Evoking the Planets:

Astrological Magic

by Vedran Oxus

— Copyright 2017 —
 Introduction

The primary magical paradigm of Western-style magic is the astrological

paradigm. This is also mostly true of many forms of Eastern magic. The
magical systems of Europe, the Middle East, India and China all involve and
appreciation and use of astrological forces. Astrology for them is not merely a
way to interpret personalities, lifetimes and events—it is also a magical science
through which a sorcerer is able to control the powers of the cosmos and
change his fate.

The basis of most astrological magic is an understanding of the seven so-

called "planets". Though we now know that neither the Moon nor the Sun are
actually planets, the ancients defined them as planets or "wandering stars".
From the ground, the heavens appear to be composed of three types of lights:
those that are fixed, those that possess independent but cyclical movement
and those which move swiftly and at random. The first are the stars of the
Zodiac, the second are defined as "planets" by the ancients and the third are
meteors and comets—also called "shooting stars". This book will be dealing
with the second type, for they are the most astrologically important. Therefore
when you read "planet" in this book, understand it to mean the seven tradi-
tional celestial bodies: the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and
Saturn.

Many forms of astrological magic were also specifically devoted to summoning

entities associated with the planets—a practice known as planetary evoca-

tion. When performed successfully, a sorcerer will gain a sense of the entity's
presence and can request that the entity perform magic on his behalf. It is an
ancient practice going back at least as far as the dawn of known civilization
— in ancient Sumer—and was a very popular and common form of magic
known among the Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Indians, Arabs
and Chinese. The magic of the Middle Ages and Renaissance also utilized
planetary evocation to no small degree and many magical texts of these peri-
ods describe the practice in explicit detail. It is by no means the only form of
astrological magic, but it is one of the most important.

The majority of ancient instructions in planetary evocation comes from books

known as grimoires. Grimoire is a Latin term often used for the various books

of magical instruction. A grimoire—from grammar—is a language. The pur-

pose of language is to convey realities. In the case of a grimoire, the intention
is to convey and access spiritual realities. The one who practices such is a
sorcerer.

There are many grimoires known in the European tradition and most all are
syncretic. They combine elements of Babylonian paganism, Hellenized astrol-
ogy, Jewish Kabbalah, Christian mysticism and Greco-Roman Hermeticism,
as well as Arabic and Egyptian sources. They rarely contain anything of the
"folk magic" practiced by the lower classes and their language is usually Latin,
Greek, Hebrew or another language commonly used by the intelligentsia. Later
English, Italian, German and French translations were made. Some were even
composed in these languages.

There are two types of grimoire: Goetic and Theurgic. Goetia refers to the

Greek word Goes or evil spirit and Theurgia refers to the Greek Theos or
divinity. In the modern day, they are spoken of as "black" and "white" magic re-
spectively. In many grimoires, the lines between these two forms of magic are
blurred. However, Theurgic magic specifically corresponds to works of insight
into higher realities, healing, freedom from negative influences and mystical
union with divinity. Goetic magic, in contrast, corresponds to achieving mate-
rial wealth and works of destruction, though some would also say insight is
part of its path. This being said, it is not the case that Theurgic magic is wholly
cut off from material wealth —rather, the wealth it gains is inoffensive to the life
of beings, whereas in Goetic magic, such considerations are not taken.
Planetary evocation is predominantly Theurgic in orientation, though some
grimoires do delineate planetary demons. In Theurgy, the sorcerer summons
forth higher entities and encounters them in a ritual framework. By summoning
them, he is changed by them and, in this change, the horizons of his being are

widened. He can see further and go further, his former restrictions dispersing
in the presence of divine reality. Evocation is just one form of this, and not even
the most powerful: astral projection and out-of-body travel are also implied in
the practice of Theurgy. Nonetheless, evocation is a powerful and necessary
step in this path, for those who astrally project or journey outside their body
will inevitably encounter many strange beings and landscapes. Without an un-
derstanding of how to interact with such beings, and without a firm foundation
in establishing magical power, such journeys can be quite dangerous. Caution
and preparation is always advised.
 On Systems

Most forms of magic are taught and practiced in the context of a cosmological

system. In the Western tradition, two systems are predominant: the Hermetica

and the Kabbalah. Both are systems that express the same ultimate realities
and processes, though differing in their details. Both are also forms of Theurgy

or divine magic. This is opposed to Goetia or evil magic. The Hermetica

is Greco-Roman/Egyptian and the Kabbalah is Jewish. Though culturally dis-
tinct, the Hermetica and Kabbalah derive ultimately from the same source: the
pantheon of ancient Sumer. From historical evidences, it was in Sumer that the
seven planets were first worshiped, with priests serving as their magical inter-
cessors. Later their worship was handed down to the conquerors of Sumer—
the Akkadians who formed the Babylonian empire. From Babylon it passed to
the Greeks and, from the Greeks, to many other nations, tribes and peoples
— including the Jews who later formed the Kabbalah. I have read conflict-
ing accounts about the relationship between Egypt and Sumer/Babylon, but
the Egyptian system has many parallels and became highly influential among
both the Greeks/Romans and the Jews. As with Sumer/Babylon, the Egyptian
religious system also honored the planets and had many rituals and myths re-
garding them.

The magical systems of the Middle Ages and Renaissance are a mixture of
both Kabbalah and Hermetica, as well as affiliated systems such as alchemy,
Neoplatonism, Rosicrucianism and others. Many of the older grimoires are un-
systematic, however, and it was the task of later occultists to craft the various
disparate teachings into complex systems. Perhaps the most well known and
influential of these in the Western world is the Golden Dawn system. I work
with two systems in my own practice: a simplified form of Heinrich Cornelius
Agrippa's system and a very basic, Golden Dawn-inspired form of the Kab-
balah. This present book is devoted to the former, though in the future I plan to
write on the latter.
It is important to bear in mind that the map is never the territory. Though there
are many different systems for accessing planetary magical power, the system
itself is not important. Magical systems are designed to allow us to access
magical power, but magical power is not restricted or confined to them. When
you encounter and work with planetary energies, you will be encountering

and working with the objectively real formative powers of the universe. The
system you follow will make this easier, but as you become more accustomed
to working with such energies you will find that the system is less and less
required. Ultimately, you will be able to work with such energies independent of
all systems. Until that time, however, you should make sure that you "color in
the lines", so to speak. Choose a system, follow it and master it. I am reason-
ably confident that the system I present will be perfectly effective for beginner
and intermediate sorcerers, but you are free to make certain modifications, of
course.
 The Magical Cosmos

According to Agrippa, the magical cosmos is based upon numbers. Numbers

have power and the cosmos is organized around these numbers. This is also
the view of the traditional Jewish Kabbalah. In lieu of planetary evocation and
magic, the two most important sets are:

1. The seven planets

2. The six realms of existence

These should be committed to memory and understood. The seven planets

are:

1. Sun

2. Moon

3. Mars

4. Mercury

5. Jupiter

6. Venus

7. Saturn

Modern astrology includes Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and other heavenly bodies,
but these were not generally known in antiquity and do not appear in ancient
magical systems.

Each of the seven planets has certain primary qualities which they embody. To
give a bare outline:

1. Sun; self/soul, exaltation, leadership

2. Moon: mind, emotion, change, magic

3. Mars: body, strength, struggle

4. Mercury: intellect, communication, magic

5. Jupiter: creation, expansion, wealth

6. Venus: attraction, beauty, love

7. Saturn: limitation, stasis, death

The twelve signs of the Zodiac all fall under one of the seven planets, also,
along with many other correspondences and associations. Taken together, the
seven planets organize and regulate everything on earth, including your own
body and mind. Everything that you have ever seen or known corresponds
either to a single planet or to a combination of them. Each planet also has
its own respective spiritual entities. As said before, the practice of planetary
evocation is to encounter and work with such beings through meditation and
evocation or spirit summoning.
According to Agrippa, the six realms of existence are:

1. The archetypal realm

2. The intellectual realm

3. The celestial realm

4. The elemental realm

5. The lesser realm

6. The infernal realm

To briefly summarize their nature:

1. The archetypal realm: the divine source or universal mind that exists beyond
the universe

2. The intellectual realm: divine and universal creativity, where the divine
source emanates itself in the form of the most powerful spiritual beings who
rule over the laws of destiny

3. The celestial realm: divine and universal harmony, where the divine source
emanates itself in the form of the planets who rule over the laws of nature

4. The elemental realm: the physical earth and material objects, as well as the
elemental spirits that reside within them and who rule over birth and death
5. The lesser realm: humans, animals and earthbound spiritual creatures that
are not otherwise defined as elementals

6. The infernal realm: demonic or Goetic forces

According to the Hermetica, a planet is not merely an impersonal force in our

solar system —it is an expression of a cosmic principle that influences and reg-
ulates the earth. The seven planets technically only correspond to one of the
six realms (the celestial), but each planet represents and embodies powerful
universal energies that manifest on all six realms. Thus each planet also has its
spirit, angel, God-name, intelligence, etc. In the lesser realm and in the infernal
realm, however, these representations are often mingled together—especially
in the lesser realm, which we currently inhabit. When engaged in planetary
evocation, you will be interacting with these forces directly.

For example, the Sun is not merely the physical Sun and its astrological
influences: it also represents a primordial force which is also signified by the
archangel Michael, the angel Raphael, the intelligence Nachiel, the spirit So-
rath, etc. all of these relate to the same energy that is designated by "Sun". The
same is true of the other planets. Therefore, those who wish to work astrologi-
cal forms of magic should first understand that they will be working with many
different facets of what corresponds to each planet.

