“The Royal Star of Aquarius,” or “The Royal star of the Waterman”, also known as Markab, should more accurately be called the “Royal Star of Pegasus,” as there is no bright star located at 20 degrees of Aquarius. If we travel from 20 degrees of Aquarius on the ecliptic along the celestial meridian, which is perpendicular to the celestial equator, we reach the vicinity of the bright star Markab to the north and the star Fomalhaut to the south, a very luminous star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus (the Southern Fish).
Fomalhaut is traditionally associated with communication and attracting attention. Its nature is gentler, often tied to business affairs, but it can also be connected with a less favorable disposition. However, it is not associated with danger or war, which are traditional themes in Chaldean numerology.
This leaves us with Markab, a bright star located to the north of Aquarius. As a royal star, Markab symbolizes brilliance, honor, and authority, as well as warriors, intelligence, and, unfortunately, war, conflicts, injuries, and danger. Number 51 is not just linked to this royal star but also to the ruling planet associated with the number.
Astrologers who influenced the development of modern Chaldean numerology did not believe in the general interpretation that the conjunction between Markab and Venus would only bring unreliable friends, a negative impact on business, or lead to excessive drinking; rather, they believed that this aspect signifies warriors, fame, honor, and the potential for injuries in battle or during an attack. In Tarot, this royal star is referred to as the King of Swords, which also governs warfare and danger.
Chaldean numerologists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries followed this astrological interpretation through the star Markab, maintaining much of the traditional meaning of the number.
Sepharial provided the following explanation of the number:
“LI (51). Royal star of Aquarius. Fortuitous elevation; martial tendencies; powerful enemies; troubles through Mars men.“
Cheiro described the number as follows:
“51. This number has a very powerful potency of its own. It represents the nature of the warrior; it promises sudden advancement in whatever one undertakes; it is especially favourable for those in military or naval life and for leaders in any cause. At the same time it threatens enemies, danger, and the likelihood of assassination.“
Sources:
Cheiro (1935). The Cheiro’s Book of Numbers. London, Herbert Jenkins Limited.
Sepharial (revised edition from 1909). Your Fortune in Your Name or Kabalistic Astrology.
The Mystery of Numbers, Luck, Worlds and Planets 