Ten

Tantric
Astrology
for Magick

The long history of Tantra has allowed practitioners to develop several systems of divination that can help a Tantric learn from unknown or not fully understood past events, predict the future to give guidance and direction, and, perhaps most importantly, understand the present to a greater depth than would otherwise be possible. Initially I was going to cover several Tantric divinatory systems. Unfortunately, that simply would have been too lengthy for one book. Each system would require a complete book, or even several books, just to fully introduce their concepts and methods. These systems include such things as drawing one of a bunch of banana tree leaves on which the diviner has written oracular ideas. This technique is similar to the divinatory use of the I Ching, or rune sticks, and it’s close to the Chinese divinatory system known as Kau Chim or Chien Tung, commonly known as Chinese fortune sticks. Another system involves finding an astrology chart on the palm of the hand. Palmistry, too, is a popular Tantric divinatory system. One variation looks exclusively at the thumb. The creation of Tantric divinatory systems has not ceased. Recently a card deck that has similarities to the tarot but is Tantrically focused, called The Tantric Dakini Oracle (previously titled The Secret Dakini Oracle), was released by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger.

The system I’m going to discuss briefly in this chapter is Tantric astrology. To really learn it, or any of the systems mentioned, requires study and practice. To learn more, consult some of the books listed in the bibliography. For this book I wanted to provide you with concepts that are unique and practical, traditional, and yet not commonly known in the West, and explain how you can apply them to enhance your magick within or outside of a Tantric format.

Tropical and Sidereal Zodiacs

Even if you don’t know much about astrology, you’re probably familiar with the little predictions that appear in daily newspapers. You also probably know your “sign,” such as whether you’re a Capricorn, a Scorpio, or one of the other ten signs. Technically, your sign is actually your Sun sign, the zodiac sign the Sun was in when you were born. This leads us to the first major difference between the Western astrology you may know and Tantric astrology.

Modern Western astrology is based on something known as the tropical zodiac. Tantric astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac. This difference changes everything.

Both zodiacal systems focus on the ecliptic. This is the path the Sun appears to follow across the sky. When I was younger, I couldn’t understand where to look for the constellations that make up the zodiac. When it was explained to me that they’re all along the ecliptic, they became much easier to find and identify in the night sky. All I had to do was look at the path the Sun had followed during the day to see the zodiacal constellations at night.

In Western (tropical) astrology, the beginning of the year is based on the positions of stars that are believed to be unmoving, or fixed. As a result, the spring equinox is always on the same date. Each sign of the zodiac always begins on the same date. But there’s a problem with this.

The fixed stars aren’t really fixed. It’s just that from our perspective it takes a long time for us to see that, in relation to our position, they appear to move. This slow movement is due to the wobble of Earth on its axis. This wobble causes small changes known as the precession of the equinoxes.

The dates and appearances of the zodiac signs are no longer where they once were. The wobble induces a slow change that takes about 26,000 years to bring us back to the same perspective we have at any moment. That means every 2,150 years or so, we move backward through a full astrological sign.

From about 4,200 years ago to about 2,100 years ago, we were in the Age of Aries. We experienced events and mental states that were associated with that age. About 2,100 years ago, we exited the Age of Aries. That is, at the spring equinox, Aries was already fully up in the sky. The sign of Pisces was beginning to rise on the spring equinox, as we were at the dawning of the eon of Pisces, including all of the events and mental states associated with that age.

Today we are entering the Age of Aquarius. If you look for the constellation of Pisces to be just rising in the sky at the spring equinox, you won’t find it. Nor will you find the first sign of the Western zodiac, Aries, just rising, either. They’re both already up in the sky. Instead, you’ll find Aquarius beginning to rise.

Tantric astrology, which is based on the sidereal zodiac, recognizes this change. It looks at where the constellations actually are rather than where they theoretically are. The astrological houses and signs are aligned rather than different.

So why is it that Western astrology uses the relative positions of stars and planets and not the actual positions? It may actually be due to one book: Tetrabiblos by Ptolemy.

Claudius Ptolemy (c. 90–c. 168 CE) lived in Egypt, but his actual lineage is a question mark. The name Claudius indicates he was Roman, and he lived in Egypt during the time of Roman rule. It appears that he was granted Roman citizenship later in his life. At least one author (albeit 700 years later) claimed he was a member of Egypt’s royalty. His last name (actually Ptolemaeus) indicates a Greek (probably Macedonian) background. Whatever Ptolemy’s genetic background, there is no doubt that he was a genius.

Ptolemy was known as a mathematician, a geographer, a poet, an astronomer, and an astrologer. Astronomy, it should be remembered, was originally a subset of astrology. You needed to be able to tell where the planets were in order to do the important part: make and interpret an astrological chart.

