Just as the sun travels through 12 zodiac signs, there are also 28 zodiacs of the moon. These are known in magical literature as Lunar Mansions. Lunar Mansion talismans have long been used by various cultures to tap into the enigmatic energies of the cosmos. By understanding their history and significance, you can harness these powerful tools to enhance different aspects of your life. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Lunar Mansion talismans and provide insights into their use and creation. Throughout history, the Lunar Mansions have been adapted and refined by numerous cultures, each adding its own uses and symbolism.

 

The History and Origins of Lunar Mansion Talismans

 

In this section, the utilization of Lunar Mansions in global magical practices will be examined. Archaeological evidence reveals that lunar calendars were employed extensively in prehistoric eras, with artifacts dating from 10,000 to 30,000 years ago. Before the ascendancy of materialism as a dominant worldview following the Industrial Age, a diverse array of spiritual powers was ascribed to the moon by various cultures worldwide.

The application of Lunar Mansion talismans can be traced back millennia, transcending cultural and geographical divisions. These enigmatic artifacts were utilized by Egyptian, Greek, Arabian, Chinese, and Mayan societies, each adapting the talismans to accommodate their distinct needs and customs. Beyond the creation of talismans, these ancient civilizations also engaged in electional astrology, a practice aimed at identifying auspicious moments for specific actions in alignment with celestial movements.

The intricate amalgamation of beliefs and practices surrounding Lunar Mansion talismans has contributed to their persistent allure and efficacy. In contemporary times, individuals continue to employ these talismans to access celestial energies, harnessing their power to enhance various aspects of their lives.

Egypt and Europe

28 lunar invocations are found in the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM VII.756-794), a large collection of magical writings spanning centuries and discovered in the tomb of an Egyptian magician who lived and died during the Roman occupation of Egypt.

The Papyri provide a variety of uses for the Lunar Mansions. One involves creating a lamp that is used to call on the 28 spirits of the Mansions. Another involves elaborate incantations that are intended to contact the goddess Hekate in a dream. Others instruct the magician to inscribe the names of a specific lunar mansion on metals and the anointing of it with various substances such as saffron. One such talisman is said to protect its bearer in battle.

Ancient Rome inherited the use of 28 Lunar Mansions from Greek astrologers, who in turn had been influenced by the Babylonians and Egyptians. Most of the specific uses have been lost to history until they reappeared in Europe after the dark ages, where they quickly thrived again among both nobility and commoners.

Pre-Islamic Arabia

Pre-Islamic Bedouin astrologers residing on the Arabian Peninsula employed an astronomical calendar system known as Anwa, which partitioned the night sky into 28 distinct clusters of stars. Each cluster possessed unique attributes and signified critical occurrences, including rainfall, wind patterns, and seasonal transitions. Moreover, this celestial map served as a navigational aid for traversing the desert during nighttime. A substantial portion of the original Anwa nomenclature and associated lore has been preserved into the present day, ultimately contributing to the development of the highly sophisticated Arabic astrology that gained prominence during the medieval period.

China

The ancient Chinese devised their own system of 28 Lunar Mansions, more accurately described as lodgings, which subsequently diffused throughout East Asia. This system became an integral component of Feng Shui, a practice that retains widespread adoption in the East and is rapidly attracting interest in the West.

Tracing back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), the utilization of Lunar Mansion talismans in China, also known as Xiu or “Generals,” has a long-standing history. It was believed that these mansions, or Xiu, were under the dominion of celestial generals with the capacity to govern various aspects of life. Talismans adorned with the symbols representing these generals were crafted to access their power and influence, with a particular focus on channeling their energies toward agriculture, governance, and personal well-being.

India

The Hindu lunar mansions, alternatively referred to as Nakshatras, encompass a system of 27-star clusters or lunar mansions, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. These Nakshatras are utilized in Vedic astrology and astronomy to ascertain the moon’s position as it traverses the sky during a lunar month. Each Nakshatra is associated with a specific group of stars and a ruling deity, facilitating the determination of propitious dates and times for various activities. Furthermore, Nakshatras offer insights into an individual’s personality, inclinations, and life trajectory. The contemporary practice of Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, continues to incorporate the use of Nakshatras.

