The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. In various ancient cultures and magical traditions, the Pleiades held great significance and played a role in religious practice but also was a major turning point for rituals based on Star Magic and magical calendar systems.
Pleiades reach highest point at midnight: November 21st
This powerful cluster of stars reach the highest point tonight, at midnight. Actually, some druid traditions place Samhain in this NIGHT! But we can also use it to cast our own spells as you’ll see below! Pleiades were very important to ancient people and practitioners. Let’s see why!
Here are some highlights of their significance in the ancient world:
Ancient Greece: In Greek religion, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of the titan Atlas and the nymph Pleione. They were named Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope. According to legend, the Pleiades were transformed into stars by Zeus to protect them from the unwanted attention of Orion the Hunter.
Ancient Babylonians: The Pleiades were highly regarded in Babylonian religion. The Babylonians mentioned the Pleiades cluster in their astronomical records, and it was called “MUL.MUL” (“star of stars”). They used the rising and setting of the Pleiades to mark important ritual and agricultural times.
Native American Cultures: Different Native American tribes throughout North America hold varying cultural significance for the Pleiades. For example, the Hopi tribe in Arizona observes the Pleiades as the “Katsinam” (ancestral spirits) who visit the Earth during the Pleiades’ appearance in the pre-dawn sky, which signals the beginning of their ceremonial year.
Japanese Heritage: In Japanese folklore, the Pleiades are known as “Subaru,” meaning “to govern” or “unite.” They are associated with the goddess Amaterasu, the sun deity and a symbol of the Japanese imperial family. Subaru, the Japanese car manufacturer, even adopted the Pleiades star cluster as its logo.
Astrology and Witchcraft: Astronomically, the Pleiades are a young star cluster, and studying them provides valuable information about stellar evolution. The Pleiades have been a subject of interest for both astrologers and astronomers alike. In astrology, they are associated with qualities like sensitivity, intuition, and spiritual guidance.
Witches and Pleiades
Witches and practitioners associated with the witchy way, view the Pleiades as a source of guidance and spiritual energy. They might incorporate the stars into rituals, spellwork, or astral travel practices.
Some witches believe the Pleiades can provide a channel to connect with deities or spirits. They may align their rituals or spellcasting with the Pleiades in order to enhance their spiritual connections or perform specific magical workings.
the 7 Sisters and Magic
Ancient Witches and esoteric magical systems associate each of the 7 sisters with different energies or attributes:
1. Maia: Maia is associated with growth, nurturing, and manifestation. She is often seen as the mother figure and represents fertility, abundance, and the power to bring dreams into reality.
2. Electra: Electra is often associated with courage, strength, and leadership. She embodies assertiveness, determination, and the ability to take charge and make decisive choices.
3. Taygete: Taygete is often associated with exploration, adventure, and the pursuit of knowledge. She represents a thirst for wisdom, a yearning to discover new horizons, and a willingness to embrace change.
4. Alcyone: Alcyone is associated with intuition, spiritual guidance, and mystical experiences. She represents sensitivity, insight, and an ability to connect with higher realms and receive divine messages.
5. Celaeno: Celaeno is often associated with transformation, inner growth, and resilience. She represents the power to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and find strength in adversity.
6. Sterope: Sterope is associated with healing, compassion, and empathy. She represents nurturing energy, a deep understanding of emotions, and the ability to provide comfort and support to others.
7. Merope: Merope is sometimes considered the “lost” Pleiad, as she is associated with withdrawal, hiding, or not shining as brightly as her sisters. She represents secrecy, being elusive, or choosing a different path than expected.
You can ask from any of the sister tonight your wish. But also, you can write down 7 things you want to banish from your life (remember tonight some traditions practice the Druid Samhain), and 7 things that your want you attract in your life! At midnight, go outside to meet the Pleiades, and tell them what you want to banish and what you want to attract!
