The magical seal of Mars transmitted by Agrippa is a planetary character constructed within a five-by-five table. It belongs to the celestial magic of the Renaissance, in which the seven classical planets correspond to numbers, metals, sacred names, and intelligences. The seal of Mars must be distinguished from the glyph ♂, the numerical square itself, and the characters of Martian entities.
| Source | Agrippa, De occulta philosophia, Book II, Chapter XXII |
|---|---|
| Associated square | 5 × 5 |
| Magic constant | 65 |
| Total sum | 325 |
| Traditional metal | Iron |
Why does Mars have several characters?
Agrippa places a planetary seal and characters attributed to its spiritual powers beneath each planet. The reader must therefore identify the exact title above each figure.
The seal of Mars represents the planet in the numerical system, whereas the other characters refer to its intelligence and spirit.
How does the 5 × 5 table work?
The magic square of Mars contains twenty-five numbers. Each row, column, and diagonal totals 65; the sum of the entire grid is 325.
The planet's character is derived from this numerical architecture according to the logic set out by Agrippa.
What is its connection to the glyph ♂?
The astrological symbol of Mars ♂ is the character used in horoscopes and planetary correspondences. The magical seal belongs to another technical layer.
The two signs refer to Mars but do not serve the same graphic or ritual function.
Why is iron associated with the seal?
Agrippa calls for an engraving of the Martian table on iron when Mars is favorable. Iron, war, and the red planet are already linked in astrological and alchemical tradition.
The text attributes to this talisman functions of power, victory, judgment, and intimidation of adversaries.
How does the symbol survive after Agrippa?
Planetary characters are copied in later collections, magical manuscripts, and Hermetic systems.
The seal of Mars remains one of the key symbols when planetary magic seeks to condense Martian qualities into a single figure.
Sources and historical context
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, De occulta philosophia, Book II, Chapter XXII, Joseph H. Peterson's digital edition based on the early editions of the text.