Mesoamerica

The pre-Columbian kingdoms of Mexico and Central America, such as the Aztecs and Maya, devised their own system of Lunar Mansions, referred to as Ozomatl in Aztec astrology. Each Ozomatl was associated with a potent deity, typically represented as an animal. These 28 Ozomatl were routinely employed to identify propitious moments for agricultural activities, construction projects, and ceremonial events.

Earlier Mayan astrologers utilized a system of 27 mansions akin to that of the ancient Hindus, in conjunction with their revered 260-day sacred calendar and the highly sophisticated 365-day solar calendar for which they remain renowned. Regrettably, much of the intricate knowledge of Mesoamerican Lunar Mansions has been lost due to the devastation inflicted by the Conquistadors. However, the extant remnants reveal an impressively advanced comprehension of the cosmos.

Islamic World

In Islamic astronomy and astrology, the 28 Lunar Mansions, or manzil, held significant importance. These divisions were employed to establish the commencement and termination of lunar months in the Islamic calendar and to organize an array of daily activities and rituals, encompassing agricultural tasks, journeys, wedding timings, and even optimal moments for haircuts.

The Ghayat al-Hakim, or “Goal of the Wise,” commonly known as Picatrix in the West, was initially authored in Arabic approximately a millennium ago and encompasses two sets of Lunar Mansions derived from earlier Middle Eastern astrological sources.

The renowned Shams al-Ma’arif al-Kubra (Book of the Sun of Gnosis), authored by the 13th-century Sufi philosopher Ahmed al-Buni, incorporates extensive applications of the Lunar Mansions. Furthermore, the 28 Mansions correspond to the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, facilitating the creation of a diverse array of talismans. For over a thousand years, both royalty and commoners utilized Lunar Mansion talismans, intricately crafted with combinations of Quranic verses, to enhance various aspects of their lives.

 

Exploring the 28 Lunar Mansions:
A Cosmic Wheel of Destiny

 

The 28 Lunar Mansions, each with distinct attributes and powers, create a cosmic wheel of destiny that can be harnessed to make informed decisions and effectively work with Lunar Mansion talismans. This guide offers an overview of the Mansions’ characteristics, related deities, and optimal times to tap into their energies. The focus will be on the application of the Lunar Mansions within Western astrology, with an emphasis on their utilization as astrological talismans, as detailed in the Picatrix.

Unraveling the Lunar Mansions’ Unique Characteristics

Each of the 28 Lunar Mansions boasts distinct characteristics influenced by the stars and constellations within its boundaries. These attributes closely relate to various life aspects, such as love, wealth, health, and spiritual growth. By comprehending each mansion’s unique traits, you can customize your practice to align with your specific goals and intentions.

The Picatrix offers two separate lists of Lunar Mansions, with the most popular one found in Book 4, attributed to Pliny the Elder. Book 1’s list is credited to the wise men of India by its author. The talismans in Book 4 are highly popular, as the book provides the name of the spirit ruling each Mansion, detailed instructions for creating the image, the talisman’s effects, and often includes recommendations for materials, incense, and specific invocations to recite. In essence, these instructions are quite user-friendly.

In contrast, Book 1 takes a different approach. The Picatrix provides the name of each Mansion’s ruling spirit (also known as the Lord of the Mansion) and outlines four to as many as a dozen diverse uses for each Mansion. However, it lacks specific details such as images, incantations, or any instructions similar to those found in Book 4. This absence of information can be confusing for a novice practitioner, especially since each Mansion has both beneficial and harmful uses. A single mansion’s talismans can be used for various purposes, ranging from promoting crop growth and gaining favor from nobility to causing property destruction.

