Below are the astrological factors that I use for creating astrological talismans, which I compiled from the notoriously difficult and complicated instructions in Picatrix.
This list applies to all types of talismans, whether it be planetary, zodiac or one of the fixed stars.
First and foremost: Appearance, material and art style is secondary. The astrological configuration is the single most important factor.
This is backed up by Picatrix and virtually all other known sources. It is far better to have an unsightly piece of metal with a crude engraving made under optimal astrological conditions than a flashy, attractive piece of art made under poor or minimal astrological conditions.
Talismans draw their influences from the astrological influences that were present at the exact moment they took on their final form.
Several years ago, I compiled a list of guidelines from Picatrix and have since maintained detailed records to retrospectively analyze their effectiveness. Based on this analysis, I have made minor adjustments to enhance success. One notable change is permitting a sextile aspect to malefic planets when the moon is waning, despite Picatrix’s original stipulation against using the waxing moon.
Significator Planet
- (A) Hour or Day of planet; hour is preferable
- (B) Making no hard aspects to malefics or in final 2 degrees of sign. Sextiles with malefics are sometimes acceptable if there is reception.
- (C) Within 5 degrees applying to Ascendant or Midheaven and 3 degrees past it (source: Guido Bonatti)
- (D) Sect should be taken into consideration whenever possible; not a critical factor but does provide significant strength
- (E) Significators should be in their own or a benefic Term if possible to help long-term positive outcomes
Ascendant (AC)
- (A) No malefics present (unless Saturn is the significator or is dignified. Mars on AC can be troublesome; use only if source material recommends it)
- (B) AC ruler unafflicted (Sun is an exception, it will overpower its sign ruler)
- (C) AC is one of the most sensitive points of the chart; have benefics and/or POF in 1st house when possible
- (D) The Ascendant is itself a very important significator according to Picatrix and some talismans require planets to make applying aspects to it. I will avoid a malefic making a hard aspect to the Ascendant, regardless if a planet is present in it.
Moon
- (A) Not combust or in final 2 degrees of a sign (Lunar Mansions are exception). Not within 12 degrees of the South Node (applying or separating).
- (B) 13 degrees or faster is optimal, not below 12 minimum. Notable exceptions: if the moon is slow but speeding up and making applying aspects to suitable planets, it will provide a surprising amount of strength. If the moon is prohibitively slow but in its domicile Cancer, it is quite strong. Higher speed in Cancer is optimal but not a critical requirement from repeated observations. Lilly and other traditional sources say that the Moon’s slow speed inhibits it less in Cancer, Taurus, Sagittarius, and Pisces.
- (C) Not in 6th or 12th house, conjunct South Node or fall/detriment (some exceptions apply to specialized talismans like moon in Capricorn for Saturn elections. The moon in Scorpio is required for some Mars elections). Moon in 8th house is usually fine if no hard aspects are made to malefics and acting as an accidental malefic.
- (D) Not separating from house ruler or significator
- (E) Not making an applying square or opposition to Mars or Saturn. Hard aspects to benefics are fine and often are beneficial, especially with reception.
- (F) If the talisman is not Mars or Saturn, a soft aspect to malefics (trine or sextile) should be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis.
- (G) Has slightly less importance in Sun elections than with other planets. Tertiary afflictions are remedied by conjunction or friendly aspects to the Part of Fortune.
- (H) Should always be considered as the secondary indicator in all elections.
Lord of the House of the Moon
- (A) Not combust or in fall/detriment (peregrine is acceptable)
- (B) Can be dignified by Triplicity or Face
- (C) Not retrograde or making hard aspects to malefics
- (D) Combust planet in domicile (chariot) is acceptable
- (E) Not in a cadent house, or cadent from the moon
- (F) Moon not making a separating aspect from its sign lord
Part of Fortune (POF)
- Moon afflictions can be remedied by benefics on AC. POF conjunct the significator, Ascendant, moon or moon’s house ruler is an excellent source of strength. The Part of Fortune often provides a good remedy for many afflictions to the moon or its ruler aside from combustion or hard aspects to malefics. POF is a very powerful and often overlooked factor and has proven to contain as much strength as a planet, more in some cases.
Head and Tail of the Dragon (Nodes)
- A few obscure and complicated elections in Picatrix treat the Nodes as the significators in and of themselves. The North Node amplifies the effects of the planet conjoining it and the South Node nullifies it according to most. The moon conjoining the North Node has proven to be highly effective, provided its underlying conditions are good. The Moon or significator planet conjoining the South Node is a serious problem and needs 10-12 degrees of separation per Bonatti, Abu Mashar and most sources, especially around eclipses. The Sun conjoining and separating from the North Node is a grave affliction and should be no closer than 12 degrees applying or separating.
Descendant
- A malefic should not be applying to conjoin Descendant (creating opposition to AC).
- Mars in Aries or Scorpio on the Descendant is particularly harsh.
Moon Rising on Ascendant
- Moon rising on AC does well for some and not others, and is also highly prone to bad reactions if great care is not taken. Most moon talismans in Picatrix for health require the moon to be rising, as the 1st house represents the talisman’s owner and brings a more direct effect on the body. The Moon Sign Ruler must be taken into careful consideration and its aspects to the seven Hermetic Lots should be examined to ensure no hard aspects to harmful Lots are present.
Lunar Mansions
- Do not require Planetary Day or Hour.
Fixed Star Elections
- Optimal conditions are to have the moon making an applying conjunction with the star, on the Ascendant or Midheaven, with an orb under four degrees. The moon should also apply to aspect a planet that is compatible with the nature of the Fixed Star.
Rare Elections
- Extremely rare elections can disregard planetary Day/Hour. These are exceptions and not the rule. Most of these are extremely complicated elections from the Book of the Treasure of Alexander or Thabit Ibn Qurra’s “On Images”.
Lots aka ‘Arabic Parts’
- Used as tertiary factors and mainly focus on the seven “Hermetic” or planetary Lots. If compatible Lots are aspecting the significator in a helpful way, this is considered an added strength.
Remedial Configurations
- A moderately afflicted moon can be remedied by placing at least one additional benefic in the Ascendant, and the Midheaven if possible. Prohibitive afflictions in all circumstances are applying squares or oppositions to the malefics or applying to conjoin the South Node.
Materials
- Should be used according to the source materials whenever possible. Natural stones that are completely untreated are required. Metals should match the source material if possible. Silver is an optimal universal material for any talisman.
Minor Repairs
- Such as wire wrapping, polishing, reattaching small pieces or plant material, should be done only when the moon is in Cancer. Talismans begin their life the moment they take on their final form.
Appearance and Style
- Is secondary. The astrological configuration is the single most important factor.
Further Exploration
As you embark on the intricate journey of crafting astrological talismans, we invite you to deepen your knowledge and enhance your practice through the following resources on our site:
- Understanding Astrological Timing: Gain insights into the critical aspect of timing in astrology, enhancing the potency of your talismans.
- The History of Astrological Magic: Journey through the ages to uncover the origins and development of astrological magic across different cultures.
- Crafting Your First Talisman: Follow our comprehensive guide to create your first talisman, from selecting the right materials to understanding the best astrological moments.
These pages are designed to support your ongoing exploration and mastery of astrological magic, offering valuable insights and practical tips to integrate ancient wisdom into your modern spiritual practice.