The Demon Star. Where do I begin? This fixed star has become a fascination of mine in recent years.

Derived from the Arabic phrase ‘ra’s al-ghul’, which translates to “head of the ghoul” (also the origin of the word alcohol), the phrase has an alternative meaning: “to lose one’s head”.

Algol is located at 26 degrees Taurus in the Perseus constellation and is part of a three-star system.  In Greek myth, Perseus beheaded the Gorgon Medusa and used her head as a weapon for turning enemies into stone. Medusa was one of three sisters, but was the only one beheaded.

The peculiar way this three star system interacts with one another involves a transfer of mass that emits radioactivity with magnetic fields ten times more powerful than the Sun. The image of these sunspot-like flares colliding as radioactive astronomical blips somehow reminds me of scenes from David Lynch’s 3rd season of Twin Peaks “The Return”.

Dimensional interference causes a kind of bizarre beheading of those interacting with this interstellar demon (specifically in “The Return”). I have no idea if Lynch actually was referencing Algol, but the playing card that bad Cooper plays with has the Taurus symbol strangely scrawled onto it, which is also the distorted symbol from the earlier seasons of the entrance to Owl Cave (sorry for those of you who never nerded out on “Twin Peaks”).

Those with Algol prominent in their charts (within 2 degrees of 26 Taurus) have often had dark and unusual lives. While not everyone will experience violent death with this placement, almost all will have encountered some form of violence. The neck and throat are targeted points of abuse or vulnerability.

Isadora Duncan, famous American modern dancer, had Algol conjunct Pluto natally and died of strangulation from her scarf getting caught in the wheel of her car while driving. Nicole Brown Simpson had her natal Sun conjunct Algol and died from 32 stab wounds to the neck. A former neighbor of mine died from choking on an apple (natal Venus conjunct Algol).

Brian Wilson has Algol conjunct his natal ascendant and suffered sustained mental abuse throughout his life involving the rights to his music (throat, expression) and his estate. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard both have Algol conjunct Venus natally and have continued their ongoing court battle in blaming the other for abuse (quite clearly it was mutual).

Malcolm X had Algol conjunct his natal Sun and Martin Luther King Jr. had Algol conjunct his natal North Node. Since we cannot leave racism out of these particular acts of violence, we have to acknowledge their deaths as primarily racist acts. However, we cannot deny the power of these two important men of history and the prominence of Algol in their charts.

I just had a flash memory of the rapper Eazy-E who supposedly died of AIDS but the circumstances were pretty strange. He was diagnosed and dead within a month if I remember correctly. He died of pneumonia/respiratory failure. His natal Jupiter was exactly conjunct Algol.

Because of the tremendous power of Algol, once it has been acknowledged and dealt with by the native who claims it, it can be a source of strength. It doesn’t have to end in tragedy. Being aware of one’s power is also about not fearing death, although its still good to keep your wits about you. Just as Pluto teaches us that darkness can actually illuminate our path, so can Algol show us how power can be used to change the world in some way. Radiantly blinking and transforming from its Earthly perspective in the Cosmos.