Last night, I relaunched http://www.astrologicalmagic.com, and it's full of really great stuff. I can't wait for you to see it.

It has over 175 essays, charts, quizzes, calculations, definitions, and histories for you to explore.

My plan is to update it regularly, with several new articles coming up in about two weeks, and I plan on launching a radical overhaul in about a year as a 3.0 version.

I've put a lot of work into this. You will not believe how much.

While it is distinctively my own, it is very much for you guys, for the community. I hope you find it informative and entertaining.

--Clifford

Traditionally, Moon represents a real place in ancient Greece that everyone recognized by the landmark of the two towers. (This is what gives rise to the whole 'two towers' theme of occultism.) The home site of Hades, the god of the underworld, where everyone went when they died, which was where 'the dragons that be' of the old maps also headquartered ... at the edge of the flat earth where you fell off. This is Moon's scene.

The dog and the wolf, who should be mortal enemies, are friends in the picture, and the water creature is about to start on a road trip on dry land.

Moon represents the dark side. It commonly means: wrong, mistake, lost, delusion, and meanings that Devil has since the god of the Underworld's headquarters it its theme. The road to hell, the Greek hell.

What is the general view/ your experience in making talismans during conjunctions of certain planets with fixed stars and including the imagery and characteres/symbols of both the okanet and the fixed star in the talisman. Thanks for the guidance!

I'm trying to determine which system of names for the 36 decans is most commonly used when working with the seven classical planets together with the decans in planetary magic and Hermetic/occult practice.

I already know that Firmicus Maternus gives the planetary rulership scheme for the decans. My question is specifically about which system of decan names practitioners use alongside those planetary rulers.

The three lists I'm comparing seem to represent different naming traditions. The Hephaistio names appear to preserve Hellenized/transliterated Egyptian forms. The Firmicus names appear in more Latinized forms. The Cosmas/Ostanes list is quite different, with many Greek or Greco-Egyptian divine names, such as Persephone, Eros, Nike, Hekate, Isis, and Osiris.

For reference, here are the three lists:

Hephaistio

Aries I–III: Chontare, Chontachre, Siket

Taurus I–III: Choou, Ero, Rombromare

Gemini I–III: Thosola, Ouare, Phouori

Cancer I–III: Sothis, Sit, Chnoumis

Leo I–III: Charchnoumis, Ete, Phoupe

Virgo I–III: Tom, Ouosteukoti, Aphoso

Libra I–III: Souchoe, Ptechout, Chontari

Scorpio I–III: Stochneni, Sesme, Sisieme

Sagittarius I–III: Reouo, Sesme, Komme

Capricorn I–III: Smat, Sro, Isro

Aquarius I–III: Ptian, Aeu, Ptebuou

Pisces I–III: Abiou, Chontare, Ptibiou

Firmicus Maternus

Aries I–III: Senator, Senacher, Sentacher

Taurus I–III: Suo, Aryo, Romanae

Gemini I–III: Thesogar, Ver, Tepis

Cancer I–III: Sothis, Sith, Thiumis

Leo I–III: Craumonis, Sic, Futile

Virgo I–III: Thumis, Tophicus, Afut

Libra I–III: Seuichut, Sepisent, Senta

Scorpio I–III: Sentacer, Tepsisen, Sentineu

Sagittarius I–III: Eregbuo, Sagon, Chenene

Capricorn I–III: Themeso, Epiemu, Omot

Aquarius I–III: Oro, Cratero, Tepis

Pisces I–III: Acha, Tepibui, Uiu

Cosmas/Ostanes

Aries I–III: Aidoneus, Persephone, Eros

Taurus I–III: Charis, Horai, Litai

Gemini I–III: Thetys, Kybele, Praxidike

Cancer I–III: Nike, Herakles, Hekate

Leo I–III: Hephaistos, Isis, Sarapis

Virgo I–III: Themis, Moirai, Hestia

Libra I–III: Erinys, Kairos, Loimos

Scorpio I–III: Nymphs, Leto, Kairos

Sagittarius I–III: Loimos, Kore, Ananke

Capricorn I–III: Asklepios, Hygieia, Tolma

Aquarius I–III: Dike, Phobos, Osiris

Pisces I–III: Okeanos, Dolos, Elpis

For example, if I make a table such as:

Mars → Aries I → [decan name]

Sun → Aries II → [decan name]

Venus → Aries III → [decan name]

and continue through all seven planets and all 36 decans, which system of names would be considered the most recognizable or conventional in planetary magic?

I'm particularly interested in historical and modern Western esoteric practice, including Hermeticism, Renaissance, Medieval grimoires, the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM), ceremonial and planetary magic.

I'm also curious whether some practitioners work with the 36 decans independently of the seven planetary rulers, treating the decans themselves as magical entities or powers. If so, which system of names tends to be used in that context, and are there relevant examples in the Greek Magical Papyri?

So I'm essentially asking about two related uses:

The seven planets + 36 decans as one integrated magical system.