As stated before, each of the planets has a set role or series of roles in how
it relates to the earth. Together, the planets organize and harmonize all things
on earth. This applies to individuals, to all lifeforms, to weather and minerals,
to the changes that occur in history, etc. The discerning sorcerer can see the
work of the planets in all situations and in all beings. Sometimes a certain
planet predominates, and other times two or more planets work in concert, but
nothing that exists on earth is free of planetary influences. Taken as a whole,
the planets define everything.
Understanding the different roles is crucial to planetary evocation. Without
understanding such roles, there is little hope of understanding how to use the
planets in a magical way. Fortunately, though the correspondences and asso-
ciations of the planets are quite detailed, the basic role of each planet is com-
paratively simple. Such roles are:

Suit, centralization, identity and individuality

Moon: connection, joining, mingling and reflecting

Mercury: communication, intellect, conceptualization and information

Venus: attraction, fascination and procreation

Mars: strength, energy, conflict and struggle

Jupiter: expansion, proliferation, ascension and origination

Saturn: contraction, confinement, definition, formation and dissolution

According to astrological lore, these forces are not only restricted to the seven
planets, but are also found throughout the universe at large. The seven planets
3 Highlighters-
have the "job" of caring for and regulating life on earth and therefore they are
the primary way in which we encounter these universal energies. Nonetheless,
the entire universe is suffused with such energies and it is for this reason that
a soul can access cosmic energies through interacting with the planets. When
one engages in mystical communion with the Sun, they commune not only
with the physical Sun and its magical powers as they occur on earth, but also
the energies of centralization, identity and individuality as they exist throughout
the entire cosmos. The same is true for the other planets.
While astrologers are able to predict future events and to understand personal-
ities through looking at the way these planets interact on a birth chart—among
other things—sorcerers learn to encounter these planetary energies directly
and use them for their goals. One might say that magic is simply the active use
of what and astrologer passively observes and makes predictions upon.

In addition to its metaphysical role, each planet also has a host of associations
and correspondences to things on earth. The tradition of astrological lore
records many of these and learning them was part of the apprenticeship of
both astrologers and sorcerers in antiquity. These associations and correspon-
dences are not necessarily obvious nor are they clearly related to the planets
metaphysical roles, however. Nonetheless, a trained eye can discern them,
and accomplished sorcerers are able to understand such associations and
correspondences even if they are not spelled out beforehand.
 Magic and Karma

After looking at the magical cosmos, it is necessary to understand the differ-

ence between magic and karma. The word karma refers to one's destiny as
defined and determined by past actions, whether good or bad. Technically
speaking, both magic and karma operate in terms of universal law. Some of the
forces that allow sorcerers to perform magic are the same forces that bestow
karma. This will become clearer when we consider the planetary hierarchies.
Nonetheless, magic may be defined as influencing the universe, and karma

may be defined as being influenced by the universe. Those who practice

magic are taking control of their destinies whereas those who do not prac-
tice magic are under the control of other forces. This is the chief difference.
But though magic and karma have different natures and directions, they are
ultimately the same power. Karma is the magic that the universe works upon
individual souls and magic is karma that a sorcerer creates and casts into the
universe.

Having said that, every soul is individual and eternal. It has always existed and
always will exist. Upon birth, it enters into a new existence, and after death, it
leaves one existence enters another. This was well known among the ancient
Indians and Chinese, but it was also taught among the ancient Greeks and
Romans. It is also a feature of the Jewish Kabbalah, though at times its impor-
tance is downplayed. It is important that a sorcerer understand this process,
for his magical path did not begin in this life and it will not end at his death.
According to most sources, the path of magic is an unfolding process and is
not restricted to any single lifetime. Some traditions even state that successful
sorcerers will be able to determine the place of their next birth. This requires
mastering the art of lucid dreaming and astral projection, but such are topics
for another book. Nonetheless, it is vital that sorcerers who seek to perform
planetary magic understand that none of these processes are restricted to
a single lifetime and magical practice is something carried out life after life,
through various realms. It is an eternal path, with no ultimate end.
 The Planetary Hierarchies

As stated before, the physical planets defined by astrology are symbolic con-
duits of the energies embodied in the spiritual beings. According to this idea, it
is the spiritual beings which are primary and the planets which are secondary.
The hierarchies of the planets exist as representations of pre-planetary hierar-
chies, and the planets are just one manifestation of something larger. We may

access these larger forces through the planets, but they are not restricted or
limited to the planets.

