Magical Elections July 2023 by Nina Gryphon

Magical Elections
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July 2023
Nina Gryphon

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Magical Elections July 2023 by Nina Gryphon

C O N T E N T S

Introduction 2 11 Moon on Alkaid | July 22

Before You Start 3 13 Sun in Leo | July 24 and 29

Mars on Regulus|July 9 5 15 Learn More: Magical Curses

Moon in 3rd Lunar Mansion|July 11 7 17 Additional Resources

Sun on Procyon|July 18 9

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INTRODUCTION

Regal Ascent
Success and growth in the material realm

Several of this month’s elections are directed at success, fame, and honors in the world, such as
Regulus and the Sun in Leo. The Moon in the 3rd Lunar Mansion brings all good things, primarily
material, to ease our journey through a world that is often demanding and uncomfortable. For this
election, be sure to review the notes on working with Lunar Mansions in Section 1, “Before You
Start.”

The Procyon and Alkaid elections are strongly focused on protection, for travelers seeking to
ascend need all the help they can get in warding off bad luck or those with ill intent. In short, this
month’s Magical Elections has the toolkit that any aspiring climber of metaphorical mountains
needs while sojourning through our sublunar realm.

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Magical Elections
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SECTION 1
Before You Start
This section contains useful notes you should read before making talismans, especially if you
are new to Magical Elections.
Time and Place for Elections
All elections are set for Los Angeles,
California, utilizing Placidus houses. You
can customize the chart for your location
by setting the chart for the same date and
time, but using your location. Then, you
can click the chart forward or backward
until the relevant angle (Ascendant or
MC) matches the election. Note that the
Moon will have moved and may be
applying to a different planet in your
location, an important factor for success.
Be sure to read the election-specific
guidance for relocating each election, as
well.
Magical Recommendations
Keep an eye out for this sidebar for each
election. It’s called Magical
Recommendation, which is the type of
material appropriate to a specific election.
In order of decreasing permanence, our
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July 2023 by Nina Gryphon
classical options are 1) stone/metal
talismans, which are said to hold their
astrological imprint forever; 2) paper
talismans, which are effective for a few
weeks or months in my experience; 3)
petitions and prayers, which may still
feature incense suffumigation, colored
candles, magical garb, and other ritual
elements, but do not result in a physical
talisman. All elections listed can always be
used for prayers or petitions.
It’s important to recognize that whatever
type of magical method you use, the
options differ only in the duration of their
effect, not the potency. A prayer during an
elected time can be just as powerful as an
engraved stone talisman. I have found that
imbuing paper intended for talismanic use
with an herb team made from appropriate
planetary herbs makes the magical
influence last longer than just plain paper.
If you really want a lifelong talismanic
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Magical Elections July 2023
companion, you will want stone or metal.
As with human or animal friends who’ll be
with you for a long time, choose your
permanent magical elections with care!
Lunar Mansions
Lunar Mansion talismans work a little differently
than your typical fixed star or planetary
talismans. I recommend creating your Lunar
Mansion talisman during the appropriate
Magical Election, and then petitioning the spirit
of the Lunar Mansion in future months
whenever the Moon transits this Mansion. It’s
helpful to suffumigate your talisman with incense
each time as you state your request. Working
with the Lunar Mansion monthly develops an
ongoing relationship with the Mansion.
Picatrix advises to write the name of the Lunar
Mansion spirit and your request on your
talisman. The talismans for good relationships
should have the writing on the chest of the
image, while talismans for honor, glory, and
status should have the writing on the head of the
image.
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To stay informed about the release of
the next Magical Elections issue, you
have a few options.
1. Join Patreon (patreon.com/ninagryphon),
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4. Newsletter: Sign up for my monthly
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5. Visit ninagryphon.com: Bookmark this
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Magical Elections July 2023 by Nina Gryphon

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SECTION 2

Mars on Regulus
Honors, Favor, Vitality, Stops Melancholy

Regulus is the most royal star among the fixed

stars, as it is the heart of the Celestial Lion.
Astrologically, the heart is ruled by the Sun, as
is the lion, so Regulus is the most royal part of
the royal constellation. Due to precession,
Regulus has moved to 0 Virgo, and out of the
sign of Leo. Regulus is among the most powerful
fixed stars because of its brightness and position
KEY
• Date and Time: July 9, 9:13 a.m.—9:19
a.m. PDT.
• Uses: Stops melancholic humor (cold/
dry), grants favor/honors, strengthens
health/vitality, lessens wrath.

near the ecliptic. • Image: A cat, lion, or a nobleman sitting

in a chair. The glyph below:
In this election, Mars in Leo conjoins Regulus
on the Ascendant. The Moon is in Aries in the
8th house, applying to square the Sun in Cancer,
with powerful mutual reception. Mars is bonified
M
(strengthened) with a conjunction of Venus.
The one challenge with this election is that • Suffumigation: Mugwort, Celandine.
Saturn is angular in the 7th house, but this • Color: None given.
placement may be appropriate and favorable to • Materials: Garnet, moonstone (Lunar).
the talisman user if using the talisman to attain
• Spirit: None given.
victory over adversaries, who are ruled by the
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/
7th house and therefore harmed by Saturn’s
stone, paper, or a petition/prayer.
presence in their house.

To relocate this election, ensure that Mars

conjoins Regulus and is on the Ascendant
within one degree.

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SECTION 3

3rd Lunar Mansion

All Good Things, Safe Travel, Hunting, Alchemy

The 3rd Lunar Mansion is called al-

Thurayya, the “Many Little Ones,” a name
for the Pleiades. Today, this Mansion lies
between 25°43’ Aries and 8°33' Taurus.
The 3rd Mansion is highly positive,
constructive, and brings abundance,
especially material “all good things,”
according to Picatrix. In addition, it is said
to protect travelers, give success in
hunting, and assist in workings of alchemy
and fire.
In this election, the Moon is in the 3rd
Lunar Mansion on the Ascendant. She is
also in her exaltation and applies to
conjoin Jupiter, whom she receives. A
conjunction to Jupiter is a particularly
fertile aspect for the Moon, bringing the
abundance of all good things. The ruler of
the Ascendant is Venus, who is on the
royal star Regulus.
KEY
• Date and Time: July 11, 12:58 a.m.—
1:25 a.m. PDT.
• Uses: All good things, safe travel,
hunting, success in alchemy and works of
fire.
• Image: A seated woman with her right
hand raised above her head.
• Suffumigation: Musk, camphor, mastic,
aromatic oils.
• Color: Vermilion-red (not traditional).
• Materials: No materials specified.
• Spirit: Amixiel/Annuncia.
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/
stone, paper, or a petition/prayer.

To relocate this election, ensure that the

Moon is within the 3rd Lunar Mansion and
closely conjoins the Ascendant. Ideally, the
Moon should be in Taurus, where she is

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exalted. Taurus, not Aries, should be rising

to avoid afflicted Mars as ruler of the
Ascendant.

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SECTION 4

Sun on Procyon
Protection, Help from Spirits, Balances Body

The Sun is on Procyon in this election, the

star that marks the throat of the Little KEY
Celestial Dog. Procyon’s current longitude
• Date and Time: July 18, 12:59 p.m.—
is 26 Cancer, and true to its doglike nature,
1:03 p.m. PDT.
it is said to have the attributes of Mercury
• Uses: Protection, help from powerful
and Mars. Magically, Procyon is said to give
people, gods, or spirits. Preserves good
favors from spirits as well as people, and health and balances the humors.
grant the talisman wearer magical powers,
• Image: Rooster or three little girls. The
in addition to preserving good health and
below glyph:
balancing the four humors of the body.

The election has the Sun exactly on the

Midheaven on Procyon. The ruler of the
Ascendant is Venus, who is in Leo on
N
Regulus, conjoining the 11th house cusp.
• Suffumigation: Heliotrope.
The Moon in Leo is well-placed in the
• Color: Yellow, gold, scarlet, purple.
10th house, applying to square Jupiter in
Taurus, whom she also receives into her • Materials: Agate.
exaltation. • Spirit: None given.
• Magical Recommendation: Metal/stone,
To relocate this chart, ensure that the Sun
paper, or a petition/prayer.
conjoins Procyon and the Midheaven
within one degree. The Moon should not
be placed earlier than 4 degrees of Leo, as it
will then be combust or damaged by

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proximity to the Sun.

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SECTION 5

Moon on Alkaid
Protection for Travel, Against Crime, and Enchantments

The Moon conjoins the fixed star Alkaid,

which marks the tail of the Bear
constellation, at 27 Virgo. It is said to be of
the nature of Venus and Moon, perhaps
due to the Bear’s strong maternal
symbolism, and her role as a powerful
protector of her young. This talisman, too,
has protective effects across a wide variety
of activities, including protection while
KEY
• Date and Time: July 22, 4:37 p.m.—4:42
p.m. PDT.
• Uses: Protection while traveling, defense
against enchantments, and against
criminals and poisoning. Helpful to
hunters.

traveling, protection from magical • Image: A bull, a calf, or a pensive man.

enchantments, and defense against The below glyph:
criminals, such as robbers.

The election has the Moon on Alkaid, and

conjoins the Midheaven. The Moon
applies to sextile the Sun, and she receives
the Sun, strengthening the relationship.
Jupiter rules the Ascendant, and he is
placed in the auspicious 5th house.
<
• Suffumigation: Chicory.
• Color: White, silver, light green.
• Materials: Moonstone, silver, lodestone.

To relocate this chart, ensure that the • Spirit: None given.

Moon conjoins Alkaid and the Midheaven. • Magical Recommendation: Metal/stone,

Depending on your location, the Moon paper, or a petition/prayer.
could be on the Ascendant, so long as it

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conjoins Alkaid.

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SECTION 6

Sun in Leo
Fame, Favor, Advancement, Vitality

The Sun arrives in his domicile, giving us the

opportunity to gain fame, favor from powerful
people, and career advancement. Solar
talismans can also enhance vitality, and
mental and physical well-being.
The July 24 election has the Sun in Leo
conjoining and ruling the Ascendant. The
Moon is in Libra, applying to the 4th house
cusp, applying sextile Mercury. To relocate
this chart, ensure that the Sun conjoins the
Midheaven and that Leo is on the Ascendant.
The Moon should be in Libra, applying to
sextile Mercury.
KEY
• Date and Time: July 24, 6:00 a.m.—6:22
a.m.; July 29, 5:42 a.m.—6:31 a.m. PDT.
• Uses: Fame, favor from authorities,
career advancement, victory, personal
vitality.
• Image: A man standing as though he
were saluting; in his left hand he holds a
round shield, and under his feet is a
dragon. The below glyph:

The July 29 election also has the Sun

conjunct and ruling the Ascendant. The
Moon is in Sagittarius applies to trine Venus
• Suffumigation: Citrus, saffron, laurel,
retrograde in Leo. To relocate the chart, the
amber, ginger, marigold.
Sun should conjoin the Ascendant in Leo,
• Color: Gold, yellow, scarlet
and the Moon should apply to trine Venus
and be located no earlier than 16 Sagittarius • Materials: Gold, diamond, ruby,
to avoid the separating square from Mars. This chrysolite.

election may be best in paper or as a petition/ • Spirit: Michael, Nakhiel, Sorath.

prayer, due to the retrograde motion of Venus. • Magical Recommendation: Metal/stone,
paper, or a petition/prayer.

