This four-part series explores the astrological virtues of food and drink in traditional humoural theories of dynamic well-being, as well as the practical employment of herbs, fruit, and vegetables in applied planetary spiritwork and spellcraft.

In this course, contemporary cunning-man and historian of magic Dr Alexander Cummins guides us through this investigation into the role of diet as one of the traditional means of regulating and balancing our humoural constitutions according to sources of both pre-modern occult philosophy and folkloric wisdom, and analyse the various manners food and drink have been employed in a range of grimoiric and folk magical operations, charms, divinations, and talismans.

We explore the mythologies and emblematics of various edible herbs, nuts, spices, vegetables, and especially fruits, and consider the various meanings and mysteries signaled by making offerings of such delectable materia to spirits and upon our own tables.

We also assess the range of uses of such foodstuffs for rites of elemental and planetary cleansing and empowerment; dining with the stars and spirits to re-dress imbalances, to seek holistic balance, to offer both grateful thanks and petitions for change, and to enrich ourselves and our world.

Finally, each session includes a cocktail menu exploring “planetary mixology”, in which we will consider which potable blends of potent drinkables may usefully accompany and further empower your petitions and conjurations of the Seven Planets.

This four-part course series breaks down into the following two-hour-long classes:

Session 1: The Spice of Life – Mars & the Sun
In which we begin by introducing traditional means of regulating and cohering occult virtue  mysteries and materia of the Fiery planets of Mars and the Sun; examining the hot and dry manifest qualities, ‘savours’, passions, and offerings.

Session 2: Strength in Sweetness – Jupiter & Mercury
In which we consider the Airy occult philosophy of breath and blood, and pay particular attention to the magical properties of fruit; before going onto assess the fundamental heating and moistening affectivities of the sanguine humours, as well as ‘savours’, passions, foodstuffs, and offerings for working with Jupiter and Mercury.

Session 3: Waters of Love & Night – Venus & the Moon
In which we consider the imaginal mysteries of the phlegmatic humours, examining traditional perspectives on both hope and fear, as well as the occult potencies of water, fish, and dairy; proceeding to analyse the cold and wet manifest qualities and the ‘savours’, passions, foodstuffs, and offerings for working with Venus and the Moon.

Session 4: Earthing & Grounding – Saturn & Spellcrafts
In which we consider the virtues (and vices) of earth and darkness, examining the melancholy mysteries of the Earthy humours through analysis of roots and beans, and the cooling and drying manifest qualities, ‘savours’, passions, foodstuffs, and offerings for working with Saturn. In addition, this final session examines the applications of these foodways in planetary spiritwork, elemental spellcrafts, folk charms utilizing fruits, and some parting reflections and advice.

By purchasing this class, you agree that you understand that no part of the material dictated or provided throughout the duration of the course 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.