Behenian Stars

In European and Arabic medieval astrology the Behenian fixed stars were highly regarded as being especially useful for magical applications. The occult traditions of these stars were presented in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's work De Occulta Philosophia and were referred to as the Behenii (singular Behenius). Aggippa attributed the mysteries of these stars to Herme Trismegitus and went into great detail describing their magical properties.

The root word of Behenian derives from the Arabic word 'bahman" meaning "root.” The Behenian stars were considered a source or "root" of astrological power that was magnified whenever one or more of the visible planets were within six degrees.

Each Behenian star is connected with a ritual gemstone and plant that was used to help draw upon the star's influence (e.g., into a talisman).

Star Constellation Stone Herb
Aldebaran (9 Gemini 44)
Hyades in the Bull Ruby or Garnet Milk Thistle
Pleiades (29 Taurus 55) Bull Rock Cystal Fennel
Algol (26 Taurus 07) Perseus Diamond Black Hellebore
Capella (21 Gemini 48) Auriga Sapphire Thyme
Sirius (14 Cancer 03) Canis Major Beryl Juniper
Procyon (25 Cancer 45) Canis Minor Agate Buttercup
Regulus (29 Leo 58) Lion Granite Mugwort
Algorab (13 Libra) Corvus Onyx Burdock
Spica (23 Libra 47) Virgin Priestess Emerald Sage
Arcutrus (24 Libra) Herdsman (Bootes) Jasper Plantain
Polaris (28 Gemini 31) Ursa Minor Magnet Succory
Alphecca (12 Scorpio 14) Corona Borealis Topaz Rosemary
Antares (9 Sagittarius 43) Scorpion Sardonyx Birthwort
Vega (15 Capricorn 16) Lyra Chrysolite Winter Savory
Deneb Algedi (23 Aquarius 33) The Goat Fish Chalcedony Marjoram

 

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