CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTORS & SPEAKERS: AM23

Jenn Zahrt

Dynamic Talismans: A Stereoscopic View of Power Relations

Based on years of personal practice, this talk aims to widen our perceptual arena of possibility when engaging in talismanic work. Go beyond the confines of a planetary hour/day, and work across multiple levels of essential dignity and temporal containers to create a dynamic talismanic engagement with potent magical effect.

Clifton Wigtil

Astrology of Dee's and Kelley's Enochian Magic

The Renaissance-era system of angelic magic known as Enochian has undergone its own renaissance in the modern era, with modern magicians having painstakingly reconstructed working magical practices from John Dee's diaries of the conversations with the angels and derived publications. Yet aspects of this complicated system and its relationship to Dee's previous work such as the Monas Hieroglyphica are still less well-known. This talk will provide a basic introduction to John Dee, the rationale for his work, some background on his partner in the angelic work, Edward Kelley, and then will focus on the astrological aspects of the system. Specifically, the talk will focus on: the angelic Heptarchy of seven kings and seven princes and their relationship to the seven planets; the 12 zodiacal kings; and the use the angels as prescribed in Dee's diaries, as well as applied uses by modern practitioners such as the creation of talismans.

KristaLyn A. Vetovich

Decoding the Language of the Stars

What we know of astrological magic comes in large part from ancient and traditional texts that can often feel more like word problems than recipes for magical works. KristaLyn will finally put their degree in English to good use as we explore the rich tradition of astrological magic texts. We will examine traditional sources such as Vettius Valens, Picatrix, and William Lilly to gain insight into the complex and often enigmatic world of traditional astrology. While these texts offer a wealth of knowledge about astrological symbolism and magic, they also carry the occasional traps and pitfalls that can lead the unwary astray. To avoid misinterpretation, we will delve into the art of reading and interpreting these texts, examining the nuances of language and the subtleties of symbolism to uncover their true meaning. We will also explore how these ancient texts can serve as foundation and inspiration to create new works of art and magical practice. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer to the world of astrological magic, this talk promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of the stars.

NM Thomen

The Art of Talismanic Filmmaking and Soundscaping

In the art of talismanic filmmaking and soundscaping, moving imagery and sound are recorded to intentionally capture the essence of stellar influences. Talismanic films and soundscapes hold the power to break the hypnotic spell of the spectacle by transmitting divinely and daimonically attuned frequencies thru both light and sound. Such works also carry the potential to cast their own hypnosis and mesmeric magic as a path to self-liberating and self-actualizing gnosis. The aim of my presentation is to explore the development of talismanic film and sound as its own genre in the intersecting timeline of experimental art-making and the astral-magical tradition.

Christos Tejada

Objects of Desire /// TOTM.no.7

Employing of the body as a talisman or a sigil, by way of flesh-altering rituals, actions of creation/destruction, and mystical/erotic communal dimensions. 

Jove Spucchi

Amplifying Magical Practice with Dramaturgical Thinking

Individually and collectively, we are joined in an eternal dance with the celestial spheres and the spirits therein–each interaction with the magical other is a movement within the larger choreography of our own spiritual development and role within spiritual ecologies. Approaching magical practice from the perspective of the dramaturg offers frameworks of critical theory and expanded performance praxis as tools to enrich and enhance the erotic potency of our rituals and relationships.

Together we'll explore the dramatic structures of dance, theater, music, and visual art as ways to inhabit planetary archetypes and narratives through embodied action. In turn, we’ll apply the languages of aesthetics, semiotics, dynamics, and movement shape to invite the planets to inhabit us as well. Drawing from my own experiences with butoh, ecstatic dance (raves), astro-drama, and multimedia talisman creation, we’ll discuss accessible and practical strategies for maximizing the presence, beauty, and intentionality of each facet of our experience as practitioners.

Frank Sivilli

Talismans in Time: Image Magic in the Moment

The art of talismanic magic prizes precision in the process of election and execution. And, while there is great wisdom and necessity in this practice, every mage from novice to master has found that their in-the-moment need often does not allow for delay. Rather than delay, we can work with what is given. In doing so, we find surprising revelations of meaning and purpose.