Before performing an evocation, you should first decide what you want to
know/accomplish/experience and then seek out the proper entity to evoke
from the first three realms. Though each of the seven planets are impersonal
in their influence, they also have spiritual beings connected to them which
direct such influence in ways that are more specific and intelligent than a mere
impersonal force. You will either be evoking a pure God name, an angel or
intelligence, or a spirit, depending upon the intention of the evocation. Each
planet has its angel, intelligence and spirit, and it is important that you under-
stands their distinctions. Each of them corresponds to a separate realm. Their
correspondences are:

1. The archetypal realm: God-names

2. The intellectual realm: angels, intelligences

3. The celestial realm: spirits

Each of these types of spiritual entities also have their own respective seals,
names, times which they must be evoked and special incenses. To further de-
scribe each type:
 God-names

Of these, God-names are the most rarefied and sublime. They represent the
most essential and fundamental forces of existence. In this system, Hebrew
names are used. They are:

1. Safurn; Ab, Hod, lah, Hod, YHVH

2. Jupiter: Abba, Abab, Huh, Ahi, El Ab

3. Mars: Heh, Adonai, Ihi,

4. Sun: Van, He, Eloh

5. Venus: Aha

6. Mercury: Asboga, Din, Doni

7. Moon: Hod, Elim

According to most sources, God-names should be used for evocations of

pure spiritual illumination. The archetypal realm is the universal mind itself, and
those who evoke the energies of the universal mind encounter a level of reality
total unfamiliar to any embodied being. Accessing the God-names is quite
literally accessing the "thinking processes" that underlie the cosmos. God-

names do not give any sort of material rewards or powers—they are access
points of pure insight. You evoke them to experience and learn. It is true that
God-names are often used to banish evil spirits or for purposes of healing —
and they can be used for such —but an actual evocation of a God name is a far
different matter. The encounter is so different from normal waking reality that it
is not possible to truly describe it, and God-names should never be the subject
of your first evocations. They are not personal entities and you should evoke
them only to understand the mysteries of existence. To elaborate on the former
analogy, the evocation of God-names is as if one were to evoke the different
aspects of a sentient mind such as memory, ratiocination, desire, etc. Though
these are technically different attributes or functions, they work together as a
unified whole. It is possible, in a sense, to isolate them, but each requires the
other to function. According to Kabbalistic cosmology, God emanates ten spe-
cial forces—called "Sephiroth" or numbers —and, through them, the cosmos
unfolds. Each corresponds to a particular God name. Though Agrippa mixes
many sources together, his general approach agrees with this and acknowl-
edges that God-names are at the summit of accessible magical existence.

Angels and archangels

The planetary angel is the overarching power which rules the essence of the
planet. It manifests in a general fashion, bestowing blessings and causing
misfortunes in accordance with its energy. An angel functions in the same role
as a god does in polytheistic religious thought. The angels, while rooted in
their realm and planetary energy, have specific and independent personalities,
and are sources of both good and evil depending upon what karma or magical
action requires. In terms of hierarchy, the angels are below the God-names and
above the intelligences. Archangels are merely excessively powerful angels,
having greater authority and being closer to the God-names.

There are many angels and archangels listed in the available literature and
some operate under different names. Some of the more commonly mentioned
angels are:
1. Saturn: Zaphiel (or Zaphkiel)

2. Jupiter: Zadkiel

3. Mars: Camael

4. Sun: Raphael

5. Venus: Haniel

6. Mercury: Michael

7. Moon: Gabriel

Angels also have special orders, each of which has its planetary correspon-
dence. They are:

1. Saturn: Aralim

2. Jupiter: Hasmalim

3. Mars: Seraphim

4. Sun: Malachim

5. Venus: Elohim
6. Mercury: Ben Elohim

7. Moon: Cherubim

Intelligences

The intelligences of the planets are their most beneficent form, ruling over the
planet's harmonious and intellectual powers. They are:

1. Saturn: Agiel

2. Jupiter: Johphiel

3. Mars: Graphiel

4. Sun: Nachiel

5. Venus: Hagiel, Beni Seraphim

6. Mercury: Tiriel

7. Moon: Malcha Betharsism Hed Beruah Schehalim

They serve to build and to bind. One may think of them as the architects of
existence, for it is from the power of their conscious minds that the laws of
existence unfold. They operate by first establishing certain basic and simple
principles and, second, by causing these principles to interact. When this oc-
curs, complex arrangements of matter and consciousness arise. Complexity
rises from simplicity—this is the universal law. An example of such creative
processes are the four fundamental interactions: gravity, electromagnetism,
the weak nuclear and strong nuclear forces. Incomprehensibly vast galaxies
arise out of such forces and science still has not discovered the forces that
lead to conscious life. Such is how intelligences work. In a more practical
sense, intelligences can be evoked to apply strong, simple and effective influ-
ences upon existence, as well as provide spiritual insights. They should not be
evoked for material rewards or comforts, however. Generally their manner of
operating is slow but deep and permanent. They can cause general patterns
of change, but such changes normally take some time to properly manifest.
Intelligences can also be evoked for purposes of spiritual insight, much in the
same way as God-names. The difference is that intelligences are also personal
beings whereas God-names are pure principles. A sorcerer can ask questions
and receive answers of an intelligence, whereas the sorcerer is entirely passive
when receiving communications of God-names.

