MAGICAL ELECTIONS

JULY 2020
Nina Gryphon
 A FLASH OF LIGHT
This month’s magical elections are only four, representing
relatively safe magical havens in the midst of the intense astro-
weather of this summer. Mars and Saturn are approaching the
orb of their long square aspect, so there are no talismans this
month that are suitable for long-term, permanent media such
as metal or gemstones. Instead, we will work with paper talis-
mans or simply verbal petitions or prayers (see the Before You
Start section for more details on these), which are equally ef-
fective, but don’t last as long as metal/gem talismans.
The most glorious talisman this month is the Sun in Leo,
which is excellent for getting noticed as well as enhancing
one’s personal vitality and optimism. We also have two fixed
star talismans - Regulus (the royal fixed star of victory and
conquest) and Pleiades (excellent for spirit vision), either of
which could work quite well for a specific purpose or limited-
term project. This month’s Lunar Mansion talisman is al-
Simak, the 14th Mansion, particularly good for protecting trav-
elers by sea (or water in general) and healing the sick.
We start July with three of the visible planets retrograde,
and therefore unsuitable for talismanic work - Mercury, Jupi-
ter, and Saturn are all retrograde now. Mid-July, Mercury

i
turns direct, but he will quickly run into a square of Mars,
who himself will quickly apply to a square of Saturn. Our
best talismanic bets will come from the Sun, Moon, and Ve-
nus this month. Planets that are retrograde are unsuitable for
Once again, this issue of Magical Elections features a
black-and-white talismanic images by Oscar-nominated ani-
mator and artist Minkyu Lee, for the Sun in Leo talisman.
You can print it out and use them for your talismanic needs,
including coloring and tracing. You are most welcome to use
the images included with the Magical Elections issue for
your personal magical rituals - I do ask, out of respect for
Minkyu's work, that it is not shared with others, privately or
publicly.
New this month - if you become a Patron at the “Ma-
gus” tier via my Patreon page, you will automatically receive
access to Magical Elections (no more individual purchases,
which I know were a hassle). In addition, you will have ac-
cess to all the benefits of the lower tiers - participation in my
monthly Q&A about astrology and magic, early access to
astrology/magic videos, access to the complete archive, and
access to exclusive astrological and magical videos and ex-
plainers never made available to the public.
Should you have questions about anything, you can al-
ways reach me at nina@ninagryphon.com.
ii
My best wishes,
Nina Gryphon
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 SECTION 1
∏ Keep an eye out for this rubric in the sidebar for each
BEFORE YOU START
This section has some useful notes you should read before
making talismans, especially if you are new to the Magical
Elections newsletter.
Time and Place for Elections
All elections are set for Los Angeles, California. You can
customize the chart to your location by adding or subtracting
time until you get the same Ascendant degree in your
location and time zone as the original chart. However, the
Moon will have moved and may be applying to a different
planet in your location. The Moon’s applying aspects are
essential in electing for magical purposes, so evaluate
whether the relocated election still meets your needs. For
elections whose focal point is the Moon (Lunar Mansions,
Lunar talismans, etc.), the position of the Moon will be
especially important, so please confirm that its position is still
correct (e.g.: still in the right Lunar Mansion) for your
purposes.
3
Magical Recommendation
magical election. It’s called “Magical Recommendation,”
which is the type of magical working appropriate to a specific
election. In order of decreasing permanence, our classical
options are 1) stone/metal talismans, which are said to hold
their astrological charge for centuries or even forever; 2)
paper talismans, which are effective for a few weeks or
months in my experience; 3) petitions and prayers, which
may still feature suffumigations, colored candles, magical
dress-up, and other ritual elements, but do not create any
tangible memento of the ritual, and are usually the most
fleeting.
