Beattie is a British writer who approaches planetary magic from a Wiccan perspective in this introductory text. She shares the twists and turns of her life path and the experiences that led her toward magic and paganism. Her Wiccan studies evolved into teaching newly-minted pagans or “witchlets” and planetary magic was part of her course work. The contents of this book are based on those courses and include what she’s taught and learned over the past several years.
Beattie regards the seven visible planets, or Pre-Modern Planets, as seven energetic powers that swirl around within this earthly sphere. Readers are advised to combine practical considerations and efforts in magical practice. The book proceeds through chapters about the seven visible planets: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Chapters share information and images to assist in spell-work with planets including material from medieval grimoires, Orphic Hymns to the planets, astrological glyphs, Kabbalistic kamea and planetary sigil, related tarot cards, plant materials, and stones. Planetary days and hours are also mentioned somewhat briefly as a springboard to timing spells (this could have been more in-depth). The chapter about the Moon includes appropriate advice about spell-casting during the Moon’s phases.
Agrippa’s medieval incense (suffumigation) recipes are quoted, and invariably involve animal materials. The author provides her own cruelty-free recipes for individual planetary incenses. Herbs and stones attributions to the planets are a scholarly minefield; Beattie’s lists are fairly reasonable.
The conclusion of each planet’s chapter offers related multi-cultural deities to work with if the spell-caster prefers non-binary options. There are recipes for planet-specific bath salts, tea, oil, and a spell or two. For example, in the chapter about Mercury there is “A Mercurial Spell for Freeing Yourself” and a “Recipe for Unblocking Oil.” The magic-related lore about the planets is traditional with a 21st century spin. The chapter about Mars focuses on courage, assertiveness, passion and sex, and shares a “Mars Candle for Creativity” working. It’s surprising that Beattie didn’t include a Mars working for protection, as it sure can be helpful to draw the warrior god’s energies as a shield against attacks or troubles. The author regards Saturn as a protective deity.
At the end of the text, Beattie suggests that an experienced spell-caster can upgrade to workings with multiple planets. She relates information about a seven-night/seven-planet spell that sounds quite intriguing. End matter includes a bibliography, an appendix with planetary correspondences formatted into easy-reference tables, and a list of books for further reading.
This is a brief and basic introduction to magical workings with planets that is very appropriate for Wiccans and pagans who have little interest in learning astrology. For individuals who want a place to start, Planetary Magic is a decent text that draws on traditional sources and gives sensible advice and practical how-to knowledge.
~review by Elizabeth Hazel
Author: Rebecca Beattie
2023, Moon Books
133 pages. $12.95
(We previously published a review, which can be found here.)
