On the

Heavenly Spheres

Helena Avelar an d Luis Riheiro

 C o p y rig h t 2010 b y H elena A v e la r and L uis R ib eiro

N o p a rt o f this b o o k m ay b e rep ro d u ced o r tran scrib ed in an y form o r b y an y m eans, elec tro n ic o r m ech a n ical, in clu d in g
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w w w .a stro lo g e rs .c o m

P rin te d in th e U n ite d S tates o f A m erica

ii
 A strology is alive. It is w hole, functional and independent.

It has been present in the hum an spirit from the first civilizations

w hen M an began his long search for m eaning

It has spanned eras and cultures,

yet alw ays rem ains perfectly current and relevant.

It is clear, clean, and objective know ledge: contain in g nothing nebulous.

Just as it m ust be clear for one to view the stars at night,

so too thought m ust be clear for one to m aster astrological interpretation.

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 D e d ic a tio n

To the students o f the A cadem y,

w ho have been a constant source o f im provem ent and inspiration to us.

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 Contents

Preface by Sue W ard xxv

Introduction xxvii

C h a p te r I , A s t r o lo g y 1
T he H eavens in M otion 1
Prediction 2
The B ranches o f A strology 2
A strological T ypes 3
B rie f H istory o f A strology 4
O rigins o f A strology 4
M ésopotam ie P eriod 4
G reek o r H ellenistic Period 5
M edieval P erio d 5
T he R enaissance 6
D ecline o f A strology 6
R evival 6
M o d em A pproach 7

C h a p te r II , T h e U n iv e r s e A c c o r d in g to A s tr o lo g y 9
M odels and Perspectives 9
T he A strological R eality 10
T he C elestial Spheres M odel 10
T he W o rld o f the E lem ents 12
P rim ary Q u alities 12
F o rm atio n o f the E lem ents 13
T he T em p eram en ts 15
C holeric 15
Sanguine 16
M elancholic 17
Phlegm atic 17

C h a p te r I I I , T h e A s tr o lo g ic a l C h a r t 19
T he R ep resen tatio n o f the A stro lo g ical C hart 20
T he H oroscope T h ro u g h H isto ry 20

vii
 C h a p t e r I V , T h e P la n e ts 25

P la n e ta ry S y m b o ls 25
P la n e ta ry H ierarch y 26
T h e L u m in aries and the Planets 26
S u p e rio r and In ferio r Planets 26
T h e M o d e m Planets 27
N a tu re o f the Planets 27
T h e T em p eram en ts 27
M alefic and Bcncfic Planets 28
G en d er: M asculine and Fem inine 29
Sect: D iurnal and Nocturnal 30
Sect Im plications in Planetary Expression 30
C h aracteristics o f the Seven Planets 31
Saturn 31
Jupiter 32
M ars 32
Sun 32
V enus 33
M ercuiy 33
M oon 34
Rulcrships and A ssociations o f the Planets 34
Colors 34
O dors and Flavors 35
Places
35
M inerals 35
Physical A ppearance 36
Professions 36
M eteorology
37
P lanetary Periods
37
The A ges o f M an
38
P hases o f G estation
38

C h a p t e r V , T h e Z o d ia c a n d t h e S ig n s
41
T he Z o d iac and the Signs 41
T he Im ag es and Sym bols o f the Signs 43
T h e N atu re o f the Signs 45
T h e M odes 45
T h e T em p eram en t o f the Signs 46
T h e P lan etary R ulers 48
T h e N a tu re o f the Signs 48
A d d itio n a l C h aracteristics 49
In te ip re ta tio n o f the Signs 50
P la n e ts in S igns: H ow to Interpret 51

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 Characterization and D escription by Sign 52
Rulerships and Sign A ssociations 54
Body Parts 54
Physical A ppearance 54
Spatial D irections 55
L ocations 56
C ountries or Regions 56
Cities 57
T he M om entum o f the Planets in the Z odiac 58
V elocity 58
R etrogradation 60
E ffects o f a Retrograde Planet 60
Stations 61
Latitude o f the Planets 61
C ycles o f the Planets 62
Zodiacal o r Sidereal C ycle 62
Synodic C ycle 63
T he A uge o f the Planets 63
T he Z odiac in A stronom y and H istory 64
C onstellation versus Sign 65
T he A strological A ges 66

C h a p t e r V I , T h e E s s e n tia l D ig n it ie s 67
T he S ystem o f E ssential D ignities and D ebilities 67
T he M ajor D ig nities 67
D om icile or R ulership 67
H ow R ulership is A ssigned 68
Joy B y Sign 69
E xile o r D etrim ent 70
E xaltation 70
F all 70
H ow the E xaltations and F alls A re A ssigned 71
T he D egrees o f E x altatio n 71
S econdary D ignities 72
T riplicities 72
T erm s 72
F aces 72
D ispositors and R ulers 75
T he D isp o sito r 75
Interp retatio n o f D ig n ities and D ebilities o f the P lanets in N ativ ities 77
Scorin g o f D ig n ities and D eb ilities 77
T he Scorin g S ystem 79
E xam ple S coring o f the E ssential D ignities 79
T h e A lm u te n 81

