Drawing Down the Divine: Astrological Magic and the Intention Beads

Throughout Western history ritual and astrology have been intimately connected. Good magicians (alchemists) had to be good astrologers or their experiment would fail.

Magic and astrology were “allied arts” in the Renaissance era. Forerunners to modern chemistry, alchemists were involved in an effort to pursue “the art of changing consciousness at will.” At a superficial level, alchemists worked to be able to change lead into gold. In reality their practices were much more directed toward an inner spiritual process in which the dense and grosser states of consciousness were transformed into the higher, more subtle and sublime spiritual states.

Ritual magic, alchemy and astrology rest on one principle: that man is the microcosm of the universe, “man is the great miracle whose mind is divine, of like nature with the star governors of the universe” Giordano Bruno. Commonly expressed as “As above, So below,” this statement reflects the understanding that behind all external phenomena lies a totality—one interconnected, interdependent whole which is sensitive and responsive to the movement of its parts. We recognize that the world is a symbol whose ordering is meaningful only as it represents a deeper, more profound aspect of our consciousness. The visible universe is, to some extent, a projection of the human psyche that is perceiving it. We can know the forces within and they can be called forth.

Intention beads are an experiment in astrological magic. Sandy Rueve (bead maker) and I are offering to partner with you- for me to help you determine your deepest intention and to find the most auspicious time. Sandy then uses her creativity to make your bracelet (talisman) and you then focus your awareness and concentration on your intention. My own experience has confirmed that, properly use, they can “make things happen.”—Barbara.