Monday Magic - Mirror of the Moon
A Subscriber only Magical Monday Reflection on The Next Four Years: Magical Resilience and Power
In the now seemingly ancient wisdom of Renaissance humanistic thought, the cosmos isn’t simply a collection of stars, planets, and entirely fatalistic forces; it’s a profound mirror of our inner lives. The seven planets were seen not just as celestial bodies but as active spiritual archetypes, each with the power to shape our character and guide us toward the virtues—or pull us into the vices—that determine the quality of our souls.
These planets are not passive influences, but active agents in the inner struggle for spiritual transformation. Like the rich imagery found in the Christian tradition of the seven deadly sins and the seven virtues, these celestial forces hold a mirror up to our hearts. They offer us opportunities for both grace and challenge, drawing us deeper into the rhythms of life, if we have the courage to listen and to be guided.
The Moon, with its cycles of waxing and waning, calls us to a deeper understanding of temperance - not as mere self-discipline, but as the ability to harmonize our inner emotions and desires. It teaches us to embrace our feelings without letting them control us, to move with the changing tides of life without being swept away. But when we forget this lesson, we fall into gluttony, that inner hunger that consumes without satisfaction, whether it’s for food, validation, or emotional comfort. The Moon invites us to practice moderation and presence in the face of our desires.
Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, beckons us toward the virtue of prudence — the wisdom to speak and act with clarity, to discern truth in the noise, and to cultivate intellectual humility. True wisdom, we might say, is the ability to align our thoughts with love and justice. Yet, when Mercury’s influence is distorted, we fall into envy, that quiet but corrosive longing for what others have. Envy is the shadow of Mercury’s gift, a desire to possess what cannot be owned. But when we align ourselves with the wisdom of Mercury, we find freedom in our own minds, and in the richness of our own souls.
Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony, invites us to embody charity, the virtue of selfless love that seeks the good of others. Venus teaches us that love is not about possession but about gift—how we are called to live in harmony with others, not to manipulate or possess them. But without mindfulness, this cosmic teacher can lead us into lust — an attachment to fleeting pleasures or superficial connections that ignore the deeper needs of the soul. Venus reminds us that true beauty is not what we consume but what we give.
The Sun, the center of our solar system, speaks of justice - the radiant, expansive energy of the Divine that calls us to live in right relationship with all beings. It is the light that illuminates the hidden corners of the world, revealing truth and calling us to act with fairness and integrity. The Sun invites us to stand in the fullness of our own being, but if we are not careful, it can lead to pride — a false light that blinds us to the needs of others, a self-righteousness that makes us believe we are more than we are. The Sun calls us to shine without casting shadows.
Mars, the warrior planet, brings the gift of fortitude - the courage to stand firm in the face of adversity, to press forward even when the road is hard. It is the spiritual strength that sustains us when we confront life’s difficulties. But Mars, when unchecked, also gives rise to wrath, fury that burns without purpose, a violence that seeks destruction rather than transformation. Mars asks us to cultivate strength that is tempered with compassion, and courage that is not driven by anger but by the will to protect what is good.
Jupiter, the largest of the planets, calls us to magnanimity — the ability to see beyond our own limited selves and act with great generosity. Jupiter’s virtue is expansive, calling us to live in the abundance of God’s grace, not in scarcity. Yet when we ignore its lessons, we fall into greed, a desire to grasp at more and more, as if there were not enough to go around. Jupiter reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, and that true abundance comes when we share the gifts of life freely and without attachment.
Finally, Saturn, the planet of limitation and structure, teaches us the virtue of prudence, but not as an intellectual exercise—rather, as a quiet, enduring patience. Saturn calls us to reflect on the deeper truths of life and to accept the limitations we face. It is in the slow and steady discipline of life that we find the soul’s deep rest. But when we resist Saturn’s call, we fall into sloth, that inner inertia that keeps us from acting when action is needed, or from reflecting when reflection is required. Saturn calls us to the slow work of transformation, one small step at a time, until we come to understand that all things are held in the eternal rhythm of time.
In this cosmic rock opera, the planets are not mere instrumental forces acting upon and inundating us; they are teachers, guiding us toward deeper wisdom, strength, and greater compassion for one another. The seven virtues are not lofty ideals; they are the path to freedom. And the seven deadly sins are not external punishments—they are the internal distortions that we are called to heal, slowly and faithfully, as we journey towards the fullness of life.
Monday – Prudence (Moon)
Virtue: Prudence
Deadly Sin: Sloth
We begin the week under the gentle guidance of the Moon, who illuminates our path and brings light to our unconscious. Today, we reflect on Prudence, the virtue that teaches us to act with clarity, foresight, and wisdom in the face of uncertainty. Just as the Moon shifts and reveals its various phases, so too does our inner landscape reflect change. We are invited to consider how Sloth, the sin of inaction and spiritual laziness, obscures our ability to discern what is truly necessary. The light of the Moon shows us where we are stagnant, and where we must move with intention and purpose.
Prayer:
O Lord, who dost shine through the changing face of the Moon, grant unto us the light of Prudence, that we may act wisely and in alignment with Thy will. Cleanse us from the sin of Sloth, that we may be ever ready to walk the path of righteousness. By the alchemical Rubedo, may we find clarity in all our choices. Through Christ our Wisdom. Amen.
Tuesday – Fortitude (Mars)
Virtue: Fortitude
Deadly Sin: Wrath
The fiery energy of Mars imbues today with the courage to face challenges head-on. Fortitude is the strength to endure trials with resilience, to stand firm in our convictions, even in the face of adversity. Yet, the Wrath that arises from unchecked anger can cloud our vision and lead us astray. The Moon’s reflection amplifies our emotions, inviting us to harness anger and transform it into a force for positive change. As Mars strengthens us, we are called to rise above the temptations of rage and direct our energies with purpose and grace.
Prayer:
O God, who dost inspire us with the courage of Mars grant us the fortitude to overcome all trials, and the strength to temper Wrath with the fire of Thy love. Through the alchemical Sulphur, let us refine our anger, turning it toward the pursuit of justice. Guide us, O Lord, to act with Fortitude and to rise above all that seeks to diminish our spirit. Through Christ our Strength. Amen.
Wednesday – Justice (Mercury)
Virtue: Justice
Deadly Sin: Envy
As Mercury dances in the heavens today, we are drawn into the mind’s realm of intellect and perception. Justice is the virtue that aligns our actions with fairness, truth, and balance, and Mercury sharpens our faculties of discernment. The Moon, reflecting our deeper emotions, invites us to consider the sin of Envy — that which arises when we fail to recognize the beauty in others' blessings and feel deprived. Today, we meditate on how to overcome envy and cultivate a heart that celebrates others’ success while walking the path of justice.
Prayer:
O Lord, who dost bestow wisdom through the messenger Mercury, grant us the clarity of mind to discern Thy justice in all things. Cleanse us from the sin of Envy, and guide us to rejoice in the good fortune of others. By the alchemical Mercury, let us seek the harmony that comes from true justice. Through Christ, our Judge and Redeemer. Amen.
Thursday – Temperance (Jupiter)
Virtue: Temperance
Deadly Sin: Greed
Jupiter, the planet of abundance, calls us to Temperance, the virtue of moderation and balance. As the Moon waxes and wanes, we too are reminded of the cycles of need and excess, of joy and restraint. Today, we reflect on Greed, the sin that blinds us to the richness of the present moment, compelling us to take more than we need. Under Jupiter’s expansive energy, we are invited to practice Temperance, learning to balance the inner hunger with the fullness that comes from a peaceful and mindful life.
Prayer:
O Lord, whose abundance flows through the hand of Jupiter, grant us the gift of Temperance, that we may find peace in moderation. Guard us from the sin of Greed, and teach us to seek fulfillment in what is truly sufficient. By the alchemical Sublimation, may we transform our desires into spiritual riches. Through Christ, our Provider and Guide. Amen.
Friday – Charity (Venus)
Virtue: Charity
Deadly Sin: Lust
On this day of Venus, the planet of love, we are called to reflect on Charity, the selfless giving of ourselves to others. The Moon’s reflective light amplifies our capacity for connection, and today we ask for the ability to offer love without expectation of return. Lust, the sin that seeks only self-gratification, clouds our capacity for true intimacy and compassion. By focusing on Charity, we align our desires with divine love and transform lust into genuine care for the well-being of others.
Prayer:
O Lord, whose love shines through the light of Venus, fill our hearts with the virtue of Charity, that we may give ourselves freely to those in need. Cleanse us from the sin of Lust, and teach us to love as You love—without condition or selfish desire. By the alchemical Solutio, may we dissolve all that separates us from true love. Through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
Saturday – Wisdom (Saturn)
Virtue: Wisdom
Deadly Sin: Pride
Saturn, the planet of discipline and time, teaches us that true Wisdom is the understanding gained through reflection, patience, and experience. The Moon encourages us to look at the depth of our emotional experience, allowing us to see where Pride has clouded our judgment. Pride elevates our own understanding above all others and causes us to overlook the wisdom gained through humility. On this day, we meditate on the humility required for Wisdom to flourish and ask for the grace to recognize where we have been blinded by pride.
Prayer:
O Lord, who dost grant wisdom through the steady hand of Saturn, help us to walk in humility and seek Thy truth above all. Deliver us from the sin of Pride, that we may learn from the wisdom of others and grow in grace. By the alchemical Calcination, purify us from the ego that clouds our perception. Through Christ, our Teacher. Amen.
Sunday – Faith (The Sun)
Virtue: Faith
Deadly Sin: Spiritual Sloth
On this day of the Sun, we meditate on the virtue of Faith — the light that illuminates the darkness of uncertainty. The Moon, ever-changing and reflective, mirrors our spiritual journey, which often cycles between clarity and doubt. Spiritual Sloth, the sin of indifference to our divine calling, threatens our connection to the Light. Today, we ask for the Sun’s radiant energy to strengthen our trust in God’s plan and to banish the shadows of apathy that hinder our spiritual growth.
Prayer
O Lord, whose light shines through the rays of the Sun, fill us with the virtue of Faith, that we may walk boldly in Your path. Deliver us from the sin of Spiritual Sloth, and kindle in us a burning desire to seek You in all things. By the alchemical Conjunction, may we unite our hearts with the divine light that never fails. Through Christ, our Light and Salvation. Amen.
At the intersection of dust-riddled “out of date” philosophy and cutting-edge modern sciences and psychology lies a deeper calling—a sacred work that goes beyond the ancient ring of stars that fated outward success. Humanistic and depth psychology, both rooted in the belief that people are inherently good and capable of growth, mirrors the Renaissance’s vision of human potential. Both remind us that we are not defined by our limitations but by the vastness of what we can become when we live with integrity and purpose.
Leadership (much like magic) isn’t about power; it’s about vulnerability and self-awareness. True leadership requires us to embrace our shadows, integrate our imperfections, and lead with authenticity. Carl Jung’s notion of individuation teaches that wholeness comes from accepting all parts of ourselves, and that’s where the soul’s deepest work happens. As leaders, we invite others to grow by first doing the same ourselves—fostering environments where people can be real, where their inherent dignity is seen, and where they can flourish.
1. Sun
Individuation Process: The integration of the True Self and the Ego — the discovery of one’s core identity and perceived purpose in life.
Virtue: Courage and Authenticity. The Sun symbolizes the center of consciousness and vitality, representing the courage to live authentically and express the uniqueness of who we truly are.
2. Moon
Individuation Process: The integration of the unconscious mind and the emotional and nurturing aspects of the self.
Virtue: Compassion and Emotional Intelligence. The Moon governs our emotional nature and intuition, guiding us to cultivate empathy and sensitivity while understanding the deeper currents of the psyche.
3. Mercury
Individuation Process: The development of conscious thinking, communication, and mental clarity.
Virtue: Wisdom and Clarity of Thought. Mercury represents intellect and expression, urging us to refine our thoughts, engage in meaningful dialogue, and communicate with honesty and insight.
4.Venus
Individuation Process: The integration of love, beauty, and harmony, both inwardly and outwardly.
Virtue: Love, Beauty, and Harmony. Venus guides us toward forming loving relationships, appreciating beauty in the world, and balancing inner and outer harmony—fostering growth in emotional and relational intelligence.
5. Mars
Individuation Process:The integration of will, assertiveness, and personal power.
Virtue: Courage, Action, and Assertiveness.
Mars represents the drive and energy to act, teaching us to assert our will and take bold action, especially in the face of challenges, while remaining true to ourselves.
6. Jupiter
Individuation Process: The expansion of consciousness, higher wisdom, and sense of purpose in life.
Virtue: Generosity, Faith, and Integrity, Jupiter encourages the pursuit of wisdom, ethical living, and spiritual growth. It represents the virtue of living with a larger vision, trusting in the abundance of life, and contributing to the common good.
7. Saturn
Individuation Process: The integration of discipline, structure, and the maturation of the self through facing limitations.