We are shown that what the heavens provide us at the very moment of our need is perhaps indicative of how to work and execute resolution. This course explores the creation of talismanic and image magic as a spontaneous act of creation. Using the teachings and wisdom of the Western astrological tradition as described in The Picatrix, in addition to lived examples from the presenter's practice, the goal of this course is to take our liminal desire and make it real, fixed, and present, knotted to what the heavens provide us in the times we are most in need. We will learn to be in congruence with the astrological moment and to flow with the goings-on of the here and now.

Erica Shadowsong

Leveraging Pluto: The Individual and Mass Effect

We as magickal practitioners and potential change-makers are entering the opportunity of a lifetime with the current configuration of planetary bodies in the zodiac. Especially potent is Pluto entering the sign of Aquarius, an event that has not been seen since the late 1700s. Astrologers and starwatchers have been signaling that this is a time of unprecedented chance for shaking up the current socio-political foundations of human civilization, and it will last for a good part of the century. We are also at a time of great awareness - and urgency - of the catastrophic consequences our impact on the environment is having on all of life on Earth.

Shuly Rose

The Selenalter’s Entryway: A Lunar-Magic Workshop

This is a workshop of entry points into building a working relationship with the Moon and the spirits of her retinue through the frame of an immersive and embodied monthly lunar return ritual. In this collaborative space participants will survey a toolkit of diverse ritual techniques, from the magical traditions of late antiquity to shared gnosis built in relationship with contemporary Moon-adorers.

Using this toolkit, practitioners will develop their own framing rite in order to craft a monthly ritual space in which to deepen their relationship to their own natal Moon and to collaborate with the Queen of the Night herself. Though it will not be required, attendees are encouraged to bring their own stories, dreams, and experiences of the Moon and her spirits for discussion. This workshop is crafted with diversity of experience in mind and will be suitable for a variety of experience levels and magical backgrounds, with extra attention to presenting entryways for the beginner and suggestions for deeper exploration for more advanced practitioners.

Ione Richards

Sacred Bondage: Ananke and the Lot of Necessity

A foray into the mythos of Ananke, the ancient Greek personification of Necessity. The semitic roots of this word translate to variations of “to constrain, to bind” as well as “fate, destiny”. Ananke, self-formed sister and consort of Chronos, mother of the Moira, has a strong relationship with other goddess figures in the Greek pantheon, especially Aphrodite. In the Orphic Hymn to Venus, “Crafty, from whom necessity first came,” it is Venus who creates Ananke and rules the triple Fates.

Beyond exploring the roles of this archetype in planetary mythology, this talk will elucidate the divinatory history of lot casting, with a specific focus on the Lot of Necessity as calculated by Vettius Valens and Paulus Alexandrinus. We’ll wind down by exploring parallels between these ancient rites and their cultural relevance within more modern BIPOC sex worker led movements, queer culture, magical praxis, and stately resistance. Through offering love to our chains, there may even be a hint into remedial practices in the Hellenistic astrological tradition.

amelia passer

The Seven Basics: Seven Talismanic Paintings

The Seven Basics was a term made by Paracelsus as a method in Alchemy to integrate and attune oneself with the energies of each planet by making a spagyric tincture for each of the Seven Planets in accordance with their signatures and astrological timing. Using a combination of Alchemy and traditional astrological magic, my intention was to make seven talismanic oil paintings, each of the paintings pertaining to the particular Planet it's ruled by.

Using astrological magic rituals, as well as only working on these paintings during their planetary days and specific electional times combined with iconography and symbolism associated with each planet, my intention was for each painting to possess and express the energies of the particular planet it rules; making 7 talismanic paintings.

Gary O'Toole

Planetary Yoga: Hāṭha Yoga & Jyotiṣa

The sequences of hāṭha yoga are not random; they align with the natural cycles of the cosmos. Journey with the planets and shapeshift through the cycles (daśās) of Jyotiṣa (Indian astrology) and your personal story; through various combinations and possibilities, before returning to your still centre.

This one-hour demonstration includes physical movements for each cycle in the viṁśottarī sequence; a division of nine 'planetary periods': Ketu (south node of the Moon), Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rāhu (north node of the Moon), Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.

Beginning and ending with Ketu, the sequence moves through each in order:

Ketu: starts from zero

Venus: moves with ease

Sun: finds its rhythm

Moon: ebbs and flows

Mars: strengthens character

Rāhu: explores boundaries

Jupiter: expands space

Saturn: takes time

Mercury: plays a little

Ketu: returns to source

Mason David Merrill

Understanding Magic Through Exhibitionism and Sensuality

Magic is not just about will, but feeling it body and soul. Magic can look to others as a taboo, but it is the same subversion of another's reality that allows the magic to happen in the first place. To be so vulnerable and willing to expose yourself to whatever can happen, is an act of God manifesting itself on earth.