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 C h a p te r V II, T h e H o u ses 83
T he H em ispheres 84
T h e Q uadrants 84
T h e T w elv e H ouses 85
C lassificatio n o f the H ouses 86
A n g u larity 86
G en d er 88
T h e S ig n ificatio n s o f the T w elve Houses 88
F irst H ouse 88
S eco n d H ouse 89
T h ird H ouse 89
F ourth H ouse 89
F ifth H ouse 90
S ix th H ouse 90
S eventh H ouse 91
E ig h t H ouse 91
N in th H ouse 91
T enth H ouse 92
Eleventh H ouse 92
Tw elfth H ouse 93
Benefic and M alefics H ouses 93
D erived H ouses 94
D erived Significations o f the H ouses 94
H ouse-S ign-P lanet Interaction 96
Sign-H ouse Interaction 96
H ouse C usp Sign 96
H ouse R uler 96
Intercepted Signs 98
H ouse-P lanet Interaction 98
Planets in H ouses 99
D egrees o f A ngularity 100
T he Joys 100
Integration o f E ssential D ignity, A ngularity and Joy 102

C h a p te r V ]H , T h e A sp e c ts 105
T h e F iv e A spects 105
In co n ju n cts 106
L ig h t as a B asis fo r the A spects 106
T h e O rbs 107
P artile an d P latic A spects 108
O u t-o f-S ig n A spects 109
V ariatio n s in the D efinitions o f an A spect 110
A sp e c ts in M otion: A pplications and Separations 111
S p ecific C ases: V o id o f C ourse and F eral 113

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 D exter and S inister A spects 114
A spects to N on-planetary Points 115
Representing A spects in the H oroscope 116
A spect N otation 116
A G uide for M apping A spects in a C hart 117
Interpretation 120
T he N ature o f the A spects 120
C onjunction 121
O pposition 121
T rine 121
Square 121
Sextile 121
A spects and the R ulership S chem e 121
Interpreting the A spects 123
Im portance and Intensity o f an A spect 124
B asic S ignifications 124
T he Friendship and E nm ity o f theP lanets 125
A G uide for P lanetary C om binations 125
Specific S ignification in the Context o f the C hart 128
Interpretation o f non-planetary aspects 129
A ntiscia 129
C alculating A ntiscia 129
O th er R elationships B etw een Signs 131

C h a p t e r I X , C h a r t D y n a m ic s 135
T he A spects in M otion 135
T he 30-D egree R uler 136
C om bined M ovem ents 135
T ranslation o f L ig ht 138
C ollection o f L ight 139
Prohibition o f L ight 140
F rustration o f L ight 141
R efranation o f L ight 142
A ssisted and B esieg ed P lanets 143
A ssistance 143
B esieg em en t 143
E xam ples o f A ssistan ce an d B esieg em en t 144
R eception 145
S om e A d d itio n al C oncepts 148
E m ission o f V irtu e 148
R eturn o f V irtu e 148

C h a p t e r X , T h e C o n d it io n o f th e P la n e t s 149
Sun and P lan et R elatio n sh ip s 143

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 In crease an d D ecrease in Light 143
P ractice Exam ple: Increase and D ecrease in Light 150
U n d e r the B eam s, Com bustion, and Cazim i 150
O rien tality an d O ccid entality 153
H ow to d eterm in e O rientality and O ccidentality 153
E x am p le for O rientality and O ccidentality 155
T h e C o n d itio n s o f the M oon 155
T he L u n atio n C ycle 155
O rien tality and O ccidentality o f the M oon 156
H ow to D eterm ine the M o o n ’s Phase 156
T he S yzygies o r Lunations 157
O ccid en tality and O rientality o f the Planets to the M oon 158
C onditions Specific to the M oon 158
T he V ia C om busta 158
G em ini M oon 159
L ate D egrees o f a Sign 159
T he L unar M ansions 159
O th er P lanetary Conditions 161
H ayz 161
Exam ple fo r Planets in H a y z 163
D u s to r ia o r Security 164
A l m u g e a (or Proper Face) 165
Practice Exam ple for Planets in A lm ugea 165
R econciling A pparently Contradictory C onditions 166

C h a p te r X I, L u n a r N o d e s 167
Interpretation o f the N odes 168
The Exaltations o f the N odes 169
E clipses 169
S olar E clipses 169
L u n ar E clipses 170
T he P erio d icity o f E clipses 171
In terpreting E clipses 172

C h a p t e r X I I , T h e F ix e d S ta r s 173
T h e N atu re o f the F ix ed Stars 173
P rincipal F ix ed Stars 174
M o v em en t o f th e F ix ed Stars 176
F ix e d S tars in the H oroscope 177
In terp retin g th e F ix ed Stars 178
F ix ed S tars E x am p le 178
C o n stellatio n s 179
P aran s 179
L ist o f F ix ed S tars an d th e ir N ature 180

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C h a p te r X III, T h e P a r ts 185
The V arious Parts and their U se 186
T he Part o f F ortune 188
Exam ple: C alculating the Part o f Fortune 188
Interpretation E xam ples for the Part o f Fortune 190
H ouses from the Part o f F ortune 190
The Part o f Spirit 190
The Part o f Faith 191
T he Part o f S ubstance 192
T he Part o f M arriage 192
T he Part o f C hildren 193
T he Parts o f the F ath er and the M other 193

C h a p te r X I V , T h e P o w e r o f th e P la n e ts 195
Strength o f the Planets: A ccidental D ignities 195
A ccidental D ignities and D ebilities and T heir Scoring 196
Position by H ouse 196
R elationship to the Sun 197
M otion 197
A spects 197
C onform ity 198
C onju nction to the L unar N odes 198
L unar C ondition 198
C onjunction to Fixed Stars 199
O ther A ccidental D ignities and D ebilities 199
Final Scoring: T able o f Strengths and D ebilities o f the Planets 199
Scoring E xam ple 201
Im portant C onsiderations R egardin g the P ractical U se o f the T able 205
E xam ples o f the Scorin g T able 206
E xam ple 1 : F lo rbela E spanca 206
E xam ple 2: F riedrich N ietzsche 207
E xam ple 3: A gatha C hristie 208
E xam ple 4: B roken C om puter 209
E xam ple 5: Sports C ham pionship 209
E xam ple 6: H om e P urchase 210

A p p e n d ix 1 , T h e A s tr o lo g ic a l S y m b o ls 211

P lanetary S ym bols 211

T he Sym bols o f the Signs 211
T he S ym bols o f the N o d es 212

A p p e n d ix 2 , T h e M o d e r n P la n e ts 213

T h e M o d e m o r the T ra n s-satu m ian Planets 214

U ranus, N eptune, and P luto 214

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 T h e Q u e stio n o f M odem Rulcrships 215
A stro lo g ical A ssociations o f the Trans-saturnian Planets 215
T h e M atter o f Speed 216
T h e M a tte r o f V isibility 217
C o n clu sio n 217
T h e A stero id s and O ther M inor Bodies 217
T he M atter o f Interpretation 219
H y p o th etical P lanets 219
M o d em N o n -P lan etary Points 220

A p p e n d ix 3 , M in o r D ig n itie s , Z o d ia c a l D e g r e e s a n d A d d it io n a l T a b le s 221
M in o r D ig n ties 221
N o v en aria 221
D u odenaria o r D uodecim ac (Tw elfth-Parts) 222
Practical A pplication 222
T he D egrees o f the Zodiac and their Properties 223
M asculine and Fem inine D egrees 223
L ight, Dark, Sm oky and V oid D egrees 223
P itted D egrees 224
A zem ene o r U nlucky D egrees 224
F ortunate D egrees 224
A dditional T ables 224
V ariants o f the Term s 225

A p p e n d ix 4 , A d d it io n a l C o n s id e r a t io n s C o n c e r n in g th e H o u s e s 227

B rie f N otes on the O rigin and D evelopm ent o f the H ouses 227
T he Problem o f H ouse System s 228
D ifferent M ethods o f D ivision 228
V arious H ouse System s 228
M ost P opular System s 229
W hich is the B est System ? 230
H ig h er L atitu des 230
T echnical N otes on T raditional H ouse System s 231
T h e T rip licities o f the H ouses 232
H o w to d eterm in e the Triplicity R ulers 234
In te rp re tatio n E xam ples 234
C o -sig n ifica to rs o f the H ouses 235

A p p e n d ix 5 , M in o r A s p e c ts a n d A s p e c t C o n fig u r a tio n s 237

M in o r A sp ec ts 237
M in o r A sp e ct S ym bols 23 8
P a rallels a n d C o n tra-p arallels 238
A s p e c t C o n fig u ra tio n s 239
T -S q u a re s a n d G ran d C ross 239
G ra n d an d S m all T rin e 239

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A p p e n d ix 6 , T h e P la n e ta r y H o u r s 241
Planetary hours and official hours 243
C alculation o f the Planetary H ours 244
Practical A pplication 246
G eneral m eanings o f the planetary hours 246
C om bining P lanetary D ays and H ours 247

A p p e n d ix 7 , A s tr o lo g ic a l C h a r t C a lc u la tio n s 251
M aterials 251
C alculations 251
Part I, C alculating the H ouse Cusps 252
P art II, C alculating the L ongitude o f the Planets 253
C hart C alculation E xam ples 254
T echnical B ib liography 262

A d d e n d u m , T h e B a s ic s o f C h a r t D e lin e a tio n 263

T em peram en t 263
Scoring Individual T em peram en t 264
C onsiderations about the A ssessm ent o f T em peram ent 267
Personal M otivations 268
The A scendant and its R uler 268
Practice E xam ples 269
C ase 1 269
C ase 2 269
C ase 3 269
C ase 4 270
T he F irst Step . . . 271
Final T houghts 273
A nnotated B ibliography 275
C hart D ata 278

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xvi
 I llu s tr a tio n s , D ia g r a m s a n d T a b le s

C h a p te r I, A s t r o lo g y

Figure 1, The B ranches o f A strology 3

C h a p t e r I I, T h e U n iv e r s e A c c o r d in g to A s t r o lo g y

Figure 1, A stronom ical o r H eliocentric M odel: the Celestial Bodies O rbit A round the Sun9
Figure 2, P tolem aic M odel: The Celestial Bodies A re D epicted as Seen from Earth 10
F igure 3, Sphere o f the Prim um M obile 11
Figure 4, Sphere o f the F ixed Stars, A lso Called F irm am ent 11
F igure 5, Spheres o f the Planets 11
F igure 6, The Earth and the Spheres o f the Elem ents
F igure 7, T he Prim ary Q ualities 12
F igure 8, H ot and C old 12
Figure 9, M oist and D ry 13
Figure 10, T he Form ation o f the E lem ents 13
Figure 11, F ire and A ir 13
F igure 12, W ater and Earth 14
Figure 13, T he D ry Elem ents: Fire and E arth 14
Figure 14, T he M o ist E lem ents: A ir and W ater 14
F igure 15, T he Spheres o f the E lem ents 15
F igure 16, T he T em peram ents, 16th C entury Illustration 15

C h a p te r I I I , T h e A s tr o lo g ic a l C h a r t

F igure 1, M o d em C hart 21
F ig u re 2, E g yptian H oroscope 20
Figure 3, G reek H oroscope 22
F igure 4, M edieval H o ro sco p e 22
F igure 5, R enaissance H oroscope 22
F ig u re 6, T he H ouses in Square C harts 23
F ig u re 7, H o w to R ead a S quare C hart 23
F ig u re 8, “C ircu lar” Square C hart 23
Figure 9, C ircu lar Chart: B eg in n in g o f 2 0th C entury 23
F igure 10, C ircu lar C h art w ith A spects 23

xvii
 C h a p t e r I V , T h e P la n e ts

F ig ure 1, T he Ptolem aic M odel and the Chaldean O rder 26

F ig u re 2, Superio r and Inferior Planets 27
Figure 3, T he Prim ary Q ualities o f the Planets 28
F ig ure 4, Bcncfic and M alefic Planets 28
F igure 5, M asculine and Fem inine Planets 29
F igure 6, D iurnal and N octurnal Planets 30
F igure 7, Diurnal Planets in a Diurnal Condition 31
Figure 8, N octurnal Planets in a N octurnal Condition 31

C h a p t e r V , T h e Z o d ia c a n d th e S ig n s

F igure 1, The Zodiac 41

F igure 2, The Four Seasons 42
Figure 3, The Qualities o f the Four Seasons 42
Figure 4, The Tw elve Signs 43
Figure 5, D egrees o f the Signs 44
Figure 6, The Planets in the Zodiac 44
Figure 7, Zodiacal N otation o f a P la n e t's Position 44
Figure 8, M oveable or Cardinal Signs 45
Figure 9, Fixed or Solid Signs 46
Figure 10, Com m on, D ouble o r Bi-corporeal Signs 47
Figure 11, E lem ents o f the Signs 47
Figure 12, The Signs, E lem ents, and T em peram ents 47
Figure 13, T he M ovem ent o f the Planets in the Signs 58
Figure 14, M ovem ent o f the M oon 58
Figure 15, M axim um D istance o f M ercury and V enus to the Sun, Projected in the Z odiac 59
Figure 16, In ferior and S uperior C onjunction o f V enus 59
Figure 17, T he C haldean O rder and the Speeds o f the Planets 59
F igure 18, R etrogradation o f M ars 60
F igure 19, R etrogradation o f V enus 60
F igure 20, T he Stations 61
F ig u re 21, T he latitude o f the Planets 61
F ig u re 22, T he R ange o f L atitude o f the Planets 62
F ig u re 23, T he A u g e o f the Planets (A pogee and Perigee) 63
F ig u re 24, S idereal Z odiac, T ropical Z odiacal and Precession 64
F ig u re 25, T he P recession o f the E quinoxes and the E a rth ’s axis 65

C h a p t e r V I , T h e E s s e n t ia l D ig n it ie s

F ig u re 1, P lan etary R ulers 68

F ig u re 2, S o la r an d L u n ar signs 69
F ig u re 3, D iu rn al an d N o ctu rn al R ulerships 69
F ig u re 4 , Jo y s o f the P lanets (b y sign) 69
F ig u re 5, E x ile o r D etrim en t o f the P lanets 70
F ig u re 6, S ig n s o f th e E x altatio n o f the P lanets 70

xviii
 Figure 7, Signs o f Fall o f the Planets 71
Figure 8, D iurnal Scquencc4 o f Triplicities 73
Figure 9, N octurnal Sequence o f Triplicities 73
Figure 10, E gyptian T erm s 74
Figure 12, T he Faces 75
Figure 13, E ssential D ignities and D ebilities 75
Figure 14, Scoring o f Essential D ignities and D ebilities 77
Figure 15, Scoring o f the Planets at 4°09 ’ L ibra 81
Figure 16, Scoring o f the Planets at 29°0 9 ’ Scorpio 81
Figure 17, C alculation o f the M oon-M ercury A lm uten 82

C h a p te r V IÏ, T h e H o u se s

Figure 1, T he H orizon: Rise and Set 83

Figure 2, T he m eridian: M edium Coeli and Im um Coeli 84
F igure 3, P rim ary M otion 84
Figure 4, Superio r and Inferior H em ispheres 84
F igure 5, O riental and O ccidental H em ispheres 85
F igure 6, T he F o u r Q uadrants 85
Figure 7, T he T w elve H ouses 85
Figure 8, T he Prim ary and Secondary M otion 86
F ig ure 9, T he H ouse C usps 86
F igure 10, A n g u lar H ouses 87
F ig ure 11, S uccèdent H ouses 87
Figure 12, C ad en t H ouses 87
Figure 13, T h e H o u se ’s P ow er 87
F igure 14, M alefic H ouses 93
F igure 15, H ouse D eriv ation 94
Figure 16, Intercepted Signs 98
F igure 17, F ive-degree Rule 100
F igure 18, Jo ys o f the P lanets 101
Figure 19, Joys and Sect 101

C h a p te r V H I, T h e A sp e c ts

Figure 1, A sp ect G eom etry 105

Figure 2, A spects as A n g u lar R elationships B etw een T w o P lanets 106
Figure 3, A sp ects as G eocentric A ngles 106
F igure 4, T he Inconjunctions 107
Figure 5, the O rb o f a P lanet 107
Figure 6, O rbs o f the P lanets (R adius and D iam eter) 108
F igure 7, O rb o f the M oon 108
F igure 8, O rb o f the M o o n and its R ays 108
F igure 9, A M o on-M ars A spect 109
F igure 10, U n ilateral A spect: the Sun-S aturn C on ju n ctio n 109
F ig u re 11, O ut-o f-sig n A spects 110

xix
 F ig ure 12, The M oicties 110
Figure 13, A pplying and Separating Aspects 111
F igure 14, The A sp ect’s Cycle: A pplication, Perfection and Separation 112
F ig u re 15, M utual A pplication and Séparation 113
F igure 16, A Void o f Course Planet 114
F igure 17, D exter and Sinister Aspects 115
F igure 18, Identifying the aspects in an astrological chart 118
F igure 19, A spects in King Sebastian’s Chart 120
F igure 20, The Correlation Between A spects and the Rulership Schem e 122
F ig ure 21, A spects in Diurnal and N octurnal Rulerships 123
F igure 22, A spects and the Joys o f the Planets 123
Figure 23, Friendships and Enm ities Betw een the Planets 125
Figure 24, A ntiscia 130
Figure 25, A ntiscion o f V enus 130
Figure 26, A ntiscia (degrees and m inutes) 131
Figure 27, The Counter-antiscia 131
Figure 28, A ntiscia and Counter-antiscia 132
Figure 29, The Com m anding Signs and the O beying Signs 133

C h a p t e r I X , C h a r t D y n a m ic s

Figures 1-6, Exam ple o f the 30° ru ler 136, 137

Figure 7, Sequence o f A spects 135
Figure 8, T ranslation o f Light, E xam ple 1 138
Figure 9, T ranslation o f Light, Exam ple 2 138
Figure 10, T ranslation o f L ight, “W ill I get the jo b ? ” 139
Figure 11, Collection o f L ight 139
Figure 12, C ollection o f L ight, “W ill I find m y lost necklace?” 140
F igure 13, Prohibition o f L ight, Exam ple 1 140
F igure 14, P rohibition o f L ight, E xam ple 2 141
F ig u re 15, Prohibition o f L ight, E xam ple 3 141
F ig u re 16, P rohibition o f L ight, “W ill she date m e?” 141
F ig u re 17, F rustration o f L ight 142
F ig u re 18, R efranation o f light 142
F ig u re 19, R efranation o f Light, “W ill w e reconcile?” 143
F ig u re 20, A ssistance 143
F ig u re 21, B esiegem ent 143
F ig u re 22, “W ill she date m e?” 147

