What happens when two worlds meet? They touch, they kiss. And we find that love isn’t just felt in the hearts, it is known by our hands also.
In ancient Egyptian myth, there was a belief that around the solstice and equinox the sun god Ra would touch the soil of our earth, and rest here gently on earth, thereby connecting himself to our physical human world. But because our earthly realm has quite a bit of impurities and not entirely sacred, this would burn and wound his heel in the process.
Fixed star Alhena is the part of the sky where the immortals or sacred ones touch our earth – it’s a bridge between two worlds, between heaven and earth, a portal through which we as humans feel into ourselves a divine mission which pulls us forward in life like fire burning in our hearts and gives us immense courage and determination to follow it. We walk with a mission.
The wound of the immortal’s heel is that space where we are touched by a mission greater than ourselves. A space between mortal and immortal; human body and divine mission; heaven and earth kiss. Just as Ra touches the earth, we too are touched by the divine in that same part; a wound for him becomes the doorway for us to feel inspired to walk a higher path. And while this path here on earth may sometimes have obstacles, we keep moving, keep walking, because we know it’s what we were made to do, born to do.
Natives who are touched by Alhena often have a knowing since a young age that they are meant to do something; they feel they have a mission, even though of course they may not know yet about it as children. It is something that may often reveal itself more in adulthood or even in their 30s or 40s, depending on their unique path, but all along they just feel moved by something greater than themselves, desiring to serve and contribute to a greater good. Alhena calls us to keep walking, no matter the obstacles, being aligned to higher virtue; and she reminds us that it’s not just feelings in our hearts nor mere desires, but something we need to shape and make through our efforts and skills and talents.
Today I’ll guide you through the deeper lesser known esoteric secrets and knowledge of this part of the sky and fixed star Alhena, including astronomical, mythic, symbolic, and occult layers that most descriptions never mention. Along the way, I’ll also share some examples of how this may manifest in people’s chart. Whether or not Alhena touches you natally or by transit, or you seek to deepen your knowledge and understanding of spiritual astrology, may this be enriching to you.
An image from Stellarium: You can see fixed star Alhena at the left foot of Pollux, the divine twin, within the celestial Gemini constellation. Alhena is part of the Milky Way band, so I have increased the visibility of the Milky Way for clearer view of how it looks like. You can see fixed star Sirius part of the band also further south. In the image you can also see Jupiter along the body of Pollux, along his arm, as Jupiter is currently transiting this part of the sky.
Fixed Star Alhena
Fixed star Alhena, also known as Gamma Geminorum or γ Geminorum, resides at the left foot of the southern twin Pollux from the celestial Gemini constellation. Alhena is currently around the 9th degree of Tropical Cancer.
Alhena is part of our winter constellations, which are essentially the ones we see in our nightly winter sky in the Northern hemisphere. She is part of the Milky Way band, or river of skies, and while in this part of the sky the Milky Way band seems dimmer, Alhena and the feet of the immortal twin Pollux are still a part of it. In essence, we often call her part of our heavenly winter skies, especially since we also have some really beautiful nebula around such as the Jellyfish nebula and also the open star cluster M35.
Alhena is a bright brilliant white star! White stars are essentially the hottest suns and most luminious, such as Sirius; while red stars are the coolest. Within the constellation Gemini, Alhena is the third brightest star after Pollux and Castor respectively. With her proximity to the open star cluster of young stars, symbolizing fertile feminine energy and birth, and being at the left foot of Pollux, which too connects to feminine energy, there is a lot of creativity and spiritual orientation here.
Alhena has a nature of Venus with influence of Jupiter, which gifts her a beautiful blend of spirituality with creativity. Natives often have some spiritual orientation while also creatively and artistically inclined, but also scientific. This star often bestows imminence in art and creative talents, and natives can be very intelligent, soft spoken, lovable, artistic, with a witty sense of humour and amazing communication skills. They may be very good with words and can make brilliant writers and poets, and everything they touch they may make art of through their way of perceiving, shaping and seeing and expressing.
Here is another image of Alhena and the Milky Way band as seen in our winter nightly skies in the Northern hemisphere.
Mark of the Artist
Alhena is often known as the “mark of the artist” and is associated with creative expression, eloquence, and walking a special path. And when Alhena is in paran to Jupiter in culmination, this may often bring a divine and artistic purpose, especially through the written word.