How can we be more sensitive to the erotic nature of the cosmos and use that for our greater good when connecting with Celestial Influences?

Arturo Martinini

In-Carnality of Artificial Intelligence Divination

In the process of turning digital talismanic images made using artificial intelligence into a published book, the contorted relationship between art and carnality was radically highlighted. In this talk I will lay out a strange personal network of connections starting from Sumerian mythology and the idea of humans as talismans of the Gods, passing through the necromantic worship of an Eros-Frankenstein in Antonin Artaud's theater and landing on artificial intelligence as a medium, planting the seeds for a "Codex of the Flesh" collaborative project.

Danny Larkin

Bodybuilding with Astrological Magic

In 2011, I was violently assaulted and endured a six-inch stab wound to my left quadriceps. The assailant was aiming to kill me by puncturing my femoral artery but missed. Mars crossed the ASC on the day I was attacked. The doctors didn't know if I was every going to walk again or find relief from throbbing intense leg pain. After years of physical therapy, I could walk instead of hobble. But I was put on an aggressive regiment of daily weight lifting, stretching and pilates to keep compensating for the permanent leg damage.

This presentation will show how I've used pilgrimages to sacred sites, talismans and other forms of astrological magic to overcome PTSD, and embark on a healing fitness journey. Although astrological magic and the gym don't normally go together, this will be an unorthodox presentation that builds an unusual bridge between these realms. I also sexually shut down after the assault. Working with talismans and going further with astrological magic, along with psychotherapy and a consistent fitness practice, I experienced a major breakthrough after a long ten-year block. The final piece of the talk will address the intersection between astrological magic and sexual healing after trauma.

Edward Knapp

Weaving Starlight into Matter: The Spica Series

Classical texts describing the methods of creating astrological talismans often contain incomplete or contradictory information regarding both the natures of the astral entities themselves and the talismans formed under their influence. Notably lacking are detailed or comparative reports of the talismanic craft, despite frequent encouragement to would-be practitioners to “experiment and see what happens” in response to questions about methods of electing and working—nobody wants to talk specifics of what did and did not work, much less discuss why.

This project focuses on the creation of astrological talismans with the influence of the fixed star Spica. An experimental prototyping approach using a sequence of waxing moon talismanic elections for Spica of varying configurations and levels of “ideal”-ness combined with standardized materia and methods will illuminate how specific elements of a fixed star election change the resulting quality of communication and communion with the fixed star, and the resulting talisman’s quality and effects. A further goal of this series is to clarify through experience the sometimes conflicting information from traditional sources regarding the character of this star.

Rory Keys

PGM Birthday Magic: Dawn of the Inner Sun

"For those who seek the divine within, those ready to awaken their inner potential, eager to discover their purpose in life, anticipating the dawning Sun inside one’s Heart…"

Inspired by Paul Weston’s Star of Ishtar, this presentation is a recollection of, and instruction in the method by which an individual may attain for themselves an exalted personal sovereignty by engaging in a year-long ritual, beginning the night prior to their solar return and concluding 365 days later.

Such an undertaking results in a myriad of blessings, including but not limited to; miraculous good luck, enhanced physical and mental capabilities, renewed confidence, and the development of a 'heart of gold'; all achieved via the alignment of the self with the celestial beneficence represented by the golden light of the Sun.

Utilising a combination of the astrological techniques of annual profections and solar returns, in conjunction with a ritual adaptation of the Greek Magical Papyri’s Spell to Helios; so-called ‘birthday magic’ is elevated to serve a higher purpose: accelerating one’s union with divinity for the benefit of both themselves and all those around them.

Ben Jeans Houghton

A Gnostic Astrology of Atomic Eros

By navigating a Gnostic astrology via the nuclear-messiahs, immortal-romantics, transhuman-deities and apocalyptic-guides of cinematic and animatic histories, we will speculate on the erotic embodiment and metamorphic dreaming of a living cosmos through the silver screen.

By examining the seductive gravity of Eros as the physics of incarnation through which energy is enfleshed, we will consider solar systems as living beings that constellate consciousness, etching energy into organic embodiment to undergo a tutelary theatre of transformation; from both the pessimistic and optimistic perspectives of various Gnosticisms.

