Arian Maverick
Well-known member
I wasn't quite sure where to put this thread, since Ptolemy's Table of Essential Dignities can be applied to nearly all branches of astrology to determine the essential dignity or debility a particular planet has.
This is meant to be a continuation of the discussion about dignity in the thread mars in scorpio in 9th house?; I feel that this is an important area of astrology that is sometimes neglected, perhaps due to the complexity of the chart.
I was overwhelmed by Ptolemy's Table of Essential Dignities, too, when I first looked at it, but with time it has become much easier to read. I feel the chart has greatly increased my understanding of astrological terms such as dignity, debility, exaltation, triplicity, term, face, detriment, fall, etc. and the relationships particular planets have with particular signs. I haven't gotten around to really studying horary yet, but I imagine that this chart is of even greater value to those interested in learning this branch of astrology.
I don't claim to be an expert, of course, but I think I have a pretty good understanding of how to read the chart and would like to help others who may be new to Ptolemy's Table or else have seen the chart but have been intimidated by using it. As I mentioned earlier, I was certainly intimidated at first!
The best way to start out would probably be to read the article Understanding Planetary Dignity and Debility, paying particular attention to the second page, which explains
How to read Ptolemy's table of Essential Dignities.
Here is the chart, courtesy of Skyscript: Table of Essential Dignities.
Good luck!
Arian Maverick
This is meant to be a continuation of the discussion about dignity in the thread mars in scorpio in 9th house?; I feel that this is an important area of astrology that is sometimes neglected, perhaps due to the complexity of the chart.
I was overwhelmed by Ptolemy's Table of Essential Dignities, too, when I first looked at it, but with time it has become much easier to read. I feel the chart has greatly increased my understanding of astrological terms such as dignity, debility, exaltation, triplicity, term, face, detriment, fall, etc. and the relationships particular planets have with particular signs. I haven't gotten around to really studying horary yet, but I imagine that this chart is of even greater value to those interested in learning this branch of astrology.
I don't claim to be an expert, of course, but I think I have a pretty good understanding of how to read the chart and would like to help others who may be new to Ptolemy's Table or else have seen the chart but have been intimidated by using it. As I mentioned earlier, I was certainly intimidated at first!
The best way to start out would probably be to read the article Understanding Planetary Dignity and Debility, paying particular attention to the second page, which explains
How to read Ptolemy's table of Essential Dignities.
Here is the chart, courtesy of Skyscript: Table of Essential Dignities.
Good luck!
Arian Maverick
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