Associated Deities and Celestial Entities

Numerous cultures attribute the power of Lunar Mansions to divine beings or celestial entities. These deities are believed to govern the energies and influences of their respective mansions. Creating a talisman with the names or symbols of these deities invokes a stronger connection with their energies, thereby enhancing the potency of one’s practice.

The Picatrix provides the names of each Mansion Lord, many of which remain unchanged from the pre-Islamic Arab world’s Anwa. While crafting a talisman, the astral magician is instructed by the Picatrix to call upon the Mansion Lord’s name and often engrave it alongside the image.

This list of mansions may have roots in ancient Babylonian traditions, where the Mansions were combined with Egyptian concepts of auspicious and inauspicious lunar days, continuing with the Arabic manazil. Each Mansion is associated with the characteristics of prominent stars and constellations within it. Book 1’s vague instructions necessitate that the astral magician possess knowledge of the symbols for these star clusters and improvise the image accordingly.

For instance, the 13th Mansion, Alahue or Al-Awwa, is situated in the sign of Virgo, and one of its potential uses is to bind nobles to receive good. In addition to positively aspecting the ruling planet of the tenth house, it could be advantageous for the image to depict a young queen or other symbols associated with the virgin constellation.

Optimizing Timing for Accessing Lunar Mansion Energies

The Moon’s position within the 28 Lunar Mansions changes approximately every 24 hours, making it crucial to understand the optimal timing for accessing each mansion’s energy. By crafting and using your talisman during the specific lunar cycle associated with the desired mansion, its effectiveness is maximized.

Book 1’s Lunar Mansions list is prefaced with straightforward instructions, stating that users must comprehend the science of calculating celestial movements. The Picatrix contains numerous, intricate considerations for selecting times to create talismans or perform ritual petitions scattered throughout its pages. Most of these instructions focus on the Moon, which the Picatrix appears to regard as the most critical factor in astrological magic. The Moon is deemed the foremost planet due to its manifest effects and influence on generation and corruption (Book 2, Chapter 3, page 70).

To identify the suitable mansion for your talisman, consider the following examples:

  • 3rd Mansion, Al-Thurraya: This mansion is intended for acquiring all good things.
  • 5th Mansion, Al-Haqa: This mansion aims to bring favor from authorities and high officials and induce lucid dreams.
  • 13th Mansion, Al-Awwa: The thirteenth mansion is said to possess robust erotic energy, attracting the opposite sex and alleviating impotence in men.

The two lists of 28 Mansions found in the Picatrix also appear in Agrippa’s Book 2, but they are not the only sources within the Western tradition. Liber Lunae, also known as Sefer ha-Levanah (Book of the Moon) in Kabbalistic traditions, has many unique uses. A Cunning Man’s Grimoire, published by Stephen Skinner and David Rankine, is a fascinating Solomonic grimoire from 17th-century Europe, featuring a list of 28 Lunar Mansion talismans dedicated to hunting and farming. Numerous other resources exist in fragmented forms from medieval to Renaissance manuscripts.

By studying each Lunar Mansion’s attributes and working harmoniously with their energies, their power can be harnessed more effectively, resulting in a more potent and personalized practice.

 

The Process of Crafting a Lunar Mansion Talisman

 

I’ll now discuss the basic steps for crafting a Lunar Mansion talisman. Creating a Lunar Mansion talisman is an intricate process, allowing you to infuse the physical material of the talisman with the astral energies of the Mansion you choose. This section outlines the steps involved in crafting an effective talisman, from selecting the appropriate materials and symbols to choosing the most effective time.

Selecting the Right Materials

The materials used in creating your talisman play a crucial role in its effectiveness. A fundamental part of magic is the invisible sympathies and connections that link the visible world with the invisible. For instance, the red planet Mars has a strong spiritual resonance with red stones such as ruby and garnet.

Common traditional materials in astrological magic include metals such as silver, gold, or brass, and natural elements like gemstones and beeswax. Each material carries its unique energy and symbolism, so consider the specific attributes you wish to infuse into your talisman when choosing the material.