C h a p t e r X , T h e C o n d it io n o f th e P la n e ts

F ig u re 1, In crease and D ecrease o f L ight o f the Superior Planets 150

F ig u re 2, In crease an d D ecrease o f L ig ht o f the In ferio r P lanets 150
F ig u re 3, D u sk an d D aw n 151
F ig u re 4, U n d e r th e S u n ’s B eam s 151
F ig u re 5, C o m b u stio n 152

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 Figure 6, C azim i 152
Figure 7, O riental Planets 153
Figure 8, O ccidental Planets 153
Figure 9, E xam ples o f O riental and O ccidental Planets 154
Figure 10, C orrelation B etw een the Ptolem aic Schem e and O rientality 154
Figure 11, The Lunation Cycle 155
Figure 12, The Prim ary Q ualities o f the M oon 156
Figure 13, O rientality and occidentality 156
Figure 14, Sun-M oon aspects in the Lunation Cycle 157
Figure 15, Planets O riental to the M oon 158
Figure 16, Planets O ccidental to the M oon 158
Figure 17, L unar M ansions (according to A l-B iruni) 159
Figure 18, T ropical L unar M ansions 159
Figure 19, D iurnal and N octurnal Charts 162
F igure 20, Exam ple o f a D iurnal Planet (Jupiter) and a N octu rnal P lanet (V enus), Both in H a y z 162
Figure 21, M asculine and F em inine Q uadrants 162
F igure 22, Planets in C ontrariety o f H a y z 163
Figure 23, A lm ugea to the Sun 165
Figure 24, A lm ugea to the M oon 166

C h a p te r X I, T h e L u n a r N o d es

Figure 1, L u n ar N odes 167

Figure 2, T he L unar N odes in the C elestial Sphere 167
Figure 3, M ovem ent o f the N odes on the Ecliptic 168
F igure 4, N o d e ’s O rb o f Influence 168
F igure 5, S olar E clipse 170
Figure 6, T he T hree T ypes o f S olar Eclipse 170
Figure 7, T rajectory o f a S olar E clipse 170
Figure 8, L unar E clipse 170
F igure 9, T he T hree T ypes o f L u n ar E clipse 171
F igure 10, T he F our E clipses O ccurring E very Y ear 171
F igure 11, E xam ples o f S olar E clipses 171
F igure 12, E xam ples o f L u n ar E clipses 171
F igure 13, Sym bols o f the eclipses 172

C h a p t e r X I I , T h e F ix e d S t a r s

F ig u re 1, C onstellations an d T h eir N atu re 179

F igure 2, F ix ed Stars and T h e ir N atu re 180

C h a p te r X III, T h e P a r ts

F ig u re 1, C alcu latin g a P art (D iurnal and N o ctu rn al C harts) 185

F ig u re 2, D iu rn al an d N o ctu rn al C alcu latio n fo r the P art o f F o rtu n e 188
F igure 3, T he P art o f F o rtu n e ’s Position V aries A cco rd in g to the P h ase o f the M o o n 188
F ig u re 4, T h e H ouses from the P art o f F ortune 190

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 Figure 5, T he Parts o f Fortune and Spirit as M irror Images o f One A nother 191
F igure 6, Sym bol for the Part o f Spirit 191

C h a p t e r X I V , T h e P o w e r o f th e P la n e ts

F igure 1, P lanetary Strengths 200

F ig u re 2, S coring the Essential Dignities 202
F igure 3, Scoring the Conditions o f Peregrine and o f M utual Reception 202
F ig u re 4, S coring H ouse Positions 202
F ig u re 5, Scoring the P lan et’s Relationships to the Sun 203
F ig u re 6, V elocity o f the Planets in Florbcla E spanca’s Chart 203
F igure 7, S coring the P lan et’s M ovement 204
F igure 8, Scoring the Aspects 2 04
Figure 9, Scoring the Conditions o f H a y z and Contrariety o f H a y z 2 04
F ig ure 10, Final Score in Florbela E spanca’s N ativity 205
Figure 11, Essential Dignities and Scoring in the Chart o f Florbela Espanca 206
Figure 12, Planetary Strengths for N ietzsche’s N ativity 207
F igure 13, Planetary Strengths for A gatha C h ristie’s N ativity 208
Figure 14, Planetary Strengths for Chart 10 209
Figure 15, Planetary Strengths for Chart 11 209
Figure 16, Planetary Strengths for Chart 12 21 0

A p p e n d ix 1 - T h e A s t r o lo g ic a l S y m b o ls

Figure 1, Sym bols o f the Planets T hroughout Tim e 211

Figure 2, Sym bols o f the Signs T hroughout Tim e 212
Figure 3, V ariants in the N o d e ’s Sym bols 212

A p p e n d ix 2 , T h e M o d e r n P la n e ts

Figure 1, Sym bols o f the M odem Planets 216

Figure 2, A steroid Sym bols 218
F igure 3, C entaur Sym bols 218
F ig u re 4, Sym bols o f the M odem N on-planetary Points 22 0

A p p e n d ix 3 , M in o r D ig n it ie s , Z o d ia c a l D e g r e e s a n d A d d it io n a l T a b le s

F ig u re 1, N ovenaria 221
F ig u re 2, D uodenaria (by sign) 222
F ig u re 3, D uodenaria (b y p lan etaiy ruler) 222
F ig u re 4 , M ascu lin e and F em in in e degrees 223
F ig u re 5, L ight, D ark, S m okey and V oid degrees 22 4
F ig u re 6, P itted D egrees 22 4
F ig u re 7, A z e m en e (o r L am e) degrees 225
F ig u re 8, F o rtu n a te D egrees (or D egrees o f Increasing F ortune) 225
F ig u re 9, P to le m a ic T erm s from T e tr a b ib lo s (translation o f F. E. R obbins) 225
F ig u re 10, P to lem aic T erm s from W illiam L illy 22 6
F ig u re 11, P to le m a ic T erm s (third variant) 226

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A p p e n d ix 4 , A d d it io n a l C o n s id e r a tio n s C o n c e r n in g th e H o u s e s

Figure 1, W hole-sign System 228

Figure 2, Equal house System 228
Figure 3, Q uadrant System 229
Figure 4, M ain H ouse System s 229
Figure 5, D ifferent Latitudes O riginate D ifferent A strological H ouses 231
Figure 6, The A lcabitius System 232
Figure 7, R egiom ontanus System 232

A p p e n d ix 5 , M in o r A s p e c ts a n d A s p e c t C o n fig u r a tio n s

Figure 1, M in or A spect G lyphs 238

Figure 2, T -square and G rand Cross 239
Figure 3, G rand T rin e and Sm all T rine 239
Figure 4, T he Star o f D avid 239
Figure 5, K ite and M ystic R ectangle 240

A p p e n d ix 6 , T h e P la n e t a r y H o u r s

F igure 1, T he D ays o f the W eek in Several Languages 241

Figure 2, T he E ndless C ycle o f the Planetary H ours 242
Figure 3, P lanetary Rulers 243
Figure 4, T he Star o f P lanetary D ays and H ours 243
F igure 5, C alculation Exam ple: D eterm ining the D iurnal H ours 245
F igure 6, C alculation Exam ple: A ttributing the R ulers o f D iurnal H ours 245
Figure 7, C alculation E xam ple: D eterm in in g and A ttributing the R ulers o f N octurnal H ours 245
F igure 8, E lective C hart for a Love D eclaration 248
F igure 9, E lective C hart for P resenting a Pro ject 249

A p p e n d ix 7 , A s t r o lo g ic a l C h a r t C a lc u la tio n s

F igure 1, C hart w ith H ouse C ups 256

Figure 2, S quare C hart w ith H ouse Cups 257
Figure 3, P lanetary P ositions, E xam ple 1 258
F igure 4, C h art E xam ple 1 258
Figure 5, C h art E xam ple 1, Square V ersion 258
Figure 6, P lanetary P ositio ns, E xam ple 2 260
Figure 7, C hart E xam ple 2 261
Figure 8, C hart E x am p le 2, Square V ersion 261

A d d e n d u m , T h e B a sic s o f C h a r t D e lin e a tio n

F igure 1, Q ualities o f the Signs, Planets and L u n ar N o d es 264

F ig u re 2, S coring o f tem p eram en t o f F ried rich N ietzsche 265
F igure 3, S coring o f T em p eram en t for F lorbela E spanca 266
F igure 4, A ssessm en t o f Jim M o rriso n ’s T em p eram en t 270
F igure 5, A ssessm en t o f P o e ’s T em p eram en t 271

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xxiv
 F orew ord

W ith the vast array o f astrological titles available to the reading public, to the causal observer, it m ight seem
altogether superfluous to produce yet another. Certainly, it is a point o f view w ith w hich I w ould have sym ­
pathy if it w ere not for the fact that it is a very long tim e indeed since a book such as this has been p u b ­
lished— in any language.

