Modern astrology often divides the planets into “benefics” and “malefics” or the transits into “positive” and “negative” aspects, reinforcing the illusion that some are helpful while others are harmful. But from the nondual understanding, this view collapses.

All planetary transits simply represent archetypal energies arising within the impersonal stream of consciousness. These energies are then experienced through the unique lens of each apparent individual.

When these energies flow unimpeded, they manifest in transcendent, harmonious ways—regardless of how “difficult” they may be considered in traditional astrology.

What distorts their expression is not the planet or angle, but the ego.

What is the Ego Again?

The ego is inner resistance and conflict. It arises from the illusion of separateness—from the false belief that there is a “me” that is in control and must protect itself from life.

The ego constantly resists the present because of attachment to mental images and beliefs. In doing so, it blocks the natural flow of life energy and creates a great deal of inner tension in the body of an individual. This eventually manifests in ways that make life feel heavy, intense, and painful.

But when the ego softens or dissolves, life is no longer something to fight, fix, or flee from. Transits no longer “happen to you”—they simply arise effortlessly in your experience and leave you in a state of peace and alignment.

Revisiting the Malefics

Let’s consider the classical “malefics”, Mars and Saturn. Mars is typically associated with conflict and severance, while Saturn governs limitation and restriction. These are the energies that most egos find uncomfortable—because they challenge the ego’s demand for control, comfort, and sense of permanence.

But from the nondual understanding, neither Mars nor Saturn are “bad.” They are simply transformational forces—energies that serve the dissolution of false identity and the re-alignment with truth.

Mars: The Flame of Clarity

When filtered through the ego, Mars can feel like a raging fire—reactivity, anger, compulsive action, and severing from a place of fear or domination. It fights for “me” or “my tribe”, for position and validation.

When the ego falls silent, Mars reveals its true nature as a force of lucid courage. It no longer seeks to conquer others but becomes devoted to severing illusion. Its fire, once reactive and impulsive, transforms into a disciplined flame. Action no longer arises from egoic struggle, but from inner alignment. It is not the will to overpower or force, but the duty to serve what is true and authentic.

Saturn: The Sacred Architect

When filtered through the ego, Saturn becomes a harsh authority—rigid, punishing, withholding. Its laws feel cold and burdensome, its limitations suffocating. It manifests as fear of failure, self-doubt, or the endless need to prove one’s worth through external achievement and control.

But when the ego falls silent, Saturn reveals its true nature as the wise architect of form. It no longer imprisons, but anchors. It teaches that true freedom is found through discipline and responsibility to something greater than the self. Its boundaries become not walls, but foundations—structures through which essence can be expressed with integrity. Saturn does not suppress, it hones and shapes.

A Note on Non-Prescription

As an important reminder, nondual astrology is not a prescription for how to optimize life, but a description of what happens when deep understanding takes place.

Therefore, this is not a call to “try to express planetary energies in a higher way.” That would still be the ego attempting to control and manipulate.

When the illusion of separation falls away, alignment happens naturally. Effort dissolves. And every planetary energy—yes, even the malefics—manifest harmoniously and peacefully.