☆How to Get Along Well with the Signs ☆

1. ✨Aries - Don’t disrupt their schedules
2. ✨Taurus- Don’t borrow money if you can’t pay back
3. ✨Gemini- Don’t be a big know-it-all in front of them
4. ✨Cancer- Don’t make fun of them
5. ✨Leo- Don’t beat them at a game
6. ✨Virgo- Don’t use their stuff without asking first
7. ✨Libra- Don’t doubt them
8. ✨Scorpio- Don’t betray them
9. ✨Sagittarius- Don’t make decisions for them
10. ✨Capricorn- Don’t compare them with others
11. ✨Aquarius- Don’t invade their privacy
12. ✨Pisces- Don’t make them choose

1. ♈ Aries- You will come across new people or experiences that may make you feel uncomfortable at first, though it will not be long before these people/experiences can change your life for the better.
2. ♉ Taurus- This month you will do a lot of self reflection, particularly in relation to your financial and relationship situations. You will also develop plans and strategies to help improve and make the best of these situations.
3. ♊ Gemini- You will find that relationship problems become front and center this month. It will be hard to put up with things you normally brush off. Not to worry though, this will be a freeing experience for you and allow you to get back on track with those you truly love and who truly love you.
4. ♋ Cancer- You have found a new lease on life and this will be a month of healing for you. You will begin to heal from lifelong wounds and start to repair broken relationships.
5. ♌ Leo- This month will begin to reshape you, you will begin to reminisce on old conversations and experiences that have moulded you and your perceptions. You will start to look at things from a different light and start seeing many new opportunities in your life.
6. ♍ Virgo- You will find a real sense of belonging this month. It could be at work,school, or even in your community. This may be something you have longed for and now you have finally found it.
7. ♎ Libra- You will see some of your dreams become reality. Things you have worked and waited for will start to bloom and flourish in your life.
8. ♏ Scorpio- You may find that this month is very tense and stressful for you but this will only benefit you. This may lead you to new job opportunities, or even new life experiences that will build and strengthen your character.
9. ♑ Capricorn- You will find yourself re-evaluating some aspects of your life and though some have been enjoyable learning experiences you may find that it’s time to move on and grow even more.
10. ♐ Sagittarius- A missed opportunity will present itself to you this month- something you thought would never come back around is here to offer you a second chance if you are willing to take it.
11. ♒ Aquarius- This month will bring you purpose. You may have been struggling with figuring things out but you will be offered some clarity soon and be able to see your future more clearly.
12. ♓ Pisces- This month is all about self care for you. Start to take more control within one for your primary relationships and begin to make decisions for your best interest.

⭐What Makes You the Happiest, Based on Your Sign ⭐

1. ★Aries - Weekends+friends+alcohol
2. ★Taurus- Money+food+cash found in their old jeans pockets
3. ★Gemini- Compliments+travel+social connection
4. ★Cancer- Discount+a comfortable home+food
5. ★Leo- Money+compliments+brunch
6. ★Virgo- Books+everything goes as planned+fresh coffee
7. ★Libra- Stay in shape+skin care+balance
8. ★Scorpio-Music+their crush likes them back+food
9. ★Sagittarius- Snacks+busy fun schedules+and exotic trips
10. ★Capricorn- A good career+a good night’s sleep+away from the crowd
11. ★Aquarius- No presure+stay up late+freedom
12. ★Pisces- Binge-watching+love+music

Sketch of something

shiftingpath:

Aries: Slayer Caste Infernal
Taurus: Jade Caste Alchemical
Gemini: Changing Moon Lunar
Cancer: Water Aspect Dragon-Blood
Leo: Dawn Caste Solar
Virgo: Secrets Caste Sidereal
Libra: Wood Aspect Dragon-Blood
Scorpio: Moonshadow Caste Abyssal
Sagittarius: Twilight Caste Solar
Capricorn: Malefactor Caste Infernal
Aquarius: Full Moon Lunar
Pisces: Serenity Caste Sidereal

This is perfect.

This is a standalone post about modalities in astrology. Each sign of the classical Western zodiac is assigned an element (sometimes also called a triplicity¹) and a modality (sometimes called a quality or quadruplicity²), two traits that, when taken together, describe the most basic characteristics of that sign. The intersection of the four elements and three modalities creates twelve iterations of substance (element) and motion (modality) that give each sign a unique expression.

The four elements– Earth, Air, Fire, and Water– are normally well understood, and information about their symbolism and energy is abundant and accessible.³ But most popular texts on astrology tend to gloss over modality, giving it only a perfunctory explanation, if any is offered at all. We are told that the cardinal signs are the leaders, the fixed signs are organizers, and the mutable signs are the communicators. This is a gross oversimplification of a concept that can lend us a greater understanding of the signs of the zodiac if we take the time to understand it. Throughout this and future posts, I’ll be describing the signs as conscious archetypes, so when I say “Gemini likes such-and-such” or “Virgo wants ___”, keep in mind that I’m referring to the sign itself, not natives of that sign (although certainly, as a native of a sign, those traits are expressed to some degree and in some manner or other).

The word “modality” refers to the way in which a sign’s essence (whose most basic descriptor is its element) is expressed; its energy patterns and the way they flow. The basic concept is this:

• Cardinal energy moves from inside out

• Fixed energy moves from outside in

• Mutable energy goes back and forth

To illustrate this, you can imagine that you’re about to throw a punch. The force explodes outwards in the fist (cardinal) but it is supported and driven and initiated through the shoulder (fixed), and this energy is transferred between them by the elbow (mutable).

Cardinal signs can and certainly do make excellent leaders, but to describe them as the “leadership signs” is a bit misleading; the characteristic of cardinal energy is that it is expressed from the inside out. It is a driving force that explodes forward, initiates things, and pushes its way outward into the world. In Aries, fire is channeled outward. Cardinally directed fire energy is explosive, aggressive, and loud; it is no wonder that Aries is ruled by Mars, the god of war. But, as an Aries myself, I can assure you that these qualities do not automatically a great leader make; the cardinal mode initiates energy in a directed way, a very “me first!” way, and so cardinal energy can just as often be put to use on the front lines as in the captain’s chair; in fact, many natives of cardinal signs prefer it that way. Observe Cancer and its cardinally directed water; the medium of the emotions, when expressed outwardly, becomes a nurturing rather than a bold, directing force. Likewise, Libra directs air to create social networks and connections…something we might associate with mutable air Gemini. But Libra weaves the social fabric together, and its cardinal energy is expressed in directing social flow and relationship dynamics in a way that generally doesn’t interest Gemini. Capricorn’s cardinal earth is especially well-suited to bringing about its traditional associations with career and success; Capricorn excels at directing earth, the element of the real, the material, the tangible, into lasting structures. When you think of cardinal energy, remember that the element of the sign will be expressed outward into the world in a direct, often forceful manner. The progression of cardinal energy through the elements takes us from the most wild and fleeting to the most durable and lasting; the cardinal signs are initiators in the sense that they are the first to experience each element.⁴

Fixed signs are traditionally coded as “organizers,” and yet I find fixed energy has many properties about it that lends itself well to leadership; fixed signs often excel at causing others to act around them, and can thus be very comfortable (and very effective) in positions of power. Fixed signs draw outward energy in and center it. If cardinal signs are out doing things, fixed signs are often creating the places where things happen. They are excellent at conserving and allocating this energy to effect change in their surroundings, often via directing and delegating others. Taurus’s fixed earth pulls in the material comforts of life to create a stable security characterized by luxury and sensual pleasure. Leo’s fixed fire draws the passionate, creative energy of those around it into a circle that resembles a royal court more than Tauran den of hedonism. Scorpio draws water energy around itself to create a vortex of secrecy and power, a whirlpool of deep emotional experience. Aquarius’s fixed air gathers information and fashions it into a new understanding of the human condition; its “circle” is really a lens. So you see that the progression of fixed energy through the signs and their respective elements goes from most concrete to most abstract. So you can see that describing fixed signs as “organizers” is the truth, but not the whole or most useful truth. They fix things into a new organization of reality, based on the material (the element) in which they work.⁵

The mutable signs are AC/DC. They go both ways, transferring energy between cardinal and fixed points of reference, and are therefore traditionally designated as the communicators of the zodiac. Certainly, they excel at communication in all its forms, but again, this is not the whole story; who could accuse Libra of being uncommunicative? Mutable energy, as I mentioned, comprises both cardinal and fixed, and it switches back and forth based on the circumstances. Gemini’s mutable air is certainly communicative, and Gemini as a sign deals with the transference of air-energy; thoughts, words, telecommunications, etc. Observe that at times, Gemini energy is outwardly expressed as if it were cardinal (in a Gemini native or a person with strong Gemini in their chart, this can manifest as chattiness, writing a lot, etc.). But other times, it can withdraw and absorb information from outside itself, processing it internally. Hence, Gemini is not always talkative. Mutable Earth Virgo is certainly intellectual (being co-ruled by Mercury⁶) but concerns itself mostly with transferring its energy to where it’s most needed in order to effect the most good; certainly it is not a fixed sign, and yet no one could accuse Virgo of not being an organizer; when Earth moves, it tends to move in an orderly fashion. Sagittarius’s mutable fire concerns itself with zipping back and forth between ideals and reality, bringing humanity to the stars and the stars to humanity. And finally, Pisces’ mutable water flows wherever it is needed to heal and provide spiritual sustenance.⁷

It can be extremely helpful, when conceptualizing how the elements express themselves through the modalities within the chart, to describe how these forces might interact; a Libra friend of mine with a heavy Scorpio influence to his chart described himself as “a hurricane,”– a very good description of Libra’s cardinally directed air when blended with Scorpio’s fixed, watery cyclone!

I hope that this article has been helpful in shedding some light on a subject that is central to the understanding of astrology, but which is often overlooked or underexplored in popular texts. Getting to know modality and element is an excellent way for a beginner to gain a greater understanding of the signs, as well as illuminating to the more advanced student the spiritual progression that occurs through the twelve signs of the zodiac. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

-Benefica

Notes (by the Admin)⁸:

1. The name “triplicity” comes from the fact that there are three signs bearing each element. In a standard circular chart, if you draw a line from the 1st degree of a fire sign to the 1st degree of the next fire sign, and from there to the next, the result is an equilateral triangle. The same is true with any other element.

2. The term “quadruplicity” is similar in implication to “triplicity.” There are four signs of each modality, and if you draw a line from the 1st degree or a mutable sign to the 1st degree of the next, and repeat this until your line connects, you will draw a perfect square.

3. I would venture to say that even this information is often rudimentary in most cases. The elements are a small building block in a fairly complex symbolic hierarchy of constituents of nature, but even then, there are smaller building blocks which build the elements, and they have a close symbolic relationship with the four humors in particular, and if you study them well enough, you’ll also start to understand how elements and other things interact and react without having to put much thought into it.

4. There are further associations with each quality in astrological magic, astrological prediction, and mundane astrology. In those contexts, the cardinal quality generally represents overcoming obstacles, obtaining things, or fulfilling goals.

5. In the contexts of astrological magic, prediction, and mundane astrology, the fixed quality represents an event, work, or trait which will be rigid and have lasting effects. It can also represent endurance or stubbornness in any school of astrology.

6. Some astrologers consider Gemini to be the primary sign which Mercury rules over, and Virgo to be its secondary domain. This appears to be a relatively recent concept, as older sources (especially when there were only seven planets used) give each non-luminary planet two signs which are equally under its rulership. Virgo is not only under Mercury’s rulership, but is also the sign where Mercury is exalted. This means Virgo is Mercury’s highest dignity (where its influence as a planet is most powerful), but not that either sign is more or less “of Mercury” than the other.

7. In the non-natal astrological practices mentioned in notes 4 and 5, the mutable quality represents intangible achievements, mysticism, spiritual revelation, mass enlightenment (especially in mundane astrology), and miracles. It also represents the working of the will of Tetragrammaton (the unpronounceable four-letter name of God). It would also be accurate to say that in addition to adaptability, mutable signs represent things which work effectively with no demonstrable or logical reason why.

8. Benefica requested that I edit this post and add any additional information on this subject that I thought might be useful before it goes up, so aside from some very minor edits in the main body of the text, I did most of this in the form of footnotes to avoid altering her work too severely. I agree with everything she has said about the quadruplicities, but I also have a much more classical approach to nearly all occult practice, so she and I agreed that we would both have some different useful thoughts to contribute to the subject.

theosophytriangle:

This will be the ninth post in our series on astrological magic. Now I’m going to expand on the planets, signs, and fixed stars, and give you some information about the particular perfumes, plants, and materials which are influenced by specific celestial bodies. This will be a fairly extensive post, detailing many things which are under the influence of the various celestial powers, or which otherwise correspond to them. I will start with the planets, going in Chaldean order, which means I’ll be starting with Saturn. This post intends to be very useful, but in order to successfully draw power from the heavenly bodies and have their energy directed effectively to carry out your will, you should not use this post as the only reference for your methods. Be safe, and feel free to ask us if you have any questions.

Saturn is sometimes called the Greater Infortune. It is usually associated with the more weighty matters in life, including responsibility and morbidity. Most of the things associated with Saturn are fairly intuitive, since like Saturn, they are often associated with morbidity, death, and the grotesque.

For information about the ideal placement of Saturn in astrological magic, look at this post.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under Saturn’s influence.

Name of the Intelligence of Saturn:

Agiel

Name of the Spirit of Saturn:

Zazel

Familiar Form of the Spirit of Saturn:

An angry-looking tall, slender man with four faces on his head (so that there is one each on the front, back, left, and right side of his head). Each of his knees has an additional face, as well.

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of Saturn:

A bearded King on the back of a dragon

A bearded old man

An old woman leaning on a walking staff

A hog or boar

A dragon

An owl

A black robe

A sickle

A juniper tree

Elements:

Earth and Water

Humor:

Melancholy

Numbers:

3 and 9

Flavors:

Sour or tart

Bitterness

Elemental Quality:

Cold-Dry

Day of the Week:

Saturday

Language:

Hebrew

Religion:

Judaism

Clothing:

Simple black clothing, especially black robes

Occupations:

Mining

Construction

Architecture

Places:

Rivers with dark waters

Dark mountains

Deep wells

The edges of deserts or desolate lands

Anatomy:

The right ear

The spleen

Incense:

Saturn’s incense is made of opium poppy seeds, stinking nightshade, mandrake root, lodestone, and myrrh. Mix them with bat’s blood, or with a cat’s brain. Alternately, Saturn’s incense can be made from pepperwort or frankincense.

Zodiac Rulership:

Saturn rules over the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius, and is exalted in Libra. Its detriments are Cancer and Leo, and it it in its fall while in Aries.

Drugs:

All of the opiates (drugs like morphine, heroin, codeine, and many others)

All of the hypnotics (also known as soporifics)

Saturn is associated with many noteworthy spirits. I’ll identify some of them below, organizing them by the types of spirits in question.

Angels:

Cassiel is the angel who is most strongly associated with Saturn. This association is definitely appropriate, since Cassiel is the angel of tears and solitude.

The archangel Tzaphquiel rules over Saturday (which is Saturn’s day), and is also considered one of the highest ranking angels in Heaven. His name means “God’s Knowledge.”

A King of the Djinn:

Maymon is the proper name of the King of the Djinn associated with Saturn, and it seems to mean “Prosperous.”

Abba Nuch is his informal name, and it appears to roughly mean “Father of Rest.”

Demons:

Furcas, the 50^th demon in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Leo is the only Goetic demon associated with Saturn. He looks like an evil old man with a long beard and a pale gray head riding on a pale horse, and armed with a very sharp weapon of some sort. Of the demons in the Goetia, Furcas is the only Knight in all of their ranks. He commands 20 legions of infernal spirits. He can teach applied philosophy, astrology, rhetoric, palmistry, and pyromancy.

And finally, we can go over the things in nature which are under the influence of Saturn.

Plants:

White Daffodils

Dragonwort (probably Dracunculus Vulgaris)

Rue (Ruta Graveolens)

Cumin

Black False Hellebore

Styrax Benzoin

Mandrake

Opium Poppies (and Opium itself)

Black Fig Trees

Pines

Cypress Trees and Shrubs

Hemlock

Yew

Aloe

Creatures:

Moles

Donkeys

Mules

Wolves

Rabbits

Goats

Cats

Camels

Bears

Hogs

Apes

Dragons

Mice

Rats

Cranes

Herons

Ostriches

Peacocks

Screech Owls

Horned Owls

Bats

Lapwings

Crows

Quails

Basilisks

Toads

Serpents

Insects

Scorpions

Ants

Maggots and Grubs

Bugs found in Corpses

Termites

Tortoises

Oysters

Cockles

Sea Sponges

Eels

Lampreys

Materials:

Iron

Gold

Diamond

Onyx

Cameo

Iron Ore

Periclase

Yellow Marcasite

Hematite

Rubies

Jupiter is often called the Greater Fortune. It is a planet associated primarily with financial and career success, as well as high social status and favorable treatment from the divine. It rules over vitality, or the life energy of a person, as well as abundance in the form of food, luxuries, and necessities.

For guidelines about the ideal placement of Jupiter in astrological magic, look here.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under the influence of Jupiter.

Name of the Intelligence of Jupiter:

Yophiel

Name of the Spirit of Jupiter:

Chismael

Familiar Form of the Spirit of Jupiter:

It usually manifests as man of medium stature with a healthy and energetic glow, but who moves nervously, seems moderately timid, and speaks very gently.

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of Jupiter:

A King riding on the back of a stag with his sword in hand

A man wearing a bishop’s hat and long robe

A maid wearing a crown of laurels with flowers on it

A bull

A stag

A peacock

A brilliant blue robe

A sword

A boxwood tree

Element:

Air

Humor:

Blood

Numbers:

4 and 16

Flavors:

Sweet

Elemental Quality:

Warm-Moist

Day of the Week:

Thursday

Language:

Part of the Latin language (which is co-ruled by Mars)

Part of the Greek language (which is co-ruled by three planets, the other two of which are the Sun and Mercury)

Religion:

Zoroastrianism

Any religions which have strong universalistic undertones

Clothing:

Expensive and finely made clothing, especially if it is bright white

Occupations:

Lawyers

Business owners

Debt collectors

Places:

Meeting places of noble or privileged people

Schools (particularly if they are pretty and well-maintained)

High-quality gymnasiums (especially if they’re aesthetically pleasing)

Any aesthetically appealing place which is always kept clean and pleasant

Anatomy:

The left ear

The liver

Incense:

Jupiter’s incense can be made from ash seeds, agar, styrax balsam, benzoin resin, lapis lazuli, the tops of peacock feathers, and a stork or swallow’s blood, or a male deer’s brain. Alternately, you can use nutmeg or clove.

Zodiac Rulership:

Jupiter rules over the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces, and is exalted in Cancer. Its detriments are Gemini and Virgo, and it falls when it is in Capricorn.

Drugs:

Cocaine

Jupiter is associated with many spirits of different types. I will list some of them below, subcategorizing them based on what type of spirits they are.

Angels:

Sachiel is the angel who watches over Jupiter. He is a Cherub, and his name means “Cover of God” or something to that effect.

Tzadquiel is the archangel who rules over Thursday, which means he is definitely associated with Jupiter.

A King of the Djinn:

Shem Huresh is this King’s name. It seems to mean “the name of Huresh.”

Abbu Al-Waleed is this King’s informal name, and it means something like “The Newborn’s Father.”

Demons:

All 6 of the demon Princes in the Goetia are associated with Jupiter, so I will list them below, only specifying their rank if you shouldn’t assume that the demon in question is simply a Prince.

Vassago is the 3^rd demon in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Aries. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and looks like a well-to-do young man. He can accurately tell you about the past and future, and he can uncover lost or hidden things.

Sitri is the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Cancer, and the 12^th demon described in the Goetia. He commands 60 legions of infernal spirits. When he first manifests, he has the face of a leopard and the wings of a gryphon, but then he assumes the form of a very beautiful young man. This demon ignites men and women in love, and can make women go naked.

Ipos is a Prince just like the two aforementioned demons, but he is also an Earl. He is the 22^nd demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Scorpio. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like an angel with the head of a lion, the feet of a goose, and the tail of a rabbit. Ipos knows of all things past and future, and he can make people verbally witty and embolden them in a social context.

Gaap is a Prince, but he is also a President. He is the 33^rd demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Aquarius. He commands 66 legions of infernal spirits, and he sometimes appears as a man leading four powerful Kings, while at other times he might take the form of a doctor. Gaap can give people an extensive knowledge of philosophy, social sciences, and the liberal arts. He can easily manipulate the human emotions of love and hate, and he likes to steal familiars from occultists. He can accurately tell you about anything past, present, or future, and he has been known to mischievously transport people from one country to another while they are intoxicated or otherwise unaware.

Stolus is the 36^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Pisces. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a raven at first, but then takes the form of a man. He can teach us about astrology, and the magical properties of the herbs and stones.

Orobas is the 55^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Libra. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a horse at first, but soon takes the form of a man. He can reveal things past, present, and future, and he can also help a person become honored. He is especially fond of helping people become well-respected and high-ranking clergy members. He can generate good will between friends or enemies, and he will give honest answers to questions about the nature of divinity. He is generally very pleasant to work with.

Now we can proceed to a list of things in nature which are under Jupiter’s influence.

Plants:

Sengreen (Sempervivum Tectorum)

Basil

Viper’s Bugloss (Echium Vulgare)

Mint of any kind

Nutmeg Husk

French Lavender

Mastic Tree

Horseheal

Violets

Darnel (Lolium Temulentum)

Black Henbane

Poplar Trees

Oaks

Chestnut Oaks

Holly Trees

Holm Oaks

Beech Trees

Hazel Trees

Service Trees

White Fig Trees

Pear Trees

Apple Trees

Plum Trees

Ash Trees

Dogwood Trees

Olive Trees (and Olive Oil)

Corn

Barley

Wheat

Raisins

Licorice

Sugar and Sugar Cane

Nuts

Almonds

Pineapples

Rhubarb

Manna Ash Resin

Storax

Creatures:

Hens

Chicken Egg-Yolks

Partridges

Pheasants

Swallows

Pelicans

Cuckoos

Storks

Eagles

Dolphins

Anthiinae

Wels Catfish

Materials:

Lead

Gold

White Precious Stones

Golden Precious Stones

Tin

Silver

Sapphire

Beryl

Emerald

Green Jasper

Quartz

Carnelian

Mars is sometimes called the Lesser Infortune. It is commonly associated with war, sexual aggression, anger, general conflict, and physical energy. Mars also presides over surgery, animal taming, bloodletting, and circumcision.

For guidelines about the ideal placement of Mars in astrological magic, check out this post.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under the influence of Mars.

Name of the Intelligence of Mars:

Graphiel

Name of the Spirit of Mars:

Bartzabel

Familiar Form of the Spirit of Mars:

He will appear in a tall, mostly-humanoid body, but with bright red skin (resembling many depictions of the devil in pop culture), the horns of a deer, and the claws of a gryphon. He will carry himself with compelling confidence, but a revoltingly aggressive disposition. He might also make loud, angry noises which sound like the bellow of an angry bull.

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of Mars:

An armed king riding on a wolf

An armed man

A woman holding a wooden shield on her thigh

A male goat

A horse

A stag

A red robe

A pile of wool

A hog-louse

Element:

Fire

Humor:

Choler

Numbers:

5 and 25

Flavors:

Spicy

Bitter

Elemental Quality:

Hot-Dry

Day of the Week:

Tuesday

Language:

Part of the Latin language (which is co-ruled by Jupiter)

Persian

Religion:

The faith of those who constantly change their religious beliefs

Clothing:

Military uniforms, especially armor, weapons, and combat gear

Occupations:

Soldiers

Surgeons

Animal trainers

Lawyers

Places:

Slaughterhouses

Furnaces

Armories

Pawn shops

Anatomy:

The right nostril

The gall bladder

Incense:

Mars’s incense can be made by mixing euphorbia resin, doom palm resin, ammoniacum, black and common hellebore, lodestone, sulfur, and human blood, cat blood, and a male deer’s blood. Alternately, you can use sandalwood, cypress, balsamic resin, or agar.

Zodiac Rulership:

Mars rules over the signs of Aries and Scorpio, and it is exalted in Capricorn. Its detriments are Taurus and Libra, and it falls when it is in Cancer.

Drugs:

Absinthe (note: If you’re purchasing absinthe anywhere in the United States, take extra care in choosing it, because there are some U.S. brands of green liquor which are deceptively labeled “absinthe” despite having absolutely no wormwood in them.)

Wormwood

Fly Amanita

PCP

Mars is associated with a variety of noteworthy spirits, some of which I will list below, organizing them based on what kind of spirits they are.

Angels:

Samael is the angel who is most closely affiliated with Mars. According to many legends, Samael is the angel who was cast out of Heaven and given the title of “Satan.” There are many legends and mythological stories about the fall of Samael, including stories about his romantic involvement with Adam’s first wife Lilith (God removed her from Eden, and cursed her, turning her into the demon of dead babies), whom he impregnated. According to some versions of the story, this human-angel hybrid baby was the first member of the race known as the Nephilim (a word which is often translated to “giants” in English versions of Biblical texts), and when many other angels fell from their heavenly places to take human wives, many more of these Nephilim were born. God considered these children to be abominations, and some texts cite this as the reason why He caused the Great Deluge (the flood in the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis).

Khaniael is the archangel who rules over Tuesday, and because of this, he is also closely associated with Mars.

A King of the Djinn:

Al-Ahmar is the King of the Djinn who is associated with Mars. His name seems to roughly mean “the One who is Red.”

Abbu Mohrez is this King’s informal name. It seems to roughly translate to “the Father of the Achiever,” or something along similar rhetorical lines.

Demons:

Mars is associated with the 7 infernal Earls in the Goetic hierarchy. I will discuss these below, only specifying their ranks in cases where the demon in question is not simply an Earl.

Marax is the 21^st demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Libra. In addition to an Earl, he is also a President among the demons. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits (which are separated into 3 divisions of 10 legions), and he looks like a bull with a human face. He can effectively teach you all about astrology and the liberal arts, as well as the magical properties of every kind of herb and stone. He can also provide the occultist with a wise and reliable familiar.

Ipos is an Earl, but he is also a Prince. He is the 22^nd demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Scorpio. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like an angel with the head of a lion, the feet of a goose, and the tail of a rabbit. Ipos knows of all things past and future, and he can make people verbally witty and embolden them in social situations.

Furfur is the 34^th demon described in the Goetia, and also the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Pisces. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and he usually looks like a deer with a tail of fire. He will never tell the truth unless you have him within a Goetic triangle (which I will discuss whenever I get around to discussing demonology and its related arts), in which case he will look like a beautiful angel rather than a deer. If you use a Goetic triangle to compel him, he will honestly answer any questions you ask him about secrets and the divine.

Malthas is the 38^th demon described in the Goetia, and he is also the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Aries. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, looks like a stork dove, and speaks in a hoarse voice. He can build very well fortified watchtowers and defensive structures, and is a very skilled military strategist who can help someone command and coordinate the forces of a military.

Raum is the 40^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Taurus. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a crow at first, but takes the form of a man soon after. Raum’s pastimes are particularly interesting. He steals treasures from kings, destroys cities, and shatters the honor of the men who rule over the aforesaid cities. He can accurately tell you about any events past, present, of future, and he creates love between friends and enemies.

Vinea is the 45^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Gemini. In addition to his position as an Earl, he is also an infernal King. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a man with a lion’s head riding on a black horse, and carrying a venomous snake in one hand. Vinea can discover any manner of hidden thing, and has a reputation for revealing witches (which usually results in their downfall). He can help to build towers, but is especially helpful in offensive military operations, especially when your soldiers are trying to overtake some kind of wall or other barrier. He can also give you accurate information about any events past, present, or future.

Bifrons is the 46^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Cancer. He commands up to 60 legions of infernal spirits, and he first appears in the form of a monster, but he assumes the form of a man soon after. Bifrons can give you a complete familiarity with astrology, as well as all the other sciences of the Quadrivium. He can also teach you about the magical properties of the different types of wood and stone. Sometimes, he changes the bodies of the dead, or perhaps takes them to a different place, and then he lights magical candles on their graves.

Murmur is the 54^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Virgo. In addition to his position as an Earl, he is also an infernal Duke. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the form of a soldier in a duke’s crown riding on the back of a gryphon, with a host of trumpeters preceding him. Murmur can give you an extensive knowledge of rhetoric and philosophy. He can also compel spirits of the dead to come forth and appear before the occultist, allowing us to ask them whatever questions we like. Some of my books also say that Murmur was originally a member of the Order of Thrones before he took his current place.

Andromalius is the 72^nd and final demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Pisces. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he manifests in the form of a man holding a serpent. Andromalius has the power to compel thieves to come return with the spoils of their plunder in hand. He can also discover hidden treasures, underhanded dealings, and covertly wicked intentions. Punishing thieves and wicked people is the main activity he participates in when he is not working to carry out a specific task.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the more complex things which Mars rules over, we can continue on to our more straightforward listing of things in nature which are under the influence of Mars.

Plants:

Hellebores

Garlic

Euphorbia Resin

Ammoniacum

Radish

Laurels

Wolfsbane

Scammony

Thistles

Nettles

Buttercups

Onions

Scallions

Leeks

Mustard Seeds

Dogwoods

Peppers (especially those which are extremely hot)

Creatures:

Horses

Mules

Goats

Wolves

Leopards

Wild Donkeys

Snakes

Dragons

Flies

Gnats

Baboons

Eagles

Vultures

Hawks

Falcons

Horned Owls

Screech Owls

Kestrels

Kites

Crows

Daws

Magpies

Pike Fish

Barbel Fish

Orca Whales

Sturgeons

Materials:

Copper

Red Brass

Diamonds

Lodestones

Agate

Opals

Heliotropes

Carnelian

Glass

Premonada

The Sun is the brightest luminary in the heavens. It represents rulership, nobility, power, and light. It rules the wealthy, and those with high social status. In addition (and contrast) to its associations with power and privilege, the Sun represents generosity, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation.

There are some tips about the ideal placement of the Sun in astrological magic here.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under the influence of the Sun.

Name of the Intelligence of the Sun:

Nakhiel

Name of the Spirit of the Sun:

Sorath

Familiar Form of the Spirit of the Sun:

A large, full-bodied man who radiates a kind of intense power and warmth which can accurately be described as “cardiovascular.” He will probably be accompanied by a golden or yellow light, and his arrival usually causes the person who called upon him to sweat.

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of the Sun:

A king riding on a lion’s back with a scepter in his hand.

A king wearing his crown

A queen holding her scepter

A bird

A lion

A rooster

A yellow or golden robe

A scepter

Caudatus (the kinds of young leaves or grains used to make cereal)

Name of the Sun in Spring:

Abraym

Name of the Sun in Summer:

Athemay

Name of the Sun in Autumn:

Abragini

Name of the Sun in Winter:

Commutaff

Element:

Fire

Humor:

Pure blood

Numbers:

6 and 36

Flavors:

Savory

Sweet

Elemental Quality:

Hot-Dry

Day of the Week:

Sunday

Language:

French

Part of the Greek Language (rulership of which is also shared with Jupiter and Mercury)

Religion:

The religion of the ancient Sabians (who many people say worshiped the celestial bodies)

Christianity

Clothing:

Noble and fine clothing, especially when it’s golden or yellow in color, and made of very fine fabric, such as silk

Occupations:

The Pope, and Christian clergy in general

Chief executive officers of large corporations

The President of the United States

Community organizers (because Jesus Christ was a major community organizer and activist)

Carpenters (because Jesus Christ was a carpenter)

Places:

Places which are naturally serene and well-lit

The palaces of kings (a category which figuratively includes places such as the White House in the United States)

The offices of less-powerful politicians such as legislators

Pulpits

Theaters

Any man-made structure which can be described as magnificent

Anatomy:

The eyes

The heart

Incense:

To make the Sun’s incense, you should mix saffron, ambergris, musk, agar, balsamic resin, laurel berries, cloves, myrrh, frankincense, and the brain of an eagle or the blood of a white rooster with a mortar and pestle. Alternately, you can use mastic, gum benzoin, or gum laudanum.

Zodiac Rulership:

The Sun rules over the sign of Leo, and its exaltation is Aries. It’s detriment is Aquarius, and it falls when it is in Libra.

Drugs:

Beer

White wine

The Sun is associated with numerous spirits of various types which might be useful to understand or be aware of in certain situations. I will list some of them them below, organized according to the respective type of each spirit.

Angels:

The Archangel Michael is the angel who is by far the most strongly associated with the Sun. He is the highest-ranked and most powerful angel, effectively serving as Heaven’s second-in-command. He was also directly involved in the events of many important Biblical stories. In the Old Testament, Michael is mentioned on numerous occasions. Perhaps the most important of these in in Daniel 10, where Daniel learns that Michael is the protector of Israel. In Christian scripture, he is identified as the archangel who will lead God’s army into the final battle against the forces of Hell. His name seems to mean something along the lines of “He Who is Like God.”

The Archangel Raphael rules over Sunday, and is associated with the Sun as a result of this. Although Michael is definitely the most powerful archangel, it is very important to note that Raphael is one of the only two other angels who even come close to Michael in their importance and capabilities (Gabriel being the other one of these angels). His name seems to mean something along the lines of “God is the Source of Healing.”

A King of the Djinn:

Al-Mazhab is name of the King of the Djinn who is associated with the Sun. His name roughly means “Golden One.”

Abba Deebaj is this King’s informal name. This name means something like “The Silk Brocade’s Father.”

Demons:

The Sun is associated with 12 of the demons described in the Goetia (and I consider Astaroth a King as well, making a total of 13). These demons are the Infernal Kings, and when I describe them below, I will be sure to point out when any of these Kings has another rank in addition to their kingship.

Bael is the 1^st demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Aries. He commands 66 legions of infernal spirits, and he either appears as a beast with three heads, one of a toad, one of a man, and one of a cat, or as those three animals as separate bodies, but all going forth together. Bael can grant you invisibility.

Paimon is the 9^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Gemini. He commands 200 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a crowned man riding on a dromedary camel, with a host of musicians going ahead of him. When he first speaks, he is usually difficult to understand. He can give you a complete understanding of all of the arts and sciences, as well as secret divine or occult knowledge. He can also present you with honors, blessing you with a good reputation in society. He can provide familiars of a good quality. Last, but definitely not least, Paimon can easily magically bind other people so that they will have to do your bidding.

Beleth is the 13^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Leo. He commands 85 legions of infernal spirits, and he arrives on a pale horse, attended by brass players and other musicians. He is usually fairly hostile when he first arrives. If you manage to calm his irritation, though, he can create love between a man and woman. Some of my sources say he was originally an angel in the Order of Powers, and that he hopes to ascend back to his throne before the end of days.

Purson is the 20^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Libra. He commands 22 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the form of a man with the face of a lion, holding a venomous snake in one hand, while approaching on the back of a bear whose path is preceded by a host of ministering trumpeters. Purson can accurately tell you about any events in the past, present, or future, in addition to being able to discover any manner of hidden things. He is also able to provide the occultist with a good familiar spirit.

Astaroth is the 29^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Capricorn. The Goetia doesn’t specify that he is a King, designating only his position as Duke, but I thought it necessary to classify him as such, considering that in sources besides the Goetia, he is fairly uniformly referred to as a King. He commands 40 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a beautiful angel with terrible and dangerous breath riding on the back of an infernal dragon, and carrying a viper. He can give you a thorough understanding of all the liberal arts, and will always answer your questions truthfully. He is also able to give you accurate understanding of all the events of the past, present, and future, and of all secrets. In particular, Astaroth will tell you the stories of how the various angels fell.

Asmodai is the 32^nd demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Aquarius. Asmodai is one of the highest-ranked demons (sometimes referred to as a chief lord of Hell), though he only directly commands 72 legions of infernal spirits. When he appears, he looks like a man with three heads (one of a bull, one of a man, and one of a ram). He has the tail of a serpent and the feet of a goose, and he rides in on a dragon, carrying a flag and lance. He is capable of giving us a complete understanding of the magical uses of all the different herbs and stones. He can also give us a complete knowledge of arithmetic, geometry, and astrology. He is good at finding treasures which have been lost or hidden, and he can make us invisible, or help us to be verbally witty and eloquent. He is also capable of giving us a longer life-span.

Vinea is the 45^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Gemini. In addition to his position as a mighty King, he is also an Earl. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a man with a lion’s head riding on a black horse, and carrying a venomous snake in one hand. Vinea can discover any manner of hidden thing, and has a reputation for uncovering witches (which usually results in their downfall). He can help to build defensive towers, but is particularly helpful in offensive military operations, especially when your soldiers are trying to overtake a wall or some other kind of barrier. He can also give you accurate information about any events past, present, or future.

Balam is the 51^st demon to be described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Leo. He commands 40 legions of infernal spirits. When he manifests, he looks like a man with three heads (one of a bull, one of a man, and one of a ram) and the tail of a serpent. His eyes will be flaming, and he will ride forth on a bear, bringing a goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) with him. He has a hoarse voice, and will truthfully tell you about anything past, present, or future. He can also make us invisible and increase our wit.

Zagan is the 61^st demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Capricorn. In addition to his position as a mighty King, he also holds the title of President. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he initially looks like a bull with the wings of a gryphon, but then assumes the form of a man. Zagan is capable of making us more witty and clever, turning wine into water, and water back into wine. He can easily change any metal into the currency of whichever nation he is working in. He also turns fools wise.

Belial is the 68^th demon to be described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Aquarius. He is easily one of the most powerful demons in Hell, and he also commands 80 legions of infernal spirits. As he approaches, you will notice that his appearance is that of a beautiful angel, and he will ride in on a chariot of fire. Belial is a particularly powerful spirit, and he regularly interferes with the people of much of the world by using some of his powers to magically appoint a lot of extremely underqualified or overall unfavorable people to legislative positions in as many governments as possible. He finds this amusing, and wants to cause as much human pain and frustration as he possibly can by doing this sort of thing. When dealing with Belial, it’s important to know that he can help us in several ways. In addition to his ability to appoint whoever he chooses to a legislative office, we should remember that he can also cause favor between friends and enemies, and that he can provide us with extremely high quality familiar spirits. However, unlike most other spirits (demonic or otherwise), Belial will not help us if we don’t make a good offering to him.

Now, we can proceed to a list of things the Sunrules over in nature.

Plants:

Marigolds

Lotus Trees

Peonies

Celandine

Balm

Ginger

Great Felwort

Stonemint

Vervain

Bay Trees

Cedars

Palms

Ash Trees

Ivy

Mint

Mastic

White Turmeric

Saffron

Balsam

Amber

Yellow Honey

Agar

Clove

Cinnamon

Pepper

Frankincense

Marjoram

Rosemary

Creatures:

Lions

Crocodiles

Lynxes

Rams

Boars

Oxen

Phoenixes

Eagles

Vultures

Swans

Roosters

Crows

Hawks

Glow Worms

Scarabs

Seals

Shellfish

Jellyfish

Starfish

Mollusks with spiral shells

Oysters

Materials:

Gold

Egyptian Glass

Cupric Oxide

Diamonds

Red Pearls

Hematite

Rubies

Gold Marcasite

Heliotropes

Blue Sapphires

Topaz

Chrysoprase

Venus is a planet which is most readily associated with ideas of love, friendship, and positive emotions between people. It is often known as the Lesser Fortune. Venus rules over beautiful singing, and all manner of pleasant sounds. It also represents an emotionally intimate kind of sexuality and pleasure.

Check out this post for advice about the placement of Venus in astrological magic.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under the influence of Venus.

Name of the Intelligence of Venus:

Hagiel

Name of the Spirit of Venus:

Qedemel

Familiar Form of the Spirit of Venus:

It will usually manifest in the form of a fair-bodied woman of about average height, with a pleasant disposition, dressed in white or green, with some golden accents near the topmost parts of the outfit. If Venus is in one of her greater dignities, the forms of two young maids might accompany her (these servant forms are not actually separate entities from spirit of Venus), and the three might interact with each other playfully with the intent of drawing a lustful gaze or two.

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of Venus:

A King riding on a camel with a scepter in his hand

A young woman dressed in very beautiful clothing

A naked young woman

A female goat

A camel

A dove

A green or white garment or outfit

A bouquet of flowers

Juniper savin

Elements:

Air and Water

Humors:

Phlegm and Blood

Numbers:

7 and 49

Flavors:

Sweetness

Decadent flavors

Delicate tastes

Elemental Quality:

Warm-Moist

Day of the Week:

Friday

Language:

Arabic

Religion:

Islam

Clothing:

Garments decorated with bright colors and geometric shapes

Traditional Arabic apparel, especially when all white in color (in a desert, white clothing will be more comfortable to wear, because it does not absorb as much heat as other colors)

Extravagant accessories and jewelry

Clothing which was designed with a lot of unnecessary ornamentation

For a man, managing to tastefully dress in women’s clothing and make-up

For a woman, dressing in her most attractive clothing (according to her own opinion, of course) which is also unnecessarily extravagant

Occupations:

Visual artists

Musicians

Bakers

Classical singers

Dancers

Places:

Cheerful places

Bars

Beaches

Music and performance art venues

Green meadows in the spring

Fountains

Anatomy:

The right nostril

The stomach

The genitalia

Incense:

The incense of Venus can be made by mixing musk, ambergris, agar, red roses, red coral, sparrow’s brain, and pigeon’s blood. Alternately, you can use violets or saffron.

Zodiac Rulership:

Venus rules over the signs of Taurus and Libra, and is exalted in Pisces. Its detriments are Aries and Scorpio, and it falls when it is in Virgo.

Drugs:

Every variety of aphrodisiac

Cannabis Sativa

MDMA

Venus is associated with a number of spirits of different types. Below, I will describe some of these spirits, organizing them based on what kind of spirit they are.

Angels:

Anael is the angel who is most strongly associated with Venus. It is possible that his name means roughly “the Pleasure of God.”

Haniel is the archangel who rules over Friday, and that means this spirit is associated with Venus as well. Some of my books suggest that Anael and Haniel are just alternate spellings of the same name.

A King of the Djinn:

Zawba’ah is the name of this King of the Djinn, who is associated with Venus. His name appears to mean something along the lines of “Storm.”

Abba Al-Hassan is the informal name of the same King who was just introduced. It appears to mean something like “the Father of the Handsome.”

Demons:

Venus is the planet which is associated with the 20 Goetic Dukes. I will list these Dukes below, and if any of them has another noble title in addition to their dukedom, I will make sure to point that out.

Agares is the 2^nd demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Aries. He commands 31 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like an old man carrying a goshawk on his fist while riding a crocodile. He is capable of making people who always stand still run, while causing people who have fled to return. He can teach you any language you wish, and he takes pleasure in shattering personal dignities and causing earthquakes.

Valefar is the 6^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Taurus. He commands 10 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a lion with the head of a human thief. He is generally a good familiar, but he will try to tempt the occultist to steal, with the occultist’s death as a result of their their crimes as his goal in this act.

Barbatos is the 8^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Gemini. He commands 300 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the company of four kings and their armies when the Sun is in Sagittarius. He can teach you how to verbally communicate with a variety of creatures, unlock hidden treasures that have been magically sealed, accurately describe any event past, present, or future, and reconcile friends with people in positions of power.

Gusoin is the 11^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Cancer. He commands 40 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the form of Xenophilus (a famous Pythagorean scholar). He is able to accurately tell you of the past, present, and future, answer every question you can ask him, reconcile friends, and give people honor and recognition by their peers and society.

Eligos is the 15^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Leo. He commands 60 legions of infernal spirits, and he looks like a knight carrying a lance, his ensign, and a serpent. He knows the future, and in particular, he is very accurate in predicting the outcome of battles. He can discover hidden things, and he brings forth love from lords and other powerful people.

Zepar is the 16^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Virgo. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and he takes the form of an armed soldier dressed in red. He is able to make women love men, and to cause infertility in women.

Bathin is the 18^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Virgo. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and looks like a muscular man with the tail of a serpent sitting on his pale horse. He can teach you about the properties of the herbs and precious stones, and he has been known to suddenly transport people very long distances.

Sallos is the 19^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Libra. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a soldier wearing a Duke’s crown and riding on the back of a crocodile. He is able to make men and women love each other.

Aim is the 23^rd demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Scorpio. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a three-headed man (with the head of a serpent, the head of a man with two stars on its forehead, and the head of a cat) riding on a fiery viper. He has been known to set great cities, castles, palaces, and other monumental places on fire. He can make people witty and clever, and he will truthfully answer any questions regarding a personal or private concern.

Bime is the 26^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Sagittarius. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a dragon with three heads (the head of a dog, of a gryphon, and of a man) who speaks in a high-pitched voice. He has been known to move the remains of the deceased around, and to assemble his spirits on top of graves and sepulchers. He can provide people with material wealth, wisdom, and the ability to speak eloquently. He will also answer your questions truthfully.

Berith is the 28^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Day Demon of the 1^st Decan of Capricorn. He commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a soldier wearing red clothing and a golden crown, and riding on a red horse. He can accurately reveal the past, present, or future. He is able to bring honor and recognition to a person, and to transmute any kind of metal to gold. He is known to lie often, and should never be considered trustworthy.

Astaroth is the 29^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Capricorn. In addition to his Dukedom, it seems necessary to think of him as a King, as well (the Goetia itself does not call him such, but other sources of information about him seem to fairly uniformly acknowledge him as a King). He commands 40 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a beautiful angel with terrible and dangerous breath riding on the back of an infernal dragon, and carrying a viper. He can give you a thorough understanding of all the liberal arts, and will always answer your questions truthfully. He is also able to give you accurate understanding of all the events of the past, present, and future, and of all secrets. In particular, Astaroth will tell you the stories of how the various angels fell.

Forcalor is the 41^st demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Taurus. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a man with the wings of a gryphon. He is known to take pleasure in killing people, especially by drowning. He loves to capsize war ships, and has considerable power over the oceans and their winds.

Vepar is the 42^nd demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Taurus. He commands 29 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a mermaid. He governs the seas in general, he specifically guides ships which transport weapons and munitions. He is responsible for most ocean storms and other unfavorable conditions for maritime travel. In addition, Vepar is known to enjoy killing people by giving them severe infestations of parasitic worms.

Vuall is the 47^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Cancer. He commands 37 legions of infernal spirits, and he initially appears in the form of a dromedary, but then takes the form of a man who is unconvincingly trying to seem as if he’s from Egypt. He is able to accurately tell you about things in the past, present, and future. He can make enemies into friends, and very effectively cause women to especially love someone.

Crocell is the 49^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Leo. He commands 48 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the form of an angel. He tends to speak occultly about cryptic or hidden things, though he is also a very good teacher of geometry and the liberal arts. He makes the sounds of flowing water, and can give warmth to baths and other waters.

Alloces is the 52^nd demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Virgo. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a soldier wearing a Duke’s crown, riding on the back of a gryphon, and preceded by a host of trumpeters. He can give you an extensive understanding of philosophy and rhetoric, and he can bring souls of the dead before the occultist, where we can ask them whatever questions we see fit.

Murmur is the 54^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Virgo. In addition to his position as a Duke, he is also an infernal Earl. He commands 30 legions of infernal spirits, and he appears in the form of a soldier in a Duke’s crown riding on the back of a gryphon, with a host of trumpeters preceding him. Murmur can give you an extensive knowledge of rhetoric and philosophy. He can also compel spirits of the dead to come forth and appear before the occultist, allowing us to ask them whatever questions we like. Some of my books also say that Murmur was originally a member of the Order of Thrones before he took his current place.

Gemory is the 56^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Libra. She commands 26 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a beautiful woman riding a camel, and wearing the crown of a Duchess around her waist. She is able to reveal all things past, present, and future, and to discover hidden treasures. She can also procure the love of women.

Napula is the 60^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 3^rd Decan of Scorpio. In addition to his position as a Duke, he is also a President among the demons. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a lion with gryphon’s wings. He can teach you the skills and crafts of a handyman, and provide extremely specialized knowledge on many professions. He is a good teacher of philosophy in particular.

Haures is the 64^th demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Capricorn. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and he initially appears in the form of a leopard, then taking the form of a man with fire in his eyes and an extremely unpleasant face. He should not be trusted if he is not within a Goetic triangle, since he has been known to lie. When he is within the Goetic triangle, he can reveal all things past, present, and future. He can also provide the occultist with a thorough understanding of divinity, with the added bonus of telling us the stories about the falls of the spirits. He takes pleasure in destroying his enemies, and especially in burning them.

Amducias is the 67^th demon described in the Goetia, as well as the Night Demon of the 1^st Decan of Aquarius. He commands 29 legions of infernal spirits, and initially appears in the form of a unicorn, but then assumes the form of a man. He is able to make musical instruments heard, and to make trees bend. The familiar spirits he can provide for the occultist are of a very good quality.

Dantaylion is the 71^st demon described in the Goetia, and the Night Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Pisces. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a man with many faces (which can be of any gender) with a book in his right hand. He is able to teach absolutely any art or science to absolutely any person. He usually generates love, and can help people relate to each other and find things in common, no matter how foreign or hostile they initially appeared. Dantaylion is also known to call secret meetings, and to make people suddenly change their minds about any given issue.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the more complex correspondences of Venus, we can list some of the things in nature which are under Venus’s rulership.

Plants:

Verbena

Violets

Maidenhair Ferns

Valerian

Thyme

Gum Laudanum

Ambergris

Sandalwood

Coriander

Sweet Pears

Figs

Pomegranates

Hesperus

Creatures:

Dogs

Rabbits

Sheep

Goats

Bulls

Calves

Swans

Wagtails

Swallows

Pelicans

Burrow Ducks

Crows

Pigeons

Turtledoves

Sparrows

Dolphins

Merlangius

Sea Spurge

Sardines

Materials:

Silver

Glass

Ruby

Lodestone

Blue Stones

Coral

Malachite

Quartz

Brass

Carnelian

Lapis Lazuli

Beryl

Emeralds

Sapphires

Green Jasper

Mercury is commonly associated with intelligence, speed, wit, and communication. It is also associated with commonness and poverty.

For advice about the ideal placement of Mercury in astrological magic, look at this post.

Below is an extensive and organized list of things which are under the influence of Mercury.

Name of the Intelligence of Mercury:

Tiriel

Name of the Spirit of Mercury:

Taphthartharath

Familiar Form of the Spirit of Mercury:

Usually, it manifests as a transparent, slender humanoid form of about average height. Its movements will appear more fluid than those of a human, and this spirit will be cold to the touch. It will be very well-spoken and articulate with words. Usually, the first thing this form will do when you conjure it is try to thoroughly horrify you (if it is successful, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re dealing with a real form of Mercury).

Common Visible Forms of the Spirit of Mercury:

A King riding on the back of a bear

A fair young person

A woman with a distaff

A dog

A female bear

A magpie

An article of clothing that can vary in color

A shepherd’s rod

A small walking staff

Element:

Water

*It should be noted that Mercury can affect all elements nearly equally

Humors:

Any or all of the humors mixed together

Numbers:

8 and 64

Flavors:

Unusual flavors

Tastes which are completely alien to the tongue

Tastes which are familiar, but not at all distinctive

Plain or bland flavors in general (as in food which generally lacks flavor)

Elemental Quality:

Dry-Moist (both simultaneously)

Day of the Week:

Wednesday

Languages:

Turkish

Part of Greek (which is co-ruled by three planets, the other two of which are Jupiter and the Sun)

Religion:

Forbidden or secret practices (Freemasonry, for example)

Hermeticism

Theosophy

Comparative religion

Clothing:

Linens

Casual dress

Styles commonly associated with scholars

Occupations:

Poets

Novelists

Journalists

Teachers

Mathematicians

Couriers

Places:

Markets

Warehouses

Schools

Laboratories

Libraries

Anatomy:

The tongue

The brain

Mercury influences the heart, but does not rule over it

Incense:

To make Mercury’s incense, mix mastic, frankincense, cloves, potentilla, agate, magpie’s blood, and a fox or weasel’s brain. Alternately, you can use any tree barks or fruit skins, cinnamon, cassia bark, citron peels, or bayberries.

Zodiac Rulership:

Mercury rules over the signs of Gemini and Virgo, and it is also exalted in Virgo. Mercury’s detriment is Sagittarius, and it is in its fall when in Pisces.

Drugs:

Psychostimulants (which include the amphetamines, cathinones, and methylphenidate, in addition to many other drugs)

Coffee (espresso in particular, due to its increased stimulant effects)

Mercury is associated with numerous spirits of various kinds, which I will describe below, organized by the types of spirits I’ll be discussing.

Angels:

The Archangel Raphael is the angel who is most strongly associated with Mercury. Raphael is one of the most powerful and important archangels, outranked only by Gabriel and Michael. His name seems to mean something along the lines of “God is the Source of Healing.”

The Archangel Michael rules over Wednesday, which means he is also associated with Mercury to a lesser extent. Michael is the highest-ranked and most powerful of all the angels, effectively serving as Heaven’s second-in-command. In the Old Testament, Michael is mentioned on numerous occasions. Perhaps the most important of these in in Daniel 10, where Daniel learns that Michael is the protector of Israel. In Christian scripture, he is identified as the archangel who will lead God’s army into the final battle against the forces of Hell. His name seems to mean something along the lines of “He Who is Like God.”

A King of the Djinn:

Burqan is name of the King of the Djinn who is associated with Mercury. His name appears to mean “Two Thunders.”

Abbu Al-A’aja’eb is the informal name given to this King of the Djinn. This name seems to mean something along the lines of “Father of the Nomads.”

Demons:

Mercury is associated with the 12 Presidents of the Goetic demons. I will describe these Presidents below, making sure to point out those which hold other seats in addition to their presidency.

Marbas is the 5^th demon desribed in the Goetia, as well as the Day Demon of the 2^nd Decan of Taurus. He commands 36 legions of infernal spirits, and appears in the form of a powerful and majestic anthropomorphic lion. He can uncover hidden things, and make us wise. He can also teach us handicrafts and mechanical skills. He causes and cures a variety of diseases, and has been known to magically chang

My series on astrological magic is now complete. There are thirteen posts total, each of them thoroughly discussing different concepts which are important to the effective practice of these arts. They don’t proceed in exactly the order you’ll need the information in, and I apologize for that, but I also don’t think it will be a problem. You should really make sure to carefully read the information in each of these posts before attempting to carry out this kind of work, in order to be sure that you’ve covered your bases and taken the appropriate precautions. Below is a list of all the posts in the series. I hope they are helpful to you. You’re welcome to ask us if you have any questions at all.

The Moon (and Sun)

Saturn and Mars

Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury

The Ascendant

Uses of the Decans

Parts (also known as Lots)

Image Theory I

Image Theory II

Master List of things Ruled by the Planets, Signs, and Fixed Stars

Lunar Nodes, Planetary Days and Hours, Names and Spirits of Times and Bodies

A Very Effective Method of Drawing a Circle

Consecration, Prayers, and Ritual Theory

Conclusion (Aspects, Other Loose Ends, and a Step-By-Step Walkthrough)

Thank you very much for reading. If you found this series interesting, please consider checking out Benefica’s series on the court cards in Tarot, and if you’re interested, check back soon for our upcoming series on the creation and use of talismans (which will be a collaboration between Benefica and myself).

-Admin

This will be the thirteenth and final post in my series on astrological magic. Since I’ve gone over most of the basic knowledge you need in order to successfully use astrological magic, this post will contain some additional tips and little bits of information that didn’t fit neatly into any of the other posts. Remember that none of the individual posts in this series contain enough information to give you complete results. Please be careful, and feel free to ask us if you have any questions.

The Ruler of the Chart:

I haven’t clearly explained the concept of a chart’s ruling planet yet, but it is fairly simple. Most astrologers just consider the planet which rules over the ascendant to be the ruler of the chart as a whole. It’s important to consider that when a planet rules over a chart, its power is augmented. This means you should think of the planet as dignified when it is in any normal location, and that when it’s in its detriment, it is reduced to its normal power, rather than below it. Naturally, then, when the planet ruling over the chart is exalted, it is particularly powerful, even more so than its exaltation usually allows.

The Chaldean Order:

I’ve talked about the Chaldean order a little bit before, but here I’ll give you a brief explanation as to what it is exactly, and then I’ll list the planets in that order for an easy reference. The Chaldean people ranked the seven traditional planets based on their apparent speed of motion in the sky. They considered the slower moving planets to be more powerful, and the faster planets to have less power, but more adaptability. Over time, they adapted a very complex system of symbolism based on their ranking of the planets. By incorporating the Chaldean order into sacred geometry and other systems of symbolism, they were able to determine how the planets rule over the days of the week, the hours of the day, various parts of the world, various religious practices, types of clothing, metals, plants, and animals. This system (which has steadily expanded since it was created) is still important in Hermeticism and many other occult traditions today.

The Chaldean order of the planets is as follows:

Saturn

Jupiter

Mars

The Sun

Venus

Mercury

The Moon

Rising and Descending Planets (and the Effects of their Hierarchies):

There is a fairly important concept which is rarely discussed in astrological texts, but which is very useful to understand in astrological magic. When a planet is rising, it’s useful to note that it has effects which are in accord with the planet above it in the Chaldean order. This means Saturn in particular carries the influence of the fixed stars when it’s rising. When a planet is descending, its influence is more in accord with the planet below it in the Chaldean order. For example, Saturn descending is very beneficial to Jupiter’s influence. The Moon is a fairly unique case, then, since while rising it is concurrent with Mercury, but while descending, it works in accord with some of the more earthly forces below it. In astrological magic, the Moon can usually be thought of as the focusing lens through which the powers of the other celestial bodies are projected down to Earth (this is why its position is considered particularly important in many magical traditions).

Reception:

I feel like should explain the concept of reception, since I mentioned it fairly often in some of the earlier posts in this series. In the simplest terms I can use, a reception occurs when a planet is at a favorable aspect with the planet which rules over (or is exalted in) the sign where it sits. It also occurs when a planet is at a favorable aspect to the ruler(s) of two of the following (which are considered lesser dignities): the term, triplicity, face, or decan where it sits.

For example, if Mercury sits in Leo while at a trine aspect to the Sun, then Mercury is being received by the Sun. This is the most basic kind of reception, and it’s called reception by sign. When a planet is received by another planet, it is given power and protection in accord to the powers of planet which is receiving it. In this hypothetical case, Mercury is given a much greater affinity for intellectual communications between the common people and those in positions of power, and it might also take on a much more financially adept nature than normal, allowing Mercurial energy to be directed in a way that allows it to help a person generate great profits (especially since Mercury rules over commerce, and Leo rules over wealth and riches).

There are also situations where two planets are in mutual reception to each other. This kind of astrological condition usually represents the mutual benefit of both of the celestial bodies involved.

A good example of two planets which are in mutual reception to each other is a chart where Venus is in Leo while at a square aspect with the Sun, which sits in Taurus. Despite the fact that a square is generally considered an unfavorable aspect, when both of the planets involved in the aspect are also in each other’s greater dignities, any aspect they share will usually become favorable, no matter how hostile or difficult the aspect is usually considered to be.

A slightly different example of mutual reception is a chart where the Moon sits in Pisces at a sextile aspect to Jupiter, which sits in Taurus. The primary difference here is that the Moon doesn’t actually rule over Taurus, but is just in its exaltation there. There aren’t any notable differences in the overall effects of a reception by exaltation as opposed to a reception by rulership, but it’s important to always be aware of the exaltations of the planets, and the effects they can have on a chart. Forgetting something which seems like a minor detail, like the fact that a planet is exalted or in reception, can lead to significant errors when you’re calculating a chart. When you’re looking at the astrological conditions of future days in order to determine the best time to work, it’s very important to look over the charts thoroughly, so you can use their powers efficiently, effectively, and accordingly.

The aspects are a fairly difficult area of astrology for many people to get comfortable with, although when you become familiar with them, they will prove to be very useful.

I’ll be using the word “perfect” fairly often in this section, and I want to clarify what I mean. In this context, as a verb, “to perfect an aspect” is to have two planets which are applying to an aspect with each other reach the point where they are in their aspect exactly, with 0ºdeviance from the exact distance of that aspect. For example, if two planets are applying to a trine aspect with each other, and they are about to perfect the trine, this means the two planets are arriving at the point where they are exactly 120º apart.

As an adjective, the meaning of a “perfect aspect” follows along the same reasoning. When an aspect is perfect, it is exact. A perfect trine aspect occurs when the two planets involved are exactly 120º apart. A perfect conjunction occurs when the two planets involved are exactly 0º apart.

To familiarize you with the basic properties of the various types of aspect, I’ll go into some detail about how they work, below.

Applying and Separating:

When two planets are at an approximate aspect with each other (most astrologers consider an approximate aspect to be anything within 10º of the perfect aspect), and they are moving closer to perfecting their aspect, it is usually said that the faster planet is applying to the slower one at whatever aspect is occurring. For example, if Venus and Mercury are 118º apart, and they are getting closer to a perfect trine aspect with each other, you could say that Mercury is applying to Venus at a trine aspect, since Mercury is the faster planet of the two, and it is “gaining ground” on Venus (there are also some contexts where it doesn’t matter which planet is moving faster, and they would both be said to be applying to the aspect).

When two planets have completed their perfect aspect, and are now starting to move away from the aspect they shared, it is usually said that the faster planet is separating from the slower one at whatever aspect is occurring. For example, if Mercury and Venus had just completed their perfect trine aspect as I described in the example above, and Mercury is now moving past the perfect trine so the two planets are now 122º apart, you could say that Mercury is separating from a trine aspect with Venus. Since Mercury is the faster planet of the two, it is the planet which is increasing the distance between Venus and Mercury’s trine aspect. This is why Mercury is said to be separating (though as above, there are some contexts where it doesn’t matter which planet is moving faster, and you would simply say that both planets are separating from the aspect).

Conjunction:

A conjunction is probably the most influential aspect which can occur in a chart. When two planets are conjunct, their energy is blended, and the conjunction is considered a single source of energy, rather than two separate planets exerting their influence. Depending on the planets involved, this can be good or bad. It’s also important to understand that some planets are more powerful than others, meaning a conjunction isn’t necessarily an equal blend of two planets. Some texts on astrological magic say that conjunctions can have three basic properties. These properties are increases, decreases, and balances. In astrological magic, it’s generally accepted that the power of a planet in conjunction is usually determined by its place in the Chaldean order. This means Saturn’s influence is generally the most powerful, while Jupiter’s power is almost always equal to it (except in a few cases). To help illustrate the way a conjunction works, I’ll briefly describe some conjunctions involving Saturn.

Saturn and Jupiter are almost always equal in power when they are conjunct. If both planets are somehow dignified, then Jupiter will be more powerful than Saturn in the conjunction. If Jupiter is dignified, but Saturn is direct and exalted, Saturn will usually be equal. If Jupiter is weakened or in its detriment, and Saturn is not, then Saturn’s power will be dominant in the conjunction, especially if Saturn is dignified or exalted.

Saturn and Mars are an interesting conjunction, because although Saturn is the most powerful planet involved, the martial influence will almost always be prominent and noticeable here. This is because Mars and Saturn are generally “friendly” toward each other. If Saturn is direct and dignified or exalted, you may not see as much influence from Mars in this kind of conjunction. If Mars is in a similarly powerful position, and Saturn is weakened, you may see Mars dominate this conjunction, though Saturn’s influence is never obscured by Mars.

When Saturn is in conjunction with the Sun, this is generally considered a difficult position, unless they are in a sign ruled by Saturn, in which case they can be very powerful and agreeable to each other. As with any planet besides the Moon, if Saturn is close enough to the Sun to be in combustion, its effects are completely negated or obscured, and it you might not be able to find any Saturnine effects whatsoever in the chart.

Saturn conjunct Venus generally favors Saturn. If Saturn is weakened or in its detriment, while Venus is exalted or in a sign where it rules, you may see their influences manifest fairly equally. In nearly any other situation, though, Saturn is easily the most powerful influence of the two, taking very little influence from Venus.

Saturn conjunct Mercury is an easy situation for Saturn. It is extremely rare for Mercury’s influence to be prominent in this situation. Usually, you’ll see Mercury’s effects severely inhibited in this position. For any work involving language, communication, travel, math, trickery, or intelligence, this conjunction will cause great difficulty. If Mercury is exalted and Saturn is weakened significantly, you might see some more influence from Mercury here, but Saturn will invariably remain dominant, since Mercury’s role in a conjunction almost always serves to further intellectually articulate the influence of the planet it is conjunct with. This basically makes a conjunction between Mercury and Saturn function just like Saturn, but with a greater affinity for situations concerning intelligent thought, communication, and logic. When this conjunction is taking place, the things people say might generally tend toward the emotionally heavy.

Saturn and the Moon are an important conjunction to understand. Clearly, since Saturn’s effects are more powerful, it is by far the most dominant force in this conjunction, though the Moon’s influence is still present to some extent. However, there are times when the Moon’s influence is not so obscured. If Saturn is in a weakened position or its detriment, and the Moon is dignified, then the Moon’s influence will be greater than that of Saturn. If the Moon is not dignified, though, Saturn’s influence will almost always outweigh that of the Moon, even if Saturn is weakened. If Saturn is dignified, and the Moon is in a weakened position or its detriment, then the effects of the Moon in a conjunction will be nearly impossible to identify, and the conjunction will work almost as if it were just an augmented Saturn. In some rare cases, the Moon is slower than usual in its motion. If the Moon happens to be moving at a similar speed to Saturn, their effects will be fairly evenly balanced. In conjunctions between Saturn and the Moon, it’s important to note that the Moon’s most powerful position is when it is rising, and Saturn’s most powerful position is when it is descending.

Stellium:

When more than two planets are conjunct to each other, and they are all in the same sign, this is called a stellium. When this occurs, you should think of all three of them as one combined energy, and you should be especially aware of the nature of the celestial bodies involved, since a stellium will almost always be one of the most powerful forces in a chart. If a particularly favorable stellium is occurring, it is probably a good idea to carry out certain things while you can (perhaps charge some talismans), so you’ll be able to harness the power of such an event before it’s over. Even if you don’t necessarily need a specific power when a potentially useful stellium occurs, I highly recommend that you try to store it for future use. Foresight is an extremely useful tool in any magical art.

Good aspects:

The “good” or “favorable” aspects in astrology are the trine and sextile aspects. A trine aspect occurs when two planets are approximately 120° apart from each other, and it is considered the most favorable aspect possible. A sextile aspect occurs when two planets are approximately 60° apart from each other, and though not as good as a trine, is considered to be a favorable aspect.

A trine aspect is the most naturally manifested positive aspect. When two planets are at a trine aspect with each other, they are each lending beneficial energy to the other. Consider that in most cases, this is even considered positive if one of the planets involved is considered unfortunate. For example, Venus at a trine to Saturn does not harm the influence of either planet, but rather, Venus is strengthened and given greater emotional depth and responsibility, while Saturn benefits by gaining more expressly benevolent properties, and becomes generally more cheerful. Keep in mind that there are still plenty of situations where any two given planets are better off without any aspects at all, regardless of whether they are good aspects such as trine (this is briefly discussed in some of the earlier postsof this series,where I discussthe placementof the planetsand other influences).

A sextile aspect is the lesser of the good aspects. When two planets share a sextile aspect, they are only beneficial to each other if we go to the effort to cultivate the connection between them, and to consciously work toward fulfilling the potential of their aspect. Otherwise, we should consider the nature of this aspect basically the same as a trine, but altogether capable of being less powerful.

Bad aspects:

The “bad” or “hostile” aspects are the opposition and square. An opposition occurs when two planets are approximately 180° apart from each other (hence the name, implying they are opposite to each other in the chart), and is considered the most hostile aspect which can occur. A square aspect occurs when two planets are about 90° apart from each other, and is not as dire as opposition, but is still considered unfavorable and difficult.

An opposition is the most universally unfavorable aspect which can occur. Any two planets opposing each other causes a severe affliction to them both. Other factors are important, including whether either of the planets involved are at all dignified or in their detriments, and how powerful the concerned planets are on their own (based on the Chaldean order, as discussed above). Generally, it is considered extremely difficult (if not impossible) to reconcile an opposition between two planets, and when there is an opposition occurring, you should probably avoid trying to use the power of any of the planets involved.

A square is considered the lesser unfavorable aspect. The name is fairly indicative of the nature of this aspect. You could say that the planets involved are “squaring off,” or preparing to fight each other. Generally, this means that the relationship between the two celestial bodies involved is very volatile, and that making the wrong decision or move can cause major problems. Despite the volatility of the square, it can also be reconciled a lot more easily than an opposition. Think of it like a tense situation that you can defuse if you deal with it properly (as if you were mediating between two people who were about to fight).

Prohibition:

At some earlier point in this series, I have briefly mentioned a condition called prohibition which can afflict a planet. There are two kinds of prohibition. The first kind is called a bodily prohibition, or a conjunctive prohibition. A bodily prohibition occurs when two planets are applying to a conjunction, when a third planet swiftly overtakes both of the others, and completes a conjunction with the second planet (after also perfecting and separating from a conjunction with the first one in the process of overtaking it, of course) before the first two planets have had time to perfect their conjunction with each other. When this happens, the prohibiting planet is effectively stealing the prize of conjunction from the planet which gets left out, or prohibited. I’ve heard a bodily prohibition be described as a “planetary cock-block,” and I thought this was a fairly accurate way to simply and clearly express the nature and mood of this type of astrological condition. To be sure I’ve effectively explained how a bodily prohibition works, I’ll describe an example below.

