( Maligere ) - Debilitated / Weak Planets - David Goldstein, Ph.D.

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L "Debilitated" or Weak Planets( maligere it's for you - Lalit)

Accurate chart interpretation is largely dependent upon determining the strengths and weaknesses of the individual planets and how they influence each particular natal chart. The particular pattern or layout of planets in the chart, along with their house placements, house ownerships and relationships (yogas) with other planets are some of the most salient features to be considered. One area of concern and even fear involves interpretation of the weak planet (otherwise known as a planet in "debilitation"). This term "debilitation" arouses fear and worry in the minds of most individuals. Generally, no one desires to have "weak" planets and certainly having anything "debilitated" implies that there is some type of handicap situation. This is not a completely accurate portrayal of the situation.Again, it's important to emphasize that it is difficult to make blanket statements about the planets without COMPLETE ANALYSIS of an individual's ENTIRE CHART. It's quite dangerous and misleading to take one planet and blow it up, whether the planet appears (at first glance) to be very strong or very weak. One must take many factors into consideration, such as the presence of strengthening or beneficial aspects, yogas and house placement influencing the planet under analysis. Hence, a planet that is clearly in a constellation (zodiac sign) of debility, is not necessarily ruined for all of its significations. Note that each planet resides in a particular constellation or sign. The planet may be in its own sign, exaltation sign, friend's sign, enemy's sign, or debilitation sign.

 

The following sign placements constitute planetary debilitation: Sun in Libra, Moon in Scorpio, Mars in Cancer, Mercury in Pisces, Jupiter in Capricorn, Venus in Virgo, Saturn in Aries, Rahu in Scorpio and Ketu in Taurus.

 

It is accurate to view planets that are in debilitation as acting DIFFERENTLY from what would be expected as the natural tendency for the particular planet in question. Let's take the Sun in Libra, for example, which happens to be where the Sun resides at the present time. If the Sun is surrounded by benefic influences and is otherwise free of affliction, then he will manifest his qualities differently from what might be considered "normal" for the Sun's behavior. The Sun is naturally a leader, he is independent, hot, energetic and illuminating. The Sun represents an individual's soul development (Atmakarka), and orientation to this particular lifetime. It is also indicative of the person's appearance, body structure, vitality and health or constitution. When the Sun is in Libra, he'd rather not be a leader. Libra is a sign of diplomacy and negotiation. The Sun in Libra wishes to maintain harmony, relate, interact and get people to work together. He'll sacrifice his independence because he wants everyone to "get along." This is not the Sun's "natural" or innate tendency or priority. The Sun prefers to direct and lead and he generally does not interact with the masses. Therefore, Sun in Libra is not following the natural solar tendencies and it is considered weak by definition.

 

If you stand back and examine this Sun in Libra approach, you might say "well, it's not necessarily all that bad to be diplomatic and try to create harmony and put yourself second." In fact, what I have observed through chart analysis is that individuals with unafflicted debilitated planets tend to put a great deal of energy into that area of life to try to boost the planet up.

 

For example, Mars represents physical power, energy and strength and rules athletics. Many fine and famous athletes, for example, have a debilitated Mars in their charts. How can this be the case? My hypothesis is that individuals with Mars debilitated have an innate desire to strengthen that energy in the chart. It's as if there is a deficiency which the individual wishes to enhance and improve. The individual knows on some intuitive or very conscious level, that he needs to develop in this sphere dictated by the weaker planet. Therefore, the person focuses his attention and actions on building up several of the areas related to that particular planet's significations. The athlete with debilitated Mars directs his attention on building up that prowess and power. It's the intense focus, consistent attention and motivation which makes greatness.

 

The chart of the brilliant physicist Albert Einstein is a wonderful example of this point. He is a Gemini Rising with a Debilitated MERCURY (of all planets) in the 10th house of Pisces. The Mercury is in a very powerful Raja Yoga with Venus which also rules the trinal 5th house. Together these two planets create a Raja Yoga (kingly combination as rulers of the 1st and 5th houses together in the 10th house of profession and action). Mercury rules thinking, communications, logic and analysis. How do we witness the "debilitated" portion of Einstein's Mercury? He struggled in his early years in school and performed poorly. He was considered to be "dreamy" and absent-minded. He was an abstract-thinker. Mercury prefers an orderly, logical and detailed approach. Hence, Mercury in Pisces does not necessarily create an ignorant or unintelligent person. Rather, Mercury acts opposite of its natural style. Einstein is considered to be a genius and his intellectual contributions changed the way the world perceives time and space with his theory of relativity. Who could fault Einstein's Mercury as he manifested it's true greatness during his lifetime?

 

Finally, it's still important to also recognize that during planetary Dasa and Bhukti cycles which involve a debilitated planet, certain difficulties are expected to manifest in the life experience. Why? The answer resides in the fact that during these particular times, the karmas related to that planet will fructify. Under a debilitated Saturn, for example, the person must learn proper Saturnian approaches such as being responsible, being timely, gaining wisdom through hard experience, etc. This is the time for the greatest spiritual growth to manifest for that person. It may not be "fun", but it is essential to make progress in this life. That same debilitated Saturn might create a very independent businessman who prefers not to follow the rules. Undoubtedly, some difficulties related to the weaker side of the planet will manifest depending upon the placement and condition in a specific natal chart.

To summarize, it is very important to consider the chart in TOTALITY, before making a conclusion about how a "debilitated" planet will manifest for an individual. Consider the fact that an unafflicted debilitated planet can actually motivate the individual to strive harder in a particular area and to try to improve what may be a deficiency in the personality. Hence, debilitated planets need not strike a chord of fear. Rather, remember Albert Einstein's excellence and demonstration of a creative and unusual Mercurial personality. These planets show us precisely where we can develop and advance in this lifetime and this can be extremely motivating.