Classification of Signs Part 1

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Classification of Signs

Classification of Signs



Sign Classification:

In astrology each of the 12 zodiac signs can be classified according to it's Element (Fire, Earth, Air and Water) Mode (Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable) and by it's Gender, (feminine or masculine qualities). The Masculine elements are (Fire & Air) the Feminine elements are (Earth & Water). Within each individual natal chart we contain ALL of the elements and modes. However, some natal charts have an overemphasis in an element/mode or an under-emphasis,or the chart may be considered "well balanced". A good way to start any chart interpretation is to start by counting the chart...

Lets start with the Elements:



Astrology divides up the 12 signs into Four elements - Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each of the elements contains three signs and they are also referred to as the triplicities. The four elements are known in psychological astrology as the 'four functions' which govern the human psyche. Each element has a specific way of manifesting energy. Four ways of understanding the world, and four ways of perceiving life. The element of Fire is 'intuitive', it symbolizes the initial spark of inspiration, creativity, and future vision. Earth rules the 'senses', and concerns itself with maintaining and organizing the material aspects of life. Air is the 'thinking' element, it can logically analyse information and develop a theoretical understanding. The Water element dominates 'feeling' and is the nurturing and caring component in life, it also refers to the spiritual aspect of life.


The elements in astrology correspond to the basic temperament or the "psychological makeup" of an individual. When a planet is in one of the elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) the planet will express itself through that element. We form ourselves through Earth, and we find our vitality, optimism, and aliveness through Fire. Through Air is how we socialize and 'circulate' and communicate. The emotional and spiritual connection to life is symbolized by Water, and here we can nourish and heal our souls from within. No person is 'wholly' one element we are all a mixture of the different elements. We will view the world from our own unique elemental makeup contained within the natal chart.

The Fire signs

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius: The fire signs respond to life in active, outgoing, confident, spontaneous, energetic, and enthusiastic ways. A joy for life! Fire signs inspire others with their own optimism. Fire is direct, honest, warm, and self interested. the element of Fire is volatile and unpredictable. Fire embodies strength of purpose or meaning in life. Planets placed in fire signs symbolize energy that is incautious and impels the individual to constant movement and action.

The Earth signs

Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn: The Earth signs respond to life in a practical, physical, enduring way, they are concerned with the material aspects of living. Earth signs provide the foundation needed to establish something tangible. Earthy individuals are patient, responsible, and they work hard and plan carefully. Planets placed in earth signs will express themselves in a grounded way. Earth holds firm and gives form to the spirit, it takes no risks and resists change. Earth takes comfort in what is known and dependable.

The Air signs

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius: The air signs respond to life by accumulating information, and appear detached because they are analytical rather than emotional in situations. The air group are intellectually orientated. The Air signs direct by interaction, circulation, socialization. Planets in Air relate intellectually even the Moon (a water planet) in air will talk about emotions rather than actually feeling them. The element of Air represents the universal mind, facts, observations, rationalizing, and making judgements.

The Water signs

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces. The water signs respond to life in an emotional, sensitive, and instinctive way. Water 'feels' and are oversensitive and overprotective. A planet in water is subdued, the planet becomes more inwardly directed, and is emotional in expression.

Moving on to the Modes

The mode is the signs way of behaving or operating. The term mode originates from the Latin word modus (way of). There are 3 modes in astrology - Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Each Mode has one of the 4 elements (Fire, Earth, Air and water). No element and mode is repeated in the zodiac, there is only one Cardinal fire sign -Aries, one fixed earth sign - Taurus, and one Mutable air sign - Gemini and so on...

The best way to understand Modalities is through understanding the four season's of the year. The four seasons demonstrate the unfolding development of the modes. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. When the Sun enters into a cardinal sign, it initiates the beginning of a season. As the Sun moves into the Fixed signs the season is firmly established,and astro-logically we tend to think of the fixed signs in the zodiac as having a lasting and permanent nature. Finally, as the Sun moves into the Mutable signs it symbolises the seasonal change, and hence it's restless nature.

1. Cardinal signs represent the equinoxes and solstices - the start of the seasons, because they begin when the Sun enters these signs corresponding to the changes of a season.

2. Fixed signs represent the mid season when all is steady and growing.

3. Mutable signs augur endings and preparation for change.

The seasons & the Zodiac


seasons_top_view.gif


Spring

Aries (Cardinal) Spring begins.
Taurus (Fixed) We reach the height of spring, where the energy is most focused, intense and sustained.
Gemini (Mutable) We now reach the transition phase, when the weather is about to change in to Summer. Gemini's mode is Mutable and thus we can understand it's nature more clearly by observing the seasonal changes.

Summer

Cancer (Cardinal) Summer begins. The children break up for 6 weeks.
Leo (Fixed) is when the Summer reaches it's height and the weather is very hot.
Virgo (Mutable) the season is beginning to change again, the family is preparing again, children will be back at school, everything needs to be ready. Colleges, University, are preparing for the schools re-opening.