Picatrix often recommends a specific material for each lunar mansion but most traditional lunar materials, such as quartz, selenite, and silver are also very effective for any mansion. Book 1 of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy is an excellent resource for a wide range of suitable materials.

Incorporating Symbols and Inscriptions

Incorporating symbols and petitions into your talisman helps to strengthen its connection with the chosen Lunar Mansion. Symbols can include representations of the associated mansion, constellations, or other meaningful elements connected to the mansion’s attributes. Inscriptions can be written in a sacred language or script and may include prayers, invocations, or phrases that align with your intentions.

Picatrix and Agrippa provide specific instructions for the optimal design of a talisman, from the placement of the petition words and astrological symbols to the best places to keep it. As stated already, the astrological configuration is the single most important factor.

A beautiful design with weak astrological factors is just that: a beautiful design. A crude and simple talisman made with a powerful election will be effective while an intricate piece of art with a poor astrological configuration will have little or no connection to the astral spirit that a talisman is intended to attract.

Aligning with the Lunar Cycles

To fully harness the power of the Lunar Mansion, it’s essential to create and consecrate your talisman when the Moon is in the specific mansion you’ve chosen. This alignment allows you to tap into the mansion’s energies more effectively, imbuing your talisman with its utmost potential.

Knowledge of traditional astrology (18th century and before) is essential. The astrological configuration and precise timing are paramount, and intention is not a significant factor. Creating a beneficial Lunar Mansion talisman while the moon is highly afflicted will at best result in no effects and result in an accidental curse in the worst case.

For a Lunar Mansion talisman to be effective, at a minimum, it must be created using these basic factors:

  • The Moon is in the correct Lunar Mansion
  • The Moon is rising in the Ascendant (precisely on the eastern horizon) or culminating in the Midheaven (the highest point in the sky)
  • The Moon is not afflicted by combustion (too close to the sun) or making hard aspects to the malefic planets Saturn and Mars. Conversely, a destructive talisman would deliberately use these factors.
  • The talisman must take on its final form while the Moon is in the chosen position

These are only the minimum criteria. Some practitioners have individual preferences drawn from instructions in Picatrix and other sources or based on individual experience. I personally use many factors but someone with only a very basic knowledge of astrology can successfully craft an astrological talisman using only those factors.

Consecrating Your Talisman

Once you’ve crafted your talisman, it can be beneficial to consecrate it through a ritual or ceremony to activate the spirit that now inhabits it. Consecration methods can vary depending on your personal beliefs and practices. Some common techniques include:

  • Suffumigation, holding the talisman over suitable incense smoke, which is a staple of the practice and recommended throughout Picatrix
  • Reciting prayers, meditation, and incantations to state your intentions and connect with the spirits of the chosen Lunar Mansion.
  • Performing these every month when the moon reenters the Mansion to strengthen the spiritual bond

By carefully selecting materials, incorporating suitable symbols, choosing the correct time, and consecrating your talisman, you create an ancient tool infused with the cosmic spirits of a Lunar Mansion, harnessing its power in your life.

 

Lunar Mansion Talismans for Love, Wealth, and Protection

 

Talismans from Lunar Mansions hold the potential to draw in and bolster different facets of your life, encompassing love, wealth, and protection. In this section, we’ll take an in-depth look into the particular Lunar Mansions tied to these themes, giving suggestions on how you can leverage your talisman to create positive transformations in your life.

Lunar Mansion Talismans for Love

To attract love or strengthen existing relationships, consider working with Lunar Mansions that possess energies conducive to harmony, affection, and emotional connection.

Examples of such mansions include:

Mansion 15, Algrafra: Associated with love, attraction, and partnership, this mansion is ideal for creating a talisman to enhance romantic relationships or build friendships.

Mansion 3: Azoraye Connected to the Pleiades, this mansion is said to be conducive to “all good things”.

Lunar Mansion Talismans for Wealth

In order to manifest wealth and abundance, align yourself with Lunar Mansions that embody the vibrant energies of prosperity, success, and growth.

