Argo Navis is a vast southern constellation that once spanned more than 70 degrees of sky. Although modern astronomy has divided it into three parts (Carina, Puppis, and Vela), it was long regarded as a single celestial figure: the ship of Jason and the Argonauts, carved into the heavens. It is one of the largest constellations ever recorded, with stars that pass low along the southern horizon in northern latitudes and are often unseen by the unaided eye, though still charted by astrologers.
According to myth, Argo was built with the aid of Athena and guided by Hera. It carried a chosen crew of heroes on a divine mission to retrieve the Golden Fleece from the kingdom of Colchis. Their journey was filled with monsters, enchantments, and impossible trials, but it was also a story of purpose, devotion, and endurance. After its successful return, the ship was preserved by the gods and placed among the stars.
In De Mineralibus, Albertus Magnus gives instruction for the crafting of a talisman: “Ship (Navis, Argo), engraved with all sails set, is said to give security in business and certain other affairs.” This recommendation is reinforced by the traditional nature of Argo’s stars, described by Ptolemy as being of Saturn and Jupiter, a combination associated with stability, protection, and long-term success.
The election focused on Suhail al Muhlif, a bright white star located at 27° Leo, traditionally assigned to the keel of the ship. At the time of the election, Suhail rose on the Ascendant while the Moon applied to conjoin. The Moon was waxing, fast in motion, and unafflicted by the malefics. The Sun, ruler of the Moon and Ascendant, was at its exact exaltation degree of 18° Aries (the 19th degree). The electional chart is available to view in the gallery.
Each piece was hand sculpted in wax and cast into solid sterling silver. The design depicts a stylized Greek ship above curling waves. Blue lace agate was chosen for its wavelike striations and sea-colored hue. The stones are set above seaweed and genuine 24k gold flake to represent the Golden Fleece. At the moment of the election, the backs of the stones were engraved with an image of a ship and ritually suffumigated. They were enspirited with the intention of granting business success and security.
Although Argo Navis is now considered an obsolete constellation, I reject this classification and agree wholeheartedly with Bernadette Brady, who writes in Brady’s Book of Fixed Stars:
“But more than just a ship, this constellation represents the very essence of human desire for adventure and exploration, be it with our minds for personal growth, or via the heavens for the growth of collective knowledge. To break apart such a sea-going or space-going vessel makes a massive statement to the human psyche, akin to breaking up the Enterprise or the shocking explosion of the Challenger in recent times. Hence astrologers should resist breaking up The Argo into smaller constellations. For The Argo is the symbol of our quests for new knowledge and our deep desire as a species to expand our world.”
The piece measures approximately 1.5” tall and comes on your choice of black satin cord or oxidized sterling silver chain, along with a copy of the devotional artwork above printed on card stock.
Only 11 are available.
May the daimon of these talismans grant you business success and security.