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July 24, 2023

July 29, 2023

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SECTION 7
Learn More
Lessons in Astrological Magic. A list of earlier lessons available for purchase at
ninagryphon.com.
Magical Curses.
It is said that our every action, conscious or
subconscious, has a myriad of results, the
vast majority of which we will never know
or even anticipate. Yet, at least according
to the Vedic texts, we will continue to
return to earth until we have paid all of our
debts to the full. This is one reason why I
advise magicians against placing magical
curses; if a talented magician harms
another through their magic, it tends to
harm the magician as much if not more
than the target. The harm to the
magician’s own spirit may not be
immediately material or quantifiable, but it
is real, and those of us in the magical field
have encountered the sad results of
magicians who for years operated with evil
intent.
There is something in the human brain
that cries out for revenge, which is the
usual reason for magicians desiring to
unleash curses on those who wronged
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by Nina Gryphon
them. Yet, there is always an opportunity to
transform a problematic situation
creatively. We may not be able to change
someone who wishes us ill, but evil intent
can be neutralized and given a positive
outcome, provided the magician has a little
pragmatic imagination.
Causing others harm also tends to diminish
the magician’s magical ability, sometimes
rapidly and other times more gradually.
The particularly sad effect is that the more
power the magician loses, the more
powerless they feel and often they lash out
with yet more malefic curses.
The reason for this diminishment is
unknown. Perhaps continued access to
higher realms that a magician attains
depends on a certain amount of pure intent
and goodwill. Conversing with gods is not
possible if one is not sufficiently purified,
according to the ancient writers, and doing
harmful magic hides the spiritual light to
which all people are naturally heirs.
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SECTION 8
Additional Resources
Most of the recommended books are available via Amazon or my page on Bookshop.org.
Astrological Magic Textbook: I strongly
recommend the 2019 English translation of
the Picatrix by a couple of classics scholars,
Drs. Attrell and Porreca, which you can
purchase here. Written by a 10th century
hadith scholar named al-Qurtubi, known as
a “man of charms and talismans” in Muslim
Spain, Picatrix is the pre-eminent text that
combines magical astrological theory,
recipes, and avuncular advice. Until now,
we have not had a scholarly English
translation with a proper introduction,
footnotes, and nice formatting (hardcover).
Picatrix is a must-have if you want to learn
to do classical, full-bore astrological magic.
The translation is clear and easy to
understand for modern readers, and the
introduction is extremely helpful in
providing context for this legendary book.
Lunar Mansions: lunarium.co features a
free monthly Universal Lunar Calendar
that includes the start and end time/date of
each lunar mansion (remember to update
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your location at the top of the page to get
accurate times and dates for you). I cannot
say enough good things about the Lunar
Mansions; they are sometimes forgotten in
favor of the more flashy planetary rituals
beloved by old magical authors, but certain
Mansions are extremely effective for
improving one’s life over the longer term.
It’s important to work with a given
Mansion regularly, developing an ongoing
relationship with the Mansion spirits.
Planetary Rulerships: The best and best-
sourced concordance of astrological
rulerships is Lee Lehman’s The Book of
Rulerships, which can be purchased here. If
you want to know what planet rules that
frankincense you’ve got on hand, you can
find it in the alphabetized index and find
that the best authors consider frankincense
solar, for instance.
Fixed Stars: The best and best-sourced
concordance for the fixed stars is Diana K.
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Magical Elections
Rosenberg’s Secrets of the Ancient Skies.
Published shortly before the author’s death
in 2012, this two-volume work is a lifetime
project that seeks to link the ancient
mythology of the stars and constellations
with events on earth. The set went out of
print immediately after publication, but
can be purchased on eBay and possibly
other second-hand book sources.
Decans: A scholarly and thorough
discussion of the decans and their uses in
astrology and magic comprises Chapter 6 of
Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum’s magisterial
book and Ph.D. thesis, The Daimon in
Hellenistic Astrology. As an academic book
offered by the venerable Brill publishing
house, this title is quite expensive, but can
often be borrowed via interlibrary loan
through the public library.
Magical Fonts: For fixed star glyphs, I use
the versatile Physis font by designer Hugh
Tran, available for purchase here.
Elements of Ancient Magical Practices:
The Talmud says “Ten measures of magic
came into the world. Egypt received nine of
these, the rest of the world, one measure.”
Thanks to the ongoing translation efforts of
the Greek Magical Papyri, we know a great
deal more about Greco-Egyptian magic of
2000 years ago than ever before. Stephen
Skinner’s comprehensive Techniques of
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Graeco-Egyptian Magic dovetails neatly
with the astrological magic we use today.
Skinner’s book details the theory of Greco-
Egyptian magic, including preliminary
procedures, protection for the magician,
spoken words, sacrifices and offerings,
herbs, plants, and incenses, and equipment.
The main part of the book details essential
magical techniques, including specific
objectives, scrying and dreams, dealing