So for example, natives who have Alhena in paran to Jupiter in culmination, they will feel a sense of mission and purpose since young age. This special paran may bring visibility through their communication skills or creative expression. They can have powerful gifts of storytelling and expression abilities, as well as strong teaching abilities. These natives are known to follow a unique and inspired life path, and often feel a calling towards spiritual pursuits, creative service or cultural contribution in some shape or form. They make great writers of mysticism and spirituality also. Overall, their work in life will often feel destined and guided, which indeed it is.
With the Sun in paran to Alhena also, this can further show that they are essentially an artist of life. Life itself moves through them and they make everything become art. With the Sun they need beauty, harmony and creative self expression to feel good in their every day, and because the Sun also shows part of our soul’s path and purpose, they feel guided or called to something special. They may also thrive when using their voice and talents, especially if connected to the third house, this shows that their written words may often also channel higher wisdom. This paran is a signature of someone who knows deep down that they have a unique path and follow their destiny with courage and trust in their intuition.
Poetry is mysticism. All art is in a sense mysticism, when it is truly inspired creatively. In poetry just as in mysticism we enter full bodily, open bodily, and we allow ourselves be entered by something that is non-linear yet, intangible; and then we’ll make it into a shape, into words, we are making a shape of that which isn’t yet. We bring spirit into matter.
So art, like poetry, is a path of mysticism, because to enter it you need to become a mystic – to be a mystic means to let go of all knowing and enter something open and free; and then again and again, each time, open and free as if it’s the first time. You can’t be an artist if you enter things with expectations, limitations, conditions. It’s going to demand all of you, it’s a devotion. And then you allow it to move through you, shape you as it needs, reveal itself. And then you give it away to those who need it to nurture their inner flames or perhaps raise them into deeper understanding.
Many ancient cave paintings have features almost resembling faces or figurines. In nature too, so much moves and shapes and speaks in subtle languages. It’s a world we live in as mystics and artists, a world we intuitively move through, feel and understand, and live in continuously: seeing the more subtle things, beautiful things, the non-linear things. The things that aren’t perceived by just the human eyes; the things that move us and move through us. And then, the artist himself invites the others – to witness, to watch, what moves within them through the art. So the painting is now owned by the watchers; the poem is now owned by the reader. And another story lives and shapes.
Alhena is called the “the mark of the artist” or also “the artist’s star”, but its original symbolism is actually about obedience to the Muse. In ancient Babylonia and Arabia, this star was connected to inspired scribes, sacred dancers and poets, priestesses and priests who were also artists, and translators between divine and human realms, whether through channeling verbally or through the written word.
The artistry of Alhena isn’t just aesthetics, as they do love beautiful things and pleasure, but this “artistry” I speak of is devotion to an inner voice. The muse is this divine voice that moves us, just like love itself is a consciousness that moves us and we then embody it through our devotion of hands, words and gestures; we move it to embody it, we give it shape.
Alhena is one of the brightest stars that isn’t located on the ecliptic – which essentially means that her light is never occulted by the moon nor any planet. While most fixed stars used in astrology lie near the zodiacal path, Alhena sits well outside the ecliptic, around +12° declination, and south of ecliptic. Sometimes natives with Alhena may feel that they are off path, because they aren’t; it’s just that their path is unique and it is not the “expected” or societal path.
So even though they may feel they are off the path, because it doesn’t look like the way it should by some mainstream expectations or sheep mentalities or what other people are doing, they are still completely aligned with their true calling. It is literally a star that walks away from the zodiac’s main line, and inspires you too to honour your inner calling without fear nor doubt. You have to trust yourself and follow the truth.
The Luminous One
In medieval astrology, magic star lore and esoterics, Alhena was actually one of the “three luminous generals”. The three luminous generals were essentially three bright white stars that were designated as “commanders of spiritual action,” called metaphorically the luminous generals. They were considered protective, strategic and guidance giving, and each one governed a type of leadership of the soul.
Alhena was known as the General of the Sacred Path or also referred to as the General of the Shining Step or The One Who Commands Through Beauty and Truth. Alhena’s leadership often manifests through leadership through beauty, creative intelligence, inspired purpose and moral clarity. In a native’s life it may manifest as inspiring others without force, leading by example, guiding through clarity, talent, and grace, and influencing destiny through creativity and wisdom.
Ancient texts describe people strongly influenced by Alhena as “those whose steps shine.” Alhena bestows radiance in our steps, and our path flows because it is our path. Not everyone can follow it, but everyone can see it.
