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Menkar at 14°19′ Taurus has an orb of 2°00′
Cetus Constellation [Stellarium]
The Sun joins Menkar on May 3
Fixed star Menkar, Alpha Ceti (α Cet), is a 3rd-magnitude single star on the Jaw of the Whale, or Sea Monster, Cetus Constellation.
Magnitude 2.53, spectral class M1.5 IIIa, color orange. [1]
α Ceti is traditionally and officially named Menkar. From the Arabic word al-minkhar, “the nostrils,” used in the Arabic Almagest in describing λ Cet. Wrongly applied as a star name to α Cet (properly on the “jaw”) in a Medieval star table. [2]
The 15th-century Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg and 16th 16th-century Arabic astronomer Al Tizini called the star Al Kaff al Jidhmah, meaning “the cut-short hand.” The name was used for all the stars in the head of Cetus – α, γ, δ, λ, μ, ξ¹ and ξ² Ceti – but today only applies to γ Ceti, formally known as Kaffaljidhma. [1]
| 2000* | 2050 | Name | Orb |
| 07♉47 | 08♉29 | Schedir | 2°10′ |
| 14♉14 | 14♉56 | Almach | 2°10′ |
| 14♉19 | 15♉01 | Menkar | 2°00′ |
| 21♉10 | 21♉52 | Atirsagne | 1°40′ |
| 21♉45 | 22♉27 | Capulus | 1°00′ |
Menkar Astrology
Fixed Star Menkar has the spectral type M1, confirming the Saturn planetary nature given by Ptolemy.
SATURN. Disgrace, ruin, calamity. It rising, grave, thoughtful, melancholy, liable to disgrace, much care and anxiety, connected with building, mines and minerals. If on 7th cusp and Moon afflicted by Saturn ruler of 7th, a slovenly wife. If culminating, trouble through old people, disgrace, trade losses, deceitful associates, rise followed by fall. With the luminaries, lean and infirm, many miseries. If afflicting Mercury, deafness. [3]
MENKAR. α Ceti.
Notes. A bright orange star situated in the jaw of the Whale. From Al Minhar, the Nose.
Influence. According to Ptolemy it is of the nature of Saturn; to Simmonite, of Mars; and, to Alvidas, of Venus and the Moon. It causes disease, disgrace, ruin, injury from beasts, sickness, and loss of fortune. [3]
MENKAR. α Ceti.
A red giant star, spectral class M2.
NOTE: Negative nativities will be affected by Menkar.
BASIC INFLUENCES: This star causes losses, disgraceful actions, calamities, anxiety, makes the native lean and infirm, creates many miseries, deceitful associates. [4]
Menkar, Alpha Ceti.
Menkar is also called Menkub, Arabic mischir, in the Neck of the Whale. This star has a Saturnine character, corresponding to impediments of many kinds, worries, and tests of endurance; in some, this hardens and toughens the individual.
In some cases with conjunction of Saturn, Mars or Neptune, diseases of the throat, inflammation of larynx, sometimes death or danger by suffocation have been noted. These people are advised to take good care of themselves if they have a tendency to throat trouble, and to take prophylactic measures. They should avoid over-straining their larynx and, should they have special demands regarding the larynx, they are advised to take trouble in the methodical training of their vocal chords, etc.
Vehlow has noted epilepsy in several cases when Sun was conjunct Menkar.
Note: There is a considerable difference in right ascension between Menkar and Almanak. However, the ecliptic (longitudinal) positions of Menkar and Almach coincide closely. Therefore, a blending of the influence of both fixed stars is the case. [5]
Menkar is typical of stars with a Saturnian nature. It portends danger from beasts, disgrace, ill fortune, and illness to all those born under its influence. [6]
Menkar is an Arabic name meaning Nostril; an alternative name is Al Kaff or Al Qaf Jidhmah, both implying the nose area of this creature. It is yet another Saturn star, Ptolemy, and again it is one very close in longitude to an Andromeda star, α this time. Presumably, it was the Monster’s nose that led it to the young lady, with every expectation of a fine old Jupiter-Mars time (!) for the star South Scale (Zubenelgenubi) is right opposite Menkar. But as we said of that star, one has to consider intelligently the consequences of one’s actions, and the Saturnine quality of Menkar is just right for this if it be well aspected. It obviously was not so for the Titan, but it is a star that shows good practical sense in those better blessed with it. [7]
Fixed star Menkar rules the thyroid gland. [8]
Constellation Cetus
CETUS. The Whale or Sea Monster.
