These two stars are the principal stars in the constellation Aquarius and lie upon its shoulders: Sadalmelik on the right and Sadalsuud on the left. Both are pale yellow stars of the third magnitude and are generally considered very fortunate. Ptolemy assigns both the nature of Saturn and Mercury.
Sadalsuud
In the constellation Aquarius, at 23° 24’ Aquarius A pale yellow star on the Water Bearer’s left shoulder. Its name derives from as-Sa’adu-s-Su’ud, or ‘the Luckiest of the Lucky’; it was so named because it rises with the Sun and heralds a period of gentle, sustained rain. Its heliacal rising is usually marked by fine, favourable weather, one of the foundations of this star’s reputation for a benevolent and fortunate influence. The Latins knew it as Fortuna Fortunarum, another reference to its lucky nature.
Although known as a ‘lucky star’, it reveals this quality chiefly in times of danger and risk, delivering the native from highly perilous situations. Naturally, it must be well placed for this nature to manifest fully and for the risks into which it draws the native to pay off. When poorly placed, it can bring vengeance at the hands of a woman, or draw the native into dangers from which escape is difficult. It is associated with an interest in the occult and all forms of alternative spirituality, especially when conjunct the luminaries, as well as with aviation.
Influence: According to Ptolemy, it has the nature of Saturn and Mercury; Simmonite assigns it to Uranus, while Alvidas describes it as a sextile between the Sun and Uranus. It is said to cause trouble and loss of honour. With the Sun: interest in the occult, psychic abilities, wealth gained through litigation against a person of the opposite sex, domestic harmony. With the Moon: renown through occult pursuits, respect from friends, favourable for gain, unusual family circumstances. With Mercury: social success, favour from the opposite sex accompanied by passing difficulties, retirement following abuse of position, sudden losses through speculation, sorrow and trouble at home. With Venus: strange events, a romantic and unusual marriage, but separation for reasons of state or politics. With Mars: difficulties arising from occult pursuits, unfavourable for gain. With Jupiter: litigation, material and social success, marital difficulties, possible marriage abroad or to a foreigner. With Saturn: a caustic disposition, skill, dishonesty, immorality, coldness, lack of feeling, obstinacy, bringing disgrace upon an honourable father, a hypnotic influence over the opposite sex, numerous intrigues that break up families, death through vengeance at the hands of a woman. With Uranus: interest in the occult, highly unfavourable for women, sensitivity, emotionality, indecision, weakness of mind, susceptibility to influence, being led astray in childhood, rash actions, trouble with the opposite sex, unfavourable for gain, ill for marriage before middle age; death by accident. With Neptune: mediumistic abilities, good looks, a youthful appearance, success in occupations connected with entertainment and jewellery, domestic harmony, frequent moves and changes, unusual marital circumstances, sudden death.
We shall also consider Sadalmelik, the star on the Water Bearer’s right shoulder, which occupies the 3rd degree of Pisces in the zodiac. Its name derives from as-Sa’adu-l-Malik, meaning ‘the King’s Luck’.
It signifies secret knowledge that offers practical help in establishing one’s place in society. In the chart of someone in a position of authority, it may indicate an astrological adviser, or any form of occult knowledge that helps the native succeed in life. It can also signify those who have gained renown through occult work. When poorly placed, it may indicate a complete absence of good fortune and severe reversals.
Influence: According to Ptolemy, it has the nature of Saturn and Mercury; Simmonite gives Saturn and Jupiter, while Alvidas assigns Jupiter and Uranus in sextile to the Sun in Pisces or Taurus. It causes executions, judicial proceedings, extreme and sudden destruction, and the death penalty. With the Sun: occult interests, renown in occult pursuits, earnings through companies. With the Moon: renown in occult pursuits, success in large companies, favourable for gain. If a malefic is also involved with Algol at the same time, death by royal decree, by hanging or the guillotine. With Mercury: interest in and study of the occult, exposure to criticism, favourable for friendships, success in large enterprises, losses through servants. With Venus: favourable for occult research, gains through friends. With Mars: fame through scientific discoveries and inventions, short-lived benefits. With Jupiter: success in the Church, occult interests, exposure to criticism, trouble from enemies, losses through lawsuits. With Saturn: originality, inventiveness, psychic abilities, attentiveness, caution, practicality, sound judgement, difficulties in putting ideas or inventions into practice, gains through enterprises, speculation and occupations of an earthy nature, chronic illness affecting the wife or children, favourable for gain, longevity. With Uranus: lofty ideals, a sound philosophical and scientific mind, psychic abilities, inventiveness, success, gains through business and government, influential and learned friends, a remarkable contribution to clarifying beliefs and philosophical views, sudden yet natural death. With Neptune: psychic abilities, prominence in occult fields, kindness, compassion, generosity, friends among the clergy and legal profession, favourable for gains through companies, banks or the stock exchange, domestic harmony, though illness affecting the wife or children leads to the break-up of the home, minor accidents, longevity.