Meaning “good makers” and “bad makers” respectively. Jupiter and Venus are of the former, Saturn and Mars of the latter. Mercury is common. In the sky, the benefics are bright white, while the malefics are darker, likely the original source of this distinction. They are affirm or deny the quality and intensity of different Planets, either could be made good/bad based on Sect
The qualities of the Luminaries are a topic of debate. The Moon is generally considered benefic, while the Sun is either benefic or common (like Mercury) - possibly because of its positive illumination of aspected planets but malefic quality when a planet is Under the Beams.
Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan Astrology Hellenistic Astrology