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The Fixed Stars were so called by the ancients to distinguish them from the Planets, or Wanderers, which are heavenly bodies moving perceptibly across the sphere of the Zodiac. Fixed Stars are those which appear to be stationary, relative to the Earth (although they do advance due to precession at a rate of less than one minute per year, so needing some seventy-two years to move slightly more than one degree of arc). They do not move across the ecliptic, as do planets.

In the tropical cosmological picture, fixed stars do not lie within the tropical zodiac of the signs, which is a symbolic map; they are all beyond it in the constellations. Some of the Fixed Stars near the ecliptic and of significant magnitude do, however, exert considerable influence. The images on which our Zodiac is based are of course patterns drawn from constellations of Fixed Stars, but the constellations are not exactly the same as the Signs of the Zodiac. For example, thanks to the precession of the equinoxes, fixed stars in the constellation of Scorpio can be found in the Tropical Sign of Sagittarius.

Ptolemy in Tetrabiblos (I:9) declares that the stars are given natures according to their similarities to planetary influences. He specifically assigns stars in sectors of the major constellations to particular planetary likenesses. He lists these without comment, other than to say that these "are the observations of the effects of the stars themselves, as made by our predecessors".

The Elizabethan astrologer, William Lilly, identified about fifty fixed stars in his horary delineations (these are marked in the table with an asterisk *). The Fixed Stars have an influence when in conjunction, opposition, square or parallel aspect with a planet, or significant point in the horoscope. They are particularly important when in the Ascendant or Angles at birth, or when near the Sun or Moon. They also have an effect when directed to the Angles and can be activated by major transits.

Fifteen stars considered especially useful for magical applications (in the mediæval astrology of Europe and the Arab world) are known as the Behenian Fixed Stars. The name derives from Arabic bahman, "root," as each was considered a source of astrological power for one or more planets. Each is also connected with a gemstone and plant used in rituals intended to draw the star's influence (e.g., into a talisman). When a planet was within six degrees of an associated star, this influence was thought to be particularly strong. I will adjust this page in coming weeks to take account of these important factors. In the meantime, for Agrippa's table, see the Behenian Fixed Stars. For a different viewpoint, see the Table of Hermes.

Despite the foregoing, the allowed orb for fixed stars is a matter of some dispute among astrologers. Most modern astrologers lean to a very small orb, mainly based on the magnitude of the star (the brighter the star, the greater the orb). For a more detailed examination of magnitudes and other factors, check out Anne Wright's very comprehensive site at The Fixed Stars.

Traditional astrology uses a smaller number of stars and allows a larger orb, especially for the four Royal Stars, Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares and Fomalhaut, plus Sirius and Spica. Caput Algol is also allowed a larger orb, because it is such a powerful influence for evil. [If you find this a trifle harsh, dear reader, please examine Medusa's Head, a remarkable article by Diana K. Rosenberg – perhaps the greatest modern authority on the Fixed Stars.]

In my own work, I have found that an orb of 1 degree (one finger's width) is usually quite noticeable, though I'd allow up to 6 degrees for Algol and various sizeable orbs for the other major stars. I generally ignore most of the smaller stars unless there is a very significant reason not to. Experience is the best teacher. Have a look at my article on the influence of the fixed stars on the September 11 attack, American Catastrophe for some insight into the way they work. Fixed stars are also said to "cast no rays" meaning that aspects other than conjunction should not be considered, but this is by no means always the case, as demonstrated by Rosenberg. See also my colleague Ian Thurnwald's article on the 2002 Uranus/Algol cycle The Cycle of Uranus and Algol in 2002.

Sun and Moon have a naturally wide orb (since they actually physically occupy more of the sky). This said, the closer the orb, the stronger the influence. If a star is angular, especially if rising or setting, its influence is the greatest. This involves the use of parans (locationally determined angular relationships between planets and fixed stars in a chart, based on the horizon and the prime meridien, not the ecliptic). Bernadette Brady is the best modern writer on this. Brady's Book of Fixed Stars makes a very useful and readable addition to any astrologer's library. Conjunctions of fixed stars with planets (including lunar nodes) in the natal chart are very significant, especially if rising, setting or culminating, and when stimulated by transits.

The strength and efficacy of the Fixed Stars is to be considered from their magnitude, their splendours, their natures or properties, their nearness to the Ecliptic, their place in the World, their multitude, their first oriental appearance, the purity of their place, the similitude or agreement of the body or rays of a Planet with them and their circle of position.

— The Seven Segments of Cardan [ed. William Lilly, 1675]

For an even more comprehensive analysis of the Fixed Stars and their effects,
check out this detailed website by Anne Wright: Constellations of Words