Ruler of the Ruler

Definition

This is Valens's second-order rulership technique. You find the ruler of a sign, then look at the ruler of that ruler. The Greek names it oikodespotēs tou oikodespotou, "the houseruler of the houseruler." Ordinary dispositorship asks where a sign's lord falls; this asks the same question one step further out. Following the chain sign → ruler → ruler-of-ruler lets you weigh a placement's prospects.

In Tradition

Valens makes this a standing rule: in any configuration, see in which sign the ruler of the ruler sits and how it is configured. The forecast then turns on the two levels together. If a sign's ruler is badly placed and threatens a crisis, but its own ruler is well placed, relief from that trouble follows — and with it some measure of benefit, hopes that come good. The second-order lord can soften a grim first-order picture, or, read the other way, amplify a promising one.

In Practice

When a sign's ruler is poorly placed and a topic looks threatened, do not stop there: trace one level further to that ruler's own ruler and judge its condition. A well-placed second-order lord lifts the verdict — Valens promises relief and partial benefit even where the first level warned of crisis. This is a refinement of dispositorship, not a synonym for it: dispositorship maps which planet governs which, while the ruler-of-the-ruler reads the rescue or reinforcement waiting one link up the chain.

Historical Origin

The technique is set out by Vettius Valens, Anthology Book IV (chapter 16; in Mark Riley's translation, p. 85), which states the rule of checking the placement and configuration of a ruler's own ruler, and gives the softening forecast when a badly-placed ruler's ruler is itself well situated.

Etymology

Origin: Greek. Meaning: the houseruler of the houseruler.

Further Reading

• Vettius Valens, Anthology
• Chris Brennan, Hellenistic Astrology