Yes, and here’s how.

Detriment is a term used in Astrology to describe a planet that has its power lessened due to its apparent placement in a certain zodiac sign or signs. Earth, although being a planet, is not considered in many astrological readings since we are physically on the planet and not viewing it in the sky as we do other planets.

Esoteric Astrology, coined by Alice A. Bailey, speaks on Earth as if it were any other planet and offers the idea that it is the ruler of the zodiac sign Sagittarius. If you know a little about astrology, then it would be clear that since Earth rules Sagittarius it is automatically in detriment in the zodiac sign Gemini, the opposite sign to Sagittarius. How do we interpret this?

First, we have to understand what Earth, Sagittarius, and Gemini mean in Esoteric Astrology. Keep in mind that this field of astrology deals with consciousness, or awareness of intangible life. Earth is the workplace of the soul to realize and manifest itself. The result is consciousness and our physical body. Since this is the only planet in our solar system that can support life, Earth symbolizes humanity and the human experience in general. Gemini is soul-body relation via the mind, and Sagittarius is focused energy and conscious creative pursuits.

Western World History

If Esoteric Astrology deals with consciousness, the soul illuminating the mind, then why would Earth be in detriment in Gemini, a sign which encourages the union of the soul and mind/body?

We have to look at the context of what was going on specifically for the Western world when Esoteric Astrology was established. As stated earlier this field was coined by Alice A. Bailey and her book of the same name was published in 1951. This year is just a few years removed from the World Wars when the effects of global colonialism, militarism, and industrialization were becoming prominent and just shy of the Civil Rights Movement. Humanity had its hands full at this time.

This was a time of survival. Everyone was on edge at all times due to looming foreign and domestic terrorism. With something like this weighing heavy in the mind constantly, when can one truly take the time to cultivate soul-mind-body connection? In other words, how can we relate to each other if we’re in a constant state of survival and our surroundings are not known for that?

Soul, Mind, and Body Connection

This type of connection is not a one and done deal. It has to be consistently nurtured and cared for but because of how the Western world is built and the values it is founded on, this is difficult and not supported hence why the Earth can be considered to be in detriment in Gemini.

Just because a planet is in detriment does not mean good is not possible. It simply means that an individual or nation has to shift their attention and efforts to that energy if it is to ever rightly manifest.

As for Earth ruling Sagittarius, that’s a Patreon exclusive.