The Moon's magical seal concludes Agrippa's series of seven planetary characters. It is drawn from a nine-by-nine table containing eighty-one numbers. The lunar section is particularly rich: Agrippa distinguishes the character of the Moon, that of Hasmodai, that of a spirit of spirits, and that of an intelligence of intelligences. The planet's seal is only one specific figure within this set.
| Last table | Why does the Moon receive the largest square? |
|---|---|
| Characters | Why does the lunar section contain several seals? |
| Crescent | What is the difference from ☽? |
| Functions | What does Agrippa promise for a favorable Moon? |
| Cycle | Why does this seal fascinate modern lunar magic? |
Why does the Moon receive the largest square?
Agrippa's series progresses from Saturn's 3 × 3 to the Moon's 9 × 9. The lunar square therefore contains eighty-one cells.
Each row, column, and diagonal equals 369, and the overall sum reaches 3321.
Why does the lunar section contain several seals?
Agrippa reproduces the character of the planet, followed by several spiritual characters linked to the lunar hierarchy.
Their similarity in old editions makes it necessary to read the legends rather than choose a figure based on its appearance alone.
What is the difference from ☽?
The astrological crescent ☽ represents the Moon in ephemerides and silver in alchemy.
The magical seal is a talismanic construction connected to Agrippa's numerical grid.
What does Agrippa promise for a favorable Moon?
The text associates an engraving on silver with favor, joy, honors, safety during travel, health, and the removal of enemies.
It also describes an unfavorable aspect of the system when the table is prepared under an unfavorable astrological configuration.
Why does this seal fascinate modern lunar magic?
The Moon governs cycles, movement, receptivity, and imagination in many astrological traditions.
Its large magic square and the wealth of characters reproduced by Agrippa fostered an extensive reception in ceremonial and talismanic magic.
Historical sources and references
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, De occulta philosophia, Book II, Chapter XXII, digital edition by Joseph H. Peterson.
