#talismanic magic
This will be the seventh post in our series on astrological magic. Since we’ve already talked about how the planets and parts should be placed, we are ready to discuss some of the theoretical basis for creating images which draw the power of the celestial bodies for specific purposes. Here you will learn a little about images, their function, and how they are made. Since the theory behind making effective images is very extensive, I will probably make more posts with information about it in the future. Keep in mind that although this post contains vital information for the art of astrological magic, you’ll probably have very limited success if this post is the only source you derive your methods from. Make sure to be safe, and feel free to ask us if you have any questions.
Making effective and practical images which conduct the power of the heavens is a particularly important skill to have if you want your magic to be effective. To successfully do this, you’ll need to understand that everything made at a given time permanently takes on some of the properties of the heavens above it at that time. For that reason, when you’re making an image with the intention of conducting the power of specific celestial bodies, it’s important that you know about some of the symbols and images which are associated with the bodies whose power you’re using.
There are many types of images, and they can be based on any type of heavenly or earthly source, depending on their purpose. It’s possible to create an image for any purpose you could ever need. You should get to know some of the more basic images and what they can do if you want an idea of the connection between symbol and function. In the next post, I plan to go over some of the more basic images, such as those of the zodiac signs, their functions, and how they can be used. In this post, I will address some kinds of images which aren’t of the zodiac (some of which are heavenly, and others of which are derived from other sources).
Aside from the stars directly concerned with the zodiac and its workings, there are many other constellations and images in the sky, each with its own symbolism and mythological background. For example, Canis Major (the Dog) is good for casting images to help protect a person or place from plagues or epidemics, edema, and vicious animals. Another example is the constellation called Serpentarius (the Snake), which is good for curing poisons and snake bites (or other venemous bites). I’m certain that you could find an effective use for any constellation you wish, if you look for one which suits your purposes. Just keep in mind the particular image the constellation represents (for example, Pegasus pertains to horses, and this is obvious because its image is a winged horse), and if it represents a particular mythological figure with a story behind it, research the figure to learn more about its potential (for example, Hercules is a constellation, and he has a long mythological story which can help provide insight into many of the ways his constellation can be used).
There are also images which aren’t derived from anything in the heavens. These are perfectly effective in their own right, and I will briefly discuss their use here. Images of this kind include things like effigies. You could make an image in the likeness of two people you dislike fighting each other, for example. You could also make an image which looks like a mangled or maimed version of a person or thing which you want to see destroyed or suffering. Just remember that if your image represents a living thing, your desired effect should be written on its belly if your intentions are benevolent, or its back if your intentions are malevolent. Make sure the species of the thing the image depicts is written on its forehead (this particular concept of labeling is mentioned twice in Revelation, and probably in numerous other religious or biblical texts). On the chest of your image, you should write the name of the ascendant at the time of your casting the image, as well as its ruling planet and the angels (or other appropriate spirits, if you’d rather not deal with angels) who rule over it (and their seals or characters). These images are then treated accordingly.
After its creation, what should be done with an image depends on the purpose. They can be left hanging from a relevant place, or worn on the body somewhere, or buried. In the past, British folk magicians and witches would hang many different kinds of charms in their chimneys, some for positive effects or protection, and others for harming people (there is some debate as to why they decided to hang the charms there). They can he hanged from a tree to be exposed to the wind, while hanging them upside-down has different effects than hanging them normally. Sometimes these images are boiled in water. And of course, the best-known treatment (which is still practiced widely, even by people who don’t consider themselves magic users at all) is to burn the effigy in a fire, such as the British do every November. What you do with an image you’ve made, combined with the intent and emotion you put into your work continue to affect this particular kind of image and its subject as long as you continue to interact with it.
Even in the practices of making images that aren’t directly based on zodiacal imagery, it’s useful to use elective astrology in advance to decide on a good time to cast them and carry out your will on them. Some ancient Arabic astrologers actually claim it’s possible to actually infuse images you’ve created with a soul comparable in magnitude to that of a living thing if you properly perform these practices. Most historical astrological magicians I’ve researched seem to agree that images from the zodiac are usually far more powerful than other types of magical images, and are definitely capable of greater things than words are. They also, however, recommend that you use a prayer or clearly worded petition which asks for the thing you’re seeking. If you can refer to the specific astrological conditions which are present at the time, and to their effects which can help you, you should certainly make sure to do that in your prayer.
There are images for the fixed stars, too. These vary depending on the source of information, but I will explain the images the Hermetics tend to use for them. Here is an extensive post which details the materials and other things ruled over by the fixed stars (as well as the signs and planets). Below are some of the images of the fixed stars, along with their uses.
Algol’s image is a man’s head with a bloody neck. This image is useful for making a person more bold or noble. It can help protect from injury, and ward off malicious magic and witchcraft.
Pleiades has the image of a lamp or a virgin. These images can help you see at night, bring multiple spirits to a place, make the wind blow, and make hidden things seen.
Aldebaran has the image of a man flying, which some sources also say is the likeness of God. This image is useful for gaining wealth and social status.
Capella’s image is a man ready to play a musical instrument or dance. It’s useful to carry with you if you want to be respected and accepted by people in positions of power, and it can also be used to alleviate toothaches.
Sirius’s image is a virgin with her dog. This image brings kind intentions from others, and can put you in the favor of the aerial spirits (such as those in Ars Theurgia Goetia). It can also help you to calm people who are angry, including people in positions of power or authority.
Procyon’s image is a rooster, or alternately of three maids. It’s a useful image for gaining the favor of divine beings, spirits, and people. It also helps protect from witchcraft and health problems.
Regulus’s image can be a lion, cat, or a person deserving of respect sitting in a chair. It makes people more agreeable and reduces anger.
Alkaid’s image is a man in deep thought, or a bull or calf. It can protect a person from malicious magic, and helps safe travel.
Gienah’s image is a raven, a snake, or a black man (or perhaps a man of any ethnicity who has dark hair) in black clothes. It can make a person ambitious and charismatic. It can also cause wet dreams. It can help you get rid of malicious spirits, or draw them in. It’s also helpful protection against people who intend harm, and wind.
Spica’s image is a bird or a merchant carrying lots of wares. It can help you gain money and abundance, and protects against ill will and petty mischief.
Arcturus’s image is of a horse, wolf, or dancing man. It can help reduce fevers and promote blood health.
Alphecca’s image is a hen, or of a man wearing a crown. It can help you be pure and loved by other people.
Antares’s image is a man-at-arms in chain mail, or a scorpion. It can help you remember and comprehend things well. It helps you have a healthy complexion. It can also help you repel or control evil spirits.
Vega’s image is a vulture, hen, or traveler. It can help you be charitable and have good self-esteem. It gives you some control over demons and animals.
Delta Capricorni (also called Deneb Algedi) has the image of a goat or male deer, or an angry man. It can help you gain wealth or success, and can make people angrier.
I hope this has given you some understanding of magical images and how they work. I’ll be continuing this series soon, hopefully explaining a few more images, and then talking about things which are ruled by each of the planets, signs, and fixed stars.
-Admin
This will be the fifth post in our series on astrological magic. Now that we’ve gone over the placement of the planets, we can start to get into the theory behind magic which draws on the powers of the heavens (the ritual methodsandrelated theorywillfollow in a later post). Although this post will take us closer to a complete method of astrological magic, you should keep in mind that even with all the information in the series so far, you will probably get very limited results if these posts are all you’re deriving your methods from. Regarding the familiarity you need with the symbols involved in this process, this post really only scratches the surface. I will continue to compile information in this subject, and this series will continue to grow and serve as a reference you can access any time. Please be safe. Feel free to send us an ask if you have any questions.
There is a classical Hermetic method to creating talismans or images concerning any and every body part. I doubt that I will speak of these in detail, because it is such a lengthy subject (I may make a post about it in the future if some necessity arises), but there is some freely accessible information about it available from various online sources. There are also Arabic and Hindu beliefs about the use of different decans for creating talismans or images for countless other purposes, some personal, and others impersonal. I will discuss some of these here. Remember though, to properly use any of the correspondences I’m describing, you will need to have some understanding of the ritualtheory involved, and to properly use the ritual theory, you will need some understandingof thesymbolisminvolved. Given that both are equally necessary, I decided to start here.
