the-astrology-book

Malefic (Malefic Aspects; Malefic Planets)
Much of the astrological lore associated with magic is focused on the days of
the week, the planetary hours, and the gems and metals connected with the planets.
Each of the traditional seven planets—the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter,
Venus, and Saturn—rules, in sequence, the seven days of the week. A similar relationship
exists between the planets and the hours of the day. Magicians utilize these relationships
and other traditional associations with the planets by, for example, performing
rituals to gain love on Friday (“Venusday”) during an hour ruled by Venus (the
planet of love), performing rituals to gain money on Thursday (“Jupiterday”) during
an hour ruled by Jupiter (the planet of wealth), and so forth.
Amulets, which are fabricated objects used as charms, are also constructed during
days and hours associated with the task the amulet is intended to perform. Additionally,
such objects are constructed from materials ruled by the relevant planet. In
the above examples, for instance, an amulet designed to attract love might be constructed
from copper (the metal traditionally associated with Venus), and an amulet
intended to attract prosperity might be made from tin (associated with Jupiter).
Magicians who are competent astrologers also pay attention to the sign in
which the relevant planet is placed, as well as the aspects the planet is making at the
time of the ceremony. Thus, to once again take Venus as an example, a magician
would wait until Venus was in a favorable sign (which, for Venus, would be Libra, Taurus,
or Pisces) and favorably aspected (making harmonious aspects with other planets)
before performing a love ritual or constructing a love amulet.
Sources:
Cavendish, Richard. The Black Arts. New York: Capricorn Books, 1967.
Denning, Melita, and Osborne Phillips. Planetary Magick: The Heart of Western Magick. St. Paul,
MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1989.
MALEFIC (MALEFIC ASPECTS; MALEFIC PLANETS)
Malefic is a traditional term found in older astrological works. It refers to aspects and
planets regarded as having an unfortunate, inharmonious influence. Malefic aspects
are angles like squares and oppositions (called hard aspects by modern astrologers) and
planets like Mars (the Lesser Malefic) and Saturn (the Greater Malefic). The
antonym of malefic is benefic. Contemporary astrologers have largely abandoned
these older terms, if for no other reason than to avoid frightening clients. There are,
however, other good reasons for dropping such language, the primary one being that
the “benefics” do not always indicate unmitigated benefits, nor do “malefics” always
indicate unmitigated difficulties.
The situation is different in horary astrology, where the traditional malefics
can have a distinctly negative bearing on the question being asked. It should also be
noted that Vedic astrology, which is very similar to classical Western astrology in this
regard, still uses terms like malefic and benefic.
[422] THE ASTROLOGY BOOK