with the gods, daimones, and the dead.
Astrological Magic: It’s possible that The
Celestial Art collection of essays about
astrological magic is the first ever
collection on this topic in written history.
It provides a valuable glimpse into the work
of contemporary astrological magicians and
researchers. As with all collections, the
reader will undoubtedly find a personal
favorite essay or two. Particular standouts
are “The Planetary Magic among the
Harranian Sabians,” Dr. Ben Dykes’s essay
featuring his translation of a medieval text;
Austin Coppock’s “A Feast of Starlight;”
and Dr. Lee Lehman’s “The Conjunction of
Electional Astrology and Magic.”
Orphic Hymns are the recitations
composed for Hellenistic mystery rituals of
2000 years ago, addressing the various gods.
If you like an 18th century, more fanciful
rendition, you will want the translations by
Thomas Taylor, which have the advantage
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Magical Elections
of being freely available on the Internet. A
more accurate and modern translation was
made by Professor Athanassakis, Chair in
Hellenic Studies at UC, Santa Barbara. I
use this later version, but either will be
effective for ritual purposes.
Philosophy of Magic: The Syrian Platonist
Iamblichus (3rd/4th c. CE) is the author of
On the Mysteries, a philosophical treatise
addressing many questions about magic, the
gods, and daemons. The Platonic tradition
views the role of magic as the highest
manifestation of the presence of the One
that comes down to humanity through the
chains composed of gods, daemons, heroes,
and the links of sunthemata, planetary
symbols that manifest divine energies on
earth. The book was a major influence on
Agrippa, author of the Three Books of
Occult Philosophy, as well as Renaissance
occultist Platonists, notably Marsilio
Ficino. On the Mysteries was translated into
English by the brilliant 18th c. philosopher
and linguist, Thomas Taylor, whose version
is considered the most beautiful and
intuitive. Fortunately, Taylor’s translation
is available free online. For those wanting a
physical book, a handsome edition is
available as volume XVII in the Thomas
Taylor series by the Prometheus Trust.
Planetary Days and Hours: Astrological
magicians are undoubtedly aware of the
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fact that each of the seven days of the week
is ruled by one of the seven classical
planets. Not all know, however, that each
of the days is further subdivided into 24
planetary hours. Knowing this system is
highly empowering for magicians, as it
gives us a way to access specific planetary
energies without relying on an elected
chart. For instance, we can petition Jupiter
for increased wealth every Thursday just
after sunrise, as he rules that planetary hour
every Thursday (Jupiter’s day). We can also
use planetary hours to elect activities other
than magical rituals, such as approaching
the person of our dreams on a Venus day
during a Venus hour. For those unfamiliar
with planetary hours, I wrote an
explanatory article, and recommend the
Time Nomad app and planetary hour
widget, Hours smartphone app or
Lunarium.co.uk for easy reference.
History of Astrological Magic: Influences
by Mary Quinlan-McGrath. A tour de force
explanation by an art professor of the
medieval and Renaissance theory of magic
and astrological talismans, followed by an
extensive exploration of talismanic powers
of famous artworks and buildings. These
include the Dome of St. Peter in Rome, as
well as several well-known architectural
masterworks elected and decorated with
astrological talismanic elements. This book
is highly valuable for its modern-day
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Magical Elections
explanation of the traditional theory of
magic and optics, and is a useful starting
point for anyone wanting a preview before
diving into primary sources such as Al-
Kindi and Marsilio Ficino. The historical
insights and often bizarre stories of
Renaissance uses of talismanic magic in
architectural settings makes for fascinating
and entertaining reading, as well as
providing great ideas for one’s own magic.
Practice, History, and Philosophy of
Astrological Magic: Three Books on Life
(Da Vita) by Marsilio Ficino, the
Renaissance translator, philosopher,
astrological magician, and physician. Long
out of print, Da Vita has now been reissued
in affordable paperback. Ficino describes
the use of planetary elixirs to maintain
vitality and expel the melancholy humor,
describes his thoughts on astrological magic
from a Neoplatonic perspective, and
provides an intriguing summary of some of
the magical images in the Picatrix. This is
one of the recommended books in my
Astrological Magic course.
Astrological Software: There are many
free options for new astrologers—I
recommend the free chart options on
astro.com as well as the impressive and
ever-growing range of features on astro-
seek.com. I also use and recommend the
free software Morinus and Valens. On the
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paid software front, I rely on Solar Fire and
Janus.
Planetary Chants and Mantras: Yoga of
the Planets by Andrew Foss, Ph.D. In the
Vedic tradition, the planets each have (at
least) 108 attributes or names each. One of
the traditional remedial measures is to
chant these Sanskrit names whenever we
wish to appease or enhance that planet’s
energy in our lives. For example, name #49
for Saturn is “om avidyamulanasaya
namah,” which translates to “salutations to
the one who destroys the very root of
ignorance.” The author provides a system
for choosing the mantra that belongs to
your particular natal planetary placement,
but it is just as traditional, and perhaps
more complete, to recite the full set of 108
names for the planet either daily, or at least
weekly, on that planet’s day.
Recommended to enrich your planetary
rituals.
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