Third Pentacle of Saturn

What this is

The Third Pentacle of Saturn is the night-seal of the Saturnine set in the Key of Solomon, cut specifically for invoking the spirits of Saturn at night, the hour most proper to the dark slow planet. Saturn rules the deepest hours, and this seal is the figure for working with its spirits in their own season. It is the most nocturnal of the three.

What it governs

It governs the invoking of the spirits of Saturn at night. Its sphere is the working of Saturnine power in its own dark hours: the night-summoning, the deep slow communion with the spirits of time and earth. It rules the calling of the Saturnine spirits when the planet's influence is strongest.

Its properties

It is figured in black at Saturn's hour of the night, its border carrying the names by which the nocturnal Saturnine spirits are called. The upright virtue of the seal is the disciplined working of deep power in its proper season, the patience to act at the right dark hour; its shadow is the unwariness of one who calls up what they cannot dismiss. The pentacle teaches that Saturn's powers keep their own hours, and that the wise worker meets them at the right time rather than forcing them.

Where else it appears

This night-seal is the talismanic skin of the same Saturnine darkness that Aratron rules in the Arbatel as lord of the outermost and slowest sphere and that Cassiel keeps over the night-hours of Saturday. The Saturn-spirit's nocturnal power, the bear's deep winter dreaming, and the drawn seal of the night-invocation are facets of one dark slow Saturn. Set them together and the same patient darkness looks back.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

On The Day, the Third Pentacle of Saturn appears as a tradition-face of Saturday, the day of Saturn, beside the planet itself, the angel Cassiel, and the planet's other daily faces. When it surfaces it colours the day with its single purpose, recorded in the old grimoire as one to for invoking spirits of saturn at night. Read it not as a literal talisman to cut but as the day's invitation to that exact work under Saturn's hand: a pointer to the matter the day is shaped for, the door that stands open today.

Why it matters

It names the truth that the deep powers keep their own hours and are best met in their proper season. It matters because the Saturnine day teaches patience with timing as much as with effort. It asks you to act at the right hour rather than forcing the matter before its time.

Correspondences

planet

Saturn

element

Earth

zodiac

Capricorn, Aquarius

sephirah

Binah

day

Saturday

colour

Black

metal

Lead

stone

Onyx

tarot

The World