The study of astrology is fundamentally an investigation into in the nature of cosmic energy as expressed through the language and geometry of symbols. We know that the planets represent the primary energies of life and that the signs reveal how these energies manifest in their various modes and forms. All of this knowledge is then applied to life on planet Earth. The planets work best at revealing their true nature in signs that are designated by astrologers as their "dignities and exaltations" (known collectively as planetary "honors"). Conversely, they are most challenged when in their signs of "detriment and fall" (planetary "dishonors"). In this article, I would like to share with you the soul-centered meaning of these various planet/sign combinations so that we may have a more profound understanding of planetary potencies and weaknesses. Please keep in mind that a planet (or person) functioning on the soul level is collective and impersonal in its orientation. Thus it is in service to others, that the lower self is redeemed and consciousness is allowed to rise and act as a tool for healing.


Sun in Aries (exaltation): When the Sun is in this sign, its Second Ray quality of Love/Wisdom is given a great cosmic "boost" so that it may move up and down through all the kingdoms and levels of life, externalizing consciousness (Second Ray substance) as it does so. Aries is thus a perfect field of expression for the Creative Will of Life (symbolized by the Sun), to enter all of its creations, vitalizing, energizing, and stimulating consciousness. The Sun in Aries is thus a fertile field of fire, clearing and cleansing the environment in order to initiate a new phase of the Will-to-Be.


Sun in Libra (fall): This combination represent s a stopping point, an interlude in the out-going expression of the Creative Will (Sun) and the resultant stimulation of consciousness. It is in Libra that one is linked neither to the soul nor to the personality but is instead, holding these oppositional but complementary forces in check. In effect a relationship is being created in the consciousness of the individual that furthers one's understanding of the interplay between the lower and higher selves. Thus we have an incarnation in which we are to ponder, balance, and consider.


The Sun falls as Libra modifies the ceaseless outpouring of energy in Aries by bringing it to a point of repose. Sun in Leo (dignity): The creative potency of the Sun is greatly strengthened as it takes root in the fixed fiery sign of the Lion. The purpose of manifestation, the true nature of Creative Will may now shine forth at its brightest. This purpose is the evolution of consciousness. In the evolution of men and woman, a stage is reached when one becomes self-conscious and the process of individualization is complete. One is then totally centered in the heart (ruled by the Sun) and stands forth as a true light-worker.


Sun in Aquarius (detriment): The consolidated focus of the life force is now dispersed and diffused. It loses the ability to be self-conscious, self-aware, and self-actualized. This leads in daily life to an inability to focus one's creative self-expression in any true individualized manner. In the life of a soul-centered person, this position stimulates the urge to disseminate and circulate one's life force for the benefit of a specific larger group or society in general. In the evolved individual, this manifests as a personal identification with the whole of humanity and produces a life dedicated to service.


Moon in Cancer (dignity): In most symbolical systems, the Moon represents the Cosmic Mother. Cancer is Her sign and allows the Moon its greatest latitude for the expression of its inherent, nutritive nature. The Moon is the storehouse of one's "biological karma": our psychological background and genetic contacts to family, tribe, and race. These foundational factors of the personality take root in Cancer and allow for that evolutionary growth leading to the emergence of the Initiate in the sign of Capricorn.


Moon in Capricorn (detriment): In the horoscope of a person centered in the personality, the Moon in this sign can be quite problematic. It is in Capricorn that that patterns of one's biological karma are the most concretized. Thus behavior is firmly rooted in existing instinctive response patterns. As the psychological orientation of most people and tribes of people is for physical survival, the Moon in Capricorn makes it quite challenging to rise above the worries and cares of the materialistic life. The soul-centered individual with this Moon in Capricorn knows that he or she is the carrier of the inner Christ and works to nurture others on the material plane accordingly.


Moon in Taurus (exaltation): On the soul level, this position allows a person to generate any form of manifestation in order to embody the intent of the higher self in the daily life. The material life is thus geared to the support and fulfillment of the Will-To-Good both for oneself and for others. Psychological fears and concerns about pure survival now give way to an abundance of emotional and material resources available for all who need them.


Moon in Scorpio (fall): The desires of the separated, lower self "fall" in this sign. On the personality level, this takes place through crises that deal with the death of desires. For this reason, the Moon in Scorpio is not the easiest karma as one must release and detach in order to grow emotionally. From the perspective of the soul, the Moon in Scorpio provides an individual with transformative abilities, helping others to free themselves from emotional traps and obsessions.


Mercury in Gemini (dignity): As Venus is the soul-centered ruler of Gemini, this position combines the influence of this planet with that of Mercury. The net result gives the individual the potential to fuse and relate many streams of diverse thought into a vision and expression of harmonious unity. On the personality level, Mercury in Gemini bestows the ability to access and amass an abundance of knowledge and information that may then be stored or distributed. The life objective is to cultivate pure reason and objective powers of analysis.


Mercury in Virgo (exaltation): What is taken apart through analysis in Gemini is put back together on a higher level of understanding in Virgo. It is in this sign that one learns discrimination in form. This can be the form of an object but it can also be the form of a thought. It is in Virgo that we come to achieve a more perfected way of communicating as the soul-centered individual realizes that Divinity is also contained within mind. In essence, ideas here gestate until they are ready to come forth with healing potential.


