#constellation magic

A little something for the @2019grimoirecchallenge prompt on celestial energies.

A large part of my practice and spirituality revolve around my connection with stars. I have been fascinated with the night sky and space since I was a little kid, and I’ve always felt most “witchy” or “druid-y” while stargazing on a summer night, or realizing that a specific planet or constellation was overhead in the dead of winter. 

It has always frustrated me to no end that there aren’t more books on the topic. Sure. We draw down the Moon or the Sun, but the stars are beautiful and powerful and good for something other than interpreting astrological information! Sandra Kynes wrote a really lovely book entitled Star Magic: The Wisdom of Constellations for Wiccans & Pagans which was sort of what really kicked my interest in incorporating stars into my regular practice. So here are some ways that I work with stars, and some ideas you may want to try.

Stargazing / Astronomical Knowledge: For me, the seasons are just as much about what stars I can see in the sky at a given time as they are about the weather and agricultural cycles. I follow NASA’s social media accounts, my local planetarium’s listings, and other stuff to keep track of things like meteor showers, which constellations or planets will be hanging out in the sky, eclipses, etc. I also take as many opportunities as possible to attend the planetarium’s programs. Last month I saw one about black holes. My boyfriend and I went to watch a documentary about Mars, and another about Saturn as date night ideas. It’s fun, you learn lots, and it deepens your understanding of the Universe, and your own local night sky.

Some stars have also been important for centuries and were named by ancient and medieval astronomers. Old alchemical texts suggest what these stars’ properties were and can provide another fun historical / scientific learning experience.

Drawing Down Star Energy: Just like one might draw down the Moon or Sun in ritual, you can totally draw down the stars, too! Some stars, as I mentioned above, were long associated with specific magical properties. You could find where they are in your night sky, and draw on them specifically for a particular spell. You could call, for example, on Polaris (The North Star) for guidance and clear direction. Maybe there’s a meteor shower situated in the constellation Orion; you could time your ritual so that you could draw on the warrior/hunter energies of that particular constellation to help you with a particular goal. Or, just let the silver, shimmery, peaceful light of the stars and the vastness of the Universe shine down on you and your energy. 

Constellations / Star Symbols as Magical Sigils: I like to use the patterns of the constellations as sigils to charge my spells or to help myself through tough times. One I use a LOT is Orion; he represents for me a fighting spirit, perseverance, and is usually high in the sky when I’m at the peak of my seasonal depression episodes. It always felt like he’s been cheering me on, and so I will utilize that constellation pattern in work geared towards pushing through tough times. Some of the named stars also have symbols associated with them. I’ve used them in crafting sigils from time to time.

Making Tarot Spreads: I like to make tarot spreads to use based on the constellations as well. For this, I usually take into context the mythology behind the constellation as well as personal significance, and then come up with questions or information I’d want to receive from that particular energy. An example of one I made using the constellation Orion can be found here.

These are the specific ways I’ve been incorporating my love of the night sky into my practice. I’ve come across a book that reinterprets the constellations in context of The Mabinogion called Dark Land, Dark Skies: The Mabinogion in the Night Sky by Martin Griffiths. As a Druid, this book has been super exciting, because it makes for a sort of Celtic understanding of the constellations. It is a bit dense though as far as scientific language goes, so it’s been a slow read. It’s encouraged me to make up my own interpretations as well in relation to The Wylde Hunt- sort of a bit of creative fun! I’m also currently working on developing a sort of rune system using constellations, planets, and specific stars, but it’s not quite ready to be shared yet! 

Do you work with stars? How do you bring them into your magical practice?

Pictor is a constellation in the southern hemisphere, representing the painter’s easel! I have never actually seen this constellation being a Northerner myself, but I’m sure may of you have seen this lovely boy in the sky near your homes! For obvious reasons, this spread is meant to help you harness your creative gifts! This wasn’t a request, but it was made with my favorite painter @weareweirdatlast in mind, and inspired by @caramelizedchaos‘s post on stars!

