Planet Scoring in Modern Astrology

Planet Scoring in Modern Astrology

Many people who start their involvement with Traditional Astrology without knowing how Modern Astrology works (a type that has been increasing in recent years, in the past there was no such phenomenon) seem to be surprised to learn that in Modern Astrology there is no similar system of planetary scoring as in Traditional Astrology. There are no bounds, triplicities, faces, or what in traditional astrology is called essential or accidental dignities. However, this does not mean that modern astrology in turn does not use some planetary scoring criteria, even if it does not call the whole process scoring. A prime example of this being the case is the fact that we all often say that someone is "plutonian", "uranian", "neptunian" person. What do we imply by this? We are suggesting that we unconsciously prioritize a planet, believing it to be "strong" in the chart and dominating the personality of the fellow.

What criteria could we use in modern astrology to judge whether a planet is strong or not? The truth is that there are quite a few, they just haven't been codified by modern astrologers as of yet. Some of them are a legacy of traditional astrology of course, such as rulership or exaltation in a sign. But others have to do with a more modern understanding, such as the relationship with midpoints.

Below is an attempt to codify such forces. Of course, here we should be mindful of the fact that all of these together should be considered in combination. None of the following elements either positive or negative can "lift" the force of a planet or reduce its force. However, as long as a planet shows 4, 5 or 6 or more elements on one side or the other we can begin to discuss its strength or weakness.

PRO

1. Rulership or Exaltation

2. Situated in an angular house

 3. High on the map

 4. Conjunct with MC , ASC

 5. Many aspects, preferably with personal planets and benefic

 6. Close orbit aspects (same degree preferably)

 7. If we are talking about Sun and the Moon, the Sun is strong in a day chart, the Moon is strong in a night chart

 8. If it a planet aspects the Luminaries

 9. If it makes a positive aspect to Jupiter or the North Node

 10. If it makes a trine to ASC, MC

 11. If it is the dispositor of the Sun or the Moon or has a mutual reception to them

 12. If it conjuncts a favorable fixed star

 13. If it's in conjunction or opposition to a favorable midpoint, e.g. Sun Jupiter

 14. If it makes favorable aspects to its dispositor or the ruler of his house

 15. If its dispositor or ruler of his house is in a good sign and with good aspects

 16. If it is at the top of a formation such as a bucket or grand triangle, and sometimes a T-square if it can manage controlling the other planets.

 

CONTRA

1. Detriment or Fall.

 2. Situated in a malefic house i.e., 6, 8, 12

 3. Situated Low on the chart

 4. In succedent or cadent houses

 5. Has few aspects or aspects with planets which do not play a major role in the chart

 6. Has more malefic than benefic aspects

 7. Aspects with wide orb

 8. If we are talking about the Sun and the Moon, the Sun is weak in a night chart , the Moon is weak in a day chart.

 9. Retrograde or stationary

 10. If it makes a negative aspect to Saturn or Pluto. For Moon or Mercury possibly with Uranus or Neptune (this of course is a bit subjective)

 11. Conjunct a malefic fixed star

 12. Conjunct or opposed by an unfavorable midpoint e.g. Saturn Mars

 13. Situated in the last degrees of the sign, i.e. 28 and 29.

 14. Makes malefic aspects to its sponsor or ruler of the house or none at all

 15. Its sponsor or ruler of his house is in a bad sign and has bad aspects

 16. It is conjunct, opposing or squaring a nearby eclipse

 17. It is at the apex of a T-square or YOD formation in relative weakness to manage the other planets.

 

Feel free to experiment to the charts on your own following the above guidelines.