Astrology has been used for centuries to gain insight into various aspects of life, including fertility.Dorotheus of Sidon was a 1st-century Greek astrologer and astrological poet who had a significant impact on the later Hellenistic and medieval astrological traditions.
Dorotheus' work on astrology, Carmen Astrologicum, is a comprehensive text that covers a wide range of astrological topics, including fertility. The text includes information on the best times for conception, the likelihood of having children, and the sex of the child.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of astrology and fertility, delving into the insights and findings of Dorotheus of Sidon.
In this article, only the precepts of traditional astrology will be applied, based on the Septenary, i.e. the seven planets known to the ancients, the two luminaries as well as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
In traditional astrology, the elements relating to children are:
- The Moon, intrinsically linked to fertility
- the 5th house, the house dedicated to procreation
- the ruler of this house as accidental significator
- the fertility of the signs
- Jupiter, which is the general significator of children
The Sun, which is neither a benefic nor a maleficstar, has no connection with children. Mercury, the only hermaphroditic planet, is also not taken into consideration for fertility and children in Hellenistic astrology unless it is the ruler of the 5th house. Same for the Sun. Venus, the little benefic, and Jupiter, the great benefic, promote fertility, while Mars, the little malefic, and Saturn, the great malefic, "kill"progenyfromanastrologicalperspective. Venus has a strong link with the 5th house since this planet is in joy in it. Venus represents femininity, joy and pleasure, of which sexuality is a part. Jupiter’s multiplying power is eminently favorable tochildren.
Medieval astrologers also established certain rules for zodiac signs according to their elementalproperties (fire, earth, air or water). The triplicity is also an important parameter: cardinal, fixed and mutable signs are differently classified when it comes to fertility. Here is a table illustrating the fertility of astrological signs(with annotations in French):
However, some say all mutable astrological signs favor children. This would mean Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces should be considered as fertile signs. But there is no consensus on this point.
To determine the number of children symbolized in a birth chart, using the Dorotheus of Sidon method, start by locating Jupiter in the natal chart. Once Jupiter has been located, it is time to consult its triplicityrulers. Triplicity rulers are a dignity no longer used in modern astrology. It’s a lesser dignity thandomicile, exaltation, exile and fall. For each astrological sign, three triplicity lords were defined according to the individual’s time of birth: the diurnalruler, the nocturnal ruler and the neutralruler.
Here is the table with all triplicity lords per sign(4th, 5th and 6th columns):
For example, if Jupiter is in Cancer, its three triplicity rulers are Venus, Mars and the Moon. The second step in this method involves defining the strongest triplicityruler, i.e. the one with the most dignities. We will favor the lord in domicile, exaltation or angular house (1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses). If no ruler is angular, in domicile or exaltation, choose the one not in an unfavorable house, such as the 6th, 8th and 12thhouses.
From the position of the triplicity lord with the best configuration, you need to count the number of signs between the sign where this planet is located and the ascendant. This is how the number of children is defined. However, if Mars and/or Saturn occupy one (or two) of these signs, then that(these) sign(s) must be considered null and void. If, on the other hand, these signs contain Venus and/or Jupiter, this could mean two children or even twins with Jupiter in a fertile sign. Jupiter is an amplifier in astrology. Let’s now look at several examples.
Here is my sister’s birth chart. She is 37, she is a divorcée and has a daughter.
Jupiter is in Pisces. The three triplicity lords in Pisces are Venus, MarsandtheMoon. Venus is in the 12th house which is an unfortunate and cadent house. Mars and the Moon are conjunct in the 5th house, the house of children. The 5th house is in Capricorn. Hence, the Moon is in exile. However, Mars is exalted in this sign. Therefore, Mars is the most powerful triplicity ruler. Between Capricorn and the ascendant in Virgo, there are three signs: Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. Scorpio is a fertile sign, Libra and Sagittarius are fairly fertile. This could mean three children. But, Saturn is in Sagittarius. Only two potential children remain. She may get pregnant again. Nevertheless, the fact that Pluto is in Scorpio does not bode well. I know, I know, Pluto is not supposed to be taken into account as it is a medieval method. Pluto was discovered in 1930.
Here is my birth chart. I am not a father and I don’t want children.
Jupiter is in Lion. The three triplicity lords are the Sun, Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter is the most powerful ruler as it is on the cuspid of the 1st house. This means no children.
Third example:JuliaRoberts,a motherof3. Here is her chart:
Jupiter is in Virgo. Venus, the Moon and Mars are the triplicity lords. Venus is in fall in Virgo. The Moon is in the 2nd house Leo. Mars is angular and exalted in Capricorn. This is the ruler that we pick here. Mars is below the horizon (ascendant / descendant). Let’s count the signs below the horizon between Cancer and Capricorn. There are five signs: Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. Leo is a sterile sign. Virgo as well. Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius are fertile signs. None contains Mars or Saturn. And Julia Roberts has three children.
In conclusion, Dorotheus of Sidon’s method for determining the number of children symbolized in a birth chart is interesting because it is often effective. You now have all the keys you need to apply this method to an infinite number of people. You might be surprised!
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