This 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.

The zodiacal state of a planet refers to the planet’s QUALITY. By 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.

A planet’s zodiacal state refers to the range of qualities it can express from gross material needs to subtle spiritual values. 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 will 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.

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.) The zodiacal state of a planet 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. 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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