Some mansions to consider are:

Mansion 16, Azebene: Located in Libra and containing the highly beneficial fixed star Spica, the 16th Mansion is for “making of money…in buying and selling”, which is to say business. This could also be used to enhance one’s intuition to profit in the stock market.

Mansion 5, Almizen: In addition to enhancing the owner’s ability to lucid dream, the 5th Mansion is “for receiving good from kings and high officials”. In modern times this would translate to increased luck with job interviews, applications for loans, and all-around better luck with people who are in a position to help you.

Lunar Mansion Talismans for Protection

For protection from negative energies, physical harm, or spiritual threats, focus on Lunar Mansions that hold protective and shielding qualities.

Examples include:

Mansion 17, Al-Iklil: Known for its protective attributes, this mansion is an excellent choice for deterring thieves from entering your home, according to Picatrix.

Mansion 22, Sadahaca: The 22nd Mansion is used to “bind tongues so that they do not say anything bad about you”. Everyone is subjected to malicious gossip and unjust negativity from others, and the owner of this talisman is said to be protected from it.

Harnessing the power of Lunar Mansion talismans to enrich various aspects of your life necessitates a deep comprehension of each Mansion’s unique properties. While the 21st century vastly differs from a millennium ago due to technological advancements, the core issues we grapple with remain largely unchanged. Universal problems such as gossip, theft, and loneliness persist, transcending time and societal evolution. Even in the era before currency, when barter was the norm, individuals invariably faced resource scarcity. By delving into the distinct characteristics of each mansion and understanding how their influence can be advantageous to you, you can more adeptly channel their power, leading to positive transformations in your life.

 

Enhancing Your Lunar Mansion Talisman Practice

 

In order to fully harness the potential of your Lunar Mansion talisman and intensify your bond with cosmic spirits, it is advantageous to weave complementary practices and techniques into your routine. This segment provides guidance on enhancing your talisman usage, fostering a deeper connection with the cosmos and spirits of time.

Creating a Sacred Space

Establishing a special area for your talisman can help ehance your practice. According to Hermetic writings, an astrological talisman or “god image” is a miniature temple, a material vessel for a nonphysical being to inhabit so that its influence in our world is strengthened.

This dedicated zone can take the form of a miniature altar, a secluded corner, or any other area where you find tranquility and focus. Adorn this sacred zone with meaningful items like candles, aromatic essences, or incense, and maintain a clean and harmonious environment to promote a positive experience for the inhabiting spirit. This is crucial, as historically, repulsive odors and uncleanliness were employed to repel spirits, while pleasing aromas were used to draw them in and secure their goodwill, such as the universal religious practice of burnt offerings for deities that date back to prehistoric times. Clay tablets recovered from ancient Mesopotamia have been translated and found to be exorcist manuals and a key method almost 5,000 years ago was using specific smells to attract or repel spirits. This practice continued in Late Antiquity, with the Book of Tobit, approximately 2,000 years old, describing a procedure of burning fish parts to drive away a particularly harmful demon named Asmodeus. Likewise, the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM), a large collection of esoteric texts discovered in an Egyptian tomb and dating from dynastic times all the way through the Ptolemaic period and the Roman occupation, strongly advises its reader to not enter a temple if strong-smelling foods such as fish or garlic had been eaten recently, as well as emphasizing the importance of bathing before attempting to gain the attention and favor of the spiritual planes. These are but a few examples of a practice that developed throughout the world independently, whether it be considered shamanic practices or a recognized religion, across vast periods of time and distances, and with no apparent connection between the cultures which employed them. In 15th century Europe, the Key of Solomon emphasizes the importance of a ritual bath with rosewater in a time when bathing regularly was uncommon. Clearly smells are of immense importance in spiritual practices, and we would be wise to not take notice in an age when personal hygiene is readily accessible and sweet-smelling materials far easier to obtain than in ages past.

