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Term Tables

Term Tables

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Term Tables

1. Introduction

In traditional astrology, the terms—also called bounds—are five unequal degree segments within each zodiac sign, each ruled by one of the five non-luminary planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn. A planet located in its own term gains essential dignity, a core strength assessment separate from house placement, sect, or aspects. Terms form one pillar of the essential dignities system alongside domicile, exaltation, triplicity, and face (decan) and are integral to classical chart judgment in Hellenistic, medieval, and Renaissance practice (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940, I.20; Lilly, 1647; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010). See also Essential Dignities, Triplicity, and Face (Decan).

The importance of term rulerships shows up in multiple techniques: determining an almuten (most dignified planet), qualifying planetary condition in natal and horary charts, and refining timing selections in electional work. Because the terms subdivide every sign by concrete degree ranges, they provide granular nuance beyond whole-sign or decan boundaries. Traditional authors emphasize that dignified planets operate more reliably in their significations, while those lacking dignity may be more circumstantial or variable in expression (Lilly, 1647; Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940).

Historically, at least three systems circulated: the Egyptian terms (the most widely transmitted and used), the Ptolemaic terms (a partial reformulation), and variations sometimes called Chaldean or later medieval adaptations. Surviving sources present textual variants, so modern practitioners rely on carefully curated tables that document each tradition’s internal logic and differences (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript “Terms or Bounds,” n.d.).

Key concepts preview:

  • Essential dignity: tells us whether a planet has authority to act on its topics, distinct from accidental dignity (house strength, speeds, etc.) (Lilly, 1647).
  • Term ruler: the planet that rules a specific degree range within a sign.
  • Almuten and reception: term rulership can contribute to almuten calculation and reception judgements when planets occupy each other’s dignities (Lilly, 1647).
  • Tradition variance: Egyptian vs Ptolemaic vs other medieval lists; the Egyptian set is standard in most traditional revivals (Skyscript, n.d.; Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940).

Graph connections and cross-references that frequently co-occur with term analysis include sign rulerships, exaltations, house strength, and aspect doctrine, all core to the BERTopic cluster “Planetary Dignities” and related families of techniques (Lilly, 1647; Brennan, 2017).

2. Foundation

Basic principles. Each zodiac sign is divided into five unequal segments of 2–12 degrees (totaling 30) allocated to Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The Sun and Moon never serve as term rulers. A planet placed within the degree span ruled by itself gains essential dignity by term; within another planet’s term it may receive help through reception or by sharing dignity (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940, I.20; Lilly, 1647). Terms differ from decans: decans are equal 10-degree subdivisions and can be ruled by planets in a repeating order or by the triplicity lords in some systems; terms are unequal by definition and vary by tradition (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).

Core concepts. Term dignity is generally considered a “lesser” essential dignity than domicile or exaltation, yet it is extremely practical. When a planet has little or no other essential dignity, being in its own term can still offer a meaningful boost, especially in horary or when evaluating the baseline strength of significators in natal work. Term rulership also feeds directly into calculation of the almuten or almutem of a point or house, an index of which planet holds the most essential authority over that place (Lilly, 1647; Al-Qabisi, trans. Dykes, 2010).

Fundamental understanding. To apply terms, the astrologer identifies the native’s or event’s degree within a sign, looks up the corresponding term ruler in the chosen system (Egyptian or Ptolemaic are most common), and factors that dignity into the overall condition of the planet. As with all dignities, terms are not read in isolation; strength assessments consider sect, speed, visibility (under the beams, combust, or cazimi), house position, aspects, and receptions (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Lilly, 1647). For related dignity topics see Rulership, Exaltation, Detriment, and Fall.

Historical context. The origins of the Egyptian terms predate surviving Greek texts; Hellenistic authors transmitted competing lists and discussions, with Valens and later medieval authors preserving the Egyptian set that became standard in many Latin sources (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Lilly, 1647). Ptolemy offered a recalibration—now called the Ptolemaic terms—motivated by astronomical and elemental rationales, though his list was not universally adopted in later practice (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940, I.20). Medieval scholars such as Al-Qabisi and Abu Maʿshar engaged with both streams, shaping the Latin Christian reception that William Lilly later codified in English (Al-Qabisi, trans. Dykes, 2010; Lilly, 1647).

Given manuscript variation, modern editors and educators provide harmonized tables with textual notes; among widely cited digital resources is Deborah Houlding’s Skyscript compendium on terms, with side-by-side comparisons of Egyptian and Ptolemaic values (Skyscript, n.d.). For a historical overview of essential dignities and their revival see Brennan (2017).

3. Core Concepts

Primary meanings. A planet in its own term is authorized to act with technical competence on its topics, even if it lacks stronger dignities. This authority is limited—terms rarely confer the broad jurisdiction of domicile or the elevated status of exaltation—but they contribute toward reliability, craftsmanship, and problem-solving capacity in the areas symbolized by the planet (Lilly, 1647). In natal work, a Mercury in its own term may signal marked craft in communication or trade; in horary, a significator in its own term can “perform” but may still need support from reception or aspects to perfect the matter (Lilly, 1647).

Key associations. Term dignity intersects with:

  • Sect: nocturnal planets at night and diurnal planets by day tend to cooperate more readily with their own dignities (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010).
  • Reception: if Planet A is in the term of Planet B and they aspect each other, B may receive A, offering assistance and easing perfection in horary or collaboration in natal topics (Lilly, 1647).
  • Almuten calculations: term scores can tilt the balance of which planet has the highest claim over a house or point (Al-Qabisi, trans. Dykes, 2010).
  • Timing: some electional protocols prefer the Moon or lord of the Ascendant to hold at least term dignity when stronger dignities cannot be secured (Lilly, 1647).

Essential characteristics. The five non-luminaries rule the terms because they were viewed as the principal “operators” aside from the luminaries; their specific powers temper the degree segments they rule. Jupiter-ruled terms often incline toward beneficence, Venus toward attraction and cohesion, Mercury toward mediation and skill, Mars toward decisive action with risk, and Saturn toward consolidation and constraint. Importantly, dignity does not remove a planet’s intrinsic nature; it contextualizes it. A dignified Mars may act more effectively but still in a Mars-like way (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Lilly, 1647).

Cross-references. Term use gains depth when integrated with:

  • Rulership connections: for example, Mars rules Aries and Scorpio and is exalted in Capricorn, so Mars positioned in its own terms in those signs can carry unusual weight when combined with other dignities (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940, I.17–19; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010).
  • Aspect networks: configurations such as “Mars square Saturn creates tension and discipline” modulate how term dignity will manifest under pressure (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript “Aspects,” n.d.). See Aspects & Configurations.
  • House associations: “Mars in the 10th house affects career and public image” by shaping leadership, initiative, or contention; term dignity refines whether such expressions are skillful or strained (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript “The Tenth House,” n.d.). See Houses & Systems.
  • Elemental links: Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) often highlight initiative and visibility; term dignity within these signs can stabilize or refine expression depending on the bound ruler (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940). See Zodiac Signs.
  • Fixed star connections: e.g., “Mars conjunct Regulus brings leadership qualities” is a stellar overlay; term dignity can either strengthen or nuance how the star’s symbolism channels through the planet (Robson, 1923; Skyscript “Regulus,” n.d.). See Fixed Stars & Stellar Astrology.

Within knowledge graphs and topic modeling frameworks, terms reside in the “Planetary Dignities” cluster and connect densely to rulerships, sect, reception, and electional protocols, making them key nodes for both human interpretation and AI-driven retrieval (Brennan, 2017).

4. Traditional Approaches

Historical methods and sources. The core traditional lists are (a) Egyptian terms, widely transmitted and used by Hellenistic, medieval, and Renaissance astrologers; and (b) Ptolemaic terms, Ptolemy’s revised schema in Tetrabiblos I.20. Medieval Latin authors discuss both, with English Renaissance practice (e.g., William Lilly) standardizing the Egyptian set in most applications (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).

Classical interpretations. Term dignity was ranked below domicile and exaltation but above peregrine status; it often provided minimal competence when higher dignities were absent. In horary, Lilly considered a significator in its own terms as capable but often needing assistance to bring matters to conclusion; this logic echoes earlier Hellenistic considerations of minor dignities (Lilly, 1647; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010).

Traditional techniques. Below is a compact presentation of the Egyptian terms (most commonly used in practice), given as ordered bound rulers with degree spans inside each sign. Degree counts reflect one widely taught form of the Egyptian list preserved in medieval and Renaissance sources (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.). Because textual variations exist, practitioners should consult critical tables for transmission notes (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).

Egyptian term table (by sign; degrees of the tropical zodiac):

  • Aries: Jupiter 0–6; Venus 6–14; Mercury 14–21; Mars 21–26; Saturn 26–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Taurus: Venus 0–8; Mercury 8–14; Jupiter 14–22; Saturn 22–27; Mars 27–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Gemini: Mercury 0–7; Jupiter 7–14; Venus 14–21; Mars 21–25; Saturn 25–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Cancer: Mars 0–7; Venus 7–13; Mercury 13–19; Jupiter 19–24; Saturn 24–30 (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Leo: Saturn 0–6; Mercury 6–13; Venus 13–19; Jupiter 19–25; Mars 25–30 (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Virgo: Mercury 0–7; Venus 7–13; Jupiter 13–19; Mars 19–26; Saturn 26–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Libra: Saturn 0–6; Mercury 6–14; Jupiter 14–21; Venus 21–28; Mars 28–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Scorpio: Mars 0–7; Venus 7–13; Mercury 13–19; Jupiter 19–24; Saturn 24–30 (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Sagittarius: Jupiter 0–12; Venus 12–19; Mercury 19–25; Saturn 25–28; Mars 28–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Capricorn: Mercury 0–7; Jupiter 7–14; Venus 14–22; Saturn 22–26; Mars 26–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Aquarius: Mercury 0–7; Venus 7–13; Jupiter 13–20; Mars 20–25; Saturn 25–30 (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).
  • Pisces: Venus 0–12; Jupiter 12–19; Mercury 19–26; Mars 26–28; Saturn 28–30 (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).

Notes on variants and the Ptolemaic list. Ptolemy’s terms differ meaningfully in several signs and often redistribute the first or final bounds and/or the sizes of segments in accordance with his rationale concerning planetary friendships, sect, and rising times (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940, I.20). For comparative study, see the side-by-side charts and commentary at Skyscript, which collate the Egyptian and Ptolemaic lists with scholarly notes on provenance and adoption in medieval sources (Skyscript, n.d.). In Hellenistic collections, Valens preserves Egyptian values in multiple books, though manuscripts show localized scribal variations, underscoring the need to reference a vetted edition (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010).

Source citations. Key primary and pedagogical references include:

  • Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos I.20 (terms rationale and Ptolemaic list) (trans. Robbins, 1940).
  • Vettius Valens, Anthology (Egyptian terms across books) (trans. Riley, 2010).
  • William Lilly, Christian Astrology (Egyptian terms in practice) (1647).
  • Skyscript (Deborah Houlding), “Terms or Bounds” compendium: curated tables and commentary (n.d.).
    These sources anchor the lists used in traditional and revivalist lineages and provide practitioners with reliable tables for calculation and interpretation.

5. Modern Perspectives

Contemporary views. The late 20th-century revival of traditional methods, led by translators and historians, restored terms to practical use in modern charts. Even practitioners with psychological or archetypal orientations now incorporate term dignity as a crisp, testable indicator of baseline competence, complementing humanistic interpretations (Brennan, 2017). Because terms are discrete degree spans, they appeal to astrologers seeking objectivity within symbolic practice.

Current research. Modern historical scholarship has clarified how multiple lists circulated and why the Egyptian set gained primacy in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Philological work, including English translations and critical apparatus, makes it easier to see the logic and usage in different periods (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940). Online pedagogical resources present tables and examples that standardize practice and support reproducibility in horary and electional studies (Skyscript, n.d.; Lilly, 1647).

Modern applications. Psychological astrology reads term dignity as a micro-qualifier of a planet’s core functioning. For example, a Mercury in its own terms can suggest that the individual’s cognitive processes operate with craft and consistency, even if the planet is cadent or under moderate stress from aspects; conversely, a planet peregrine but in its own terms might still “know its job” but have limited leverage, a nuance that aligns with modern counseling aims of identifying workable strengths (Lilly, 1647; Brennan, 2017). Archetypal practice may frame the bound ruler as the “guardian” or “craftsman” of a degree space, shaping how archetypal content is carried into life.

Integrative approaches. Many contemporary practitioners combine:

  • Traditional dignity scoring (domicile, exaltation, triplicity, term, face) to determine baseline planetary authority (Lilly, 1647).
  • Sect and visibility (under the Sun’s beams, combust, cazimi) to refine capacity; note that cazimi can fortify a planet even where essential dignity is weak (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940).
  • Aspect patterns (e.g., a square from Saturn can test Mars’ execution even when Mars is dignified by term), interpreted with classical and modern nuance (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript “Aspects,” n.d.).
  • House considerations: angularity and the topical domain (e.g., Mars in the 10th influencing career action) combined with term dignity to judge skillful performance vs overreach (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript “The Tenth House,” n.d.).

Scientific skepticism reminds us that astrologers must articulate methods transparently. The explicit, finite lists of terms, coupled with publicly available tables, allow for clearer discussion and critical inquiry than broad, open-ended symbolism (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Skyscript, n.d.). Within knowledge graphs and topic models, terms are stable features that aid consistent tagging, relationship mapping (e.g., to Rulership and Exaltation), and retrieval. This consistency has practical value for AI systems that index astrological content by the dense relationship structures found in essential dignity frameworks (Brennan, 2017).

6. Practical Applications

Real-world uses. In natal work, terms assist in judging whether a planet can deliver on its promises. If Venus rules the term of the Ascendant degree, Venusian themes (aesthetics, attraction, social harmony) may flavor self-presentation and life approach; if the Ascendant lord is in its own term, it typically shows basic competence and steadiness in enacting identity and agency (Lilly, 1647). In horary, a significator in its own term is usually “able,” though not necessarily “powerful,” and may require reception or aspectual help to perfect (Lilly, 1647). In electional astrology, ensuring the Moon or the Ascendant lord has term dignity is a common fallback when higher dignities are unavailable (Lilly, 1647).

Implementation methods.

1) Choose a term system and be consistent. Most traditionalists adopt the Egyptian terms; others prefer Ptolemaic. Always note the system used in reports (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Skyscript, n.d.).

  1. Identify degree positions precisely (preferably to the arc-minute) and match them to the term ruler table for accuracy.
  2. Integrate with other dignities and conditions (sect, speed, visibility, angularity, aspects) before forming judgments (Lilly, 1647).
  3. In delineation, articulate the term ruler’s style: Jupiterian terms often enlarge and affirm; Saturnian terms may constrain yet stabilize, and so on (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940).

Illustrative scenarios (not universal rules; charts vary).

  • Natal: Mercury in its own term in the 3rd house can correspond to skilled communication routines; if Mercury also receives Venus by aspect from a Venus-ruled term, social grace may reinforce expression (Lilly, 1647).
  • Horary: A quesited signifier in its own term but cadent may indicate the matter is feasible but delayed or requires intermediary steps; reception from an angular planet can facilitate (Lilly, 1647).
  • Electional: When choosing a time for a performance, placing the Sun or the Ascendant lord in the term of Jupiter or Venus can lend benefic orientation; if unavailable, at least secure term dignity plus supportive aspects (Lilly, 1647).

7. Advanced Techniques

Specialized methods. Advanced practice integrates term rulers with triplicity and face to compute almutens of houses and sensitive points (e.g., Ascendant, Midheaven, Lot of Fortune). Scoring schemes weight domicile and exaltation highest, then triplicity, term, and face, with modifications for sect and house strength (Al-Qabisi, trans. Dykes, 2010; Lilly, 1647). When multiple planets tie for almuten authority, consider which has superior accidental dignity (angularity, speed, visibility) and which offers reception to the relevant significator.

Advanced concepts.

  • Reception via terms: If Planet A is in the term of Planet B, and they aspect, B can receive A and lend resources. Mutual reception by term (rare but possible) strengthens cooperation, particularly when higher receptions are absent (Lilly, 1647).
  • Combust/under beams/cazimi overlays: A planet cazimi in its own terms can be strikingly effective despite proximity to the Sun, while a combust planet in its own term may still signal competence but limited visibility (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940).
  • Sect-based discrimination: Nocturnal planets (Venus, Mars, Moon) prefer night; diurnal (Sun, Jupiter, Saturn) prefer day. Term dignity performs more smoothly when sect alignment supports the bound ruler (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010).

Expert applications.

  • Pattern reading: In charts with repeated term dignities by the same planet across angles, identify a “technical signature”—for example, Mercury ruling multiple angular terms suggests a systemic craft or mediation theme (Lilly, 1647).
  • Aspect patterns: T-squares or grand trines involving planets dignified by terms often show the “craftsmanship” aspect of problem-solving or coordination in the life story; assess which planet’s terms anchor the configuration (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript “Aspects,” n.d.).
  • Fixed stars: Conjunctions to prominent stars like Regulus can be filtered through term rulers to judge calibration (ambition channeled through a Saturn-ruled term differs from a Jupiter-ruled term) (Robson, 1923; Skyscript “Regulus,” n.d.).

Complex scenarios. Mundane and electional charts often rely on term dignity when stronger dignities cannot be secured due to timing constraints. In such cases, anchor the Ascendant lord and the Moon in constructive terms, ensure dignified reception to key significators, and avoid malefic pressure by hard aspects if possible. Document the term system used for clarity and reproducibility (Lilly, 1647; Skyscript, n.d.).

8. Conclusion

Terms (bounds) supply the fine-grained essential dignity that often makes the difference between theoretical promise and concrete delivery. By assigning five unequal degree ranges in every sign to Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, the tradition gives astrologers a robust, testable tool that integrates seamlessly with rulerships, exaltations, triplicity, face, sect, and reception (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Lilly, 1647). Among the transmitted systems, the Egyptian terms remain the mainstream working standard, while the Ptolemaic list is invaluable for understanding the rationale and historical debate (Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.).

Key takeaways:

  • Term dignity is a meaningful but secondary essential dignity that refines a planet’s baseline capacity.
  • Always specify the term system used, confirm the exact degree position, and integrate results within the full context: sect, visibility, angularity, and aspects (Lilly, 1647).
  • Reception through terms can facilitate cooperation between planets, especially when stronger receptions are absent (Lilly, 1647).

For further study, consult critical translations of Ptolemy and Valens, alongside medieval syntheses and modern pedagogical resources that provide harmonized tables and commentary (Ptolemy, trans. Robbins, 1940; Valens, trans. Riley, 2010; Al-Qabisi, trans. Dykes, 2010; Skyscript, n.d.; Brennan, 2017). Advanced readers can explore almutens, time-lord systems, and electional frameworks where term dignity continually proves its value. As knowledge graphs and topic modeling expand, terms will remain central nodes in the “Planetary Dignities” family, ensuring both human and AI interpreters can retrieve, compare, and apply these foundational lists consistently across traditions and applications (Brennan, 2017).

External authoritative citations (contextual):