Planets and points

Algol

Direct answer

Algol is a fixed star in Perseus, traditionally feared as one of the most intense stars and associated with crisis, severing, terror, protection, and the Medusa myth.

Algol is an intense fixed star linked with crisis, severing, fear, and fierce protection.

Planets & Celestial BodiesThe Great Almanac DictionaryUpdated 2026-09-26

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At a glance

In astrology: Algol is Beta Persei and an eclipsing binary star.
Found in: Planets & Celestial Bodies
Related: Fixed Stars, Planetary Placement, Birth Chart, Zodiac

The planets on their engraved orbits before a brass armillary sphere — Celestial motion · visual guide **Algol**
Algol is an intense fixed star linked with crisis, severing, fear, and fierce protection.
The orbit map distinguishes physical bodies, calculated points, and symbolic cycles where possible.

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The story behind Algol

Algol is linked with the head of Medusa in Perseus and has a long reputation as a difficult fixed star.

A one-minute story

The Wandering Stars

How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.

The spiritual meaning of Algol

Spiritually, Algol asks how terror can be faced without becoming cruel.

Algol in astrology

Algol is Beta Persei and an eclipsing binary star. Traditional astrology often gave it a Saturn and Jupiter nature.

Why Algol matters

Algol matters because it carries some of the strongest and most frightening fixed-star lore, so modern interpretation must be careful and non-sensational.

Algol in practice: an example

Mars conjunct Algol may describe fierce protective force or confrontation with fear, but it should not be framed as doom.

Sources and editorial method

This entry summarizes the tradition in the Almanac's own words; where no source is listed, it is an editorial summary rather than a primary text, and symbolic readings are named as the tradition's, not as fact.

Source: The Great Almanac Dictionary
Category: Planets & Celestial Bodies
Aliases: Algol astrology, Algol meaning
Last updated: 2026-09-26

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Where Algol moves through your own year, and what that asks of your love and your work, is written in the Cosmic Codex, month by month from your chart. Open the Cosmic Codex

Fixed StarsFixed Stars are named stellar points used as precise traditional or mythic contacts. Planetary PlacementPlanetary Placement is a planet's location and condition inside an astrology chart. Birth ChartA Birth Chart is a personal astrology map built from birth date, time, and place. ZodiacThe Zodiac is the twelve-sign wheel used as astrology's core sign language.

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