Unlike Hermetic magic, which was intentionally founded with a set of formal arts and practices, Astral magic has evolved over hundreds of years and in its origin it draws from a multitude of disparate traditions. Despite this, there has developed a basic theory which, with some variations, has come to dominate the Arab lands. The basis for the magical arts in Arabic and Islamic lands is that of Astra, the magic `of the stars'. It is necessary to know its theory in order to learn the 2 forces and 12 different signs associated with astral magic. The forces represent the power of Shams, the Sun, and Kamar, the Moon. The signs represent the 12 houses of the zodiac. These are learned by sahir in the same way magi learn their forms and techniques.
While Hermetic magic is more broad and powerful in its own way, Astral magic has its own areas of great strength. In some ways it is greater than related Hermetic arts, much the way Druidic arts are much stronger in spontaneous magic and dealing with nature. The strengths of Astral magic are its greatest effect upon human affairs and the forces of nature. Objects and creatures seem more resistant to its power, though they can still be significantly affected by it. The two forces of Astral magic represent the two ways in which power of the outer spheres can affect the lower world. Astral power may either overtly affect individuals, animals, or objects, which is the realm of Shams, or subtly manipulate them through the power of Kamar. When partnered with a particular force, each of the signs has a variety of attributes and areas of influence which determine the type of magic it can be used to create.
When casting an Astra spell, you are able to enter a frame of being which allows you to sense the connections between the spheres above and those things below on earth. Just as the different stars affect different things on earth, you will be able to alter the influence of those connections upon earthly beings and natural forces, such as the weather. In practical use, Astral magic can be used at birth to affect the nature of individual by increasing or lessening the effect of the birth sign. It is often used in divining what may happen, for the knowledge of the future empowers an individual to change it, though scholars argue this possibility with great passion. The magic of the stars also is used to improve or hinder the chances for an endeavor. It can concentrate favorable influences on an individual or group, by providing a boon of strength. It may also enhance the strength of unfavorable influences and cause disaster. It can also be used for illness or health, influencing parts of bodies within the realm of a particular sign. Most importantly, it may be used to influence an individual by subtly or overtly affecting the way he or she behaves toward others and perceives the world. It may affect the mental disposition of an individual, causing sloth and depression, or energy and happiness.
Because the Arabic tradition evolved rather than being created it is less exact in many ways than the Hermetic tradition. In almost every case in Hermetic magic, there is a unique set of technique and form which will produce a given effect, but in Arabic magic there could be several combinations of force and sign that cause similar results. example: the Hermetic spell "Air's Ghostly Form" causes a fog to form around the caster and is Creo Auram. A similar Astral spell would probably be Shams Al Tauaman, but might also be Shams Al Samakah or Kamar Al Akras.