All elections listed can be used for prayers or petitions; you
do not have to make a talisman during a magical election,
unless you wish. The effects of a petition/prayer may not be
as quite as long-lasting as even a paper talisman, but a
heartfelt petition or prayer at the right moment can
nonetheless move mountains. An intermediate option, and
one that I use frequently, is the paper talisman, which is good
for a short time, and best utilized for a specific magical
purpose. The very finest elections are the rarest, and they are
suitable for the permanent magical talismans made from
stone or metal, the two materials that will hold a magical
charge for a very, very long time. This is why we reserve only
the most ideal elections for talismans made from these Lunar Mansion talismans work a little differently than your
materials. typical fixed star or planetary talisman. I recommend
creating your Lunar Mansion talisman this month, and then
It’s important to recognize that whatever type of magical
petitioning the spirit of the Lunar Mansion in future months
method you use, they differ only in the duration of their
when the Moon passes through this Mansion. You should
effect, not the potency. A prayer during an elected time can
use a suffumigation in subsequent months, as well, as incense
be just as powerful as an engraved stone talisman, but the
is a key part of any ritual. Working with the Lunar Mansion
prayer won’t work for as long, as prayer is more ephemeral
monthly allows you to develop an ongoing relationship with
and will lose its efficacy much faster than a talisman
the Mansion and its spirits.
engraved in stone or metal. I have found that imbuing paper
that will be used in paper talismans with an herb tea made It is worth noting that the Lunar Mansions appear to be
from the planetary herbs makes the magical influence last rather specialized, so even if a Mansion is helping you in one
longer than just using plain paper - months, perhaps, instead sphere, don’t assume its influence will necessarily extend to
of weeks - but if you really want a lifelong talismanic other areas of life. To work on several types of concerns at
companion, you will need to opt for stone or metal. As with once, it’s best to create and maintain multiple Mansion
human or animal friends who’ll be with you a long time, talismans.
choose your permanent magical elections with care!
!
Lunar Mansions
The Picatrix advises that on all your Lunar Mansion
talismans, you should write the name of the spirit of the
Mansion and your request. Those talismans for good
(uniting, friendship, love), write on the chest of the image.
Talismans for evil should have the writing on the back of the
image. Images for honor, glory, and status should have the
writing on the head of the image.

4
 ∏
SECTION 2
KEY
• Date and Time: July 16, 2020.
2:12-2:20 A.M. Pacific Time.
• Uses: Grants the ability to see and
summon spirits, preserve eyesight,
control the winds, uncover hidden
things.
• Image: The above glyph; a girl, a
lamp.
• Planetary Nature: Moon/Mars
• Suffumigation: Fennel,
frankincense
• Materials: Shell of a sea snail,
crystal
• Magical Recommendation: Paper
or petition/prayer.
B PLEIADES
Spirits, Eyesight, the Winds, Revelations
B
The Pleiades are a group of stars easy to notice in the night sky due to their cluster
arrangement, and thus have been observed, described, and depicted by many
cultures over millennia. They have a magical use as well, primarily connected to the
faculty of vision, whether physical or spiritual. Agrippa states that their talisman
grants the ability to see and call spirits, preserves the eyesight, uncover hidden
things, and control the winds. The image of the Pleiades is a girl or a lamp; if you
are using this talisman to enhance your vision, the lamp symbol seems especially apt
This month’s election highlights the spirit-spotting power of the Pleiades. The
Moon is on the Ascendant, and both conjoin the Pleiades. The Moon’s location on
the Ascendant gives the power of the Pleiades’ hidden vision directly to the
talisman user or magician. The Moon’s next aspect is a sextile to Mars in Aries in
the 11th house. Mars in this chart rules the 12th house of spirits, and he is powerful
in his own sign, as well as favorably placed in the house of benefactors and friends,
a relationship underscored by the harmonious Moon-Mars sextile.
The challenge with this election is the Mercury-Mars square. Mercury rules the
first house, so his aspects are especially important, as they impact the magician/
wearer of the talisman. Normally, we do not like the Ascendant ruler square a
malefic planet, and this is why I do not recommend that this talisman is made in a
permanent medium such as a crystal. In this case, Mercury is received by Mars into
Mars’ triplicity and bound/term, indicating that the magician can achieve her goals
“with striving,” to use the terminology of Guido Bonatti, a medieval astrologer. A
planet received by a malefic, especially a powerfully placed one like Mars in Aries,
5
can obtain favors and help from the malefic in the manner of
an honored guest. My expectation for this magical election is
Pleiades
that it will bring contact with spirits with some effort or even
July 16, 2020. 2:12-2:20 A.M. PDT
stress, but that the connection will be powerful and
potentially beneficial to the magician.