Every sign in the Zodiac has three decans (they are also sometimes referred to as faces, though decans and faces are often given different ruling planets), which you should familiarize yourself with. Each decan has a subruler (which is usually a different planet than the primary ruler of the sign), and specific properties and symbolic associations, as well as a different visual representation than the sign itself. To find which planet rules each decan, you can think of it this way: Place the sign in question on the ascendant of a hypothetical chart. The first decan is ruled by the planet which rules over the ascendant. The second decan is ruled by the planet which rules over the 5th House. The third decan is ruled by the planet which rules over the 9th House. This is useful to know, especially if you can remember the rulers of each sign and which order they proceed in. To learn how each decan is visually depicted, you should do your own research, because that information is very easy to come by.
Now consider that each decan of the Zodiac can lend you specific beneficial energies for making talismans or other powerful objects, as well as other types of magical work. There are 36 decans total in the Zodiac, and I will briefly describe some of their properties here.
Aries (which is primarily ruled by Mars):
The 1st Decan of Aries is ruled by Mars, and generally lends you a great advantage in any type of battle, literal or figurative. Basically, this face is useful for becoming victorious in a conflict against an enemy.
The 2nd Decan of Aries is ruled by the Sun, and can greatly assist you in gaining the favor of people on powerful positions, or gaining their graces, if they are already short-tempered with you.
The 3rd Decan of Aries is ruled by Jupiter, and can help you bring peaceful resolutions to official conflict, conflict between politicians, and problems among high clergy (as if you’d really want to deal with clergy at all).
Taurus (which is primarily ruled by Venus):
The 1st Decan of Taurus is ruled by Venus, and you can use it to improve the relationship between spouses.
The 2nd Decan of Taurus is ruled by Mercury. This decan is useful if you want to cause conflict between women.
The 3rd Decan of Taurus is ruled by Saturn. This one is good for causing hatred. It’s also a useful sign if you wish to make a man impotent, or to make a woman become disgusted with physical intimacy. You can also use this sign to help destroy romantic relationships.
Gemini (which is primarily ruled by Mercury):
The 1st Decan of Gemini is ruled by Mercury. You can use it to damage the intelligence and cognition of a person.
The 2nd Decan of Gemini is ruled by Venus, which can help you cause missing people to return, or to bring fugitives back to a certain place.
The 3rd Decan of Gemini is ruled by Saturn. It allows you to cause a person’s reputation to be destroyed. People will say hateful things about the person of your choice, and they will likely become subject to some kind of ridicule.
Cancer (which is primarily ruled by the Moon):
The 1st Decan of Cancer is ruled by the Moon. This is a time to call for rain. It can also serve to bring back people who are missing, no matter how they are traveling.
The 2nd Decan of Cancer is ruled by Mars. In this decan, you can try to ward off snow or rain. It also helps you banish snakes and other wild animals, whether you are at sea or on land.
The 3rd Decan of Cancer is ruled by Jupiter. It appears to be best for helping seafaring travelers survive dangerous situations.
Leo (which is ruled by the Sun):
The 1st Decan of Leo is ruled by the Sun. It’s a good time to cast talismans to help you get in the good graces of a politician or another fairly powerful figure. It’s also effective for causing wild predators like bears to gather in the place of your choice (within reason).
The 2nd Decan of Leo is ruled by Jupiter, and it serves to ward off wild predators, which is particularly useful for protecting livestock, or domestic animals.
The 3rd Decan of Leo is ruled by Mars. This decan is used to bring wild predators to places populated by humans.
Virgo (which is Mercurial):
The 1st Decan of Virgo is ruled by Mercury, and you can use this decan to make talismans for assisting you in writing and business.
The 2nd Decan of Virgo is ruled by Saturn, and it’s useful if you’re trying to bring destruction to someone’s tools or writing utensils.
The 3rd Decan of Virgo is ruled by Venus. You can use this decan to make images which keep spouses on good terms with each other.
Libra (which is ruled by Venus):
The 1st Decan of Libra is ruled by Venus. You can use it to make talismans which can strengthen or weaken a woman’s love.
The 2nd Decan of Libra is ruled by Saturn, and can be used to weaken the love of people of any gender.
The 3rd Decan of Libra is ruled by Mercury. This one is useful for talismans which help fugitives return safely.
Scorpio (which is ruled by Mars):
The 1st Decan of Scorpio is ruled by Mars. It’s useful for attracting spiders, snakes, and other venomous creatures to the place of your choice.
