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May/June 1999 Astrology Forecast
Condition of the Planets - What Does it Mean?

by Cris Merrill

The language of astrology -- the terms astrologers use to make statements and give opinions -- has a long and distinguished history. Over the millennia there has been ample opportunity for the same term to have various meanings and applications depending on the culture, century and individual astrologer's preferences and training. Over time, certain key concepts and terms have survived through the ages that provide a common ground of reference for all astrologers and those interested in understanding some of astrology's special language.

One such reference is called "Planetary condition," or "Zodiacal state." To an astrologer this means how well a planet can operate within a chart. What is the planet capable of creating? How much, or how little of it, will be produced? How is it helped or hindered by other planetary influences? Answering these questions points out to the astrologer and their client what areas of life will flow -- that is, be easy with few difficulties, and also where the individual will find their life challenges.

A planet in "good condition" is dignified and/or fortified meaning that the planet will tend to produce its effects in a natural and appropriate way and be free from impediments and obstacles.

The first step in determining the condition of a planet is considering its "Essential Dignity." In Ancient and Medieval astrology 5 levels of essential dignity were considered -- Rulership, Exhaltation, Triplicity, Term and Face. Term and Face are minor dignities not widely used in the modern era, although the current wave of renewed interest in Ancient astrology is bringing them back into practice.

It is easy to hierarchically organize planets within a chart by essential dignity. For each planet, assign points as follows:

 

Rulership give	5 points.*
Exhaltation give	4 points
Triplicity give	3 points. ( Each ruler)
Term give	2 points.
Face give	1 point.
*Note: the system given is based on Medieval Astrological practice. Since the modern planets were not known to the Ancients, their system of essential dignity did not include them.

For example: Sun in Leo at 12° 13'. 5 points for the Sun ruling Leo, 3 points for the Sun as one of the three triplicity rulers of Fire (Sun, Jupiter, Saturn) gives the Sun an essential dignity of 8. Determining the condition of each planet in a chart is an important part of beginning the process of Astrological judgement. An Astrological judgement is a conclusion or set of results the astrologer reaches by means of his/her technique and skill with the art.

Astrological judgements must be translated into non-astrological language in order to render the judgement meaningful and provide the material for the client/astrologer dialog. From the example above, if the Sun in Leo is in the 4th house of home and real estate, a very strong position, it points to the likelihood of home ownership and strong family ties. Just how much benefit the Sun will produce with respect to 4th house affairs, as well the Sun's effect on other areas of life, would be additional considerations where judgement and discussion could turn.

Sorting out the multiple planetary influences that are at work within a chart is a complex affair. Understanding the condition of each planet in the chart is a important step in the process.

Cris Merrill offers Traditional astrology consultations, classes and tutoring at CrossRoads Astrology (771-6361) in downtown Portland, OR. Her work focuses on integrating the teachings and methods of traditional Western European Astrology in a modern setting.