Autumn

Libra (Cardinal) Autumn begins.
Scorpio (Fixed) Right in the middle of Autumn, the trees are bare, and the leaves are dead. Scorpio brings in the darker nights. The kiddies and adults look forward to Halloween, the witches, ghosts, and goblins can walk the earth with no hassle. The Darker side of life is enjoyed.
Sagittarius (Mutable) Again we are ready to change and here is the month of thanksgiving, and there is an anticipation and restlessness as the winter is coming near... and we are busy preparing for the Christmas period.

Winter

Capricorn (Cardinal) Winter begins.
Aquarius (Fixed) Winter is in full force now with rain, and extreme cold.. (the sign of Aquarius is opposite to Leo in the horoscope which is the hottest month!)
Pisces (Mutable) the weather is still cold but we are ready to move into spring, cleansing and cleaning out the closets ready for a new beginning in Aries....and we begin the new cycle all over again.

As you can see through the cycle of the four seasons we can understand why the Modes in astrology describe the signs activity. The season's elemental change reflects the nature of the 12 zodiac signs.

Mode & Personality: The effect of the Modes upon the individual

Cardinal corresponds to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Traditional astrology also calls them the 'movable signs' because they mark the change of the seasons. The term cardinal is used because of the position of these signs on the angles of the horoscope (1st, 4th, 7th & 10th houses). The Cardinal signs are active and self motivated. Cardinal are also known as self starters, something new always begins in Cardinal and their energy can be described as being initiating and leading.

Fixed signs correspond to Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The energy of the fixed signs is powerful, willful and determined, inflexible, hard to move. Fixed energy is sustaining. These types tend to be 'immovable' and stay with their decision once made. Fixed signs tend to be dependable and persevering.

Mutable signs relate to Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Versatility, on the move, restless and adaptable. Mutable energy is 'changeable'. Often these signs can be referred to as the mixed type, meaning it has influence of both Cardinal and Fixed. Mutable types can be more unstable under pressure, but they are mobile and versatile signs.

Yin and Yang



The signs can also be classified using genders.

All the Fire and Air signs are masculine, and all the Earth and Water signs are negative, we have 6 feminine signs and 6 masculine signs representing the polarity of opposites. When we use the term Feminine or Masculine to describe a sign we are simply referring to qualities such as outgoing active (yang) or receptive and receiving (yin). These equate directly with the traditional astrological terms diurnal (of the quality of day) and nocturnal (of the quality of night). Yang means Sun and Light in Mandarin and Yin means Moon and shade. While opposite in meaning the two principles interact and are dependent on the other for existence. This principle of opposites applies throughout cosmic philosophies and is fundamental to the life force of the universe. The signs beginning with Aries alternate from Yang to Yin, adding a further layer of meaning to their differences, the planets are further modified in their expression.

by Hajo Banzhaf - Tarot and the journey of the hero ~ Black and white represents the duality with which our conscious mind perceives reality. Whether the reality actually is like this cannot be said with certainty. We only know that our consciousness is incapable of perceiving anything for which it cannot think of an opposite pole as a reference point. We would not recognize masculine to be masculine if there was no feminine, there would be no relaxation with the tension, without an image of the devil, we could not imagine God to be the sum of everything good; and if there was no death, we would not know that we are alive. In this light life only becomes meaningful.

Yang = These individuals are inspired by future visions and need to actively analyse information and form a theoretical framework for understanding life. The driving Yang principle of outward conscious life.

Yin = Yin qualities are more introverted and receptive and they have a re-active response. They need impulse from the outside before they react, and function by developing their practicality and emotional needs. The unconscious balancing side of Yang the unconscious feminine soul.


 
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Re: Classification of Signs Part 2: How to count your elements

Calculating Planetary weight



Using the Lyn Birkbeck system on how to calculate the planetary weight for the elements, from the book Instant Astrologer: Using this method see what element your planets are in and score them using the system below. For example Sun in water scores 4 points, and Pluto in water would score 1 point, you score all of the planets this way according to the element the planet is placed. I will show you further down how to calculate the elements using a chart example.

How do I count up the planets in their elements?

Sun and Moon = 4 points each
Mercury, Venus, Mars = 3 points each
Jupiter and Saturn = 2 points each
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto 1 point each
Ascendant (Rising sign) = 4 points
Midheaven = 2 points

What element is under or overemphasised?

4 points or less in that element makes that element UNDER-EMPHASISED
12 points or more makes that element OVER EMPHASISED
5-11 points makes that element BALANCED, with strength of that element according to how near 5 or 11 it's weight is.

Can anything in my chart compensate for lack of element?

Under emphasis in Fire - Look to Sun, Mars, Jupiter any placements in 1st, 5th, or 9th.
Under emphasis Earth - Look to Saturn and any placements in 2nd, 6th, or 10th
Under emphasis in Air - Look to Mercury and Uranus and any placements in 3rd, 7th, or 11th.
Under emphasis in Water - Look to Moon and Neptune and any planets in 4th, 8th or 12th.

What about counting up the Modes?

