all 15 Behenian fixed stars are part of the Milky Way galaxy. These stars, identified in medieval astrology for their purported magical properties, are among the brightest and most prominent in our night sky. Their proximity and visibility to the naked eye confirm their location within our galaxy.
Behenian Stars
Fixed Stars
Behenian Stars
Root Stars
“the fixed stars are the root from which the planets get their nature and their power” - Damien
The fixed stars are the first sources of LIGHT in this universe.
The light/consciousness of the fixed stars is then broadcast to smaller stars and then to planets….
“The highest level of celestial energies worked with in astrotheurgy/High Magick is the zodiacal influences - what the Bible refers to as “the firmament.” Each element is worked with one by one, and then the same is done with each of the 7 classic planets. The final level which separates the finite world from the infinite is the astrological - beginning with the 12 constellations, the 36 decans, and the 72 angels of the Shem HaMephorash. The last level of the zodiacal work before approaching the throne of God is the fixed stars, also called the Behenian stars. Their name derives from Arabic bahman, "root," as each was considered a source of astrological power for one or more of the planets. Their true origin remains unknown, though Sir Wallis Budge suspects a possible Sumerian source. The celestial, planetary, and elemental powers were traditionally worked with by invoking the Angel which embodied them, although the angels of the fixed stars are notoriously difficult to find. They are listed in the second photo. For modern literature on the subject, the best source would be the work of Christopher Warnock.” - Damien Echols
“The sigils and correspondences needed to work with the Fixed Stars, the final level of the zodiacal work which is undertaken after the elemental and planetary work. This material corresponds to the sphere of Chokmah on the tree of life - the “lower spheres” correspond to planetary and elemental work. Some have mistakenly assigned planets to the spheres of Chokmah and Kether, but they are “above” or “beyond” planetary influences.” - Damien
“The Behenian fixed stars are a selection of fifteen stars considered especially useful for magical applications in the medieval astrology of Europe and the Arab world. Their name derives from Arabic bahman, "root," as each was considered a source of astrological power for one or more planets. Each is also connected with a gemstone and plant that would be used in rituals meant to draw the star's influence (e.g., into a talisman). When a planet was within six degrees of an associated star, this influence was thought to be particularly strong. Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa discussed them in his Three Books of Occult Philosophy (Book II, chapters 47 & 52) as the Behenii (singular Behenius), describing their magical workings and kabbalistic symbols. He attributed these to Hermes Trismegistus, as was common with occult traditions in the Middle Ages. Their true origin remains unknown, though Sir Wallis Budge suspects a possible Sumerian source.”
Ancient astrologers, mages, and seers— from the priests of Babylon to the hermetic sages of Alexandria—gazed upon these stars, naming them as potent forces in the affairs of gods and men. Their number and significance vary across traditions, yet certain stars rise above the rest, marked by their brilliance, mythology, and occult resonance. Among these, the Royal Stars hold a place of honor, while the broader pantheon of Fixed Stars expands into a chorus of celestial voices.
“The planets are not the true source of power in ceremonial magick and alchemy…they are branches, wandering lights that carry down forces from something deeper. At the root of every planetary current lies the fixed stars, the eternal fires that form the foundation of the heavens. This is why the ancients called them the Behenian Stars—behenian meaning “root.” To invoke a planet is to touch its reflection in time; to work with its star is to reach the primal spring. The stars are the ladder beyond the planetary spheres, the gates that open into eternity. Magicians of the old world understood this. In the Picatrix and Agrippa’s writings, the fifteen Behenian stars are given stones, herbs, and talismanic rites because they are the archetypal seeds of planetary force. The Moon, ever-shifting, mediates between the eternal root and material form, carrying the star’s fire down into matter. To contemplate or invoke a star is to step beyond fate into permanence, to climb the rungs of the heavens toward the eternal self. The fixed stars remind us that magick is not manipulation of passing energies but alignment with origins—the roots of heaven from which all branches grow.” - Damien Echols
Lighthouses of the cosmos
In medieval and Renaissance astrology, the Behenian Fixed Stars—a set of 15—were prized by wizards and alchemists for their potency in talismanic magic. Named in the Liber Hermetis and elaborated by Agrippa, they include:
- Aldebaran (Taurus)
- Algol (Beta Persei, in Perseus) – The Head of Medusa, fierce and protective.
- Algorab (Delta Corvi, in Corvus) – The Raven’s Wing, subtle and shadowy.
- Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis, in Corona Borealis) – The Jewel, pure and radiant.
- Antares (Scorpio)
- Arcturus (Alpha Boötis, in Boötes) – The Bear Guardian, golden and wise.
- Capella (Alpha Aurigae, in Auriga) – The She-Goat, nurturing and bright.
- Deneb Algedi (Delta Capricorni, in Capricorn) – The Tail of the Goat, just and steady.
- Fomalhaut (Piscis Austrinus)
- Pleiades (in Taurus) – The Seven Sisters, a cluster of inspiration and sorrow.
- Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris, in Canis Minor) – The Lesser Dog, swift and clever.
- Regulus (Leo)
- Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris, in Canis Major) – The Dog Star, blazing and divine.
- Spica (Alpha Virginis, in Virgo) – The Ear of Wheat, fertile and blessed.
15. Vega (Alpha Lyrae, in Lyra) – The Harp Star, ethereal and harmonious.
The 15 Core Behenian and Royal Stars
- Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri, Taurus)
- Magnitude: 0.85
- Traditions: Behenian, Royal (East), Ptolemy, Babylonian
- Significance: The Bull’s Eye, power, wealth, martial vigor; a Watcher of the Heavens.
- Regulus (Alpha Leonis, Leo)
- Magnitude: 1.35
- Traditions: Behenian, Royal (North), Ptolemy, Persian
- Significance: The Lion’s Heart, royalty, courage; a regal beacon.
