Chapter XX. A Comprenpium oF PLANETARY Positions AND ASPEcTs *

A Comprenpium oF PLANETARY Positions AND ASPEcTs *

THe readings here given of the Destiny and Influence of the several Planets in each of the Twelve Signs, and their mutually modifying effect when in aspect, are based on the assumption that the planet in question is angular, well-aspected, or otherwise dignified in the horoscope, more especially when either rising or culminating; and particularly, of course, when ruler of the nativity. If, on the other hand, the said planet is weak by position, or much afflicted by aspect, its influence is so restricted and hampered thereby that the descriptions given can only be said to apply, if at all, as regards their less desirable characteristics.

It is just in such cases that the faculty of judgment must be brought into play; to determine, for instance, how far bad position or aspects will debilitate the favour of a ‘benefic,’ or to what extent favourable aspects and a powerful position will moderate the misfortunes attaching to a ‘malefic.’ This faculty, however, has to be acquired by each student for himself; it cannot be imparted by another.

Little useful purpose would be served by giving the influence of the two distant planets Neptune and Uranus in this chapter, which would only take up space which can ill be spared. Moreover, they have been already given in Astrology for All, (pp. 191 to 200), to which work the reader may be referred for further information. The aspects to these planets will be given, however, since they are not given in that work.

‘The whole question of Neptune’s influence is at present in such an uncertain condition that the following notes on the planet’s aspects do not profess to be other than tentative suggestions, to be corrected and added to as future experience may dictate.

The conjunction appears to be neither wholly good nor wholly evil.

* ‘These were originally printed in Hew to Judge a Nativity, Part 11.

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‘*s’ and HI. This influence is very difficult to elucidate; for. apart from their obvious influence upon matters signified by mundane house and zodiacal sign, there does not seem to be much effect other than that upon mystical and occult affairs and out-of-the-way subjects and occupations. When in good aspect, the native will benefit through these, or will be favourably inclined to them or will come in contact with other people who follow such pursuits.

In bad aspect, he may be interested in such matters, but there will be obstacles and trouble of the nature of the signs and houses involved. The intuition is increased considerably, especially if the aspect is from the third or ninth houses, and various psychic gifts may be cultivated. It increases thoughtfulness and seriousness and may give some inclination to religion: it bestows ingenuity and originality of mind. The good aspect is decidedly favourable for those who actually study psychic matters.

‘ and h.—In good aspect the influence is not unlike that of Hl just mentioned, especially if f is the more elevated of the two. It is good generally for occupation, worldly standing, preserves the goodwill of acquaintances and the public, and wards off enemies. It increases concentration, intuition, depth and clearness of thought. Benefits those who follow psychic or unusual occupations, also those connected with the water ; sensitives, psychics, etc., may meet with considerable success not only in developing their gifts but also in utilising them practically. It inclines somewhat to the company of serious or elderly people, and benefits through them. Itcontrols and sobers the instincts and passions, such as drink, sex, etc. It seems probable that it may favour money, property, investments, shares, legacies.

In bad aspect, the above indications will be more or less reversed, and trouble or danger may attend any of these matters, generally acting through the signs and houses occupied by the two planets. Disrepute, ill-favour, scandal, are to be feared.

‘ and Y%.—In good aspect this refines and purifies, but at the same time strengthens, the feelings and all the social and emotional side of thenature. It favours courtesy, honour, candour, sincerity, gentlemanly feeling benevolence, sympathy. It increases the devotional and religious aspirations, although these may be directed into psychic, semioccult, or unusual channels. If the aspect is close or the planets prominent some marked psychic experience, dream or vision, etc., may

be met with; astral travellings out of the body; pre-natal reminiscences. It somewhat favours travelling. It improves the’ artistic, poetic, zesthetic side of the nature, and, if other positions co-operate, may aid in giving a touch of genius in matters pertaining to religion, poetry, music, art, or the stage. It increases the imagination ; and its general tendency is towards growth, increase and fertility in whatever department of the horoscope it may influence.

‘The bad aspects between these two planets are probably not very serious, but they may throw obstacles in the way of any of the matters mentioned above or cause some little trouble through them, as well as through those signified by house position.

and &.—This influence is not easy to determine, as the two planets do not seem to have a great deal in common; in fact they appear in some respects almost polar opposites, the one typically negative and the other extremely positive. When in bad aspect they are apt to increase the instincts, emotions, and passions too much; to give undue tendency towards pleasure, sensation, self-indulgence; and to slightly coarsen the nature. There may be danger arising out of the relations with the other sex, scandal and disrepute; danger from the water and liquids, also of poisoning and contagious diseases. Ifthe native dabbles in psychism, there will be astral delusions and deceits and risk of obsession. He will be liable to foolish ideas and habits from which no reasoning can free him. Butif Mars be dignified by sign or well placed, none of these dangers need be at all serious.

The good aspects seem even more difficult to interpret than the evil ones. The feelings and emotions are apparently quite as much stimulated, but they operate through benefic and legitimate channels. There are activities, ardours, and enthusiasms manifesting through matters signified by sign and house. It is good for sailors and for occupations connected with the water. It increases generosity and kindly impulses. It has a bearing upon occult powers of the practical or ceremonial kind. |

%$' and ©. In good aspect this must tend to bring good fortune through whatever occupations may be signified by the planet; but, unfortunately, very littleis known of these. It probably influences pursuits connected with the water, travelling, speculating; also activities that give amusement and pleasure, theatres, concerts; and is beneficial for events of the fifth house generally, and perhaps for legacies. It

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intensifies but also refines the feelings and emotions; there is love of pleasure, but it runs in legitimate channels; love of refinement, luxury, elegance. The aspect tends towards generosity, kindness, sympathy.

When in bad aspect there is some instability and danger of reversal in matters of occupation, power, rulership. The favour of superiors and those in authority is not to be depended upon ; the reputation may suffer ; the native’s schemes collapse, perhaps through no fault of his own, his ambitions are thwarted, his efforts come tonought. Events signified by the houses containing the two are sure to suffer seriously. Native may fill posts of responsibility but is seldom at the head of his department, and is often subordinate to others, by whom he is liable to be opposed and checked. It tends towards excesses and lax morality. Its influence upon health seems also in the direction of excess, plethora; but it is alleged to cause fainting, syncope, and sometimes coma or trance.

and 2. In good aspect, the native is easily moved to admiration of the opposite sex, and is emotional and romantic in love affairs, and easily caught by beauty. There may be more than one love affair or marriage. It is good for partnership and general prosperity, and contributes towards benefit and pleasure through friends, associates, popularity. There is love of beauty in art, music, the stage, etc., with a strong emotional or sensuous element in it. May contribute towards genius if other positions concur. Good for occupations of Neptune.