Marsilio Ficino’s Theurgical Astrology: Astrological Theory and Practice at the Root of Modern Esoteric Practices by Dr. Darrel Rutkin

In this talk, I will first present my reconstruction of Marsilio Ficino’s (1433-99) theurgical astrology in his De vita libri tres (1489), with a focus on his engagement with planetary spirits. This centrally includes using the birth horoscope or nativity to identify one’s guardian daemon, in order to ultimately unify with one’s ensouled—and thereby living—ruling planet by means of a ritual Ficino offers for making talismans.

I will then use this reconstruction for comparison with the contemporary magickal work of Frater Acher as presented by himself on two of his websites: ‘theomagica.com’ and ‘holydaimon.com’ together with Bernd-Christian Otto’s recent (2023) illuminating analysis of Frater Acher’s contemporary but traditionalist ritual practices for invoking planetary spirits.

Acher’s ritual practice is inspired by and grounded on the anonymous 16th-century Arbatel, but it is also developed together with contemporary theories and practices. I will approach this material in an exploratory manner with a sensitivity to and interest in both premodern and contemporary contexts and mindsets, and their comparison. In my talk, I will apply the tools of historical anthropology to my reading of Ficino’s De vita, attempting to deeply understand and thickly describe the characteristic structures of his thought and practice, and thereby provide insight into one of the main texts at the Renaissance roots of the Western esoteric tradition in comparison with a modern-day practitioner of the magickal arts.

Link for virtual attendance: https://fau.zoom.us/j/63672581746