Caput Algol: The Medusa Myth

Caput Algol is a star of intensely evil repute located at 25° Taurus. The Arabs called it Ras al-Ghul, the Head of the Demon, imagining the star as the face of the devil's wife, Lillith. The Chinese call this star Tseih She, which translated has the meaning "Piled-Up Corpses."

The Greco-Roman tradition places this star in the constellation of the hero Perseus. Caput Algol has a variable magnitude because it is a binary star. The smaller star eclipses the brighter for ten hours every 3 days, a point at which the star is at its most evil.

The story of Medusa is an ancient legend, and enjoyed great popularity with both the Greeks and the Romans. Possibly the earliest recorded version is in Hesiod's Theogeny (circa 970 B. C., although this is a speculative date). Pindar of Thebes included it in his Odes (circa 450 B. C.). A later, souped-up version was penned by the Roman author Ovid (circa 10 A. D.). The myth is more complex than one might expect, although the tale offered here has been cobbled together from multiple texts into a coherent rendition to facilitate a more holistic understanding of the star. The Medusa myth is not just another gruesome monster-of-the-week story. Since the story was originally Greek, Greek god and goddess names are used.

THE MEDUSA MYTH

The story of Medusa is a pitiful tale. Medusa was the only mortal daughter of Phorcys and Ceto, who were the both the children of Oceanus and Terra. Phorcys was a sea deity about whom little is written. With his sister/wife Ceto, he fathered many monstrous children, including the Gorgons, the Graiae, and the one hundred-headed dragon Ladon who guarded the sacred tree of the Hesperides that bore the notorious golden apples.

Alone of this horrible collection of siblings, Medusa was a beautiful mortal girl. She was renowned for her charm and loveliness, especially her pretty hair. Poseidon (Neptune) became enamored of Medusa. He pursued her, and finally had sex with her while she was worshipping at the temple of Pallas Athena, chaste goddess of war and wisdom. The tale is divergent at this point - some accounts indicate Medusa was raped, while others suggest the joining was consensual. In any event, Pallas Athena was infuriated by this impious act in her temple.

Additionally, Pallas Athena and Poseidon had a long-standing animosity. Medusa was caught in the middle of their grudge. The goddess turned Medusa into a Gorgon, a creature with snakes instead of hair, tusks like a boar, impenetrable metallic scales, metal hands, and golden wings. Her glance was deadly, turning the one in her sights to stone.

The formerly beautiful and desirable Medusa, now a hideous monster, joined her two immortal Gorgon sisters in exile on an island at the edge of the ocean. This island was drear and barren, covered with the petrified shapes of the sisters' victims, both man and beast.

Perseus now enters the tale. He was the son of Danae by Zeus (Jupiter), who came to her in the form of a golden rain. Cast adrift in the ocean as a child with Danae in a great chest, they were rescued. The King of Seriphos, Polydectes, desired Danae. He wanted Perseus out of the way, so cleverly mentioned the dangerous Medusa. Stupidly taking the bait, Perseus proclaimed that he would undertake to slay Medusa at the wedding feast of Polydectes and his mother, since he had no other gift to offer.

He left on his adventure, first seeking advice from the oracle at Delphi. He was told to journey to Dodona, land of the oak trees. Oaks are sacred to Zeus, and Perseus pleaded for his father's assistance. Two of Zeus’s divine children, Hermes and Pallas Athena, joined the quest. Hermes guided Perseus to the Graiae, three sisters who shared one eye and one tooth. As they were passing the eye between them, Perseus snatched it. He demanded the location of the Hyperboreans, the Nymphs of the North, in exchange for their eye. Hermes and Perseus then traveled there, and obtained three magical tools - a pair of winged sandals, a magic pouch, and a dog-hide cap that made the wearer invisible.

Perseus was equipped with Hermes’s curved sword and the bronze aegis (or shield) of Athena. The three traveled to the Gorgon's isle. A plan of attack was devised by his fellow travelers. Wearing the cap of invisibility and the winged sandals, Perseus approached Medusa while she was sleeping. Instead of looking at her directly, he viewed her reflection in the shield. Pallas Athena guided the path of his sword to sever Medusa's head. This he took and placed in the magic pouch. He quickly flew away, his invisibility preventing the other two Gorgons from catching him.

