What do you think?
Rate this book
Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans: Using the Planets and the Stars for Effective Spellwork, Rituals, and Magickal Work
Learn How to Use the Planets and Stars in Your Magickal Work More often than not, people think of astrology as a tool for divination or the exploration of one's personality. Astrology is considerably more than that. It is a sacred science, a highly descriptive symbolic language, and it is also a technology that can be applied to ritual, herbalism, the use of crystals, and much more. But it can be daunting to take on the study of Astrology. After all, it's a field so huge it would take several lifetimes to master it. And that's why Ivo Dominguez, Jr., wrote this book--to provide practitioners of magick with a Pagan perspective on Astrology and the core concepts of Astrology that are most useful to building rituals and creating effective magick. When we look at an astrological chart, what we are actually looking at is a map of the multiple planes of existence summarized and flattened into an understandable diagram--a kind of magickal cartogram. Now, what to do with this map? How can we best use it in our magickal work? That's precisely what you'll discover in the pages of this concise, focused, and expertly presented book.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2016
29 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 14, 2018
This is the most serious astrology book I've read. I've wanted to learn enough to be able to read my natal chart (or any chart). I've also been super into anything Pagan/Witch lately, so this seemed like the right door to open, if you will. It was a little like wading gently into shallow water for a bit only to have the slope drastically drop deeper half-way in. A lot of that is the subject matter. Astrology is like learning a new language and there's a steep learning curve. I'm still working on it, obviously. Some of the hesitation I felt with the book came from just a few knit-picky things: it felt dated and slightly gender-bias (surprise, I'm a hardcore feminist!); he repeats himself a lot and repeatedly says that it'll take a few times through his book before it clicks and that his book should be a resource to flip-through (both of which, I think I agree with), but then there's no index in the back?!?! But I did get a lot out of the book. I underlined so much useful information (never fear, my pens are erasable!) that I drained a brand new pen about 2/3 through the book! It is pack-full of great information and break-downs and metaphors and more. Some of it was for sure over my head and some of it doesn't hold my interest (there's a whole chapter on Kabala that I soldiered through, though I had no clue what he was talking about), but I know I'll read it again, if selectively. A great resource and starting point (if you can swim, lol). Highly recommended, for a very narrow sliver of the population! Enjoy!
September 29, 2024
Astrology is often viewed through the narrow lens of horoscopes and personality profiles, but in Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans, Ivo Dominguez Jr. elevates it to its rightful place as a sophisticated and deeply magical art. This book serves as a crucial bridge between astrology and ritual practice, offering a pragmatic guide for those who wish to weave celestial forces into their spellwork, rituals, and daily magical life. Rather than presenting astrology as merely a tool for divination, Dominguez positions it as a living, dynamic language—a system that informs and empowers every aspect of witchcraft and Pagan spirituality.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to distill complex astrological principles into clear and actionable techniques without sacrificing depth. Dominguez draws on decades of experience, demystifying the nuanced mechanics of astrology to show how planetary and stellar energies can be harnessed for magical work. His approach is both refreshing and sophisticated, making this book ideal for practitioners who have struggled to integrate astrology into their craft or found traditional texts too esoteric. Rather than overwhelming readers with arcane terminology, Dominguez focuses on the core concepts that are most applicable to ritual magic, stripping astrology down to its most essential elements while maintaining a focus on the spiritual and energetic implications of each celestial body.
The text covers a broad range of topics, from the basics of planetary influences and lunar phases to more advanced discussions on using astrological charts as magical maps. Dominguez’s interpretation of astrological charts as magical cartograms is a particularly enlightening concept. He encourages readers to view these charts not as static diagrams but as living maps that summarize the intersection of multiple planes of existence. With this perspective, astrological charts become tools for navigating the cosmos, allowing witches and pagans to choose the most auspicious times for spellcasting, ritual work, and personal transformation.
For those already familiar with astrology, Dominguez’s emphasis on applicational astrology—the practical use of astrological timing and correspondences—is a welcome change from the typical focus on character analysis. He provides step-by-step guidance on working with planetary hours, the different energetic expressions of the days of the week, and how to align magical workings with the transits of the Sun, Moon, and outer planets. This shifts astrology from a passive tool of observation into a dynamic component of ritual construction, empowering readers to create more precise and potent magic.
The book’s clarity extends to its organization. Dominguez structures the material in a way that builds the reader’s understanding from foundational principles to advanced techniques, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced astrologers. His explanations are concise and direct, and he avoids unnecessary jargon, opting instead for language that is descriptive and easy to follow. For instance, his breakdown of the planetary hours—often a source of confusion for beginners—is presented in a straightforward manner, complete with tables and examples that make it easy to apply immediately. Even more obscure astrological concepts like planetary dignities and essential versus accidental influences are handled with similar precision, ensuring that readers gain a robust understanding without feeling overwhelmed.