Alhena was the patron star of those who “carry beauty into the world” and governed those who carried a message, a gift, or a form of beauty that is not for themselves alone for the world itself. So this is why it relates to writers, messengers, intuitives, artists, spiritual teachers, or communicators of all kinds.
And it’s important to note that Alhena is essentially a bright white subgiant star. Astronomically, she is in a phase of expansion, on her way to becoming a giant star. So symbolically, this marks her as a star of luminous new beginnings or phases of life. In a native’s life, this star can show that they go through a later life blossoming, so if you worry about “why are things happening slowly, why does my life doesn’t look like everyone else’s”, well it’s because you are walking a unique path whose beauty and brilliance reveals with time. You are right on time, on divine timing; and many things will become very bright and align later in on your late 30s and 40s.
Alhena’s energy is also connected to oat binding or oat keeping. In Arabian star-lore, Alhena was invoked to strengthen vows, promises, artistic devotion and fidelity to one’s mission. Natives with this star can often be deeply loyal to what they commit to and give their vows to; and while they may not be fast in committing to something or someone, once they do, they are deeply loving and loyal. This loyalty and vow keeping is also connected to the Gemini constellation itself with the twins, whose myth is about loyalty so profound it breaks the boundary between life and death.
And this is when we find one of the most fascinating things about Alhena and the Gemini constellation – not just its connection to the divine twins, but also to the energy of Christ and the esoteric secrets from Christian mysticism. Let’s dive in.
Within the Gemini Constellation
There is a long esoteric tradition, merging insights from Christian mysticism, Hermetics and early esoteric astrology, linking the celestial Gemini constellation and Pollux to the idea of Christ as the “Heavenly Twin” of humanity.
The Gemini constellation shows twins Pollux and Castor; Pollux is the immortal divine twin, son of god of gods Zeus or Jupiter, and Castor is the mortal twin. There are many versions of the myth, but essentially after Castor dies, Pollux is so heartbroken that he pleads with his father to bring his brother back, and shares, or in other myths full sacrifices his own immortality to be joined with his brother again. This is how they are then united forever and eternally, as holding each other in the sky. Castor on his knees, and Pollux eternally holding.
This inspires us all as humanity to hold each other, lift each other, raise each other up, and remember the compassion and kindness that brings us together. It reminds us of the union between human and sacred, between mortal and immortal.
In esoterics, humanity has a mortal self and a divine self, and through the lens of Christian mysticism, Christ is the immortal twin. This mirrors the Gemini constellation and myth – as the immortal Pollux shares his divinity with Castor, just as Christ shared His light with the human soul.
Pollux is esoterically referred to as the Christ twin within this constellation, and this star is the brightest. because it shines brightest and raises us all; and because, mainly, Pollux chose to descend into death for his brother, i.e. sacrifice his own immortality, so that his brother is not alone and that they are together as one again.
It is this divine quality within us all to give of ourselves to someone, to sacrifice our material attachments for love, and to be less selfish.
For those who want to dive further into the why Christ is called our twin in Christian mysticism, you can see this “twin” or syzygos appearing in texts or scriptures such as the Acts of Thomas, the Gospel of Thomas, early Syriac mysticism, Valentinian Christianity and some Desert Father teachings, and various monks and early Christian desert mystics.
The belief is that every mortal has a twin, our Christ within, which raises us to be a better version of ourselves embodying higher virtues and love. There are long esoteric traditions linking Pollux to the divine twin or Christ; Pollux was called “Soter” meaning savior in some inscriptions, and also known as the “helper of those on the sea”, and Christ was also symbolized as a guide on the waters.
The Path of the Divine Twin
Being at the foot of Pollux, Alhena thereby becomes the path itself towards our divine twin. Whether it is the foot of Ra, the foot of Pollux, the feet of the gods or immortals have always been connected in esotericism to our higher mission or dharmic path in life.
Alhena shows a very unique path in which the native walks sometimes “between worlds”, which may strengthen their intuitive abilities or ability to channel through their writing or speaking. There can be deep interest towards spiritual pursuits and developing their intuition, and diving into esoteric knowledge or hidden knowledge.
Alhena marks the path by which the human soul walks toward reunion with our higher self. From the perspective of Castor and Pollux, the human soul Castor walks towards union with its divine twin Pollux – and in the sky Castor is always held by Pollux, especially in the times when he kneels in a wound as portrayed by this constellation. Pollux raises him.
