Talisman Write-Ups

Jupiter & Neptune in Pisces Talisman Rings

May 5, 2022Eugenia Raftopoulos

The conjunction of Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces is a transit occurring only once in every two lifetimes, making it an extremely rare talismanic opportunity. I decided this would be the perfect election to invite astrologer, writer, and Jupiter in Pisces native Gray Crawford to collaborate, having admired his astrological writing in which he weaves together traditional and modern astrology, mythology, and depth psychology. An election I selected was sent to Gray with the proposition of a collaboration. The talismans and writing are the result of our collective research and discussions on Jupiter and Neptune in which we thoroughly explored the full potential of this conjunction in magical application. I hand-crafted the talismans and Gray contributed the following accompanying text. The Jupiter Neptune talismans were completed at the elected time of 10:11 am on 9 April 2022, Brisbane Aust AEST. Jupiter was applying within one degree of a conjunction with Neptune, and was also ruling the midheaven in Pisces while applying toward a close conjunction with the midheaven. The Moon was in her own domicile of Cancer, applying toward a trine aspect with Jupiter and Neptune while also being in the exaltation of Jupiter.

Jupiter & Neptune in Pisces Talisman Rings

Deneb Adige: The Swan Queen

Apr 10, 2022Eugenia Raftopoulos

Deneb Adige is the alpha star of Cygnus and can be found in the tail of the great Swan who glides across the watery section of the heavens known to the ancients as the Sea. Mostly associated with spirituality, creativity and learning, Deneb Adige is said to be of the nature of Venus and Mercury and “gives ingenious nature and a clever intellect that is quick at learning” according to Vivian Robeson in The Fixed Stars and their Constellations in Astrology. Robeson goes on to describe the Cygnus constellation as giving a “contemplative, dreamy, cultured and adaptable nature”. (1) Ebertin in Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation said that Deneb Adige is “favorable for artistic and scientific pursuits which are carried out with the aim of gain,” noting that Deneb Adige fosters the potential to become successful within the creative fields. (2) We can look to the Lunar Mansion Al Sa’d Al Ahibiya for other attributes given to Deneb Adige as she is found within this mansion and according to Robeson, was known to the ancient Arabic astrologers as “The lucky star of hidden things or hiding places”. Robeson described the Moon in this Mansion as giving “marital happiness, and victory to soldiers” as well as being beneficial for travel, building, and making friends. (3)

Antares: The Heart of the Scorpion

Jan 13, 2022Eugenia Raftopoulos

The fixed star Antares is the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius, it is located in the centre of the body and is therefore known as the Heart of the Scorpion. As one of the Royal Stars of Persia that preside over the four cardinal points, Antares is the watcher of the West. Antares has a long history of magical and mundane astrological significance within the mythologies of ancient cultures the world over. In the creation of these Antares Talismans, I looked specifically to Babylonia, as that is where we can find accounts of some of the earliest practises of astrological magic, as well as the Medieval magical tradition in which Antares is recognised as one of the 15 Behenian stars. The astrological election I chose originates from the astro-magical practices of Babylonia, and the talismans I designed in accordance with instruction found in Agrippa’s 3 Books of Occult Philosophy: Under the Heart of Scorpio they made the Figure of a Scorpion; it giveth understanding and memory, it maketh a good colour, and aideth against evil spirits, and driveth them away, and bindeth them. [1]

Dignified Venus Talismans

Dec 5, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

This is the second offering of Venus' transit through Libra in September 2021. The first offering was the Venus conjoined Spica talisman, which culminated over two elections; the second being the morning of the 10th September with Venus on the ascendant. The election for the Dignified Venus Talismans took place later that same day when Venus reached the midheaven. At this time she was out of orb of the Behenian fixed star Spica which makes these talismans purely Venusian.

Dignified Venus ~ Spica Talismans

Oct 7, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

I began designing these Venus ~ Spica talismans when Venus first ingressed into Libra. Wanting to create a medallion talisman that contained both the image of Venus and of the Behenian fixed star, Spica, I decided on the image of a dove to represent both. In Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy one of the figures for Spica is described to be a bird. The dove is the bird of Venus, as one of her motifs it was considered a Venusian symbol of love and peace long before it was adopted by the Christians. This choice felt the most fitting with Venus being in the triplicity of Air, in her domicile of Libra. To further symbolise Spica, I turned the tail of the dove into a blade of wheat, as the fixed star Spica is located in the spike of wheat held in the hand of the Virgin in the constellation of Virgo.

Mercury in Gemini Talisman Rings

Aug 11, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

I came across a Mercury in Gemini election early in 2021. As it was the only suitable Mercury election in my part of the world this year I wanted to take the opportunity to make a talismanic piece that really pushed me as an artist. I spent an evening reading through the many figures of Mercury in the Picatrix and Agrippa, and it was the figure of the Lion that formed a complete image in my mind. I awoke the next morning with the vision for these rings. The qualities of this talisman being braveness and protection from illness, felt particularly relevant for our current times.

The Gift of Saturn

Apr 14, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

With the creation of these talisman rings it was of utmost importance that I give Saturn their due. This meant that while the rings were made strictly to astrological timing, this project would only be finished in Saturn’s time. I began this project thinking Saturn’s gifts could be cultivated primarily through hard work and discipline. As an artist I know that the most beautiful works of art are often born out of suffering and struggle. And while it is true that Saturn rewards those who are prepared to work hard, it was through this endeavor I realized there is so much more to this planet. A deep dive into mythology and archetypal literature followed, along with much time spent in writing and contemplation. I was compelled to deconstruct Saturnian qualities on a fundamental and psychological level. Ultimately discovering how Saturn can act as a catalyst for psychic transformation, leading to greater consciousness and fulfillment.

Vega Talisman

Mar 22, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

Vega is the brightest star in the constellation known in the west as Lyra. As the 14th of the 15 fixed Behenian Stars Vega has long been invoked in talismanic magic. In the Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa details the making and qualities of a Vega talisman “according to Hermes opinion… Under the Vulture, they made the image of a Vulture or Hen, or of a traveller it maketh a man magnanimous and proud, it giveth power over devils and beasts." [2] The BM Bodleian expresses a similar sentiment but adds “[is strong against] demons, nightmares and fears to it’s protective qualities.”[3]

Fixed Star Alphecca Medallion Talisman

Jan 21, 2021Eugenia Raftopoulos

Alphecca is found in the constellation of Corona Borealis. The Greeks knew Corona as Στέφανος (Stephanos), meaning ‘crown’ or ‘wreath’. According to Greek mythology it is the golden crown worn by Princess Ariadne of Crete when she married the God Dionysus. The crown is said to have been made by Hephaestus, the god of fire, and was studded with jewels. When Ariadne died (for she was a mortal woman) Dionysus tossed her crown into the sky where its jewels transformed into stars.