Meditation and Visualization

Utilizing meditation and visualization methods can significantly enhance your talisman practice if you so choose. By calming your mind and concentrating on the purpose of your talisman, you can forge a stronger bond with the cosmic energies harnessed by the Lunar Mansion. Visualize the spiritual energy of the mansion flowing through your talisman and into your life, bringing to life your desires. This is by no means required, but some people who are experienced practitioners of Yoga, Remote Viewing or other techniques involving specialized mental focus and visualization have often found it beneficial. If this is the case with you, feel free to utilize this skill.

Quieting your mind and opening up can sometimes result in the spirit successfully planting an idea in your mind that causes dramatic changes. Spirits prefer to take the path of least resistance. You may have a golden opportunity to achieve an important goal and not even realize it because of the restrictions of human consciousness, but the spirit tethered to a talisman can perceive it. Allowing it the chance to implant a thought at just the right time could be the catalyst that triggers the positive shift you’ve been seeking.

Regular Cleansing and Charging

To sustain the potency of your talisman, some people have found regular cleansing and “charging” beneficial. As previously mentioned, spirits are not fond of uncleanliness. Regard your talisman as an animate entity and gently cleanse any grime with fresh water and a clean cloth. The New Age practice of “cleansing” with salt water from the ocean may come to mind, and while there is nothing wrong with this, I have personally not seen nor heard of any significant results from it.

As explained already, from obscure shamans to renowned temples, spirits have been appeased with fragrant offerings. Therefore, exposing your talisman to incense smoke can prove beneficial. Frankincense is a readily available and reasonably priced option and appears to be widely appreciated by various spiritual beings. During the time of Christ, frankincense was a prohibitively expensive item and was a gift of the Magi in the well-known story of the Nativity but is easily and cheaply obtained now. If this is not an option or your preference, sweet perfumes of diverse types serve as excellent choices, as do fresh flowers.

Aligning with Lunar Cycles

Developing an awareness of the lunar cycles and their influence on your life can deepen your connection with your talisman. Although simply having the talisman on your person is enough, many people have benefited from setting aside a few moments for their talisman every month when the moon reenters the Lunar Mansion. You may start noticing many odd synchronicities that relate to your talisman in some way around that day every month. That is a sign that the spirit attached to your talisman is working to influence your life in the ways you desire and is saying “hello” to you in a sense.

Staying Open and Receptive

Finally, cultivating an open and receptive mindset is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your Lunar Mansion talisman. Approach your practice with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from your experiences. Trust in the process and remain open to the transformative power of the cosmos as you work with your talisman.

By incorporating these techniques and practices into your Lunar Mansion Talisman journey, you can deepen your connection with celestial spirits and unlock the full potential of these ancient and mysterious tools, enabling you to experience positive change in your life.

 

Conclusion

Lunar Mansion Talismans offer a potent and enchanting avenue to connect with the cosmic forces that govern diverse facets of our lives. By delving into their deep history, examining the unique characteristics of the 28 Lunar Mansions, and mastering the art of crafting and utilizing these talismans, you can leverage their potential to foster positive transformations and enrich your life.

This comprehensive manual has furnished you with the necessary wisdom to set foot on your voyage into the realm of Lunar Mansion Talismans. As you immerse yourself deeper into this practice and apply the expert insights shared in this article, you’ll cultivate a more profound bond with the celestial domain and tap into the mysteries of these ancient and enigmatic tools.

 

(1) Tester, Jim (1987) “A History of Western Astrology. “

(2)  “The Chinese Lunar Mansions and Their Talismans” by Richard J. Smith

(3) “The Oxford Handbook of the Aztecs” edited by Deborah L. Nichols, Enrique Rodriguez-Alegria, 2017.

“The Aztecs: New Perspectives” edited by Dirk R. Van Tuerenhout, 2005.

“The Sky in Mayan Literature” by Anthony F. Aveni, 1992.

(4) “The Picatrix: Liber Atratus Edition” translated by John Michael Greer & Christopher Warnock