Hello,
My name is Sebastian and I am an artist who favors occult themes. This will be my first post here, in which I would like to present my visual rendition of the Faces of the Zodiac. I have posted these on other websites, but I thought I would broaden the exposure of my work where I think appropriate. As the reader of this may know, the Zodiac of Western tradition is divided into 12 signs. These signs are further divided into three sections of 10 degrees for a total of 36 “decans”. According to a tradition that goes back at least as far as ancient Egypt, these decans are ascribed “faces” which are images associated with each decan. These faces originated as the Egyptian “sidereal gods of time”, though they have morphed over the ages into some very odd forms. The use of these images was often “talismanic”; that is, they were to be engraved on gems or other suitable material to draw upon the energies of the “star demons” depicted. This form of astrological magic comes down to us primarily through the 13th century grimoire called “Picatrix” (aka “The Goal of the Wise”, Chapter 11), but also are referred to in Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, though with some significant variations. For quick reference to these images, one may consult Crowley/Bennet’s Liber 777, Bill Whitcomb’s Magician’s Companion, or Stephen Skinner’s “Complete Magician’s Tables” (his update of 777). One may also consult Agrippa, Book II, Chapter XXXVII. One can also find a few samples online of Renaissance depictions in the frescoes of the Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara, Italy, dating to the 15th century.
I should like to note that I have added my own embellishments to these images. In addition, I have included the Latin descriptions from the Warburg Picatrix for the sake of their mystique. Also, I have restricted myself to posting them during the appropriate Moon sign, if they are ready. The Moon being in Aries, I will begin with the Faces of Aries:
Ascendant
(IMG:
http://th03.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/365/1/e/the_first_face_of_aries_by_stalkinghyena-d4ksu23.jpg)
"A tall, dark man, appearing powerful and restless, clothed in a white tunic and scarlet mantle. He has keen, flame colored eyes and is holding a sword in one hand. He gives fortitude, loftiness and shamelessness."
Picatrix:
"Prima facies Arietis est Martis, et ascendit in ea secundum opinionem magni sapientis istius sciencie forma hominis nigri, inquieti et magni corporis, rubeos oculos habentis et in eius manu ascionem incidentem tenentis, panno albo precincti; et est magni precii in se. Et hec facies est fortitudinis, altitudinis et precii absque verecundia. Et hec est eius forma."
Cadent:
(IMG:
http://th04.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/365/9/7/the_second_face_of_aries_by_stalkinghyena-d4ksue3.jpg)
"A woman clothed in green robes, having only one leg. She gives loftiness, nobility, and kingly dominion."
"Et ascendit in secunda facie Arietis mulier viridibus pannis induta et una tibia carens. Et hec facies est altitudinis. Nobilitatis, precii et regni. Et hec est eius forma."
Succedent:
(IMG:
http://th07.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2011/365/c/e/the_third_face_of_aries_by_stalkinghyena-d4ksukt.jpg)
"A restless man, clothed in scarlet robes, having golden bracelets on his hands and arms. He gives subtlety and precise direction as well as new inventions and the like."
"Et in tercia facie Arietis ascendit virg inquietus, in manibus auream armillam tenens et pannis rubeis indutus, cupiens facere bonum et non potest. Et hec facies est subtilitatis et subtilium magisteriorum et rerum novarum et instrumentorum et istis similium. Et hec est eius forma."
This concludes the presentation of the Faces of Aries. Next will be the Faces of Taurus, when Luna is in Taurus. Then Gemini, after which I must pause, since I have not started Cancer yet.
Thank you.
The Faces Of The Zodiac, Original artworks depicting the decan faces of the Picatrix
Mar 23 2012, 03:11 PM
