Nicole Explains It All

The mesmerizing world of traditional esoteric and ceremonial magic texts fervently categorizes the seven classical planets into three electrifying groups: the benevolent (fortunate), the dark (maleficent/unfortunate), and the enigmatic (changeable).

Based on these classifications within the sources, the three planets most consistently identified as evil or maleficent are:

1. Saturn
2. Mars
3. The Sun

Details on the Classification of Evil Planets

The classification of these planets as evil, or ill-disposed, is clearly established in texts such as The Book of Oberon and related magical traditions:

• Saturn: Classified explicitly as an evil planet.
  • Nature: Saturn’s nature is cold and dry.
  • Disposition: It is described as an enemy to mankind.
  • Effects: Saturn gives firmness and stability, but is also associated with coldness and the dryness of death. In terms of misfortune, Saturn causes discordes, hatred, evil thoughts and cogitations, and can give leave freely, to slay and kill every one, and to lame or maim every member. It also governs old men, Monks, and melancholy men.
• Mars: Classified explicitly as an evil planet.
  • Nature: Mars’s nature is immoderate, hot, and dry, and its complexion is choleric.
  • Disposition: It is termed the lesser fortune and is described as evil disposed.
  • Effects: Mars provides strength and boldness but is strongly associated with dryness, debate, and war. Its influence causes wars, mortality, death, and combustions, and can give two thousand Souldiers at a time. Mars also rules over Barbers, Chirurgeons, Physitians, Sergeants, Executioners, Butchers, and Souldiers.
• The Sun: Classified explicitly as an evil planet.
  • Disposition: Although described as the life and light of all other planets and associated with glory, victory, and courage, the Sun is listed among the evil planets in one table. It is specifically categorized as good fortune by aspect, but evil fortune by corporal conjunction.
  • Note on Ambiguity: The Sun and Moon are sometimes listed as being indifferent. However, the source material generally treats Jupiter and Venus as the unequivocally good or fortunate planets. Given the prompt asks for three evil planets, Saturn and Mars are consistently malefic, and the Sun is listed as the third evil planet in the source classification.

Summary of Planetary Classification

The source material provides the following systematic classification of the seven classical planets: