Barren Signs. Gemini, Leo and Virgo. The Moon in Sagittarius, and Aquarius is also said to
signify a tendency toward barrenness. v. Signs: Barren and Fertile.
Beholding Signs. Those which have the same declination; i.e., at equal distances from the
Tropics; as Aries and Virgo, Taurus and Leo, Gemini and Cancer, Libra and Pisces, Scorpio and
Aquarius, Sagittarius and Capricorn. Because such pairs of Signs were either both Northern, or
both Southern, they were by Ptolemy deemed to be "of equal power." This consideration,
however, applied only when two such Signs were joined by a body in each, mutually
configurated.
Bel. (Lord). The Babylonian form of Baal. He was a member of the supreme triad of deities:
Anu, god of the heavens; Bel, god of the Earth; and Ea, god of the waters.
Belts of Jupiter. A varying number of dusky belt-like bands or zones encircling the planet
Jupiter, parallel to its equator. It suggests the existence of an atmosphere, the clouds forced into
a series of parallels through the rapidity of rotation, the dark body of the planet showing through
relatively clear spaces between.
Benefic Aspects. Planetary relations, or familiarities, which permit the unobstructed release of
cosmic energy, hence conducive to harmony. (v. Aspects: Benefic, Malefic.) B. Influences.
Those produced by benefic planets and aspects, either in the Nativity or by transits. B. Planets.
The so-called benefics: Venus and Jupiter, by some the Sun. (v. Planets.)
Besieged. A benefic planet situated between two malefics, within orbs of each, is said to be
besieged and therefore unfortunately placed. Some authorities restrict its application to a
Significator when between and within orbs of two benefics. Older authorities, who applied the
term to a planet situated between any two planets, considered a planet between Venus and
Jupiter to be favorably besieged, but if between Mars and Saturn it was in an extremely
unfavorable position.
Bestial signs. Those which have been symbolized by beasts, or animals: Aries, Taurus, Leo,
Scorpio, the last half of Sagittarius, Capricorn and Pisces. v. Signs.
Bicorporeal. Said of double-bodied Signs: Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces. As originally
employed by Ptolemy, bicorporeal was the only term by which he characterized the signs that
are now designated as Mutable, or Deductive. Thus it is apparent that he classified Virgo also as