You count up the Modes exactly the way you did the elements. :)

 
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Re: Classification of Signs: Chart example

Hitler the Dictator



Adolf Hitler ~ By Wikipedia​

An Austrian-born politician who was elected to lead the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei NSDAP), the Nazi Party. He was Chancellor of Germany (1933–1945) and Führer und Reichskanzler of Germany (1934–1945). Hitler was a decorated veteran of World War I who led the Nazi Party in Weimar Germany. Following his imprisonment after a 1923 failed coup, he gained support by promoting nationalism, antisemitism and anti-communism with charismatic oratory and propaganda. The Nazis executed or assassinated many of their opponents, restructured the state economy, rearmed the armed forces and established a totalitarian and fascist dictatorship. Hitler pursued a foreign policy with the declared goal of seizing Lebensraum ("living space"). The German invasion of Poland in 1939 caused the British and French Empires to declare war on Germany, leading to the outbreak of World War II in Europe.

The Axis powers occupied most of continental Europe and parts of Asia and Africa until defeated by the Allies. By 1945, Germany was in ruins. Hitler's bid for territorial conquest and racial subjugation caused the deaths of 43 million people, including the systematic genocide of an estimated six million Jews as well as various additional "undesirable" populations in what is known as the Holocaust. During the final days of the war in 1945, as Berlin was being invaded by the Red Army, Hitler married Eva Braun. Less than 24 hours later, the two committed suicide in the Führerbunker.

Chart Example: Adolf Hitler: The Elements First


Fire placements:

Mercury in Aries 3
Saturn in Leo 2
M.C Leo 2
Grand Total = 7 Fire

Earth placements:

Sun in Taurus 4
Moon in Capricorn 4
Venus in Taurus 3
Mars in Taurus 3
Jupiter in Capricorn 2
Grand total = 16 Earth

Air placements:

Asc Libra 4 points
Uranus Libra 1
Neptune Gemini 1
Pluto Gemini 1
Grand total = 7 Air

Water placements:

No planets
Grand total = 0 Water

The Results

As we can see using the score system Hitler is having quite the water drought with this element being UNDEREMPHASISED.

Earth is predominant with this element OVEREMPHASISED.

Fire and Air are pretty much BALANCED in his natal chart.

Compensatory Factors

Although he was Balanced in the element of Air. 5 planets are placed in the air houses, with Libra rising. Mercury & Uranus in opposition (Air planets), are angular. Communism means a social (Air) organisation. Hitler incited fear in order to gain political power. Uranus is linked to revolutionary movements in astrology. You can see for yourself here his communicating style. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q-6H4xOUrs



Following his imprisonment after a 1923 failed coup, he gained support by promoting nationalism, antisemitism and anti-communism with charismatic oratory and propaganda.
 
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Hitler's Modes

I will list Hitler's Modes and then we can see the general theme of his chart since we have already analysed his elements.​

Cardinal

Asc = 4 points
Moon = 4 points
Mercury = 3 points
Jupiter = 2 points
Uranus = 1 point
Grand total = 14 cardinal

Fixed

Sun = 4 points
Venus = 3 points
Mars = 3 points
Saturn = 2 points
M.C = 2 Points
Grand Total = 14 Fixed

Mutable

Neptune = 1 point
Pluto = 1 point
Grand total = 2 Mutable

Results: The Cardinal & Fixed Modes in Hitler's natal chart score high and therefore he would have an "overemphasis" in these modes because they have scored above 12 points. Hitler is "underemphasized" in the Mutable energy.

Describing character

A Cardinal/Fixed nature could be described as a force to be reckoned with, he might BEGIN something, get the ball rolling, and once his action is on course (Cardinal) it would be very difficult to stop him, as he would be focused, determined and unyielding (Fixed). To describe his character I am using a blend of the keywords I posted above for the Cardinal & Fixed energy. However as Hiltler lacks the Mutable energy, I would look at the words listed for Mutable and I would say he needed to "develop" versatility and learn how to be more flexible. Hitler is also low on water and he would have had learn how to be more comfortable with his emotions, this is an aspect of his life worth developing which may have helped to round out his personality.

Element + Mode = Sign

Earth scores high along with Cardinal and Fixed energy, at the base of his personality we could we could describe him as having the qualities of a Capricorn & Taurean. Capricorn is Cardinal Earth, Taurus is Fixed Earth. Authority, discipline, ambitious, responsible, pessimistic nature, long term goals (Capricorn). Whilst Taurus is stable, determined, focused, sometimes lazy and stubborn.

Beginning to see an overall picture

We now see a picture of someone who can be self motivated (Cardinal) with long term goals (Capricorn) and once set on his course of action, he is very determined and focused (Fixed Earth).
 
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Re: Test

Here is a test to see how you are doing with the elements and modes. Look at this chart below, it may be very obvious to most people who's chart this is, but it is still a valuable excercise to do in order to determine what element and mode is highly emphasized for this individual. Go through the planets as well as the Rising sign and Midheaven and score them as I have showed you above. List your results, and see what element is ranked highest and mark it down, and then look to see what mode is high and mark this down. Using the list of signs below, see what sign dominates his character, remember that element + Mode = sign. I will give you a clue, in my personal opinion I believe two signs dominate the character. Describe these signs and how they operate using their qualities, modes etc, and how these energies can work for this individual. Answers are concealed in PDF, once your ready and have completed the chart open it up and see how you have done.