1. Alpha Pictoris: This star is not only bright enough to be seen in cities, but also the South Star of Mercury (similar to how Polaris is our North Star)! For that reason, this position represents creativity already within us. In what ways have you already made your mark? How are you a guiding light?

2. Gamma Pictoris: This star is barely visible with the naked eye, so it represents the ways in which our creative gifts are hidden. What is holding you back from sharing your talents? What creative abilities do you have that you aren’t even aware of yet?

3. Beta Pictoris: This moving star system is surrounded by a disk of matter in which planets are being formed! Given that its star has the potential for life, this position represents the new creative opportunities that are manifesting in your life. In what new ways can you share your gifts with the world? What new projects are on your horizon?

Columba, or the dove, is a faint constellation near the foot of Orion. Given the appropriate symbolism and the fact that there’s been...a lot of conflict...in my life lately, I figured a peacemaking spread would be appropriate!

1. Ghusn al Zaitun: Also known as delta columbae, the olive branch represents the innate abilities that will help you as you try to resolve conflicts. Your inner olive branch so to speak! What makes you good at conflict resolution?

2. Sūn yī: As a solitary star, first star of the grandson asterism, or kappa columbae represents that which may hinder you from reaching out that olive branch. What keeps you isolated? What makes you want to avoid this conflict?

3. Gamma Columbae: Since this star is potentially part of a binary star system, it represents the good that comes of meeting with others in order to resolve conflicts. What will a meeting between you and the other party bring? How can you take initial steps towards conflict resolution?

4. Wazn: Also known as beta columbae, the name of this star means “weight” in Arabic. As a result, it represents the difficulties of involving others when resolving conflicts. What difficulties come of shouldering the burdens of others along with your own? What challenges await you should you seek to resolve this conflict?

5. Phact: Alpha columbae is the brightest star in the Columba constellation, so it represents the peace which can come out of successful conflict resolution. What good awaits you after you complete this process? What makes discourse worth it?

6. Eta Columbae: This star is K-type giant, and as such, represents ways in which each party might be making a mountain out of a molehill. This bias towards exaggeration is always something to keep in mind. In what ways has this conflict been blown out of proportion? How can you bring things back down to earth?

7. Epsilon Columbae: Although all stars in the universe are moving at various speeds, epsilon columbae moves at a particularly strange velocity, making it a runaway star system. This position is a warning representing various ways in which this situation can run away from you. In what places could you lose control of this situation? What must you keep in mind in order to keep things peaceful?

If you live in the northern hemisphere, this guy should be a really familiar sight. For those of you who don’t, the Big Dipper is an asterism that makes up part of the full constellation Ursa Major. It can be used to find Polaris, or the North Star, which was an important navigation tool for explorers of all kinds. This is the first constellation I ever successfully identified and as such is pretty special to me, so I decided to take the meanings of the stars and translate them to a spread! As always suggestions for each position are down below, but the ultimate interpretation is up to you!

1.  Dubhe: Dubhe’s an neat one, since it’s a different color from the rest. As one of the two “pointer stars” it helps guide the way to Polaris. How can you change your perspective and keep an open mind? What tools can you use to illuminate paths you hadn’t considered before?

2. Merak: Merak is the second of the two “pointer stars”. It’s name is derived from the Arabic for “loins of the bear”. This position helps to ground the rest of the constellation, and gives insight regarding the issue with which you need guidance. What is the root of your indecision? What is the issue from which all these paths sprout?

3. Phecda: Phecda is an Ae star and as a result is surrounded by a thick layer of gas. For this reason, it represents challenges. What obstacles stand between you and clarity. What’s clouding your vision?

4. Megrez: This star is neat cause it’s surrounded by a disk of circumstellar matter! This position for that reason represents the surrounding environment. What supports are in your life that can help you at this juncture? Who can you turn to for help figuring out what to do?

5. Alioth: This star was a really important star in ancient navigation. It’s also got an A1p (for peculiar) spectral emission which means that there’s some unique stuff going on in its atmosphere. This position helps provide you with some clarity as to what direction you should go in. What factors of the correct path will give you the most security? What peculiar quality should you look for to indicate the most stable path? You’ll end up with a “favored path” after this.