Ptolemy’s book, known as the Tetrabiblos, gives an explanation of basic astrology. It was based on earlier sources and focused on drawing the horoscope (the positions of the planets and constellations in relation to time and place of birth) and horoscope interpretation. During the Dark Ages (generally given as 476–1000 CE), most astrological knowledge (as with most knowledge in the West) was lost or forgotten. As Western civilization crawled out of that period, the past was rediscovered. Tetrabiblos was translated from Arabic into Latin in 1138, making it available to educated Westerners. That one book became the source for Western astrology. And an unlikely coincidence may have resulted in the split between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs.

When Ptolemy wrote his book, both the sidereal and tropical zodiacs coincided. Ptolemy wrote that Aries began with the vernal equinox, and he was right … during his time. One thousand years later, that was no longer correct, but the astrologers went by the book rather than looking at the skies. (Sadly, I have met few astrologers who can go out at night and point out the planets and constellations.) Thus, tropical astrology became the favored astrological system of the West.

When I explain this to some Western astrologers, they get upset. “Are you saying that all of my charts are wrong?” No, I’m not saying that at all. Astrological charts are actually about relationships. If Venus has a certain relationship to Mars—perhaps they are at a 90-degree angle, or square, to each other—they’ll still have that same relationship. The major change between tropical and sidereal astrology consists of the planets in relation to the constellations or zodiac signs and houses. We could use any circle of twelve signs and relate it to the relative positions of the planets. Each circle and the planets located on it could be referred to as a paradigm or model. Tropical astrology can be perfectly accurate within its paradigm, just as Tantric astrology is perfectly accurate within its sidereal zodiac paradigm.

If that’s true, and both versions of astrology are valid, what difference does it make? Today, most Western astrologers focus on psychological issues. Most Tantric astrologers focus on practical, physical-plane issues. A Western astrologer might tell you in a general way how to best get along with the person you are about to marry or what to look for in a business partner. A Tantric astrologer would tell you the best day and time to marry or start a business, what specific mantra to chant for happiness or success, your good luck numbers and colors, and the gem you should wear for good luck.

This is something that has always bothered me about several divination systems, including the tarot. They may give you great information about yourself, such as what attitudes you need to develop to enhance the relationship with your spouse. Or they might tell you to beware of someone who is not being honest.

“That’s great. But how, specifically, do I do that? What, specifically, can I do to overcome this problem?” This, in my opinion, is a great stumbling block. While it is certainly possible to provide solutions through the exclusive use of information from tropical astrology charts, many Western astrologers don’t do this. Wise Western astrologers may give you some advice that can answer questions such as these based not on astrology, but rather on their own experience and training in areas that are often outside of the astrological realm. This can include the use of psychism, intuitive insights, knowledge of psychology or life coaching, and just plain common sense. In questions of finances, the advice may come from the astrologer’s own understanding of economics rather than just the astrological evidence. Even the personal ethics and politics of an astrologer, tarot reader, or other diviner may come into play.

Perhaps the most valuable source of advice of this type comes from the astrologer’s life experience. Again, this is not because the information isn’t available from the charts, but simply because most Western astrologers are not trained to find it. Most Western astrologers don’t think that’s the way astrology should work.

But, then, why should they think in any other way? Most books for people looking up their own charts don’t include it. Most books that train in astrology don’t stress it or even include it. Most clients who come to professional astrologers don’t seem to be seeking it, or are at least willing to accept the lack of specific solutions or remedies from astrological data that would help ensure what is desired or overcome what is undesired.10

Tantric astrologers, on the other hand, do just the opposite. They will use the chart to tell you the best date and time to have the wedding; yantras you should have in your home to ensure health, wealth, and harmony; gems to wear for health, luck, and prosperity; mantras to chant, etc. Frankly, I think one of the reasons for this is that Indian astrologers will often offer to sell clients appropriate astrological remedies for their problems. Charged yantras or appropriate planetary gems can be very expensive. It’s an additional income stream that is not generally found among Western astrologers. Some people might refer to these remedies as magickal solutions to problems. These explicit types of remedies are not common in Western astrology, but form a major aspect of Tantric astrology, or jyotish astrology.11

Here, then, is a list of the dates used in Tantric astrology to determine your astrological sign, or rashi (see chart). I’m including the Western names of the signs for familiarity and ease.

Does this surprise you? I was born on March 28 and always knew myself to be an Aries. According to Tantric astrology, I’m a Pisces. That’s a big change. However, this is still just the Sun sign and only gives one part of the entire picture. A complete horoscope, Western or Tantric, will look at all of the planets and their relation to the constellations and to each other. Just looking at one position, albeit a very important one, doesn’t give a thorough understanding of a horoscope’s astrological information. To go into the meanings of just these Sun sign shifts would fill at least another book. What I want to focus on is how to use this information practically—that is, how to use astrological information for magick.