In addition, the Moon is in generosity with Mercury - they
are in each other’s signs, an indication of a harmonious
relationship, though they are not also in major aspect, so they
are not technically in mutual reception, which would have
been a more powerful relationship.
Finally, the presence of benefic Venus in Gemini helps
strengthen the magician and brings about a positive,
harmonious outcome. This is a talisman to establish contacts
and create links to the world of the unseen - we want all the
benefic influences we can get.

6
 SECTION 3
∏ GMOON ON REGULUSG
KEY
• Date and Time: July 22, 2020,
2:53-2:56 P.M. Pacific Time
• Uses: Stops melancholy (lessens the
melancholic humor that is cold and
dry), grants favor and honors,
strengthens health and vitality,
lessens others’ wrath.
• Image: The above glyph; a cat, lion,
a nobleman sitting in a chair.
• Planetary Nature: Jupiter/Mars
• Suffumigation: Mugwort, celandine
• Materials: Above herbs, garnet,
granite
• Magical Recommendation: Paper
talisman, or prayer/petition.
Honors, Favor, Vitality, Stops Melancholy
Regulus is the most regal star among all the fixed stars, as it is the heart of the
Celestial Lion. Astrologically, the heart is ruled by the Sun, as is the lion, so
Regulus is the most royal part of the royal constellation. Due to precession,
Regulus has moved to 0°♍, and out of the sign of Leo. Regulus is considered among
the most powerful fixed stars.
The images for Regulus are as one might expect; a lion or cat, or a seated noble.
The theme is clear; this talisman brings favor of the powerful, honors, as well as
increasing vitality and lessening the melancholic humor. Melancholy in traditional
medicine was a bodily substance (black bile), which, if unchecked, could introduce
too much Saturnian dryness and cold into the body, and which could be dispelled
by Regulus’ concentrated Solar power. Regulus is also said to remove anger; it’s
unclear from the sources whether it mollifies one’s superiors, or whether it’s more a
personal anger management talisman.
In this election, the Moon is on Regulus on the Midheaven. The Moon is waxing,
and is starting to show some light after having separated from her monthly
conjunction with the Sun. Her next aspect is a sextile to Mercury with reception
(Mercury is in the Moon’s domicile, Cancer). The ruler of the Ascendant,
representing the magician/talisman wearer, is Mars in Aries in the 5th house, who is
fortunately still far from a square to Saturn.
7
This magical election is suitable for a paper talisman, as my
preference would be for the Moon’s next aspect to be a Moon on Regulus
harmonious aspect to a stronger planet than Mercury in July 22, 2020
Cancer in the 8th house. While this is not outright malefic, it 2:53-2:56 P.M. Pacific Time
is not a convincing chart for a lifelong stone or metal
talisman; we are better off waiting for a more powerful
configuration for those.

8
 SECTION 4
∏ AL-SIMAK: 14TH LUNAR MANSION
KEY
• Date and Time: July 24, 2020.
4:16-4:53 P.M., Pacific Time.
• Uses: Healing the sick and
protecting sailors.
• Image: Dog with its own tail in its
mouth (see text for more
suggestions).
• Suffumigation: Hair of dog and cat
(see text for more suggestions).
• Materials: Paper, using verdant-
green (not traditional).
• Spirit: Ergedel/Ergediel.
• Magical Recommendation: Paper
or a petition/prayer.
Healing the Sick and Protecting Sailors
The 14th Lunar Mansion is called al-Simak (“the Uplifted One”). Today, this
Mansion lies between 17°08’ ♍ and 29°59’ ♍. The 14th Mansion has a number of
positive uses along with some negative ones. We will focus on the constructive ones.
The Picatrix cites the hair of a dog and cat as a possible suffumigation, suggesting
one negative use - making people fight “like cats and dogs.” However, the stated
goals can be quite opposite, such as reviving love between spouses, and healing the
ill, so with constructive goals, incense of a more positive nature is more appropriate,
such as any sweet-smelling material.