The 2nd Decan of Scorpio is ruled by Jupiter, and is useful if you want to make a talisman to repel the aforementioned venomous creatures.
The 3rd Decan of Scorpio is ruled by the Moon. This decan is good for talismans reducing the severity of rainstorms, or redirecting them altogether. In general, this decan is useful for preventing water damage of all kinds.
Sagittarius (which is ruled by Jupiter):
The 1st Decan of Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, and here you can make talismans which assist love, friendship, and good will.
The 2nd Decan of Sagittarius is ruled by Mars. This is a good time to make talismans for causing health problems and illness in any person you choose.
The 3rd Decan of Sagittarius is ruled by the Sun, and talismans made in this decan can help you get into the good graces of bosses, and of people in positions of great power.
Capricorn (which is ruled by Saturn):
The 1st Decan of Capricorn is Saturn’s. Talismans from this decan can aid people who hunt for food, and can also help increase the yield and quality of milk from farm animals who lactate.
The 2nd Decan is ruled by Venus. This decan supports talismans which help goats yield more milk (which will be of great interest to one of our mods), and to aid the health and population of bees in the area of your choice. You can also use this decan to make talismans which draw birds to the place of your choice.
The 3rd Decan of Capricorn is ruled by Mercury. This decan is basically only useful for making talismans which intend to destroy the things which are aided by the first two decans of Capricorn. I really hope you don’t ever see fit to use this.
Aquarius (which is ruled by Saturn):
The 1st Decan of Aquarius is ruled by Saturn. It’s useful for creating talismans to aid friendship with elderly people regardless of whether they are powerful or in a lower social class. This is also a good time to make talismans which can help you find hidden treasures of any kind.
The 2nd Decan of Aquarius is ruled by Mercury. This decan is good for making talismans which help you make friends with young or youthful people.
The 3rd Decan of Aquarius is ruled by Venus. This decan is particularly useful if you want a talisman to help you make friends with women, or to gain the love of women.
Pisces (which is ruled by Jupiter):
The 1st Decan of Pisces is ruled by Jupiter. This decan is good for making talismans which aid one in fishing, and in safe seafaring.
The 2nd Decan of Pisces is ruled by the Moon. At this time you can make effective talismans for helping plants (especially plants which bear fruit). You can also make talismans to call the rain or cause fish to gather at the location of your choice (only in bodies of water, of course).
The 3rd Decan of Pisces is ruled by Mars. Talismans made at this time can be made for successful military ventures, as well as successful hunts.
Before you begin any work, it’s important to know that every planet corresponds to certain materials (specific metals, stones, and sometimes types of glass) which effectively conduct their respective powers. For reference, here is a master list of many of the things ruled over by the planets, signs, and fixed stars.
It might also also important for you to learn the 7 groups of constituents of nature, each group consisting of 4 basic constituents. There are 28 such constituents of nature in all (according to this particular system of symbolism, of course). You can find information on these in almost any introductory volume on the occult, but in particular, I find Henry Cornelius Agrippa to be a good source for information of this kind. These 28 constituents correspond to the 28 Mansions of the Moon, and Pythagorean numerology also finds 28 to be a very important number, so it appears that this system has been thoroughly developed over a very long period of time, and you might benefit from doing some independent research on the numerological importance of the number 28 in various occult and philosophical traditions.
I will conclude this post here. I hope to further expand on this information and more of the necessary symbolism for astrological magic very soon. I hope this post has been helpful to you. Thank you very much for reading.
-Admin
Sorry we don’t post more regularly, yet. These studies aren’t always quick to compile. Currently, I’m working on an exhaustive and organized study of astrological magic in extreme detail (perhaps I won’t publish all of it here, but I can’t publish any of it anywhere until it’s well-organized).
I’m also planning to post some other studies I’ve already done, after some compiling and organization has been done. I might also post some small and simple rituals I’ve experimented with successfully, which would probably fall under the umbrella of folk magic or chaos magic.
One of the other mods has told me she’d like to post some information about making talismans, after she does some experiments. Hopefully this will be a series, and if so, I’ll probably provide some information as well. We’ve been talking about this, and there are many different methods and approaches to talismanic magic, so the two of us should be able to provide a diversity of information.
-Admin
