The fixed star Zubenelgenubi, better known as the Southern Scale, is one of the few stars of higher numerical magnitude to have been accorded any substantial astrological influence in the tradition. I therefore found it particularly interesting to offer some reflections on it.
It is a double star, pale yellow and light grey, in the southern scale of the constellation Libra. Its traditional name, Zubenelgenubi, or Zuben Elgenubi, derives from the Arabic لزُبَانَى الجَنُوبِي (al-zubānā al-janūbiyy), meaning the southern claw. Before the Scales became a constellation in their own right, they formed the claws of Scorpio. Another name is Kiffa Australis, a partly Latinised rendering of the Arabic, meaning the southern pan of the balance.
Its symbolic name is the Insufficient Price. It is of the nature of Saturn and Mars, and is therefore associated with troubles, obstacles, an unscrupulous character, violence, illness, lies, crime, disgrace and the danger of poisoning.
The Southern Scale is a double star. Its brighter component has the nature of Mars, with a somewhat weaker influence of Saturn. The adverse influence of this star is particularly noticeable in those born at night. Its conjunction with the Sun or Moon is an unfavourable indication for health. Saturn or Neptune in contact with this star has also been observed to be malefic. Even a conjunction with Jupiter is considered harmful. Vehlow recorded “confiscation of property in wartime”. Yet the Scales, both Northern and Southern, are also said to confer an immortal name. Even so, this seems more likely to arise from tragic circumstances than from any particularly distinguished achievement.
Ptolemy, however, assigned the Southern Scale the nature of Jupiter and Mars, which is rather fitting for the principal star of a sign so closely associated with justice. Its female personification, Justitia, can be seen in courthouses holding the scales of Libra in one hand and a martial sword in the other. Jupiter is just and merciful: even when obliged to point the sword at the guilty party, he remains benevolent towards the one who has been wronged.
Not all judges live up to this high ideal, nor do people generally when passing judgement on others—not merely those paid to do so. The Southern Scale is the astrological expression of this allegory: when well aspected and joined to the “right” planet in the horoscope, it describes someone with the courage to fight for justice while treating the defeated with generosity. When afflicted, especially by Mars, Saturn or the Moon, justice can easily give way to vengeance. Such a person would do well to avoid any occupation in which they can wield power, for sooner or later they will have cause to regret such conduct, through public disgrace or worse.
Another useful analogy lies in this star’s association with the claws of Scorpio, which are used both in mating and in killing prey. The scorpion does not release its grip until either act is complete, while an outside observer may struggle to tell which is taking place. Those whose dealings with others are martial, judgemental or of a similar character need a clear head and a pure heart when this star is prominent in their charts. It is often found afflicted in a wide range of unhappy circumstances, from domestic troubles and injustices to psychopathic murders committed under the guise of love. On the other hand, its appearance in a favourable aspect often marks a good opportunity to repair a relationship and reconsider an earlier harsh judgement.
On the direction of the Sun to this star, William Lilly writes:
“This direction favoureth not the native’s advancement, and is likewise prejudicial to the health of the body, threatening the native with a malignant or very acute fever; if he sail upon the seas, he shall suffer exceedingly by shipwreck and be in danger of death; yet it also promiseth good from martial employments, both in offices of honour and in the service of the state.”
Zubeneschamali, or the Northern Scale, is considered a very fruitful star. The Chaldeans believed that crops would flourish when it was visible. In the symbolism of the human body, Zubenelgenubi is associated with the lower part of the large intestine.
The Southern Scale in conjunction with planets and points in the horoscope
Ascendant: Indicates a rise in wealth, followed by decline and ruin. There is also an indication of danger connected with water.
Sun: Illness, losses in business and through fire or speculation, disgrace, ruin, the disfavour of superiors, suffering through unjust accusations, illness in the family.
Moon: Here the Southern Scale brings trouble in relations with the opposite sex, unjust accusations, disgrace, ruin, mental distress, the loss of relatives, many disappointments and much illness, particularly in the part of the body ruled by the sign it occupies.
Mercury: Skilful, vindictive, treacherous, quick-witted, poor health, poverty at the end of life. Health problems involving the large intestine have been particularly noted.
Venus: Unfavourable for marriage, sudden or secret death; the native may be poisoned out of jealousy by someone of the same sex.
Mars: Bitter quarrels, often ending in bloodshed or death.
Jupiter: Hypocrisy, deceit, insincerity, the exploitation of professed religious zeal for personal gain, danger of imprisonment.
Saturn: Dishonourable, often escapes justice but suffers in the end; jealous, short-tempered, domestic discord, unfavourable for marriage, gains and inheritances.
Lot of Fortune: The Southern Scale indicates that the native will suffer losses through theft by thieves, soldiers or servants, and through gambling, speculation, fire and lawsuits.