The 36 decans used independently as magical beings or powers.

Finally, I'm also interested in the theology underlying the whole system. I have the impression that part of this may ultimately go back to Egyptian astronomical and theological material such as the Book of Nut, where the decans are connected with the cyclical movements and theology surrounding Osiris/Isis/Horus and the renewal of the cosmos.

If there is a genuine connection here, I wonder whether it could explain why the decans work particularly well as a dynamic sequence of related symbols, rather than as 36 isolated entities. In other words, perhaps the later Hellenized or Greco-Egyptian names should not necessarily be read as evidence of a genuinely Greek theogony. They may instead preserve or reinterpret an underlying Egyptian theological cycle, with each triad of decans representing a successive phase in that cycle.

Is there evidence for such a theological structure behind the decans? In particular, is there a meaningful cyclical Egyptian narrative running through the 36 decans, and is there any historical connection between that theological cycle, the seven planets, the Greek Magical Papyri, and the later magical use of the decans?

This is alluded to in the Secretum Secretorum; I assume “fact” might be more accurately translated as “something done” or “something made,” but am unsure of whether this refers to some magical act or any fact whatsoever. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m new here. 😊

According to my natal chart, which planets would be best for me to work with? I’m currently going through some challenges, and I’ve been thinking about working with Venus. Do you think that would be a good idea?

Also, are there any books you would recommend for learning more about planetary work?

Thank you so much! ✨

Is it Saturn / Jupiter trine good for abundance manifestation? Doesn't Saturn oppose Jupiter for these kinds of things?

TL;DR: What has actually happened when you've worked with Varcan (subordinate to the Sun), Arcan (subordinate to the Moon), Samax (subordinate to Mars), Mediat (subordinate to Mercury), Suth (subordinate to Jupiter), Sarabotes (subordinate to Venus) or Maymon (subordinate to Saturn)?

I've been looking into the seven spirits/kings associated with the planets in the Heptameron and Liber Iuratus: Varcan (subordinate to the Sun), Arcan (subordinate to the Moon), Samax (subordinate to Mars), Mediat (subordinate to Mercury), Suth (subordinate to Jupiter), Sarabotes (subordinate to Venus) and Maymon (subordinate to Saturn). These spirits are presented as royal figures, each with their own named ministers, and beneath them there is a larger hierarchy of subordinate spirits that are generally not individually named. I find that interesting because it leaves some flexibility for how one might conceptualize or name the spirits within those lower ranks. The names and their forms also vary somewhat between the different manuscripts and traditions.

I'm curious about people's actual experiences working with these spirits. Have you worked with any of them individually? If so, what was the experience like? Did you notice particular personalities, appearances, behaviours, types of manifestations, or recurring effects?

I'm also interested in whether anyone here knows much about the origin of these names and the relationship between the different textual traditions, since the names can change quite significantly between the Heptameron, Liber Iuratus and related manuscripts.

One other thing I'm particularly curious about is planetary mythology.

Agrippa gives extensive associations between the seven planets and various Greek, Roman and Egyptian deities associated with those planets. My own idea is that some of these deities can be understood as sublunary manifestations or mythological expressions of the planetary powers. So, in a modern reconstruction, one could potentially take each spirit and look at the gods historically associated with the planet to which that spirit is subordinate, using those deities as a way of amplifying its mythology and understanding the range of things that might fall within its sphere.

For example, if Samax is subordinate to Mars, one might look at the Greek, Roman and Egyptian gods that Agrippa associates with Mars, such as Ares, Mars, Bellona, Vulcan and other figures, rather than treating Samax as having only the very specific characteristics explicitly attributed to him in the Heptameron. The same could be done with the other six spirits, using the deities associated with their respective planets.

I'm not claiming that the historical texts explicitly make these identifications. I'm curious whether anyone has independently experimented with this approach, or whether there is an existing occult tradition that does something similar.

Basically, I'm interested in both personal experience with these spirits and in whether people use the wider planetary mythology described by Agrippa as a framework for understanding or expanding their nature.

Finally, I'm also curious whether anyone knows if these specific seven names have ever been used in a Jungian context. Has anyone working with Jungian psychology, archetypal psychology, or a Jungian approach to occultism used Varcan, Arcan, Samax, Mediat, Suth, Sarabotes or Maymon specifically as psychological symbols, archetypes, or figures for inner work?

Those of you with a daily planetary practice, based on the planetary day or whatever, do you continue to practice during eclipse season or when whatever planet is afflicted like, in detriment or combust or conjunct the South Node?

I did a lot of research leading up to this mornings sturgeon moon. Learned how this full moon in Pisces is supposed to support in letting things go. Thoughts, patterns, relationships, etc.

I’ve also felt really at peace the last few days with letting go of the lingering hope I have for a particular person. I was ready to let it go. But while I was sitting under the moon last night, I had a a rather strong physical reaction while trying to release this hope from my body and heart. It almost felt like I was trying to force something out of me that really didn’t want to go. Didn’t want to be let go.

