The 28 Lunar Mansions
What are The 28 Lunar Mansions?
The lunar mansions are a system of 28 divisions along the Moon's path across the sky, originating from Babylonian astronomy and later refined by Arabic scholars in the early medieval period. The Babylonians originally divided the ecliptic into 12 zodiac signs, followed by the Arabs who later divided the Moon's cycle into 28 segments, each with its own astrological significance and correspondence marked by the position of the Moon in relation to the fixed stars. This was based on the Moon's cycle, which takes roughly 27.3 days to orbit the Earth, meaning it passes through each mansion in about one day.
These mansions were used for a variety of purposes, including astrology, divination, and magic. Each mansion corresponded to a specific area of the sky and each mansion had it’s own unique correspondences, such as associations with particular deities, spirits, or magical practices. They were considered to be not just astrological markers but also key places of power.
This system of lunar mansions was highly influential in Arabic occultism and later spread to medieval Europe, where it contributed to works like the Picatrix, a key grimoire in Western occult traditions. These mansions provided a framework for synchronizing magical practices with celestial events, strengthening the connection between the heavens and earthly magic with the Moon acting as an intermediary.
Veit Rudolph Specklin, 1550
The 28 Lunar Mansions in Arabic Magical Practices
In Arabic magical traditions, the lunar mansions were not just astronomical markers but powerful loci of magical and spiritual energy. Each of the 28 mansions is associated with distinct qualities, spirits, and magical correspondences. These characteristics made the mansions essential tools for ritual magic, astrological elections, and talismanic work.
Talismanic Magic and Timing
One of the core uses of the lunar mansions in Arabic occultism is in the creation of talismans. These objects were crafted during specific lunar mansions to imbue them with the mansion’s particular power. For instance, certain mansions were believed to enhance protection, while others are ideal for healing or attracting love. Practitioners would carefully time their rituals to coincide with the Moon’s position in the most favorable mansion for their desired outcome.
Astrological Elections
The lunar mansions were also integral to electional astrology, the practice of choosing the most auspicious time for an activity. Whether it was for launching a new project, undertaking a journey, or conducting a ritual, astrologers would look to the current lunar mansion to determine the best timing. Each mansion had its own influence on the affairs of the day, helping practitioners avoid bad fortune and align their actions with the favourable cosmic forces.
Magical Correspondences
Each mansion was associated with particular spirits or angels, and practitioners would invoke these entities during rituals. Some mansions were considered good for work related to Venus (love, beauty, attraction), while others were linked with Mars (war, protection, strength) or Jupiter (prosperity, wisdom, growth). By aligning with the correct mansion, practitioners could tap into these potent forces.
© The Trustees of the British Museum
Tips for Working with The 28 Lunar Mansions Today
For modern practitioners interested in using the lunar mansions, here are a few practical ways to integrate them into your magical practice:
Track the Moon’s Movement: Keep a lunar diary to track the Moon’s current mansion and make note of any themes that come up throughout it’s transit in the sky.
Choose the Right Mansion for Your Intention: Align your magical work with the mansion that best corresponds to your goals.
Talisman Crafting: Create talismans that correspond to the energy of the current mansion to amplify your intentions.
Electional Magic: Use the mansions to select the best time for starting new ventures, making important decisions, embarking on travel or performing rituals.
Invocation: You may invoke the guardian spirit of the mansion to aid in your working or use prayer or incantations associated with it.
Photo by Claudio Testa on Unsplash
The lunar mansions offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of astrology, magic, and timing in the Arabic occult tradition. From their ancient origins in Babylonian astronomy to their sophisticated use in medieval Arabic astrology, these 28 celestial divisions have long served as a powerful tool for practitioners seeking to align their magical intentions with the natural rhythms of the cosmos.
Today, the lunar mansions continue to influence modern occult practices, from witchcraft and astrology to ceremonial magic. By working with the Moon's position in the sky, contemporary practitioners can enhance their rituals, refine their spellwork, and select the most auspicious times for important life events. Whether for creating talismans, timing rituals, or understanding personal astrology, the lunar mansions remain a valuable resource for any occult practitioner looking to deepen their connection to the celestial forces at play.
Resources
If you would like to learn more about working with the 28 Lunar Mansions I would recommend checking out the below books:
The Complete Picatrix - Christopher Warnock & John Michael Greer
The Mansions of the Moon - Christopher Warnock & Nigel Jackson
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