Alkes
Alkes
Keywords: sacred vessel, memory, receptivity, deep tradition
General Meaning:
Alkes (Alpha Crateris) shines within the cup of Crater. It
represents the vessel that carries spiritual wisdom and
ancestral knowledge. Planets conjoined with Alkes are colored
by recollection and the desire to preserve meaningful
experience.
High Expression:
- Keen intuition born from remembering the past
- Ability to hold sacred space for others
- Appreciation of heritage and ritual
Shadow Expression:
- Clinging to tradition without growth
- Being overly nostalgic or stuck in old patterns
Alkes Conjunction:
Planetary Body + Alkes (≤1° orb)
Description:
Alkes merges memory with receptivity. Conjunctions here foster
a willingness to listen and to keep stories alive for the next
generation.
Examples:
- Sun conjunct Alkes: Identity shaped by history and
lineage.
- Moon conjunct Alkes: Strong emotional ties to family and
ancestors.
- Mercury conjunct Alkes: Storytelling skills and a
photographic memory.
- Venus conjunct Alkes: Beauty found in heirlooms or
traditional arts.
- Mars conjunct Alkes: Actions motivated by respect for the
past.
- Jupiter conjunct Alkes: Growth through studying ancient
lore.
- Saturn conjunct Alkes: Responsibility to safeguard
cultural heritage.
- Uranus conjunct Alkes: Innovative methods to preserve old
wisdom.
- Neptune conjunct Alkes: Spiritual guidance rooted in
ancestral dreams.
- Pluto conjunct Alkes: Profound transformation through
honoring lineage.
Metaphysical/Esoteric Layer:
Meditation on Alkes facilitates connection with ancestors and
the wisdom stored in spiritual vessels, such as holy grails or
sacred cauldrons.
Ritual Application
Not a ritual for the star — a list of working types where this star lends support.
Ideal for:
- Ancestor work or memory charms
- Blessing ceremonies involving cups or water
Not suited for:
- Discarding the past or quick-change spells
Effective timing:
- When the Moon joins mid Leo where Crater rises
Affirmation:
"I hold the vessel of memory with reverence."
🔭 Star Data (computed)
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Designation | α Crateris |
| Constellation | Crater |
| Right ascension (J2000) | 10h 59m 46.5s |
| Declination (J2000) | -18° 17′ 56″ |
| Ecliptic longitude, J2000.0 | 23°41′ Virgo (λ = 173.691°) |
| Ecliptic longitude, 2026.0 | 24°02′ Virgo (λ = 174.049°) |
| Ecliptic latitude | -22.71° |
| Visual magnitude | 4.07 |
| Precession drift | ≈ +50.3″ per year in longitude (1° per ≈ 71.6 years) |
Conjunction window (≤ 1° orb, epoch 2026): a body is conjunct Alkes when its longitude lies between 23°02′ Virgo and 25°02′ Virgo. Fixed-star contacts are traditionally judged by longitude (zodiacal conjunction); declination contacts are handled in Parallels and Contra-parallels.
Sign hub: Virgo · Index: Fixed Stars
Sources (star data)
- Swiss Ephemeris fixed-star catalogue
sefstars.txt(ICRS/Hipparcos-based positions, proper motions, magnitudes): https://github.com/aloistr/swisseph/blob/master/ephe/sefstars.txt — ecliptic longitudes computed for this vault with Astropy 8.0 (GeocentricMeanEcliptic, mean equinox of J2000.0 and of 2026-01-01) - IAU Working Group on Star Names (WGSN), approved proper names: https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming_stars/