Date	Sign	Sanskrit Name
January 14–February 11	Capricorn	Makara
February 12–March 13	Aquarius	Kumbha
March 14–April 12	Pisces	Meena
April 13–May 13	Aries	Mesha
May 14–June 14	Taurus	Vrishabha
June 15–July 15	Gemini	Mithuna
July 16–August 15	Cancer	Karka
August 16–September 15	Leo	Simha
September 16–October 16	Virgo	Kanya
October 17–November 15	Libra	Tula
November 16–December 14	Scorpio	Vrishchika
December 15–January 13	Sagittarius	Dhanu

Determining Your Astrological Sign, or Rashi

Sign	Lucky Numbers	Lucky Colors
Capricorn	6, 8, 9	White, Red, Blue (avoid Yellow, Cream)
Aquarius	2, 3, 7, 9	Yellow, Red, White, Cream
Pisces	1, 3, 9 (avoid 8)	Yellow, Orange, Red, Rose (avoid Blue, White, Cream, Green)
Aries	6, 8, 9	Blue
Taurus	5, 6, 8	Pink, Green, White
Gemini	3, 4	Green, Yellow
Cancer	2, 7, 9 (avoid 5, 8)	White, Cream, Red, Yellow (avoid Blue, Green)

Numbers and Colors of the Signs

Sign	Lucky Numbers	Lucky Colors
Leo	1, 4, 5, 6, 7 (avoid 2, 7, 8)	Orange, Red, White
Virgo	2, 3, 5, 6, 7	Green, White, Yellow
Libra	1, 2, 4, 7 (5 = loss; 6 = opponent’s success)	Orange, White
Scorpio	3, 9, 4, 1, 2, 7 (in this order) (avoid 5, 6, 8)	Yellow, Red, Orange
Sagittarius	3, 5, 6, 8 (avoid 2, 7, 9)	White, Cream, Green, Orange, Light Blue (avoid Red, Pearl)

Numbers and Colors of the Signs (continued)

Day	Planet	Influence	Color
Monday	Moon	Mind	Pearl White
Tuesday	Mars	Strength	Coral Red
Wednesday	Mercury	Communications	Green
Thursday	Jupiter	Knowledge	Yellow
Friday	Venus	Potency	White or Multicolor
Saturday	Saturn	Grief	Blue
Sunday	Sun	Spirit	Ruby Red

Influence and Colors of the Days and Their Associated Planets

Gemstones and Astrology

The associations between “gems” and planets have a long tradition in Tantric astrology. I put quotes around gems because some of the associations are not with what we consider gems—stones mined from the earth—at all.

If your chart indicates a lack or excess of some planetary energy, one of the remedies is for you to wear a gem that will appropriately increase or counter the energy as needed. There are supposed minimum sizes, but as a general rule, the larger the gem and the higher the quality, the better. Further, you are supposed to wear the stones against your skin. Therefore, you need a special ring or pendant that is open in the back. A higher-quality setting—that is, a more expensive setting—is supposedly better.

Personally, I think this general rule is primarily a way for an Indian astrologer to extract extra money from you! They often also sell gems and appropriate jewelry, or may have a friend or family member who sells them.

People of all economic classes in India use jyotish and work with the gem remedies. Some people want to use the gems but can’t afford anything more than a mere chip, and a low-quality one at that. These seem to work perfectly. Rather than wear them, you can place them in a glass of water and leave them over night. In the morning, drink the water to obtain the gem’s influence. Be careful not to swallow the gem! This practice can be repeated nightly. You can also make combinations of gem powers.

Here is a description of the planets and their “gems.” Names of the planets and gems are given in English followed by their Sanskrit names in parentheses.

Planet: Mercury (Budh)

Gem: Green Emerald (Panna)

Planetary Influences: Investments and exchange of money for goods; education; verbal and written forms of communication; sense of humor; nervousness and feelings of insecurity; diseases of the lungs, nervous system, and intestines.

Comments: Emeralds come in a wide variety of shades and levels of transparency. The best ones as a planetary gem are dark green and translucent, with no flaws or occlusions. If the planet Mercury is strong in your chart, use this to increase the energies of Mercury and overcome energies that counter those of the planet.

Wearing a planetary gem of Mercury is also said to be good to improve the eyesight, calm the nerves, and enhance focus. It is supposedly good for asthma if worn in a gold ring on the third finger on Wednesdays. This can be amplified by wearing a yellow sapphire in a gold ring worn on Thursday on the third finger. It is also good for gallstones and mental problems.

