Algol

Mythology

In Greek myth it carries Medusa's head — the gaze that turned viewers to stone, the head Perseus severed. Its Arabic name "ra's al-ghul" means "head of the demon". Considered the most ill-omened star in tradition because it dims every ~2.86 days — ancient observers read this as "the star's eye closes".

Astrological reading

Algol loads any conjunct planet with intense crisis-transformation tension. Fixed at 26° Taurus; especially active when conjunct Sun, Moon, or ascendant. Its "evil" is neither curse nor fairy tale — it's a mirror asking the native to face their own rage, jealousy, or instinct to behead. Well-channeled Algol gives surgical sharpness and the courage to name uncomfortable truths.

Themes

• crisis
• violence
• piercing truth
• power of the head