Caput Algol: The Medusa Myth

By Elizabeth Hazel 2001

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. 1 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.2 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 Zeuss 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 Hermess 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.3 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),4 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. 5 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 lifethreatening. 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.
ENDNOTES

Various sources of this myth refer to this goddess as Athena, Minerva, and Pallas Athena. Ovid
refers to her as Pallas.
2

Neptune and Pallas Athena disputed the patronage of Troezene, the capitol of Cecropia. In a
contest over the city, Pallas offered the olive tree, and Neptune, the horse. As the horse was
connected with warfare, the judges of the contests gave the award to Pallas.
3

Ovid, Metamorphoses, page 114.

4

Schwab, Gods and Heroes, page 174.

5

Ebertin, Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, page 25.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bernadette Brady. Brady's Book of Fixed Stars. Samuel Weiser 1998.
Elsbeth Ebertin and Georg Hoffmann. Fixed Stars and their Interpretations.
Published by the American Federation of Astrologers, 1971 by Ebertin-Verlag.
Edith Hamilton. Mythology. New American Library/Mentor Books 1940, 1969.
John Lempriere, D. D. Lempriere's Classical Dictionary. Completed in 1792,
updated edition supervised by F. A. Wright, Bracken Books 1984.
Ovid. Metamorphoses. (author: 43 B. C. - 17 A. D., book completed around 10 A.
D.) Translated by Mary M. Innes, Penguin Books 1955.
Vivian Robson, B. Sc. The Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology. 1923.
Samuel Weiser 1979.
Gustave Schwab. Gods and Heroes. (Die Sagen des Klassichen Alternes, circa
1840) Translated from German and Greek by Olga Marx and Ernst Morwitz.
Fawcett 1946, 1965.