This Magical Election is good for healing the sick and protecting all those who sail
on the sea. It is not auspicious for the other traditional uses of the 14th Lunar
Mansion (reconciling spouses, empowering kings, etc.). The Moon is on the
Midheaven in the Lunar Mansion, and she is waxing. Her next aspect will be a
sextile to the Sun in Leo in the 8th house, suggesting a beneficial influence for those
who are afraid or anxious, as the 8th rules fear. The link to the Sun in his domicile is
particularly good for vitality, healing, and increase in strength. The Sun rules the
9th house of far journeys, making this a good talisman for protection of those on the
seas (a traditional power of the 14th Lunar Mansion).
The ruler of the Ascendant is Jupiter weakly placed in Capricorn, and involved
with both malefics (Mars and Saturn), though received by them, taking away their
malice. Even so, it is best to be cautious and make this talisman in paper only, or as
a verbal petition. To make this talisman on paper, the modern suggestion from the
9
19th century magician Francis Barrett for each Lunar
Al-Simak
Mansion is to use the color verdant-green when drawing or July 24, 2020
painting the image of this Mansion. 4:16-4:53 P.M., PDT

10
 SECTION 5
∏ SUN IN LEO
KEY
• Date and Time: July 29, 2020.
5:43-6:32 A.M. Pacific Time.
• Uses: Fame, favor from the powerful,
career advancement, victory, personal
vitality.
• Image: A man standing on his feet, as
though he were saluting those he sees;
in his left hand he holds a round shield,
and under his feet is a dragon. Use the
image in this section and the glyph in
this Section’s heading.
• Spirit: Michael (archangel); Nakhiel
(intelligence); Sorath (spirit).
• Suffumigation: Citrus, saffron, laurel,
vine, St. John’s Wort, amber, musk,
ginger, marigold, rosemary [Lilly, p.
65-68]
• Materials: Gold, diamond, ruby,
chrysolite, paper imbued with extract
of Solar herbs and foods
• Magical Recommendation: Stone/
metal, paper, or a petition/prayer.
Fame, Favor, Advancement, Vitality
The strongest Solar magical opportunities come along twice a year; once when the
Sun is exalted in Aries, and then when the Sun is in its domicile, Leo. Depending
on the location of the malefic planets, it doesn’t always pan out; for example, this
year, the Sun in Aries spent a fair amount of time square to cold Saturn, a condition
to be avoided in magical workings where we seek the Sun’s powerful physical and
spiritual warmth.
Some of the Sun’s best characteristics are related to its luminosity; it makes a
person shine and their efforts be recognized; it bestows celebrity, favor from the
public and powerful people, as well as physical and mental vitality. A symbol of
royalty and uniqueness, rituals for Solar favor bring us influence and recognition.
This election in particular has ties to public acclaim, as the eleventh house is
associated with favorable public reception of our efforts. This could be a good
talisman to wear whenever we are putting our creations out into the world.
This Magical Election has the Sun in Leo on the Ascendant, also ruling the
Ascendant. The Sun makes no difficult aspects to malefics. The Sun’s presence on
the Ascendant makes this a good talisman for personal vitality and visibility. The
Moon is in Sagittarius in the fortunate 5th house, and her next aspect is a trine to
the Sun, highlighting and emphasizing the Sun’s power and visibility.
The malefic Mars-Saturn aspect is still out of orb, but here it is safely tucked away
in the 6th and 9th houses, where it can do less harm. Even so, the presence of this
11
difficult aspect does not make this otherwise potent talisman
suitable for a long-term talisman made of lasting materials Sun in Leo
such as metal or gems. Instead, it is safer to make it from July 29, 2019
5:43-6:32 A.M., PDT
paper, or even just use this Magical Election for a prayer or
verbal petition to the Sun.
The traditional clothing to wear for rituals of the Sun is to
dress up as a priest of the Church, though one could also
presumably dress as royalty, with lots of gold fabric, jewelry,
and golden accessories.
I suggest reciting the appropriate hymn to Apollo from the
Orphic Hymns collection, also listed in Additional
Resources, below.

