← Encyclopedia of Astrology · lesson 183/235
Regulus
Regulus is the bright blue-white star on the heart of the Lion, the constellation Leo, and it lies almost exactly on the ecliptic, the Sun's path, so the Moon and planets often pass over it. Its name means "little king", and older astrologers also called it Cor Leonis, the Lion's Heart. It is one of the four Royal Stars of ancient Persia. In astrology it is read as the star of leadership and honour: success, recognition and a generous, high-hearted spirit.
In the zodiac
Regulus now stands at about 0° Virgo. It crossed out of Leo around 2011–2012, so in most charts from before then it is in the last degree of Leo — a chart from 1950 places it about a degree earlier, near 29° Leo. Through precession it moves forward about one degree every 72 years.
Its nature
Ptolemy gave Regulus the nature of Mars and Jupiter: courage joined to magnanimity. With Aldebaran, Antares and Fomalhaut it was one of the four Persian guardians of the sky, usually named the Watcher of the North. The tradition said it gave honour, power and the favour of the great, and it also said the honour was conditional: older writers warned that pride, cruelty or revenge would bring a fall from the height it gave. Modern astrologers usually read that as a lesson about how power is held — the star rewards nobility of conduct.
In a chart
Only a close conjunction is usually counted, within about a degree or a degree and a half. On the Sun or the Midheaven, Regulus is often read as ambition, visibility and a natural feel for leading; on the Ascendant, as a dignified, warm presence. With the Moon or Venus it tends to lend charm and a generous heart. It colours the point it touches rather than acting alone, and what it promises is usually framed as something to live up to.