Mars with Aldebaran in Cyprus Astrology

on August 6, 2024

“The name Aldebaran (pronounced /ælˈdɛbərən/) comes from the Arabic word al-dabarān, meaning “the follower.” The name refers to the Pleiades cluster (Messier 45), which the star appears to be following across the sky.”

Traditionally, the Island of Cyprus was assigned to the Pleiades zone rulership astrologically (Vettius Valens) so it is very interesting to note her modern chart’s rising Moon-Mars are conjunct the follower star… In the Cyprus foundation chart, Mars is conjunct Moon in Gemini (sextile Mercury on a critical 8-9^th degree fixed in Leo 3^rd house) giving the passionate people that I have come to know and love. But this Mars-Moon is also within orb of conjunction to fixed star Aldebaran, also known as the ‘watcher of the East’.

Ref chart: Cyprus Independence – August 16, 1960 at midnight

“In all astrology it has been thought eminently fortunate, portending riches and honor; and was one of the four Royal Stars, or Guardians of the Sky, of Persia, 5000 years ago, when it marked the vernal equinox” ( from: constellation of words) Mars with Aldebaran in a natal chart is often associated with agitation and warmongering. There had certainly been plenty of agitation, strife and warmongering throughout Cyprus’ history. Its very formation into the independent Republic we know today was fraught with strife. The most notable recent manifestation being the Turkish occupation and division of the island in 1974. “Aldebaran With Mars: Great military preferment but attended by much danger; liable to accidents, fevers and a violent death. [Robson*, p.121.]As most astrology students know, it is not enough to have a powerful configuration in a chart. Each configuration requires a trigger event: a transit, progression or …a person whose “job” it is to usher or fulfill the natal promise.

Archbishop Makarios – the Mars-Aldebaran conduit?

It was especially interesting to note that Archbishop Makarios III (President at the time of the Cyprus invasion by Turkey) own natal Mars is also within orb of conjunction to both Cyprus Moon-Mars and therefore also Aldebaran.

“(Aldebaran) is said to presage individuals who are “restless and riotous, always stirring up popular dissent and revolution.” Maternus writes that Aldebaran “…when aspected by a malefic portends sudden and unexpected involvement in riots and sedition resulting in justly being condemned by the people.” (Sourced from: Astrology King)

And yes, The Archbishop was in fact arrested for sedition in 1956…

“The British…suspected him of being a leading figure in the EOKA, an armed nationalist movement led by Col. Georgios Grivas. Makarios, however, preferred political bargaining to force and negotiated with the British governor in 1955–56. When these talks proved fruitless and Makarios was arrested for sedition in March 1956 and exiled to the Seychelles, the EOKA intensified its violent campaign. In March 1957 Makarios was released from detention in exile; not immediately permitted to return to the country, however, Makarios traveled to Athens before his arrival in Cyprus the following year. In February 1959 Makarios accepted a compromise that resulted in independence for Cyprus. He was elected president of the new republic on December 13, 1959, with a Turkish vice president.” (Source: Britannica)

Notice Makarios’ trajectory of rise and fall coming in waves so to speak.

“ there is the capacity for great promotion, preferment and an accumulation of wealth and power, but as in the case of Antares, there is a great responsibility attached to the honours that it brings, and if these are abused, the fall from grace will be just as rapid as the rise.” (skyscript)

Perhaps there is strictness in Aldebaran that is almost Saturnine in nature in that it requires a straight and narrow path to achievement. Makarios’ trajectory certainly suggests so.

Fun Fact: Archbishop Makarios III birth name is Mikhail (Michael) and Aldebaran is considered a Royal Star reflecting Archangel Michael. In fact this is not where Makarios’ signatures in Cyprus chart stop but that is a topic for another article.

Moon-tides of Cyprus

As Cyprus Moon is also with Mars and Aldebaran it reveals something of the country’s restless (Mars) past (Moon) “With Moon: Favorable for business, honor and credit, especially if in the 1st or 10th house, but danger of calamity. Favorable for domestic, public and religious matters; danger of a violent death. “ [Robson*, p.120.] “With Sun or Moon, culminating or rising: Great honor through violence with difficulties and casualties.” [Robson*, p.121.]

References and sources:

Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923 http://www.constellationsofwords.com/stars/Aldebaran.html
Vettius Valens, Anthologies, Book I, Ref 2. The Nature of the Twelve Zodiacal Signs
https://classicalastrologer.me/2018/04/13/aldebaran-tascheter-the-watcher-of-the-east/
http://www.skyscript.co.uk/taurus_myth.html
https://astrologyking.com/aldebaran-star-alpha-tauri/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Makarios-III

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Cyprus Astrology

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Aldebaran Mars

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