Primary Alternatives: Green Jade, Peridot, Aquamarine, Green Tourmaline

Secondary Alternatives: Green Zircon, Turquoise that is primarily green

Planet: Venus (Shukra)

Gem: Diamond (Heera )

Planetary Influences: Beauty, grace, charm, romance, and good taste. Also important for the immune system and reproductive organs.

Comments: The idea that diamonds are of great value due to their rarity is a myth. One company has obtained a virtual monopoly over the international distribution of diamonds and artificially created high price points through a combination of limiting their availability and advertising heavily to create false needs. Diamond engagement rings, for example, are not part of some ancient tradition. They only became popular due to an extensive advertising campaign that began in 1947 using the slogan “Diamonds are forever.” In 1999 those three words were selected as the best advertising slogan of the century by Advertising Age magazine.

I have never been especially attracted to diamonds. But this isn’t about whether we like their looks; it’s about the power they exert. For this purpose, the best diamonds are completely clear or have a blue tint. Well, unless you’re a political leader, in which case a red or yellow diamond is best for you.

Wear a diamond if Venus plays an important role in your chart. Diamonds can also help to enhance marital happiness, encourage fearlessness and patience, and help increase wealth. They are also said to help relationships with loved ones and artistic pursuits. They are associated with diseases of the reproductive organs.

Primary Alternatives: White Topaz, White Sapphire, Zircon

Planet: Mars (Mangal )

Gem: Red Coral (Moonga )

Planetary Influences: Drive and energy, completing what you start, independence, masculine energy. Mars also governs the blood and circulatory system.

Comments: Here is the first planetary “gem” that is not a stone. Coral is actually the exoskeleton of a living creature. It has been considered so precious that it has been imitated by using bone, horn, or ivory and then staining it with a red dye made from cinnabar.

Unlike emerald or diamond, red coral should be opaque and, as the name says, red in color—not pink or orange or another color. There is a story that it warns of a coming health problem by changing its color. It’s also supposed to give courage, prevent nightmares, and protect from evil spirits.

If your chart shows you are ruled by Mars, wearing a red coral gem is beneficial. However, Mars is so energetic that it can indicate problems when it appears in various astrological houses. If this is true for you, don’t wear this gem.

Red coral is said to be a male aphrodisiac. Wear it and see. It can help you with decisiveness, money issues, and overcoming opponents. It supposedly cures arthritis. Red coral is traditionally a cure for breast cancer or lung cancer and a help for hernias, kidney problems, and kidney issues. It may help strengthen leadership characteristics and overcome anger issues. It is associated with diseases of blood and bile.

Primary Alternatives: Bloodstone, Carnelian, Red Agate

Planet: Jupiter (Guru )

Gem: Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj )

Planetary Influences: Improved physical health. Enhances joy.

Comments: Yellow sapphire is traditionally believed to be good for a woman who is seeking marriage but is having trouble finding a suitable partner. It’s also said that a person wearing this will be blessed with children. But beware! If the stone has blemishes, it can disturb your sense of balance and result in increased anxiety. So wear this gem if you are interested in maximizing the effects of Jupiterian energy. It is also said to help with normalizing blood pressure. It is supposedly good for appendicitis and anemia if worn in a gold ring on Thursdays on the third finger of the right hand. To amplify this, wear a red coral in a copper ring on Tuesdays on the same finger.

This gem may help with issues of career and the development of a sense of optimism and piety. It is associated with diseases of the liver and fat.

Primary Alternatives: Yellow or Golden Topaz, Citrine, Beryl, Yellow Tourmaline, Pearls that are yellow.

Planet: Moon (Chandra )

Gem: Pearl (Moti )

Planetary Influences: Love, increased intimacy, friendship.

Comments: Here is the second “gem” that does not come from the earth. The saltwater pearl, or moti, comes from an oyster, and the ideal is a perfect sphere that is shiny and glossy. It doesn’t matter if it is natural or cultured, but if it is chipped, get rid of it, as it could result in you losing your job or source of money.

As usual, wear it if the Moon is strong in your birth chart. Traditionally, Cancers can wear it in a silver ring on the pinky of the right hand during the waxing of the Moon.

It is believed that wearing a pearl can increase your compassion and feelings of love for others. It can calm your mind, improve finances, increase popularity, and lead to good health. It may strengthen a woman’s reproductive system and enhance fertility.

Primary Alternatives: Moonstone, Freshwater Pearls from a mussel.

Secondary Alternatives: White Sapphire, White Agate

Planet: Saturn (Shani )

Gem: Blue Sapphire (Neelam )

Planetary Influences: Order and stability. Success and magnanimity. It can also bring a desire to find solitude and become detached from the world in order to achieve self-realization. Good for recovery from chronic diseases, phobias, and depression.