Spirits

The spirits of the planets are their most direct form and, according to some,
are the ones which most commonly act malevolently. They act directly upon
matter and serve to instigate, stir into motion and dissolve material forms. They
can also work upon human psychology. In many grimoires, it is the spirits of
the planets which are most commonly evoked, as spirits were the most useful
to ancient sorcerers out of all the hierarchies. Some have even said that the
evoking the spirits of the planets is a form of black magic, but this is not the
case. Magic is either black or white depending upon its ultimate goal, and
there is nothing about the spirits of the planets that defines them exclusively
as forces of black magic. Nonetheless, it is possible to use them for nefarious
purposes, and this is not the case with angels, archangels and intelligences.

The spirits of the planets, like the others, have their own respective names.
Some of the most commonly mentioned examples are:
1. Saturn: Zazel

2. Jupiter: Hismael

3. Mars: Barzabel

4. Sun: Sorath

5. Venus: Kedemel

6. yWercury; Taphthartharath

7. Moon: Hasmodai, Schedbarschemoth Scharthathan (Spirit of the Spirits)

 Correspondences

Because the seven planets organize and resonate with all things in the world,
all things contain their energy. The identification of this energy with its associ-
ated plan is known as its correspondence. The correspondence may be pure,
as when something relates solely to one planet, or else the correspondence
may involve two or more planets mingled together. Discerning sorcerers will
learn as many correspondences as they can and commit them to memory. This
information is especially vital to spellcasting, as one can cast quite precise
spells with this information. When one knows the planetary correspondences
behind a person, place or thing, one also knows what planetary energies to use
on it. The more one knows, the more precise one can be.

Correspondences may be divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary

forms of correspondence are unmingled and absolute. Secondary forms
merely predominate in a particular planetary energy. Examples of primary
forms of correspondence are elements, directions, winds, minerals, metals,
colors, weather, plants, animals, illnesses and parts of the human body and
mind. These, as you can see, all exist independently of human creation. Ex-
amples of secondary forms are countries, buildings, professions, ideologies
and man-made objects. They are human inventions and they therefore pre-
dominate in certain planetary energies. They also possess the energies of
other planets in a mingled way. This division is only for classification purposes,
however. Spells that utilize the proper planetary force will work on both forms
of correspondence equally.

Certain correspondences have specific significance for purposes of evocation.

Colors, fragrances, minerals, metals and plants can all be utilized in order to
increase the intensity of a planetary evocation. This is why it is common for
evocations to involve the presence of one or more of these elements. Planetary
entities resonate with them and delight in their presence, making them more
congenial and amiable to evocations. The wise sorcerer will be sure to bring at
least some of these correspondences to the evocation. Historically, metals and
fragrances were the most common, but in the modern day many rely more on
minerals than metals. It is also easier to create colored lamps then it was in the
past. An especially popular method is to take a hurricane lamp and paint it with
heat resistant glass paint in a color that corresponds to a particular planetary
energy. With these in place, it is far easier to perform evocations and to ensure
that such evocations will be truly effective.
 Seals and Names

As said before, evocation is the magical art of calling forth a spiritual entity. The
one who does this is known as a magician or sorcerer. While it is possible to
call forth such an entity by an act of will alone, it is easier to do so through a
ritual. Though there are many different variations on what constitutes a ritual,
all rituals normally involve both the entity's name and a special image or glyph

of the spirit, called a seal (Latin, sigil). The name and the seal act as the entity's
"calling card", as it were, and allow the magician to both signal and contact the
spirit in question.

There is a deep metaphysical reason for this; all levels of reality consist of
information and such information may be categorized in two forms:

1. Overt reality

2. Symbolic reality

Overt reality is the basic reality that all sentient and insentient beings partic-
ipate in. All universes are part of overt reality and are divided by time and
space. Symbolic reality, however, is timeless and spaceless. It is a parallel form
of reality. Within it, every being has a special seal and name, and these can
be used to contact any sufficiently powerful being regardless of differences in
time and space. These seals and names are also of two types:

1. Artificial
2. Original

Artificial names and seals are assigned to the being within a given point in
space and time. The assignment may come from other entities or may be
chosen by an entity. Either way, such names and seals can be used in evoca-
tion. An example of this is the name "Gabriel." Gabriel, in Hebrew, technically
means the "might (geber) of God (el)" and is clearly an artificial name. Nonethe-
less, the entity designated by "Gabriel" does exist and can be evoked through
its name and seal. Original names and seals, in contrast, are depictions of pure
information and arise out of the inherent nature of the entity they depict. These
are rarer than artificial names and seals, and many spiritual beings prefer them.
An artificial seal and name are also able to work just as effectively due to their
resonance with their corresponding entity being. Most names and seals you
will be using are artificial. Occasionally, a spirit may give you a means of de-
picting its original name and seal, but do not expect this. Artificial names and
seals are quite sufficient.

