This podcast explores the topic of astrological and planetary magic in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy. They discuss the use of correspondences and rituals, the significance of timing and astrology in magical operations, and the creation of astrological talismans. The podcast also touches on lunar mansions, decans, and the contracts between magician and celestial hierarchy.
Planetary and astrological magic involves creating ritual relationships with the traditional planets, using correspondences such as colors, perfumes, stones, symbols, and engaging all the senses to tap into their influence.
Astrological timing, such as planetary hours and days, plays a crucial role in magical operations, and careful astrological election is essential for creating astrological talismans.
Deep dives
Planetary and Astrological Magic
In this podcast episode, the host delves into the topic of planetary and astrological magic as explored in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's three books of occult philosophy. Agrippa outlines the practice of working with the traditional planets, their energies, paradigms, and spirits. This form of magic involves creating ritual relationships with the planets, using correspondences such as colors, perfumes, stones, symbols, and engaging all of the senses in order to tap into the planetary influence. The episode also highlights the importance of astrological timing, specifically the use of planetary hours and days, as well as the role of astrology in selecting auspicious moments for magical operations. It showcases the creation of talismans and the various components involved, such as corresponding materials, images, invocation of planetary spirits, and the importance of careful astrological election. The podcast provides insights from astrological magicians, who draw on sources like the Picatrix, and emphasizes the depth and complexity of this magical practice.
Lunar Mansions and Decans
This episode explores the concept of lunar mansions and decans within astrological magic. Lunar mansions are divisions of the ecliptic, each associated with certain stars and having its own magical properties and purposes. The lunar mansions, with their unique spirits and attributes, influence when specific magical actions are performed. The decans, on the other hand, divide each sign of the zodiac into thirds, resulting in a total of 36 divisions, each with its own planetary influence and magical purposes. Both the lunar mansions and decans provide additional facets for astrological practitioners to consider and incorporate into their magical work. The episode also touches upon the practice of deckon walks, where ritual activities are performed as the sun moves into each new deckon.
Creating Astrological Talismans
The creation of astrological talismans is a key focus of this podcast episode. Talismans combine astrological images, material components, and invocations of planetary spirits to serve specific purposes. Agrippa's occult philosophy guides the selection of corresponding materials, including lists of planetary rulerships found in Book One. The episode emphasizes the role of proper astrological timing, referred to as astrological election, for the creation of talismans. An electional astrologer must consider various factors, such as planetary placements, relationships, aspects, and the phases of the moon, to determine the most auspicious moment for talisman consecration. The episode features insights from experienced talisman creators, who discuss their own practices and the importance of visualization in the consecration process. The podcast also encourages further exploration of occult philosophy, Book Two chapters 29 and 30, for additional rules and guidelines related to astrological talisman creation.
It's finally time for part seven of our exploration of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy. In previous episodes, we have examined both the structure of Occult Philosophy and the worldview it attempts to explain. We are finally ready to take a closer look at one of the topics that this massive work is best known for: planetary and astrological magic!
This episode will cover a lot of material from across book 2 of Occult Philosophy. If you are looking for sections to read before listening to this episode, I would suggest starting with book 2, chapter 29, and reading through chapter 50. You'll also want to read chapters 58 and 59, as I reference them specifically. However, after this episode, I believe you will want to spend some serious time studying all of book 2, especially going back over the parts about planets and spirits from earlier on.
As we will discover, both planetary and astrological magic cover a wide range of practices that occultists of all varieties are likely familiar with. You will find sigils, prayers, petitions, spirits, and hymns. In fact, this type of magic also leans heavily on occult correspondences, which can include metals, stones, crystals, herbs, foods, and animals.
And always remember, if you want to catch up with the rest of the Agrippa series, you can visit the home page for the series.
Thanks to Tuomo Sipola for his translation of the First Emblem from Michael Maier's Atalanta Fugiens. Tuomo and others in the #languages-and-linguistics channel in the Hermetic House of Life Discord server all helped to figure out the mystery of this poem.
Thanks also to Josh Proto and J Swofford for their help in explaining and untangling the numerous mysteries of astrological magic and electional astrology.
Thanks also to Eric Purdue, who helped quite a bit with this episode behind the scenes.
Sword + Scythe creates handmade materia magica, amulets, astrological talismans, and provides divinatory services under the auspices of Mars and Saturn. Visit at swordandscythe.com
