The Disposition of Planets
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The Disposition of Planets
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The Disposition of Planets and Distribution of Rulers Understanding Dispositor Dynamics and Rulerships Edmond H. Wollmann June 11, 1997-- Expanded and revised version, December 27, 1999
Astrology is a complex subject. No part of delineation of the horoscope reveals this more than the application of rulerships and dispositor dynamics. These dynamics are based on the Essential dignities and traditional rulers. The rulers and dignities allow us to follow threads of interconnection between apparently separate bodies and houses in the horoscope. By using rulers and dispositors alone, we can connect many parts of the chart and the person's psyche, simply by following this thread around the chart in question. Let me say at the outset that planets cannot "rule" signs. The signs - or more appropriately - "sections of space" that signs delineate, are more expansive in scope and breadth because they stretch to infinity in all directions extending out from the Earth, and are based on an archetypal reference to the divisional harmonic of 12 that the "circle of life" (Zodiac) outlines. Therefore, the planets, which are within the boundaries of the solar system, either closely align with the energies reflected in these areas of space, or conflict with them (meaning the idea they represent is a contradiction to the idea the sign represents). ~DEVOR'S TABLE OF PLANETARY DIGNITIES~
*Modern planetary rulerships. *Virgo is given as the Exaltation of Mercury according to some authorities - as well as its sign rulership; therefore Pisces the sign of its Fall. Other authorities give Virgo as the Exaltation of Mars; Capricorn the Exaltation of Jupiter. Some also regard Pluto as being exalted in Leo and its fall in Aquarius. I agree with the latter. Special note: A planetary Dignity is determined by virtue of sign position and not because of its supporting aspects.
*Modern rulerships. d. = Day rulership n. = Night rulership. Some authorities limit the Exaltation and Fall to specific degrees:
I believe that the placement of accelerated degrees either on cusps or by planets or bodies of the last 3 degrees of a sign (27-29) and first 3 degrees of a sign (0-3) are far more indicative of a critical state of consciousness. As you can see by the above chart, the "authorities" who came to the conclusion that the degrees above may be critical, unknowingly added the majority of them with the parameters I outline. In the past these "rulerships" guidelines were rigid. This is because the consciousness of the collective was rigid and unaware, steeped in subjective value judgment, and of the notion that there must be "laws" to the universe which apply everywhere all the time. The reason for this was the theories of the current day by the authorities of that day-- Newton and Galileo-- and their search for "laws" that would evidence " God's" rules. Also inflexibility arose because of the rigid judgment of the self and society instilled by religious dogma. In this day when we are awakening to the notion that we make the rules, the collective consciousness will eventually no longer need "good and bad" determinations, and simply rely upon the notions of positive/negative energy connotations. In this new day and age, the tone was set by Albert Einstein and the fact that things were relative in not only value, but function as well. This was reflected in the Uranus/Neptune opposition of 1905, a full illumination of introspective revelation. Now we move on to even more expansion as we pass the Uranus/Neptune conjunction of 1993 (please see my article of the same name, published in the 1993 Yearbook, Horoscope Magazine) and move toward the first quadrature of Uranus/Pluto in 2012, when even greater de-structurizing of our perspective will occur. Psychologically, the more aware a person or collectivity is (meaning guided by conscious awareness as opposed to driven by unconscious fears based on subjective value judgments), the less these rules are in evidence. Consciousness and awareness vibrating at a higher level, allows the more positive and individualistic aspects of each placement to manifest constructively. It is very simple to gauge the level of awareness at hand; the more "good/bad or evil/good", "right and wrong", and other subjective determinations are adhered to without reflection, the more caught up in judgment and projection the collectivity or individual is. Astrology originated thousands of years ago, and yet the use of the outer planets did not start until the discovery of Uranus in the 1700s (I believe this was a REdiscovery as the archetype of Uranus can be found in use in many ancient texts). By the time of the discovery of Pluto (1930s) our perspective of being the center of the Universe was well under revision. The signs are like "light" and the planets the lenses that focus that light in this solar system. The conflicting energy of planets within certain signs--or in fall and detriment indicated above--is the result of the archetype of the area of space (the sign) reflecting a concept that a planet is placed in, with a contradictory archetype (the sign it rules), and focuses that sign in a way that is