Regulus
Regulus (Alpha Leonis) 00°09’ tropical Virgo, 05°59’ sidereal Leo
Regulus (Alpha Leonis) is a quadruple star system marking the Heart of the Lion found at the projected zodiacal longitude of 00°09’ tropical Virgo, 05°59’ sidereal Leo. It is the 21st brightest star in the nightsky with an apparent visual magnitude of +1.39 and the brightest in the constellation of Leo.
Leo in Uranographia by Johannes Hevelius,1687
Mythos & Star Lore
The cross-cultural origins of the constellation of the Lion can be traced back over 5000 years ago. Around 2200 BCE Regulus marked the summer solstice while the Pleaides marked the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere. The Akkadians viewed it as Lik-makh (Lion) or Ur-Gula (Big Lion). The Babylonians knew this star as Sharru (the King) and Lugal (the star at the heart of the Lion). There is evidence that observations of the Leo constellation were part of Mesopotamian divination practices around the fate of kingdoms and royal family members.
The Persians called Regulus, Haftorang or Hastorang and classified it as the most influential of their four royal stars. Haftorang was known as the Guardian of the North with its heliacal appearance signaling the summer solstice. The royal stars were primarily used in navigation, but in world astrology and divination as well. It was considered that when favorable alignments with Regulus occured, favorable events would follow. Whereas if unfavorable alignments appeared, then disaster, destruction and other negative events would be foretold. The royal stars are first mentioned by the prophet Zarathustra within the Bundahishn, one of the most important encyclopedic works on Zoroastrian cosmology and astronomy.
In ancient Egypt, the Leo constellation was highest in the daytime sky during the rainy season while the Nile began to flood. Statues of lions were ceremoniously placed along irrigation canals as guardians of the flood waters. While there isn’t any record of Alpha Leonis’ specific significance, it is widely accepted that the Egyptians associated the constellation of the Lion with the goddess Sekhmet who was worshipped as a protector of the pharoahs, and invoked for power in war and in warding off malevolent spirits. Some scholars also believe that the Great Sphynx of Giza may be a representation of the constellations of the Lion and the Maiden (Virgo).
The name Regulus comes to us from the Latin signifying "prince" or "little king". It is also referred to as Cor Leonis which is the Latin translation of the Greek Kardia Leontos, meaning the Heart of the Lion. The Greeks associated the constellation of Leo with the fierce Nemean Lion who Hercules was tasked to defeat as the first in a series of rites of passage towards god-hood.
Due to its close proximity to the ecliptic Regulus is often occulted by the Moon.
Astrological Magic
Lunar Station
Regulus is the indicator star of the tenth lunar manzil and nakshatra.
✧ al Yabhah manzil • اليبحه • The Brow (of the Lion) •
The indicator or host star of this asterism is Alpha Leonis or qalb al asad (the Heart of the Lion, Cor Leonis or Regulus in Latin). The angelic being residing in this manzil is Ardesiel. Suffimigation: Amber resin.
In the 10th there is a transmutation of the 9th's illness into recovery, disappointment into acceptance, weakness into strength.
Magical elections with the Moon here were for strengthening allies and the love between partners, for the destruction of enemies and incarceration of captives, for the completion and fortification of buildings. Talismans of this manzil were prescribed for curing infirmities and depression, for easy childbirth, and for the lifting of sluggishness.
Stars of Leo, al-Sufi
✧ Magha nakshatra • माघ • The Great One •
The symbol for this asterism is a Royal Throne. It is the celestial abode of Pitris, the elevated ancestors. It is ruled by Ketu and its host star is Alpha Leonis. Magha has a severe temperament favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, violence and poison, and is associated with royalty, power and authority. Magha also enables a high regard for elders, lineage and ancestral veneration.
Ptolemy classified Regulus as having the nature of Mars and Jupiter combined.
One of the most fortunate of the Behenian stars of highest magnitude, Agrippa prescribed talismans of Regulus for making one temperate, dispelling depression and sorrow, appeasing wrath and bestowing favor to its wearer. Regulus also grants victory over one's enemies and brings honor and wealth.
Plants & Gemstones
Regulus’ plant sympathies include Celandine (Chelidonium majus), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus). Its gemstones are Granite and Amber, and metal is Gold.
Candles & Incense
Yellow, saffron or gold colored candles are appropriate. Amber resin, Mastic resin or dried Mugwort may be burned for suffumigations.
Ritual Communal Hours
Approximately an hour before sunrise the stars making their heliacal rising will begin their ascent on the eastern horizon. This is the star deities' rebirth or return from the Otherworld and as such is the most appropriate time to commune with, make offerings and petitions to said deities. The heliacal rising hours are considered to be one of the most potent times, depending on all other astrological factors, for creating talismanic materia imbued with the star's influences and powers.
Heliacal Rising *First Visibility Dates of Regulus 2024:
September 5: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 03°08' N
September 5: Cotonou, Benin 06°24' N
September 4: Dakar, Senegal 14°45' N
September 4: Orlando, FL 28°33' N
September 5: Cairo, Egypt 30°00' N
September 4: Los Angeles, CA 34°03' N
September 5: Nicosia, Cyprus 35°09' N
September 5: Oakland, CA 37°48' N
September 5: Athens, Greece 38°00' N
September 5: Denver, CO 39°45' N
September 5: NY, NY 40°45' N
September 5: Portland, OR 45°31' N
September 6: Seattle, WA 47°37' N
September 6: London, UK 51°30' N
September 14: Perth, Australia 31°49' S
September 18: Melbourne, Australia 37°52' S
*First visibility dates are calculated by the Alcyone Astronomical Software