When two planets are in the process of applying to a conjunction which, if perfected, promises the favorable or ideal ending of a thing (such as a magical work, a difficult time, or an event of any kind), all appears to be won. Consider, for example, that if the planets applying to their conjunction are, say, Mars at the 7º of Aries, and Saturn at the 12º of Aries, and they are ready and moving toward becoming perfectly conjunct (0º apart from each other, which we will say is the ideal astrological resolution to whatever hypothetical work we are carrying out). Now, just for the purpose of demonstration, let’s say that we hadn’t been paying attention when we were planning out the astrological conditions of the present time, and it just so happens that the Sun is very close behind Mars, currently at the 6º of Aries. Since the Sun moves significantly faster than both Mars and Saturn, we can predict that it will catch up to Mars, and form a perfect conjunction (which, when involving the Sun, is called combustion, and is considered a particularly unfortunate conjunction for whichever planet the Sun is incinerating) with it long before the desired Mars/Saturn conjunction can come about. But we also know that the Sun won’t just stop at that. It will completely overtake Mars, separating from it, and applying to a conjunction with Saturn, reaching full combustion of Saturn at 0º conjunct before Mars has a chance to do anything at all. When the Sun reaches Saturn after fully overtaking Mars, it is prohibiting Mars from uniting its energy with Saturn as planned, and it is prohibiting Saturn from exerting any power at all. When a prohibition of this kind occurs, you should basically consider the prohibited planet’s power negated for the duration of the prohibition, meaning the planet basically “loses a turn,” and does not get to express any power until it is free from the other celestial bodies involved in the prohibition.

The second type of prohibition is called prohibition by aspect, and it occurs when two planets are applying to a conjunction, and a third, faster planet located elsewhere in the chart overtakes any aspect (meaning this kind of prohibition is possible with trine, sextile, square, and opposing aspects) of one of the planets (perfecting the aspect in the process, and continuing on to separate from it, while beginning to apply to the same aspect of the next planet in the potential conjunction), and then proceeds to perfect the same type of aspect with the other planet, effectively prohibiting the two from achieving the power of their perfect conjunction. Below, I will describe an example of a prohibition by aspect, just to be sure I’m being articulate in my explanation.

Let’s imagine that Mars is at the 7º of Aries again, while Saturn is found at the 15º of Aries. As you can see, the two are applying toward a conjunction, just as in the example above. Remember that in our hypothetical work, we’re hoping for Mars and Saturn to perfect their conjunction, because that conjunction will bring about the ideal astrological conditions for the exact resolution (of whatever hypothetical event or work you wish to imagine here) we are praying for. But again, we failed to pay proper attention to the chart. This time, it’s a little less obvious of a mistake. Now, we may know not to plan for this conjunction when the Sun is so closely rapidly approaching the planets involved, but the problem here isn’t an actual celestial body prohibiting the conjunction. You see, the Sun is at the 5º of Gemini, which is a seemingly harmless location, right? Unfortunately not. Since the Sun moves faster than both Mars and Saturn, and it is approaching a sextile of Mars, it will perfect a sextile aspect with Mars, and then separate from it, long before the Mars/Saturn conjunction has even come close to completion. But of course, just like the example I described before, that isn’t all it takes for a prohibition to occur. Now, the Sun will overtake Saturn’s sextile as well, perfecting it before Mars and Saturn manage to complete their conjunction at all. Once again, this prohibition negates the potential power of the conjunction between the two planets involved, in addition to temporarily voiding their individual energies. Neither of the prohibited planets are able to exert any influence until they are each free from the other’s sphere of influence, and they have separated from the influence of the planet which prohibited them.

Now that I’ve spoken about those loose ends and tips, I can give you a basic step-by-step walkthrough of how to approach astrological magic if you’re using the methods I’ve discussed in this series.

First, you need to know exactly what your intentions are. If you don’t have a clear and thorough understanding of your goals in a work of magic, you might not get very good results. If you are precise enough in engineering the symbolism you use in a work, you will be able to get very precise control of your results.

Once you know exactly what your intentions are, you should decide which planets or signs you need to draw power from. Do this based on the things which each planet and sign rules over. Whichever planets or signs most influence the things your goals are concerned with are the ones you should use. It’s not necessarily a bad idea to combine the influence of more than one celestial body or sign, so long as you can elegantly represent the two of them together as a magical image, and provided you can also get them both in favorable positions at one time. It’s important to take care in choosing the ascendant, because that decision also determines which planet rules over the chart.

Now, look at astrological charts for upcoming days and times (it doesn’t really matter how far in advance you plan these) to find the most favorable time to carry out your work. You can refer to some of the earlier posts in this series to determine whether the planets in question are in a good place or not. If the Sun or Moon rules your chart, you should prioritize their positions.If Saturn or Mars rule your chart, focus on finding them a good position.If Jupiter, Venus, or Mercury rule your chart, consider their locations the most important.It’s also good to make sure that the planets in question are in favorable decans for your purpose.

Make sure the particular Arabic Parts which are important to your work are favorably placed, so that the intangible factors of the chart are not working against you.

After that, it’s time to decide if the lunar nodes are in acceptable places for you to carry out your work, and to choose the right planetary day and planetary hour to proceed in.

Now, you should be sure to derive an effective image from the stars,signs, or planets you’re using in order to create an effective visual representation of your desired effect. This doesn’t have to be based on any rigid symbolic foundation, but we should take special care to make our images properly represent the powers they are designed to conduct.

Once we’re actually about to perform our ritual, we need to draw our circle. After that, we need to consecrate it and carry out our ritual, saying all the necessary prayers. Then, we can safely conclude our work. Many people choose to include a banishing ritual or dismissal of the spirits at the end of their work (if any of us writes a post about these practices, I will edit this post and add a link to it at that time).

This concludes my series on astrological magic. I hope it has been helpful to you. If you have any questions for us, feel free to drop us an ask. If there’s any important information which seems to be missing from this series, please don’t hesitate to request it. Thank you for reading. If this is the first post you’ve come across in the series, and you found it interesting, useful, or enjoyable, please check out the rest. If you’ve finished this series and you’d like to see more of our work, you should check out Benefica’s series about the court cards in the Tarot. Very soon, she and I will begin to collaborate on a new series on the creation and use of talismans. Thank you for reading. We hope you will continue to enjoy our work.

-Admin

This will be the eleventh post in my series on astrological magic. In the last post, I talked about the planetary hours and days, as well as some of the spirits ruling over certain times. That information will all be necessary to understand in order to do all the things I’ll be explaining in this post, which will discuss magical circles and their geometric construction. Be careful when you’re doing these things. You’re always welcome to ask us if you have any questions.

To consecrate your working space before you carry out any magic is one of the most important parts of nearly all forms of ritual magic. There are a great many methods for preparing a circle, and I will readily admit that I believe certain methods are more effective than others, and that I feel as if some methods are just as good as not casting a circle at all (but I won’t get into that right now). For the type of magic I’m talking about now, I like D'Abano’s method of casting a circle, because it reflects planetary rulership, and it also calls upon the power and protection of some relevant ruling spirits for aiding in your work. It’s important to note that there is room for variation in this method if you want to work with a different system of spirits, but the basic geometric features of this type of circle are vital to its function, and to make sure you call on the power and protection of appropriately powerful and benevolent spirits is also essential. If you’d like to substitute something, and you want to double-check something with us, you’re welcome to get our opinion or advice by asking. The traditional ruling spirits and D'Abano’s are here, in the previous post.

The first thing you should do in this method is make a circle which is 9 feet in diameter. Inside it, make a circle with a diameter of 7 feet (meaning its edge will be 1 foot in from the larger one), and be sure it is concentric with the larger one as precisely as possible. Make a third concentric circle with its edge one foot in from the second (meaning it will be 5 feet in diameter). These are the basis for your circle.

Next, you want to find the point in the innermost circle which is farthest north. Draw a straight line from there through the center of the circle until you reach its southern edge. Then do the same from east to west. Now you can make the last circle one foot in from the innermost so far. The lines you already made will cross this circle’s boundaries. Finally, make four pentagrams outside your circle. One at the southeast, one at the southwest, one at the northwest, and one at the northeast. The points of each of these should be directed toward the center of your circle. Now you have most of the geometric basis for your circle of protection, and you can start on writing in the names and symbols which should be included.

Inside the edge of the second circle (if the outermost is the first), you should start at the farthest point east. Beginning there, write the name of the hour you’re working in. Next, write the name of the angel who rules the hour. Following the angel’s name, you will add its sigil (the sigils of these angels are easily found by using Google, and entering something like “sigil of the archangel Raphael,” for example). Next, you will write the names of the ruling angel of the day, as well as its sub-ruling angels or spirits. Now you should write the name of the season. Then, you should write the names of the spirits ruling over that season (and keep them in the order that I have listed them here). After that, you should add the name of the spirit ruling the sign of the season. Next, you should add the names of the Earth, Sun, and Moon according to the season. This completes the writing in the space between the second and third circle.

Inside the edge of the first (outermost) circle, start again at the farthest point east. Here, you will write the name of the aerial king who rules the day you’re working in. At the south, west, and north, you’ll write the names of the aerial spirits under his command (in the same order I gave them to you here, excluding the spirit Flaef on Friday, but adding him in on Wednesday).

Between the third and fourth circles (outside the edge of the innermost circle), there will be four parts divided up by the lines you’ve made. In each of these parts (starting with the southeast, and proceeding clockwise as before), you should draw a cross (not a Christian cross, but one where the lines are of equal length), followed by an appropriate name of God for your purpose, followed by another cross (employing a total of four different names of God).

The last step in building your circle is to write “Alpha” on the eastern part of the innermost circle, allowing the line through the center to divide it, so it appears like “Al|pha” and then to write “Omega” on the western part, allowing it to be divided by the line so it appears like “Om|ega”.

This is all the geometric knowledge you need in order to build an effective circle based on the time. From here, you should proceed to consecrate your circle. I’ll speak about methods of doing that in my next post. I hope this post has been useful to you. Thank you for reading.

-Admin