Altair
Alpha Aquilae · Aquila
Position (2026)
♒ 2°09' Aquarius
Magnitude
0.76
Planetary Nature
Mars / Jupiter (robson)
Spectral Type
A7IV-V
Altair in Astrology
Altair, the eye of Aquila the Eagle, carries Mars-Jupiter energy that bestows bold ambition, daring action, and the capacity for sudden, dramatic ascent. It grants the native exceptional courage and the drive to soar above ordinary limitations. Achievement comes through decisive, courageous action, and the individual possesses the eagle's quality of commanding perspective from great heights.
Mythology & History
Altair takes its name from the Arabic al-Nasr al-Ta'ir, meaning 'the flying eagle,' distinguishing it from Vega, the 'swooping eagle.' Altair forms the southern apex of the Summer Triangle along with Vega and Deneb. In the Chinese legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Girl, Altair represents Niu Lang, the mortal cowherd separated from his celestial wife (Vega) by the river of the Milky Way. In Arabic star lore, Altair flanked by its two companion stars Tarazed and Alshain was seen as a falcon with outstretched wings.
Aquila Context
Altair is the brightest star in Aquila the Eagle, the constellation the Greeks associated with the eagle of Zeus that carried the thunderbolts and abducted Ganymede. In another tradition, the eagle was Aphrodite in disguise, pursuing Zeus who had taken the form of a swan. Aquila represents swift, decisive action from above: the raptor's strike, the thunderbolt delivered, the divine will executed with precision and speed. Altair's Mars-Jupiter nature combines this martial swiftness with the expansive ambition of the king of birds.
Notable Charts
Amelia Earhart
Jupiter conjunct Altair
Courageous flight and the ambition to soar beyond conventional boundaries
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