Many planetary magical practitioners of pre-modern England regarded the Sun with particular fondness. Seventeenth-century astrologer-physician Joseph Blagrave went so far as to comment that ‘in the curing of all kinds of evils, I do usually cause the patients to wear a select number of Solary herbs gathered in the hour of the Sun…’

This class will present analysis of these practitioners’ Solary magics, found in the ‘working-books’ (that is, the personal spellbooks) of various cunning-folk, as well as popular handbooks of astrological physick and spirit-work, and influential manuals of planetary magic such as the Heptameron and the Arbatel.

The assembled material will overview the Sun’s astrological significations, purviews of powers, manners of action and effect, and how to work with those Solary occult virtues most effectively, along with grimoiric reference material charting the names, sigils, and offices of the Sun and its spirits: from planetary archangels and ‘Intelligencies’ to Olympian kings and Ruling Spirits, as well as the hosts of aerial spirits called from the cardinal directions of the Airs of the Sun’s day.  

Through this lens, we will explore traditional astrological herbalism and lapidary lore concerning working with Solary virtues in our spellcraft, as well as considering Solary foodstuffs for aligning humours, crafting operations, and making offerings; including some planetary mixology for making cocktails dedicated to stirring and cohering the powers of the Sun.

More than simply a compilation of correspondences or spirit lists, this class will furthermore present and investigate a cunning selection of folk magical operations involving the Sun – from weather sorcery to petitioning more broadly for favour to shine upon you.

Along with the recording of the live presentation and the accompanying slide-deck, students will also receive a digital version of the Book of the Golden Crown, distilling all this information into an easy-to-use chapbook of Solary cunning.

By purchasing this ticket to this live online class, you agree that you understand that no part of the material dictated or provided throughout the duration of the presentation may be reproduced, distributed, or used in any other form (neither electronic nor mechanic, including photocopies and recordings), without the direct and written consent of the instructor, Dr Alexander Cummins.