A Handbook of Stellar Magick

by Cath Thompson

In this book is a detailed exposition of arguably the single most significant development in practical magic since the first Elizabethan Age, namely, the synchronous employment of astrological principles in the structuring and timing of magical ceremonies. Astrologically timed operations are concerned with the advantages to be gained by ritualising harmonious aspects between the planetary deities. This book reveals how this can be achieved with little more than a Tarot pack and a current Ephemeris. Which aspects to look for, what planets to invoke and how to get the timing right, are clearly explained in the second of three sections, while the first part deals primarily with the philosophical and theoretical foundation of the Stellar Magickian together with the Initiation by the Supreme Ritual of the Sun conjunct Venus (also known as "The Ordeal X"); the third part comprises a set of planetary invocations and blessings. Full descriptions of talisman making, Temple etiquette, planetary feasts, what to do about the Burning Way, and the use of the Part of Fortune, are also given. The application of astrology to the performance of ritual was pioneered by James Lees and his group in the latter half of the 20th century as part of their wider study of English Qaballa; however, the system of Stellar Magick introduced here for the first time stands apart from all else. This book is meant to be useful to experienced mages and to first-time aspirants alike, and in furtherance of that intention a variety of different personal records from the O.'.A.'.A.'. archive have been included. Cath Thompson is an English Qaballist and Stellar Magickian of thirty-seven years experience; in 1980 she was the youngest initiated member of James Lees’ O.’.A.’.A.’.. Thompson is the archivist of the group’s many-layered occult investigations, including their pioneering research and development of the English Qaballa, which Lees discovered in 1976, and the application of astrological principles to ceremonial magick -- groundbreaking work to which she has contributed in no small measure. She lives in Staffordshire with no cats or dogs.

Genres: Astrology, Magick

164 pages, Hardcover

Published April 20, 2017

Reviews

[Christine Schwarz · Rating 1 out of 5]

A short read full of flowery language if not outright purple prose, wasting our time in the first part justifying the imposition of straight marriage upon men and women everywhere because their own personal brand of Neopaganism-perhaps genero-Wicca-demands rigid gender roles, blends Modern and Traditional Astrology without a thematic understanding of Traditional at all placed in to the metaphorical wood-chipper spewed out of a typewriter or word processor, and is full of so many errors that if I list them it would take up all the characters allowed in a Good Reads review.

However, I still feel as though I must list at least SOME examples, such as how the Moon most certainly does not rule the sex organs, you don't need to worship the God & Goddess to practice Astrological Magic/k, it is not nearly as dangerous to petition Saturn as she claims (unless you're doing it wrong or engaging in attack magic without any precautions), and there is NOTHING wrong at all in using Astrological Software, online or off, in order to time an Astrological election.

Skip this item, and order a copy of Benjamin Dykes & Jayne B. Gibson's book Astrological Magic: Basic Rituals and Meditations instead. It is not just larger but contains Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn style rituals for all seven planets, twelve signs, & more that can be performed on the right Planetary Day or Hour, free of sex & gender essentialism, and a nice little introduction to understanding to Astrology without the errors and historical inaccuracies.

[Cole Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly lays out the principles for the system of stellar magick, with directions that a beginner could start from. Sample rituals rely a bit too much on Golden Dawn derived approaches, but can be readily adapted with a little thought.

Would have liked some discussion of Sol-Mercury rites, but between that clarity of discussion for Sol-Venus rites and the utilization of the Part of Fortune, it's a very small complaint.