Ras Alhague is a fixed star associated with healing. I was introduced to Ras Alhague by Kaitlin Coppock of Sphere and Sundry.
Ras Alhague has a healing solar-like emanation that is associated with Aesclepius, who was the sun of Apollo. That sunny signature was the inspiration for the image for this talisman, which is essentially apopotrpaic (protective) rather than healing, although I wouldn't rule that out, necessarily. In this talisman, we're drawing down the character and intent of Taurt, goddess of ancient Engypt, benevolite protectress of fertility, childbirth, also associated with the nursing of infants.
Expectant mothers in ancient Egypt often carried amulets depicting Taurt to invoke her protection. Taurt takes the form of a pregnant hippopotamus, with feline legs and a crocodile tale. Female hippos spend most of their time preparing for and raising offspring. They are one of the few species that will babysit the calf of another hippo. Hippos are dangerous under the best of circumstances, and an expectant hippo would be something to walk around les she charge and attack with her sharp teeth and tusks. Ancient Egyptians would name their children after her, and her name inspired the city of Thebes.
The sun god (Ra) was conceived of as having multpile divine mothers, and Taurt was considered as one of those mothers who witnessed the daily birth of the sun.
Practical Magic: In the physical world, this is a protective talisman for pregnancy, childbirth, and also nursing of infants. There are also implications for rebirth and I would not rule it out for rebirthing a new self, re-inventing oneself of a new persona.
Not As Good For: If actual healing is required, this would be a secondary talisman, but I would first go with any of the Aesclepius materia available from Sphere and Sundry, as well as the advice of your obstetrician or midwife.
A clearly pregnant Taurt is being adored. She is holding a sa, which has the shape of a rolled-up reed mat. It symbolizes both shelter and protection. It was associated with the Ankh as a symbol of life beyond the current incarnation. Taurt guarded the paths to the mountains in the west that led to the underworld and had powerful magic that allowed passage through that dangerous and frightening land, opening the path for the newborn to reincarnate and return to the world of the living.
Hathor is emerging from the mountain, in the form of a cow. The mountain has nipples. Hathor was the goddess of beauty and cosmetics, sensuality, music, dancing, and maternity. She has been identified as being the wife of Horus and mother of the Pharaohs.
Consecration of Taurt Talisman
Holy Taurt, great lady of magical protection,
you who are known as the best friend
of mother and child, you who care for and nourish
,
hear my prayers and protect me and all mothers
and those who care for them. Bring your sa into the
home and birth chamber and let this child's first
sucks be strong and nourishing.
You who guard to entry to every home,
you whose barrier evil cannot cross,
bring your comfort and reassurance
as the time of birth draws near.
Taurt, We ask that you accept these offerings
and prayers, and
keep us under your protection.
Four tiles and four 11x15 art prints were made for this election.
Check availability and orderCredit Card, etc.: Check availability and order
Other options:
But know that these last two won't do inventory tracking so if what you want has already sold out, I'll have to refund you.
US Shipping is free. For international orders, I'll contact you with the difference in shipping cost and let you select.
The annual heliacal rise of a star is the moment when a star becoms newly visible -- it's a powerful moment that offers an amazing opportunity. The heliacal rise occurs on approximately the same date for the star along the same latitude. This makes the usual electional criteria less applicable. For example, the rising sign will always be in the early hours before sunrise, so the sign on the ascendant will be one or two signs earlier.
Heliacal rise date in my location: 1 December.
Genii of the Sky: The Fixed Stars in Astrology, Ryhan Butler
A Feast of Starlight, chapter in The Celestial Arts, by Austin Coppock
Ras Alhague / Aesclepius at Sphere and Sundry (read overview and product descriptions)
