Most of us are aware of our astrological sun signs and make at least a token effort to acknowledge the progression of the Earth, sun, and moon as they cycle through the seasons.  Some go a step further and use astrology and theories about the heavenly bodies as a way to predict forces and time their magickal projects for maximum effect. How can you go from the mostly-uninformed to the sophisticated stellar magician?  Why, by learning more from the wealth of available books on astrology and stellar magick of course!

To get a good grounding in astrology start with a book like “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Astrology” by Madeline Gerwick-Brodeur & Lisa Lenard, or “Parker’s Astrology” by Julia & Derek Parker.  Another beginner book that I’ve heard good things about is “The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need” by Joanna Woolfolk.  Even if you don’t end up drawing up charts the books will give you enough info to understand the basics behind the system and what the associations are with the various planets, signs, etc.

As you start to move into trying to time your spiritual and magickal work with heavenly cycles you’ll likely want a reference to consult such as “The Spellcaster’s Reference: Magickal Timing for the Wheel of the Year” by Eileen Holland.  Another book with lots of great suggestions is “Pagan Astrology” by Raven Kaldera.  Both books provide information, with concrete examples, of how to work magick with the various planetary and stellar tides.

Magickal systems can have a clear basis in astrological theory.  Old grimoires such as Agrippa’s (such as in the new annotated “The Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy” edited by Donald Tyson), or the Arbatel (with a recent version edited by Joseph Peterson) provide source material for those working with ceremonial magick.  More modern systems based on the older material are presented in books such as “Practical Planetary Magick” by David Rankine & Sorita d’Este, “Planetary Magick” by Denning & Phillips, and “Stellar Magic” by Payam Nabarz.

Those working a more witchy style of magick will find lots of great ideas in Dorothy Morrison’s “Everyday Sun Magic” and “Everyday Moon Magic.”

One last resource which I’ve personally found invaluable is the website http://www.lunarium.co.uk/planets/hours.jsp — it provides a handy calculator for planetary hours for a specific location and date.  Finding out which planet is likely to be dominant for a specific date, time, and location doesn’t have to stretch your brain with complicated calculations!

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Ben Gruagach is an eclectic Wiccan writer living in Oakville, Ontario Canada with his sweetheart, two wonderful sons, and both a feline and canine companion. Look for his book, “The Wiccan Mystic,” which explores mystery religions and mysticism in a Wiccan context. Ben’s website is http://www.witchgrotto.com.

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