Besieging: When a Planet Is Enclosed Between Two Others #

The Mechanics of Enclosure #

To understand besieging, one must look at the zodiacal order of planets within a specific section of the chart. A planet is considered besieged when it separates from a conjunction or aspect with one planet and applies directly to a conjunction or aspect with another, without any intervening aspects to other bodies.

For example, if Venus is at 15° Aries, Mars is at 10° Aries, and Saturn is at 20° Aries, Venus is besieged. As Venus moves forward in the zodiac, it separates from Mars and applies directly to Saturn. Venus is “locked” between these two forces.

In classical astrology, the strictest definition of besieging requires the enclosure to occur via bodily conjunction (all three planets in the same sign or close proximity). However, broader traditional applications also include enclosure by aspect, where a planet is caught between the rays of two other planets casting aspects from elsewhere in the chart.

Types of Besieging in Tradition #

Historical texts, such as those by Hellenistic astrologers and later medieval practitioners like Guido Bonatti, placed significant emphasis on which planets were doing the besieging. The tradition classified these enclosures primarily into two categories:

• Enclosure by Challenging Planets: Traditionally termed being “besieged by malefics” (typically Mars and Saturn). This was considered a difficult condition. The enclosed planet’s function was seen as constrained, pressured, or forced to operate in an environment of friction and limitation.
• Enclosure by Supportive Planets: Traditionally termed being “besieged by benefics” (typically Venus and Jupiter). This was considered an extremely fortunate condition, sometimes referred to as “intervention” or “bonification.” The enclosed planet’s function was seen as protected, elevated, and provided with abundant resources and opportunities.

Modern Psychological Interpretation #

In modern archetypal astrology, we avoid deterministic labels like “good” or “bad.” Instead, we view besieging as a specific structural dynamic that shapes how a psychological function develops and expresses itself.

When a planet is enclosed, its fundamental archetype cannot operate independently; it must always navigate the demands of its two neighbors.

• If enclosed by stabilizing or expansive forces (e.g., Venus and Jupiter): The besieged planet’s function is naturally supported. For instance, a Mercury enclosed by Venus and Jupiter might indicate a communication style that is inherently diplomatic, optimistic, and well-received. The individual finds it easy to express their thoughts harmoniously.
• If enclosed by contracting or active forces (e.g., Mars and Saturn): The besieged planet operates under high pressure. A Moon enclosed by Mars and Saturn suggests that emotional needs (Moon) are constantly navigating a tension between the urge to act forcefully (Mars) and the need for rigorous boundaries and discipline (Saturn). The individual’s emotional life is serious and intensely focused.

Working with a Besieged Planet #

A besieged planet represents a focused area of the chart where energy is concentrated and highly conditioned.

Rather than seeing an enclosure by challenging planets as a “curse,” it is more accurate to view it as a site of intense maturation. The besieged planet is in a forge. It cannot take the easy way out. The friction generated by the enclosing planets demands that the enclosed function become highly specialized, resilient, and disciplined.

Conversely, an enclosure by supportive planets requires conscious effort to avoid complacency. Because the function operates so smoothly and with such natural support, the individual might take it for granted or fail to develop resilience in that area when actual difficulties arise.

Understanding a besieging dynamic provides profound insight into why certain areas of life feel inextricably linked or why a specific planetary function always seems to operate under a very specific set of conditions.

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