Some examples of seals:

 D

If an entity does not have a seal, then its name alone may be sufficient to evoke
it. The name is actually more important than the seal in most cases, though
seals are very helpful and, if you do have the seal of an entity, you should use
it as part of your evocation. If, however, you are in a situation where you need
to perform an evocation but do not have the seal, you can still do so without it.

Historically, seals were often made of special substances, the two most com-
mon being metal and wax. Metal was viewed as the best, as there are seven
planetary metals. Seals made from such metals are particularly effective. It is
obviously quite difficult to make seals out of metal in the modern day unless
you have the tools and knowledge, but wax seals are rather easy and can be
just as effective. In addition to the seven planetary metals, there are also seven
planetary colors. Wax can be easily colored and, therefore, the seal will still
resonate with the planetary entity or energy in question on the basis of color.

Planetary colors and metals:

1. Sun: gold / yellow

2. Moon: silver / white or light purple

3. Mars: iron / read

4. Mercury: mercury or brass / orange

5. Jupiter: tin / blue

6. Venus: copper / pink or green

7. Saturn: lead / black or dark purple

Paper was also occasionally used, though it was often specified that such
paper should not have been used for any other purpose—i.e. the page upon
which the seal is written should have no other writing.
 Elements of Evocation

Once you have the spirit's seal, an evocation can be performed. As stated
earlier, an evocation is a ritual designed to summon an entity to manifestation.
After it has been summoned, you may feels its presence and communicate
with it, making requests or receiving desired information. The seal and the
entity's name and type are the most important elements of an evocation, as
they identify and signal the entity in question. However, other elements of
the evocations are also necessary. Evocations are conducted as set rituals,
with specific rules that must be followed and certain items which ought to
be present. Though one can improvise or innovate in terms of the evocation
ritual, there are some general aspects which should be observed. While it is
technically possible to perform evocations without some of these additional
elements, it is not advisable for beginners to experiment with evocation with-
out them. At the very least, not having these elements present may result in
unsuccessful rituals and, at the very worst, the evocation may backfire and re-
sult in unpleasant or even dangerous experiences.

The elements that should also be observed are:

Time

Each planet has certain times which are more favorable for its evocation.
These times are the "window areas" where the planet is most powerful. The
seven days of the week follow the seven planets and, normally, it is sufficient to
evoke a planet on its planetary day, though there are occasionally other times
which may be observed. The season may also affect the evocation.

Setting
The setting of the evocation should ideally be indoors, taking place in a quiet
room that does not experience much traffic or disturbances. The room should
be clean and sparse, with nothing in it that would distraction evocation. If this
cannot be achieved, a space in a larger room can be made for this purpose,
provided it is devoted strictly to the purposes of evocation and contains only
objects necessary for the rituals. In some cases, an outdoor evocation can be
performed, but it should be far away from where people may disturb it and
should not occur on a day of wind or storm.

Colored fabric

Each of the planets have their own respective colors. The sorcerer should array
himself in a robe that corresponds to the planets predominant color(s), and
should drape the altar with a cloth of the same color, or another color that
corresponds to the planet. A second cloth should underlie the seal, also. While
some planets share colors, so long as the colors used correspond to the plan
in question, the requisite spiritual energy will manifest. This is not essential, but
it does increase the power of an evocation if utilized.

Herbs and incense

Even more important than colors are incense and herbs. According to the
available literature, incense has been used in religious evocation since the
dawn of history. This is true not only of the Babylonian tradition from which
European magic drives, but magical cultures all across the world. China, India,
Africa, etc. all utilize special herbs and incense in evocation. Of these two,
incense is the most important, and while not all agree on what type of incense
corresponds to which planet, incense is still almost universally recommended.
I personally think that the precise fragrance does not matter so long as some
form of incense is associated with the planet. Once you have established an
association of a particular fragrance with a specific planet, you should con-
tinue to use it. This will inspire certain parts of your mind whenever you smells
the incense and will ultimately increase the power of your evocations. If burn-
ing incense is out of the question, an oil burner can also be used. As for herbs,
these can be offered alongside the incense as a bloodless sacrifice, though
this is less necessary.

Here is a list of suitable incenses:

1. Sun: sandalwood

2. yWoon; jasmine

3. Mars: cinnamon

4. Mercury: myrrh

5. Jupiter: frankincense

6. Venus: rose

7. Saturn: lavender

Metals or minerals

Next in popularity to herbs and incenses are metals and minerals. Many
ancient magical text specifically recommend using certain planetary metals in
the composition of seals. While it is true that this does increase the power of
the evocation, it is not absolutely essential. To merely have the metals present
in some capacity is sufficient for an increase in power. If the metal cannot be
procured, certain corresponding stones should be present. As with an offering
of herbs, the metal or mineral should be placed upon the altar and dedicated
to the planetary entity being evoked.

Scrying mirror

Scrying mirrors can be used as part of planetary evocation, but they are not

absolutely necessary. For more information on scrying, consult my book, Mir-

ror Divination: The Method of Scrying through Magic Mirrors.
 The Evocation Process

Evocation, as stated earlier, is the art of calling a non-physical entity to mani-

festation. When that entity has some measure of association with the planets,

it is known as a planetary evocation or form of astrological magic. Most forms

of magic in Europe followed such a model —so much so that the terms ritual
magic and ceremonial magic are almost always associated with astrological
forms of magic in the modern West. One of the most central practices of these

traditions is the practice of evocation, and it involves three general steps: ban-

ishing, the evocation itself and the license to depart. Now let's look at each
step.

Banishing

Prior to evocation, a banishing ritual is normally recommended in order to clear

the area of unwanted influences. Traditionally, sorcerers would simply pray
using certain magical words, fumigate the ritual area with incense and present
offerings to the desired spirit. Later, as a magical order known as the Golden

Dawn grew to prominence, specific rituals such as the lesser banishing ritual

of the pentagram were commonly advocated. In my opinion, the old forms

are sufficient, though there is something to be said for more elaborate banish-
ings. You can devise a banishing ritual of your own that involves the following
elements:

1. A prayer to the higher powers of the cosmos

2. A command for all unwanted spiritual influences to depart in the name of

these cosmic powers
3. A moment of silence and mental-centering

If these three elements are present, the basics of a traditional banishing are
present. It is not necessary to observe precise ritual forms which are handed
down, and if one studies enough ancient and modern books one will soon
realize that it is the intent behind the banishing that is important rather than its
outer form. If it were otherwise, the vast majority of magic would be useless, as
grimoires and other magical books in antiquity all recommended different ban-
ishing rituals—even when, at times, describing the same entities.

The evocation itself

After banishing, call forth the entity by name. You can either recite its name as
a chant, or simply ask that its presence descend upon the ritual area. The en-
tity can be asked to perform spells on your behalf once its presence has been
felt. You may also gaze into the scrying mirror at this time to see what images
the entity may give you. Normally this part of the evocation last anywhere from
10 to 30 minutes.

License to depart

Once the spirit has been successfully evoked and all desired communications
have occurred, it is then time to dismiss the entity. Though ancient grimoires
often give special prayers for doing so, it is the intent behind these prayers that
is important rather than their actual wording. When you feel it is time, thank the
entity you have summoned and tell it that it may leave. Usually, it will do so. If
the entity insists upon staying, you must abide by this and continue your com-
munications. Then it will leave of its own accord when the time is right.
 Meditations

In addition to evocation, the sorcerer may also perform meditations upon the
planets or their associated forces and entities. While these meditations may
not be magically potent in the sense of being able to influence reality or cast
spells, they do allow new insights into the nature of the planets to arise, as well
as foster the concentrative power necessary to perform other magical works.

As with evocations, meditation should be performed in a clean, quiet place

where you will not be disturbed. You does not need to perform a banishing
ritual beforehand, however, nor does you need any instruments, incense or
other materials. The meditation is simply done for purposes of concentration

and insight, and does not require the presence of an entity per se. Nonethe-
less, an entity may still arrive. Once you have established such a spot you
should sit or stand comfortably and chant the name of the energy you wishes
to meditate upon. Ideally it should be a God name, the name of an intelligence,
the name of an angel or the name of the spirit. Historical names associated
with the planet can also be used, or you can simply recite the name of the
planet itself in your native tongue. The best way to perform this meditation
is to chant the name both while inhaling and exhaling, gradually making the
breath slower and deeper. That is, you should begin by breathing normally, not
altering your breath in any way. Once you have done so for a while, you should
then slow your pace, breathing deeper and deeper until you reach a comfort-
able and relaxing rhythm. As you chant the name in tandem with your breath,
you will notice the energies of the planet begin to affect your inner mind. Your
concentration will grow, as will your sense of tranquility. The more you do
this, the more you harmonize with the planet, and through such harmony you
will achieve insight and power. In addition to chanting the planet's name, you
may also visualize the planets color beginning as a sphere of light in between
your eyes or in your solar plexus, gradually extending outward throughout the
entirety of the body as you continues to chant. This method is potentially
more powerful, but it is also more difficult for beginners and should only be
attempted after you are comfortable with mere chanting. You may also use the
seals of the planet as part of the visualization.
 Talismans

Talismans both harness and expel the magical energy of the planet, force or
entity imbued to them. They also act as guardians. Their magic is defined by
stability, continuity and endurance, but is often less intense and decisive com-
pared to that of evocations. If you wish to continually influence a location or
person (including himself) with magical energy, or if you wish to keep an area
free of negative influences, the creation and strategic placement of a talisman
is in order.

The creation of a talisman has three facets:

1. The formation of the talisman's material basis

2. The engraving

3. The consecration

The formation of its material basis pertains to the substance used. Though
ancient works recommend metals, colored wax works just as well. Acquire
clear wax and a colorant. Melt the wax and pour into a plastic mould. The
mould should be easily bendable, as this allows the dried wax to be easily re-
moved. This will provide you your material basis.

