Book Review: The Modern Witchcraft Book of Astrology
Empowering Magick with Astrology
A Gloam + Pestle Review of Julia Halina Hadas’ Celestial Guide for Modern Witches
Some books arrive like whispers. Others arrive as permission. Julia Halina Hadas’ The Modern Witchcraft Book of Astrology is both.
This book is not written in the language of gatekeeping (at least what modern peoples have been using the term for) or golden-age obsession. It is modern, vibrant, and inviting — a tapestry of accessible astrology meant to empower magical practice, not drown it in jargon. And while this isn’t the astrology of sect, synodic cycles, and dignities — it doesn’t pretend to be. What Hadas offers is something else entirely: an integrated system for witches who want to align their craft with the rhythm of the skies.
Let’s walk through it.
Beauty Meets Structure
Before a single spell is cast or chart is read, the design of the book deserves praise. Visually, it’s beautiful — soft on the eyes, smartly laid out, with a voice that’s both instructional and welcoming. It offers clarity without condescension, which is increasingly rare.
But a pretty book means nothing without substance. Thankfully, this one has both.
Part One: Foundations Without Overwhelm
Hadas begins with groundwork — the cosmology, symbolism, and elemental understanding behind astrological practice. Chapter One brings history, myth, and context. It’s not a deep historical dive (look to Chris Brennan for that), but it’s an effective overture for newcomers. She situates astrology as both spiritual and practical — a tool of alignment and empowerment.
Chapter Two moves into modalities and elements, distilling key concepts like cardinal, fixed, and mutable qualities with clarity. She links each to signs and celestial bodies in a way that is digestible without being simplistic.
Chapter Three offers a clean, well-structured dive into the signs. Each sign is explored through its themes, mythic origins, and magical applications — this section is a standout. Instead of vague archetypes, we’re given textures: ritual suggestions, character traits, and cosmic correspondences that are instantly workable.
Chapters Four and Five expand the lens. The houses are explored not just as passive zones but as magical arenas. The planets — including asteroids and dwarf planets — are paired with spells, moods, retrograde advice, and elemental flavor.
Chapter Six ties it all together with spellcasting tools, crystal correspondences, the astrological Wheel of the Year, and chakra associations. It's more eclectic than traditional, yes — but it's coherent and rooted in intention.
Part Two: A Grimoire by the Seasons
Part Two is where the book truly shines: a full astrological spellbook, organized by season.
Each zodiac sign gets its own collection of meditations, spells, teas, talismans, and magical workings. These are practical, beautiful, and varied — ranging from body scrubs and room sprays to altars, petitions, and elemental offerings. The flavor is more kitchen witch than ceremonial magician, but the sincerity and spirit are potent.
The spells aren’t derivative. They’re built to honor the energy of each season, not just mimic it. And for witches looking to deepen their seasonal practice through planetary influence — this section alone is worth the price of the book.
Critique: Where It Could Have Gone Deeper
For those who work with traditional astrology, some layers will feel light. There’s no discussion of essential dignities, planetary joys, synodic cycles, or decans. The historical development of the houses is touched on but not unpacked.
Similarly, the connection between specific astrological factors and their use in spellcraft could be pushed further. Why this phase of the moon? Why this planet in this house? Hadas gestures toward these correspondences but rarely elaborates beyond surface application.
Yet this isn’t a failing — it’s a choice. This book was not written as a technical manual. It’s a guidebook for magical integration, not predictive astrology. And in that arena, it succeeds.
Final Word
The Modern Witchcraft Book of Astrology is a generous, beautifully executed work. It does not pretend to be exhaustive, but what it offers — it offers well.
This book is for:
Witches seeking to integrate astrology into their spellwork
New or intermediate practitioners who want rituals tied to seasons and planets
Readers looking for a modern voice that blends spirit with clarity
It may not satisfy:
Traditional astrologers who crave historical rigor
Practitioners seeking philosophical or cosmological frameworks
Those looking for a deep dive into predictive techniques
But it is a book that works. It does what it sets out to do: help witches build ritual practices in rhythm with the stars.