From the corpse of Medusa sprang the two sons she had conceived of Poseidon, the immortal winged horses, Pegasus and Chrysaor the golden warrior. As Perseus sped away from the island with Medusa's head, her blood dropped onto the sands of Libya, and turned into snakes and lizards. Perseus used Medusa's head on several occasions to defeat his enemies. After rescuing Andromeda, he laid the head on a bed of sea weed. The weed became brittle. Sea nymphs scattered the seeds, and thus coral was born - a living plant under water that becomes a rock-like substance when exposed to air. Eventually Medusa's head was given to Pallas Athena, who carried it upon her aegis to numb and petrify her enemies.

There is a further reference to Medusa in the Labors of Herakles (Hercules), the great-grandson of Perseus and Andromeda. Herakles had been sent to get the hell-hound Cerberus. Guided to the underworld by Hermes, they encounter a multitude of shades at the gates to the realm. All of them fled in the face of life, except for the shade of Medusa. Her ghost remained steadfast at the gate, and Herakles had to be strongly discouraged by Mercury not to attack her.

THE MEDUSA MODEL

The underlying nuts and bolts of Medusa's story bear scrutiny. Many charts reveal the influence of this star, and it is not always an experience of unadulterated evil. The two primary components of the myth are time and transformation. Medusa experienced three important phases: innocent maiden, Gorgon, and posthumous emergence of Pegasus and Chrysaor. The effects of this variable star can be seen in these phases, and the combination with a natal planet or axis point may require a lifetime to progress through these transitions.

The Medusa model consists of the following event pattern. The phase of innocence ends abruptly through a painful and humiliating loss, possible through events and relationships that precede their personal involvement. This may be a rape or some form of harsh cruelty. Somehow the shape is changed, irrevocably altered. The Gorgon period is one of great bitterness and variable potency, during which wisdom, courage and tools must be acquired.

The final phase begins with a decapitation: a loss of ego and reason. The old identity or persona mask retains its potency, but the native need no longer identify with the evil image. Instinctive, vibrant life forces emerge, fully formed, and effect a cathartic rebirth to a transcendent state of being.

In enacting this pattern, the native of Medusa encounters forces and circumstances beyond their control, like the grudge between Neptune and Pallas Athena. There may be a nasty family daimon one has apparently escaped up to the point of phase two. Key individuals are involved in changing the Gorgon period to the posthumous phase. In this final phase, the native's life events may profoundly impact others long after their death (be this a literal or figurative death). They are the lynch pin of a dynamic fate for the group.

CAPUT ALGOL AND THE PLANETS

The entire panoply of planetary energies is involved in a complex web of meaning around Medusa: her beauty (Venus) was horribly transformed (Neptune) through the capricious whims of the gods (Uranus). Her glance caused living bodies to morph into stone (Neptune/Saturn). Her evil potency (Mars/Pluto) was variable (Moon); she was capable of existing on land, sea and air (Moon). Her body became metallic (Mars). The instruments of her death have a double lunar symbolism - a reflection and a curved sword. Three half-siblings engage upon a quest (Mercury/Jupiter), using wisdom (Pallas Athena) and stealth (Mercury) to acquire needed tools and plan strategy. Medusa gave birth after death (Pluto) to fantastically beautiful twins (Venus/Neptune) and her head became a weapon (Mars).

This amalgamation of the planetary pantheon in Medusa's myth serves to increase the multi-dimensional nature of the Medusa star. An evil fate, disfigurement, decapitation, and piles of corpses are possible meanings for the star, but blending this star's influence into the natal chart need not be limited to messages of doom.

NATAL INTERPRETATION

Conjunctions are the only recognized aspect to fixed stars in natal charts. Orb for the conjunction should be about 1-2 degrees. Other stars and clusters are very near Caput Algol by zodiac degree. Detailed instructions for calculating parans are given in Bernadette Brady's book. In the event of a precise conjunction at 25° Taurus, the following delineations are offered.

