Triplicities in Astrology

Triplicities in Astrology
Triplicities in astrology are basically a division of the twelve zodiac signs

in to specific groups of three, depending on the element they belong too.
The twelve signs are divided evenly to 4 sets of 3 that are referred to as
Triplicities.
The 4 Triplicities are grouped together like the following:-
1 Sagittarius, Aries, Leo (Fire Signs)

.
2 Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo (Earth Signs)
.
3 Aquarius, Gemini, Libra (Air signs)
.
4 Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio (Water Signs)
.
Every triplicity includes 3 signs, which are connected to one another: by

Tines.
Triplicities and the history behind it
Astrologers started dividing the zodiac signs to Triplicities in the late

Mesopotamian astrological tradition around first millennium BCE.
In early Hellenistic tradition, the practice to divide the signs into

Triplicities was adopted widely.
By first century CE, some astrologers associated the 4 Triplicities with 4

cardinal directions which include west, east, south, and north.
By the second century CE, several astrologers started associating every

triplicity with the elements which include Water Fire, Air and Earth.
Such elemental associations were not adopted universally by all

astrologers Such as those who use the Vedic system even if they seem to
have become usual in Astrological texts during the medieval period,
particularly after the 8 century.
Knowledge of astrological fundamentals is needed to correctly Interpret

Astrological Natal charts and Data.
In this article, we will deal with Triplicities and Elements only. But clear in
mind they are 4 Triplicities, 3 Modalities (Mutable, Fixed and Cardinal) and
3 Fire Signs, 3 Air Signs, 3 Water Signs and 3 Earth Signs belong to each
element.
Classical elements
In traditional Western astrology there are four Triplicities based on

the classical elements. Beginning with the first sign Aries which is a Fire sign,
the next in line Taurus is Earth, then to Gemini which is Air, and finally to
Cancer which is Water -- in Western astrology the sequence is always Fire,
Earth, Air, & Water in that exact order. This cycle continues on twice more
and ends with the twelfth and final astrological sign, Pisces. The elemental
rulerships for the twelve astrological signs of the zodiac (according to Marcus
Manlius) are summarized as follows:
Fire Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Hot, Dry

Earth Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Cold, Dry
Air Gemini, Libra, Aquarius Hot, Wet
Wate Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces Cold, Wet
r
Classic Triplicities and their day and night rulers
Rulerships
In traditional astrology, each triplicity has several planetary rulers, which

change with conditions of sect--that is, whether the chart is a day chart or a
night chart.
Triplicity rulerships are a very important essential dignity--one of the several

factors used by traditional astrologers to weigh the strength, effectiveness
and integrity of each planet in a chart. Many Hellenistic astrologers
considered triplicity rulership the most powerful and demonstrable of the
several essential dignities of a planet.
Triplicity rulerships are as follows:
Triplicity Day Ruler Night Ruler Participating Ruler

Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Sun Jupiter Saturn
Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Venus Moon Mars
:
Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Saturn Mercury Jupiter
Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Venus Mars Moon
One way in which triplicity rulerships were used by earlier astrologers was to
divide a person's life into three periods: early, middle, and late. The condition
of the triplicity ruler that is in sect in the chart is evaluated when considering
the tenor of the early part of life; the ruler out of sect is examined for the
middle of life; and the last third of life is evaluated by looking at the condition
of the participating triplicity ruler.
In medieval systems of astrology, each essential dignity was given a different

weight. Domicile rulers were given 5 points of weight; exaltation rulers were
given 4 points; and triplicity rulers were assigned 3 points of weight. This
gives some idea of how much power medieval astrologers accorded to each
essential dignity.
Ancient Assignment of Triplicity Rulers
Each group of Triplicities has its own set of planetary rulers. Lilly
mentioned two for each triplicity - a day ruler and a night-time ruler - but
originally there were three rulers for each sect. The list of triplicity rulers
given by Dariot in the 16th century is a more faithful reproduction of the
earlier scheme used by the likes of Vettius Valens and Dorotheus in the
classical period. In this system each triplicity has two rulers which
exchange priority according to whether the chart is diurnal or nocturnal,
plus a third ruler which is common to both sects. 'Know the lords of the
Triplicities of the signs' said Dorotheus, 'the lords of the triplicity of Aries
by day are the Sun, then Jupiter, then Saturn. By night Jupiter, then the
Sun, then Saturn'.
The selection of triplicity rulers is dependent upon the correct alignment

