natural phenomenon and not necessarily bad, because from birth to old age and death, life is a continuous process of consumption and replenishment. Therefore, everything in the universe must first undergo destruction before construction; it must consume in order to replenish.
      Because Alkaid has the characteristic of “depletion,” life is naturally unpredictable, with success and failure difficult to foresee.
      People with Alkaid in their natal chart are difficult to manage. They are easily influenced by their surroundings; however, they can often excel when they encounter good friends or superiors.
      Because of its immense destructive power, Alkaid makes excellent vanguards. A vanguard, on the battlefield, is fearless and relentless; in one’s career, it seeks innovation and change.
      Those born under Alkaid enjoy researching and developing the latest things, but not necessarily for practical benefits. They may simply be driven by curiosity or for fun, thus requiring a strong leader to manage them.

Representative figures.
Zhang Fei of the Three Kingdoms period was a brave and skilled vanguard general, and a representative figure of the Po Jun (破军) element. Luo Guanzhong ‘s *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* simplifies and glorifies him, portraying him as a reckless and impulsive man lacking strategy. However, he was loyal to his brothers, readily obeyed Liu Bei ‘s advice (who was under the influence of the Ziwei (紫微) star), and was willing to restrain his temper. This is what the Ziwei Book states: “The Po Jun is inherently wicked ; only the Ziwei can control him.” Essentially, unless one appeals to emotion and reason, managing a Po Jun is extremely difficult, whether by authority, law, or logic.

Zhang Fei’s end was tragic because he was harsh in his military discipline, his punishments were excessive, and he didn’t give his subordinates any chance to maneuver, forcing them to take desperate measures. Ultimately, he was killed by his subordinates’ betrayal. Therefore, the fate of those with the “Broken Army” formation often leads to a sense of loneliness in the end ; many who dedicate their lives to pioneering end up as martyrs.

Li Zicheng , Biography of Li Zicheng in History of Ming: Li Zicheng was a native of Mizhi , whose family had lived in Lijiqian Village, Huaiyuan Fort for generations. His father, Shouzhong, had no son. He prayed at Mount Hua and dreamed that a god told him, “Your son will be the star of the Broken Army.” After that, Zicheng was born. Po Jun – Baidu Encyclopedia.

xx ^[10]

Constellation Ursa Major

URSA MAJOR. The Greater Bear.
      Legend.   Callisto, daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, of whom Jupiter was enamored, became a follower of Diana on account of her love of hunting. Jupiter sought Callisto by assuming the form of Diana, and Juno (Jupiter’s wife) who discovered the intrigue turned Callisto into a bear. Angry that the bear was placed in heaven, Juno requested her brother Neptune never to let those stars set within his kingdom, and for this reason they are always above the horizon in Europe [never disappear below the horizon, it is always visible in the night sky, all night, every night, throughout the year]. To account for the length of the bear’s tail [because in reality bears don’t have tails], it is said that Jupiter, fearing her teeth, lifted her by the tail, which became stretched because of her weight and the distance from earth to heaven.
      Influence.   According to Ptolemy, Ursa Major is like Mars. It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengefulness when roused. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Zain and the 7th Tarot Trump “The Chariot.”
      Magical.   Gives craft, ingenuity and valor. 

Astrologically both Bears were said to presage an evil influence. They are particularly injurious as regards to the affairs of nations and kings. ^[11]

Fixed Star Alkaid Conjunctions

Ascendant conjunct Alkaid: Sober, grave, patient, legacies, ecclesiastical preferment (Jupiter)

Hugh Hefner 0°01′, Walt Disney 0°06′, Emma Watson 0°11′, Paul McCartney 0°48′ (and Neptune), Dave Chappelle 1°06′, Bruce Willis 1°22′, David Duke 1°39′, Alexei Navalny 1°40′, Max Götze 1°51′, Franklin D. Roosevelt 2°00′, Tiger Woods 2°11′, Warren Beatty 2°14′.

Midheaven conjunct Alkaid: Honor, glory, preferment, success in trade and in the Church (Jupiter).

Curtis Sliwa 0°18′, Mark Ruffalo 0°31′ (and Uranus), Brad Pitt 0°33′, Elvis Presley 0°48′, Simone de Beauvoir 1°16′, Kim Kardashian 1°48′ (and Jupiter), Caroline Calloway 2°04′ (and Uranus).

Part of Fortune conjunct Alkaid: Albrecht Dürer 0°19′, Margaret Thatcher 1°28′, Jodie Foster 1°57′.

Sun conjunct Alkaid: High preferment in business, and matters dealing with affairs requiring attention to details. Natives with this conjunction have a life that seems to be filled with obstacles; they may become overly critical. Such natives may be ruthless in their climb to success. [6]

Frances Farmer 0°15′ (and S. Node), Danielle Carolan 0°22′, Stephen King 1°12′, Leo Strauss 1°34′.

Moon conjunct Alkaid: High preferment in matters dealing with the public; natives with this conjunction through application, and hard work, will succeed. There will be some evidence of hypocrisy. Sublime illness possible. [6]

Anton LaVey 0°24′, Steve Irwin 1°30′, Iga Świątek 1°46′, Viktor Orbán 2°00′.