Virtue: Responsibility, Patience, and Perseverance:,Saturn teaches the importance of self-discipline, hard work, and resilience in the face of adversity. It asks us to grow through facing challenges, learning from hardships, and taking responsibility for our actions.
The Renaissance celebrated human creativity and the capacity for greatness, seeing each person as a reflection of the divine. In leadership, this means recognizing that people have infinite potential for growth—not just in their skills but in their souls. Activism, rooted in this humanistic vision, is about more than fighting for justice; it’s about transforming both the world and ourselves in the mundane as well as the magical. True Will and true, lasting change begins within us, and when we heal, we heal the world.
Ultimately, leadership is about showing up with love, humility, and authenticity - just like the planets unabashedly do - leading from a place of soul, not ego. It’s about recognizing that the work of transforming the world begins with the work of transforming ourselves. This is the soul's work, and it is the work of the world. It is therefore intimately part of magical practice.
When we blend astrological and other esoteric perspectives alongside psychology, we unlock tools for esoteric pursuits, activism, and leadership that go beyond surface solutions. In esotericism, they provide a framework to understand the spiritual dimensions of our personal and collective journeys—helping us recognize the hidden forces that shape our lives and how we might align with our higher purpose. In activism and social justice this synthesis fosters a deep sense of interconnectedness, inspiring us to act not only out of a desire for justice but from an awareness of the cosmic harmony that calls us to heal and uplift all. For leaders, it offers a path of holistic vision, seeing not just the external results of our decisions but also how they align with the deeper needs of those we serve—reminding us that every individual is a unique expression of the divine, deserving of respect, care, and growth. Maybe this might make you think differently about those tests we take:
1. Saturn
Virtue: Responsibility
Element: Earth
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Judging + Thinking (J + T)
Ritual: Hold a silver coin and reflect on your commitments as you gaze into a mirror, contemplating how structure and responsibility have shaped your life, inviting a deeper understanding of your personal discipline.
2. Jupiter
Virtue: Generosity
Element: Fire
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Feeling + Perceiving (F + P)
Ritual: Gaze into a mirror while contemplating how generosity flows from your heart, allowing your reflection to inspire thoughts of growth, expansion, and abundance as you quietly affirm your openness to giving.
3. Mars
Virtue: Courage
Element: Fire
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Thinking + Perceiving (T + P)
Ritual: Hold a cup of water, focusing on its clarity as you reflect on a moment of courage or action, letting the water's fluidity mirror your own adaptive, bold approach to challenges in life.
4. Venus
Virtue: Love
Element: Earth
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Feeling + Judging (F + J)
Ritual: Take a silver coin, place it near your heart, and reflect on the harmony in your relationships, allowing the coin to symbolize balance and love in both your interactions and your inner sense of peace.
5.Mercury
Virtue: Wisdom
Element: Air
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Thinking + Perceiving (T + P)
Ritual: Hold a cup of water and contemplate your thoughts as you watch the reflections in its surface, inviting clarity and insight into your mind, allowing your thoughts to flow freely and uncover hidden wisdom.
6. Moon
Virtue: Compassion
Element: Water
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Feeling + Perceiving (F + P)
Ritual: Gaze into a mirror focusing on your emotional life and your ability to nurture, silently offering yourself compassion as you acknowledge your capacity for emotional depth and care for others.
7. Sun
Virtue: Authenticity
Element: Fire
Myers-Briggs Key Type: Judging + Feeling (J + F)
Ritual: Hold a silver coin in sunlight, letting it warm your hands as you reflect on how you express your true self in the world, allowing the light to guide you toward living authentically and in harmony with your core values.
In this list, the cognitive functions (like Thinking + Judging) are not just abstract categories but a reflection of the deeper rhythms of the cosmos, mirroring the planetary energies that shape and guide our inner lives. Of course it’s more nuanced than this simplification, but gives an idea for how we can shine the light of the Moon’s rays on various different combinations. These combinations resonate with the virtues each planet embodies, and they align with the ways we make decisions, navigate the world, and integrate both our strengths and challenges. Each planet calls us into a deeper awareness of how we operate within ourselves and the the visible and invisible world around us, teaching us that growth is both a personal and cosmic process of a dynamic and integral whole and not to be atomized to merely materialist oversimplification. Through these reflections, we are invited to participate in a much larger pattern, where our inner work mirrors the movements of the Moon and Stars.
