The Fixed Star Aldebaran is one of the brightest, most revered astral body which graces the ink-black veil of night. Aldebaran is known as the Eye of the Bull, and is the largest star in the constellation of Taurus. Its red hue is oft-mistaken for Mars, but is firmly stationed near the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades. This spirit comes in the guise of a Rider upon a red horse’s back, with spear and snake in hand. He is young and rugged, a King whose kingdom was gained through strategic defeat of his enemy’s forces. His saddle is of steel, and his armor of tin. He is unrelenting in his chase of the Seven Sisters and, as his name reveals, is the Follower which succeeds them in the ever-turning theater of the night sky.

The Follower is one of the four Persian Royal Fixed Stars, and sits upon his throne in the East. As a member of the 15 Behenian Fixed Stars, and a King at that, he is known to have marked influence on the affairs of mankind since time immemorial. These fifteen stars are those most often invoked in sorcery, shrouded in belief and mystery both religious and magical. In Egypt, they were observed as Gods, and in Europe their rays were drawn down and affixed to images to enact change on behalf of kings and queens. Their role is not limited to the magic of the temple or court, however, as the Behenii are oft-invoked in folk charms and songs, sometimes considered heroes, demons, or unfortunate souls. Their lore touches on each things their light reaches, from the omens of birth of witches and vampires, to the budding of certain trees, to the ripeness of grain.

The spirits of Aldebaran are those of commanders, strategists, and warriors, and those espousing the romanticism of war. They are goodly spirits, although they may work for good or ill in equal measure. This star is of the nature of Mars and of Venus, although its action is more similar to that of Jupiter in positive workings. As one of the four Kings, Aldebaran is a star of wealth, glory, and honor, although his potencies do not end there. He is also a star of construction and destruction, bringing solidity to buildings or razing them. He puts distance between two lovers, or closes it. As the ruler of the 4th Mansion of the Moon, Aldebaran can be called upon to intimidate enemies, to place fear upon them, and force them into submission. He can be called upon to cause discord, enmity, and disagreement in a group. This is a King who understands that collateral damage is necessary, and is willing to burn cities to the ground to obtain his glory.

Even so, natives of this star (and those who wish to call on its benefic aspects) are faced with a challenge of integrity in all ways. Integrity here does not mean altruism, but rather one's ability to follow-through with their promises, values, or morals, and to face the consequences of these. Can you look your competitor in the eye as you leave them in the dirt? Can you face the ire of the villagers whose well you have poisoned? Are you capable of steeling your resolve when faced with contradicting opinions? The key to working with Aldebaran is to know to what ends we are willing to resort to obtain that which we seek. We must accept that our success may come at the cost of another's, and that our wrath has repercussions beyond those that fall upon our victim.

For the witch, Aldebaran may be worked with to gather wealth or clientele, to increase one's success, and to gain the favor of people with the power to alter our circumstances. To this end, Aldebaran materia may be used in spells of a financial nature, either to bless one's financial prospects, or to bless a business. Aldebaran may also be called on for protection, as a solidifier of foundations both physical and spiritual. In my own work, he has taken the role of managing my wards and protections, replenishing them, and indicating when attacks are on their way. He also makes a home solid in the literal sense, and helps keep structural problems at bay. Aldebaran may also ensure the purity of wells. As a spirit of drive, resolve, and motivation, Aldebaran can be worked with to break through blockages and obstacles, especially when these have been placed by others.

Aldebaran materia may also be used outside of the context of sorcery as a means to bolster one's resolve and drive, increase motivation, and empower one to chase after their desires. It brings balance to those with weakened Martial placements, and may be of use to those susceptible to the habit of people-pleasing and of forming permeable boundaries. One may wish to anoint themselves with Aldebaran oil, or to fumigate their space with Aldebaran incense when going through a tumultuous period and when their resolve is tested, as this will assist them in keeping their back straight and their head high.