Mystery Chart below:




List of signs their element/Mode:

Aries = Fire Cardinal
Taurus = Earth Fixed
Gemini = Air Mutable
Cancer = Water Cardinal
Leo = Fire Fixed
Virgo = Earth Mutable
Libra = Air Cardinal
Scorpio = Water Fixed
Sagittarius = Fire Mutable
Capricorn = Earth Cardinal
Aquarius = Air Fixed
Pisces = Water Mutable
 

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lillyjgc

Senior Member, Educational board Editor
Re: Test

TRIPLICITIES

The following Article has been written by Joseph Ledzion.

Triplicities were used by the Hellenistic astrologers. Hellenistic astrology appears to be the most advanced form of astrology, requiring little intuition on the part of the Artist. It was developed 300 B.C.E. - 100 A.D. The technique was mostly lost by the time the Medieval period arrived, and thus to this present age, this form of rulership is lost to most.

Just as an overview, there are 5 forms of rulership for any Planet in the chart, and these 5 forms of rulership are based on its longitude (degree) in the Zodiac. Rulership shows the Essential Dignity of a planet. A planet in its dignities is obviously strengthened. Most people learning astrology are only aware of the 2 first forms of rulership, listed below:

Domicile, Exaltation, Triplicity (aka Trigon), Term, and Decan (aka Face).

These are the 5 modes of rulership. The phonetic of domicile is: dough-ma-sigh-el. Each one of these forms of rulership has a specific function in the horoscope. Today, we are looking at Triplicities.

Triplicities are used to determine how a person's life will favor. Will they experience success? Will life be difficult? These questions are the fundamental yearnings found within people's heart and souls, and Triplicities Lords are the fundamental rulers of the Elements. In order to assess the condition of a person's life (will they be King or a lowly bum?), the ancient authors Dorotheus and Valens tell us to begin by observing the Luminary in charge of the chart.

This is called Sect.

Understanding Sect is crucial!

It is simple to discover the Sect of any chart. If the Sun is below the horizon--the ascendant/descendant axis--then the Moon is the Luminary in charge of the chart. The sect is Nocturnal. Theoretically, this is because the light of the Sun is gone from view, and so it cannot perform. Thus, when the Sun is above the horizon, the Sun is the Luminary in charge of the chart, and the Sect is Diurnal (day). That's all that Sect is -- day or night.

You'll notice that the concept of Sect implies that there is an inherent division. There is. Which ever Luminary is in charge is the more powerful of the two, and directs the native's actions. This is a person's inner light, their wisdom and guiding voice, which gives the power to make decisions in life. The decisions made in life will based on the Sect of the chart, being either born from either the qualities of the Moon, or the Sun. Sect is based on the idea of masculinity and femininity, and giving a government to one of these instinctive principles.

There are corresponding planets which rule the Sect, as well, although it is not entirely pertinent that they be listed for the technique I am about to give in the discussion of Triplicities. Nevertheless, in order to finish the idea of Sect, it shall be understood that there are Ruling Planets of each Sect, and these planets carry out the decisions of the Luminary in charge, like servants. The Diurnal Sect, which is the Sun, uses Jupiter and Saturn to perform what is born from its inspiration. The Nocturnal Sect, which is the Moon, uses Venus and Mars to perform the duties it feels it needs.

And so, if you were born at nighttime, the Sun isn't quite as important as you might have otherwise thought!

Once Sect is understood, then the next thing to do is to look at the Triplicity Ruler of whatever Luminary is in charge. So we consult the chart below, which tells us this information. I apologize that there are 4 different systems given here.

Use Dorotheus, and don't even look at the others, simply because they have assigned different planets to what I am teaching here. I just couldn't find a good table; I don't mean to create confusion.

trips2.jpg


Triplicities Lords are assigned by each Element. That's what a Triplicity Lord is. All the Earth signs share a specific trio of Triplicity rulers, all the Water signs share a different trio own rulers, and so forth. Eventually you'll memorize this table. Mostly everyone uses Dorotheus, I assure you.

You'll notice that there is a Day ruler and a Night ruler for each triplicity, and there is also something called a participating ruler. Actually, I wouldn't even worry about the participating ruler until later. It's one of those things that you can ignore, and then come back to once you've got the basic technique wired. The participating ruler watches over everything, adds support. It's pretty simple.

So -- the most important ruler of the Triplicity Rulers, is the one that rules your Sect Luminary. If you are a day (diurnal) birth, then use the Day ruler, of the element your Luminary is in. If you are a nocturnal birth, then the use the Night ruler of the element your Luminary is in.

Now we're getting somewhere. So -- if you are a Diurnal Birth, it is best to have the Sun in a Fire sign. This is what the table says. If the Sun is in a Fire sign and well placed in the chart, then the first part of the life will be great. Hold that italic thought.

If you are a Nocturnal birth, you want to have the Moon in an Earth sign. This is what the Triplicity table says. Yes, it is interesting to note that Capricorn is the detriment of the Moon. And yet, regardless, if the moon is in Capricorn during a nocturnal birth, and it is well placed in the horoscope, the first part of the life will nevertheless be successful, although it will not be as emotionally rewarding, because the detriment is still not solved, regardless of triplicity.

Do you see what we're doing here?

