Planetary Intelligence Sigils of Western Occult Tradition

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In the Western Occult Tradition, each planet has traditionally possessed both a spirit and an intelligence. These ethereal souls (sometimes called daemons) are responsible for the baleful and beneficial influences (respectively) of the individual planet.

The theory is that if humans have souls, then surely the planets of the Celestial realm are far more spiritual. This is because they exist closer to God and are constructed of a much more rarefied matter. It was, therefore, logical to occultists that the planets also possessed their own souls.

Images of the Western Occult Tradition

The Sigils of Planetary Intelligence

Sigils are defined as symbols that are believed to hold magical or mystical powers. The sigils associated with planetary intelligence were published by Henry Cornelius Agrippa in his 16th-century three-volume book "Three Books of Occult Philosophy." Since that time, they have frequently been repeated in other publications.

These sigils were constructed through numerology and magic squares. They represent six planets -- those known during Agrippa's time -- as well as the Sun and Moon. Each has a different meaning and association ascribed to them.

The Construction of Planetary Sigils

Each planetary intelligence is given a unique name. When constructing the sigils, that name is spelled out in Hebrew, and then each Hebrew letter is associated with a number (as the Hebrew language inherently does). Each number is located on the magic square associated with the individual planet and a line is drawn to pass through each number to form a unique planetary sigil.

Aesthetic Choices

The terminating circles at each end of the line appear to have been added for purely aesthetic reasons. The exception is the sigil of Mars which is an endless symbol. Many hold that the sigils can also be freely rotated, either for aesthetic purposes or to further disguise the meaning and method of construction of the sigil.

Intelligence of Saturn

Intelligence of Saturn
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of Saturn's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Agiel. It is one of the numerous​ correspondences of Jupiter.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Saturn. According to Agrippa, this includes the ability to bring forth, to make a man safe, to make a man powerful, and to cause a success of petitions with princes and powers.

Marsilio Ficino and others also associated Saturn with intellectuals, whose minds are more lofty and divine than those of common folk. This is because Saturn is the highest planet in occult cosmology and therefore closest to God.

Intelligence of Jupiter

Intelligence of Jupiter
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of Jupiter's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Johphiel. It is one of the numerous correspondences of Jupiter.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Jupiter. According to Agrippa, this includes gains and riches, favor and love, peace, concord, appeasement of enemies, confirmation of honors, dignities, and counsels, and dissolving of enchantments.

Intelligence of Mars

Intelligence of Mars
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of Mars's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Graphiel. Again, Mars also has various correspondences.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Mars. According to Agrippa, this includes potency in war, judgments, and petitions; victory against enemies, terribleness toward enemies, and stopping of blood.

Intelligence of the Sun (Sol)

Intelligence of the Sun (Sol)
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of the Sun's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Nachiel. The Sun, too, has multiple correspondences.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of the Sun. According to Agrippa, this includes being renowned, amiable, and acceptable; potency in all works, equaling a man to kings and princes, elevation to high fortunes, and success in all endeavors.

Intelligences of Venus

Intelligences of Venus
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligences

Venus is distinct in having two different names and sigils associated with beneficial daemons. The name of the intelligence of the intelligences, whose sigil is shown here, is Bne Seraphim. The name of the intelligence of Venus is Hagiel, which we will see next.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Venus. According to Agrippa, this includes encouraging concord, ending strife, procuring a woman's love, aiding in conception, working against barrenness, and causing ability in a generation. It also includes dissolving of enchantments, causing peace between men and women, making all kind of animals fruitful, curing melancholy, causing joyfulness, and bringing good fortune.

Intelligence of Venus

Intelligence of Venus
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

Beyond Bne Seraphim, the name of Venus's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Hagiel

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Venus and that includes everything previously mentioned for Bne Seraphim.

Intelligence of Mercury

Intelligence of Mercury
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of Mercury's intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Tiriel. As with all planets, Mercury too has multiple correspondences.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of Mercury. According to Agrippa, this includes rendering the bearer grateful and fortunate to do what he pleases, bringing gain, preventing poverty, and helping memory, understanding, and divination. It also encourages occult understanding through dreams.

Intelligence of the Moon (Luna)

Intelligence of the Moon
Catherine Beyer

Identity of the Intelligence

The name of the Moon's intelligency of the intelligence, responsible for the planet's beneficial influences, is Malcha betharsithim hed beruah schehakim. The Moon also has multiple correspondences.

Purpose of The Sigil

This sigil would be used to attract the beneficial influences of The Moon. According to Agrippa, this includes rendering the bearer grateful, amiable, pleasant, cheerful, and honored; removing malice and ill will, security during travel, increase of riches, bodily health, and the driving away of enemies and other evil things.

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Beyer, Catherine. "Planetary Intelligence Sigils of Western Occult Tradition." Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/planetary-intelligence-sigils-4123076. Beyer, Catherine. (2023, April 5). Planetary Intelligence Sigils of Western Occult Tradition. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/planetary-intelligence-sigils-4123076 Beyer, Catherine. "Planetary Intelligence Sigils of Western Occult Tradition." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/planetary-intelligence-sigils-4123076 (accessed March 29, 2024).