The Demon Star: Algol, See it Tonight

It's Halloween. Time to talk of spooky things like the Demon Star. The Demon Star, also known as Algol, is considered the unluckiest star in the sky. It's actually a eclipsing binary meaning there's two stars orbiting each other (Algol also has a third star sitting a short distance from the binary pair). Every few days one star passes in front of the other for about 10 hours and then they change places. Since one of the stars is brighter than the other Algol looks like a star that is bright for a time then goes dim.

The name Algol comes from the Arabic meaning 'head of the ghoul' and in Hebrew it's known as 'Satan's Head'. In the Tetrabiblos, an Astrology book from the 2nd century, this star was associated with Medusa, the snake-headed Gorgon that Perseus vanquished with a quick beheading.

If you would like to see the Demon Star, it sits next to the Pleiades constellation (a.k.a. the seven weeping sisters), and will be directly overhead in Laguna Niguel around 1:30 a.m. tonight.

People with Algol in their Astrological chart are said to have a blind spot when it comes to judging people. They tend to hold too long to relationships that are not beneficial. This is related to the story of Medusa. One look from Medusa and you were turned to stone. Perseus used his mirrored shield to avoid her gaze and strike the killing blow. Algol is also known to bring neck and throat problems to those who have it in their chart.

People who are born with Algol in their chart tend to be very smart and powerful but they are constantly challenged to use their powers wisely and not give in to selfish or destructive ambitions. This siren call to the dark side is related to the star's appearance. One day the star is bright and a few days later it seems to go dark tempting the person to the dark side.