We look to the Triplicity Ruler of the Luminary in Charge, and judge its condition. If it is well placed then life will be good.

What do we look for, when we want to know if the Triplicity Lord is in good shape? Generally it is obvious to the trained astrologer, but I shall go over these rules. Most importantly, we want the planet to be in an Angular House, because the Angles are where planets are the strongest. For a Diurnal Sect, the strength of the houses is as follows: the 1st, 10th, 11th, 7th then 9th. You want the Diurnal Triplicity Lords placed in these houses. These are the happy and fortunate places, and this applies in all of astrology. You can't go wrong here!

The next thing to consider in regards to the strength of the Triplicity Lord, is to notice if it is negatively aspected by the malefics (Saturn and Mars) or not. In any diurnal chart, negative aspects to Mars are particularly upsetting to the native, causing rash behavior and chaos. This is because Mars is out of Sect, and doesn't have any business upsetting the structure of the Diurnal Sect. For a nocturnal chart, when Saturn negatively aspects the Triplicity Lord, there are long delays, much sorrow and tribulations to be expected in the native's life. Again, this is because Saturn is of the opposite sect, and causes extreme misfortune when getting involved by negative aspect to the opposite sect.

Similarly, if the Triplicity Lord is placed in an unfortunate house, there will be misfortune. As well, it is not good when the Triplicity Lord is combust or retrograde. Yet this is obvious. Classically, combustion is considered the most destructive of all potential hinderances for a planet to experience, losing all its power to perform.

For a nocturnal chart, the order of the strength of the houses (I suspect) is the 1st, 4th, 2nd, 5th, and then 3rd.

This is how triplicity works, and it is very accurate. Allow me to use a personal example.



This is my chart. My Moon is in Scorpio, and I am a Nocturnal birth. Since Scorpio is a Water Sign, we know that Mars is the Triplicity Lord of my Luminary, and that Mars governs the first part of my life.

Now, looking at the condition of Mars, we will notice that we are dealing with a Malefic planet. Automatically, we see that the beginning of my life deals with hardship. Then, we will realize that Mars is in Taurus (detriment). Things aren't looking to good, are they? Next, we'll figure out that Mars is under the beams of the Sun, the worst possible hinderance. Yikes! And finally, we notice that Mars is placed on the IC, giving it is a very powerful influence, for the worse.

So Mars is in terrible shape, and because it is conjunct the IC, this influence is extremely overbearing. The IC is associated with "the window to the soul" and thus you can say that this window was blocked by warriors that I had to either kill, or be killed.

Indeed, as the Triplicity Lord suggests, the first part of my life was extremely difficult. A true battle ground. Everyday, I fought an extremely powerful force that tugged at my soul. Suicide was not out of the question, nor was sex at a young age (Mars and the IC are in the 5th Whole Sign House). This would continue for many years, until the next Triplicity Lord took over, which happens to be Venus. Venus is a much better Triplicity Lord than Mars!

So the first ruler is Mars, the second ruler is Venus.

Do you see?

This is because I was born at night, and so we start with the Night ruler of my Luminary, which is in a Water sign.

The second part of your life will be governed by the other Triplicity Lord.

This is why people's life's are able to turn around, for better or worse! The expression "from zero to hero" is definitely a Triplicity Lord type of statement, in the Hellenistic sense !

For fun, let's imagine that I was born with the Sun in Leo, right around noon. This is one of the most fortunate qualities to be found in a nativity! Why? Because the Sun is in its own sign (domicile) in Leo, and during the day, the Triplicity Lord for the Fire Signs is the Sun. The Sun is placed in the 10th house is a position of authority, giving the ability to command others and really be in charge. As long as there are no negative aspects to the Sun, I would be very happy and successful in life, extremely fortunate and strong, in a position to achieve much. What a guy I would be then!!

Now, here's where it gets interesting. How's the second Triplicity Lord? How's the second part of life looking?

Eventually, the first triplicity lord will stop shining, so to speak, and the second lord will take over. Now, this isn't the Participating Ruler. That planet just watches over everything, and gives support to the efforts. It's pretty simple to understand how, generally, the Participating Ruler can provide help and aid to the efforts of the Trigon Lord if it is well placed, or hinder if it is not well placed.

Admittedly, there is a technique for determining when the next Triplicity Lord takes over, but I will have to save that for another time, because I am not totally sure myself!

Regardless of that missing bit of information (sorry), once the other Triplicity Lord takes over, we similarly need to consider its "status." Sticking with our example of the Sun in Leo in the 10th house, the following ruler for the Fire Trigon is Jupiter.

Okay. For fun, let's make this 2nd half of this person's life diificult. Let's place Jupiter in the 12th house, the house of imprisonment. And let's place Saturn and Mars on either side of him. This is called besieging, and it is a very cruel concept, let alone in the 12th house.

Here we would have the story of a person who started off well in life, and later lost everything, and probably ended up in prison.

Perhaps the Sun in the 10th house created too much of a good thing, and they went overboard on the goodness of status and power. When the 2nd Trigon Lord took over, they became exposed, and were cornered, made into an example and locked away.