A conjunction with the Ascendant or Midheaven axis may bring about the full version of the three phases during the native's life. The potency of Algol imprinted on a primary axis point suggests that the Medusa model may form the key dynamic of the life pattern. Other stars and planetary combinations may mitigate the full impact of Algol. The chart of a client with Algol and Ascendant in a T-square with Chiron and Uranus tells the story of a difficult life, with tragic relationships, disastrous losses, painful scarring from surgeries, and endless frustrations. However, a trine from Saturn in the 9th seems to provide her with the determination to keep working toward a better life, and offers a stabilizing philosophical attitude about her troubles.

With the Sun, Algol brings variable powers of success, a wavering identity, or possible scarring on the face. A forceful personality may greatly affect large groups of people, although they must learn to consider the possible consequences of their actions on others. These natives may be endangered in collective situations, with persistent hardships in trying to fulfill their inborn potential for great vision. An interest in metals and mining is possible, as evidence by a client with this placement who is a mining engineer.

With the Moon, Algol gives a chameleon-like ability to thrive in diverse environments; piercing eyes, and emotions that partake of rage and fury. There may be a powerful shadow identity. Sorrows tend to focus on the family dynamic. A client with this placement experienced a devastating parental divorce. His father is a covert, possibly evil, shadow figure, who has caused his mother great pain and frustration. Their divorce took nearly 8 years, during which time the two sons struggled with their emotions about their largely-absent father, and the mysteries that surround this shadowy parent.

With Mercury, Caput Algol indicates a brilliant capacity for creating stealthy strategies. This native will be opportunistic about joining forces with needed partners, who may be siblings. This star may also exacerbate Mercury's tendency toward amoral views and activities. There may also be an interest in morbid subjects like vampires, monsters, and the legions of horrid creatures invented in literature and film. The native may be involved in obtaining key information for important projects, and may not be too worried about the distinctions between acquisition and theft. Espionage and surveillance may be career choices.

Venus faces a dilemma with Algol. Although she is in her own sign, contact with this star stirs her self-willed passions and insistence on adoration and adornment. Acquisition of valuable jewelry may verge on the tacky, as it reflects an inherent need to cover the body with metal. Desires may be powerfully instinctive, thus overwhelming the intellect. Much like Medusa, mirrors may be their downfall through over-reliance on appearances. Changes in looks from surgeries or illness could trigger an identity crisis, requiring much time to rebuild healthy ego values. Relationships with offspring may be plagued with absence or spotty contact, although children may be incredibly talented.

Mars and Algol are connected with weapons and attacks. If badly placed or aspected, severe wounds to the head and eyes are possible. If the native strongly responds to this conjunction, they could be the instigators of attacks both cruel and clever. The Elspeth Ebertin indicates that this combination increases the risk of bad teeth. She also gave examples of this combination in the charts of serial murderers.

Aspects to the combination are of the utmost importance. Easy aspects from 9th house planets reinforce moral rectitude. A client with a Mars-Algol conjunction in his 10th house, squared by Venus in Leo, has made unsuccessful attempts to run for political office. He abused his former wife, then abandoned her and their children, and continually involves his family and friends in his legal machinations. He has lost jobs because of sexual harassment charges. He has assumed the role of the Gorgon toward others, and suggestions for further professional counseling have been ignored.

With Jupiter, there is a need to acquire knowledge and skills in order to fulfill personal vision. It will be important for these natives to choose partners with the wisdom and talents to assist them. There may be strong relationships between siblings and literature/film, as there is with Mercury. The ability to find spiritual meaning in hardships and tragedies gives these Algol natives a measure of inner peace. They may be a key figure for inspiring others to undertake important projects. A client with this combination leads a musical group that experiments with radical new sounds. His primary income is derived from welding - a connection with metallic scales of the Gorgon. He and his band-mates enjoy monster movies and grotesque images.

