Occult cosmology consists of an intricate web of influences and correspondences. Higher powers impart their direction upon lower powers, so that all of the pieces ultimately relate to one another.
Occult Goals
The goal of Renaissance occultists, as well as many occultists today (particularly those of the right-hand path), was the purification of the soul, stripping it of its common, material bonds and replacing it with something more rarified and spiritual. This process would allow the practitioner to metaphysically climb the spiral of Creation, becoming less material and more spiritual and therefore in closer communion with God.
The Celestial Realm
The planets of the Celestial realm were of central importance. Existing in the middle realm, halfway between God and man and composed of one-half matter and one-half spirit, they act as intermediaries.
Chain of Influences
Each planet has certain qualities associated with it, qualities by which the occultist wishes to be influenced. Because the occultist clearly cannot actually interact with a planet, he instead surrounds himself with things associated with that planet and which absorb and reflect the desired influences. For example, because lead is associated with Saturn, the two possess similar qualities and influences. Lead originally receives these qualities from Saturn, but it can also radiate these same qualities.
Correspondences
The result is a very complex set of correspondences. There is an almost infinite number of things that can be associated with a particular planet, including animals, stones, metals, numbers, colors, angels, daemons, magic squares, sigils and symbols. Combinations of any of these might comprise an individual occultist's workings regarding a particular planet.
Astrology
The logic of reflected planetary influences is also the basis of astrology. At any particular moment, different influences are in effect upon the world in accordance with the position of the ruling planets.
Non-Canonization of Occult Beliefs
While there are many principles widely agreed upon, there is no single canonical source of occult knowledge. Henry Cornelius Agrippa originally drew out the symbols referenced on this site in connection with the planets and are the most commonly reproduced planetary sigils. That is not to imply that his system is the only workable system out there.Read more on the individual planets:
