AYA Reads Agrippa: Three Books of Occult Philosophy

Join AYA in an online reading group to discuss planetary magic as taught by Cornelius Agrippa, famed western occultist and author of Three Books of Occult Philosophy. Across three Saturdays we’ll look at several chapters in Three Books of Occult Philosophy that teach the fundamentals of planetary magic. These chapters will cover the basic requirements for completing a planetary ritual and beginning a personal relationship with each planetary spirit.

The reading group conversations will be free and open to the entire astrological community. Below you will find the dates for each reading group, the recommended translation, and the chapters we’re planning to discuss.

Reading Group Meeting Dates

Saturday, October 6th 1pm – 3pm EST
Saturday October 27th 1pm – 3pm EST
Saturday, November 10th 1pm – 3pm EST

First Reading Session – Saturday, October 6th 1pm – 3pm

The first reading will cover:

• Timing for planetary rituals
• Images associated with the planets

Chapters:

• On timing:
  • Chap. xxix. Of the Observation of Celestials, necessary in every Magical Work.
  • Chap. xxx. When Planets are of most powerful influence.
• On images:
  • Chap. xxxviii. Of the Images of Saturn.
  • Chap. xxxix. Of the Images of Jupiter
  • Chap. xl. Of the Images of Mars.
  • Chap. xli. Of the Images of the Sun.
  • Chap. xlii. Of the Images of Venus.
  • Chap. xliii. Of the Images of Mercury.
  • Chap. xliv. Of the Images of the Moon.

Second Reading Session – Saturday October 27th 1pm – 3pm

The second reading will cover:

• Materials associated with each planet (example: copper for Venus)
• What each planet can be petitioned for (example: Sun for eminence, Mars for bravery)

Chapters:

• On materials and what a planet can be petitioned for:
  • Book I – Chapter xxiii. How we shall know what Stars naturall things are under, and what things are under the Sun, which are called Solary.
  • Book I – Chapter xxiv. What things are Lunary, or under the power of the Moon.
  • Book I – Chapter xxv. What things are Saturnine, or under the power of Saturne.
  • Book I – Chapter xxvi. What things are under the power of Jupiter, and are called Jovial.
  • Book I – Chapter xxvii. What things are under the power of Mars, and are called Martial.
  • Book I – Chapter xxviii. What things are under the power of Venus, and are called Venereall.
  • Book I – Chapter xxix. What things are under the power of Mercury, and are called Mercuriall.

Third Reading Session – Saturday, November 10th 1pm – 3pm

The third reading will cover:

• Names of planetary spirits
• Numbers associated with planets
• Fumigations used for each planet
• Colors of the planets
• The power of mind over matter

Chapters:

• On numbers:
  • Book II, Chapter XXI – What numbers are consecrated to the Gods, and which are ascribed, and to what Elements
• On names of planetary spirits:
  • Book II, Chap. XXII. Of the tables of the Planets, their vertues, forms, and what Divine names, Intelligencies, and Spirits are set over them.
  • Book III – Chapter xxiv. Of the names of Spirits, and their various imposition; and of the Spirits that are set over the Stars, Signs, Corners of the Heaven, and the Elements.
• On incense, or fumes
  • Book I – Chap. xliv. The Composition of some fumes appropriated to the Planets.
• On colors of the planets
  • Book I – Chapter xlix. Of Light, Colours, Candles, and Lamps, and to what Stars, Houses, and Elements severall colours are ascribed.
• On mind and intention in magical work
  • Chapter lxviii. How our mind can change, and bind inferiour things to that which it desires.