6. Mizar: This star is part of a binary system, the second star of which serves as a test of skills for naked-eye observers. This represents potential stress that you might face once you’re on the path you choose. What factors will put you to the test? With what will you struggle as you walk your chosen path?

7. Alkaid: Also called Benetnasch, this is the last star in the constellation and represents the final destination of your chosen path. Why is it worth it to choose this option? What good will come of you making the decision to pursue this course of action?

Cassiopeia is a personal favorite constellation, but this spread was a request from a good friend of mine, @spicedchai​! This constellation is visible pretty much all year in the Northern Hemisphere, and from a Ancient Greek perspective tells the story of a queen who had the courage to claim she was more beautiful than the Nereids, and was punished by Poseidon for it. She’s here to help us find out what sorts of beauty are in each of us. As always suggestions below but the interpretation is up to you <3

1. Segin: Also known as Epsilon-Cassiopeia, this star is surrounded by a neat layer of circumstellar gas. For this reason, it represents the immediate outward features that draw people to you. What beauty shines on the outside? What is the first thing that people see when they see you?

2. Ruchbah: Also known as Delta-Cassiopeia or Ksora, this star comprises part of a binary star system, and reminds us that there are hidden gifts in every person. What are some talents of yours that others may not notice? What’s your hidden binary star?

3. Tsih: Also called Navi or Gamma-Cassiopeia, this star serves as an important navigation tool for space explorers. It’s also a variable star which emits x-rays. It shows us that everyone has the power to change the world they live in. How do you have the power to influence your surroundings? How do you guide others, and live by your inner mission?

4. Schedar: Also called Alpha-Cassiopeia, this orange giant is nothing like the other stars in its system. It shows us that our differences are a component of our inherent beauty. What makes you different from the rest of the stars in your system? How do you shine like no one else?

5. Caph: Also known as Beta-Cassiopeia, this star is currently growing and expanding as a part of its transition to a red giant, and reminds us that change is a good and necessary part of life. How are you changing for the better? What changes can you make to help let your inner light shine bright? 

6. Containing Multitudes: This optional oracle position represents the myriad stars which do not make up the famous “W” asterism, but are still a part of Cassiopeia. What hidden depths do you contain? What is your multitude comprised of?

This spread was requested by @softest-wxtch​ and an anon this morning, so thank you both! 

Cygnus is a really neat constellation, and one that’s always reminded me of forward motion. The thing is, it also contains the Northern Cross asterism (shown here in yellow), and I wanted to incorporate the uncertainty inherent in cross spreads somewhat. So I came up with a bit of a “decision making” spread! As always, my interpretations for the positions are below but the final result is up to you!

1. Sadr: I always like to start at the heart of the problem, so Gamma Cygni is the perfect first position as the heart of the swan! What’s the core of the decision you need to make? What’s the issue here?

2. Gienah: Epsilon Cygni is more strongly tied to its Chinese name, “Ninth Star of the Celestial Fold”, despite people mistakenly assuming the Arabic name is the correct one. It represents the unexpected path, the one that you didn’t see before, the alternate solution. What’s a hidden way out you haven’t noticed yet? What’s an unconventional way in which you can manipulate the info you have?

3. Zeta Cygni: this binary star has an overabundance of barium, which it sends out through stellar winds. It represents the final result waiting for you if you take the Gienah path. What gifts does the universe have for you along this path? What obstacles are blocking you?

4. Second Star of the Celestial Fold: Delta Cygni is a part of a triple star system, and is an important component of the northern cross asterism. Its future is pretty set in stone: it’s going to be the North Star in a few millennia. For this reason, it represents the obvious path. What’s the clear cut solution to your issue? What are some obvious obstacles?

5. Theta Cygni: Though this star looks to be a pretty lonely one at first, it actually has several faint companions, including a potential exoplanet! This position represents the unexpected twists and turns of the Delta Cygni path. What should keep you on your toes? What hidden secrets does the traditional path have?

6. Albireo: As the head of the swan, Beta Cygni helps us rationalize our way through any situation. What should you be looking for with a level mind? What is the key component of the correct path for you?

