Apr. 13th, 2024

lostianvs: AI-generated forest river. (Default)
Talisman of Discipline

warrior

The fifth chapter of my bones to talismans project features the natural powers of Mars.

Auspices

I originally planned to create a talisman of strength for Mars, but I didn't really feel committed to the idea. I decided to start with a reading. I've been practicing traditional astrology recently and thought I would try my hand at horary. Relevant details from the chart are below.

Question: What do I need to know about making a Talisman of Strength?

Day Chart. Whole sign houses.

1. Moon Waning and Culminating in Aquarius, Square Mercury, Sextant Venus, Nocturnal
2. Mercury Retrograde in Aries, Square Moon
3. Venus in Pisces, Exalted, Sextant Moon, Diurnal Triplicity, Nocturnal
4. Sun in Aries, Exalted, Diurnal Triplicity, Diurnal
5. Mars in Pisces, Conjunct Saturn and Fortune, Nocturnal Triplicity, Nocturnal
6. Jupiter in Taurus, Ascending, Diurnal
7. Saturn in Pisces, Diurnal

Spirit Culminating Under the Earth
6th House (physical strength) in Libra (Ruled by Venus)
12th House (inner strength) in Aries (Ruled by Mars)

Interpretation: Outlook is generally positive, but not without complications. Desired result will come to fruition, but through two different routes. Physical strength will result as expected through the amplification of mundane exercise. However, inner strength will result because the talisman will invite spiritual tests meant to hone and sharpen these powers.

The Plan

With the reading in mind, I decided to redirect my focus to utilizing natural Martian energy to empower a Talisman of Discipline. My Martian bone is a pointed stick. Sticks have been used to conduct orchestras, direct livestock, and discipline children. I also had some dried pine needles, bamboo, and tree bark left from a previous Martian working.

As before, I designed a paper sigil using the Seals of Mars and Greek letter associations from Agrippa Book I. I used alternating red and blue characters to tap into both the decisiveness and the strategic wisdom of Mars. The idea is to release the natural Martian virtues sealed in the materials gathered and tie them to the bone. I'm unaware of any special Martian "correspondences" for bamboo or dried pine. I found these objects on the trail. They spoke to me and offered their assistance.

mars talisman

The Spell

For the charm, I returned to the Orphic Hymns for inspiration. The Hymn to Ares felt a bit lackluster and geared more toward placating War, rather than invoking its power. I turned to the Hymn to Athena and found much richer soil from which I could grow a charm. The charm below walks a fine line between invoking the rashness and courage needed to initiate battle and the steadiness and discipline required to win. I spoke the charm as before, directed the powers present, and left the bone until a stick of incense had burned.

Queen of Invention,
Master-at-Arms,
Vigorous Maiden,
Mother of War.

Bring madness to the wicked,
strike souls with frenzy,
bring prudence to the virtuous, and
unwavering bravery.

May your artful designs,
inspire us to act,
sharpen our minds, and
mount the attack.

The Result

I was unprepared for the result, similar to the psychic talisman. I knew the enchantment had worked as soon as I finished reciting the charm. My whole body felt raw and my skin pulsed like after a fresh burn. I was frankly speechless. I decided to ground by going for a walk. For a time, I felt as if I was in a daze. I just walked in a reflective state and let my legs guide me as if I was on autopilot. The various battles I've fought over the course of my life played through my mind. I could see where I pursued the correct action and where I erred.

If I'm honest with myself, I had no real intention for this talisman. I've had success using the other charms for general magical tasks, but I had no firm notion of what a "Talisman of Discipline" might do. I think this talisman certainly has obvious uses like for martial training or "disciplining" enemies. However, the world this Martial artifact showed me seems much deeper than that. I will have to sit with it.

Ianvs

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