Astrology
I just discovered and translated an interesting section on the rings of Saturn from Magia Astrologica by P. Constantius Albinius, whom I had not previously even heard of!
Saturn Rings from Magia Astrologica
He merits a mention in the magisterial "History of Magic & Experimental Science" by Lynn Thorndike and the passage is of some interest to us as practitioners.
Written in 1611 we might well term this part of the late flowering of Renaissance astrological magic, but the theory and practice are still very recognizably in the tradition of Picatrix, written 600 years early and itself the product of a millennium of Neoplatonic/Hermetic theory and practice.
There are several things I find interesting about this section on the creation of the rings, sigils and talismans of Saturn. First, the author gives us some timing for the preparation of the materials similar to what we see in De Imaginibus of Thabit Ibn Qurra at chapter 10.
Next and I think most salient is the focus on the uniting the intent and acts of the mage in making the talisman. The author makes this point several times and mentions that if you use an artist or artisan to make the talisman, that you must ensure that they, too, have the proper intention to create the talisman.
This parallels what Picatrix says,
What is necessary in these workings, and cannot be dispensed with, is the union of your whole will and belief in the work, so that the power of your spirit is united with the power of the heavens; then all things will be accomplished effectively. Plato says in his book of aphorisms that when someone speaks a word with intention, and belief concords with it, whoever hears it is moved; and the converse, if you wish to do the contrary. This is the root of uniting the will with belief in prayer, and this first of all in asking that which you wish to ask from that Lord to whom you ought to pray.
Picatrix, Bk I, ch 5 Greer & Warnock trans at 39.
Note that I have one paperback and two hardcover editions of our translation of Picatrix book I & II available at the moment.
The union of the proper materials, characters, and timing along with the focus magical intent of the mage is key for the production of talismans. This is one of the reasons that I am so pleased to have Wade, who is a very experienced ceremonial magician, as the jeweler who is producing talismans for Renaissance Astrology!
- Tower Of The Winds: Ancient Astrological Architecture
I added a new web page on the Tower of the Winds, an ancient building in Athens. The standard modern view is that it was "scientific" you know a big utilitarian clock tower. The webpage is a description of the Tower by a 17th century Turkish traveler,...
- New Book: Cabala Of Planetary Magic!!!
Renaissance Astrology Press is proud to present a new book by our own mage/jeweler, Wade Coleman, the Cabala of Planetary Magic! Wade is a very experienced ceremonial magician and expert in the use of Cabala, particularly in Gematria. He's already...
- Astral High Magic: De Imaginibus Of Thabit Ibn Qurra
I am very pleased to announce the launch of the newest book from Renaissance Astrology, Astral High Magic: De Imaginibus of Thabit Ibn Qurra. Here is a link for MORE INFO "What's this Chris?" "Don't you already have a translation of De Imaginibus?"...
- Wearing Or Hiding Astrological Talismans?
I had a recent question asking whether you could openly wear astrological talismans or should hide them. If there is any mention of this issue at all in Picatrix it does tend toward hiding talismans. Picatrix Bk I, ch 5, Greer & Warnock trans, page 42,...
- Consecration Is Not Enough! Timing & Astrological Talisman Creation
I am often asked if simply consecrating astrological talismans at an elected time is sufficient. After all, it is a big hassle to actually make them at an elected time! Wouldn't it be easier to just to forget all that? Well, it would be easier, but...
Astrology
Saturn Rings from Magia Astrologica
I just discovered and translated an interesting section on the rings of Saturn from Magia Astrologica by P. Constantius Albinius, whom I had not previously even heard of!
Saturn Rings from Magia Astrologica
He merits a mention in the magisterial "History of Magic & Experimental Science" by Lynn Thorndike and the passage is of some interest to us as practitioners.
Written in 1611 we might well term this part of the late flowering of Renaissance astrological magic, but the theory and practice are still very recognizably in the tradition of Picatrix, written 600 years early and itself the product of a millennium of Neoplatonic/Hermetic theory and practice.
There are several things I find interesting about this section on the creation of the rings, sigils and talismans of Saturn. First, the author gives us some timing for the preparation of the materials similar to what we see in De Imaginibus of Thabit Ibn Qurra at chapter 10.
Next and I think most salient is the focus on the uniting the intent and acts of the mage in making the talisman. The author makes this point several times and mentions that if you use an artist or artisan to make the talisman, that you must ensure that they, too, have the proper intention to create the talisman.
This parallels what Picatrix says,
What is necessary in these workings, and cannot be dispensed with, is the union of your whole will and belief in the work, so that the power of your spirit is united with the power of the heavens; then all things will be accomplished effectively. Plato says in his book of aphorisms that when someone speaks a word with intention, and belief concords with it, whoever hears it is moved; and the converse, if you wish to do the contrary. This is the root of uniting the will with belief in prayer, and this first of all in asking that which you wish to ask from that Lord to whom you ought to pray.
Picatrix, Bk I, ch 5 Greer & Warnock trans at 39.
Note that I have one paperback and two hardcover editions of our translation of Picatrix book I & II available at the moment.
The union of the proper materials, characters, and timing along with the focus magical intent of the mage is key for the production of talismans. This is one of the reasons that I am so pleased to have Wade, who is a very experienced ceremonial magician, as the jeweler who is producing talismans for Renaissance Astrology!
- Tower Of The Winds: Ancient Astrological Architecture
I added a new web page on the Tower of the Winds, an ancient building in Athens. The standard modern view is that it was "scientific" you know a big utilitarian clock tower. The webpage is a description of the Tower by a 17th century Turkish traveler,...
- New Book: Cabala Of Planetary Magic!!!
Renaissance Astrology Press is proud to present a new book by our own mage/jeweler, Wade Coleman, the Cabala of Planetary Magic! Wade is a very experienced ceremonial magician and expert in the use of Cabala, particularly in Gematria. He's already...
- Astral High Magic: De Imaginibus Of Thabit Ibn Qurra
I am very pleased to announce the launch of the newest book from Renaissance Astrology, Astral High Magic: De Imaginibus of Thabit Ibn Qurra. Here is a link for MORE INFO "What's this Chris?" "Don't you already have a translation of De Imaginibus?"...
- Wearing Or Hiding Astrological Talismans?
I had a recent question asking whether you could openly wear astrological talismans or should hide them. If there is any mention of this issue at all in Picatrix it does tend toward hiding talismans. Picatrix Bk I, ch 5, Greer & Warnock trans, page 42,...
- Consecration Is Not Enough! Timing & Astrological Talisman Creation
I am often asked if simply consecrating astrological talismans at an elected time is sufficient. After all, it is a big hassle to actually make them at an elected time! Wouldn't it be easier to just to forget all that? Well, it would be easier, but...