On Saturn

Saturn was the first planet I oriented myself towards at the beginning of my magical practice. I've done so having previously studied my natal chart and finding Saturn having great influence over my life, influence I've corroborated with my experiences up to that point. The first year of my practice was also under the influence of Saturn, with me having to struggle to come across, understand and accept newer material (keep in mind I'm an idiot), as well as diligently sticking to my practice. 

I found this video (that has a second part) to be a very good source for understanding Saturn more thoroughly. We did speak of it in Asteria, but we couldn't include too many details and explanations because it would've derailed the whole thing, the book bwing complex enough as it is. Anyway, you'll find several interpretations of Saturn from philosophical, magical and astrological perspectives from sources spanning from the late renaissance to antiquity. 

The planet's influences, what it governs, as well as its correspondences and magical powers are presented. Ritual examples are presented and readers of Cielos will find a certain invocation familiar.

Enjoy!

Ye four elements

I came across this video that presents the four elements and their beings in great detail. The source of the video is Manly P. Hall who uses Paracelsus as his main source, but other older sources have been consulted as well. I consider it important to know as much about these forces as possible in order to achieve greater success in working with them.

We've also discussed the elements in Asteria.

Good news and bad news

This short post revolves around Venus and it's future transits through Pisces and later on, Taurus.

The good news is Venus will be free of the hindrance of being under sunbeams during it's Pisces transit that will begin in roughly two and a half months. This means we can make the best of this transit and squeeze as much of its exaltation as possible during the less than a month time the planet takes through that sign. And I think we should do just that because...

...the bad news is that later on it will find itself under sunbeams and even combust while transiting its domicile in Taurus. I've covered combustion in more than a few articles so far so there's no need to tag any one of them anymore. The problem is we wouldn't be able to harness the added strength Venus will gain through domicile and triplicity without those energies baing weakened and then becoming volatile.

Venus cazimi will only occur at 14° Gemini, followed by yet another combustion and more time under sunbeams.

Meh astro forecast

The New Year begins with mixed planetary strengths. In fact, all but one of the seven classical planets is meh atm in terms of strength, to say the least.

A new lunation began today in Capricorn, the sign of the Moon's exile. It also squared the nodes so we should be in for a rather interesting fortnight. The Moon will increase until becoming Full in Leo (where it will square Jupiter).

Mercury has recently turned direct although it's still in exile in Sagittarius and slower than usual. Not a good idea to work with its forces until the planet at least passes its previous retrograde station point in Capricorn.

Book review: Things my Hierophant should have told me

Pagan magician and occult book writer extraordinaire, Mr. Farrell, has dropped another title, this one being a much thicker version of a book he's written and published ages ago.

Things my Hierophant should have told me is a series of aphorism-like statements surrounding different topics beginners and even advanced occultists should be aware whenever encountering certain issues. The good thing is the author covers a wide variety of issues occultists may face, ranging from simpler to more complex.

One such important subject is occult groups and orders. Having a broad experience in working with various established groups over the eons covering his practice, Mr. Farrell details on how to recognize serious ones that focus on helping the individual, as well as the many red flags one must recognize in order to avoid toxic ones who's leaders merely seek wealth (and sex). Moreover, the book also covers the unofficial groups, cliques of people who outright scam others using outrageous claims.

Money for nothing and your shills for free

Some time ago I wrote this article in which I spoke of various occultists (more or less) who make up all sorts of shit to practically beg for money from others involved in the occult community (more or less).

It recently came to my attention this trend has snowballed and people who are (or used to be) considered superstars in this field (often by people with questionable knowledge and experience) have also adhered to it. It's been brought to my attention that during this past holiday season no more than four such (doubtful) characters have started what appear to be promotional campaigns for occult services in the new year.