That's how the Hellenistic's used triplicities.
In terms of Medieval Horary, William Lilly, in Christian Astrology Book II, uses an interesting methodology regarding Triplicities in the following aphorism, regarding the query:

Whether a Lady have a Lover besides the Querent?

The master says,

"If either the Lord of the 7th or the Sun, be joined to the Lord of the Triplicity then Ascending, and the Sun separates from the Lord of the Ascendant, it seems that she has some friend that she loves besides the Querent."

And so Lilly implies that Triplicity may indicate another person is involved. Triplicity rulership, as we know, is not as powerful as domicile and exaltation rulers, which the querent is represented by in all instances. When in horary do we look to triplicity?

In this horary, the querent's lady is shown to be with a person other than the himself, demonstrated by the conjunction of the lady (she is shown by the Lord of the 7th) and her indicator of men (the Sun) to the Triplicity Lord of the Ascendant.

The domicile and exaltation of the Ascendant represent the querent. The Triplicity Lord of the Ascendant is not him, it is another person!

We of course look to the 1st house to show if the lady has another boyfriend, because it is the 7th from the 7th. But the domicile and exaltation rulers represent the Querent.

Thus, we use Triplicity to show another man.

For, a conjunction to the rulers of the Term and Face are not strong enough to indicate infidelity. Definitely not.

And so, in horary, Triplicity may serve to indicate another person other than the querent -- although this must be further shown in the horoscope, as such his aphorism states.

Here is a link to the discussion:
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16369&highlight=triplicities
 
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Joseph Ledzion

Well-known member
Triplicities and Fate

Triplicities were used by the Hellenistic astrologers. Hellenistic astrology appears to be the most advanced form of astrology, requiring little intuition on part of the Artist. It was developed 300 B.C.E. - 100 A.D. The technique was mostly lost by the time the Medieval period arrived, and thus into this modern age, this form of Essential Rulership is still lost to most.

Nevertheless, Triplicities are actually, because of their essential nature, such an important and fundament concept to that I promise you -- once you learn this technique you will be able to make predictions that are more accurate than ever before.

Astrology without Triplicities is empty!

Just as an overview, there are 5 forms of rulership for any Planet in the horoscope, and these 5 forms of rulership are based on the Celestial Longitude (a fancy way of saying degree) in the Zodiac. Rulership shows the Essential Dignity of a planet. The word planet, in Greek, means "wanderer." When a planet is found in any of its dignities, it is strengthened. Most people learning astrology are only aware of the 2 first forms of rulership, listed below:

5 - Domicile (aka Sign)
4 - Exaltation
3 - Triplicity (aka Trigon)
2 - Term
1 - Face (aka Decan).

These are the 5 modes of rulership that there are. The phonetic of domicile is: dough-ma-sigh-el. Each one of these forms of rulership has a specific function in the horoscope. Today, we are looking at Triplicities.

Triplicities are used to determine how a person's life will favor. Will they experience success? Will life be difficult? These questions are the fundamental yearnings found within people's heart and souls, and Triplicities Lords are the fundamental rulers of the Elements. In order to assess the condition of a person's life (will they be Queen or a lowly beggar?), the ancient Hellenistic authors Dorotheus and Valens tell us to begin by observing the Luminary in charge of the chart. People are governed by either the Sun, or the Moon, depending on what time they were born.

This is called Sect.

It has been lost to modern astrology. But understanding Sect is crucial to understanding the heart of astrology!

It is simple to discover the Sect of any chart.

If the Sun is below the horizon--the ascendant/descendant axis--then the Moon is the Luminary in charge of the chart. The sect is Nocturnal. Theoretically, this is because the light of the Sun is gone from view, and so it cannot perform. And so of course when the Sun is above the horizon, the Sun is the Luminary in charge of the chart, and the Sect is Diurnal (day). That's all that Sect is -- day or night.

You'll notice that the concept of Sect implies that there is an inherent division. There is. Which ever Luminary is in charge is the more powerful of the two, and directs the native's actions. This planet is a person's inner guiding light, is that which leads them to wisdom, is their motivating voice and command which has the power to make decisions. In life, all the decisions which are made by individuals are based on the Sect of their chart, spurting from either the qualities of the Moon, or the Sun. This is where it all starts. Sect is based on the idea of masculinity and femininity, and it literally gives a government to one of these planets, and their instinctive principles.

Besides the Sun and Moon, there are different corresponding planets which co-rule the Sect, as well. For the Diurnal (day) Sect and Nocturnal (night) Sect, there are two sets of planets that carry out the decisions of the Luminary in charge, like servants do. The Diurnal Sect, uses Jupiter and Saturn to perform what is born from the inspiration of the Sun. The Nocturnal Sect uses Venus and Mars to perform the what the Moon feels it needs.

And so, if you were born at night time, the Sun isn't quite as important as you might have otherwise thought!

The final piece of Sect is to simply look at the Luminary, and the planets ruling the Sect. The Sun, Jupiter and Saturn perform best when above the horizon, and it is considered to harmful to be ruled by the Sun, but having the co-rulers placed in the wrong sect! And the same with the Nocturnal Sect. If you are born with the Sun even a hair below the horizon, the Moon is in power, and you want the Moon, Venus and Mars under the horizon, where they perform best.

