PLANETS AS CHARACTERS: MARS AND VENUS: ROBIN AND MARIAN

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 MARS

Denning and Phillips, in the “Rite of Approach in Mars” presents the proclamation of the adoration of the Divine Force of this Planet. They write “All powerful defender of justice and truth, thou noble inspirer of courage and endurance and of bold resolve! …Thou mighty adversary of the powers adverse, hail to thee!” (Note 1.)

 

This invocation describes Robin Hood of English legends. Living in Sherwood Forest, this bold outlaw, with his band of Merry Men, steals from the rich and gives to the poor. In “The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938),” Prince John (Robin’s antagonist) tells him, “By my faith, but you’re a bold rascal. Robin, I like you.” Meanwhile, Maid Marian observes that that he is strange for risking his life for helpless people. He replies, “Norman or Saxon, what that matter? It’s injustice, I hate.” Robin Hood best exemplifies the character of Mars as regarded by Denning and Phillips.

 

VENUS

Dykes and Gibson for the “First Advancement: Invocation of Venus,” write “You who are divinely robed in Light and possessed of perfect beauty, I call you forth. Flawless harmony and symmetry are your perfumes, for you are the lady of the house of jubilation and the one who fills the sanctuary with joy.” (Note 2.)

 

Long associated with Robin Hood, Maid Marian is Venus to his Mars. They act as a dyad strengthening each other, thereby ensuring the best qualities of both. In the various ballads and legends, Maid Marian choses to love Robin Hood, after losing in combat to him. Instead of being a damsel-in-distress, she graces the noble court of King Richard and Prince John as an equal of Robin Hood.

 

A paradox, she is both Robin Hood’s lover and always the Maid. In the May Festivities in the 16th Century, she was celebrated along with Robin Hood. These festivities focused on Maid Marian encouraging fertility and sexual activity for all.

 

Notes:

 

Note 1. Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Page 163.

Note 2. Benjamin Dykes and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Page 193.

 

Works Used:

 

“The Adventures of Robin Hood,” Directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley, Warner Brothers, 1938.

Denning, Melita and Osborne Phillips, “Planetary Magick.” Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN). 1989.

Dykes, Benjamin and Jayne Gibson, “Astrological Magic.” Cazimi Press: Minneapolis. 2012.

NicEilidh, Hester, “The Legend of Robin Hood,” 2002. Web. https://hesternic.tripod.com/robinhood.htm.

Storynory, “Robin Hood Archives – Storynory,” 2021, Web. https://www.storynory.com/category/educational-and-entertaining-stories/robin-hood/.

Wright, Allen, “Robin Hood: Bold Outlaw of Barnsdale and Sherwood,” 2020. Web. https://www.boldoutlaw.com/.