So What’s Astrology Got To Do With It?

One of the important considerations when doing lunar magick is maximizing the effects of the working through use of the most beneficial astrological sign that your Full or New Moon is transiting through. Each of the astrological signs is identified by two basic qualities: the element (Earth, Air, Fire or Water) to which it resonates and the quality of that particular element (Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable) called the Modalities.

Below is a basic table that outlines the basic qualities of the astrological signs:

The Elements of the Astrological Signs

One way to approach deciding what the components of a working should include is to be sure to select something that aligns with each of the four basic elements. We work so closely with the elements in Wiccan practice that this is yet another way to integrate those energies into our magickal and mundane worlds.

Keywords: The Elements

Earth=Manifestation/Physical Plane

Air=Mind/Thought/Intellect

Fire=Will/Action/Transformation

Water=Emotions/Intuition/Healing

Keywords:   The Modalities 

Cardinal=Becoming/Initiating

Fixed=Stable/Solid

Mutable=Flexible/Flowing

As you can surmise…

It All Comes Together with Past Lessons and Teachings:

You can use these as a guideline for planning what workings would be supportive of the element of the astrological sign the moon is in.

EAST – Mind

Those practices that utilize your intelligence, that move to inspire and make use of air.

Reading and Breath Work

SOUTH – Will/Action

Those practices that fiery up your passions, make you move and stimulate you to take action  and make use of fire.

Exercise, Dancing and Creating

WEST – Emotional/Intuitive

Those practices that utilize your feeling nature, that open the intuitive nature and make use of water.

Journaling and Divination

NORTH – Physical

Those practices that utilize your physical energy, that make you move and make use of manifest reality.

Movement, Drumming and Hand Crafts

The list is endless and the combinations of work are only limited by your own creativity. Review the lessons about the elements and their energies. Remain open to the many possibilities and allow your inner guidance to direct you towards a practice that will be reflective and in resonance with your magickal self.

The Modalities of the Astrological Signs

The Modalities of Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable map closely in their dynamics to that of the waxing, peak and waning of the moon. The Cardinal qualities are those of initiating whatever they are exerting their energy upon. The Fixed signs are stable and the product of the initial burst of movement to a place of permanence and center point.  And, the Mutable signs are those that are flexible in nature. Their movement is that of having come from a stable center point to a place of stretching towards endings, completion and anticipation of the next phase of new catalytic action.

Below is a basic table that outlines the modalities of the astrological signs:

The Cardinal Signs

Aries – Cancer – Libra – Capricorn

The Cardinal signs of the Zodiac offer an energy that is initiating and growing in nature. This is the initial thrust of energy that moves  in accord with the bursting forth of the energies that surround. We see this in the inquisitive nature of Aries, the healing intuitive nature of Cancer, the equalizing balance of Libra and the solid expansive range of Capricorn. Cardinal signs are those best used when you want an added boost to kick-start your endeavor, a fresh perspective and energy to put into motion your hopes, desires and dreams.

The Fixed Signs

Taurus – Leo – Scorpio and Aquarius

The Fixed signs of the Zodiac offer an energy that is strong, reinforcing and consistent in nature. This energy forms the container that stabilizes the initial outpour of the Cardinal signs. It coalesces and brings this burst of energetic force into a state of form and cohesion. Permanence and resilience are native to this modality with the ability to transform and remake into something innovative and different. We see this in the steadfast nature of Taurus, the fierce protective nature of Leo, the transformative powers of Scorpio and the far reaching vision of Aquarius. Fixed signs are those best used when you want to strengthen and transform your workings seeing far into the future.

** It is worth noting that the Four Fixed Signs of the Zodiac are the astrological attributes of the Four Holy Creatures.

Taurus is the winged Bull- earth

Scorpio is the Eagle – Water

Leo is the Winged Lion – Fire

Aquarius is the Winged Man- Air

The addition of wings to these creatures represents the elements of nature and man in their highest form and the aspirations and achievement of spiritual purpose having transcended the lower planes.

The Mutable Signs

Gemini – Virgo  – Sagittarius – Pisces

The Mutable signs of the Zodiac offer an energy that is fluid and adaptable in nature.  Unlike the initial thrust of the Cardinal signs and the solid stance of the Fixed signs, those of the mutable energy move in accord with the ebb and flow of the energies that surround. We see this in the quicksilver duality of Gemini, the analytical nature of Virgo, the exploratory sparks of Sagittarius and the fluid emotions of Pisces. Mutable signs are those best used when you wish a certain amount of flexibility in outcome, with room to rethink, remold and reinvent.

How does this apply in planning a Lunar working?

Timing:

The Moon is New in Capricorn.  So how can you use the energy of this New Moon (New Moon= new beginnings- starting projects, goals, planting, seeding, etc…) in the Cardinal (becoming/initiating) Earthy (manifest/physical foundation) sign of Capricorn.

The New Moon in Capricorn is a good time to start that project which has been on your mind for sometime now, but procrastination has won out.  Diligence and hard work will bring the necessary steps towards scaling those high ambitions for manifest and material return.  Capricorn energy is the foundation of earthly delights having been attempted from all possible angles until just the right place of passage is found. Because it is a cardinal sign there is potential for tangible results, but the energy is often slow to start and sheer determination is what will win out.

So, with all this enhanced energy in earthy Capricorn- the sea goat- set your sights on the highest peak of the mountain, but first stabilize and anchor yourself in the foundation of digging deep into your watery, emotional roots and then set foot on the path, sure, steady and strong.

For more ways to use Astrological timing, look at the posts in The Temple of Cosmic Spheres Blog.

Bonus Post

A Chart of the Modalities