12
 Sun in Leo
by Minkyu Lee

13
DISCARDED ELECTIONS SECTION 6
Upcoming Magical Elections To Avoid
∏
This section is intended for readers who do some the malefic 8th house, adding an element of malevolence
astrological electing of their own, as well as anyone best avoided.
considering buying a pre-made talisman. We are not
2. Mars in Aries. July 16, 2020. 5:34 A.M. Pacific Time. I
judging the intent or skill of people who may sell talismans
had been hoping to pounce on Mars in Aries (his domicile)
with subpar elections, but want to ensure you have key
before he approached the square of Saturn, as it will be a
information about the quality of the astrological election
while before we have a talisman for dignified Mars not
before spending your money. The strength of the
harmed by Saturn’s square. There were two main issues
astrological chart determines the ultimate success or failure
with this election that made me discard it. First, in any
of your goals, as well as potential unwanted side effects.
election with Mars in Aries right now, Saturn will be
These are not all of the bad elections possible this month,
angular. Ideally, we want Saturn away from the powerful
rather mainly those that may look good but contain
angular houses so he isn’t able to exert his energy so
significant problems.
effectively. Second, The Sun in the Ascendant will act as a
1. Venus in II. Gemini. July 16, 2020. 9:47 A.M. Pacific co-significator to the magician/wearer of the talisman, and
Time. What a difference a few hours makes. As with the having the Sun opposing Saturn could pose problems. We
Moon on Pleiades election earlier the same day, we are will have to wait longer for a good Mars in Aries talisman!
challenged by the ruler of the Ascendant - Mercury’s
square to Mars. In the nighttime Pleiades election,
Mercury is received by Mars into Mars’ triplicity (Mars !
is the night triplicity ruler of Cancer). The II. Gemini
election is a day chart, so Mercury loses the benefit of
being received by Mars and their relationship becomes
much more difficult and full of conflict. Also, Mars rules

14
Venus in II. Gemini: Discarded Mars in Aries: Discarded

15
 SECTION 7
∏ the full ride and are bound to rise as well as to fall, per the
Learn More
Fixed Stars
It’s a rare month that doesn’t bring at least one good fixed
star election. The fixed stars - those in the constellations - in
contrast to the planets, appear “fixed” in the sky, as they
move very slowly (1 degree per 72 years on average). In the
traditional cosmology, they are viewed as more elevated,
even beyond the realm of the planets, and as such, are not as
closely related to the daily concerns and problems of
humanity. Instead, they describe timeless myths and cosmic
truths far larger than mere human psychology. They describe
narratives and dynamics that drive the entire cosmos.
As most of the fixed stars describe narratives of struggle,
survival, and destruction. For this reason, most have negative
implications, or at least partly negative implications. When
reading texts on the royal fixed stars, which are usually
considered at least partly benefic, the most common meaning
seems to be “success followed by a dramatic fall.” My advice
to aspiring astrological magicians is to become familiar with
the myths of the constellations and the fixed stars, because
16
“plugging into” a particular myth means that we go along for
story of that particular star or constellation. For example, the
fixed star Regulus at 0 Virgo is said to bring about honors
and victory. However, in order to achieve victory, there must
necessarily be conflict and defeat; this is not a good talisman
to create if we want good fortune to be ours without effort -
there is often a high price to be paid.
Magical texts primarily focus on the so-called 15 Behenian
Fixed Stars. These are stars said to have particular magical
powers, though in my experience, all fixed stars can be used
for magic, if we do so wisely and with our eyes open. In
Magical Elections, I have used the 15 Behenian Fixed Stars
exclusively, as these stars have been tested most extensively
in the Western astro-magical tradition for effectiveness and
predictability of results.
This does not mean that even the 15 stars are totally safe; a
major part of the astrologer’s task is to find an election where
the fixed star’s better qualities are emphasized, rather than its
downside. In astrology, as in life, everything has a light and a
dark side. If we acknowledge and respect this fact, we will be
well on our way to choosing effective and positive fixed star
elections.
!
