Breaking through obstacles, Aldebaran, Liquor and Popcorn.
I swear there’s a meaning to this title!
Aldebaran is an incredible ally in many types of workings, whether you're calling on the Star for protection, money, or enmity, the Rider seems to find a way to please every query. Such is the power of a Royal Star!
I call on Aldebaran in many scenarios, but I have found that his Martial drive and forward-moving strength truly shines when called on to break through blockages that stand in our way or hold us back. Aldebaran is also excellent at bestowing riches and honours, so I especially recommend working with him if you own or manage a business.
“Under Adlebora [sic. Aldeboran], they made an image after the likeness of God, or of a flying man; it giveth riches and honor”
“Milky thistle seed put under a carbuncle with the character shown, with the Moon conjunct [Aldebaran and] the Ascendant or Midheaven, increases riches and brings great honors.”
I most often use Oil of Aldebaran to dress unblocking candles within the context of a ritual, or to dress the top portion of a candle to ensure its success. I also like crafting images of Aldebaran, inscribing and fumigating them in the right time, and burning them with offerings given to the Star. The Hymn of Astron is super helpful for this.
When things are real sluggish and feel like they're not moving along, I'll use something like this:
To break through obstacles with the aid of Aldebaran
When Aldebaran is rising or culminating, that is when the ascendant or midheaven cross the 11th degree of Gemini, perform this ritual and rid yourself of that which stands in your way. This spell can be performed when the Moon is in either of her shifting phases. Pick a waning Moon when the blockages are found within and a waxing Moon when they are without.
Set a small table with a red cloth, and burn a red candle at each corner. Inscribe these with the sigil of Aldebaran and anoint with oil. At the head of the table, place a small iron pot and fill this with red wine, offered to Aldebaran.
Take 10 grains of popping corn in a small dish, and place this dish on top of an image of Aldebaran, whether the traditional man upon a horse, snake and lance in hand, or a talisman of the Star.
One by one, take the grains and begin to speak to them as if they were fast asleep. Wake them gently, and when they feel enlivened, name each individual grain as the obstacle which stands on one of the following roads: Acheron; Cocytus; Phlegethon; Styx; Boreas; Eurus; Notos; Zephyrus; the tail, and finally the head, of the Moon Serpent.
"Awaken awaken, small grain of potential, beginning and end, sum of the work and herald of it. You who stands between me and (______), upon the road of the tail of the Moon Serpent, arise and be present."
Simply replace 'tail of the Moon Serpent' with whichever road you are naming, and repeat until each grain is assigned one of the roads.
Empty the wine from the iron pot, preferably outside where you can see the Star, and place the 10 grains in it. Cover with oil — anything but olive. You can also use an oil of Aldebaran or another holy oil. Add a few drops of strong liquor infused with cinnamon and thistle. Cover the pot, and place it on coals until each grain has popped. Of course if that isn't accessible, choose to use a very hot stovetop or a 550 degree oven.
When the grains have popped, let them cool and take them to a nearby park or crossroads. Feed these to a group of birds, turn around and don't look back.
If you are using the Pouch to ground the influence of Aldebaran in this ritual, make sure to feed it beforehand!
Tip: You can use the cinnamon and thistle liquor in all kinds of Aldebaran rituals. Use it to wash the table before setting it, as well as the iron pot, the candle holders, the small dish, etc... You can also use it as a cologne for yourself, mixed with some of the Aldebaran Oil. It can be combined with the wash described in the included instructions for our Aldebaran offerings to potentiate it. If you choose to set an altar to Aldebaran or feed the Pouch daily, you can use this liquor as a simple and effective offering in the mornings.