Alhena is the footprint of the immortal twin. This is why she has always been associated with walking a life path driven by a higher mission, a soul’s calling, spiritual purpose, devotion, the “radiant step”, and the embodiment of divine inspiration.
This union of heaven and flesh, the union of twin, the sacred marriage within us. This mark on our path, along the river of star, the band of the Milky Way, is where body with the spirit and we feel inspired to walk a path with a higher mission, with virtue and with love. In a world that is increasingly separated, I find that Alhena shines bright to remind us of this, especially now in our winter nightly skies.
This part of the sky reminds us to walk with purpose, intention, and with kindness of rhythm. To be kinder and less selfish, to not be too high to not kneel to help someone or a little animal. To maintain our inner truth and have integrity. To share of ourselves, and to know that we are always held and supported, by the hands of the divine twin.
It reminds that the divine lives within us, move within us, breathes within us, and we within it, and this holds us. It lifts us and it raises us. And we should nurture these inner flames within the church of our heart, and use our wisdom and grace to nurture the flames of others also.
Alhena reminds us that no matter what the stones or obstacles on our paths, no matter how much we may fall sometimes, we’ll always rise, so we keep walking. And along that path, Pollux and Castor too always hold each other, hand in hand holding strong; two parts within us too that hold in one, of soil and stars. And in the starry skies at night, even if we forget of this deeper truth, even when we forget to look up to remind ourselves of what togetherness and love are, it is there, it is always there.
Alhena Love:
In the context of love and relationships, if Alhena connects to your darakaraka, or love and relationships or children in your chart, this mainly shows that you feel a calling towards, an inner knowing, and you should trust this. And also remember that here it’s all about divine timing, so there’s nothing to worry about, just keep going.
You may feel love itself is a calling, or a child is a calling, or your partner is someone who will help you on your destined path of higher mission and support your soul’s calling. If Alhena is prominent in your chart, naturally your life’s priority is something related to a mission, and you will be very determined towards that.
Alhena love is not dramatic love, it is soulful, deep connected and destined. It is purposeful love, spiritually threaded love. Alhena is the star of walking your chosen path, and in romantic symbolism this shows you may be drawn toward someone as if by a path made of light. It very well often shows destined meetings and destined partners, and that divine hands pull you together, so it’s important to follow and listen to your intuition.
There is also a deep devotional path linked here also – whether marriage becomes your devotional path, or creativity, love itself is the devotion and devotion is the veil through which awareness shows its beautiful face. There is devotion through beauty also – and beauty is a path of life and has a deeper spiritual purpose.
Because Alhena is connected to artists, dancers, and spiritual creatives, its romantic expression is often appreciation of someone’s inner beauty, love born from admiration, or attraction to talent, grace, or intelligence. Alhena romance may often begin with things like “I saw the way you moved, spoke and wrote something and I recognized your soul.”
As i wrote above, this star is about oats, so vows made here tend to stay, and romance can be deep, loyal and withstand anything, be enduring and long lasting. The partners can stay loyal, endure difficulties, overcome obstacles, and stay true despite long periods of distance or long distance separation, and then choose each other again and again. They walk the “same path” and share devotion to one another with deep respect and fidelity.
It’s interesting because a lot of fairytales align to the energy of Alhena. The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen is a poetic and luminous version of Alhena themes, as it speaks of devotion to a calling, and the artist-mystic archetype. We see the heroine obviously have a deeper spiritual nature, while also creating with her hands, aligned to a purpose and mission. There is devotion to a mission, quiet strength and resilience, inner luminosity of the purity of her soul and heart, and her talents which make beauty alive and transformative and healing for others also.
Another one is the East of the Sun, West of the Moon, where a woman undertakes a mystical journey for love. Her devotion becomes a spiritual quest, and the story itself blends destiny, artistry, light, and cosmic symbolism. I’ve written an essay on it in my Story Thread series on myth and folklore, which you can read here, or directly at East of the Sun, West of the Moon, because All I Seek is You.
In this beautiful Norwegian tale, we see the Alhena star threaded and destined driven love, as well as the courage of the heroine to follow the path and keep going with trust and faith, and eventually, we see the union of the beloveds through spiritual strength and faith. It’s a tale of the path across the heavens, and that love itself, when true and pure, becomes a higher mission that touches the hearts of all others around us also; an inspiration to always strive for and look towards and be guided by.
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Beautiful cover art by Maxime Simoncelli, his official website is linked here. All rights reserved to the artist.