Legend. Cetus represents the sea monster or whale sent by Neptune to devour Andromeda (see ANDROMEDA).
Influence. According to Ptolemy this constellation is like Saturn. It is said to cause laziness and idleness, but to confer an emotional and charitable nature, with the ability to command.
Magical. Makes one amiable, prudent, happy by sea and land, and helps recover lost goods. [3]
Now called Cetus (Cet), the stars of this constellation are said to have a nature akin to that of Saturn by Ptolemy when writing in Tetrabiblos. However, he was likely referring only to Menkar in this regard. Many of the brighter stars of this constellation have a Martian nature, confirming the opinion of classical astrologers that the constellation itself is correlative with the ability to command, especially in war. [6]
Menkar, Alpha Ceti
Menkar Star Conjunctions
Ascendant conjunct Menkar: Legacies and inheritances attended by much evil. Grave, thoughtful, melancholy, liable to disgrace, much care and anxiety, connected with building, mines and minerals. [3]
Said to indicate fishermen or those who make a living in some way from salt. [2]
Martin Luther King 0°28′, Boy George 0°51′, Immanuel Kant 0°58′, Mariah Carey 1°27′.
Midheaven conjunct Menkar: Disgrace, danger from cattle and large beasts. Trouble through old people, disgrace, trade losses, deceitful associates, rise followed by fall. [3]
Henri Matisse 0°13′, John Maynard Keynes 0°23′ (and S. Node), Alan Kay 0°34′, Marilyn Manson 1°07′, Muhammad Ali 1°16′, Corey Feldman 1°26′.
Descendant conjunct Menkar: If Menkar is aspected by Mars when setting the indication is “a violent death”. [6]
Marquis de Sade 0°10′, Yuri Gagarin 0°15′, Harvey Weinstein 0°20′, Mata Hari 0°30′, Alice Cooper 1°14′, Lana Del Rey 1°20′ (and Venus, N. Node), Lilly Wachowski 1°24′, Jim Carrey 1°24′, Vito Genovese 1°48′, Margaret Thatcher 1°59′.
Imun Coeli conjunct Menkar: Leopold II of Belgium 0°29′, Margaret Mead 1°10′ (and S. Node), Niccolo Machiavelli 1°51′ (and Saturn), Bobby Brown 1°52′.
Part of Fortune conjunct Menkar: Otto von Bismarck 0°06′, Megan Rapinoe 0°11′, Olivia Rodrigo 0°25′, Marina Abramović 0°32′, Kim Kardashian 0°38′, Jim Jarmusch 0°43′ (and Moon), Warren Beatty 1°21′, Marie Curie 1°27′, Sabrina Carpenter 1°58′.
Sun conjunct Menkar: Great trouble, sickness, throat ailments, legacies and inheritances attended by much evil, loss of money, failure of crops. Lean and infirm, many miseries. [3]
Natives with this conjunction will encounter many obstacles, life at times will seem to be a constant battlefield. Some natives with this conjunction will have seemingly impossible family conditions, and some natives will abandon their families, or their families will abandon them. This conjunction can bring many troubles to the native. Financial losses, illness. [4]
Audrey Hepburn 0°12′, James Brown 0°38′, Adele 0°51′, Chris Brown 0°58′, Catherine the Great 1°00′, Dwayne Johnson 1°13′, Pierre Teilhard De Chardin 1°31′ (and Venus, Neptune), William Lilly 1°34′ (and Mercury, Venus, Uranus), George Clooney 1°46′, Stewart Granger 1°50′ (and Moon).
Moon conjunct Menkar: Mental anxiety, hatred of the vulgar, ill-will of women, danger from thieves, sickness to native and family, loss of marriage partner or near relative, quarrels, legal losses, legacies and inheritances attended by much evil. Lean and infirm, many miseries. [3]
This conjunction can create many problems, some of a serious nature, some of the natives’ own mistakes, and others created by others for the native. The native will suffer many anxious moments. This conjunction also subjects the native to either accusing, perhaps unjustly, others in particular there will be family disagreements created by the native. Or the native will be accused and, if accused, be unable to clear themselves. Natives with this conjunction tend to create their own problems. [4]
Fisher Ames 0°03′, George Peppard 0°10′, Samuel Adams 0°10′, Elizabeth I 0°15′, Emmanuel Macron 0°27′, Diana Ross 0°28′, Karl Marx 0°30′, Oliver Cromwell 0°35′, Michel de Montaigne 0°51′, Alina Kabaeva 1°08′, Kevin Jonas 1°12′, Stewart Granger 1°18′ (and Sun), Jim Jarmusch 1°18′ (and POF), MacGregor Mathers 1°24′, Jeff Stryker 1°25′, Carlos Castaneda 1°32′, Albert Ayler 1°47′, Edwin Castro 1°55′.
Mercury conjunct Menkar: Difficulties through writings, difficulty in payment of mortgages, ill-health to marriage partner or relative, destruction of crops. If afflicting Mercury, deafness. [3]
This conjunction creates mental anxiety to the native, which could be caused by money problems, writings or conversations by the native any of which could result in legal entanglement. The native is subject to losses and possibly violence. [4]
William Lilly 0°01′ (and Sun, Venus, Uranus), Emma Watson 0°26′, Rudy Giuliani 0°41′, Marco Rubio 0°47′, André the Giant 0°51′, Sid Vicious 1°19′.
Venus conjunct Menkar: Strong and uncontrolled passions, jealousy, domestic disharmony and temporary separation, ill-health of marriage partner. [3]
The native will entertain strong opinions on certain subjects and/or people and openly express them, which could create problems for the native. Either the native or one of the natives relations could create a situation that would be problematical. Domestic disharmony and jealousy possible. Illness is also possible. [4]
Lana Del Rey 0°48′ (and DC, N. Node), William Butler Yeats 0°55′ (and Pluto), Viktor Orbán 1°18′, Pierre Teilhard De Chardin 1°45′ (and Sun, neptune), Ronaldinho 1°46′, Mark Zuckerberg 1°50′, William Lilly 1°55′ (and Sun, Mercury, Uranus).
Venus conjunct Saturn conjunct Menkar (1°30′ orb): These individuals go from one extreme to the other due to the thyroid gland which is either under-active or overactive, and they are unaware that the changes are taking place. The individuals can be thin for a long time, and then suddenly become obese. It can work the other way around where the person is obese, and then suddenly begins to lose weight and becomes thin. These individuals should not try drugs or other means to normalize the glandular system. They should be careful of their diet, although they would be rather flexible in their eating habits and would not care to make any changes in their diet. [8]
Mars conjunct Menkar: Evil associates, immoral, violent, murderous, violent death. [3]
The native is self-seeking and selfish, also self-indulgent. Caution should be exercised in association with people of a questionable nature or character. Possible legal problems and illness. A non-conformist. [4]
In some cases, diseases of the throat, inflammation of the larynx, sometimes death or danger by suffocation have been noted. These people are advised to take good care of themselves if they have a tendency to throat trouble and to take prophylactic measures. They should avoid over-straining their larynx and, should they have special demands regarding the larynx, they are advised to take trouble in the methodical training of their vocal chords, etc. [5]
Marcel Marceau 0°21′, Charlie Chaplin 0°48′, Adele 0°54′, Bruce Willis 1°06′, Mick Jagger 1°19′, JonBenét Ramsey 1°41′, Isaac Newton 1°48′.
Jupiter conjunct Menkar: Deceitful, dishonest, wandering life, imprisonment, banishment, or judicial sentence. [3]
Natives with this conjunction will tend to move around more so than the average person, this could be traveling or not remaining in one particular location too long. These natives could even become homeless and the worst natives could become beggars. There is also the possibility of deceitful actions to or by the native at sometime during the life of the person. There is the possibility of legal involvement and a judicial sentence. [4]
Trisha Paytas 0°03′, Ulysses S. Grant 0°16′, John Lennon 0°17′ (and Saturn), Ernesto Miranda 0°37′, Henri Matisse 1°28′, Boris Johnson 1°55′.
Saturn conjunct Menkar: Self-seeking, selfish, causes unhappiness to others, much sickness. [3]
In some cases, diseases of the throat, inflammation of the larynx, sometimes death or danger by suffocation have been noted. These people are advised to take good care of themselves if they have a tendency to throat trouble and to take prophylactic measures. They should avoid over-straining their larynx and, should they have special demands regarding the larynx, they are advised to take trouble in the methodical training of their vocal chords, etc. [5]
Maria Mandl 0°14′, John Lennon 0°17′ (and Jupiter), Jeremy Renner 1°51′, Niccolo Machiavelli 1°58′ (and IC).
Uranus conjunct Menkar: Active mind, artistic, scientific and mystical interest and ability, troubles through opposite sex, loss through fire and false friends, good fortune and misfortune alternately, severe injuries from animals. [3]
Bernie Madoff 0°03′, Bruce McLaren 0°11′, Bill Cosby 0°20′, Cecil Rhodes 0°27′, Jon Voight 0°36′ (and S. Node), William Lilly 0°41′ (and Sun, Mercury, Venus).
Neptune conjunct Menkar: Peculiar early life, loss of or separation from parents abroad, may lose identity and be brought up by foreigners in dishonor, learns of parentage too late in life to obtain advantage, brave, organizing ability, high position, wasted talents, many journeys, violent death frequently by assassination. [3]
In some cases, diseases of the throat, inflammation of the larynx, sometimes death or danger by suffocation have been noted. These people are advised to take good care of themselves if they have a tendency to throat trouble and to take prophylactic measures. They should avoid over-straining their larynx and, should they have special demands regarding the larynx, they are advised to take trouble in the methodical training of their vocal chords, etc. [5]
Helen Keller 1°00′, Franklin D. Roosevelt 1°06′, James Joyce 1°07′, Pierre Teilhard De Chardin 1°13′ (and Sun, Venus), Eric Gill 1°20′, Charles Ponzi 1°31′.
Pluto conjunct Menkar: Henry Ford 0°06′, Nicholas Culpeper 0°16′, William Butler Yeats 1°11′ (and Venus), Max Heindel 1°41′, Cheiro 1°48′.
North Node conjunct Menkar: Clarence Thomas 0°42′, Al Gore 0°59′, Lana Del Rey 1°56′ (and Venus, DC), L. Ron Hubbard 1°57′.
South Node conjunct Menkar: Margaret Mead 0°16′ (and IC), Walt Disney 1°02′, Itamar Ben-Gvir 1°22′, Jon Voight 1°31′ (and Uranus), John Maynard Keynes 1°39′ (and MC), Josemaria Escriva De Balaguer 1°47′.
References
- Menkar (Alpha Ceti): Star Facts.
- A Dictionary of Modern Star Names, Kunitzch, Smart, 2006, p.29.
- Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.38, 99, 176, 231.
- The Power of the Fixed Stars, Joseph E. Rigor, 1979, pp. 67-69.
- Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1971, p.12.
- Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.57.
- The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.124.
- The Fixed Star Health and Behavior Imbalance, Ted George and Barbara Parker, 1985, p.20.