Questions Worth Asking
How do you use astrology in your spellcraft?
Which signs, planets, or houses speak most strongly to your magical practice?
Have you found that working seasonally with the zodiac shifts your power?
Do you prefer the structure of traditional astrology or the adaptability of modern magical astrology?
Let us know your thoughts. Whether you align with Saturn’s scythe or Uranus’ wild flame — the stars are watching, and the spell is yours to shape.
Detailed Table of Contents!
Introduction
Part 1: Understanding Astrology And Magick
Chapter 1: Witchcraft and Astrology
The Ancients and Astrology
Earth, The Cosmos, and the Celestial Sphere
Worship, Witchcraft, and The Stars
Religion, Culture, and Astrology
The Birth of Western Astrology
Summoning The Power of the Stars Through Witchcraft
Chapter 2: Astrological Elements
Astrological Modalities/Elemental Expression: Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable
Cardinal Energy
Fixed Energy
Mutable Energy
Fire
Fire Represents Identity/Sense of Self and Energy
Associated Astrological Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Associated Celestial Bodies: Sun, Mars, Jupiter (shared), Vesta
Earth
Earth Represents Physical Reality and Stability
Associated Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo
Associated Celestial Bodies: Saturn, Venus, Ceres, Chiron
Water
Water Represents Feeling and Intuition
Associated Astrological Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Associated Celestial Bodies: Moon, Neptune, Juno
Air
Air Represents Communication and Knowledge
Associated Astrological Signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini
Associated Celestial Bodies: Mercury, Jupiter (shared), Pallas
Chapter 3: The Signs
Aries
Aries Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Taurus
Taurus Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Gemini
Gemini Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Cancer
Cancer Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Leo
Leo Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Virgo
Virgo Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Libra
Libra Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Scorpio
Scorpio Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Sagittarius
Sagittarius Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Capricorn
Capricorn Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Aquarius
Aquarius Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Pisces
Pisces Themes
Related Myths
Magick
Chapter 4: The Houses
Houses and Magick
The First House – The Twelfth House
Chapter 5: Celestial Bodies
The Sun
Magick
Times of Day
Twilight
Dawn/Sunrise
Morning
Midday/Noon
Afternoon
Dusk/Sunset
Wheel of the Year
The Moon
Magick
Waxing Cycle
New Moon
Waxing Crescent
First Quarter
Waxing Gibbous
Full Moon
Waning Cycle
Waning Gibbous
Third/Last Quarter
Waning Crescent
Dark Moon
Occasional Moons
Eclipses
Solar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse
Mercury
Magick
Venus
Magick
Mars
Magick
Jupiter
Magick
Saturn
Magick
Uranus
Magick
Neptune
Magick
Pluto
Magick
Retrogrades
Other Celestial Objects
Dwarf Planet Ceres
Magick
Vesta Asteroid
Magick
Juno Asteroid
Magick
Pallas Asteroid
Magick
Chiron
Magick
Chapter 6: Cosmic Witchcraft Essentials
Spellcasting Tools
Interstellar Ingredients
Using Crystals to Connect to the Cosmos
The Stars, Seasons, and Wheel of the Year
Spring Equinox
Beltane
Summer Solstice
Lammas/Lughnasadh
Fall/Autumn Equinox
Samhain
Winter Solstice
Imbolc/Candlemas
Energy Centers (Chakras) and the Cosmos
Root or Base Energy Center
Sacral Energy Center
Solar Plexus Energy Center
Heart Energy Center