Full Moon conjunct Alkaid: Found prominent in an astrology chart on a full moon. This bright, uneasy blue star releases suspicious energy, encouraging silence and mistrust. Exercise a little self-control, because if roused and angered, a thirst for vengeance will follow. Causing even more grief and pain. It is a time to practice calm… and master the art of letting go. [7]

Mercury conjunct Alkaid: Problems of a calamitous nature is possible; natives with this conjunction may develop a false sense of their intelligence, experience misplaced idealism. Tragedies in the life of the native are possible and the native may create tragedies affecting many. It is possible for these natives to develop an exalted opinion of their importance which can bring on frustration. Turbulence possible. [6]

River Phoenix 0°22′ (and Pluto), Oliver North 0°24′, Barbara Castle 0°41′, Travis Kelce 0°51′, Ilse Koch 2°08′.

Venus conjunct Alkaid: These natives are ‘private’ persons. They can be very critical and exacting, but they also can appeal to many people (the masses). They are subject to being fanatics, arousing mass emotionalism. This fanaticism can be in their careers, as well as an idea or project. [6]

Baba Sora 0°03′, Roman Polanski 0°15′ (and Jupiter), Chiang Kai-shek 0°53′, George Wallace 1°19′.

Mars conjunct Alkaid: These natives can create or become involved in matters of a critical nature, affecting the masses. They arouse emotions, create unpleasant conditions, have a false sense of their own importance. Such natives can become leaders, be it of a pseudo religious order, a country, or groups of people. They tend to take chances ordinary mortals fear to take. Exaggeration, given to invective, quick mind, good talkers signify these natives. They are subject to criticism for unexpected actions. Self-destruction is possible. Misplaced idealism, tragedies possible. [6]

Agnetha Fältskog 0°49′, Simone Biles 0°59′ (and N. Node), Louis XVI 2°01′, Charles Bronson 2°19′. 

Jupiter conjunct Alkaid: Bob Marley 0°20′, Tucker Carlson 0°20′ (and S. Node), Roman Polanski 0°43′ (and Venus), Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán 1°39′, Kim Kardashian 2°13′ (and MC), Amy Lee 2°14′.

Saturn conjunct Alkaid: Robin Williams 1°36′, Bezalel Smotrich 1°50′, Erwin Rommel 2°09′

Uranus conjunct Alkaid: Celine Dion 0°07′, Peter Thiel 0°14′, Gavin Newsom 0°16′, Marine Le Pen 0°18′, Timothy McVeigh 0°45′, Tycho Brahe 1°27′, Mark Ruffalo 1°54′ (and MC), Caroline Calloway 2°04′ (and MC).

Neptune conjunct Alkaid: John Lennon 0°03′, Ernesto Miranda 0°24′, Emmett Till 0°32′ (and N. Node), Phil Spector 0°34′, Paul McCartney 0°59′ (and AC), Brian Wilson 1°00′, Eric Burdon 1°01′, Bob Dylan 1°09′, Aldrich Ames 1°10′, George Pell 1°11′ (and S. Node), Bruce Lee 1°18′, Dick Cheney 1°18′, Bonnie Parker 1°54′, Nancy Pelosi 2°17′.

Pluto conjunct Alkaid: Sean Combs 0°04′, River Phoenix 0°17′ (and Mercury), Mark Wahlberg 0°26′, Marco Rubio 0°28′, Hunter Biden 0°31′, Elon Musk 0°33′, Corey Feldman 0°51′, Michelangelo 0°57′, Gwen Stefani 0°59′, MacKenzie Scott 1°01′, Marilyn Manson 1°24′, Tyler Perry 1°43′, Bobby Brown 1°48′, Javier Milei 1°52′.

North Node conjunct Alkaid: Michael Hutchence 0°08′, Prince Andrew, Duke of York 0°16′, Benjamin Creme 0°39′, Salvador Dali 0°40′, Richard Ramirez 0°44′, Emmett Till 0°50′ (and Neptune), Charles Cullen 1°34′, Ayrton Senna 1°44′, Simone Biles 1°50′ (and Mars), Camila Cabello 1°55′, Reinhard Heydrich 1°57′, George Pell 2°18′ (and Neptune).

South Node conjunct Alkaid: Elizabeth Taylor 0°18′, Tucker Carlson 0°55′ (and Jupiter), Chuck Schumer 1°25′, Ted Kennedy 1°31′, Frances Farmer 1°35′ (and Sun), Paul Cézanne 1°49′, Klaus Barbie 2°07′, Cara Cunningham 2°09′, Christina Onassis 2°11′, Phil McGraw 2°14′.

References

1. Alkaid (η UMa): Star Facts.
2. A Dictionary of Modern Star Names, Kunitzch, Smart, 2006, p.57.
3. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning, Richard H. Allen, 1889, p.441-442.
4. Ursa Major in Chinese astronomy.
5.  

1. Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology 11, Scott C. Littleton, 2005, p.1338.
2. The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.51, 147.
3. Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1971, p.55.
4. Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.35.
5. Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.65, 99, 232.
6. The Power of the Fixed Stars, Joseph E. Rigor, 1979, p.133-134.
7. Alkaid Fixed Star Meaning – Sentient Metaphysics, Ian Scott.