Here’s a continuation from my topic on Planetary Magick, which as always, includes sigils!.
Talismanic symbols are a lot like sigils. You can incorporate them into a physical object to channel specific energies or intentions—like a piece of enchanted jewelry, a pocket stone, or something you bury under your doorstep for protection.
For example, this is a paper talisman from The Black Toad, a fascinating example of talismanic magic, with variations also appearing in Reginald Scot’s Discoverie of Witchcraft.
Protection talismans
While researching, I came across a collection of 15 talismanic symbols connected to the 15 Fixed Stars.
Known as the Behenian Stars, these fifteen stars have been revered in magic and astrology for centuries.
The term “Behenian,” popularized by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa in the 16th century, reflects this Middle Eastern connection, as it was synonymous with “Arabian” in his writings.
Kepler, Johannes. Mysterium Cosmographicum, 1596. The outer layer depicts the fixed stars.
Each star has its own attributes and magical correspondences, making them a rich source of inspiration for talismanic and sigil work. Here’s a breakdown of these ancient celestial powerhouses.
The talismanic illustrations included below are from the sixteenth century (left) and thirteenth century (center), as shown in the book Magical Symbols and Alphabets.
List of Talismanic Sigils
Ala Corvi – Wing of the Crow (Corvus)
- Color: Yellow-White and Purple (Algorab), Blue-White (Gienah)
- Crystals: Obsidian, Black Tourmaline
- Attributes: Protection, defense, dispelling negativity
- Magical Uses: Banishes harmful energies, shields against evil spirits, and strengthens defensive magic.
Aldebaran – Eye of the Bull (Taurus)
- Color: Red | Crystals: Ruby, Garnet
- Deity: Marduk (Mesopotamian mythology)
- Attributes: Courage, steadfastness, honor, honesty
- Magical Uses: Attracts good fortune and ensures success in endeavors.
Algol – The Ghoul Star (Perseus)
- Color: Purple | Crystal: Amethyst
- Deity: Lilith (Jewish mythology)
- Attributes: Overcoming enemies, acquiring wealth (caution: malevolent energy)
- Magical Uses: Honors Lilith, overcomes opposition, and attracts wealth.
Note: In Sandra Kynes’s book, Algol is seen as a malevolent star linked to demons and Lilith in Jewish mythology, symbolizing strength and passion. Its powerful magic requires cautious use to avoid domineering energy.
Alphecca – Gemma (Corona Borealis)
- Color: White | Crystal: Diamond
- Deity: Ariadne (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Creativity, artistic skill, good fortune
- Magical Uses: Brings honor and recognition for talents and hard work.
Antares – Heart of the Scorpion (Scorpius)
- Color: Red | Crystals: Carnelian, Red Jasper | Plant: Hawthorn
- Deity: Scorpionic symbolism (cross-cultural)
- Attributes: Success in battle, protection, courage, prosperity
- Magical Uses: Healing, boosting courage, attracting wealth.
Arcturus – Guardian Star (Boötes)
- Color: Orange-Red | Crystal: Fire Opal
- Deity: Inventor of the plow (Boötes in mythology)
- Attributes: Wealth, honor, guidance
- Magical Uses: Helps find lost items and attracts good fortune.
Capella – The Charioteer (Auriga)
- Color: Yellow | Crystals: Citrine, Amber
- Deity: Amalthea (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Protection, especially for travelers
- Magical Uses: Invokes luck and safe journeys.
Deneb Algedi – Sea-Goat Star (Capricornus)
- Color: Pale Yellow | Crystals: Yellow Sapphire, Chrysoprase
- Deity: Pan (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Justice, wisdom, prosperity
- Magical Uses: Supports legal matters and aids in gaining wisdom.
The Pleiades – Seven Sisters (Taurus)
- Color: Blue | Crystals: Angelite, Celestite
- Deity: Atlantides (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Family, sisterhood, peace, wisdom
- Magical Uses: Encourages community, spiritual insight, and harmony.
Polaris – The North Star (Ursa Minor)
- Color: White | Crystals: Clear Quartz | Plant: Mugwort
- Deity: Cultural bear deities (varied mythologies)
- Attributes: Guidance, stability, direction
- Magical Uses: Acts as a beacon for clarity, guidance, and finding one’s path.
Procyon – Little Dog Star (Canis Minor)
- Color: Yellow-White | Crystals: Aquamarine, Moonstone
- Deity: Orion’s hunting dogs (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Ambition, success, overcoming obstacles
- Magical Uses: Provides protection and empowers achievement.
Regulus – Heart of the Lion (Leo)
- Color: Gold | Crystals: Sunstone, Gold | Plant: Frankincense
- Deity: Leo as royal and divine strength (cross-cultural)
- Attributes: Strength, power, leadership
- Magical Uses: Bestows royal energy, confidence, and authority.
Sirius – The Dog Star (Canis Major)
- Color: Blue-White | Crystals: Moldavite, Clear Quartz
- Deity: Orion (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Passion, creativity, spiritual awareness
- Magical Uses: Used for protection, luck, and heightened spiritual insight.
Spica – The Virgin’s Ear of Wheat (Virgo)
- Color: Blue | Crystals: Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite
- Deity: Demeter/Persephone (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Success, abundance, psychic abilities
- Magical Uses: Enhances intuition and attracts love and good fortune.
Vega – The Harp Star (Lyra)
- Color: Blue-White | Crystals: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Calcite
- Deity: Orpheus (Greek mythology)
- Attributes: Protection from witchcraft, overcoming fear
- Magical Uses: Dispels fears and supports clarity of purpose.
I’ve included Vega here too: 🜹 Magical Symbols for Protection Amulets
Sigils: Crafting Personal Magic
Sigils are like keys to unlock your intentions, blending ancient practices with modern creativity. These abstract symbols can be carved, painted, or inscribed onto talismans—objects charged with magical power—to amplify their purpose. Here are some fresh ways to make your sigil magic truly unique:
- Astrological Flair: Channel celestial energy by integrating astrological symbols or medieval sigils of fixed stars, carving them into candles or painting them onto gemstones for rituals.
- Secret Alphabets: Use magical scripts like the Witches Runes or Elder Futhark runes to craft powerful, hidden messages. These enhance a sigil’s potency while guarding its meaning from prying eyes.
- Personal Connection: Transform your intent into a symbol as explained on Sigil Making 101. Draw it on paper, charge it with your energy, or etch it onto metal for a lasting talisman.
- Crystal Fusion: Pair sigils with crystals by inscribing symbols directly onto stones or creating a pouch to hold them together, harmonizing their energies.
Whether incorporating ancient symbols like the Egyptian ankh or other magickal symbols, or even designing something entirely your own, the key is to align the symbol with your intent.
Let your intuition guide you, and watch your sigil-powered magic come alive.
Yes, please!