Comments: Wear this gem if Saturn is strong in your chart. If Saturn is indicative of a weakness in your chart, wear a blue sapphire to strengthen the energy. Have it set in a gold ring for the middle finger of your right hand and wear it every Saturday. The setting should be open in the back so the gem touches your skin.

Primary Alternatives: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Topaz, Amethyst

Secondary Alternatives: Blue Spinel, Cordierite, Blue Zoisite, Star of India

Planet: North or Ascending Lunar
Node (Rahu )

Gem: Hessonite (Gomedha )

Planetary Influences: Heightened self-awareness, discrimination, fearlessness. May also help in the recovery from skin diseases.

Comments: Just as some of the gems are not really stones, Rahu is not what Westerners normally consider a planet. In Tantric astrology, both Rahu and its partner, Ketu, are described as chhaya grahas (shadow planets).

As already mentioned, the zodiacal constellations are associated with the ecliptic. The Moon, in its monthly orbit, also follows the ecliptic. However, instead of tracing a straight line, it ranges above and below the invisible ecliptic. Where it crosses the line going up, it is called Rahu, the ascending Lunar Node. Where it crosses the line going down, it is called Ketu, the descending Lunar Node. So instead of actually being a planet, the Nodes are points where the Moon intersects the plane of the ecliptic.

Hessonite is a type of garnet that is yellowish in color. The best ones are also transparent and lustrous. Rahu does not rule any zodiac sign. The stone is worn for safety and protection. However, it’s a bit more complex than this. Look at the natal chart and find the house that Rahu is in. If it’s in a house that has a planet that is auspicious (is considered positive in that sign), wear a hessonite. Otherwise, leave it alone. Rahu is associated with both lethargy and insatiable desires. It’s linked to drug addiction, spirit possession, and suicidal tendencies, but it also helps remove fear and develop insight.

Primary Alternatives: Orange Zircon, Orange Garnet

Secondary Alternatives: Spessartite, Agate

Planet: South or Descending Lunar Node (Ketu )

Gem: Cat’s Eye (Lashsunia )

Planetary Influences: The energies of this shadow planet aid in the cultivation of spirituality and generally govern wisdom.

Comment: Lots of stones are called cat’s eyes, but the gem associated with Ketu is the chrysoberyl. The best ones for Ketu energy are golden yellow in color with straight white fibers that are said to “gleam.”

This gem is said to give protection from hidden enemies and eliminate nightmares. It can also help in recovering from wounds and especially in getting over the pain from wounds. Wearing a cat’s eye can aid a person in overcoming obsessive, compulsive, or even addictive behaviors. It will also enhance psychic abilities. Diseases associated with Ketu include those of the joints and associated nerves.

Primary Alternatives: Beryl, Fibrolite, and Tourmaline Cat’s Eye

Secondary Alternatives: Tiger’s-Eye, Reddish Turquoise

Planet: Sun (Surya )

Gem: Ruby (Manik )

Planetary Influences: The Sun influences such things as strength of will, self-confidence, assertiveness, and independence.

Comment: The ideal ruby is large and deep red, and shoots out red rays in the sun. It should almost glow in the dark. Wearing one is great for improving willpower and spirit. It’s also generally protective.

Wear a ruby if your Sun sign is ruled by the Sun. Have it set in a gold ring and wear it on the right hand’s ring finger on Sundays. This will maximize the ruby’s power and solar influence.

Besides obtaining optimism, willpower, and determination to achieve one’s goals, wearing a ruby brings political power and freedom from liver disease and promotes good health. It can also protect you from false friendships.

Primary Alternatives: Red Garnet, Red Tourmaline, Red Spinel

Secondary Alternatives: Star Ruby, Sunstone

The Navaratna

If you don’t know much about astrology, or just want a great general positive charm, I can suggest nothing better than a nava (nine) ratna (gems). If you wear a single gem, it will focus on the specific energies of the planet with which the gem is associated. Instead, wear all nine of the gems: a navaratna. Most commonly this is done in the form of a ring or pendant (see illustration) on a necklace.

As a general-purpose good luck talisman, a navaratna brings the positive energies of all the planets—prosperity, health, better communication, happiness, spiritual development, love, passion, and composure. It wards off all negative energies.

A Navaratna Pendant

I suggest getting a navaratna with equal-sized gems. You can get the gems listed here or their primary or even secondary alternatives. To cleanse it, obtain an old-fashioned horseshoe magnet, the most powerful one you can find. Every two to four weeks, hold the magnet about five to eight centimeters (two to three inches) above the navaratna for a minute.