To have the Diurnal Planets in Masculine Signs (aries, gemini, leo, libra, sagittarius, aquarius) and in the proper sect, meaning above the horizon, then these planets are granted the term Hayz, and are operating at full dignity! Same thing reverse for nocturnal, you want this sect in feminine signs and below the horizon. If they are also in their Domicile or Exaltation, wow, you're onto something!

Once Sect is understood, then the next thing to do is to look at the Triplicity Ruler of whatever Luminary is in charge. So we consult the chart below, which tells us this information.

trips-1.gif


Triplicities Lords are the planets which the ancients assigned to rule each group of the Elements. They were very careful in electing them, and I suggest researching it further than we will here, to discover why the planets were chosen.

tripsandquads-1.jpg


The Fire, Earth, Air and Water Trigons each have their own set of rulers. Reading the "Day Rulers" column left to right, the Fire Trigon's Day Ruler is the Sun, and then the Night Ruler is Jupiter. Saturn is the Participating Ruler. Do you see how the "Night Rulers" column is the exact same as the day one, except that the planets are just reversed? The Participating Planet always stays the same.

This table is sort of ambiguous, so I will just list them, to be clear.

Fire Trigon = Day Ruler - Sun, Night Ruler - Jupiter
Earth Trigon = Day Ruler - Venus, Night Ruler - Moon
Air Trigon = Day Ruler - Saturn, Night Ruler - Mercury
Water Trigon = Day Ruler - Venus, Night Ruler - Mars

Actually, I wouldn't even worry about the participating ruler until later, once you're attempting to perfect the whole thing. Quite simply, the participating ruler watches over the other two Lords when they're in power, adding support. Eventually, you'll want to really consider that, but when we are just beginning, I feel that it's okay to breeze over; we'll return in time.

Okay. The most important one of the rulers of these Trigon Lords, is the one that rules your Sect Luminary. If you are of the Diurnal Sect, then use the Day Ruler of the Element your Luminary is in. If you are of the Nocturnal Sect, then the use the Night Ruler of the Element your Luminary is in.

Did you follow that? Look at the Element your Luminary is in. Fire, Earth, Air or Water. And then if you were born at night or during the day, use the night ruler or day ruler to match.

Now we're getting somewhere!

So if you are a Day Birth, it is theoretically best to have the Sun in a Fire sign, according to the table. If for example, the Sun is in a Fire sign, and it is not harmed by the malefic planets, and let's say its placed in the 10th house, and we see that it is in good condition, then according to what the Hellenistic's discovered about these Triplicities -- the first part of life will be great.

The first part of life. Hold that italic thought.

If you are a Nocturnal birth, ruled by the Moon Light, the tables tells us that it is strongest if you have your Moon in an Earth Sign. And so having the Moon in Taurus in the 4th house, sextile its Domicile Ruler, Venus, would indicate an extremely fortunate situation growing up, and a loving mother or father. This, as long as there are not other indicators in the horoscope telling us different.

Do you see how this works?

By looking at the Trigon Lord of the Sun or the Moon (which ever you are ruled by according to Sect) and the quality of the corresponding Day or Night ruler, the 1st part of life is determined. Later in life, the other ruler will become active.

If the 1st Trigon Lord is well placed, then quite simply, life will be good. If it is not well placed, then the native will suffer. Depending on the nature of the affliction, a certain measure of unpleasantness can be expected. Without using these Triplicities, you'd never know, you could only guess. That *****!

What's fascinating is that if a person has their First Trigon Lord in bad shape, yet their Second Trigon Lord is in fantastic shape, then they will literally have the ability to turn their lives around for the better once they switch. A person can go from zero to Hero, using Triplicities!

Likewise, when we go to our 20 year High School Reunion, and we see the people who were very successful back then, as the total opposite as you imagined them to be, then, perhaps we can draw the conclusion that Triplicities had something to do with this!

This technique is incredibly accurate, try it with Kings and beggars alike, and see how it tells the fortunes of such people.

Before moving onto an example, we must indicate what to look for in determining if the Triplicity Lord is in fact well placed in the chart, or not. This is called Accidental Dignity. It may seem obvious to the affluent student of astrology, but going over these rules is necessary to create a complete description of the technique of Triplicities. What makes a planet well placed in a chart?

Most importantly, we want the planet to be in an Angular House, because the Angles are where planets are the strongest. For a Diurnal Sect, the strength of the houses is as follows: the 1st, 10th, 11th, 7th then 9th. You want the Diurnal Triplicity Lords placed in these houses. These are the happy and fortunate places, and this applies in all of astrology. You can't go wrong here!

The next thing to consider in regards to the strength of the Triplicity Lord, is to notice if it is negatively aspected by the malefics (Saturn and Mars) or not. In any diurnal chart, negative aspects to Mars are particularly upsetting to the native, causing rash behavior and chaos. This is because Mars is out of Sect, and doesn't have any business upsetting the structure of the Diurnal Sect. For a nocturnal chart, when Saturn negatively aspects the Triplicity Lord, there are long delays, much sorrow and tribulations to be expected in the native's life. Again, this is because Saturn is of the opposite sect, and causes extreme misfortune when getting involved by negative aspect to the opposite sect.

Similarly, if the Triplicity Lord is placed in an unfortunate house, there will be misfortune. As well, it is not good when the Triplicity Lord is combust or retrograde. Yet this is obvious. Classically, combustion is considered the most destructive of all potential hinderances for a planet to experience, losing all its power to perform.

For a nocturnal chart, the order of the strength of the houses (I suspect) is the 1st, 4th, 2nd, 5th, and then 3rd.

This is how triplicity works, and it is very accurate. Allow me to use a personal example.



This is my chart. My Moon is in Scorpio, and I am a Nocturnal birth. Since Scorpio is a Water Sign, we know that Mars is the Triplicity Lord of my Luminary, and that Mars governs the first part of my life.

Now, looking at the condition of Mars, we will notice that we are dealing with a Malefic planet. Automatically, we see that the beginning of my life deals with hardship, because that is the job of the Malefics, they make life difficult. Then, we will realize that Mars is in Taurus (detriment). This is not good. So far things are off to a bad start. A planet in detriment is full of bad energy. Next, we will figure out that Mars is under the beams of the Sun, within 17*. The is bad. The worst possible hinderance for a planet in all of astrology is for it to be combust, which is within 8* within the Sun. Yikes! And finally, we notice that Mars is placed on the IC, giving it is a very powerful influence over chart, because Angular planets seek immediate expression, for better or worse. In this case, for worse.

So Mars is in terrible shape, and because it is conjunct the IC, this influence is extremely overbearing. The IC is associated with "the window to the soul" and thus you can say that this window was metaphorically blocked by warriors that I had to either kill, or be killed. Is it any wonder why I threw knives to the floor? (Mars rules knives) Is it any wonder that I loved martial arts, although was denied permission by my mother to participate? (Mars is the Dispositor of the Moon in Scorpio. The Opposition is very Malefic. Moon in Scorpio is very Malefic. Mars in Taurus, as we know, is very Malefic, in my chart.)

Indeed, as the Triplicity Lord suggests, the first part of my life was extremely difficult. I lived upon a true battle ground. This battle ground existed because of Triplicities. It had to manifest somehow. And so, everyday, I fought an extremely powerful force that tugged at my soul. As a teenager, suicide was not out of the question, nor was sex at a young age (Mars and the IC are in the 5th Whole Sign House, the this house rules over having fun with young people). This would continue for many years, until the next Triplicity Lord took over, which happens to be Venus. Venus is a much better Triplicity Lord than Mars!

So the first ruler is Mars, the second ruler is Venus.

Do you see?

This is because I was born at night, and so we start with the Night ruler of my Luminary, which is in a Water sign.

The second part of your life will be governed by the other Triplicity Lord. While the Participating Ruler watches everything and keeps the balance.

This is the reason why people's life's are able to turn around, for better or worse! Triplicities Rulership periods! The expression "from zero to hero," and vice versa, is definitely a Triplicity Lord type of statement, in the Hellenistic sense !

For fun and for another example, let's imagine that I was born with the Sun in Leo, right around noon. This is one of the most fortunate qualities to be found in a nativity! Why? Because the Sun is in its own sign (domicile) in Leo, and during the day, the Triplicity Lord for the Fire Signs is the Sun. The Sun is placed in the 10th house is a position of authority, giving the ability to command others and really be in charge. As long as there are no negative aspects to the Sun, I would be very happy and successful in life, extremely fortunate and strong, in a position to achieve much. People would look up to me and I would have command of them. What a guy I would be then!!

Now, here's where it gets interesting. How's the second Triplicity Lord? How's the second part of life looking?

Eventually, the first Triplicity Lord, the Sun, will stop shining, so to speak, and then the second Lord will take over. Now, this isn't the Participating Ruler. That planet just watches over everything, and gives support to the efforts. It's pretty simple to understand how, generally, the Participating Ruler can provide help and aid to the efforts of the Trigon Lord if it is well placed, or hinder if it is not well placed.

How do we know when the next period begins? Well, it is hard to say, even for the best of astrologers.

The time it takes for the Circular Period to end, or when the next Trigon Lord Phase begins, is generally a full Saturn Cycle, or 29.45 years. There are more complex rules, but you can estimate using this simple method.

If the Trigon Lord, by Primary Direction, reaches any of the Angles, it is said that the period switches.

What seemed to switch the Trigon Lords for me, was when my Sun by Primary Direction reached the sign of Gemini, entering the house which contained Venus, the next Trigon Lord, at age 25. This makes sense.

Once the other Triplicity Lord takes over, we similarly need to consider its "status." Sticking with our example of the Sun in Leo in the 10th house, the following ruler for the Fire Trigon is Jupiter. We see this on the diagram above.

Okay. For fun, let's make this 2nd half of this person's life difficult. Let's place Jupiter in the 12th house, the house of imprisonment. And let's place Saturn and Mars on either side of him. This is called besieging, and it is very cruel, let alone in the 12th house. It would be very hard to escape.

Here we would have the story of a person who started off well in life, and later in life lost everything, and probably ended up in prison or dead.

Isn't that interesting?

That's how the Hellenistic's used triplicities.

Joseph
 
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