The engraving is of either an image or a seal of the power specified. Though

ancient works recommend highly complex images, these are not necessary.
First engrave the image or seal upon the wax with a steel or iron nail. You may
wish to trace it first, then engrave deeper grooves. Then take black paint and
carefully fill in the grooves. Allow it to dry. This provides you with the engraving.
Consecrations are twofold:

1. Through evocation

2. Independent of evocation

Evocatory consecrations pertain specifically to when the seal of an entity is en-

graved. Evoke the entity as specified then request it to consecrate the talisman
with its power. It will do so. After finishing the evocation, wrap the talisman in
cloth that accords with its planetary color and keep all eyes from ever seeing it.

To consecrate independent of an evocation requires more effort. Fast from all

sumptuous food for three days, eating only unseasoned bread, vegetables or
rice. Avoid all other magical activity during this time. Create the talisman and
engrave it after nightfall. Light incense or burn oils that correspond to its planet
and set it before you, concentrating on it intently, envisioning it bathed in the
colored light of its planet. Do this for the space of half an hour or more. After
you have done so, wrap it in a cloth of its planetary color and keep it from sight.

Evocatory consecrations are beneficial insofar as you establish an affinity with

the entity evoked. If not, it has little power. Furthermore, the power of the talis-
man is tied to the entity and works only to the extent that the entity is willing to
cooperate. An independent consecration avoids this. Ideally, you should have
no less than three independently consecrated talismans and any number of
talismans consecrated through evocation.
Once a talisman has been effectively created and consecrated, it must then be
put to use. This is done by placing it in physical proximity of the area it is meant
to target. If you wish for it to act as a guardian, you must place it within 30 feet
of your sleeping area. If you wish it to influence a location, it must similarly be
placed within 30 feet of the location. To keep it from being seen, it must be
buried or otherwise hidden.

A talisman can also be empowered by placing substances in it that correspond

to its planet. Herbs, stones and metals are the easiest way to do this: they are
simply placed in the wax and, once the wax dries, the substance is suspended
within it perpetually. The only issue is when the substance might intrude upon
the dried wax's smooth surface. Care must be taken to make sure the sub-
stance remains at the bottom.
 The Olympic Spirits

To make this book somewhat functional as a standalone work, I will now give
a brief account of the seven intelligences of the planets as depicted by the
grimoire known as the Arbatel. With the instructions given in this manual, you
will be able to successfully evoke them, though the Arbatel recommends not to
keep them for more than an hour. All that is necessary is that you perform the
previous instructions while using their seals and names. They are:

Saturn: Aratron

Jupiter: Bet ho r

Mars: Phaleg

Sun: Och

Venus: Hagith

Mercury: Ophiel

Moon: Phul

Let's look at them one by one.

 Saturn: Aratron

Powers: to instantly convert anything to stone; to turn ashes to treasure and

treasure to ashes; to give familiar spirits; to teach alchemy, magic and physics;
to reconcile earth elementals to men (i.e. making them familiars); to create
hairy men (i.e. demons); to cause invisibility; to increase fertility in the barren;
to give long life

Legions: 36,000, with each Legion consisting of 490

Retinue: 7 messengers, 14 familiars, 21 ministers, 28 dukes, 35 presidents, 42

princes, 49kings

When to evoke: Saturday, preferably at night

 Jupiter: Bethor

Powers', to raise one's status; to open treasures; to reconcile aerial spirits,

making them familiars with the specific intent of giving correct answers to
questions: to cause precious stones to move from place to place; to heal,
increasing the power of medicine; to give heavenly familiars; to extend life to
700 years

Legions: 29,000

Retinue: 7 messengers, 14 ministers, 21 counselors, 28 dukes, 35 princes, 42

kings

Other aspects: he comes quickly upon being called

When to evoke: Thursday

 Mars: Phaleg

[i

Powers: to raise one's status in martial things; to succeed in war

When to evoke: Tuesday

 Sun: Och

Powers: to raise one's status; to give health; to give excellent familiar spirits;
to convert anything into gold or precious stones; to teach the art of perfect
medicine; to provide wealth —specifically gold

Legions: 36,536

Other aspects: he administers things independently; his spirits serve him for

100 year periods

When to evoke: Sunday

 Venus: Hagith

Powers: to raise one's status; to cause one to be beautiful; to convert copper

into gold instantly; to convert gold into copper; to provide faithful familiar
spirits

Legions: 4,000

Other aspects: each legion has a king appointed over it

When to evoke: Friday

 Mercury: Ophiel

tt7

Powers: to provide familiar spirits; to give instructions in all arts; to allow

the sorcerer to convert quicksilver or mercury into the philosopher's stone
instantly

Legions: 100,000

When to evoke: Wednesday

 Moon: Phul

Powers: to change all metals into silver, whether through word or action; to
heal dropsy; to provide familiar spirits of the water; to extend life to 300 years

When to evoke: Monday