ForumOnAstrology - Quarter 1 - Lesson 3 Summary | Robert Corre

Quarter 1 - Lesson 3:
On Quality - The Planetary Dignities

This lesson, the second of two continues our talk on the theory of measurement of planetary forces.

The concept of QUALITY is known as a planet’s zodiacal state or what is called traditionally its dignity. The topic is seldom discussed in modern texts on astrology and if it is, it is usually done in a superficial manner and not with the complete feeling that the ancients wanted to convey.

And by dignity or quality, we do not mean the planet’s characteristic nature as for example Venus is the planet of art or love or the Moon is the planet of habits and instincts.

Rather we mean that a planet’s dignity or zodiacal state refers to the range of qualities it can express from gross material needs to subtle spiritual values. The ancient astrologers taught that each of the traditional seven planets can have one of six possible zodiacal states or planetary dignities depending on the zodiacal sign in which the planet is placed at birth. (Judgment of the modern planets’ zodiacal states are discussed in later lessons.) We unfold the meaning of a planet in Domicile and then elaborate on the remaining five planetary dignities, i.e. Detriment, Exaltation, Fall, Triplicity, and Peregrine.

A planet’s dignity or quality is very important as it greatly conditions the ethical and moral values of a person. It reflects the different ways and means a person uses a planet to go about obtaining their lot in life which may or may not be in keeping with the commonly held mores of society. For example, Mercury in an excellent zodiacal state would give a scholar and helper of humankind. A Mercury of average or medium quality would give a business person, merchant, writer, teacher, or technical/mechanical-oriented person but Mercury in a bad zodiacal state can give a liar, thief, mercenary, prostitute, or assassin. This range of possible uses of Mercury’s influence by a person will depend on Mercury’s qualitative value or zodiacal state.

This lesson places zodiacal state within the context of value structures and discusses the basis of the conflict between an individual’s personal values and those of society.

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