By illustrating a mobius loop in space time, centred on the solar wound of atomic warfare, that echoes back into the historicism of Gnostic cosmogenesis—reconsidered as prophecy—and forward into the exponential threat of an AI singularity—considered as the black-mirror of mind-body dualism—we will establish a foundation from which to speculate on the macrocosmic and microcosmic function of ‘the wound’; as an evolutionary initiation within the architecture of an astrology.

Whether asleep in the dream of life being danced by a cosmos, awakened to its implications and agencies, or lucid co-creators of a quantum becoming that populates a psychedelic terraforming of matter, desire ever siren-songs us into the nebulous eroticism of being.

ISAAC HILL

The Talismanic Garden

In this talk, we will explore the garden as a medium of astrological power. There are many talismans and elections that one can use to enhance the growth of plants, but the garden itself can also be a talisman. After digging deep into the Moon, decans, mansions, plants, design, and of course timing, we see how the garden can even become a celestial temple.

Imani Harmon

Afrofuturist Magic for Ancestral Healing and Temporal Liberation

Explore the colliding worlds of Afrofuturism and astrology, as we explore uses of electional astrology in ways that defy linear time. This talk will explore the creation of an election meant to be sent backwards to ancestors by:

1. Outlining practical applications of electional protocol and research to inform the creation of the election

2. Exploring the “troubleshooting” process for determining the efficacy of the magical election

3. Exploring various astrological, African diasporic, and ancestral teachings that informed the creation of the election and three others like it for the zine Elections to Kill Your Slave Master from the black speculative astrology project.

Linsey Gosper

Plant Rituals: Embodying the Celestial

Plants have been utilised in mystical traditions around the world since time immemorial and continue to be powerful allies today. Using the methodology of plant and planet correspondences, heavenly bodies and earth-bound plants can be interchangeable in magical and herbal work.

What does the practice of engaging plants to attract and embody the celestial look like, how can we utilise this herbal materia in our magic, and bring it into our environment and the corporeal? How can we foster a relationship with plant and planet that is reciprocal, respectful, and authentic? Working with correspondences can enable a profound exchange and ecstasy with plant spirit and planetary spirit and deepens one’s connection to both.

In this practical presentation I will share suggestions of accessible herbs to work with for each of the ten planets, and discuss their attributions, folklore, use in magic, how to best source and prepare herbal material, and how to identify new plants as magical allies in your local area. This will be illustrated through creative processes, devotional work, ritual, sympathetic magic, gardening and herbalism.

BERT GILBERT

Sensoring the Censor

Exploring the role of altered states and portals as threshold points to the visible and invisible worlds within a multidisciplinary art practice.

The Sensoring of the Censor within via interactions, performances and energetic ritual tool making.

Margherita Fiorello

Astromagia Hermetica: Hermes Magic in Medieval Books

In our exploration of technical Hermetica, we embark on a journey into the profound depths of the Medieval Renaissance. It was a remarkable era when seekers of wisdom were driven by an insatiable curiosity to unlock the deep secrets of the universe, and in doing so, they sought to discover their unique place within the intricate and mystical cosmos.

This is a journey through famous and less famous manuscripts and magicians. Yet, our exploration will extend beyond mere words on parchment; we will also uncover records of magical experiments and rituals, offering astrological practical examples that illuminate the application of grimoires in the pursuit of arcane knowledge and supernatural power.

This journey invites us to not only read about the mystical arts but to engage with their practical manifestations, bridging the gap between theory and practice in the world of magic.

Taylor Ellwood

Iterative Magic

In Iterative Magic, Taylor Ellwood explores the cyclical and non-linear sequential aspects of space/time magic as it relates to astrological cycles, the phases of the moon and the turning of the seasons. We will explore the power of iterative repetition, which builds off the previous and future cycles of the astrological currents to empower magic and obtain better results while creating a path of least resistance.

James Divine

Somatomancy: The Missing Piece of Your Metaphysical Identity

What astrological body has the most influence upon us? The Moon? the Sun? Jupiter? Of course it is the one we often don't consider: Planet Earth. But how can we "see" planet earth in the celestial sphere since it is the place from which we are observing? Is it our Shadow? Is it the opposition of our Sun Sign?

In this thought provoking talk, palmist James Divine posits that the body itself offers information that compliments our astrology. Somatomancy, or divination by reading the body, gives us insight into a more complete metaphysical identity.