Magical mini-lessons in previous issues of Magical Elections April 2020: Judging Magical Elections, Part 2
(available for purchase via email):
May 2020: Talisman Disposal and Destruction
December 2018: Benefic and Malefic Talismans
June 2020: Altars
January 2019: Ritual Words and Incantations
February 2019: Suffumigation (incense)
March 2019: Figures and Characters
April 2019: Magical Recommendations (now “Before You
Start” in every issue starting with May 2019)
May 2019: Magical Clothing
June 2019: Key Elements of Ritual
July 2019: Ritual Purification
August 2019: Magic Wands
September 2019: Talismanic Materials
October 2019: Theurgy
November 2019: Planetary Days and Hours
December 2019: Zodiacal Decans
January 2020: The Role of the Moon
February 2020: Magical Names, Angels, and Demons
March 2020: Judging Magical Elections, Part 1

17
 SECTION 8
∏ you to determine the Lunar Mansion of the Moon in any
Additional Resources
My recommended book lists are now available via my page
on Bookshop.org, which ships to you directly from
publishers, and shares revenue with local independent
bookshops. It’s a nice alternative to Amazon, though it’s
currently U.S.-only.
Astrological Magic Textbook: I strongly recommend the
2019 English translation of the Picatrix by a couple of classics
scholars, Drs. Attrell and Porreca, which you can purchase
here. Written by a 10th century hadith scholar named al-
Qurtubi, known as a “man of charms and talismans” in
Muslim Spain, Picatrix is the pre-eminent text that combines
magical astrological theory, recipes, and avuncular advice.
Until now, we have not had a scholarly English translation
with a proper introduction, footnotes, and nice formatting
(hardcover). Picatrix is a must-have if you want to learn to do
classical, full-bore astrological magic. The translation is clear
and easy to understand for modern readers, and the
introduction is extremely helpful in providing context for this
legendary book.
18
Lunar Mansions: Astro-seek.com has a calculator enabling
given chart. I cannot say enough good things about the
Lunar Mansions; they are sometimes forgotten in favor of the
more flashy planetary rituals beloved by old magical authors,
but certain Mansions are extremely effective for improving
one’s life over the longer term. It’s important to work with a
given Mansion monthly, developing an ongoing relationship
with the Mansion spirits.
Planetary Rulerships: The best concordance of astrological
rulerships is Lee Lehman’s The Book of Rulerships, which can
be purchased here. If you want to know what planet rules
that frankincense you’ve got on hand, you can find it in the
alphabetized index and find that the best authors consider it
solar, for instance.
Fixed Stars: Constellations of Words is a website containing
an encyclopedic wealth of information about myths, stories,
and astrological uses of the fixed stars. The sheer volume of
information (quoted verbatim from older texts and thus not
necessarily fact- or source-checked) can be a bit
overwhelming at times, but it does represent the richest
compendium on the mythic meaning of the stars available in
English.
Decans: 36 Faces by Austin Coppock is a good recent
synthesis of the existing texts describing decanic rulerships
and images. The Tables of Correspondences are particularly
valuable to the magical practitioner. Purchase here (currently
out of print, but promised to be available in 2020).
Decans: A scholarly and thorough discussion of the decans
and their uses in astrology and magic comprises Chapter 6 of
Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum’s magisterial book and Ph.D.
thesis, The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology. As an academic
book offered by the venerable Brill publishing house, this
title is quite expensive, but can often be borrowed via
interlibrary loan through the public library.
Magical Fonts: For fixed star glyphs, I use and highly
recommend the free and wonderful Behenian Fixed Star font
by Wonder Bright, downloadable at her website,
StarsOfWonder.
Elements of Ancient Magical Practices: The Talmud says
“Ten measures of magic came into the world. Egypt received
nine of these, the rest of the world, one measure.” Thanks to
the ongoing translation efforts of the Greek Magical Papyri, we
know a great deal more about Greco-Egyptian magic of 2000
years ago than ever before. Stephen Skinner’s comprehensive
Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic dovetails neatly with
the astrological magic we use today. Skinner’s book details
19
the theory of Greco-Egyptian magic, including preliminary
procedures, protection for the magician, spoken words,
sacrifices and offerings, herbs, plants, and incenses, and
equipment. The main part of the book details essential
magical techniques, including specific objectives, scrying and
dreams, dealing with the gods, daimones, and the dead.