Mercury in Sagittarius (detriment): This position on the soul-centered level should not be perceived as a weakness. Sagittarius is the sign of the higher mind thus when Mercury is in this sign, pure and immediate perception overtakes the process of logic and reason. Yet on the level of the personality, Mercury in Sagittarius can be problematic, as the individual tends to avoid logic and replace a more carefully thought out rationale for living by a highly personalized and projected idealism. Self-deceit often results.


Mercury in Pisces (fall): Pisces is the sign which, when experienced in its fullness, reveals the totality of soul consciousness. There is thus no need for mind to relate the soul's presence to the personality. The function of the mind as the intermediary between the lower and the higher selves is no longer necessary and Mercury "falls". The soul-centered individual with this position has no need for an "interpreter" of events but sees directly into the essential meaning of life and all external circumstances.


Venus in Taurus (dignity-I): One of Venus' most important characteristics is magnetism. When this planet is found in Taurus, its magnetic potency in terms of its ability to attract matter is at its highest. On the soul level, this gives the person with this position the ability to attract in the material life those forms that best serve the soul's loving intent. As Venus is the Lord of the Fifth Ray in our solar system, another important quality adds to the dignity of Venus when in Taurus. The Fifth Ray deals with concrete knowledge. In essence, it has much to do with the development and workings of the rational mind. The soul-centered individual with Venus in Taurus has the ability to perceive the idea embodied within a given form, for example the idea contained within the artist's mind and externalized as a painting. This ability serves an individual well to release any attachment to form for form sake alone, freeing oneself from the illusions of the physical plane.


Venus in Libra (dignity-II): On the personality level, this position adds charm to the personality and beauty to the physical body. The individual with this placement may thus easily attract other people and the karmic lessons concerning relationships may proceed. Venusian magnetism on the soul level in this sign leads to the perfect expression of the Law of Right Human Relations. It is in Libra that the true balance between the soul and the personality is achieved and the correct ordering of human affairs in the daily life may be worked out for the benefit of all.


Venus in Scorpio (detriment-I): On the personality level, this position often indicates a person who has the tendency to manipulate his or her partners so that personal desires may dominate the relationship. Sexual magnetism may thus be used as a tool for the purposes of the lower self. All too frequently, Venus in Scorpio endows a person with strong sexual and romantic desires that tend to be obsessively frustrating at best and degrading at worst. Venus in this position on the soul-centered perspective calls for the death and destruction of all attractions and relationships that do not further the intent of the higher self. Many people on the Path with this planet/sign combination find themselves in healing positions in life. They are called upon to rebalance a person's emotional life, helping them to uplift and change the desire nature and rebuild structures of self-worth. Such people help others to find their own inner, buried psychological treasure and bring such personal wealth to the fore.


Venus in Aries (detriment-II): On the personality level, this position states; "Be cooperative and always do things my way!" Having a relationship with a personality with Venus in Aries is being in that person's concept of relationship, thus making sharing and mutuality very difficult to achieve. On the soul level, Venus in Aries looses sight of the differences between people so that a more direct bonding may take place in order to effectuate some transpersonal goal.


Venus in Pisces (exaltation): Love must conquer all opposition and instinctual differences between people when Venus is in this sign. Pluto, the esoteric ruler of the Pisces destroys the cord that binds and separates the two fish so that they may fuse. Thus the higher self joins the lower and harmony reigns. On the personality level, this may be simply stated as: "I love everyone and everyone is beautiful."


Venus in Virgo (fall): On the personality level, Venus falls in Virgo due to the critical nature of this sign when expressed through the instinctual nature of the lower self. Attractions to others are based more on the way people look and act than on any deeper understanding of human nature. Exclusivity replaces inclusivity. On the esoteric level, the Christ Principle inherent in Virgo (the Virgin Mother) "falls" into matter and incarnates. Thus the Loving Spirit descends into the womb of the mother/matter. This "fall" is for the distinct purpose of raising up of humanity and is thus seen as a holy sacrifice for the benefit of mankind.


Mars in Aries (dignity-I): The function of Mars is to clear a pathway. On the level of the personality, this clearing is created so that a person may express his or her individual desires most easily and effectively. It is the urge for personal territory and the need for the personality to have sufficient space to express its separateness. Mars in Aries is the most efficient sign for these personality-centered purposes. On the level of the soul, Mars in Aries clears the Path so that the desire of the soul, manifesting as the Will-To-Love, may unfold unimpeded by personal desires. The battle for Mars in Aries now is for the Light of consciousness.


Mars in Scorpio (dignity-II): Mars in this sign is doubly "dignified" as it is the ruler of Scorpio on both the personality and soul levels. The essential battle of the Pathwalker is on in no uncertain terms! The desire nature of the personality must be "killed off", destroyed, and then transformed so that the Way is open for the externalization of the higher life. The indwelling principle of Eternal Love must shine forth as the result of the ultimate victory of the Disciple. The battles, losses and victories that shape this intent take place in Scorpio, enhanced and intensified by Mars. This planet bodes no opposition to its urge to penetrate matter, refine emotion, and uplift thought.


Mars in Libra (detriment-I): The very nature of this sign is antithetical to the basic nature of Mars. Libra is the sign of pause while Mars is the planet of on-rushing force. Libra creates a relationship of polarity between opposites while Mars stimulates opposites to engage in battle. Thus the strength of the Red Planet is considerably lessened in the Scales. Yet on the soul level, a person with Mars in Libra is often led to a position of mediator and arbitrator between warring factions. Mars then becomes a fighter and standard bearer for the Law of Right Human Relations.


Mars in Taurus (detriment-II): The battle on the personality level has to do with attachment to matter. Mars, shaping and focussing the desire nature is trapped in form when in the sign of the celestial Bull. The urge thus becomes one of fixating desire in form and hence thwarting the externalization of consciousness. On the soul level, the energies of Vulcan--esoteric ruler of Taurus-enter into the fray. As the Blacksmith of the Gods and Lord of the First Ray of Will/Power in our solar system, Vulcan must destroy these material desires, melting their forms in his forge. Vulcan and Mars then work together (aided by the aspiration of the Disciple for Light and service), to create new and more highly evolved weapons (tools for evolutionary growth), so that the Pathwalker may fight the right battle and be released from material attachments that hinder the soul's intent.


Mars in Capricorn (exaltation): Capricorn is the sign of culmination. When Mars is in this sign on the personality level it reveals the victory of personal ambitions and drives over the limiting factors of the material world. The ego has thus become successful in dominating its environment. From the perspective of the soul, the desires of the lower self have been placed under the total control of the higher life. Thus the power and potency of the spiritual warrior is now intensified and he or she is even more capable of doing battle for the soul.


Mars in Cancer (fall): From the level of the personality, the "fall" of Mars is rather simple to understand. The battles in life are fought in order to secure one's most basic needs. Life is reduced to a constant fight for psychological survival, as the individual tends to be very subjective and instinctual when it comes to defending his or her territory. This can be interpreted as the sense that one's basic survival is always "on the line". In extreme cases, this leads to the fear that at any time the unseen and collective forces of society can overwhelm one. Mars' (and the individual's) battle to be released from these difficulties comes on the soul level through the outworking of the Third Ray qualities of the higher mind as found in Cancer. The right use of mental energy leads to the refinement of the emotional nature, thus freeing oneself from the fears and apprehensions of the lower self.


Please note: The following four sections are devoted to a discussion of the honor and dishonor of Vulcan, a planet located within 8 degrees of the natal position of the Sun in the horoscope. Vulcan is only used in esoteric, soul-centered astrology, for its function on the level of the purely personality-centered individual is non-existent. By this I mean, that the purpose of Vulcan is to serve as a transformer and catalyst, destroying those physical, emotional, and mental forms of life that no longer serve the achievement of higher consciousness. If the reader is interested in learning more about this planet, please consult Esoteric Astrology by Alice Bailey and/or my book, Soul-Centered Astrology.


Vulcan in Taurus (dignity): As one enters the Spiritual Path in earnest, one is faced by many deep challenges. This often manifests in part as the loss of one's attachment to certain people, as well as to material objects and objectives. The purpose of these crises is to break down one's attachment to the desire nature as it is expressed in form. This testing ground is at its best when in the most earthy and material of all the signs, Taurus. Once such detachment has been completed, the individual is left free to be of service and to follow the soul's intent in life.


Vulcan in Scorpio (detriment): So much of the soul-centered influence of Pluto, Scorpio, Mars, and the Eighth House of the horoscope is geared to the death and regeneration of the desire nature, that Vulcan's efforts seem almost superfluous when in this sign. Vulcan's purpose is much more focused in the destruction of form than it is in its resurrection of redemption. That is the job as I mentioned above of its more "Scorpionic cousins". Perhaps Vulcan's placement in Scorpio is equivalent to a karmic "coup de grace", a final thrust of the sword just to make sure that what had to be killed off is truly and thoroughly dead.


Vulcan in Pisces (exaltation): The universal, loving focus of the soul and the ultimate death of anything that is not useful to the higher life are very much at the heart of the esoteric significance of Pisces. In this respect, the reader should recall that Pluto is the soul-centered ruler of the Fish. As such, the harmonious combination of the energies of Vulcan and Pluto work together to produce the total extinction of any impediment in the personality to the resurrection and externalization of the soul. The Path stands open and clear. The Pathwalker ascends to the task and serves the World Server.


Vulcan in Virgo (fall): Virgo is very attached to its devotion to the higher life. When in this earthy sign, such devotion must "fall" and enter into all things large and small. On the soul level this attachment reaches out into all areas of life as the Virgo Disciple attempts to bring nurturing and healing to every one of Life's creations. The Moon is after all the esoteric ruler of the Virgin, and thus the urge to bring forth the highest good (The Christed Self) in oneself, all and everyone else is of ultimate importance. As the attachment to the nurturing process is so intense, when Vulcan is in Virgo, the life lesson is one of continuous detachment.from the results of one's work and efforts.