MAGICAL ELECTIONS

MARCH 2022
Nina Gryphon
 SPROUTING!
Even before the Sun enters Aries, Spring is in the air,
astrologically speaking. The early part of March brings powerful
elections for Mars, Jupiter cazimi, Saturn, and the 3rd Lunar
Mansion. Mars is in the highest degree of his exaltation, bringing his
powerful protective power, while Jupiter cazimi is excellent for those
wishing to undergo a profound alchemical transformation. Saturn’s
ponderous nature helps us start lasting works while helping us face
our fears. The 3rd Lunar Mansion is highly regarded among
astrological magicians for bringing material success and security.
Later in the month, Jupiter will emerge from the Sun’s beams as
a morning star, a planetary event of great moment and power that
only occurs once a year, and is worth capturing. The last Jupiter
election of March is a regular Jupiter in Pisces election to enjoy
Jupiter’s spiritual and material blessings. Finally, the Sun’s entry into
Aries brings an opportunity for a powerful solar talisman to gain
fame, in uence, and vitality.
It will be some time before we have so many of the visible
planets in their own or exalted signs, so if you have been meaning to
make talismans or simply do rituals for your planetary petitions, your
moment has arrived.
As always, should you have questions about anything, you can
always reach me at nina@ninagryphon.com.
My best wishes,
Nina Gryphon
Paul Klee
Blumen im Wind (Flowers in the Wind)
1922 ii
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 SECTION 1 Magical Recommendation
∏ Keep an eye out for this rubric in the sidebar for each
magical election. It’s called “Magical Recommendation,”
BEFORE YOU START which is the type of magical working appropriate to a
speci c election. In order of decreasing permanence, our
This section has some useful notes you should read before classical options are 1) stone/metal talismans, which are said
making talismans, especially if you are new to the Magical to hold their astrological charge for centuries or even forever;
Elections newsletter. 2) paper talismans, which are effective for a few weeks or
months in my experience; 3) petitions and prayers, which
Time and Place for Elections may still feature suffumigations, colored candles, magical
All elections are set for Los Angeles, California, utilizing dress-up, and other ritual elements, but do not create any
Placidus houses. You can customize the chart to your tangible memento of the ritual, and are usually the most
location by adding or subtracting time until you get the same eeting.
Ascendant degree in your location and time zone as the All elections listed can be used for prayers or petitions; you
original chart. However, the Moon will have moved and may do not have to make a talisman during a magical election,
be applying to a different planet in your location. The unless you wish. The effects of a petition/prayer may not be
Moon’s applying aspects are essential in electing for magical as quite as long-lasting as even a paper talisman, but a
purposes, so evaluate whether the relocated election still heartfelt petition or prayer at the right moment can
meets your needs. For elections whose focal point is the nonetheless move mountains. An intermediate option, and
Moon (Lunar Mansions, Lunar talismans, etc.), the position one that I use frequently, is the paper talisman, which is good
of the Moon will be especially important, so please con rm for a short time, and best utilized for a speci c magical
that its position is still correct (e.g.: still in the right Lunar purpose. The very nest elections are the rarest, and they are
Mansion) for your purposes. 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

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only the most ideal elections for talismans made from these Lunar Mansion talismans work a little differently than your
materials. typical xed 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 ef cacy 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 in uence 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 in uence 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.

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 SECTION 2 MARS IN CAPRICORN
Courage, Victory, Protection
KEY
Mars is traditionally known as a male c planet, but can be used for positive purposes
• Date and Time: March 3, 2022, 3:48—
4:14 a.m., PST when he is digni ed, as he is in the sign of his exaltation, Capricorn. The highest magical
purpose of Mars is for protection from martial af ictions such as violence, crime, accidents,
• Uses: Gain courage, victory in
contests/competitions, protection and res. Mars can also give courage and victory over adversaries.
against crime, violence, and natural
disasters. In this election, Mars is super-exalted, that is, he is in the very degree of his exaltation,
which is 27°00’—27°59’ of Capricorn, per traditional astrological sources. Mars is at the very
• Image: The shape of a man riding a
apex of his powers in this degree, which makes this a particularly potent Mars election. Mars
lion, holding a sword in his right hand
and brandishing the head of a man in is on the Ascendant, closely conjunct Venus. The ruler of the Ascendant is Saturn, who is in
his left; his clothes are of iron and mail. the rst house, powerful in its own sign. The Moon has just emerged from its New Moon
Planetary glyph above.
phase and applies to sextile Venus, immediately followed by a sextile to Mars.
• Suffumigation: Onion, garlic, pepper
(careful!), nettle, wormwood, basil. To relocate this election, Mars should be in its degree of super-exaltation, closely conjunct
the Ascendant. The Moon should not be less than 8.5 degrees separated from its conjunction
• Color: Blood red, yellow.
to the Sun, as the Moon would be combust, which is a powerful af iction and should be
• Materials: Iron, steel, bloodstone, avoided.
magnetite.
This Mars election can be made as a talisman in permanent media like metal/stone, or can
• Spirit: Zamael, Graphiel, Bartzabel
be used for purely ritual workings, such as petitions or prayers.
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/
stone, paper, or a petition/prayer.

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Super-exalted Mars in Capricorn
March 3, 2022

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 SECTION 3
SATURN IN AQUARIUS
KEY Commitments, Rebuilding, Authority, Real Estate
Saturn is in Aquarius, a great opportunity to make a Saturnian talisman or perform a
• Date and Time:
petition to Saturn. Saturn is excellent for making things permanent and immovable, such as
• March 4, 4:57—5:27 a.m., PST
long-term commitments that will involve hard work, but also to help us conquer our fears
• March 9, 4:39—5:09 a.m., PST (Saturn rules fear) and elevate us to authoritative status. He is also excellent for building or

• Uses: Making commitments, rebuilding metaphorical or physical structures. For this reason, Saturn has long been the
rebuilding, gaining authority, real patron of the earth, farming, building, mining — all things connected to the earthy element.
estate and construction.
The March 4th election has Saturn on the Ascendant in Aquarius, and Saturn rules the
• Image: A man standing on a dragon,
Ascendant as well. The Moon is in Aries, applying to sextile Saturn. Strictly speaking, the
holding a scythe in his right hand and a
spear in his left, dressed in black and Moon is out of orb of her next aspect here, which means the effects could be weaker or might
tawny clothes. The glyph above. take longer to manifest. The chart can be relocated, provided that Saturn closely conjoins the
• Suffumigation: Polypodium fern, pine, Ascendant, and the Moon in Pisces applies to sextile Venus or Mars (though this is less
shepherd’s purse, poppy, quince. optimal than Moon applying to Saturn).
• Color: Black, gray, “sad” colors. In the March 9th magical election, Saturn is in Aquarius conjoining and ruling the
• Materials: Dark blue sapphire, lead Ascendant. The Moon is in Gemini in the 4th house, applying to trine Saturn, helping
(toxic!), bone, leather. highlight Saturn’s in uence by their applying aspect. To relocate this chart, Saturn should
• Spirit: Cassiel, Agiel, Zazel. closely conjoin the Ascendant, while the Moon ideally next applies to Saturn, though a trine
to Venus or Mars is also acceptable.
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/
stone, paper, or a petition/prayer. These elections can be made in permanent media as well as paper, or simply used for
petitions or prayers.
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Saturn in Aquarius
March 4, 2022

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Saturn in Aquarius
March 9, 2022

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 SECTION 4
∏ JUPITER IN PISCES
Wealth, Good Fortune, Success, Healing
KEY Jupiter in Pisces is in his domicile, and as the Greater Bene c, he can be used for just about
any bene cial magical purpose; most commonly, Jupiter is invoked to increase wealth, success, and
• Date and Time:
good fortune. In the spiritual dimension, he can bring about personal and soul growth, as well as
• March 5, 6:06—6:33 a.m., PST access to higher realms.
• March 5, 11:51 a.m.—12:22 p.m., PST In both March 5 elections, Jupiter is cazimi, using the most stringent traditional de nition of
cazimi is a planet within 17.5 minutes of the Sun. Planets in cazimi are said to be very strong, but
• March 19, 6:21—6:47 a.m., PST
this is primarily true on the spiritual level, as a cazimi planet is being purged of impurities in the
• March 25, 6:01—6:27 a.m., PST solar furnace, a necessary cleansing and renewal that can also feel extremely unpleasant. This
• Uses: Increasing wealth, overall good talisman is suitable for those wishing to undergo this intense alchemical process in areas pertaining
fortune, success, healing, acquiring to Jupiter’s signi cations of good fortune, wealth, and spiritual or religious beliefs.
virtues of justice, mercy, and charity. In the rst March 5th election, Jupiter is cazimi and exactly (to the minute) conjoins the Sun
on the Ascendant. Jupiter also rules the Ascendant, which signi es the magician and the intended
• Image: The shape of a man covered in
a single linen cloth, riding upon a user of the talisman. The Moon is in Aries on the cusp of the 2nd house, applying to sextile Mercury
dragon, holding a lance or a dart in his in the 12th house. This suggests a transformation pertaining to nances and other 2nd house
hand. Planetary glyph above. matters, since these are co-ruled by Mercury, the planet that governs business. To relocate this
election, ensure that Jupiter is no more than 17.5 minutes separated from the Sun, and closely
• Materials: Tin, crystal, emerald, all conjoins the Ascendant. The Moon’s next aspect can be a sextile to Saturn or Mercury.
shining and precious white stones.
In the second March 5th election, Jupiter cazimi conjoins the Sun on the Midheaven, while
• Suffumigation: Saffron, yellow the Moon rules the Ascendant, and applies to square Venus in Capricorn, hinting at a potential
sandalwood, musk, camphor, mace. renunciation of material enjoyments. The election can be relocated, provided that Jupiter conjoins
the Midheaven and is no more than 17.5 minutes separated from the Sun. The Moon’s next aspect
• Color: Sea-blue, sea-green, purple.
can be a sextile to Saturn or Mercury, or a square to Venus.
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/ (continued on the next page)
stone, paper, or a petition/prayer.

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 JUPITER IN PISCES,
CONTINUED
Wealth, Good Fortune, Success, Healing
The March 19 election takes advantage of Jupiter’s phasis, speci cally, the emergence of Jupiter from under the Sun’s beams, an event of great
power and momentum for a planet. Jupiter’s morning rise out of the beams is exact March 18 at 9:37 a.m. Paci c Time, so we want a talisman as close
to that time as possible, while emphasizing Jupiter and putting him and the Moon in the best possible position in the electional chart. Jupiter also rules
the Ascendant, and is conjoined by Mercury, which rules the 4th and 7th houses, making this especially potent for magical workings of commerce
(Mercury and the 7th house) and real estate transactions (4th house). The Moon is in Libra in the 7th house, applying to and received by Saturn in
Aquarius. To relocate this election, ensure that Jupiter conjoins the Ascendant, and that the Moon’s next aspect is a trine to Venus or Saturn. The
Moon’s trine to Mars is not received, so it’s an acceptable, but not ideal, next aspect for the Moon, if that is the case in your location.

The March 25th magical election is a simple election for Jupiter in Pisces, with no additional features like those in the March 5th and 19th
elections. This chart has Jupiter on the Ascendant and also as the Ascendant ruler. Mercury in Pisces has almost fully separated from a conjunction to
Jupiter, so Mercury’s in uence will likely be minor in this election. The Sun in its exaltation, Aries, is also in the Ascendant, adding glory and attention
to the fruits of the talisman. The Moon is in Capricorn in the 10th house, applying to sextile Jupiter. While the Moon is in her detriment, her powerful
house placement overcomes her debility for magical purposes.

To relocate this election, ensure that Jupiter closely conjoins the Ascendant, while the Moon next applies to Jupiter. Ideally, the Moon would not
be separated from Jupiter by more than 10.5 degrees to avoid the two planets being out of orb. It is also ne to have the Moon applying to square the
Sun, so long as the talisman will not be used for success in Solar matters, such as approaching authority gures, etc.

All four Jupiter elections this month are very strong and can be made in permanent media such as metal or stone, but can always also be utilized
with paper, or simply a verbal petition or prayer at the elected time.

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Jupiter Cazimi in Pisces (1st)
March 5, 2022

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Jupiter Cazimi in Pisces (2nd)
March 5, 2022

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Phasis of Jupiter in Pisces
March 19, 2022

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Jupiter in Pisces
March 25, 2022

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 SECTION 5 3RD LUNAR MANSION
∏
All Good Things, Safe Travel, Hunting, Alchemy
The third Lunar Mansion (25°42’ — 8°34’ ), al-Thurayya, helps us acquire “every
KEY
good,” according to Picatrix, primarily in the material sphere. It has a cumulative effect in
• Date and Time: March 6, 2022, 2:56— helping bring and cement material security when used over a longer period of time (see
3:17 p.m., Paci c Time. suggestions for working with Lunar Mansion talismans and elections in Section 1). Note that
• Uses: Obtaining all good things (esp. al-Thurayya also helps protect travelers, bring success in hunting, and assists with “workings
material), safe travel, hunting, of re,” primarily the art of alchemy. I recommend al-Thurayya as an effective entry-level
alchemy. talisman for new astromages, as it has few, if any, downsides, which is one of the reasons I
• Image: A seated woman with her right include it so often in Magical Elections — many readers are new to astrological magic, and
hand raised above her head. this Lunar Mansion is a good way to get started.
The magical election has the Moon in the 3rd Lunar Mansion on the Midheaven,
• Materials: Silver, moonstone.
applying to sextile Jupiter in Pisces in the 8th house. The ruler of the Ascendant is exalted
• Colors: None given. Mars in Capricorn on the Midheaven conjoining Venus. The ruler of the Ascendant,
signifying the magician, is the Sun, who conjoins and is received by Jupiter in Pisces in the
• Spirits: Amixiel/Annuncia
8th house. This could make it an excellent election for receiving money from others, including
• Suffumigation: Musk, camphor, loans, as these belong in the 8th house.
mastic gum, aromatic oils. To relocate this election, ensure that the Moon closely conjoins the Midheaven and is
• Magical Recommendation: Stone, still in the boundaries of the Lunar Mansion. It is important that the Moon is more than 4-5
metal, paper, or a petition/prayer. degrees past the square to Mars in Aquarius, as a separating close aspect could be problematic
for positive in uences of the Moon.
This election is strong and can be made using permanent materials, paper, or used for a
verbal petition or ritual prayer. Note that this election has Saturn angular, and for more
cautious magicians, this would make it more suitable for paper talismans or verbal petitions.

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♈︎
♉︎
Moon in 3rd Lunar Mansion
March 6, 2022

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 SECTION 6
SUN IN ARIES
KEY Glory, Magnetism, Fame, Promotion, Vitality
The Sun is exalted in Aries, symbolizing a return of universal life and vitality. From a
• Date and Time: March 22, 2022, 12:52
—1:18 p.m., PST spiritual perspective, the undying light of the Sun represents one’s immortal soul. Sol brings
public attention, as well as favor from one’s superiors, who are ruled by the Sun. Historically,
• Uses: Glory, charisma, fame,
advancement, promotion, vitality. the Sun was said to bless applications for favor of the king or other top authority. We can also
use this election for personal healing, and for achieving favorable publicity.
• Image: A man standing as though
wanting to salute, holding in his left This month’s Sun election has the Sun in Aries closely conjunct the Midheaven, while the
hand a round shield and under his feet
Moon rules the Ascendant. The Moon is in Sagittarius, and her next applying aspect is a trine
the image of a dragon. The glyph
above. to the Sun, emphasizing the Sun and bringing his in uence to the earthly realm. To relocate
this chart, the Sun should closely conjoin the Midheaven, and the Moon’s next aspect should
• Suffumigation: Saffron, sun ower,
citrus. be a trine to the Sun. Ideally, the Moon would be at least 4-5 degrees separated from the
South Node, which is detrimental to planets by conjunction.
• Color: Yellow, gold, scarlet, purple.
This election is very strong and can be made in metal, stone, paper, or used for a ritual
• Materials: Gold, chrysolite, diamond,
ruby. involving a petition or prayer to the planet.

• Spirit: Michael, Nakhiel, Sorath.

• Magical Recommendation: Metal/

stone, paper, or a petition/prayer.

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 Sun in Aries
March 22, 2022

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 DISCARDED ELECTIONS SECTION 7
Upcoming Magical Elections To Avoid
∏
This section is intended for readers who do some combustion of Jupiter, making this an unsuitable election
astrological electing of their own, as well as anyone for magical purposes.
considering buying a pre-made talisman. We are not
2. Jupiter in Pisces. 6:08 a.m., March 23, 2022. This
judging the intent or skill of people who may sell talismans
election has Jupiter conjunct the Ascendant, and is now
with subpar elections, but want to ensure you have key
out of combustion. Unfortunately, the Moon is not
information about the quality of the astrological election
cooperating. Though she is in Sagittarius and within orb
before spending your money. The strength of the
of Jupiter (I accept received squares to bene cs as
astrological chart determines the ultimate success or failure
positive), she must rst sextile Mars and Venus in the
of your goals, as well as potential unwanted side effects.
12th house, which I considered too many aspects before
These are not all of the bad elections possible this month,
the Moon contacts Jupiter, the focal planet.
rather mainly those that may look good but contain
signi cant problems.
1. Jupiter in Pisces I. 6:08 a.m., March 12, 2022. With
Jupiter in his nocturnal domicile, Pisces, we want to
maximize all the Jupiter talisman opportunities while he’s
in his own sign. However, during part of Sun in Pisces
season, Jupiter will be combust (within 8.5 degrees of the
Sun), a highly af icting condition for a planet, which is
said to be “burned up” by the close proximity to the Sun’s
rays. In this chart, the Cancer Moon trines Jupiter
beautifully, but the Sun is still within range of !

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Jupiter in Pisces I. - Discarded

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Jupiter in Pisces II. - Discarded

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 SECTION 8 For maximum effectiveness, our xed star elections
∏ must always have a planet to give the xed star an
embodiment for their energies that can be used by us.
Learn More It is well to remember that the xed stars’ in uence is
extraordinarily powerful, and the stories told by the
Planets on Fixed Stars
constellations describe grand cosmic narratives that
incorporate individual fates. However, the stars treat
When making a talisman for a xed star, it is crucial to individual lives as vehicles for their manifestation, and work
have a planet conjoining that xed star. If you have taken my out their narratives through one’s fate. For this reason, we
Magical Elections course, you will understand the reason for need to treat the xed stars with respect and the recognition
this rule: the sphere of the xed stars is distant from the that their stories have the capacity to take hold of a life and
Earth, while the spheres of the planets sit between us and the play out the xed star’s myth to the bitter end.
xed stars. Thus, the planets act as messengers or
intermediaries between the distant, cosmic narratives
described by the xed stars, and Earthly matters.
h
Magical mini-lessons in previous issues of Magical Elections
For this reason, in natal charts, we give far greater (available for purchase via email):
weight to xed stars when they closely conjoin a planet. If a December 2018: Bene c and Male c Talismans
xed star is on one’s natal Ascendant without conjoining a
January 2019: Ritual Words and Incantations
planet, part of that xed star’s narrative will manifest in the
February 2019: Suffumigation (incense)
native’s life, but the full force of the star will be absent, as
there is no planet to carry the star’s in uence to the earthly March 2019: Figures and Characters

realm. April 2019: Magical Recommendations (now “Before You Start” in

every issue starting with May 2019)

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May 2019: Magical Clothing January 2021: Talismans and the Natal Chart, Part 1
June 2019: Key Elements of Ritual February 2021: Talismans and the Natal Chart, Part 2
July 2019: Ritual Puri cation March 2021: Inner and Outer Magical Work
August 2019: Magic Wands April 2021: Deciding on a Magical Election
September 2019: Talismanic Materials May 2021: How to Be a Better Magician
October 2019: Theurgy June 2021: Male c Planets
November 2019: Planetary Days and Hours July 2021: Spiritual Growth through Magic
December 2019: Zodiacal Decans August 2021: Alternate Paths to the Planets
January 2020: The Role of the Moon September 2021: Talismanic Longevity
February 2020: Magical Names, Angels, and Demons October 2021: Multi-Planet Talismans
March 2020: Judging Magical Elections, Part 1 November 2021: How Many Talismans Is Enough?
April 2020: Judging Magical Elections, Part 2 December 2021: How to Purchase Talismans
May 2020: Talisman Disposal and Destruction January 2022: Relocating Elections
June 2020: Altars February 2022: Magical Elections and the Natal Chart
July 2020: Fixed Stars
August 2020: Magical Images
September 2020: Magical Strategy, Part 1
October 2020: Magical Strategy, Part 2
November 2020: Bad Astroweather
December 2020: Recharging

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 SECTION 9 Lunar Mansions: lunarium.co features a free monthly
∏ Universal Lunar Calendar that includes the start and end
time/date of each lunar mansion (remember to update your

Additional Resources location at the top of the page to get accurate times and dates
for you). I cannot say enough good things about the Lunar
Mansions; they are sometimes forgotten in favor of the more
My recommended book lists are now available via my page ashy planetary rituals beloved by old magical authors, but
on Bookshop.org, which ships to you directly from certain Mansions are extremely effective for improving one’s
publishers, and shares revenue with local independent life over the longer term. It’s important to work with a given
bookshops. It’s a nice alternative to Amazon, though it’s Mansion regularly, developing an ongoing relationship with
currently U.S.-only. the Mansion spirits.

Astrological Magic Textbook: I strongly recommend the Planetary Rulerships: The best and best-sourced
2019 English translation of the Picatrix by a couple of classics concordance of astrological rulerships is Lee Lehman’s The
scholars, Drs. Attrell and Porreca, which you can purchase Book of Rulerships, which can be purchased here. If you want
here. Written by a 10th century hadith scholar named al- to know what planet rules that frankincense you’ve got on
Qurtubi, known as a “man of charms and talismans” in hand, you can nd it in the alphabetized index and nd that
Muslim Spain, Picatrix is the pre-eminent text that combines the best authors consider frankincense solar, for instance.
magical astrological theory, recipes, and avuncular advice. Fixed Stars: Constellations of Words is a website containing
Until now, we have not had a scholarly English translation an encyclopedic wealth of information about myths, stories,
with a proper introduction, footnotes, and nice formatting and astrological uses of the xed stars. The sheer volume of
(hardcover). Picatrix is a must-have if you want to learn to do information (quoted verbatim from older texts and thus not
classical, full-bore astrological magic. The translation is clear necessarily fact- or source-checked) can be a bit
and easy to understand for modern readers, and the overwhelming at times, but it does represent the richest
introduction is extremely helpful in providing context for this compendium on the mythic meaning of the stars available in
legendary book. English.

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 Decans: 36 Faces by Austin Coppock is a good recent the theory of Greco-Egyptian magic, including preliminary
synthesis of the existing texts describing decanic rulerships procedures, protection for the magician, spoken words,
and images. The Tables of Correspondences are particularly sacri ces and offerings, herbs, plants, and incenses, and
valuable to the magical practitioner. Purchase here (currently equipment. The main part of the book details essential
out of print, but promised to be available in 2021). magical techniques, including speci c objectives, scrying and
dreams, dealing with the gods, daimones, and the dead.
Decans: A scholarly and thorough discussion of the decans
and their uses in astrology and magic comprises Chapter 6 of Orphic Hymns are the recitations composed for Hellenistic
Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum’s magisterial book and Ph.D. mystery rituals of 2000 years ago, addressing the various
thesis, The Daimon in Hellenistic Astrology. As an academic gods. If you like an 18th century, more fanciful rendition,
book offered by the venerable Brill publishing house, this you will want the translations by Thomas Taylor, which have
title is quite expensive, but can often be borrowed via the advantage of being freely available on the Internet. A
interlibrary loan through the public library. more accurate and modern translation was made by
Professor Athanassakis, Chair in Hellenic Studies at UC,
Magical Fonts: For xed star glyphs, I use and highly
Santa Barbara. I use this later version, but either will be
recommend the free and wonderful Behenian Fixed Star font
effective for ritual purposes.
by Wonder Bright, downloadable at her website,
StarsOfWonder. Astrological Magic: It’s possible that The Celestial Art
collection of essays about astrological magic is the rst ever
Elements of Ancient Magical Practices: The Talmud says
collection on this topic in written history. It provides a
“Ten measures of magic came into the world. Egypt received
valuable glimpse into the work of contemporary astrological
nine of these, the rest of the world, one measure.” Thanks to
magicians and researchers. As with all collections, the reader
the ongoing translation efforts of the Greek Magical Papyri, we
will undoubtedly nd a personal favorite essay or two.
know a great deal more about Greco-Egyptian magic of 2000
Particular standouts are “The Planetary Magic among the
years ago than ever before. Stephen Skinner’s comprehensive
Harrānian Sābians,” Dr. Ben Dykes’s essay featuring his
Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic dovetails neatly with
translation of a medieval text; Austin Coppock’s “A Feast of
the astrological magic we use today. Skinner’s book details

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 Starlight;” and Dr. Lee Lehman’s “The Conjunction of empowering for magicians, as it gives us a way to access
Electional Astrology and Magic.” speci c planetary energies without relying on an elected
chart. For instance, we can petition Jupiter for increased
Philosophy of Magic: The Syrian Platonist Iamblichus (3rd/
wealth every Thursday just after sunrise, as he rules that
4th c. CE) is the author of On the Mysteries, a philosophical
planetary hour every Thursday (Jupiter’s day). We can also
treatise addressing many questions about magic, the gods,
use planetary hours to elect activities other than magical
and daemons. The Platonic tradition views the role of magic
rituals, such as approaching the person of our dreams on a
as the highest manifestation of the presence of the One that
Venus day during a Venus hour. For those unfamiliar with
comes down to humanity through the chains composed of
planetary hours, I wrote an explanatory article, and
gods, daemons, heroes, and the links of sunthemata,
recommend the Time Nomad app and planetary hour widget,
planetary symbols that manifest divine energies on earth.
Hours smartphone app or Lunarium.co.uk for easy
The book was a major in uence on Agrippa, author of the
reference.
Three Books of Occult Philosophy, as well as Renaissance
occultist Platonists, notably Marsilio Ficino. On the Mysteries History of Astrological Magic: In uences by Mary
was translated into English by the brilliant 18th c. Quinlan-McGrath. A tour de force explanation by an art
philosopher and linguist, Thomas Taylor, whose version is professor of the medieval and Renaissance theory of magic
considered the most beautiful and intuitive. Fortunately, and astrological talismans, followed by an extensive
Taylor’s translation is available free online. For those exploration of talismanic powers of famous artworks and
wanting a physical book, a handsome edition is available as buildings. These include the Dome of St. Peter in Rome, as
volume XVII in the Thomas Taylor series by the Prometheus well as several well-known architectural masterworks elected
Trust. and decorated with astrological talismanic elements. This
book is highly valuable for its modern-day explanation of the
Planetary Days and Hours: Astrological magicians are
traditional theory of magic and optics, and is a useful starting
undoubtedly aware of the fact that each of the seven days of
point for anyone wanting a preview before diving into
the week is ruled by one of the seven classical planets. Not
primary sources such as Al-Kindi and Marsilio Ficino. The
all know, however, that each of the days is further subdivided
historical insights and often bizarre stories of Renaissance
into 24 planetary hours. Knowing this system is highly

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uses of talismanic magic in architectural settings makes for traditional remedial measures is to chant these Sanskrit
fascinating and entertaining reading, as well as providing names whenever we wish to appease or enhance that planet’s
great ideas for one’s own magic. energy in our lives. For example, name #49 for Saturn is “om
avidyāmūlanāśāya namaḥ,” which translates to “salutations
Practice, History, and Philosophy of Astrological Magic:
to the one who destroys the very root of ignorance.” The
Three Books on Life (Da Vita) by Marsilio Ficino, the
author provides a system for choosing the mantra that
Renaissance translator, philosopher, astrological magician,
belongs to your particular planet, but it is just as traditional,
and physician. Long out of print, Da Vita has now been
and perhaps more complete, to recite the full set of 108
reissued in affordable paperback. Ficino describes the use of
names for the planet either daily, or at least weekly, on that
planetary elixirs to maintain vitality and expel the
planet’s day. Recommended to enrich your planetary rituals.
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.
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.
Planetary Chants and Mantras: Yoga of the Planets by
Andrew Foss, Ph.D. In the Vedic tradition, the planets each
have (at least) 108 attributes or names each. One of the

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