More on the Lord of the Geniture

Our exploration of the Lord of the Geniture has shown that there are many different approaches to how the Lord of the Geniture may be considered. As Caroline Allen has pointed out in a comment to the last article:

“It is usually the most ‘influential’ planet in the birthchart, being the planet whose dignities are most occupied by other planets, and therefore will have a very strong effect on the character and behaviour irrespective of other configurations.”

or as Andrew Carter has pointed out (also in a recent comment):

“… (it) describe(s) the disposition and propensities…”

But deeper, more philosophical questions have been raised. One central question is to what extent is the human condition one of free will, and where do determination and Providence play a role? How can this be shown in a chart?

One approach is the remedial approach in which the Lord of the Geniture opens the way to applying determination to planetary determination! But in order to do this we must postulate the following:

1. Every chart is a momentary reflection of the macrocosm, which is in itself held by the metacosm. (see the article Microcosm, Macrocosm and Metacosm)
2. Because it reflects only an instant of time no natal chart can be completely harmonious.
3. The planetary determinations in each chart are unique and must be viewed in their context. This means that each chart unfolds according to its own inner laws. This is seen in directions, progressions, profections and other prognostic methods.
4. Essential and Accidental Dignity show planetary strength, just as Essential and Accidental Debility show weakness.

The first two premises are inherent to astrology, as it is based on a traditional cosmology and that assumes that there is God. The perfect chart is that before the Fall, when all planets were in their exaltation and remained so. So the chart of any being born in Paradise is the same, as it is rooted in eternity. The movement of the spheres begins at the Fall and so from an astrological standpoint the source of the constant ebb and flow of harmony with disharmony. Disharmony has its expression in ageing, sickness, death and other aspects of mortality. (See also the articles on the Horoscope of the World)

Astrology may then be approached as a means of correcting the general human tendency towards ‘dis-balance’. This is the source of all remedial measures that arise from considering a birth chart. Jyotish astrology makes use of Mantras for example. In western astrology the astrologer may look to the Lord of the Geniture, the most influential planet in the chart. He is that planet that shows which remedial measures may have the best possibility of success in balancing a chart. This is why planets with essential dignity are prime candidates, as they are by nature strong. It generally gets more difficult if there are no planets in a chart that have essential dignity. Here the unique determinations of the chart must be considered and the best possible planet chosen. Any planet with accidental dignity is then a candidate. It may not be essentially strong, but if its position is one of strength then it must be considered. Not only the natal chart but also the pre-natal syzygy and pre-natal eclipse are considered. Lastly the unique mesh of receptions between the planets is judged. A planet with strong dignity but without reception can have little influence. The more a planet is in a ‘hub’ of reception, the better. That is why it is possible for a planet with no essential dignity but with strong accidental dignity and reception to be chosen as the LoG, even when a planet with weak essential dignity but with accidental debility and without appreciable reception is present. The astrologer searches for that planet that can best be used remedially. Some may argue that giving a debilitated planet this role is like giving a pirate the captaincy of a luxury liner. But it depends on the condition of the chart and so other metaphors may have to be used to describe such a situation. For example, the amputation of a limb, is an extreme and damaging remedial measure, but it may be the only possibility of saving someone from gangrene and certain death. An antibiotic that doesn’t do anywhere near the same damage may be too weak to help. And that is why in this particular context I cannot exclude this as a possibility. But here skill and experience are needed. After all amputation is not necessary when an antibiotic might do!

Once Lord of the Geniture is recognized it is possible to find the means where the native’s reach can exceed his grasp (as Caroline has so nicely expressed). This is the use of a planetary determination to, with determination of will, grow out of oneself like that of a caterpillar into a butterfly.