between planetary nature and sect; in other words, a diurnal triplicity
could not be governed by a nocturnal planet and vice-versa. The argument
is that nocturnal planets have a very different quality to diurnal ones, and
that beneficial influences are increased when planets are located in a
suitably compatible environment.
One point that confuses many people about planetary sects is that Mars -
notably hot and dry - is aligned to the nocturnal sect who is cold and
moist. If this seems confusing, remember that it was done to moderate the
natural excess of Mars and not to strengthen it. Mars is damaging through
its excess of heat and is better able to produce a beneficial influence
when its natural qualities are harnessed than when they are promoted, as
they would be if Mars were aligned with the diurnal sect. The same goes
for Saturn, which is assigned to the warmth of the diurnal sect in order to
moderate its naturally excessive coldness. The sects to whom the planets
are most suited are:
Breakdown of Rulership Logic
Given that the Aries triplicity comprises Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, we
might expect that it would be ruled by Mars, Sun and Jupiter, the
respective rulers of these signs. However, Mars cannot be accepted as a
ruler because it is assigned to the nocturnal sect and this triplicity is
diurnal. Saturn is therefore substituted for Mars and acts as a co-ruler for
the triplicity both day and night.
The Capricorn triplicity comprises Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn - three

nocturnal signs. It might be argued that Mercury should take a part in
ruling this triplicity because of its dominion over Virgo, but the
intrinsically dry nature of Mercury makes it uncomfortable in the moist
nocturnal triplicity, so the Moon, who delights under such conditions,
especially at night, is substituted. Saturn, the diurnal ruler of Capricorn is
also substituted for Mars which is better placed in the nocturnal sect.
The Libra triplicity is diurnal, comprising Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Saturn takes precedence during the day, because it both rules Aquarius
and is exalted in Libra, while Mercury, ruler of Gemini takes precedence at
night. Venus, the ruler of Libra is dismissed because it is a nocturnal
planet and so needs to be substituted for a diurnal one. The options are
Jupiter or the Sun. Since the Sun is essentially debilitated in two of the
three signs that make up this triplicity, Jupiter is the natural choice.
Finally, the Cancer triplicity is nocturnal, comprising Cancer, Scorpio and

Pisces. The rulers of these signs are the Moon, Mars and Jupiter, but
because Jupiter is diurnal it is substituted for nocturnal Venus.
The rulers of each triplicity are thus established as
follows:
Aries trikona Sun, Jupiter, Saturn

Cancer trikona Venus, Mars, Moon
Libra trikona Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter
Capricorn trikona Venus, Moon, Mars
Most early astrologers used all three planets, rotating their priority by day
and night, but many later ones, including Lilly, chose to use only the
principal rulers. Perhaps they rejected the convoluted logic that lay behind
the definition of sect, or perhaps they were confused by Ptolemy who
appears to mention only two rulers for the Aries and Capricorn Triplicities,
yet explicitly mentions three rulers for the others.
Use of the Three-Rulership scheme
The 3-rulership scheme maintains a natural symbolic significance to the

principles encapsulated by the Triad, particularly in allowing the three
rulers to be used as significator of the beginning, middle and end of any
project. Although astrologers make poor use of them today, it would be
difficult to overstate the importance of Triplicities in classical astrology,
especially in this kind of symbolic overview of any situation. Dorotheus,
writing in the 1st century, says of them:
I tell you that everything which is decided or indicated is from the lords of
the Triplicities, and as for everything of afflictions and distress which
reaches the people of the world and the totality of men; the lords of the
Triplicities decide it.
In his Carmen Astrological, Dorotheus shows how the Triplicities can be

used to interpret almost any aspect of life. For example, in a diurnal
nativity the Sun and its three triplicity rulers indicate the condition of the
father, while the Moon and its triplicity rulers will tell you about the life of
the Mother. If you want to know about a man's general relationship with
women, look to the triplicity of Venus: If the first of the lords of Venus's
triplicity is in a good place and the second in a bad place, then this
condition in the matter of women is good in the beginning of his age, and
in the last it is bad, because the first of the lords of Venus's triplicity
indicates the first years, the second indicates the middle years and the
third indicates the end of life.
Astrological Elements, Quadruplicities, and Polarities
The Elements
The twelve zodiacal signs are divided into four sectors matching the four
elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. An element includes three
compatible signs (triplicity), each element being mutually complementary.
In this free application we offer, you can find out your dominant Elements
of your natal chart, i.e., discover the proportions in which Fire, Air, Earth
or Water are represented and what they mean.
Fire: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Fire signs catch fire very quickly. They are enthusiastic, forthright,
spontaneous, naive, and primary. This element provides the native with
energy, ardour, and passion, but it may incline to violence,
aggressiveness, lack of tact, and anger. Therefore, Fire may be dangerous,
uncontrollable, and impulsive since it is difficult to master. It symbolises
immoderate ambition, courage, the will to fight, dominate and conquer,
but it also favours spiritual elevation, extreme lucidity, and it purifies the
soul.
To illustrate the Fire element, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Fire dominant.
You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a Aries

dominant, Leo dominant, and Sagittarius dominant.
Tens of thousands examples are also available with the search tool by
positions, by aspects, categories, or our real time consulations.
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
People with emphasised earth signs have a practical and realistic mind
and are down to earth. The earth element provides solidity, stability,
persistence and a concrete nature. People ruled by this element know
how to bring their undertakings to a successful conclusion and never shirk
from anything. They are rather calm, slow, and cold, but they are resilient,
with an iron will. Earth is also synonymous with sensuality, earthly
pleasures, and both material and sentimental security. However, the
natives are also capable of incredible temper tantrums and outbursts of
fury if their anger has been repressed for too long.
To illustrate the Earth element, you will find thousands of celebrities
horoscopes who have the Earth dominant.
You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a

Taurus dominant, Virgo dominant, and Capricorn dominant.
Air: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius
It is the element of communication and exchanges. It makes its natives

talkative, distracted, light, swift, curious, and brimming with ideas.
However, air is not palpable. Therefore, ideas may never be implemented,
and the natives may be scattered, always going from right to left, and
vice-versa. They are interested in many things at the same time but
cannot focus on any specific one, and as a result, they never finish off
anything they have started. Air favours the intellect, logics, and the mind
rather than sensitivity or emotions. People ruled by this element are often
very superficial, but they are quick and shrewd.
To illustrate the Air element, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Air dominant.

Gemini dominant, Libra dominant, and Aquarius dominant.
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
This element rules the world of emotions, the unconscious, sensitivity,

and feelings. The natives ruled by the water element are secretive,
intuitive and emotive persons who feel what is unnoticed by other people.
However, they lack realism and find it difficult to adjust to the tough and
materialistic world. Water makes the native fruitful, imaginative, dreamy,
selfless, with an artistic bent, but also lazy, irresolute, vulnerable, and
hypersensitive. People ruled by the water element display a lot of
kindness, empathy, and generosity, but when they are hurt or feel that
they are in danger, they become sly, unpredictable, and disorderly.
To illustrate the Water element, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Water dominant.

Cancer dominant, Scorpio dominant, and Pisces dominant.
The Quadruplicities
Signs are also divided into three sectors comprising four signs each. They
are the Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable sectors. Quadruplicities are also
referred to as mode: the Cardinal mode, the Fixed mode, and the Mutable
mode. Like elements, they rule different values and have characteristics
of their own.
The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn
They are creative and enterprising signs, some sort of engines. Their
peculiarity is to be selfish, to pay excessive attention to themselves, and
to always want to be at the top of the list. However, this means of
assertion may vary significantly from one sign to another.
Aries asserts himself through his physical strength and great energy. He
does not hesitate to "blindly charge headlong".
Cancer progresses by discreetly moving sideways, and pounces on what

she wants when she is certain that the way is clear. In case of failure, she
uses emotions in order to soften up his entourage.
Libra uses charm to coax other people. Thanks to his magnetism and his
apparent gentleness, he always manages to be forgiven.
Capricorn behaves cautiously and discreetly. She is slow, but endowed

with great ambition. As a result, she obtains whatever she wants without
anyone suspecting anything, and exploits this advantage in order to exert
power on other people.
To illustrate the Cardinal mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Cardinal mode dominant.
The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius
People with prominent fixed signs usually enjoy routine. They are
stubborn, inflexible and find it difficult to adjust to new situations.
Nevertheless, they demonstrate tenacity and moral strength, and they
always complete their projects although it takes them some time to get
started.
Taurus is materially fixed. She needs to own and to have materiel comfort.
She does not easily let go and focuses on a single matter.
Leo is fixed in his ardour, his enthusiasm, and his authority. He is
endowed with great energy, both physical and moral, and thus, he easily
brings his projects to a successful conclusion.
Scorpio never wavers in her emotions. She is a deep and thoroughgoing

person. She either loves or hates, and her feelings are never in between.
She knows perfectly well how to control her emotions, which makes her
appear as reserved, cold, or cruel.
Aquarius is constant in his opinions. He may be intellectually intolerant.

He always appears a bit paradoxical in the sense that he is an original
person, but he finds it hard to change his mind in a smooth way.
To illustrate the Fixed mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Fixed mode dominant.
The Mutables Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
They are volatile, changing, quick, and they lack depth. Nevertheless, they
adjust well to all situations. They are complex, with a dual nature that is
mistaken for instability. They are very flexible and tolerant.
Gemini is unstable and swift in intellectual areas. He does not linger for
too long on a subject and shifts from one topic to another. He is
superficial, talkative, and a real weathervane.
Virgo changes her mind. In practical areas, she is a perfectionist who

looks for new means to continuously improve herself.
Sagittarius is enthusiastic in all his activities and can practice many at

the same time. He craves discoveries and new adventures.
Pisces constantly changes in her emotions. She can rapidly shift from
deep ecstasy to the most severe depression, and it is difficult to follow
her because her inner life is complex and rich. She forgets and forgives
easily.
To illustrate the Mutable mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

horoscopes who have the Mutable mode dominant.
The Polarities
Lastly, polarities divide the Zodiac into two groups of six signs. Polarities
are referred to as Masculine and Feminine, Yin and Yang, or Active and
Passive. These characteristics alternate from one sign to the next in
zodiacal order.
Indeed, Aries is Active, Taurus is Passive, Gemini is Active, and so on.

Active signs indicate extroverted, expansive, and fairly physical people
who express themselves easily and are quite energetic and enthusiastic.
Passive signs are more introverted, internalised, intellectual, deep, and
calm.
NOTE:
Each sign projects a set of deep-seated behavioural characteristics and

typical responses to the influence of circumstances. Each sign also
symbolises one of the stations on our spiritual journey. As we undergo
spiritual growth, exploring the process of karmic fruition, each of the
signs presents us with characteristic challenges and rewards.
The nature of these in terms of a sign's character is revealed through the

combination of its Element (Fire, Air, Earth, or Water) and its Quality
(Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable). The energies of the signs do have some
meaning in themselves to tell the story.
Elements Attributes
1 Space (Akasha) Sound
.
2 Wind (Vayu) Sound + touch
.
3 Fire (Agni) Sound + touch + form
.
4 Water (Jala) Sound + touch + form + taste
.
5 Earth (Prithvi) Sound + touch + form + taste + smell
.

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Triplicities in Astrology

Triplicities in astrology are basically a division of the twelve zodiac signs

The 4 Triplicities are grouped together like the following:-

1 Sagittarius, Aries, Leo (Fire Signs)

Every triplicity includes 3 signs, which are connected to one another: by

Triplicities and the history behind it

Astrologers started dividing the zodiac signs to Triplicities in the late

In early Hellenistic tradition, the practice to divide the signs into

By first century CE, some astrologers associated the 4 Triplicities with 4

By the second century CE, several astrologers started associating every

Such elemental associations were not adopted universally by all

Knowledge of astrological fundamentals is needed to correctly Interpret

In traditional Western astrology there are four Triplicities based on

Fire Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Hot, Dry

Classic Triplicities and their day and night rulers

In traditional astrology, each triplicity has several planetary rulers, which

Triplicity rulerships are a very important essential dignity--one of the several

Triplicity Day Ruler Night Ruler Participating Ruler

In medieval systems of astrology, each essential dignity was given a different

Ancient Assignment of Triplicity Rulers

The selection of triplicity rulers is dependent upon the correct alignment

Breakdown of Rulership Logic

The Capricorn triplicity comprises Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn - three

The Libra triplicity is diurnal, comprising Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

Finally, the Cancer triplicity is nocturnal, comprising Cancer, Scorpio and

Aries trikona Sun, Jupiter, Saturn

Use of the Three-Rulership scheme

The 3-rulership scheme maintains a natural symbolic significance to the

In his Carmen Astrological, Dorotheus shows how the Triplicities can be

Fire: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius

To illustrate the Fire element, you will find thousands of celebrities

You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a Aries

Earth: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn

You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a

Air: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius

It is the element of communication and exchanges. It makes its natives

To illustrate the Air element, you will find thousands of celebrities

You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a

Water: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

This element rules the world of emotions, the unconscious, sensitivity,

To illustrate the Water element, you will find thousands of celebrities

You could also be interested to find celebrities horoscopes having a

The Cardinal Signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn

Cancer progresses by discreetly moving sideways, and pounces on what

Capricorn behaves cautiously and discreetly. She is slow, but endowed

To illustrate the Cardinal mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

The Fixed Signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius

Scorpio never wavers in her emotions. She is a deep and thoroughgoing

Aquarius is constant in his opinions. He may be intellectually intolerant.

To illustrate the Fixed mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

The Mutables Signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces

Virgo changes her mind. In practical areas, she is a perfectionist who

Sagittarius is enthusiastic in all his activities and can practice many at

To illustrate the Mutable mode, you will find thousands of celebrities

Indeed, Aries is Active, Taurus is Passive, Gemini is Active, and so on.

Each sign projects a set of deep-seated behavioural characteristics and

The nature of these in terms of a sign's character is revealed through the

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