Photo by Magenta
Planetary seals refer to certain diagrams or designs that hold special significance in the practice of magick. These symbols are commonly utilised in magickal rituals and ceremonies that may focus on astral magick. These special planetary seals were first documented in many in ancient grimoires such as Agrippa’s The Three Books of Occult Philosophy, edited and annotated by Donald Tyson. In this article we will explore where planetary seals originated and how they might be used in magickal practise.
Where do planetary seals come from?
To fully appreciate the nature and history of planetary seals, it is necessary to delve a little bit into the concept of planetary squares. This is because the planetary seals were constructed using a square number grid, called a “magic square”, and at the time there were seven magic squares that were specifically referenced in Agrippa’s Three Books.
According to Tyson, ancient scholars in China featured the first magic squares in the I Ching, and these magic squares were eventually distributed across the Middle East to Europe. Before planetary seals were designed by using them, these magic squares were used in maths and what struck these scholars was that when all the numbers in the rows, columns and the diagonals were added together, they all added up to the same amount. Hence their magickness.
Eventually Arabic scholars attributed the first seven magic mathematical squares to the seven known planets and started using them as part of this talismanic (or seal) magick, as found in Agrippa’s Book 2. It is these special planetary seals designed from the magic squares that are said to imbue the power of the planet. It is this power that is used in magickal practise. These magic squares of numbers can, of course, be used to create other seals and sigils as this article explains.
What are the planetary seals?
All seven planets that were known during the Middle Ages have their own unique seal, drawn from it’s special magic square. However, due to the fact that the outer planets were not discovered until relatively recently, and well beyond the time when these seals were originally created, they do not possess a planetary magic square or an associated planetary seal like the other planets.
As we have mentioned, each planetary seal was drawn using the planet’s associated magic square. This means, for example, The Seal of the Sun was originally created using the magic square of the Sun. The Seal of the Moon was originally created using the magic square of the Moon and so on.
The seals were then scribed or carved onto an object, such as a metal talisman (or other magickal object like a ring) in order to imbue that object with the power associated with the seal. Today, where we have access to pens and paper, the planetary seals are drawn as part of a magickal ritual. Other designs, known as sigils (or lesser seals) can be used perhaps to call upon a deity or other spirit connected to one of the planets.
It was thought at one time that the planetary seals were originally drawn by ensuring a line cut across each number of the planetary square, ensuring every number in the square was mathematically used in the seal’s creation. Although when Tyson has has tested this, it doesn’t look like every single number is used in all the seals, but it is true in some cases.
Planetary seal of the Sun
When this seal (drawn properly, unlike our dodgy Google Docs version!) is placed on its magick square, The Seal of The Sun does indeed overlap every number of the magic square of The Sun.
Planetary seal of Mercury
When drawn using its magick square, The Seal of Mercury does overlap every number of the magic square of Mercury.
Planetary seal of Venus
When placed on or drawn using its magick square, The Seal of Venus misses out twelve of the numbers. These are 3, 5, 7, 15, 19, 21, 33, 35, 36, 43, 44, and 47
Planetary seal of the Moon
When drawn using its magick square, The Seal of The Moon does overlap every number of the magic square of The Moon.
Planetary seal of Mars
When placed on or drawn using its magick square, The Seal of Mars misses out numbers 1, 5 and 21.
Planetary seal of Jupiter
When placed on its magick square, The Seal of Jupiter does overlap every number of the magic square of Jupiter
Planetary seal of Saturn
When placed on its magick square, The Seal of Saturn does overlap every number of the magic square of Saturn
Using planetary seals in magick
Calling on the power of the appropriate planet is something we do a lot here at Magenta School of Magick. Using planetary seals is a great way to capture the essence of the planet when working with physical objects.
Before getting started though, it’s worth spending a little bit of time understanding the characteristics of the planets before working out which one would suit the magick the most. We have some high level pointers on each planet’s relative characteristics on our Casting Spells page. All our magickal interpretations come from older grimoires like The Picatrix, translated by Christopher Warnock and John Michael Greer.
After understanding the nature of the planet that you wish to use in magick, the rest is easy. The seal is already created, all that needs to happen is for it to be copied onto a talisman, drawn onto your object (such as a candle or piece of paper) or even drawn in chalk on the floor and objects of focus placed onto the seal.
Timing the magick when using planetary seals
To ensure the planetary seal you’re using is as impactful as possible, you may need to look at an astrological chart for the best time to cast your spell using the planetary seal based on factors such as ensuring the planet you’re working with is travelling along in a suitable star sign, that the magick is being worked at least in the hour of the planet (if not the hour and the day) and that you’ve factored in whatever the Moon is doing.
As a starter for ten, it is important to know that each day of the week is ruled by one of the planets. Sunday is ruled by the sun, Monday is ruled by the moon, Tuesday is ruled by Mars, Wednesday by Mercury, Thursday’s ruler is Jupiter, Friday is ruled by Venus, and Saturday is ruled by Saturn.
Incorporate planetary seals in magick for greater impact
By harnessing the power of magic squares and their planetary seals, you can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your magickal work. Whether you are creating a talisman from your planetary seal, incorporating a planetary seal into your candle magick, or simply looking to try a new approach to magickal expression, using each planet’s energy in the form of the planetary seal provides a potent backdrop for all your magickal workings. So embrace the magick of the planetary seal, and enjoy as you manifest your desires with remarkable potency.
References
Credit where credit is due, we aim to cite our sources because we value truthful content. 2 sources were referenced during research to write this, but you are encouraged to follow our links as well.
1) Agrippa von Nettesheim, H. C. (1993). Three Books of Occult Philosophy. United States: Llewellyn.
2) Renaissanceastrology.com/picatrix
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