Today we shall be studying the fourth aphorism of the Centiloquium Hermetis:
The term configuratus is used here, just as in the second aphorism, to refer to a testimonial relationship (martyria). For a configuratio to exist between two planets, three conditions must be fulfilled. First, the signs the planets occupy must be themselves configured by sextile, square, trine, or opposition (or both planets must be in the same sign). Second, the two planets must be applying, not separating. Third, the aspect must perfect before either of the two planets leaves its current sign. If all three of these conditions are met, then the two planets are indeed configured.
In terms of the present aphorism, we are interested in whether or not Jupiter is configured to Saturn and Mars (the malefics). If Jupiter is configured in any way to one or both, they are in effect transformed from malefics to benefics. Note that this will occur even in cases where an applying square or opposition exists between Jupiter and the malefics. Normally these aspects would augment their maleficence, but not in the present case.
It is very interesting that only Jupiter (the Greater Benefic) can have such an effect. Venus (the Lesser Benefic) can cancel malefic influences only if “it is assisted by Jupiter” (adjuvetur a Jove). I am not familiar with any specifically astrological signification of the verb adjuvare. However, it may be possible to ascertain what this means from the context. To begin with, it must refer to something other than both Venus and Jupiter being configured to one or both malefics—such a combination would presumably enhance Jupiter’s capacity to transform malefics into benefics; but the influence of Venus becomes redundant in such a case (since Jupiter by itself has this effect on the malefics).
The probable meaning of adjuvetur is that even when Jupiter is not configured with the malefics, Jupiter still exercises some kind of influence on Venus which enables Venus in turn to have such an effect. In the context of the astrological literature we are studying, there are exactly two such modes of influence: zodiacal position and configuration. In other words, we must examine the relationship between Jupiter and Venus in terms of the Five Modes of Domination (domicile, exaltation, triplicity, term, and configuration). This means that in addition to noting any testimonial relation between Jupiter and Venus, we will also examine the degree of Venus for any relations of domination by Jupiter, and the degree of Jupiter for any relations of domination by Venus. In keeping with the language of Ptolemy’s Algorithm, we should probably assume that at least two such relations must obtain in order for Venus to have the power to cancel malefic influences; however, the language of the present aphorism requires that we make an exception in the case of configuratio, which by itself is sufficient to confer this power on Venus.
Our Inception Chart for Beltrano’s Parlour has Venus in the 29th degree of Cancer, Jupiter in the 21st degree of Aquarius (retrograde). The two planets are five signs apart (inconjunct), so no configuration exists between them. Jupiter is essentially dignified in the degree of Venus by exaltation only; while Venus is without essential dignities in the degree of Jupiter. Since there is no configuration and only one reciprocal relation exists, the power of Venus to cancel malefic influences is not activated, so we need now consider only Jupiter’s configuration to the malefics. Saturn is in the 23rd degree of Virgo, Mars in the 30th degree of Gemini. The signs of Virgo (Jupiter) and Aquarius (Saturn) are inconjunct (five signs apart), so Jupiter is not configured to Saturn. The relation of Jupiter to Mars is an interesting case: at first glance, it appears that this is a separating aspect because Jupiter is retrograde. However, if we consult the Ephemeris, we find that Jupiter will go stationary direct at 17 Aquarius 10 on 13 October (without having left its current sign); yet Mars crossed into Cancer on 25 August, so the aspect will still never perfect. Consequently, this chart fulfills none of the conditions of the fourth aphorism, so both malefics are operating without restraint.
Thus, to implement the fourth aphorism, we first determine whether Venus has any of these relations to Jupiter. If it does, we will note any configurations (testimonies) between Jupiter and the malefics, and between Venus and the malefics; any of which will convert the malefic influence into a benefic influence. If Venus is not “assisted” by Jupiter in this way, we will only consider configurations between Jupiter and the malefics. In such a case, if Jupiter is so configured we should also note whether Venus is configured to the same malefic(s). If it is, then the transmutation of the malefic influence(s) will be especially profound. This is because the aphorism implies that Venus by itself possesses at least a limited capacity for “preventing evil.” But even if Venus is not involved, these influences will still be reversed owing to Jupiter’s special power over the malefics.
Once these principles are understood, we can make sense of the final sentence of the aphorism: “on that account Jupiter is held to be far stronger than Venus in augmenting good and in preventing evil.” Given the context, bonum and malum must refer to the influences of the benefics (Jupiter and Venus) and the malefics (Saturn and Mars), respectively. Jupiter is “much stronger” than Venus in augmenting benefic influences in that any configuration between Jupiter and Venus (even a square or opposition) will activate the capacity of Venus to cancel malefic influences. Likewise, Jupiter is “much stronger” than Venus in reversing malefic influences in that it does so without assistance, while Venus can accomplish this only with Jupiter’s assistance. It follows from this that even in cases where the malefics are not involved, any configuration between Jupiter and Venus (even a square or opposition) is advantageous to both planets.
While it is generally held that the nature of an aspect overrides the nature of the aspecting planet, here we have an exceptional case where the reverse is true.
I have succeeded in devising a simple algorithm for this procedure:
1. Is Jupiter configured to Venus? YES: Proceed to step 2.
NO: Proceed to step 1A.
1A. Examine the degree of Venus. Is Jupiter essentially dignified in that degree (by domicile, exaltation, triplicity, or term)? Record the number of Jupiter’s essential dignities in the blank: _____
Proceed to step 1B.
1B. Examine the degree of Jupiter. Is Venus essentially dignified in that degree (by domicile, exaltation, triplicity, or term)? Record the number of Venus’s essential dignities in the blank: _____
Proceed to step 1C.
1C. Add the numbers recorded in steps 1A and 1B: _____ + _____ = _____
Is their sum equal to 2 or more? YES: Proceed to step 2.
NO: Proceed to step 3.
2. Is Venus configured to Mars or Saturn? Circle the planets to which Venus is configured:
Mars Saturn Proceed to step 3.
3. Is Jupiter configured to Mars or Saturn? Circle the planets to which Jupiter is configured:
Mars Saturn Proceed to step 4A.
4A. Has Mars been circled in steps 2 or 3? YES: Mars has a benefic influence.
NO: Mars has a malefic influence.
Proceed to step 4B.
4B. Has Saturn been circled in steps 2 or 3? YES: Saturn has a benefic influence.
NO: Saturn has a malefic influence.
BELTRANO
"More than an Ocean of Power (Ocean of Power) couldn't change my mind 'bout how I feel. More than an Ocean of Power (Ocean of Power) 'cuz how I feel I know is real."
—Spooky Tooth, Witness (1970)
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