Saturn with Algol is quite difficult. It implies paralysis of some form - of the will or body. Harsh fate may manifest through the family, or through other circumstances that create infuriating frustrations. Will and instinct may battle over boundaries in the inner landscape of the psyche. Continual struggles to achieve personal potential may be thwarted through the powers of unseen forces. It may take many years before equilibrium in life can be found. Aspects that support this combination in a positive way would be quite helpful in minimizing the potential for chronic depression and frustration.

Neptune displays inscrutable complexity when interacting with this star. Neptune was conjunct Algol around 1885, and this entire birth group experienced their Saturn return at the onset of World War I. The massive loss of life through warfare and disease changed the face of Europe. This same group was in their mid 50's at the onset of World War II. Neptune is connected with several details of the Medusa myth. Shape-shifting, being victimized by a capricious events or persons, and emerging into a powerful vision may all play a part in those who have Neptune in tight aspect to this planet. The birth group of 1967-1969 has Neptune in opposition to this star.

Pluto and Caput Algol are a terrifying combination, giving the potential for great evil. There may be no fear of death, or obsessions with morbid subjects and personal losses. Posthumous events continue to reflect the influence of the native's life. Pregnancies may be difficult or life-threatening. The potential for harsh fate is strong, and events may force the native into a struggle for survival. However, the power of Pluto can also be utilized to pursue a powerful vision of reality and healing transformations. Their visions may be at odds with contemporary mainstream thought, but may prove seminal in scientific and occult arenas. The 1993-94 birth group has the opposition between Pluto and Algol. Time will tell what roles they will play in the myth.

The asteroid Pallas Athena may have both the best and most difficult relationship with this star. One may be capable of being greatly offended by other's actions, as the value for truth and wisdom are incredibly strong. The native may be compelled to work against evil circumstances in their lifetime. Finally, aspects with Pallas may also indicate a need to provide a practical means for manifesting a vision, like the golden bridle Pallas Athena devised to tame Pegasus.

CAPUT ALGOL AND THE MILLENIAL ALIGNMENT

The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in May 2000 was also conjunct Caput Algol. The Grand Stellium in Taurus fulfilled the requirements of the Medusa model by involving nearly all of the planetary energies in the unfolding events. Uranus squared the conjunction, and it is obvious that elements of the Medusa myth are already in motion. Hoof-and-mouth disease suffered by cattle in Britain and Europe caused a vivid incidence of piled-up corpses that will not soon be forgotten. There is collective frustration about disappointing delays in environmental preservation initiatives. Leaders are experiencing variable potency. Ancient religious sculptures have been defaced. Several concurrent ethnic wars are causing of senseless victimization between neighbors and nations, to which there is no defense.

The current Jupiter-Saturn-Algol cycle portends a long series of shocks and deep socio-cultural bitterness. The fate of victims is entwined with the fates of those individuals who carry the roles of Neptune or the Gorgon. The final phase will be reached when underground streams of cultural thought burst forth into the mainstream of humanity, fully formed and potent. New value sets will surface through instinct, as the boundaries between life and death lose meaning. The events of the next 20 years are implacably entwined with the future of humanity.

Pegasus carries the symbolic implication of space exploration. It is quite synchronous that Pallas Athena and the other asteroids have become infused into mainstream astrology in the past decade, as the Pallas Athena archetype plays a recurrent, pivotal role in the Medusa model. The movements of this asteroid are doubly important during throughout this Jupiter/Saturn cycle, starting with her notable participation in the retrogrades in Sagittarius during 2001.

In the next two decades, the outer planets will form important aspects to Caput Algol. Neptune will square the star (and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction degree) in April 2009. Jupiter returns to 25° Taurus in 2012. Uranus will make a conjunction with the star in June 2024, a mere 4 years after the next Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius; something of a role reversal from the 2000 alignment.

The imprint of Caput Algol on the final Great Mutation of Jupiter and Saturn in earth signs is an ominous portent for the future. The potential for violence, tragedy, destruction and horror from this conjunction suggest that this will be a bleak chapter in human history. The evil inherent in this star bring disasters to which there is no defense - humans, animals and the environment are all completely vulnerable. The visionary elements of the Medusa myth are a fragile thread of hope for the future. In the end, the destiny of Earth and her inhabitants are indistinguishable.

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