Orphic Hymns are the recitations composed for Hellenistic
mystery rituals of 2000 years ago, addressing the various
gods. If you like an 18th century, more fanciful rendition,
you will want the translations by Thomas Taylor, which have
the advantage of being freely available on the Internet. A
more accurate and modern translation was made by
Professor Athanassakis, Chair in Hellenic Studies at UC,
Santa Barbara. I use this later version, but either will be
effective for ritual purposes.
Astrological Magic: It’s possible that The Celestial Art
collection of essays about astrological magic is the first ever
collection on this topic in written history. It provides a
valuable glimpse into the work of contemporary astrological
magicians and researchers. As with all collections, the reader
will undoubtedly find a personal favorite essay or two.
Particular standouts are “The Planetary Magic among the
Harrānian Sābians,” Dr. Ben Dykes’s essay featuring his
translation of a medieval text; Austin Coppock’s “A Feast of
Starlight;” and Dr. Lee Lehman’s “The Conjunction of
Electional Astrology and Magic.”
Philosophy of Magic: The Syrian Platonist Iamblichus (3rd/
4th c. CE) is the author of On the Mysteries, a philosophical
treatise addressing many questions about magic, the gods,
and daemons. The Platonic tradition views the role of magic
as the highest manifestation of the presence of the One that
comes down to humanity through the chains composed of
gods, daemons, heroes, and the links of sunthemata,
planetary symbols that manifest divine energies on earth.
The book was a major influence on Agrippa, author of the
Three Books of Occult Philosophy, as well as Renaissance
occultist Platonists, notably Marsilio Ficino. On the Mysteries
was translated into English by the brilliant 18th c.
philosopher and linguist, Thomas Taylor, whose version is
considered the most beautiful and intuitive. Fortunately,
Taylor’s translation is available free online. For those
wanting a physical book, a handsome edition is available as
volume XVII in the Thomas Taylor series by the Prometheus
Trust.
Planetary Days and Hours: Astrological magicians are
undoubtedly aware of the fact that each of the seven days of
the week is ruled by one of the seven classical planets. Not
all know, however, that each of the days is further subdivided
into 24 planetary hours. Knowing this system is highly
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empowering for magicians, as it gives us a way to access
specific planetary energies without relying on an elected
chart. For instance, we can petition Jupiter for increased
wealth every Thursday just after sunrise, as he rules that
planetary hour every Thursday (Jupiter’s day). We can also
use planetary hours to elect activities other than magical
rituals, such as approaching the person of our dreams on a
Venus day during a Venus hour. For those unfamiliar with
planetary hours, I wrote an explanatory article, and
recommend the Hours smartphone app or Lunarium.co.uk
for easy reference.
History of Astrological Magic: Influences by Mary
Quinlan-McGrath. A tour de force explanation by an art
professor of the medieval and Renaissance theory of magic
and astrological talismans, followed by an extensive
exploration of talismanic powers of famous artworks and
buildings. These include the Dome of St. Peter in Rome, as
well as several well-known architectural masterworks elected
and decorated with astrological talismanic elements. This
book is highly valuable for its modern-day explanation of the
traditional theory of magic and optics, and is a useful starting
point for anyone wanting a preview before diving into
primary sources such as Al-Kindi and Marsilio Ficino. The
historical insights and often bizarre stories of Renaissance
uses of talismanic magic in architectural settings makes for
fascinating and entertaining reading, as well as providing
great ideas for one’s own magic.
Practice, History, and Philosophy of Astrological Magic:
Three Books on Life (De Vita) by Marsilio Ficino, the
Renaissance translator, philosopher, astrological magician,
and physician. Long out of print, De Vita has now been
reprinted in paperback. Ficino describes the use of planetary
elixirs to maintain vitality and expel the melancholy humor,
describes his thoughts on astrological magic from a
Neoplatonic perspective, and provides an intriguing
summary of some of the magical images in the Picatrix. This
is one of the recommended books in my Astrological Magic
course. A highly recommended essential text.
Astrological Software: There are many free options for new
astrologers - I recommend the free chart options on
astro.com as well as the impressive range of features on
astro-seek.com. I also use and recommend the free software
Morinus and Valens (hellenistic astrological software). On
the paid software front, I rely on Solar Fire, Janus, and for
the more obscure traditional techniques, Delphic Oracle.

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