What even IS astromagic?

This short post consists of some of my notes from a talk I gave on getting started with astromagic through daily ritual practice by observing planetary days and hours.

More detailed content on astromagic is on the way!

Planetary Ritual

Why I Work

• To build a relationship with energies, archetypes, and entities of the planets to be better able to move and act in conference with them, rather than against them

When I Work

• Planetary Days
• Planetary Hours (if possible)
• Try to make sure the Moon is in good condition (if possible)
• If the planet is retrograde or in poor condition, I often skip, or just do something small

Ways of Working

• Altar building with symbols and correspondences to planet
• Burning candles/incense related to planet (or just use frankincense)
• Meditate on the planet and how its themes might be present in my outer/inner life
• Reading/writing of poetry associated with planet (Orphic Hymns)
• Other planetary-related activities (Dancing for Venus, Drinking for Jupiter, Weightlifting for Mercury, Sexual energy expression for Mars)
• Planetary Charity (especially for Malefics) - giving time or money to a cause that aligns with the wishes of the planet

Big or Small Effort

• Big: many of the things above
• Make sure to do during planetary hour
• Sometimes I finish in the second hour of the day
• Small: Quick candle lighting, prayer, or note in a journal
• Can be anywhere, even if you're not by your altar
• If I'm travelling, I try to bring something from my altar

Working With Malefics

Difficult, but not always bad... difficulty is an opportunity to learn

Positives:

• Learning how to take a difficult planet or placement and:
• create a safe container to express malefic energies
• apply the energy in a way that reduces harm or even has some benefit
• Powerful way of working with and integrating shadow aspects of self in a way that's more easily relatable through archetypes
• Structure of week makes it easier to regularly confront difficult things

Negatives:

• Can bring up difficult feelings and topics - just like any confrontation of difficulty, make sure you're well-resourced
• May bring about real change, quickly!

Working With Benefics

Positives:

• Beautiful way to resonate with planetary archetypes in a uniquely personal way - derive your own meaning!
• Lots of inspiration for creative practices
• Will positively impact your relationships (Especially Venus!)

Negatives:

• Like any relationship, it requires some consistency and commitment - planets can feel a little disappointed sometimes, but never for long