Download Medieval Astrology Notes By Jim Schultz Santa Monica Meetup July

Medieval Astrology Notes
By Jim Schultz
Santa Monica Meetup July 8, 2012
Understanding Ptolemy’s Table of Essential Dignities
Rulership – When a planet is in the sign it rules, it is like the King/Queen in their castle. They are all
powerful and can “do no wrong.” At this time, all the “natural” features of the planet and sign are at their
strongest. The planet is confident and most comfortable. Not doubting its actions, “purest” form. Notice
the number at the bottom of the column, +5 = Strongest.
Exaltation – When a planet is in the sign of its exaltation, it is like the King/Queen visiting a friendly
neighbor. Not quite as confident as when in the sign it rules. More aware of its actions and the need to
“behave appropriately.” Note the number at the bottom of the column, +4, strong, but not the strongest.
Triplicity – Refers to the four elements of fire, earth, air and water. The ancients also distinguished
between day and night time charts. The Sun, Venus and Saturn were considered strongest in day charts or
above the horizon. The Moon, Mercury and Jupiter were considered strongest in night time charts or when
below the horizon. Mars was the ambidextrous planet going both ways. Note the number at the bottom of
the columns, +3. Still strong, but not as strong as in rulership or when exalted.
Terms – This refers to planetary “rulership” by term or degrees of each sign. For example, the first box
shows ½ 6. While Mars is the ruler of Aries, Jupiter is the “sub-ruler” of Aries from 0 Aries to 5 Aries 59.
Venus then becomes the “sub-ruler” from 6 Aries through 13 Aries 59. A planet as a “sub-ruler,” when in
the degree of a sign that it “rules,” is strengthened. Not as strong as in rulership or exaltation, but stronger,
that is behaving more naturally or confidently. Note the “terms” are not the same for each sign. Note that
Mars or Saturn is always the sub-ruler for the last degrees of each sign. Note the number at the bottom of
the columns +2. Strengthened, actions not as forceful, confident or “pure” as when in rulership or exalted.
Face – Similar to “terms, but divides each sign into three segments of 10 degrees each. Also similar too
decanates but not based on the triplicities, that is the 3 fire signs, 3 earth signs, 3 air signs or 3 water signs.
Note the number at the bottom of the columns, +1. A planet in its “face” will be slightly stronger than if
not.
Detriment –When a planet is in the sign opposite the sign it rules, it is considered to be in its “detriment”
and is weakened. That is it may find it more difficult to express itself in its more positive aspects. Note the
number at the bottom of the column, -5.
Fall – When a planet is in the sign opposite the sign of its exaltation, it is considered to be in its “fall” and is
weakened, but not quite as weak as when in its “detriment.” Note the number at the bottom of the
column, -4.
Firdaria – This is not part of Ptolemy’s Table. Firdaria means “period of life.” It is a time technique used in
medieval astrology. It is a “table” that follows a set planetary order depending on whether it is a day or
night chart. It associates different periods of life with different planets and thus defines which themes will
prevail during each of the period.