Correspondence tables or Tables of Correspondence display relationships between items in different categories in lines and columns.

For modern magick users as well as ancient alchemists, philosophers, and physicians, these tables show the relationships between various objects and planetary and/or elemental energies.

Elemental correspondences traditionally draw relationships between plants and minerals and the four Western Classical elements, earth air, fire, and water. (There are also Eastern elements that are beyond the scope of this site.) These would have been used by ancient physicians to balance the humors as an imbalance of humors was believed to cause disease and the humors also had their elemental correspondences. Thus, if you had an excess of fire, then the water element is what you needed.

Planetary correspondences draw relationships between the seven classical planets and natural objects usually plants and stones, and body parts and functions for similar medicinal purposes. These classical planets are Mercury, Venus, Moon, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Alchemical correspondences also related days and hours for certain workings.

Modern Correspondences

In modern magick, correspondences are used to choose appropriate spell ingredients and the right dates and times for certain activities. Correspondence tables are generally viewed as a sort of cheat sheet or guide.

Additional correspondences have been added by modern occultists and additional planets have been discovered. Some traditions include additional elements as well.

Because there are many different traditions, not every correspondence table will match every other. If you are unsure of which to follow, always trust your gut. Tables are guides and should only be used as a starting place or a cheat sheet. It is always best to get to know your magickal ingredients well as some parts of a plant, for example, may have different correspondences and a table can only tell part of the story.

Learn More

An exhaustive list of correspondences can be found in Crowley’s Liber 777 and an even more exhaustive list can be found in Skinner’s Complete Magician’s Tables.

You can learn a great deal about planetary herbalism and healing at https://www.evolutionaryherbalism.com/

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