Genie Desert

Embodied Craft and Living Vessels: The Art of the Talisman

When Marsilio Ficino wrote in Three Books on Life that “hammering and heating alone brings out the power latent in the material”, he was essentially saying the craft of talisman making is of primary importance. While Ficino was specifically talking about metal talismans we can apply this sentiment to all talismanic practices, for he implores us to think beyond cookbook directives to consider material engagement and the embodied practices involved in crafting as key to talismanic creation.

In my many years of working professionally as a gold and silversmith in the talismanic arts, I (like Ficino) have come to the understanding that just as important as the timing of the astrological election is the artistic processes; the craft involved in making a talisman. When made to precise astrological timing astrological talismans receive spirits and infused powers from the planets or stars, and those involved in creating astrological talismans are engaged in the sacred craft of making living vessels for stellar spirits. 

When we center craft and creativity in our sacred work we step into a liminal space of innovation and co-creation with stellar spirits. In this presentation I explore how magical operations performed within the context of a creative arts practice can liberate us from the confines of the grimoires and propel us into direct and embodied relationships with stellar spirits. 

Edoardo Costa

Developing Your Astral Sensibility: How to Hone Your Spiritual Perception Using Your Whole Being in the Practice of Astrological Magic

The ritual part of the talisman crafting process is always a big stumbling block for the beginner: what should one say? What should one do? But, most importantly, what should one feel in order to be sure that the spirit was contacted and the operation was a success?

In this talk I will explore some of the possible solutions to these "spiritual feedback" problems, problems that face the aspiring operators when they call forth all manners of non-physical entities. I will bring my personal experiences to the table, as well as enriching, non-traditional perspectives, such as the role of Remote Viewing, Swedenborg, the Ra Materials, and alien contactees and abductees to astrological magic, connecting many metaphysical dots so that we, the inhabitants of this weird sublunary world, can achieve a slightly bigger and more encompassing worldview.

Skyler Bruinsma & Livia Homerski

Celestial Harmonics & Sonorous Embodiment

In exploration of how to sing or verbalize horoscopes, planetary hours, and talismanic magic squares, we will survey the congruous spaces between music theory and astrology, drawing together a few traditional precedents for the efficacy of songs to address astrological predispositions or transmute ill elements: in time, place, and within the melothesic body.

To this end, along with technical mention of Flying Star Feng Shui and brief notes on Jyotish, Ayurveda and the prescriptive affinities of the 72 Melakarta Ragas, we will seek out an exegesis of vowels —being elements of the soul or manifest constitution— within the historical contours of Pythagorean and Platonic philosophies, Gnostic Nag Hammadi texts, Greek Magical Papyri, and Hermetic literature. Broadly, we propose a theory and practice parallel to Mantra Healing but further informed by Greco-Egyptian tradition and incorporated into the sevenfold grammars of Planetary Attributes and Modal Harmony.

Blair Bogin

Planetary Punch Lines: Art As a Magical Joke

Working with planets and telling jokes have a lot in common, timing and rhythm is everything.

Saturn walks into your 5th house…

Venus crosses Aries to get to your Moon…

Every planetary happening has a setup and a punchline. Like a stellar knock knock joke—we are invited to respond, or as Lauren Berlant says, “a joke is like an i-love-you awaiting reciprocation.”

This presentation considers how the artist/magus can deepen their planetary courtship through the comedic form. It sounds fun, yet as we know some alignments are a tough crowd, some planets use dark humor and sometimes, we are the butt of the joke. Comedy isn’t what we think it is—it depends on tension, failure, often working with what’s wrong in order to lead to a moment of mutual delight.

What kind of astral art is possible when we have the courage to stay open to this awkwardness, to keep everything in play? How might our planetary devotions benefit from the in-and-out of controlness that the grammar of comedy depends on? We will discuss what worlds can be built when we let laughter refine our materials, charge our talismans, when amusement is our co-creative tool.

JD KELLEY

Astral Arousals: Bestial & Fecund, Licentious & Lewd

What is this strange intercourse between the supernal and terrestrial? And, why does it arouse such intensity, often giving rise to such fecundity and proliferation?

A speculative exploration of the primacy of the fleshy, the elemental, and the carnal, its entanglement with the celestial. Our route will take us into philosophy, astrology, the astral via magic as well as witchcraft, and erotic gnosis.