not conducive to its natural expression. This is observed by the planet in question not functioning in the way it was "designed" to function, or conflicting with the easy flow of the sign it is in. It tells us of the person's unnecessary association of the archetype of dignity or rulership with an archetype out of synch with it's most natural expression. As in retrogradation, this tells us of the beliefs of the individual in question who finds it necessary to associate or complicate the natural expression of the archetype of either the planet or sign involved. It is rather like wearing snow shoes to the beach, or cowboy boots to the gym. The same feet (planet), but with different functions require the most adapted and functionally adequate shoes (signs) for the task at hand. Or, in another example, an off road truck requires off road tires for best functioning--likewise an Indy racer would not fare well with off road tires. What would motivate a person to buy off road tires for an Indy racer? Or insist that they must be used? Obviously, either ignorance or bias is indicated. But when performance is hampered who can they blame? Certainly not the manufacturer of the tires. It is their choice to use them where they don't really perform best and unnecessarily complicate performance. Let's take each planet or light and lenses and clarify the concepts. The Sun represents the life energy and center or singularity of the self. In solar astrology it IS the ascendant, the beginning and the thrust of the identity. Since all of life stems from its focus, warmth, center and consistency, it is ideal as a lens to allow identity to shine through because it assumes positive control and with confidence. Because this unquestioning creative direction is a necessity for continuousness of consciousness for each identity or idea to create and recreate itself anew, its exaltation in Aries is easy to understand. The thrust and impulse of Aries to simply "be", is steadied and deliberately applied with the strength of the Sun. On the negative side, because Libra is a reflective and accommodating sign, it signifies the waning of the power of the sun and its commanding and directive role (sunset=receptive). Libra is receptive and seeks to reinforce identity through merging with and reflecting upon shadows and aspects of the self through mirroring. More comfortable is Libra, with the relaxation of assertion and conscious center to allow the incorporation of reflected versions of the self. This is contradictory to the glowing center of conscious focus with deliberate assertive intent, which is what the sun is about. Therefore, it is easy to understand its fall or incompatibility in this sign. A word of caution however, the Sun as well as the gas giant planets are less likely to be problematic in the sign of their detriment or fall. This is because the effect of rulers and dispositors is an effect of the polarization of things into dark/light, projection/reception etc. in physicality. Therefore, the planets of persona (an artificial construct as well from the effect of ego focus in physicality) are much more conflictive when in their signs of fall and detriment because of their inherently lower vibratory signature. And because they deal with conscious mind applications as well, these drawbacks may be more noticeable. These are the planets Venus, Mars, Mercury. Because the planets act as "lenses" that "focus" signs into our system for identification purposes in this system, it is in these focused realms that displacement or contradiction may be most problematic. The Moon reflects the light of the sun and acts as a reservoir to contain all those aspects of our consciousness that we may not be aware of, capable of, or willing to deal with in a conscious and direct manner. Therefore, its ruler Cancer, is fluid--a "pool" of concepts and beliefs we maintain about reality that have been patterned and nurtured (or deprived of nurturing) and acts as a reference that allows us to feel (or believe) that we are supported and nurtured. The beliefs create scenarios in our reality that we then react to to understand that unconscious patterning. The Moon's exaltation, the other Venusian sign of Taurus, is the sign reflecting access to the resourcefulness of our natural abundance in a mirror-like way materially, and the ability to rely on physicality for that support. Therefore, the moon is comfortable here in Taurus where values and beliefs maintained, that allow the belief of support to the conscious self (Sun, Aries or first house). The sign Capricorn is reflective of the full manifestation of the self in physicality--the moon "pools" of belief may be the unmanifested parts, not so easily known. Capricorn strategizes to manipulate physicality to serve the conscious self, the moon soothes, and flows to support the psyche, hence this combination can be seen as contradictory. The power may be all too easily placed outside the self with the Moon in Capricorn. Emotions are not accepted symbiotically but dealt with consciously. This may make it difficult for the experiencer to see things others get the gist of about the self intuitively, or the momentum of emotions not readily observable to the self. Mercury is the lens of sight in physicality--the receiver. It is the lens of the identity. The interface between the personality and physicality. It requires diverse and clear perception of physicality because it is a physical function planet. There are rules to the material world that we agree upon en mass that create the illusion of an unchanging truth. Physical reality is duality and duality creates diversity. (Aquarius, Gemini and Virgo). Breadth of vision destroys this needed focus (Pisces and Sagittarius detriments) and allows the details of self-application to perhaps be missed. Venus is the reflected and projected mirrored self through social and personal resources (the aspects of the self in its surroundings is the self-- we are the reality it appears we exist within). Seeing the self mirrored in others and things (Libra/Taurus) allows us to trust that true abundance is all around us. Pisces allows empathic accord as a possibility for more than mere reflection, but perhaps understanding and insight into the all and our interconnectedness. Aries focus on the self detracts from receptivity, and Scorpio focuses on emotional selfishness (detriments or fall). Mars is the need to prove the self in physicality; to be the you you are with conviction that the "All That Is" intended. This is best accomplished by strategic (Capricorn) implementation (Mars) of the self in the material world (or aspects of it brought to fruition)-- and is denied through diffused or externalized self validation whilst preoccupied with social acceptance (Libra) or when emotional insecurity drives and/or interferes with a sense of empowerment (Cancer) toward that end. Jupiter is learning to trust the abundance of one's life as it flows from the identity; meaning, having what you need when you need it automatically as the product of your existence. This is best manifested by trusting the inner self (Cancer) instead of giving power to the external (Capricorn). Specificity, straining at gnats, and dualism detracts from the sense of wholeness needed to act from integrity (Gemini/Virgo) spontaneously, and with trust. Saturn is the full externalization of the self in physicality. The crystallized effect of the momentum of belief in the material world. Strategic expression is best manifested through objective feed back from the reflection that physicality is (Libra)-- and is defeated by ego focus and fears of being ignored which add to subjectivity and self defeat (Aries). Emotional security can interfere with this observation of the self in physical manifestation from fear (Cancer) and emotive responses rather than objective thinking. Uranus reflects the recognition of choice that we create our reality utterly and that the Saturnine momentum is us, that transforms the powerless belief in reality existing outside of us (Saturn) with the accompanying transformation (when ego becomes balanced with trust) by taking back power (Scorpio). Personal values (Taurus) rather than transformed or transcendent values from expanded and altered perspective (Scorpio) detracts from the needed significance that catalyses that transformation. Co-creative interaction can suffer from self extension ego-focus (Leo). Neptune is the recognition of the sea of consciousness of "All That Is" -- that we are one of the ways it has of expression in that all. Straining at gnats with physical or Earthly strategic concerns (Virgo and Capricorn) detracts from the necessary perspective and fluidity to co-fuse a broader view. But the inner self and emotional depths (Cancer) or pools of psyche are as eternally unlimited in their expanse as the "All That Is" itself. Pluto reflects the transformation of perspective from the recognition that we are the reality it appears we exist within. The negative fearful ego self can then relax and allow at least some of its creations to be automatically trusted as a part of the path it chose to be, not an interruption in it. Hence, the self directed creative extension of Leo is its exaltation, where self directed behavior results from conviction, spontaneous magnanimity, and trust in one's creations AS the self. Focus on being appreciated intellectually for these co-created interactions (Aquarius) or needing approval from others before doing so, detracts from intensely powerful sense of significance with full trust. The opposite of mediocrity is required for transformation. This is an extremely abbreviated key listing of the rulerships and dispositorships possible and will vary profoundly upon dispositor dynamics and rulership of house configurations in delineation of the natal chart. I have only touched upon some sketching of the dignities, exaltations or falls/detriments and why they manifest as they do. It is easy to see with this understanding, that they can only be keys, because the individual in question may--through delineation synthesis which include more comprehensive factors--be incorporating the awareness that may be denied by one significator-- through another, or networks of integration. In Delineation In the chart of Albert Einstein, we see that the Sun is in Pisces and Moon in Sagittarius. The life energy of fluid recognition of the "whole" is reflected by the light of higher intellect or following one's inspirations with trust (9th house --Sagittarius). The need to be a mystic. "I want to know God's thoughts, the rest is detail."
Following dispositors and rulers we see that the sun (Pisces) is disposed of by Neptune in 11, then, Neptune in Taurus is disposed of by Venus in 10, Venus in Aries is disposed of by Mars in 7, Mars in Capricorn in turn is disposed of by Saturn in 10 in Aries leading back to Mars as its dispositor. The Moon in Sagittarius in 6 is disposed of by Jupiter in Aquarius in 9 (others opinions, collective opinions and higher thinking) which in turn is disposed of by Uranus in Virgo in 3 ruling 9, in turn disposed of by Mercury in Aries in 10, disposed of Mars in 7, which in turn is disposed of by Saturn in 10--ruled by Aries which moves us back to Mars in 7. These two planets -- Mars and Saturn -- dispose of each other (or rule the sign the other is in) each other. This is called Mutual Reception and indicates a powerful bond or reliance between the two archetypes involved. Mars in 7 would reflect a very clear ability (See the exaltation of Mars) to see the projected versions of self in reality (7th house, Libran) and to see the self in full manifestation through others (self-actualizing). Saturn in 10 reflects a full manifestation of personal expression of self in physicality (Aries, 10th, again self-actualizing). It is conjunct Mercury, the personal lens of sight, logic, and observation or discernment. Mercury rules the 4th and 12th houses--the natural houses of introspection and unconscious material. Mercury disposes of Uranus in 3--the awakening of conscious mind analytical discernment! (Please see Saturn opposed Saturn article for my explanation of how physical reality is created by belief). Uranus is the dispositor of, and opposes, Jupiter in 9--the dispositor of the analytically discerning 6th house moon. Integrity is the functioning of the persona as a whole, hence, the need for unifying theories. Uranus disposes of Jupiter in 9 the ruler of the 6th holding the moon--this disposition sequence leads us right back where we were led by the moon in Sagittarius (one aspect of the 3 cornerstones of the persona Sun-Moon-Ascendant) from the beginning. The moon is in 6, the natural house of Virgo--Mercury's dignity (ruler). The 6th house is analytical discernment the ability to separate projected versions of belief (personal beliefs being involved in the observation) from the observation objectively of the momentum of belief (see Jung's explanation of projection below*). All disposition ends with the Mars/Saturn Mutual Reception. This reflects his genius for understanding the discernment of projected versions of self (7th house), and manifestations of self concretized (Saturn in 10) that were awakened to the recognition of choice in the creation of reality (Uranus) and that discernments are relative to the observer (Moon rules 1--the self-- and is in 6). Venus is in detriment. He refused a symbolic position of second president of Israel because he "didn't have the qualifications of dealing with people to do the job." I would submit that he didn't have the patience for superficial interaction. In the end, he demonstrated mysticism with the integration of logic and insight. "I believe every true theorist is a kind of tamed metaphysicist, no matter how pure a "positivist" he may fancy himself." Albert Einstein *"The recognition and taking to heart of the subjective determination of knowledge in general, and of psychological knowledge in particular, are basic conditions for the scientific and impartial evaluation of a psyche different from that of the observing subject. These conditions are fulfilled only when the observer is sufficiently informed about the nature and scope of his own personality. He can, however, be sufficiently informed only when he has in large measure freed himself from the levelling influence of collective opinions and thereby arrived at a clear conception of his own individuality . . . "The collective attitude hinders the recognition and evaluation of a psychology different from the subject's, because the mind that is collectively oriented is quite incapable of thinking and feeling in any other way than by projection." Carl Gustave Jung Collected works, The Type Problem in Classical and Medieval thought, Vol 6, page 41-...
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Edmond H. Wollmann P.M.A.F.A.
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