- Antares (Alpha Scorpii, Scorpio)
- Magnitude: 0.96
- Traditions: Behenian, Royal (West), Ptolemy, Egyptian
- Significance: The Scorpion’s Heart, passion, transformation; a fiery sentinel.
- Fomalhaut (Alpha Piscis Austrini, Piscis Austrinus)
- Magnitude: 1.16
- Traditions: Behenian, Royal (South), Ptolemy
- Significance: The Fish’s Mouth, mysticism, dreams; a poetic guide.
- Algol (Beta Persei, Perseus)
- Magnitude: 2.1 (variable)
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Chinese
- Significance: The Demon Star, Medusa’s Head; protection, ferocity, and peril.
- Algorab (Delta Corvi, Corvus)
- Magnitude: 2.94
- Traditions: Behenian
- Significance: The Raven’s Wing, subtlety, shadow; a lesser but potent light.
- Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis, Corona Borealis)
- Magnitude: 2.23
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy
- Significance: The Jewel of the Crown, purity, honor; a radiant gem.
- Arcturus (Alpha Boötis, Boötes)
- Magnitude: -0.05
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Egyptian
- Significance: The Bear Guardian, wisdom, prosperity; among the brightest.
- Capella (Alpha Aurigae, Auriga)
- Magnitude: 0.08
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy
- Significance: The She-Goat, nurture, brilliance; a pastoral star.
- Deneb Algedi (Delta Capricorni, Capricorn)
- Magnitude: 2.81
- Traditions: Behenian
- Significance: The Goat’s Tail, justice, stability; a quiet authority.
- Pleiades (Cluster in Taurus)
- Magnitude: 1.6 (combined)
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian
- Significance: The Seven Sisters, inspiration, sorrow; a celestial chorus.
- Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris, Canis Minor)
- Magnitude: 0.34
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy
- Significance: The Lesser Dog, agility, cunning; a bright companion.
- Sirius (Alpha Canis Majoris, Canis Major)
- Magnitude: -1.46
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Egyptian, Babylonian, Chinese
- Significance: The Dog Star, divine brilliance, initiation; the brightest of all.
- Spica (Alpha Virginis, Virgo)
- Magnitude: 0.98
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Babylonian
- Significance: The Ear of Wheat, fertility, knowledge; a harvest light.
- Vega (Alpha Lyrae, Lyra)
- Magnitude: 0.03
- Traditions: Behenian, Ptolemy, Chinese
- Significance: The Harp Star, harmony, ethereal beauty; a northern jewel.
Ptolemy’s Additions and Ancient Revered Stars
Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos lists over 30 stars, many overlapping with the Behenian canon.
- Bellatrix (Gamma Orionis, Orion)
- Magnitude: 1.64
- Traditions: Ptolemy
- Significance: The Warrior’s Shoulder, strength, conquest; an Orion sentinel.
- Betelgeuse (Alpha Orionis, Orion)
- Magnitude: 0.42 (variable)
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Egyptian, Babylonian
- Significance: The Hunter’s Shoulder, power, destiny; a ruddy giant.
- Rigel (Beta Orionis, Orion)
- Magnitude: 0.12
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Egyptian
- Significance: The Hunter’s Foot, brilliance, guidance; a blue-white star.
- Canopus (Alpha Carinae, Carina)
- Magnitude: -0.74
- Traditions: Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian
- Significance: The Navigator’s Star, wisdom, the south; second-brightest.
- Deneb (Alpha Cygni, Cygnus)
- Magnitude: 1.25
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Chinese
- Significance: The Swan’s Tail, transcendence, grace; a northern titan.
- Pollux (Beta Geminorum, Gemini)
- Magnitude: 1.14
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Babylonian
- Significance: The Twin’s Head, vitality, duality; a boxer’s star.
- Castor (Alpha Geminorum, Gemini)
- Magnitude: 1.58
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Babylonian
- Significance: The Twin’s Brother, intellect, partnership; a paired light.
- Alnair (Alpha Gruis, Grus)
- Magnitude: 1.74
- Traditions: Babylonian, Sumerian
- Significance: The Crane’s Light, clarity, ascent; a southern gleam.
- Alnilam (Epsilon Orionis, Orion)
- Magnitude: 1.69
- Traditions: Ptolemy, Egyptian
- Significance: The Belt’s Center, order, strength; Orion’s midpoint.
- Mirach (Beta Andromedae, Andromeda)
- Magnitude: 2.06
- Traditions: Ptolemy
- Significance: The Chained Maiden’s Girdle, beauty, creativity.
Stars from Other Traditions
- Achernar (Alpha Eridani, Eridanus)
- Magnitude: 0.46
- Traditions: Indian, Chinese
- Significance: The River’s End, flow, eternity; a southern star.
- Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris, Ursa Minor)
- Magnitude: 1.97
- Traditions: Egyptian, Chinese, Indian
- Significance: The North Star, direction, constancy; the pole’s guide.
- Altair (Alpha Aquilae, Aquila)
- Magnitude: 0.77
- Traditions: Chinese, Indian
- Significance: The Eagle’s Eye, swiftness, vision; a summer triangle star.
Brightest Stars Beyond Esoteric Lists
From the top 30 brightest stars (by apparent magnitude), some lack deep occult lore but demand inclusion for their radiance:
- Alpha Centauri (Rigel Kentaurus, Centaurus)
- Magnitude: -0.27 (system)
- Traditions: None prominent
- Significance: The nearest star system, unity, exploration; third-brightest.
- Acrux (Alpha Crucis, Crux)
- Magnitude: 0.76
- Traditions: Southern skies (later noted)
- Significance: The Southern Cross, sacrifice, orientation; a cruciform light.