| ALGENIB | |
| Gamma Pegasus | |
| 07ARI46 | 09ARI09 |
| +14.38' | +15.11' |
| 00h13m | +12.36' |
| B2 | 2.9 |
History of the star: This white star marks the extreme tip of the Horse's wing, so that its name Algenib has been considered as derived from Al Janah, "the Wing" of Pegasus, but it probably is from Al-Janb, "the Side" or "the Flank". According to the biblical writer Bullinger it means "He who carries". It has sometimes been written Algemo. Al Biruni quoted it, with delta (now alpha Andromedae, Alpheratz), as Al Fargh al Thani, the Second, or Lower, Spout, i.e. of the Bucket. This also is the title of the Arabic 25th manzil, Al Fargh al Mu'hir, "the Rear Spout", or Al Fargu.
It lies at the junction of the Hindu nakshatras Bhadrapada (25th) and Revati (26th); and, with Alpheratz, was included in the corresponding lunar station of several other nations.
In the Hindu lunar zodiac alpha Andromeda (Alpheratz), alpha Pegasus (Markab), beta Pegasus (Scheat), and gamma Pegasus (this star Algenib), were "the Great Square of Pegasus"; a large asterism that constituted the double Hindu nakshatra (mansion of the Moon), — the 24th and 25th, — Purva and Uttara Bhadrapadas, the Former and the Latter, Beautiful, Auspicious, or Happy Feet, sometimes also called Proshthapada, with various meanings; "Carp", "Ox"; "Footstool Feet," "Couch" or "Bed", "Bifaced Figure", or "Twins", "Stand" or "Support": The regents of these nakshatras being Aja Ekapat, the "One-footed Goat", and Ahi Budhya, the "Bottom Snake", "two mythical figures, of obscure significance, from the Vedic Pantheon."
It was thought that Alpha (Markab), with gamma (this star Algenib) and zeta (Homam), were the Euphratean asterism Lik-bar-ra, or Ur-bar-ra, "the Hyena".
This star, Algenib with alpha Andromedae, Alpheratz and beta Cassiopeiae (Caph) makes up the Three Guides, marking the equinoctial colure, the prime meridian of the heavens.
[Star
Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889].
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).
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 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
The general astrological influences of the star: It gives notoriety, dishonor, violence, misfortune, and denotes the naked and poor professional beggar. (Robson*).
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
Excess of heat resulting in violence and perhaps misfortune or dishonor. (Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990).
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
With Sun: Mental disturbances, fevers and ill health, some danger of accidents. (Robson*).
A fighting spirit and a love of learning. (Ebertin).
With Moon: Dishonor, loss by scandal, exiled or forced to flee, ill health, trouble through writings. (Robson*).
With Mercury: Quick temper, mental disturbances, success in legal and other disputes. (Robson*).
With Venus: Generous, proud, quick temper, bad morals, drink or evil habits, favorable for financial affairs. (Robson*).
With Mars: Quick mind and body, lying or theft, danger of accidents. (Robson*).
With Jupiter: Hypocrisy, financial success, real or pretended religious enthusiasm. (Robson*).
With Saturn: Many enemies, success, secret help from powerful friends and influential relatives, bad morals. (Robson*).
Good memory. (Ebertin).
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*).
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*).
References
*(Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology