Lunar Mansion Report, January 20th, 2025 to January 26th, 2025

 This an entry in a continuing series of looking at the Moon's position and condition in the week ahead with an eye to the Mansions of the Moon. This is an exercise to help track the speed of the Moon, organize my thoughts on the Mansions, and think about the practical applications. 

All times are for me locally, United States Pacific Time. I will be making note of the Moon's phase, speed, and Mansion position in my assessment. Currently, I'm not considering aspects with other planets.

Lunar Mansion Report, January 20th, 2025, to January 26th, 2025

Monday January 20th, 2025. The Moon begins the week in Azubene, the Horns of the Scorpion, which she entered at 9:28PM the day before. The Moon is still Waning Gibbous, and will be for all of January 20th, but nearing the square aspect that will usher in the last quarter. The Waning Gibbous phase enhances works that seek diminishment and decline.  

The Moon transits across Azubene until 11:35PM which is 26 hours and 7 minutes. This is 11 minutes longer than the last Mansion and continues the Moon's period of moving slowly and decelerating. A slow Moon may make magical effect take longer to materialize but may lend longevity to its effects. 

The wrathful powers of Azubene include destruction of merchandise, to put discord between friends, to debauch a woman you desire, to impede those who journey so that they never reach their destination, cause hatred between friends (Latin Picatrix), damage merchant shops, separating friends and spouses, the severe punishment of a wife if the husband so desires, harm a traveling adversary, create discord between partners (Gayat al Hakim), and hindereth journeys and wedlock, harvests and merchandise (Agrippa). 

The image for Azubene in the Latin Picatrix is a man holding scales and weighing. The Horns of the Scorpion became the claws of the scorpion which became the cups of a scale. Discernment, judgement, and valuation are the keywords for Azubene. In its wrathful forms, it can obscure the value of things like relationships and ruin business deals. In Nigel Jackson's Celestial Magic this Mansion is given the power of enhancing sciomancy and necromantic operations to communicate with the shades of the dead. 

Azubene is the first half of the Via Combusta, the Fiery Way which is detrimental to the Moon and enhances the wrathful aspects.

At 11:35PM on January 20th the Moon moves out of Azubene and into Alichlil. The wrathful aspects of Alichlil are expelling thieves (Ibn Hatim), improving deception, besieging cities (Latin Picatrix), and for making images for discord and any evil (Liber Lunae). 

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. The Moon is in Alichlil, the Crown of the Scorpion, and continuing to transit across that Mansion since 11:35PM the day before. Two big changes come upon the Moon while she is in Alichlil on Tuesday. One, the phase changes from Waning Gibbous to Waning Crescent at 12:30PM. The Waning Crescent promotes endings. It is the blade of a knife. 

The second change to occur during Alichlil is the Moon has ended her period of deceleration. She is still moving slowly, at 26 hours and 6 minutes in Alichlil, but this is one minute shorter than the last Mansion, and so begins a time of acceleration. A one minute difference is small enough to say that the Moon’s speed is stable. The Moon will stay in Alichlil for the entirety of Tuesday the 21st, moving out at 1:41AM on Wednesday the 22nd. 

The wrathful powers of Alichlil are expelling thieves (Ibn Hatim), improving deception, besieging cities (Latin Picatrix), and for making images for discord and any evil (Liber Lunae). 

The image of Alichlil in the Latin Picatrix is an ape with his hands over his head. It is not clear to me how an ape is an apt image for expelling thieves from a building but it might have something to do with Alichlil’s power to improve deceptions, playing on perceptions or the fears of the thief. 

Alichlil is the second half of the Via Combusta, the Fiery Way, which is detrimental to the Moon and lends power to its wrathful aspects.

The Moon continues to transit across Alichlil through Tuesday the 21st.

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025. When the clock strikes midnight and Tuesday, January 21st becomes Wednesday, January 23rd, the Moon is still in Alichlil for another 111 minutes until 1:41AM, at which point she moves into Alcalb, the Heart of the Scorpion. The phase is Waning Crescent, which lends power to abrupt endings, cutting things off, and darkness.

The Moon will have been in Alichlil for 26 hours and 6 minutes, which she entered at 11:35PM on January 20th, when it moves out of that Mansion and into the next one, Alcalb, at 1:41AM on January 22nd. The Moon will be in Alcalb until 3:29AM on January 23rd. This means the Moon will be in Alcalb for 25 hours and 48 minutes, which is 18 minutes less than the previous Mansion and indicates an acceleration of her speed. This may make magic done under this Mansion take effect more quickly but may also indicate that effects pass more quickly. 

The wrathful powers of Alcalb are creating disagreements between partners (Gayat al Hakim), to conspire against kings, and to wreak vengence (Latin Picatrix and Agrippa). There is also the power to expel serpents and hurtful beasts. the Latin Picatrix also ascribes the healing of fevers and ailments of the belly to his Mansion. In its wrathful state it could inflict these maladies. 

The image for Alcalb in the Latin Picatrix is an adder with its tail above its head. A venomous snake is dangerous enough but with its tail above its head it takes on the defensive qualities of a scorpion and so cannot be attacked from in front or in the rear. 

The Moon transits across Alcalb for the remainder of January 22nd.

Thursday, January 23rd, 2025. The Moon begins January 23rd in Alcalb until 3:29AM, when it enters Axaula, the Sting of the Scorpion. The phase is Waning Crescent which is advantageous to cutting things short or ending things abruptly.

The Moon will have been in Alcalb for 25 minutes and 48 minutes when she enters Axaula. The Moon will transit across Axaula for 25 hours and 22 minutes, which is 26 minutes less than the previous Mansion and so is a continuation of her acceleration. This may make magic done in this Mansion pass more quickly but it could also make the effects happen more quickly. 

The wrathful powers of Axaula are isolating cities, defeating enemies, making a person lose all his money, separation and alienation, breaking and destroying ships, creating discord between partners (Gayat al Hakim), to besiege cities and take them, to destroy the wealth of whoever you please, to expel men from a place, to separate and destroy the wealth of allies, to break and destroy ships (Latin Picatrix), and to annul contracts (Shams al Marif). 

The image in the Latin Picatrix for Axaula is a woman with her hands covering her face. The special power of Axaula is as a purgative, especially to bring on menstrual bleeding. A key verb for Axaula is “flow”. In its wrathful aspect this could mean causing a miscarriage. 

The Moon continues to travel across Axaula until 4:51AM the next day. 

Friday, January 24th, 2025 begins with the Moon in Axaula until 4:51AM. She will then enter the next Mansion, Alnaym, the Ostriches or the Beam. The Moon remains in Alnaym until 5:35AM the next day. The phase is still Waning Crescent which strengthens works of making endings and removals. 

The Moon takes 24 hours and 22 minutes to get through Alnaym. This is 38 minutes faster than the last Mansion and the Moon continues to accelerate. An accelerating Moon may make eefect happen more quickly but may also make effects pass more quickly.

The wrathful powers of Alnaym include worsening the situation of partners (Gayat al Hakim), to bring evil and destruction to the riches of allies (Latin Picatrix), to bring about imprisonment and containment, and destroy ill-gotten gains (Celestial Magic).

The image of Alnaym in the Latin Picatrix is a centaur shooting a bow. The power ascribed to it is for finding and taking whatever you hunt. It is also for taming wild beasts.

The Moon remains in Alnaym from 4:51AM to the end of January 24th.

Saturday, January 25th, 2025. The Moon is in Alnaym until 5:35AM and then she moves into the next Mansion, Albelda, the Wasteland. She is still Waning Crescent and so works of endings are empowered.

The Moon transits Albelda for 24 hours and 7 minutes, which is 37 minutes faster than the last Mansion. The Moon is moving quickly which may make effects dissipate quickly but the effects may manifest more quickly. 

The wrathful powers of Albelda are for a wife to divorce and never remarry (Gayat al Hakim), to separate wives from their proper husbands, destruction of a place (Latin Picatrix), for the destruction of a person (Agrippa), and creating enmity, hostility, divisiveness, and everything calamitous (Shams al Marif).

The image for Albelda in the Latin Picatrix is a man with a face like Janus, with one face on the front and another face on the back of the head. Janus was the Roman god of the threshold, the place in between, and marked passages. In my experience Albelda is a Mansion of waiting, of holding until the next Mansion comes along. I suspect that, once upon a time, this may have been the first Mansion at the Vernal Eqinox, but I have not calculated how much time would need to have passed for procession to move the equinox to where it now stands. 

The Moon is still in Albelda when Saturday, January 25th ends.

Sunday, January 26th, 2025. When this day begins the Moon is in Albelda, which she entered at 5:35AM the day before. She remains in Albelda until 5:42AM on Saturday, January 26th and then she moves into Sadahaca, The Lucky Star of the Slaughterers. The Moon’s phase is Waning Crescent which supports workings of cutting things out, ending things, or hiding things.

The Moon will travel through Sadahaca for 23 hours and 26 minutes, making egress at 5:08AM on January 27th. This is 41 minutes faster than the previous Mansion so she is moving quickly which may make the effects of workings to happen quickly but may also cause the effects to pass quickly. 

The wrathful powers of Sadahaca include separation between kings and wazirs (Ibn Hatim), separation of spouses and lovers, for a woman to be raped and discord between partners (Gayat al Hakim), to bind tongues against slander (Latin Picatrix), evil (Liber Luneae), and to agitate rulers into wrath and to hide secrets (Shams al Marif). 

The image for this Mansion in the Latin Picatrix is "the figure of a man with winged feet wearing a helmet", a very Mercurial image. Considered together with the title of this Mansion, The Lucky Star of the Slaughterers, this Mansion has connotations of spiritual communication. The slaughterers are those who make the animal sacrifice to the gods. During this Mansion making entreaties to heaven and making offerings to seek favors and boons are greatly enhanced as are devotional acts of giving. 

The Moon remains in Sadahaca for the remainder of January 26th. She moves into the next Mansion at 5:08AM the next day, January 27th.

Lunar Mansion Report, January 13th, 2025, to January 19th, 2025

  This an entry in a continuing series of looking at the Moon's position and condition in the week ahead with an eye to the Mansions of the Moon. This is an exercise to help track the speed of the Moon, organize my thoughts on the Mansions, and think about the practical applications. 

All times are for me locally, United States Pacific Time. I will be making note of the Moon's phase, speed, and Mansion position in my assessment. Currently, I'm not considering aspects with other planets.

Lunar Mansion Report, January 13th, 2025 to January 19th, 2025

Monday, January 13th, 2025. The week begins with the Moon in Atarfa, the Glare of the Lion, which it entered the day before at 6:45PM. The Moon will be Full at 2:26PM on this day and will then begin the empowerment of her wrathful tendencies. 

The Moon spends 22 hours and 44 minutes in Atarfa and so is slowing down which may delay the manifestation of the effects of magic done on this day but may add endurance to those effects. 

The wrathful powers of Atarfa are to destroy crops, to make unfortunate those who travel, to do evil to all men,  to cause division and hatred between allies, to cause infirmity (Latin Picatrix), and to inflict failure and weakness (Celestial Magic). 

The image of Atarfa in the Latin Picatrix is a eunuch covering his eyes with his hands. In various sources Atarfa has somewhat negative connotations. The image of a eunuch suggests a certain amount of powerlessness or loss of agency. He covers his eyes which suggests he is hiding or in despair. Magic based in the eyes is strengthened is Atarfa; glamour, the Evil Eye, and similar workings. 

The Moon resides in Atarfa until 5:29PM on January 13th and then moves into the next Mansion, Algebra, the Brow of the Lion. The wrathful qualities enhanced in Algebra include harming an enemy or traveler, to matters worse for captives (Gayat al Hakim), extracting a fetus (Ibn Hatim), and the destruction of enemies (Latin Picatrix). 

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 dawns with the Moon in Algebha, the Brow of the Lion, which she entered at 5:29PM the day before. The Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase which promotes decline and diminishment. 

The Moon will be in Algebra until 4:44AM of January 14th, a period of 23 hours and 15 minutes. This is 31 minutes longer than the time she spent in the previous Mansion and so continues to slow down which may delay the effects of a talisman made in this Mansion but may also make it longer lasting. 

The wrathful aspects of Algebra include harming an enemy or traveler, to matters worse for captives (Gayat al Hakim), extracting a fetus (Ibn Hatim), and the destruction of enemies (Latin Picatrix). 

The image for Algebra in the Latin Picatrix is a disembodied lion's head. In general, Algebra is considered a very auspicious Mansion so the list of wrathful powers is rather short. All its powers of healing, strengthening, and easing of childbirth, however, can be turned on its head and a wrathful Algebha working can weaken all these qualities.  

The Moon transits across Algebha until 4:44PM at which point she enters Azobra, the Mane of the Lion. The wrathful powers of Azobra are to besiege cities, to be feared (Latin Picatrix), loss, destruction, binding, fornication, and separation (Liber Lunae). 

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. At the beginning of January 15th the Moon is in Azobra, the Mane of the Lion, in which she has been since 4:44PM the day before. The Moon is Waning Gibbous on this day which promotes decline and diminishment.

The Moon will spend 23 hours and 47 minutes in Azobra which is 28 minutes longer than she spent in the previous Mansion and so is moving slowly. This may delay the effects of a talisman made in this Mansion but may also make it longer lasting.

The wrathful powers of Azobra are few in the traditional sources and include harming an enemy or traveler, to matters worse for captives (Gayat al Hakim), extracting a fetus (Ibn Hatim), and the destruction of enemies (Latin Picatrix). 

The image of Azobra in the Latin Picatrix is a man riding on the back of a lion with the lion's ear in his grasp. This is a rather tenuous position to be in. While one is seated on the lion's back, holding its ear, they are safe and in control of the lion but they can never let go or get off the lion's back. This tension informs much of my understanding of this Mansion. It is a powerful position but it is also kind of a trap.

The Moon moves out of Azobra at 4:31pm and begins to transit across Azarfa, the Lion's Tail. The wrathful powers of Azarfa are to inflict harm on a person by causing them to lose their assets, breaking ships (Gayat al Hakim), to cause separation, enmity, and hatred between kinsfolk, destroy a place (Ibn Hatim), destruction of riches and ships, separation of lovers (Latin Picatrix), and hindereth seamen (Agrippa). 

Thursday, January 16th, 2025. The Moon is in Azarfa when January 16th begins. She entered Azarfa at 4:31PM the day before. The Moon's phase continues to be Waning Gibbous.

The Moon is moving slowly at this time and will spend 24 hours and 26 minutes in Azarfa, moving out at 4:57PM. This is 55 minutes longer than the previous Mansion. Magic done during a slow Moon may take effect more slowly but also may last longer than under a swift Moon. 

The wrathful powers of Azarfa are to inflict harm on a person by causing them to lose their assets, breaking ships (Gayat al Hakim), to cause separation, enmity, and hatred between kinsfolk, destroy a place (Ibn Hatim), destruction of riches and ships, separation of lovers (Latin Picatrix), and hindereth seamen (Agrippa). 

The image in the Latin Picatrix of Azarfa is a dragon fighting a man. I find the wording of this interesting. The dragon fights the man, the man does not fight the dragon. This is a clue that this Mansion is inimical to people. 

The Moon steps out of Azarfa at 4:57PM and moves into Alawway. A wrathful Alawway can be called upon to bind nobles (Latin Picatrix), destroy ligature spells, and to dissolve charmed against copulation (Celestial Magic). 

Friday, January 17th, 2025.  The Moon begins this day in Alawway, the Wings of Virgo, after having entered this Mansion at 4:57PM the day before. The Moon's phase is Waning Gibbous. 

The Moon is still moving slowly. She transits across Alawway for 25 hours and 21 minutes; from 1/16/25, 4:57PM to 1/17/25, 6:18PM. This is 55 minutes slower than the last Mansion which may delay the effects of magic done during this Mansion but its effects may be longer lasting. 

The wrathful powers of Alawway include binding nobles (Latin Picatrix), destroying ligature spells, and to dissolving charms against copulation (Celestial Magic). 

The image for Alawway in the Latin Picatrix is a red man embracing a white woman. Much is made in various sources about the erotic overtones of this image but this image bears striking resemblance to alchemical allegory. To me the connotations of the harmonious blending of opposites is much more powerful. Neither of these meanings, however, is very apt to Alawway's wrathful aspects. Just like Algebha, Alawway has very few wrathful powers in the traditional sources. 

The Moon leaves Alawway at 6:18PM and then is in Azimech, the Spike of Virgo. The wrathful powers of Azimech are ruining farms and newly planted trees, damaging trusts, harming travelers (Gayat al Hakim), cutting off and enmity (Ibn Hatim), destroy harvests, destroy lust, the destruction of those who go by roads, separating men from women (Latin Picatrix), hindereth journeys by land (Agrippa), disperse inappropriate sexual desire, and cause separation (Celestial Magic). 

Saturday, January 18th, 2025. The Moon is in Azimech when this day begins, having entered that Mansion at 6:18PM the day before. The phase is Waning Gibbous which lends strength to works of diminishment and decline. 

The Moon transmits across Azimech for 24 hours and 14 minutes which is 53 minutes quicker than the last Mansion. It seems to be a little accelerating bump in an otherwise slow period. Maybe my math is off or maybe it is a wobble in the rotation of the Moon. At any rate, the Moon is slow, which may delay the commencement of the magic but may prolong its effects. 

The wrathful Azimech rules ruining farms and newly planted trees, damaging trusts, harming travelers (Gayat al Hakim), cutting off and enmity (Ibn Hatim), destroy harvests, destroy lust, the destruction of those who go by roads, separating men from women (Latin Picatrix), hindereth journeys by land (Agrippa), disperse inappropriate sexual desire, and cause separation (Celestial Magic). 

The image in the Latin Picatrix for this Mansion is a dog biting its own tail. Taken in its wrathful side this a symbol of futility, as opposed to some kind of ouroboros. Nigel Jackson's Celestial Magic includes an ear of wheat in the image of this Mansion. Its connotations of fertility, growth, and bounty cannot be overstated. Jackson also contends this Mansion is conducive to works of scrying. 

At 7:32PM on the 18th the Moon leaves Azimech and enters Algafra, the Covering. The wrathful powers of Algafra are obstructing a traveler from making his trip, creating discord between spouses, spoiling friendships and partnerships (Gayat al Hakim), destruction of the house of your enemy (Latin Picatrix), helpeth forward divorce, discord, and the destruction of houses and enemies, hindereth travelers (Agrippa), project a curse and inflict discord, hinderance, and rupture on enemies (Celestial Magic). 

Sunday, January 19th, 2025. The Moon is in Algafra, the Covering, when Sunday January 19th begins. The Moon entered Algafra at 7:32PM the day before. The phase is still Waning Gibbous in which works of diminishment and decay are strengthened. 

The Moon will be in Algafra for 25 hours and 56 minutes which seems to be an hour and 42 minutes longer than the previous Mansion and so the Moon continues to move slowly. This may delay the effects from happening but may make the effects more durable. 

The wrathful powers of Algafra are obstructing a traveler from making his trip, creating discord between spouses, spoiling friendships and partnerships (Gayat al Hakim), destruction of the house of your enemy (Latin Picatrix), helpeth forward divorce, discord, and the destruction of houses and enemies, hindereth travelers (Agrippa), project a curse and inflict discord, hinderance, and rupture on enemies (Celestial Magic). 

The image of Algafra in the Latin Picatrix is a man writing a letter. This Mansion's strength is in pacts and agreements. In its wrathful aspects this can mean breaking pacts and agreements. 

The Moon moves out of Algafra at 9:28PM and moves into Azubene, the Horns of the Scorpion. The wrathful powers of Azubene include destruction of merchandise, to put discord between friends, to debauch a woman you desire, to impede those who journey so that they never reach their destination, cause hatred between friends (Latin Picatrix), damage merchant shops, separating friends and spouses, the severe punishment of a wife if the husband so desires, harm a traveling adversary, create discord between partners (Gayat al Hakim), and hindereth journeys and wedlock, harvests and merchandise (Agrippa). 

  

Lunar Mansion Report, January 6th, 2025 to January 12th, 2025

 This an entry in a continuing series of looking at the Moon's position and condition in the week ahead with an eye to the Mansions of the Moon. This is an exercise to help track the speed of the Moon, organize my thoughts on the Mansions, and think about the practical applications. 

All times are for me locally, United States Pacific Time. I will be making note of the Moon's phase, speed, and Mansion position in my assessment. Currently, I'm not considering aspects with other planets. 

Lunar Mansion Report, January 6th, 2025 to January 12th, 2025

Monday, January 6th, 2025. The Moon begins this week in Alnath, the first Mansion in the traditional order. The Moon entered Alnath at 11:01AM the day before and this is the last day of it being in the Waxing Crescent phase. The Moon's Waxing Crescent phase will end when she makes a square aspect with the Sun at 3:56PM and enters the Waxing Gibbous phase. The Waxing Gibbous phase gives the Mansions their beneficial attributes but where the Waxing Crescent phase was about beginnings and growth, the Waxing Gibbous phase is about strengthening and building. 

The Moon will transit across Alnath until January 6th at 8:59AM, at which point it will enter Albotayn. That will be 21 hours and 58 minutes in Alnath so she is accelerating and moving fast. Talismans made in this Mansion may take effect quickly but may also lose their effectiveness quickly. 

The beneficial powers of Alnath include guarding against demolition and crushing (Ibn Hatim), travel safely, and improve the efficacy of laxative medicines (Gayat al Hakim, Latin Picatrix, and Agrippa).  

Alnath is the Butting One, a reference to the ram of Aries. Being the first Mansion in order, Alnath has strong connotations of beginning, initiation, and commencements. With the Moon in her Waxing Crescent phase this attribute is strengthened on this day. In the Latin Picatrix the image for this Mansion is a warrior with a spear. Alnath is the figurative tip of the spear. There are also connotations of grim determination associated with Alnath, but the grimness is somewhat lessened by the phase.

At 8:59AM on January 6th the Moon enters Albotayn, the Little Belly, and spends the rest of the day there. The beneficial powers of Albotayn are assistance in digging wells, achieving wishes, and digging out buried treasure (Gayat al Hakim), meeting kings and getting everything you hope for (Ibn Hatim), dig for streams and wells, to find hidden treasures, and for the planting of a great deal of wheat, the removal of anger (Latin Picatrix), against the wrath of a prince (Agrippa), and to conjure spirits to reveal hidden treasure (Celestial Magic). 

Tuesday January 7th, 2025 dawns with the Moon in Albotayn, which she entered at 8:59AM the day before. The Moon is Waxing Gibbous on this day.

It will take the Moon 21 hours and 53 minutes to transit across Albotayn which is 5 minutes after than the previous Mansion and means the Moon is still traveling fast. This may affect the efficacy and durability of magical working during this Mansion.

The beneficial powers of Albotayn are assistance in digging wells, achieving wishes, and digging out buried treasure (Gayat al Hakim), meeting kings and getting everything you hope for (Ibn Hatim), dig for streams and wells, to find hidden treasures, and for the planting of a great deal of wheat, the removal of anger (Latin Picatrix), against the wrath of a prince (Agrippa), and to conjure spirits to reveal hidden treasure (Celestial Magic).

Albotayn means the Little Belly (of the Ram). The image in the Latin Picatrix is a king on a throne. When the beneficial attributes of well digging and finding buried treasure it suggests to me this king may have underworld connotations. It also suggests a storeroom for the king's treasure and thus collecting and holding things as well as authority granted by the acquisition of material things. 

The Moon remains in Albotayn until 6:52AM on January 7th and then moves into Azoraye, the Many Little Ones. The beneficial attributes of Azoraye are for love of a man and woman (Ibn Hatim), the safety of those who travel by sea, the beneficial use of chemistry and fire, for hunting, to promote friendship and love between spouses, and good luck (Gayat al Hakim), the acquisition of all good things, to sail safely and return safely, to complete the works of alchemy and all works done by fire, to hunt in the country, and to cause love between man and wife (Latin Picatrix), and for travel, associating with nobles, and curative medicines (Shams al Marif). 

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025. This day begins with the Moon in Azoraye, which she entered at 6:52AM the day before. The Moon's phase this day is Waxing Gibbous.

The Moon will be in Azoraye until January 8th at 4:44AM, an elapsed time of 21 hours and 52 minutes. Merely a minute less than the previous Mansion. Still moving fast but the acceleration is much, much less and will soon be slowing. 

The beneficial attributes of Azoraye are for love of a man and woman (Ibn Hatim), the safety of those who travel by sea, the beneficial use of chemistry and fire, for hunting, to promote friendship and love between spouses, and good luck (Gayat al Hakim), the acquisition of all good things, to sail safely and return safely, to complete the works of alchemy and all works done by fire, to hunt in the country, and to cause love between man and wife (Latin Picatrix), and for travel, associating with nobles, and curative medicines (Shams al Marif). 

The indicator stars for Azoraye are the Pleiades, a group of seven stars close together. This is the reason Azoraye is called the Many Little Ones. The Pleiades collectively were one of the 15 Behenian Stars. According to Agrippa it assembles spirits, raises winds, and reveals secret and hidden things. Traditionally, it was considered auspicious for clarity of vision, both natural and supernatural. The image in the Latin Picatrix is a woman seated on a throne with her right hand above her head. 

The Moon moves out of Azoraye at 4:44AM on January 8th and moves into Aldebaran. The beneficial powers of Aldebaran are to kill and bind reptiles and venomous animals (Latin Picatrix), attract honor and riches, and promote irresistible endurance (Celestial Magic).

Thursday January 9th, 2025. The Moon continues to transit across Aldebaran until 2:32AM on the morning of January 9th. The Moon entered Aldebaran at 4:44am the day before. The Moon will be Waxing Gibbous. 

The Moon will be in Aldebaran for 21 hours and 52 minutes which is exactly the same as the previous Mansion. The Moon is still moving fast but it is no longer accelerating. A fast Moon's effects suggest that results may come quickly but also dissipate quickly. 

The beneficial aspects of Aldebaran are to kill and bind reptiles and venomous animals (Latin Picatrix), attract honor and riches, and promote irresistible endurance (Celestial Magic).

Aldebaran is the Bull's Eye. When thinking of the beneficial powers of this Mansion the Hindu mythology of the goddess Rohini is appropriate. Rohini is beautiful, sensuous, and the most beloved of the Moon god Chandra's 27 consorts. 

The Moon moves out of Aldebaran at 2:32AM and then spends the rest of the day in Almices. The beneficial powers of Almices are promoting the welfare of children, advancing their education, for the safety of a traveler as well as a speedy voyage (Gayat al Hakim), nobles will satisfy your desires, the evil caused by your enemies will be postponed (Ibn Hatim), make youths learn arts and occupations, the salvation of travelers and so they quickly return, for sailors to travel safely, to improve buildings, favor between husband and wife, and receive good from kings and officials (Latin Picatrix).

Friday, January 10th, 2025. The Moon will be in three Mansions during the course of the 24 hours of January 10th. At midnight on the morning of January 10th the Moon is in Almices, having moved into that Mansion at 2:32AM the day before. She will remain in Almices until 12:23AM, only 23 minutes of the 10th of January. The rest of the day the Moon will be in Alchaya until 10:17PM, when she moves into Aldira. The Moon's phase will be Waxing Gibbous.

The Moon will be in Almices for 21 hours and 51 minutes. Technically, this is an acceleration by a minute but my calculations may be incorrect. At any rate, it will be safe to say it is still slowing which will add to the durability of magical workings but may delay the effects. 

The beneficial powers of Almices are promoting the welfare of children, advancing their education, for the safety of a traveler as well as a speedy voyage (Gayat al Hakim), nobles will satisfy your desires, the evil caused by your enemies will be postponed (Ibn Hatim), make youths learn arts and occupations, the salvation of travelers and so they quickly return, for sailors to travel safely, to improve buildings, favor between husband and wife, and receive good from kings and officials (Latin Picatrix).

The image of Almices in the Latin Picatrix is a disembodied head. This is the head of Orion, the hunter, who was blinded for the crime of rape by granted second sight by Eos, goddess of the dawn, when he sailed beyond the horizon in the east. 

At 12:23AM the Moon transits into Achaya. The beneficial powers of Achaya are promoting the welfare of partners and the conditions of hunting (Gayat al Hakim), to bring love, medical treatment (Ibn Hatim), cause friendship and love between two people, to improve hunting in the country (Latin Picatrix), companionship, and gathering those far away and separated (Shams al Marif). 

The Moon stays in Achaya until 10:17PM and then moves into Aldira. The Moon transits across Achaya for 21 hours and 54 minutes. She is still moving fast but continues to slow down. 

The image of Achaya in the Latin Picatrix is a white man embracing a white woman. Achaya means the Mark, as in a brand that identifies livestock as property. It is the wedding ring that binds spouses and rules commitments and vows. 

The Moon moves into Aldira at 10:17PM. The beneficial powers of Aldira are the blessing of trade and crops, safety of a voyager, reconciliation between partners and friends, preventing flies to enter a place of trade and spoiling the product, fulfillment of a wish from a ruler or dignitary you hope to meet, promoting the welfare of escaped slaves (Gayat al Hakim), for binding spirits (Ibn Hatim), increase merchandise and profit, travel safely, increase crops, sail beneficially, cause friendship between friends and allies, cause kings and other lords too be benevolent, the acquisition of all good things (Latin Picatrix), curing diseases, devotion, seeking truth, and opening the heavenly realm (Shams al Marif). 

Saturday, January 11th, 2025. When this day begins the Moon is in Aldira, the Forearm, which it entered at 10:17PM the day before. The Moon's phase is Waxing Gibbous.

The Moon will be in Aldira until 8:24PM which means she spends 22 hours and 7 minutes in this Mansion which is 7 minutes longer than the last Mansion and she continues to slow down. Magic during a slowing Moon may come about more slowly but may be more durable and long lasting. 

The beneficial powers of Aldira are the blessing of trade and crops, safety of a voyager, reconciliation between partners and friends, preventing flies to enter a place of trade and spoiling the product, fulfillment of a wish from a ruler or dignitary you hope to meet, promoting the welfare of escaped slaves (Gayat al Hakim), for binding spirits (Ibn Hatim), increase merchandise and profit, travel safely, increase crops, sail beneficially, cause friendship between friends and allies, cause kings and other lords too be benevolent, the acquisition of all good things (Latin Picatrix), curing diseases, devotion, seeking truth, and opening the heavenly realm (Shams al Marif).

Aldira means the Forearm. The indicator stars for this Mansion are Castor and Pollox the Dioscori Twins from myth. Interestingly these stars have been associated with mythic twins across different cultures all the way back to the ancient Babylonians. One twin is mortal, the other immortal and they switch between the mortal realm and the Underworld. The image in the Latin Picatrix is a man entreating to heaven as if in prayer. I see this as the twin in the mortal realm calling to the twin in the Underworld. 

The Moon is in Aldira until 8:24PM at which time she moves to Annathra. The beneficial powers of Annathra are for reconciling love and friendship to an estranged couple, the welfare of travelers (Gayat al Hakim), to excel in battle, (Ibn Hatim), for love and friendship, and for the safe travel of those who travel in wagons through the countryside, and to cause friendship between allies, gaining victory (Latin Picatrix), increase protective force and grant a victorious outcome in contests, promotes sympathy, friendship and like-minded company (Celestial Magic). 

Sunday, January 12th, 2025. At the beginning of Sunday, January 12th, the Moon is in Annathra, which she entered at 8:24PM the day before. The Moon's phase is Waxing Gibbous. 

The Moon will be in Annathra for 22 hours and 21 minutes continuing to slow down. Magic during a slowing Moon may come about more slowly but may be more durable and long lasting.

The beneficial powers of Annathra are for reconciling love and friendship to an estranged couple, the welfare of travelers (Gayat al Hakim), to excel in battle, (Ibn Hatim), for love and friendship, and for the safe travel of those who travel in wagons through the countryside, and to cause friendship between allies, gaining victory (Latin Picatrix), increase protective force and grant a victorious outcome in contests, promotes sympathy, friendship and like-minded company (Celestial Magic). 

Annathra is the Gap and is the first Mansion in a series of lion references. The gap is the gap between the jaws of the lion. As such this Mansion is powerful for evading danger and gaining victory in conflicts. The image in the Latin Picatrix is an eagle with a man's face, an image with militaristic overtones. 

The Moon will be in Annathra until 6:45PM and then will pass into Atarfa. The beneficial powers of Atarfa include emoving ophthalmia and disease of the eyes and the flow of blood (Ibn Hatim), to help a man defend himself from being attacked by another man (Latin Picatrix), and to gain protection against the machinations of rivals and against claims made upon a person by another (Celestial Magic). 

Lunar Mansion Report, December 30, 2024 to January 5, 2025

 Join me in an experiment, dear readers, in which I break the ice on an idea I’ve had for a while and try to organize my thoughts on the Mansions of the Moon by producing a report of the flavor of each Mansion as the Moon transits across them. All times will be given for my locale, the west coast of the United States. Aspects with planets other than the Sun are not considered for the purposes of this experiment. Feedback and criticisms gladly accepted. I may get some of this wrong and we'll see how long I can keep it up. 

Let's talk about the Moon.

Lunar Mansion Report for Monday, December 30th, 2024 to Sunday January 5th, 2025. 

 Monday, December 30th, 2024, sees the Moon in the 22nd Mansion, Sadahaca, The Lucky Star of the Slaughterers, which it entered the day before at 8:37PM. The New Moon will occur while the Moon is in this Mansion with the cazimi aspect happening at 2:27pm on December 30th.  Outside of this brief period the Moon will be combust for almost the entire time she is in Sadahaca.  

The Moon will be in this Mansion for a period of 23 hours and 29 minutes. This is 37 minutes less than the Moon's time in the previous Mansion which means it is accelerating. This suggests that talismans made during the Moon's transit across this Mansion will have results that come quickly but will dissipate quickly. 

Because of the combust condition of the Moon, this day will be best for harnessing the wrathful qualities of the Mansion. These include separating a wazir from his lord (Ibn Hatim), for a woman to be raped and discord between partners (Gayat al Hakim), to bind tongues against slander (Latin Picatrix), evil (Liber Luneae), and to agitate rulers into wrath and to hide secrets (Shams al Marif). 

At the moment of the cazimi the most positive qualities of the Mansion are at their strongest and grant the liberation of any restrictions, enhance health, and extract hidden things. This period is very brief, on the order of 60 seconds, in which the talisman must be constructed and consecrated. 

The image for this Mansion in the Latin Picatrix is "the figure of a man with winged feet wearing a helmet", a very Mercurial image. Considered together with the title of this Mansion, The Lucky Star of the Slaughterers, this Mansion has connotations of spiritual communication. The slaughterers are those who make the animal sacrifice to the gods. During this Mansion making entreaties to heaven and making offerings to seek favors and boons are greatly enhanced as are devotional acts of giving. 

The Moon leaves Sadahaca at 8:06PM on December 30th and enters Zadebola, The Lucky Star of the Devourers. The conditions of the Moon's speed and relation to the Sun are still present, fast and combust, which gives the Mansion strength to its wrathful qualities. These include destroy an enemies house (as in family and station) and impose ruin and disease upon whomever you wish (Ibn Hatim), damaging assets (Gayat al Hakim), divide husbands from wives and destruction and devastation (Latin Picatrix), and destruction and wasting (Agrippa). 

Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 opens with the Moon in the 23rd Mansion, Zaabedola, the Lucky Star of the Devourers, which began at 8:07PM the day before. The Moon begins her time in this Mansion combust the Sun until 5:06AM. At that point she begins her Waxing Crescent phase in which beginnings and foundations are accentuated. During the combust period her wrathful qualities are predominant but she becomes beneficial after 5:06AM.

The Moon will be in Zaadebola until December 31st at 7:11PM, a period of 23 hours and 5 minutes which is 24 minutes less than the last Mansion so the Moon is still accelerating. Talismans will be quick to take effect but their effects may dissipate quickly. 

Once the beneficial qualities of the Mansion take effect they include recovery from disease (Gayat al Hakim), join friends together (Latin Picatrix), liberty of captives (Agrippa), and evil's antidote (Shams al Marif). 

The image in the Latin Picatrix for Zaadebola is a "cat with a dog's head" an image that suggests the head is the enemy of the body. This image lends itself to the wrathful qualities of this Mansion. On the beneficial side, when the cat and the dog get along, it is the alchemical blending of opposites into a harmonious whole. 

The Moon leaves Zaadebola on December 31st at 7:11PM. She then moves into Caadezod, the Lucky Star of the Lucky. The Moon is still moving quickly and she is still Waxing Crescent. The beneficial qualities of Caadezod include improvement of cattle and herds (Ibn Hatim, Agrippa, and Latin Picatrix), increase merchandise and make a profit (Latin Picatrix), and victories to armies (Gayat al Hakim). 

Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. The new year begins with the Moon in Caadezod, The Lucky Star of the Lucky. Caadezod began at 7:11PM the day before. The Moon is near the beginning of the Waxing Crescent phase which is amenable to new beginnings and fresh starts. 

The Moon will be in Caadezod until 5:40PM on January 1st, only spending 22 hours and 29 minutes there. This is an acceleration of 24 minutes. The effects of its talismans may take manifest very quickly but may also pass just as quickly. 

The beneficial powers of Caadezod are improvement of cattle and herds (Ibn Hatim, Agrippa, and Latin Picatrix), increase merchandise and make a profit (Latin Picatrix), and victories to armies (Gayat al Hakim). 

The image for Caadezod given in the Latin Picatrix is of a mother suckling a child. In my nmind this is Amalthea, the goat nymph who hid and nursed a baby Zeus from Kronos until he was grown. I attribute strong protective, maternal qualities to this Mansion. 

The Moon leaves Caadezod on January 1st at 5:40PM and then begins to transit across Zaadalahbia, The Lucky Star of Hidden Things. She remains fast and Waxing Crescent. The beneficial qualities of Zaadalahbia include protection from blights and calamities from heaven (Ibn Hatim), dispatching successful messengers and spies and establishing and stabilizing buildings (Gayat al Hakim), protection of orchards and crops (Latin Picatrix), house protection (Celestial Magic), and companionship, love, and being kind (Shams al Marif).

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 begins with the Moon in Zaadalahbia, The Lucky Star of Hidden Things, which she entered at 5:40PM the day before. The Moon is Waxing Crescent and we will list the beneficial aspects of the Mansion. 

The Moon resides in Zaadelahbia until January 2nd, 2025 at 4:27PM. According to my math that’s 22 hours and 47 minutes which would make it slower than the last Mansion. This strikes me as odd because it would be a little slow period in the middle of several days of slowing. At 22 hours and 47 minutes, however, the Moon is still moving pretty swiftly which suggests effects of magic done in this Mansion will happen quickly but may also dissipate quickly. 

The beneficial qualities of Zaadalahbia include protection from blights and calamities from heaven (Ibn Hatim), dispatching successful messengers and spies and establishing and stabilizing buildings (Gayat al Hakim), protection of orchards and crops (Latin Picatrix), house protection (Celestial Magic), and companionship, love, and being kind (Shams al Marif).

The image for this Mansion is a person planting seeds or planting a tree in the earth. As the Lucky Star of Hidden Things it rules the buried seed on the verge of germinating and the root feeding the plant. This Mansion also empowers metaphoric seeds, ideas and actions that bear fruit later.

The Moon transits Zaadelahbia until 4:27PM, January 2nd, 2025. She then moves into Al Fargh al Awwal, the Upper Waterspout. The beneficial aspects of Al Fargh al Awwal include love and lust (Ibn Hatim); all sorts of good things, restoring love and friendship, fulfilling the wishes of travelers, stabilizing buildings (Gayat al Hakim); bind people in mutual love, protect travelers in wagons, strengthen buildings (Latin Picatrix); and creating loving relationships, increasing libido, and cheering up souls with friendships (Shams al Marif). 

Friday, January 3rd, 2025 dawns with the Moon in Al Fargh al Awwal, the Upper Waterspout, the Mansion she entered at 4:27PM the day before. The phase is Waxing Crescent.

The Moon’s journey through Al Fargh al Awwal concludes at 2:46PM on January 3rd, 2025. This will be a journey of 22 hours and 19 minutes. The Moon is still moving fast so talismans may take effect quickly and their powers may pass quickly. 

The beneficial powers of Al Fargh al Awwal include love and lust (Ibn Hatim); all sorts of good things, restoring love and friendship, fulfilling the wishes of travelers, stabilizing buildings (Gayat al Hakim); bind people in mutual love, protect travelers in wagons, strengthen buildings (Latin Picatrix); and creating loving relationships, increasing libido, and cheering up souls with friendships (Shams al Marif).

Al Fargh al Awwal is the Upper Waterspout. These are the subtle waters, the lustral waters, the sanctifying waters.  The image of this Mansion in the Latin Picatrix is a woman washing her hair in a basin. This Mansion excels at creating holy water and spiritual cleansing. 

The Moon remains in Al Fargh al Awwal until 2:46PM on January 3rd, 2025 and then passes into Al Fargh Al Thani, the Lower Waterspout. The beneficial effects of Al Fargh al Thani are to increase merchandise and profit, unite allies, increase harvests, and heal illness (Gayat al Hakim, Latin Picatrix, and Agrippa). 

Saturday, January 4th, 2025. Al Fargh al Thani, the Lower Waterspout is where the Moon sits when this day begins. She entered this Mansion on January 3rd, at 2:46PM. The Moon is Waxing Crescent.

The Moon will spend 22 hours and 10 minutes in Al Fargh al Thani, continuing to move quickly, still accelerating, spending 9 minutes less in this Mansion than the last one. 

The beneficial effects of Al Fargh al Thani are to increase merchandise and profit, unite allies, increase harvests, and heal illness (Gayat al Hakim, Latin Picatrix, and Agrippa). 

In the Latin Picatrix the image is a winged man with a perforated dish and is used to poison wells. In its more beneficial aspect Al Fargh al Thani rules the lower waters, the vivifying waters, the waters that turn dust to flesh. Where the waters of Al Fargh al Awwal come from heaven, the waters of Al Fargh al Thani come from deep in the earth. This is reflected in the image of a well in the Latin Picatrix. 

At 12:56PM on January 4th the Moon moves into the 28th Mansion, Arrexe. The beneficial powers of Arrexhe include successful trade, productive crops, treatment of disease, traveler's safety, restoring relationships between spouses (Gayat al Hakim), increase harvests, travel safely, to gather fish in one place (Latin Picatrix), and create superior works and acts with excellent outcome (Shams al Marif). 

Sunday, January 5th, 2025 begins with the Moon in Arrexe, the last of the 28 Mansions. She entered Arrexe at 12:56PM the day before. The Moon's phase is still Waxing Crescent.

The Moon transits across Arrexe until January 5th at 11:01AM after spending 22 hours and 10 minutes in that Mansion. That is an acceleration by 5 minutes which means the Moon is still moving fast. Talismans consecrated under this Mansion may have their effects manifest quickly but also may quickly pass. 

The beneficial powers of Arrexhe include successful trade, productive crops, treatment of disease, traveler's safety, restoring relationships between spouses (Gayat al Hakim), increase harvests, travel safely, to gather fish in one place (Latin Picatrix), and create superior works and acts with excellent outcome (Shams al Marif). 

The image for this Mansion in the Latin Picatrix is a multicolored fish, which seems to reference a plurality coalescing into a singular whole. Its magic is best for gathering, be they things, opportunities, or ideas. 

On January 5th at 11:01AM the Moon moves into Alnath, the first of the Mansions. The beneficial qualities include guarding against demolition and crushing (Ibn Hatim), travel safely, and improve the efficacy of laxative medicines (Gayat al Hakim, Latin Picatrix, and Agrippa).  

When the Moon Talks Back

 Dear Readers, I thought I would check in and talk about something that happened to me this evening. I like to give myself a long walk from my place of work before I catch a bus to my neighborhood and home. The route I take is a somewhat wooded, winding road on a high hill. 

This evening I was walking the path when I spotted a person walking toward me. As they got closer I saw it was a rotund, older man with his shirt off. It wasn’t particularly hot out but he had climbed the hill. He was bald and white and looked all together lunar. Just as we were about to pass each other, I met his eye to give a greeting but before I could he said, “take care of yourself, you are valuable.” I was dumbstruck and barely mumbled out a greeting.

Did the Moon just tell me I was valuable? I have very little idea why this human man would say that, but was the Moon speaking through him? If I had been doing Martial work for years and a soldier or a cop in uniform were to tell me I was valuable, or any message really, I would think I would take it to heart. The Moon went Full earlier today, just a few hours ago, and here was a man with the figure of the Moon giving out messages. Talking directly to me. On a Monday, no less.

What does it mean to be valuable to the Moon? It certainly sounds like the Moon is not displeased with the work I’ve been doing and I am encouraged that my efforts are bearing fruit. 

As I continued walking I came across a discarded bit of paper, slightly folded in half and standing on its edge. I recognized it right away as a fortune cookie fortune and I picked it up. Did I ever tell you about my fortune cookie fortune collection? I have multiple jars of hundreds of discarded fortunes I've picked up outside Chinese restaurants over the past 20 years. I’ll tell you more about that later. Anyway, I picked up the fortune today and it read, “Commitment is what turns a promise into reality.”  

Keep working, keep believing, is what I hear there and again, I take it as directly from the Moon. I am now greatly encouraged about my spiritual and creative work. 

Let’s bring this back to the Moon. Today, the Moon went Full while it was in Al Fargh al Awwal, the Upper Water Spout. Al Fargh al Awwal rules water as a spiritual medium, the subtle waters, the lustral waters, the waters of light and absolution. Holy water and the waters we bless for spiritual cleansing are all part of Al Fargh al Awwal. Its image is a woman washing her hair in a basin. I like to imagine she is cleansing herself in an act of spiritual purity. To have these events happen to me on this day tells me I am awash in blessings. 

What Are You Even Doing?

 Hello, loyal blog followers. It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. I hope you are well. I’ve been pretty good but I have neglected this blog. Life gets crazy with all the responsibilities that come up and take priority over other things in life. My magical and spiritual practice in some ways has taken a back seat to keeping up with my day job, my volunteer responsibilities, and family.  

Or, more accurately, ritual has taken backseat. Magic has not left the fore of my mind. I think and study and pray every day. Sometimes that can make me feel like I've lost a thread or that I'm not doing enough but we learn the lessons we are supposed to learn. I have not been doing nothing, I just don't have a list of mind-blowing, fireworks level magical results to report. Perhaps an apt metaphor would be the slow seeping of water from the ground to fill a valley to make a lake. At any one moment there is imperceptible movement but step back and the results are vast. 

What I have been doing is working on a practice that fits my everyday life. I don't have a ritual space and I don't have a ton of solitary time to dedicate to practice. The winter of 2023 into 2024 was a little difficult for me for a variety of reasons and a few projects got put down and have yet to be picked back up. I am going to get back to the original intent of this blog and use it as a way to stay motivated to do stuff so that I have something to report to you. I am feeling like I am getting back into a headspace in which long form writing is not a wholly daunting prospect. 

And, as I think about it all now and write about it I am coming to realize that I have a lot more to talk about than I thought. Making a practice part of everyday life tends to make the practice melt into the fabric of routine to the point it almost disappears. 

My study of the Mansions of the Moon has led me through new vistas with ideas that may or may not bear fruit. Here are some of the proverbial irons in the fire:

• I am slightly more than 10% done with making a set of cards for the Mansions of the Moon similar to my Decans deck and tarot deck. My goal is to complete 56 images, a beneficial and a wrathful image for each Mansion. I have 6 done. At this rate, however, Lord only knows how long it will take to finish. 
• The divination system, Zoroastor's Telescope, features the spirit names of the Mansions of the Moon very prominently and so I've been looking into it. I am most of the way through making a set of the tiles to be able to practice the system. 
• Similarly, the Faustian grimoire Magia Naturalis et Innaturalis also features the Mansion spirits. Are these important to my study or were the names simply used without context? 
• I have a bunch of incense ingredients gathered to make incenses specific to each of the Mansions but have not yet worked out the formulas. My goal is to make cones using make powder. 
• I still want to develop "mini-rites" for each of the Mansions based on the rites in the Picatrix and my own divination. My experiments have not gone well so far but it remains a goal. Perhaps I will write about the failures and the developments as they happen.
• I need to do more writing about the Mansions in general. I have years of research and practice churning to get out of me. That will be another important function of this blog; a place to practice and work out ideas that is easy and not so formal.  
• For all my study of the Mansions and congress with their spirits I have precious few actual talismans. This is an areas ripe for experimentation. 

And this is just off the top of my head. Undoubtedly, more things will come up as my study progresses. I am excited that I am in a place again in which I am able to come back to it and talk about it.  

Just remember, fellow magician, magic is something you are, not something you do. Even in fallow times magic is within you and alive.  

Alleyman Oracle to include Moonlit Hermit Tarot Card

There is a new Alleyman Oracle deck in production. It will include a Moonlit Hermit Tarot card, specifically my 6 of Swords. Check out the Kickstarter for the project here, 

bit.ly/AlleyOracle.