When we take time for rituals like the simple prayers at the beginning of this essay or above, quiet reflection and meditation provided, we invite a powerful practice that enriches our decision-making and empowers our lives. These simple, sacred acts help us connect with a deeper source of wisdom, providing clarity and insight that can guide us in complex moments.
Prayer and ritual, though often quiet and unseen, resonate in both the esoteric and grounded, day-to-day realms, creating ripples of transformation that can lead to real-world change. They ground us in our true purpose and allow us to act from a place of peace and discernment. In this way, rituals and the symbols we use to create them, don’t just shape our Microcosm—they shape the outer Macrocosm as well, catalyzing change in conformity with will in both the mundane and the divine dimensions.
Let us pray,
The Qabalistic Suffrages of the Holy Tree
In the Name of the Eternal, the One Who is All Light and All Power, may these prayers rise to You, and may we walk the path of the Holy Tree Christ bore with virtue and grace, empowered in body, mind, and spirit, manifesting divine success and lasting transformation in our material and spiritual vocations:
Amen.
I. Kether (Crown)
Ehyeh, Ruler of Kether, in the World of Atziluth, which is known to us by the name of I Am, we pray for divine faith and the strength to surrender our will to the eternal wisdom of Your highest light.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the strength to walk in Your divine unity.
II. Chokmah (Wisdom)
Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh, Ruler of Chokmah, in the World of Atziluth, which is known to us by the name of The Lord of All Hosts, we call upon divine hope and wisdom that we may rise in understanding and seek the eternal truth.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Guide us in wisdom and illuminate our path.
III. Binah (Understanding)
El Shaddai, Ruler of Binah, in the World of Briah, which is known to us by the name of God Almighty, we pray for divine charity, that we may love with compassion, and reflect Your understanding in all our dealings.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the wisdom to love with purity and grace.
IV. Chesed (Mercy)
El, Ruler of Chesed, in the World of Yetzirah, which is known to us by the name GOD, we invoke Your divine justice and mercy, that we may serve with fairness and compassion.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the power to live in harmony with Your divine justice.
V. Geburah (Severity)
Elohim Gibor, Ruler of Geburah, in the World of Yetzirah, which is known to us by the name of Mighty God, we call upon Your fortitude, O mighty One, that we may endure through trials with strength and righteousness.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Empower us to stand firm in Your divine power.
VI. Tiphareth (Beauty)
Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh, Ruler of Tiphareth, in the World of Yetzirah, which is known to us by the name of The Lord God of Hosts, we ask for prudence and beauty in all our actions, that we may reflect Your divine harmony in our lives.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the vision to see Your divine beauty in all things.
VII. Netzach (Victory)
Adonai Tzabaoth, Ruler of Netzach, in the World of Yetzirah, which is known to us by the name of Lord of Hosts, we pray for temperance and victory, that we may achieve success through self-control and divine strength.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Empower us to achieve victory with grace and balance.
VIII. Hod (Glory)
Elohim Tzabaoth, Ruler of Hod, in the World of Yetzirah, which is known to us by the name of God of Hosts, we seek faith and divine glory, that we may stand firm and true, reflecting Your eternal strength.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us faith and courage to live in Your glory.
IX. Yesod (Foundation)
Shaddai El Chai, Ruler of Yesod, in the World of Assiah, which is known to us by the name of Almighty Living God, we call for hope and divine foundation, that we may build our lives upon Your eternal truth.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the strength to lay a firm foundation in Your light.
X. Malkuth (Kingdom)
Adonai Melekh, Ruler of Malkuth, in the World of Assiah, which m is known to us by the name of The Lord King, we ask for charity and divine service, that we may manifest Your kingdom on earth, serving with love and compassion for all beings.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Grant us the grace to serve You in all things.
Let us pray,
O Lord of Light and Sovereign of all, we give thanks for the divine gifts we have received in this sacred hour, for Your guidance, wisdom, and strength, which have illuminated the path of our hearts. May the blessings of the Holy Qabalistic Tree, the virtues of the Sefiroth, and the power of Your holy angels be upon us now and always, that we may walk in Your light and truth, embodying the grace, love, and fortitude You have shown. Grant us success in our material and spiritual labors, and empower us to reflect Your will in all that we do. May our hearts be open to Your divine presence, and our actions bring forth Your kingdom on earth. We ask this through the eternal Name of Your Word, and in the grace of Your holy love.
Amen.
