Astrology is a "science" of making predictions concerning the future or interpretation of the past based on the positions of the planets relative to each other and to the twelve astrological places, and on the positions of the zodiacal signs relative to those places. The basic forms of astrology are: (1) genethlialogy, in which the positions at the moment of a person's birth or of his computed conception are the determining factors, dependent on which are various forms of continuous horoscopy including transits, prorogations and anniversary horoscopes (these permit updating of the predictions made from the base horoscope); (2) catarchic astrology, in which the most favorable moment for commencing an enterprise is chosen in accordance with astrological rules, the main subordinate parts of which are iatromathematics (the application of astrology to medicine) and military astrology; (3) interrogational astrology, in which the horoscope of the moment at which a query is put to the astrologer is interpreted to provide its answer; and (4) political astrology, in which predictions of the future events within a nation or among several, or reconstructions of their histories, are based on various cycles as well as on horoscopes cast for significant times.
The science of talismans is the culmination of the science of the stars, which in turn is the final and most exalted of the seven liberal arts.
Celestial magic holds the belief that all magical acts are sanctioned and even effected by the power of God acting through his angels and the spirits who dwell above the sublunar world, that is in the celestial spheres; these angels and spirits are the highest beings who can be reached by man and who can intervene on earth. In this celestial purification lies the principle of this magic. The ostensible object of one branch of celestial magic is to drawn these celestial spirits down to earth and to induce them to enter into a material object (a talisman), which thereupon possesses well-defined magical powers. The rituals by which the drawing down is effected involve the use of terrestrial objects of mineral, plant, animal or compound natures appropriate to the spirit's celestial body; of images either the celestial body or of the object of the operation; of words appropriate to the celestial body, either written with special inks or chanted; of incenses compounded of exotic substances; and sometimes sacrifices of specified animals. The ritual is performed at an astrologically determined time; the theory is that only at such moments does the ray of the celestial body penetrate directly into the talisman and permit the spiritual power to travel along it. And normally the magician must purify himself by austerities for the ceremony. Another branch of celestial magic employs an elaborate liturgy to induce the planetary deities to send their angels to carry out the magician’s bidding; the inducement consists in the assimilation of the magician to the planetary god by the ingestion of appropriate foods and the donning of appropriate garments: in the burning of specified incenses and the sacrifices of designated animals; and in the recitation, with prostration, of prayers.
This is the magic of catarchic astrology, which provides rules for choosing the moments most auspicious for commencing activities in this world. The stars are powerful, but far from unique influences, on terrestrial events, and the wise catarchic astrologer can utilize these influences to best advantage
Basic principles for the creation of any talisman:
There are lesser and greater talismans. Lesser talismans take one’s day work to create. Greater talismans take a full season to craft. The user of celestial magic may craft talismans as lesser enchanted devices (Arm4, page 88). To create a talisman the Lab Total is Intelligence +Celestial Magic + Philosophiae + Applicable Astrological Bonuses + aura. As with Hermetic magi, the Lab total must equal or exceed twice the effect level. For lesser talismans divide the total by half. These items do not require vis as they make use of the natural power of the heavens and their sympathies upon the earth.
Astrological bonuses are up to the storyguide to decide.
Celestial magic works very well with Hermetic magic. The user of Celestial Magic may learn Hermetic magic given time and effort. However, all spells they learn will always function with astrological modifiers.
Last modified: Wed Jan 6, 1999 / Jeremiah Genest