Nakshatras

There are two concepts known in Tantric astrology as the nakshatras (“nahk-shah-trahs”). The first concept is a way to further interpret horoscope charts. Just as there are 12 signs and 12 houses, the nakshatras give 27 (some authorities give 28) divisions of the year. These are associated with astronomy in two ways. First, they are associated with the Moon and are known in the West as the lunar mansions. Second, they are each associated with a different set of stars and are known as asterisms (“pattern of stars”). When doing a typical Tantric horoscope interpretation, you would interpret the position of a planet not only in a sign or house, but also in a nakshatra.

For our purposes, however, there is another concept, again based on the division of the year into twenty-seven sections. You may be wondering, why this number? It takes the Moon a little less than 271⁄3 days to orbit the Earth (27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, and 11.6 seconds, to be exact). This forms a sidereal month. Some of you reading this may be thinking, “Wait, isn’t a lunar month about 29½ days?” If you go by the phases of the Moon—new, waxing, full, waning—it does, indeed, take that long to have a lunar month. That’s technically known as a synodic month and is defined as the time between two new Moons. As you can see, the synodic and sidereal lunar months differ in duration. For our purpose in Tantric astrology, we use the sidereal month to determine the length of the nakshatras because of the astronomy and because of the mysticism of the number.

How is 27 a mystical number? Go back to chapter Seven and reread the section on the meaning of the number 108. When you multiply 27 by 4, you get exactly 108. Therefore, 27 can be seen as a symbolic representation of 108.

Starting at the beginning of the sidereal zodiac, we divide the year into 27 sections, each lasting about 13 days. These sections of the year are also called the nakshatras.

Each nakshatra has a set of correspondences. Here is a list showing some of their correspondences. Note that because the sidereal month has more than a third of a day over 27 days in its cycle, there are some overlaps in the dates:

Name: Ashvini (“Ahsh-vee-nee”)

Date: April 13–26

Astrological Ruler: South Lunar Node

Symbol: The Head of a Horse

Color: Blood Red

Purpose: To get things started. Good for business and leadership.

Name: Bharani (“Bar-ah-nee”)

Date: April 27–May 10

Astrological Ruler: Venus

Symbol: Yoni

Color: Blood Red

Purpose: To obtain justice and truth. Endurance. For creativity and overcoming anger or pride.

Name: Krittika (“Krit-tih-kuh”)

Date: May 11–23

Astrological Ruler: Sun

Symbol: A cutting instrument, such as a razor, knife, or spear

Color: White

Purpose: To obtain monumental, outstanding accomplishments. Good for the arts, but also for computers and other technology.

Name: Rohini (“Roh-hee-nee”)

Date: May 24–June 6

Astrological Ruler: Moon

Symbol: Chariot

Color: White

Purpose: To obtain love and spark desire. To develop grace and write poetry.

Name: Mrigashira (“Mree-guh-shee-rah”)

Date: June 7–21

Astrological Ruler: Mars

Symbol: Head of a Deer

Color: Silver Gray

Purpose: To obtain great beauty, especially for a woman. To improve perceptive abilities and speaking skills.

Name: Ardra (“Ahr-drah”)

Date: June 22–July 5

Astrological Ruler: North Lunar Node

Symbol: Human head

Color: Green

Purpose: To develop empathy, the ability to forgive, and compassion. However, this is not weakness. It still encourages passionate and fierce action.

Name: Punarvasu (“Poo-nahr-vah-soo”)

Date: July 6–19

Astrological Ruler: Jupiter

Symbol: Bow and Quiver

Color: Lead

Purpose: To obtain energy, especially for renewal. Also for intelligence and gaining intellectual and spiritual wisdom.

Name: Pushya (“Poosh-yuh”)

Date: July 20–August 2

Astrological Ruler: Saturn

Symbol: Lotus, Arrow

Color: Black mixed with Red

Purpose: To obtain auspicious new beginnings after reaching spiritual maturity.

Name: Ashlesha (“Ah-shleh-shuh”)

Date: August 3–16

Astrological Ruler: Mercury

Symbol: Serpent

Color: Black mixed with Red

Purpose: To obtain secrets, especially esoteric wisdom. Also for sexual desire. Perfect for developing a hypnotic gaze and enhancing communication skills.

Name: Magha (“Mahg-hah”)

Date: August 16–29

Astrological Ruler: South Lunar Node

Symbol: Throne

Color: Ivory

Purpose: To attain nobility. Gives tremendous personal power but can be fearsome.

Name: Purvah Phalguni (“Purr-vuh Pahl-goo-nee”)

Date: August 29–September 12

Astrological Ruler: Venus

Symbol: Fireplace

Color: Light Brown

Purpose: To obtain material wealth honestly. Great for performers and teachers and for experiencing joy and play.

Name: Uttara Phalguni (“Oo-tahr-uh Pahl-goo-nee”)

Date: September 13–26

Astrological Ruler: Sun

Symbol: A Small Bed

Color: Bright Blue

Purpose: To be able to provide financial assistance to others. Humanitarianism.

Name: Hasta (“Hah-stuh”)

Date: September 27–October 10

Astrological Ruler: Moon

Symbol: Hand, Fist

Color: Deep Green

Purpose: To consolidate bothersome issues. To get things under control. To improve speaking, writing, and memory.

Name: Chitra (“Chee-trah”)

Date: October 10–23

Astrological Ruler: Mars

Symbol: Jewel, Pearl

Color: Black

Purpose: To obtain beauty through both fine arts and practical arts such as fashion design. Helps you develop charisma.

Name: Svati (“Svah-tee”)

Date: October 23–November 4

Astrological Ruler: North Lunar Node

Symbol: Coral

Color: Black

Purpose: To encourage freedom, self-reliance, logic, adaptability, and independence. May result in anxiety or restlessness.

Name: Visaka (“Vih-sah-kuh”)

Date: November 5–18

Astrological Ruler: Jupiter

Symbol: Potter’s Wheel

Color: Gold

Purpose: To obtain desires by any means. Also good for pure research and science.

Name: Anuradha (“Ahn-ur-ahd-uh”)

Date: November 19–December 1

Astrological Ruler: Saturn

Symbol: Lotus

Color: Reddish Brown

Purpose: To obtain friendship and the benefits of association. Good for becoming a leader.

Name: Jyeshtha (“Jyesh-tuh”

Date: December 2–15

Astrological Ruler: Mercury

Symbol: Earring

Color: Cream

Purpose: To obtain power and fame, especially through hard work and seniority.

Name: Mula (“Moo-luh”)

Date: December 15–28

Astrological Ruler: South Lunar Node

Symbol: Lion’s Tail

Color: Brownish Yellow

Purpose: To obtain wisdom in all branches of education, including the sciences, philosophy, and so forth. Great for performing rituals for those wanting to be teachers. Helps you to keep your head during a crisis.

Name: Purva Ashadha (“Purr-vuh Ahsh-ahd-uh”)

Date: December 29–January 10

Astrological Ruler: Venus

Symbol: Elephant Tusk

Color: Black

Purpose: To obtain protection for friends and loved ones. Also for courage, popularity, and leadership.

Name: Uttara Ashadha (“Ooh-tahr-uh Ahsh-ahd-uh”)

Date: January 10–23

Astrological Ruler: Sun

Symbol: A Small Cot

Color: Copper

Purpose: To establish rapport with others. Allows you to more easily absorb everything, from the emotions and feeling of others to energies in the environment. Lets you change society.

Name: Shravana (“Shrah-vahn-uh”)

Date: January 23–February 4

Astrological Ruler: Moon

Symbol: Ear

Color: Light Blue

Purpose: To obtain the ability to consider the ideas of others without dismissing them. This is the period to focus on meditation and scholarly pursuits. Promote health.

Name: Dhanishta (“Dahn-eesh-tuh”)

Date: February 5–18

Astrological Ruler: Mars

Symbol: Drum

Color: Silver Gray

Purpose: To become strongly altruistic. Also, to become more artistic and musical and even achieve fame.

Name: Shatabhisha (“Shah-tahb-hee-shuh”)

Date: February 18–March 3

Astrological Ruler: North Lunar Node

Symbol: Empty Circle

Color: Aquamarine

Purpose: To obtain protection. Also for healing others, especially children. Creativity.

Name: Purva Bhadrapada (“Purr-vuh Bhad-rah-pahd-uh”)

Date: March 3–16

Astrological Ruler: Jupiter

Symbol: Swords

Color: Silver Gray

Purpose: To help others become more contrite and seek atonement for their actions. Mysticism and creativity.

Name: Uttara Bhadrapada (“Oo-tahr-uh Bhad-rah-pahd-uh”)

Date: March 17–30

Astrological Ruler: Saturn

Symbol: Snake in Water

Color: Purple

Purpose: To develop the ability to endure the unwanted actions of others even as you restrain their activities. Also for developing a quick mind and psychic abilities.

Name: Revati (“Reh-vah-tee”)

Date: March 31–April 12

Astrological Ruler: Mercury

Symbol: Fish

Color: Brown

Purpose: To become a protector of others. Also to develop as a guru who nurtures and assists others on the spiritual and physical journey in this lifetime.

Magick

I have stated several times that magick is part and parcel of Tantra. Some of you reading this will be familiar with real magick. Others will not. So I’d like to discuss it a bit.

Real magick is not Harry Potter. You can’t just wave a wand and mumble a word or two of bad Latin and have miracles occur. That’s just movies and novels.

So what is magick? The following is adapted from my book Modern Magick:

According to the famous occultist Aleister Crowley, magick is “the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will.” Crowley was a member of the famous Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Another member of the Golden Dawn was Dion Fortune. Her definition of magick was the same as Crowley’s except that she considered the “change” to be a change in consciousness.

But what exactly do these definitions mean? Let’s say that you do a magickal ritual to get fifty dollars. It, therefore, is your “will” to get the money. You go out for a walk, and although when walking it is your habit to turn right at a particular street corner, something makes you decide to turn to the left. A block down this street you meet an old friend who returns the fifty dollars you loaned him several months ago.

What made you turn left? According to Crowley’s definition, your magickal ritual would have caused some change in the physical world that resulted in your turning in an unusual direction. Perhaps it was a smell, or a telepathic message from your friend or from a higher entity telling you to “turn left!” If you subscribe to Dion Fortune’s definition, then you would say that your ritual made a change in your consciousness that gave you the insight to turn to the left instead of the right.

In either case, three things are apparent:

1. No matter which definition you use, the actual result is the same.
2. The result functions as if there had been a change in the physical world, regardless of whether there had been a change in the physical world or just a change in your consciousness.
3. Magick works.

Unfortunately, either definition is still too broad. If you cause a change in conformity with Will and call it “magick,” then almost anything you do is a magickal act. If it is your will to open a door, and you turn the knob and open the door, then according to the previous definitions you have done a magickal act. In fact, Crowley (his name rhymes with holy, not with howdy) wrote that “every intentional act is a Magickal Act.” If you follow his line of reasoning, then opening the door is a magickal act indeed. While moving everything you do to the level of being part of your will, and therefore magickal, has value, that idea is not what we are seeking at this time. For the purposes of this book, we need to make the definition of magick a bit longer:

Magick is the science and art
of causing change
(in consciousness) to occur
in conformity with will,
using means not currently understood by traditional Western science.

We have added the idea that the magick is accomplished by some means not known by modern science. A ritual that causes something to occur does not make sense to current Western scientific thought. Therefore, “scientists” are inclined to think that real magick, since it doesn’t fit into their worldview, is nothing more than supernatural hokum. But, magick is not supernatural.

Whether our entire universe came about either as the creation of an intelligent being or beings, or merely as the result of chance events, we still must come to the same conclusion: everything in the universe is natural. Some ancient cultures considered the apparent rise and fall of the Sun to be a supernatural event. As time passed, it was discovered that the apparent rise and fall of the Sun is, in fact, a natural event caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Similarly, I am firmly convinced that magick will one day be understood in Western scientific terms. History proves this. Reading, writing, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, medicine, physics, and more were all at one time deep occult secrets. Today, many of these things are taught to children before they begin school. The occultism of the past becomes the science of the future. Arthur C. Clarke, the famous science fiction writer and author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, wrote, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magick.” Decades earlier, Crowley wrote something similar: “In one sense, Magick may be defined as the name given to Science by the vulgar.”

We now have a definition of magick that is far more specific than either Crowley’s or Fortune’s. Since the results are the same, by the way, I drop Fortune’s “in consciousness” from the definition.

Virtually every spiritual system has involved magick. Judaism has Moses and Aaron in front of Pharaoh, casting a rod and having it change into a snake. Jesus walks on water. Muhammad’s great miracle is the Quran itself. Later, as spirituality and mysticism devolve into static religions, magick becomes part of the past and is forbidden so that current leaders can have temporal control over followers. After all, if you can perform magick and communicate directly with deity, why would you need priests or imams or rabbis?

You do not have to do magick to practice Modern Tantra, but magick is a part of it. I will be sharing specifically Tantric magickal methods later in this book. In the meantime, if you are familiar with any form of magick, feel free to take the concepts presented in this chapter and add them to your practices.

10. There are always exceptions to this generalization. Astrocartography, developed by the late Jim Lewis, gives advice on specific places for an individual to live, work, etc. Llewellyn’s Moon Sign Book gives good dates for general tasks, such as the best times to get a haircut, plant crops, or go fishing. These are based on the energies of the Moon. However, most Western astrologers don’t focus on such predictive dates unless specifically asked to do so, and few are trained in these skills. Nor do most sell remedies for problems.

11. Calling Tantric or Indian astrology Vedic astrology only dates back to the 1980s. Calling it Hindu astrology only dates from the 1800s, and at that time anything from India would have been called “Hindu.” Therefore, I reject the terms Hindu astrology and Vedic astrology as inaccurate neologisms.

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