7. Deneb: As one of the stars in the summer triangle AND the northern cross, Alpha Cygni has represented sureness of identity to me. As the tail of the swan, it represents the overall outcome. Regardless of which path you take to get there, what’s the overall result of the situation going to be? Is there a clear solution to be had?

Check out more of my spreads here!

This was a request by @resonance-of-libra​! Thank you so much friend! 

Orion is a constellation that’s visible around the world, though you may not see in the sky all the time since it rises and sets at times inconvenient for observing for part of the year. I spent a lot of time staring at Space Bae when I was awake for crew practice at 4AM. There’s a TON of mythology surrounding the constellation from a whole host of ancient civilizations, but since the Ancient Greeks said Orion was a legendary hunter, I decided to make a hunt for success spread! As always my suggestions are below but the ultimate interpretation is up to you!

1. Saiph: Kappa-Orionis is one of the four main “frame” stars of the Orion constellation. Its traditional name literally means sword, so it represents the tools you personally have ready to use to get to where you want to go. What skills are innate within you? How can you use them to start on the path to success, however you define it?

2. Rigel: This incredible blue-white supergiant, also called Beta-Orionis, is actually a part of a multiple star system containing anywhere from three to five stars! As the foot of the giant, this position represents the environmental supports already in place for you. How can you use your surroundings to your advantage? Who can help you if you need it?

3. Orion’s Belt: Comprised of the three stars Mintaka, Alnilam, and Alnitak (Delta-Orionis, Epsilon-Orionis, and Zeta-Orionis), the hunter’s belt has its own unique mythology for a lot of cultures. This position represents what is holding you back from achieving success. What factors are keeping you from reaching your destination? How can you overcome them and continue on your way? NOTE: you can read this as one card or pull three individual cards representing each star to gain more insight.

4. Bellatrix: Also known as Gamma-Orionis, this star represents the arm of the hunter. This position represents potential plans of attack for you. What’s a component of a good strategy for success? What should you keep in mind as you chase after your goals?

5. Betelgeuse: Also known as Alpha-Orionis, this massive red supergiant is actually poised to go supernova soon, and when it does will create heavy elements that will spread across the universe. From its remains may grow new stars entirely, and in this way the stellar life cycle will begin anew. This position represents the key transitions you may need to make in order to succeed. In what ways will you need to change your mindset? How will the hunt for success help you grow and develop as a person?

Opt. 6. Meissa: Meissa, or Lambda-Orionis, is a dim star that is not part of the main asterism, though it is a part of the constellation. It represents the head of the hunter, and for this reason is an oracle card position that will provide some insight as to the core nature of the success you are looking for. What is driving you? What are you truly hunting for?

Opt. 7. Sirius: Though Sirius is not truly a member of Orion I had to include my favorite star. As the brightest star in our night sky, Sirius is another oracle card position that represents the bright light that you share with the world. How will achieving the goals you set out to achieve allow you to make the world a better place? What good will come of this not just for yourself, but for others?

Check out more of my spreads here!

This was a request from @softest-wxtch​! Thanks so much friend <3

For better or for worse, Gemini represents the dual nature of man and of the world. Every rose has its thorn, but every cloud has its silver lining. This spread is meant to reveal the second side of an issue and show you how to apply that knowledge. My interpretations of the positions are down below, but as always, the final interpretation is up to you!

1. Castor and Pollux: Alpha and Beta Geminorum are the heads of the famous mythological twins! Here, the represent the problem at face value. What are you facing? What’s the deal here?

2. Jīxīn: The name of this naked eye binary system means “Pile of Wood” in Chinese. Kappa Geminorum represents the hidden side of the problem. What’s lying underneath the surface of the issue? How could this potentially harm you?

3. Alhena: This awesome star is currently in transition from main sequence star to sub-giant. As Gamma Geminorum begins to die, so does your problem. How can you flip this situation to your advantage? What can you do to turn things around?

4. Tejat: As the back foot of the constellation, Mu Geminorum represents the ideal solution. What is the best way to leave this problem behind for good? What is the most likely outcome here?

Check out more of my spreads here!