Magic and Astrology

The alphabetic system of Roman Lull’s magical figure. The central “A” represents the Trinity, the nine divisions of the outer circle, the Absoluta (first) and the Releta (second). Reproduced by permission of Fortean Picture Library.

Magic and Astrology

Magic is the art of controlling events by occult (hidden) means. Astrology is not, in the proper sense of the term, magical, but such techniques as electional astrology—determining the best times to perform certain actions—border on magic. Traditional Western magic views astrology as providing insight into the occult forces that are playing on Earth at any given time, and a specialized form of electional astrology is utilized by magicians to determine the best times for performing particular rituals.

Much of the astrological lore associated with magic is focused on the days of the week, the planetary hours, and the gems and metals connected with the planets. Each of the traditional seven planets—the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn—rules, in sequence, the seven days of the week. A similar relationship exists between the planets and the hours of the day. Magicians utilize these relationships and other traditional associations with the planets by, for example, performing rituals to gain love on Friday (“Venusday”) during an hour ruled by Venus (the planet of love), performing rituals to gain money on Thursday (“Jupiterday”) during an hour ruled by Jupiter (the planet of wealth), and so forth.

Amulets, which are fabricated objects used as charms, are also constructed during days and hours associated with the task the amulet is intended to perform. Additionally, such objects are constructed from materials ruled by the relevant planet. In the above examples, for instance, an amulet designed to attract love might be constructed from copper (the metal traditionally associated with Venus), and an amulet intended to attract prosperity might be made from tin (associated with Jupiter).

Magicians who are competent astrologers also pay attention to the sign in which the relevant planet is placed, as well as the aspects the planet is making at the time of the ceremony. Thus, to once again take Venus as an example, a magician would wait until Venus was in a favorable sign (which, for Venus, would be Libra, Taurus, or Pisces) and favorably aspected (making harmonious aspects with other planets) before performing a love ritual or constructing a love amulet.

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