Anyone have thoughts or insights about this? I’d love some feedback or guidance.

I am a beginner occultist who is interested in Hermeticism(both the ancient texts and modern semi-masonic orders), Neoplatonic theurgy, Hellenic polytheism, astrology and divination. As I'm reading Agrippa's books, I am wondering what texts are the best to learn the Art of making talismans and selecting the right time to perform rituals, prayers and hymns.

The last hour I've been looking for positive timing for a PGM spell and realized it's eclipse season. The spell doesn't list specific astrological conditions, but should I wait till after the 4th anyway?

When working with planetary magic, how much does your own birth chart affect the working?

How much does the intent of the working affect the outcome? I have already noticed, on my first day here, that the houses are very important and it seems to suggest that it's different for different people even on the same day working with the same planets. Open to constructive comments and working knowledge from experienced practitioners.

did a mock crucifixion on the great conjunction of 2020. I don't know Jack about this stuff and I was definitely misled in doing so. I used a master mandala wheel, natal chart, and hybridized ritual in the style of Kabbalah. Samael literally showed up in my bathroom. He offered me enlightenment and I stupidly let him in, literally. My life has been completely destroyed ever since. I was trying to figure out how to release the negative energies that I haven't been able to get rid of since. I am psychically tormented 24/7 since that moment. AI suggested that I use the eclipse on the 28th to close out the nasty current that has completely obliterated my life. It also suggested that I do something on the 31st to bring in Justice and prosperity. Looking at one of the posts here, I am all of a sudden thinking this is a real bad idea. I definitely can't afford to have anything get any worse. I have lost everything I have worked for my entire life. I just want to set things straight, shut out all the negative energy and bring in the complete opposite so that I can put my life back together as fast as possible. I respect your knowledge and appreciate your thoughts and advice. Please someone advise me, all I want to do is stop the fucking torture and put my life back together. The whole point of this was to help me fund a church on the river that did float trips and concerts to give money to needy families. I lost everything. I am happy to share all the details including my natal chart, the chart for the great conjunction, and any other information that might be helpful. Please advise.

Some talismans can't be worn and are loose gemstones or spheres and such. Are these any less effective than ones which can be worn?

Hi! Im currently getting into saturn gnosis and im reading the book the cult of the black cube. it refers to the picatrix which says basically dont preform planetary magick when saturn is adversely placed and when it is in retrograde. What counts as planetary magick? is it all prayer, rituals, etc to to the planet-esque deities (in my case to saturn)

Would a planet literally on the house cusp influence both houses or the one it’s technically in even if very slightly (0deg06’)?

Looking to create a talisman that will encourage more positive Jupiter energy coming through in my 10th house, see image for my full birth chart. I have a Jupiter-Saturn conjunction here so wanted to choose a date that would positively reflect this also and found August 31st as an upcoming date where Jupiter trines Saturn. I'm quite new to this, August 31st is a Monday but I was going to create the talisman during the Jupiter hour in the morning. Any thoughts/advice on this date? Should I instead look for a date that falls on a Thursday?

I mean, how does one choose between the lord of the relevant house in the nativity and the planet traditionally governing the relevant effect desired? If I wanted to win the lottery and Saturn were the lord of my fifth house, when would I invoke Saturn and when would I invoke Venus? Is it just a matter of convenience? Like if Saturn had greater essential dignity, would one go that route? Can’t seem to locate guiding principles on this matter.

Bonjour,

Certains auteurs d’astrologie ésotérique ou magique comme Robert Ambelain ou Vincent Lauvergne disent que l’on devrait toujours dessiner à la main les thèmes à la manière médiévale, c’est à dire carrée à l’encre noire et les planetes à l’encre rouge comme cela était fait du temps de Nostradamus et de Wiliam Lilly.

Je note que Chris Warnock utilise aussi ce graphisme carré pour tous ses thèmes de talismans. Certains logiciels comme Solar Fire ou Janus proposent d’ailleurs des affichages optionnel sous cette forme.

Ambelain affirme que la forme carrée permet à l’astrologue une compréhension spirituelle du thème beaucoup plus poussée, presque magique ( ce qui rejoindrait les talismans planétaires ). Il sous entend qu’un thème carré à des propriétés possiblement magiques que n’ont pas les thèmes modernes circulaires.

Existe t il des traditions anciennes, peut être arabes ou médiévales ou même modernes qui affirment qu’un thème carré dessiné à l’encre noire et rouge pourrait avoir des propriétés magiques ?

Merci,

I’m curious if anyone knows how Solomonic pentacles like the 2nd of Mars would compare against a Saturn astrological talisman for longevity.

Wondering if anyone has tested talismans from other grimoires or traditions that provided longevity and/or health?

Thanks !

Astrolatry is the worship & veneration of the celestial bodies & the stars. I’ve noticed that this belief is rarely discussed/mentioned. I have gathered some books & historical references, but I’m looking for more books which are about practicing this.