Ab Ac Af Ag Ai Al An

Affliction

12 Oct

In astrology, an affliction refers to a planet or point in a chart that is poorly placed or negatively aspected, resulting in challenging, difficult, or problematic energies or experiences related to that planet’s significations.

Key Aspects of Affliction

  1. Aspects:
    • Hard aspects (particularly squares and oppositions) from malefic planets (traditionally Mars and Saturn)
    • Conjunctions with malefics or difficult fixed stars
    • Aspects from outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) can also be considered afflicting in modern astrology
  2. Planetary Placement:
    • A planet in detriment or fall
    • A planet in a challenging house (6th, 8th, or 12th in traditional astrology)
    • Retrograde motion (in some contexts)
  3. Other Factors:
    • Combustion (too close to the Sun)
    • Being void of course (not making any more aspects in its current sign)
    • Placement in via combusta (the “fiery way” between 15° Libra and 15° Scorpio)

Significance in Chart Interpretation

  1. Challenged Energy: An afflicted planet may express its energy in a distorted, excessive, or inhibited manner.
  2. Areas of Life: The house placement and rulership of the afflicted planet indicate areas of life where challenges or difficulties may be experienced.
  3. Growth Opportunities: Afflictions can point to areas requiring personal growth, development, or extra attention.
  4. Karmic Lessons: In spiritual astrology, afflictions may be seen as karmic lessons or challenges the soul has chosen to work through.

Types of Afflictions

  1. Major Afflictions: Involve hard aspects from malefics or outer planets to personal planets or important points (Ascendant, Midheaven).
  2. Minor Afflictions: Less severe challenging aspects or placements that may cause irritation rather than significant difficulty.
  3. Self-Afflictions: When a planet aspects itself harshly across signs (e.g., Mars in Aries square Mars in Cancer).

Historical Context

  • The concept of affliction has roots in traditional and classical astrology, where the categorization of benefic and malefic planets was more rigid.
  • Medieval astrologers developed complex systems for evaluating planetary condition, including afflictions.

Modern Interpretations

  1. Psychological Approach: Modern psychological astrology often views afflictions as internal conflicts or challenges rather than purely external difficulties.
  2. Evolutionary Astrology: Sees afflictions as opportunities for soul growth and evolution.
  3. Balanced View: Many contemporary astrologers emphasize that afflictions can also bring strength, resilience, and unique talents when consciously worked with.

Remediation of Afflictions

  1. Awareness: Understanding the nature of the affliction is the first step in working with its energy constructively.
  2. Gemstones and Metals: Traditional remedies include wearing gemstones or metals associated with the afflicted planet.
  3. Mantras and Rituals: Some astrological traditions use specific mantras or rituals to alleviate afflictions.
  4. Psychological Work: Modern approaches often involve psychological techniques to integrate and balance the energies represented by the affliction.

Related Concepts

  • Benefic and Malefic Planets
  • Essential Dignity and Debility
  • Aspects
  • House Placements
  • Planetary Strength and Weakness

Understanding afflictions in a chart can provide deep insights into an individual’s challenges, growth areas, and potential for transformation. It’s a crucial concept for both predictive and psychological approaches to astrology.