Throat Energy Center
Third Eye or Brow Energy Center
Crown Energy Center
The Energy Centers and Sun Signs
The Energy Centers and Celestial Bodies
How to Cast a Celestial Spell
Ways to Deepen Your Connection to the Cosmos Ahead of Spellwork
Preparing to Cast a Celestial Spell
Preparing Your Energy
Learn about Your Birth Chart
The Cosmos and Color
Part 2: Spells For Every Astrological Season
Chapter 2: Aries Season
Celestial Spark Meditation
Aries Energy Alignment
Limeade Vitali-Tea
Planting Power
“Light a Fire Under It” Spell
Cosmic Victory Crown
Golden Fleece Confidence Talisman
Fire-Starter Spell for Success
Chapter 8: Taurus Season
Gaia Grounding Meditation
Taurus Energy Alignment
Stand Your Ground Spell
Planetary Plant Blessing
Cosmic Crystal Rose Water
Venus Retrograde Spell
Cosmic Coin Spell
Venus Abundance Sugar Bowl
Healing Salt Mixture
Chapter 9: Gemini Season
Cosmic Communication Meditation
Gemini Energy Alignment
Safe Travel Spell
Let the Truth Shine Spell
Mercury’s Messenger Letter Spell
Herbal Pouch to Keep Your Mind Sharp
Communication Lemonade
Mercury Retrograde Sachet
Chapter 10: Cancer Season
Moving Water Meditation
Cancer Energy Alignment
Moon Scrying Spell
Restorative Moon Bath
Cosmic Water Cleansing
Home Blessing Spritz
Celestial Cup of Goals
Healing Egg Meditation
Chapter 11: Leo Season
Fixed Fire Meditation
Grow Your Passions Spell
Sun-Charged Stone Energy Alignment
Solar-Spiced Creativity Syrup
Lion’s Heart Healing Spell
Apollo’s Chariot Inner Light Spell
Coffee Confidence Scrub
Binary Star Connection Spell
Chapter 12: Virgo Season
Earth Energy Meditation
Virgo Energy Alignment
Harvest Blessings Cornucopia
Focus Clari-Tea
Celestial Caduceus Cure
Harmony Basket
Energy-Cleansing Herb Bundle
Daily Discipline Vesta Flame Spell
Chapter 13: Libra Season
Breath of Life Meditation
Libra Energy Alignment
Cosmic Harmony Diffuser Spell
Call for Justice Spell
Venus Attraction Fragrance
Libra Peace Tea
Attention on Me Bell Spell
Relationship Reciprocity Spell
Chapter 14: Scorpio Season
Water’s Reflection Meditation
Scorpio Energy Alignment
Heart-Softening Tea
Blessed Financial Partnership Spell
Sensual Star-Powered Magick Mist
Safety Pin Protection Charm
Boundary-Setting Salt Mix
Sensual Blackberry Drink
Transform Like a Phoenix Spell
Chapter 15: Sagittarius Season
Inner Flame Goal-Setting Meditation
Sagittarius Energy Alignment
Fire Divination Spell
Higher Self Flame Meditation
Map-Based Pendulum Prophecy
Archer’s Mark Manifestation
Ethereal Embers
Wealth and Abundance Spell
Cosmic Coffee Mix
Chapter 16: Capricorn Season
Quartz Point Meditation
Capricorn Energy Alignment
Money Manifestation Wand
Saturn Sundial Spell
Master(y) Key Spell
Vinegar Protection Spell
Beet Star Spell
Chapter 17: Aquarius Season
Celestial Sound Meditation
Aquarius Energy Alignment
Smoke and Mirrors
Cosmic Cord Cutting
Pallas Wisdom Charm
Sharing Your Message Spell
Inviting Genius Spell
Reap What You Sow Cleansing Spell
Chapter 18: Pisces Season
Water’s Depths Meditation
Pisces Energy Alignment
New Path Cleansing Footbath
Celestial Dreams Tea
Neptune Deep Healing Oil
Neptune Dissolving Spell
Flower Power Potion
Pisces Moon Psychic Mist
Appendix A: Elemental Correspondences
Fire
Earth
Air
Water
Appendix B: Planetary Correspondences
Sun
Moon
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Neptune
Uranus
Pluto
Appendix C: Other Notable Celestial Bodies
Ceres (Dwarf Planet)
Vesta (Asteroid)
Juno (Asteroid)
Pallas (Asteroid)
Chiron (Comet)
Appendix D: Star Sign Correspondences
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Appendix E: House Correspondences
First House – Twelfth House
Appendix F: Planetary Hours
Bibliography
Index