What makes Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans particularly powerful is Dominguez’s focus on application. Each chapter is filled with exercises, rituals, and spellwork designed to help readers experiment and find their own rhythm in using astrological forces. His instructions on crafting planetary talismans, using the fixed stars for astral workings, and aligning herbs and crystals with astrological energies are practical yet sophisticated, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the material. These practices are not meant to be followed blindly—they are tools for personal exploration, meant to inspire creativity and individual adaptation.
The inclusion of a Pagan perspective throughout the book adds another layer of depth, connecting the celestial movements to earth-based spirituality in a meaningful way. Dominguez doesn’t just teach the mechanics of astrology—he roots it in a worldview that sees the planets and stars as conscious entities with their own unique spirits and energies. This animistic approach is woven seamlessly into the rituals and exercises, making Practical Astrology feel less like a technical manual and more like a guide to building real relationships with the celestial intelligences that shape our lives.
Dominguez also addresses a crucial point often overlooked in other astrology books—the limitations of astrology. He is clear that while astrological timing can enhance and direct magical work, it does not override the will or the effort of the practitioner. This grounded, realistic approach is a welcome reminder that astrology is a tool, not a panacea. The stars incline, but they do not compel—a nuance that Dominguez handles with grace and insight.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to distill complex astrological principles into clear and actionable techniques without sacrificing depth. Dominguez draws on decades of experience, demystifying the nuanced mechanics of astrology to show how planetary and stellar energies can be harnessed for magical work. His approach is both refreshing and sophisticated, making this book ideal for practitioners who have struggled to integrate astrology into their craft or found traditional texts too esoteric. Rather than overwhelming readers with arcane terminology, Dominguez focuses on the core concepts that are most applicable to ritual magic, stripping astrology down to its most essential elements while maintaining a focus on the spiritual and energetic implications of each celestial body.
The text covers a broad range of topics, from the basics of planetary influences and lunar phases to more advanced discussions on using astrological charts as magical maps. Dominguez’s interpretation of astrological charts as magical cartograms is a particularly enlightening concept. He encourages readers to view these charts not as static diagrams but as living maps that summarize the intersection of multiple planes of existence. With this perspective, astrological charts become tools for navigating the cosmos, allowing witches and pagans to choose the most auspicious times for spellcasting, ritual work, and personal transformation.
For those already familiar with astrology, Dominguez’s emphasis on applicational astrology—the practical use of astrological timing and correspondences—is a welcome change from the typical focus on character analysis. He provides step-by-step guidance on working with planetary hours, the different energetic expressions of the days of the week, and how to align magical workings with the transits of the Sun, Moon, and outer planets. This shifts astrology from a passive tool of observation into a dynamic component of ritual construction, empowering readers to create more precise and potent magic.
The book’s clarity extends to its organization. Dominguez structures the material in a way that builds the reader’s understanding from foundational principles to advanced techniques, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced astrologers. His explanations are concise and direct, and he avoids unnecessary jargon, opting instead for language that is descriptive and easy to follow. For instance, his breakdown of the planetary hours—often a source of confusion for beginners—is presented in a straightforward manner, complete with tables and examples that make it easy to apply immediately. Even more obscure astrological concepts like planetary dignities and essential versus accidental influences are handled with similar precision, ensuring that readers gain a robust understanding without feeling overwhelmed.
What makes Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans particularly powerful is Dominguez’s focus on application. Each chapter is filled with exercises, rituals, and spellwork designed to help readers experiment and find their own rhythm in using astrological forces. His instructions on crafting planetary talismans, using the fixed stars for astral workings, and aligning herbs and crystals with astrological energies are practical yet sophisticated, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the material. These practices are not meant to be followed blindly—they are tools for personal exploration, meant to inspire creativity and individual adaptation.
The inclusion of a Pagan perspective throughout the book adds another layer of depth, connecting the celestial movements to earth-based spirituality in a meaningful way. Dominguez doesn’t just teach the mechanics of astrology—he roots it in a worldview that sees the planets and stars as conscious entities with their own unique spirits and energies. This animistic approach is woven seamlessly into the rituals and exercises, making Practical Astrology feel less like a technical manual and more like a guide to building real relationships with the celestial intelligences that shape our lives.
Dominguez also addresses a crucial point often overlooked in other astrology books—the limitations of astrology. He is clear that while astrological timing can enhance and direct magical work, it does not override the will or the effort of the practitioner. This grounded, realistic approach is a welcome reminder that astrology is a tool, not a panacea. The stars incline, but they do not compel—a nuance that Dominguez handles with grace and insight.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews