Astrology is much more complicated than first meets the eye.
We tend to plaster quick labels on people based on their Sun sign and call it a day, but this is only one of many things we have to consider.
A person can be born under an ambitious and motivated sign, such as Leo, and still struggle with confidence, success, love, money, etc.
Il condition of the planets in their chart can reveal why. When a planet is “afflicted,” it means it’s not functioning at its best.
Let’s explore how afflicted planets work, how they affect your sign, and what you can do about it!
1. What Does “Afflicted” Mean in Astrology?
An afflicted planet is one that’s weakened or limited in some way.
Affliction mainly happens when planets receive negative aspects from other malefic planets, such as Mars or Saturn.
They might also sit in a zodiac sign that clashes with their energy (for example, Mars in Cancer).
Some astrologers also consider retrograde planets as partly afflicted because they tend to operate differently.
Such a planet struggles to express its qualità positive.
But don’t despair – this doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It just means you might have to work a little harder to overcome certain challenges.
2. Negative Aspects and Their Impact
When a planet forms a square or opposition con un malefic planet, it’s like putting roadblocks in its path.
These negative aspects can hinder its natural expression, making its energy feel unstable.
For instance, a Mars square Saturn might make a person slow to act, even if Mars is naturally energetic.
The planet is still present in the chart, still trying to do its thing, but it’s fighting an uphill battle.
This can create inner conflicts and a feeling like the whole world is working against you.
But again, an afflicted planet doesn’t mean you can’t achieve things; you just need to understand your shortcomings and work around them.
3. The Sign Placement and Its Role
A planet’s placement in your chart also matters a lot.
If a planet is in a sign where it’s naturally weak, it’s going to be afflicted.
Mars in Cancer is in caduta, which means it’s weaker and less effective. This can make your actions feel sluggish, or you might act emotionally.
On the flipside, Mars in Capricorn is exalted, which makes it stronger.
The sign can either support or hinder a planet’s expression.
So, even if a planet receives negative aspects, being in a supportive sign can lessen the impact. Your challenges become more manageable.
4. Retrograde Planets
Retrograde planets are sometimes also seen as afflicted because they appear to move backward in the sky, which can delay or complicate their energy.
Everyone’s favorite villain, Mercury retrograde, impacts communication and decision-making, while Venus retrograde might impact relationships.
Retrogrades slow down the planet’s usual flow, making it harder for its qualities to manifest smoothly.
If you have a retrograde planet that’s also receiving negative aspects, it may be doubly challenged.
5. Taurus and Virgo
Earth signs like Taurus and Virgo tend to ground planets, but they can also weaken certain energies if planets are afflicted.
For Taurus, a planet in fall might struggle with stability or persistence, which can make it harder for them to stick to their goals.
Virgo’s analytical nature can turn into overcritical tendencies if a planet is challenged.
For instance, a challenging aspect to Mercury in Virgo could cause perfezionismo.
However, Earth signs also bring practicality, so even if a planet is afflicted, it can be managed by focusing on steady progress.
6. Gemini and Cancer
Gemini is ruled by Mercury, so Mercury-ruled planets in Gemini can be more adaptable and also more scattered if afflicted.
Cancer, ruled by the Moon, is known for its sensitivity.
An afflicted Moon in Cancer can lead to sbalzi d'umore and emotional insecurity.
If Mercury is negatively aspected in Gemini, communication may be difficult, so misunderstandings are more likely to happen.
These signs have exceptional adaptability, so even when planets aren’t favorable, they always find a way to manage.
7. Leo and Scorpio
Leo and Scorpio are uniquely intense signs. If planets in these signs are afflicted, it can lead to issues like low self-esteem and emotional chaos.
A weak Sun in Leo can make them feel insecure about their identity, and even shy.
Scorpio’s planets, if challenged, create trust issues and power struggles.
Leo wants recognition, and Scorpio wants depth.
A challenged planet makes it difficult for them to achieve the things they want most. Again, it’s far from impossible, but it will take more awareness and work.
8. Sagittarius and Capricorn
Sagittarius and Capricorn are ruled by Jupiter and Saturn; these planets embody expansion and discipline.
An afflicted Jupiter might limit the natural optimism of Sagittarius. It can also make them closed off and afraid of new things.
A challenged Saturn in Capricorn creates feelings of restriction and a fear of failure.
These challenges feel like roadblocks, but if you’re stubborn enough, they can also make you more resilient.
For example, a negatively aspected Saturn can force you to develop discipline and patience in order to achieve your goals.
Even if a planet is challenged, it can still serve as a catalyst for inner strength.
9. Aquarius and Pisces
Aquarius and Pisces are the most idealistic signs. An afflicted Uranus or Neptune can cause confusion and instability for them.
For instance, a challenged Neptune in Pisces could lead to escapism and denial, while a challenged Uranus makes Aquarius antisocial.
These signs also have their unique ways of navigating issues.
Affliction can push them toward spiritual development and unconventional thinking. That way, limitations actually become new opportunities.
10. Aries and Libra
Aries and Libra are ruled by Mars and Venus, respectively.
When planets are afflicted in these signs, it can influence how they approach new beginnings and structure their relationships.
A challenged Mars in Aries often manifests as destructive impulsiveness and impatience, which leads them to be perpetually frustrated.
An afflicted Venus in Libra can result in issues with autostima and indecisiveness.
The affliction might actually force these signs to cultivate patience and self-awareness more than they usually would to overcome their challenges.
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery. Through my writing, I hope to empower readers to align with their true selves and navigate life’s mysteries with confidence.