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Astrologer's Notes:
AstroDPsychology:A Synthesis |
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Five Grammatical Rules For
Interpreting Planetary Sign Positions
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by Glenn Perry, Ph.D., MFT |
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In last month's column, we examined how the chart can be understood as a personal narrative that unfolds over time. Central to this conception is the idea that planets in signs constitute sentences that when linked together form paragraphs. Planetary sign positions can be elaborated into yet more complex statements via their house positions, aspects, and dispositorships, all of which entails a layering and sequencing of meaning so that, gradually, a story emerges at a higher level of organization than the parts themselves. The point is that every story is made up of parts, and it is to these parts that we now turn.
In this column I would like to take up the subject of astrological grammar. If the reader shudders at such a prospect, let me say only that astrology is itself a language, albeit one that uses symbols rather than letters. In translating these symbols into words, however, an implicit grammar is revealed. While it may initially seem awkward to think of astrology in this way, knowing a few simple rules will increase one’s ability to speak the language immeasurably. It will also assure correctness of interpretations, deepen understanding, and keep the practitioner from getting lost in the maze of information that the chart reflects. In other words, a good astrological model requires structure, and structure is inherent in language.
When I speak of grammar, I am referring to that branch of learning that investigates the formal features of a language and the rules that govern its usage. Syntax has to do with construction of sentences, and is the central concern of grammar. It consists of linguistic rules for determining the proper arrangement of words. For example, in an astrological sentence we have at least four parts: the native (subject), the planet (verb), sign (adverb), and house (object). With Venus in Cancer in the 6th house, I could say, “She relates sensitively at work.” She is the subject, relates is the Venus verb, sensitively is the Cancerian adverb, and work is the 6th house object of the action. From this simple statement, we can extrapolate a range of additional meanings, e.g., that she utilizes her social talents at work by being kind, caring, and protective, making sure that policies are fair, that people get along and feel supported, and that the work environment reflects a pleasant, home-like atmosphere in which to conduct business.
While this interpretation is astrologically correct, the complexity of the sentence may be intimidating. Frankly, I would not want to break it down into grammatical parts! Yet, this more elaborate statement is merely an extension of the simpler, rule-bound sentence that preceded it: “She relates sensitively at work.” This underscores my point that once the core idea of an astrological configuration is properly delineated, one can extend indefinitely its various entailments without sacrificing correctness of interpretation.
In deconstructing the language of astrology it be?comes apparent that signs and planets are more Pro?tean than Procrustean. In other words, they change form to interact with one another in myriad combi?nations and meanings. The syntax of astrology is such that signs and planets are polymorphous, capa?ble of expressing the same idea in various ways, each expression having its own emphasis and tone. This changeability takes various shapes through what are called parts of speech. Every astrological term is in?herently at least one part of speech and can often act the part of two or three parts of speech by its usage in different instances.
For example, Mars can be utilized as verb or a noun. Recall that a verb is any word that expresses an action, while a noun is the name of a subject of discourse, e.g., a person, place, thing, idea, or quality. If I say, “He asserts passively,” then Mars is the verb, assert. However, by converting the verb into a noun that defines a psychological function (i.e., a thing), I can say, “For him, assertion is difficult.” Now Mars becomes a noun, assertion.
Signs can function as nouns, too, e.g., Aries is the need for freedom (a thing). But signs can also function as adverbs that qualify verbs. Adverbs describe the quality of the action. If Mercury is in Aries, then Aries describes the quality of Mercury’s action, e.g., “I communicate simply and directly.”
There are essentially five ways a planet in a sign can be delineated as a behavioral statement. If we consider that a planetary sign position can also describe an objective condition, such as a situation, event, or the nature of another person with whom one interacts, then there are more than five ways that planets in signs can function. For now, however, we'll briefly examine the five ways planetary sign positions are descriptive of psychological functioning.
I. Planets As Functions, Signs As Complements
A planet is an organ of consciousness, and as such symbolizes a class of related psychological functions. A function is the normal, proper, or characteristic action of something. For example, Mars symbolizes the function of assertion, Venus of attraction, Mercury of learning, Moon of nurturing, Sun of expressing, and so on. In this regard, a planetary function is always described as a noun that refers to a particular kind of action.
A subject "complement" renames or describes the subject -- in this case, the planetary function. For example, when delineating a planet, its sign position can serve as an adjective that describes the way that function operates; that is, the sign answers the question: what kind of planetary function? For example, if Mars was in Cancer, one could say: "Assertion, for him, is passive and indirect." Mercury in Libra might be: "Her style of communication is artistic, as if using words to paint pictures."
As a subject complement, a sign position can also be utilized as a noun that describes what the function is like. In this case, it serves as a metaphor that "renames" the function. Mars in Gemini might be, "His aggression is like a machine gun spitting words." Moon in Pisces could be: "Her capacity for caring (Moon) was as deep as the ocean." In all these instances, the sign position describes the type or style of that planetary function.
II. Planets as Archetypal Characters, Signs as Adjectives
A planet can be conceptualized not only as a set of psychological functions, but also as an autonomous, intentional psychic entity -- an archetypal character -- that symbolizes a specific mode of being. As such, a planet operates as a sub-personality within the larger structure of the character as a whole. The Sun, for example, is our inner hero, the Moon our inner child, Mercury our messenger, Venus acts as a lover, Mars as a warrior, Jupiter as teacher, and so on. Each planet signifies a sub-personality and a class of related archetypal characters.
The sign position of the planet qualifies the nature of this archetypal being. It helps to determine how dominant or strong that sub-personality might be, as well as its style of action. A sign position, of course, is but a contributing factor and must be understood in the context of that planet's relations with the rest of the chart. However, it provides us with a place to start in our delineations.
Since adjectives are words that modify or qualify nouns, a sign operates as an adjective when it describes what kind of archetypal character. For Jupiter in Capricorn, one could say, "Your inner teacher is highly organized and systematic." Saturn in Scorpio might be, "As an authority, he was passionate in his method of leadership." Mercury in Leo: "The writer in you has a playful, flamboyant style."
In each example, a part of the personality (the planetary sub-personality) is described in terms consistent with its sign position. Note, however, that these statements are not about the person as a whole, but only about a part of the person. Eventually this part-meaning will be expanded by its house position and aspects, so one should not cling to these preliminary meanings too rigidly.
III. Planets as Verbs, Signs as Adverbs and Adverbial Clauses
A planet describes a particular kind of action. As such, it is readily depicted as a verb in an astrological sentence. Planets are doings; each planet does something different: Mars asserts, Venus attracts, Mercury reports, the Moon nurtures, the Sun performs, Jupiter expands, Saturn restricts, Uranus awakens, Neptune transcends, and Pluto transforms. Of course, each planet signifies not just one action, but a set of interrelated actions.
The planetary sign position qualifies the nature of that planet's action, i.e., it answers the questions “how,” “why,” or “in what manner.” In this context, a sign represents an adverb -- a word that qualifies a planetary action -- or, an adverbial clause, a group of words that does the same thing. For example, with Mars in Taurus we can say, "I assert steadfastly" -- or, we can elaborate by saying, "I assert by holding my ground and remaining steadfast."
To interpret a planet in this way, simply convert it into a verb and ask the question, how or in what manner does this action occur? How does Venus in Aries attract? Answer: Venus attracts by being forward and direct. In what manner does Saturn in Libra govern? Answer: Saturn governs in a fair and impartial manner, though at times it may equivocate.
Sometimes an adverbial clause answers the question why, but this should be differentiated from the primary motivation for a planet's action, which is always symbolized by the sign(s) that a planet rules. Mars, for example, is motivated by the Arian need for freedom and survival. Its sign position, however, can answer a different kind of why, one that is more descriptive of Martian action than descriptive of the motivation for that action. Mars will always fight for survival (Aries), but Mars in Cancer may fight specifically in order to avenge his family (Cancer). Mars will always assert for freedom, but Mars in Leo may assert specifically because one's freedom of self-expression (Leo) feels threatened.
IV. Planets as States, Signs as Domains
A planet can also symbolize a range of related states, which include specific moods, affects, and attitudes. Jupiter, for instance, is associated with an upbeat mood, feelings of enthusiasm, and a positive, hopeful attitude. A planet's state, however, will most noticeably occur in the domain of its sign position.
A domain is a field of human activity or experience. Aries symbolizes the realm of adventure and competition; Cancer is the field of history, Libra of aesthetics, and Sagittarius of religion; the domain of Capricorn is career, whereas Scorpio signifies the arena of sex and finance; Pisces is a spiritual dimension where pursuit of bliss and release from suffering is paramount.
A planet's various states are contextualized by its sign position. To determine how a planetary state might manifest in a specific sign-field, simply ask: how might this state be related to the affairs ruled by the sign the planet occupies? For example, if the Sun is in Virgo, and the Sun’s target state is one of “pride,” how might pride be related to Virgo? Perhaps the individual feels a sense of pride in a job well done. Mars in Libra might feel “angry and aggressive” in matters pertaining to fair play and contractual agreements. Jupiter in Cancer might feel “optimistic” that the legal justice system will care for its citizens, protect children, and preserve family values. Saturn in Sagittarius might feel “pessimistic” about whether justice will be served. In short, each planet is going to achieve a “state of mind” within the domain of the sign it occupies.
V. Planets as Verbs, Signs as Complements
A planet’s sign position not only tells us how the planet is doing its thing, it also tells us what the outcome might be. Used in this way, a sign fulfills the part of speech known as a complement. A complement completes the meaning of the verb, carrying out its intention. Rather than being descriptive like adjectives and adverbs, complements answer the question "what?"
Whereas a planet describes an action that the native performs, a complement functions as a direct object because it receives the action of the verb and answers the question “what?” What is the outcome of Moon in Sagittarius? If the Moon cares, what does it care for? Answer: It cares about meaning, truth and ethics. What does it nurture? It nurtures graduate students, a law firm, a publishing company, or any other Sagittarian complement that could conceivably be an object of the Moon's caring.
When interpreting a planet in this way, think of the planet as a verb; then ask what is that planet going to (verb)? For example, what is Venus going to beautify, what is the Sun going to create, what is Jupiter going to teach, what is Saturn going to perfect? If Mars fights, what does Mars fight/assert for? If Mars is in Capricorn, it might fight for authority; if in Aquarius it might fight for a cause; if in Pisces, it might fight for the underdog. If Venus beautifies, what does Venus beautify, or attract? Venus in Cancer might beautify the home, or it might attract a sensitive mate. If Jupiter believes, what does Jupiter believe in? Jupiter in Taurus might believe in only that which is observable to the five senses; thus the person might embrace a philosophy of materialism or Epicureanism.
Summary
Planets in signs are the first level of astrological grammar and thus the foundation upon which the entire edifice of chart synthesis rests. From our foregoing discussion of the five rules, it should be clear that a single planetary sign position can manifest in multitudinous ways. Mercury in Taurus, for example, could be described as:
Your capacity for learning may be slow but with an emphasis on retention; it's like you collect knowledge and store it in a vault for later use. Your messenger function plays it safe, not presuming to know something until you are absolutely sure. Mercury in Taurus communicates in concrete, basic terms, preferring information that is tangible over that which is abstract. Rather than loving knowledge for its own sake, you strive to learn for the practical, material benefits it can provide. For example, you might be interested in agriculture, conservation, or security systems -- things that are earthy and real, or that symbolize safety. Curious about the natural world, the body, and the sensual realm, you might also study things like biology, massage, or the accumulation of wealth.
While the above paragraph covers all five rules for interpreting planets in signs, it is but one of innumerable paragraphs that could be constructed for Mercury in Taurus. Not only are there five fundamental grammatical structures, but there are countless variations within these structures as to choice of words for delineating potential expressions of that position. This underscores why any presumption of knowing a person without actual study of that person is foolhardy. Human beings are simply too complex and unpredictable!
Despite this caveat, interpretation of planetary sign positions is a necessary starting point in our quest for understanding a person's story. While the apex of chart synthesis is the linking of sentences and paragraphs into an intelligible plot structure, one should remember that stories begin with sentences and end with sentences. If these simple constructions are astrologically sound, then it follows that the story as a whole is likely to cohere as well. Therefore, a rational, systematic, and grammatically correct method for interpreting planetary sign positions is our Rosetta stone not only for deciphering chart hieroglyphics, but also for establishing a solid foundation of meaning upon which subsequent interpretations can build.
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"Astrology is a religion inasmuch as it reveals the anatomy and psychology of God."
~ Manly Palmer Hall
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Glenn Perry,
Ph.D., MFT
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Glenn Perry, Ph.D., MFT
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Director of the Association for Psychological Astrology
Board Member of the International Society of Astrological Research
Glenn Perry lectures and conducts workshops throughout the world on the application of astrology to the fields of counseling and psychotherapy.
He has written six books, including "Essays In Psychological Astrology".
Dr. Perry is the founder and president of the Academy of AstroPsychology, a masters and doctoral degree program.
For more information:
www.astropsychology
.org
Information on Glenn's books, tapes, and on-line mentorship program can be obtained at:
www.aaperry.com.
E-mail: glenn@aaperry.com
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