In recen t years, an increasing n u m ber o f books have focused on the astrological system as encom passed by
w hat is com m only term ed “ the tradition.” H ow ever, no author o f w hom I am aw are has com m itted the p er­
sonal resources necessary to p roduce a w ork o f this breadth and depth. Such dedication can be found only in
those w ho truly love this art, and that love can be found only in those w ho have, by sheer hard w ork, discov­
ered the glorious beauty w hich is astrology. O nce glim psed, there is no turning back: w e m ust have m ore, see
m ore, understand m ore, and is, in m y opinion, the driving force behin d this book.

It is m y view that astrology is a div in e art, a gift, to be exalted by the practitioner. G ratitude for this gift is ex­
pressed through w hat the artist gives o f h im se lf o r herself, w hich ought alw ays to be at least equal to th at re­
ceived. U sing this kind o f accountancy , it is clear from the contribution contain ed w ithin these pages that the
authors have obtain ed a very great deal from astrology.

H avin g gained so m uch, they share that w ith w h om ever w ill give attention to th eir w ork. H ow fortunate you
are, dear reader, fo r I know how m uch is required in ord er to produce such a w ork o f scholarship. B ut this is
no m ere copy, no sim ple translation from the L atin o r the E nglish o f the ancient authorities. W e have here a
full exposition o f th at system and its m ethods w hich have d em anded so m uch assid uous and conscientious
study from the authors, w hich can be achieved only from deep un d erstan d in g o f and resp ect fo r the belo ved
art.

R arely do I find m uch to reco m m en d a m o d e m w ork o f astrology, very few offerin g m u ch o f substance and
veracity. H ow ever, in this one case, I w ould advise that it b e k ep t close to th ose ancient reference w orks o n
the shelf, u sed as a com panion to those illum inating texts. F o r th ose w ho do n o t p o ssess an y such books, u se
this one as the foundation o f y o u r astrological library (very few m ore w ill be necessary}— it w ill serve y o u
w ell fo r m any years to com e.

Sue Ward

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 I n tr o d u c t io n

This book on astrology is a product o f our experience during m any years. It is, first, the fruit o f our activity as
astrological teachers. It w as bo m as a response to ou r students, w ho sought out textbooks capable o f su pply­
ing the basics o f astrological know ledge in a solid, structured, and practical m anner. It is also the product o f
our research, w hich has given us an ever deepening understandin g o f the essence o f astrology. T his grow ing
understandin g translates w ithin o u r p ractice into p ractical results w ith greater precision. Finally, it is a prod­
uct o f ou r contact w ith the reality o f astrology not only in o ur native Portugal, b u t also throughout Europe
and A m erica.

G iven the grow ing interest in traditional astrology, w heth er from researchers on the forefront, or from stu ­
dents, there w as a great need for a book that explained astrology as it is, and that w as w ritten in a current ver­
nacular and in a consistent and organized m anner. Thus, this co m pendiu m em erges out o f that need and is
anchored by th ree fundam ental concepts: a practical approach, an instructional structure, and the clear defi­
nition o f astrological ideas.

This is a practical book, specifically directed at those w ho w ish to learn and practice astrology effectively
and substantively. It is targeted at those w ho seek to forge a path to learnin g from the w ealth o f astrological
inform ation currently available. B eginners w ill find w ith in this book all o f the fundam ental basics o f the art,
appropriately organized and explained. A dvanced students and practitioners w ill find a source o f reference
that allow s them to organize all the inform ation they need. R esearchers w ill find in this w ork a guide for the
study o f astrological docum entation.

T his b o o k is also a study guide, w ritten as an aid to the student o f astrology searching for inform ation, and in
a m an n er that w ill foster a w ell-grounded practice. It outlines the rules o f astrology in an instructive m an n er
and in clear and current language, thereby allow ing the student to g radually acquire a com plete and p ractical
understanding. It avoids both m etaphysical and overly sim plistic explanations.

It is, above all, a b o o k o f astrology. It presents astrology p er se, i.e., the hard nucleus o f the art. It explains the
astrological system through its philo so p h ical principles, w it h o u t h a v i n g to r e s o r t to c o n c e p t s e x t e r n a l to a s ­
tr o lo g y . It offers a defin itiv e structu re that sustains and provides roots for this k n ow ledge, b rid g in g the trad i­
tional w ith the current tim es. T his book has collected the fundam entals o f a stro lo g y th at have been h an d ed
dow n by authors such as A li ben R agel, A b raham Ibn E zra, C laudius P tolem y, and W illiam L illy, to nam e
o nly a few. In the tradition o f th ese authors, w e b ring the essence o f the art to to d a y ’s students.

T h e A s tr o lo g ic a l T r a d itio n

In this boo k w e often refer to the astrological tradition— a term often in voked, b u t rarely u nderstood. W e b e ­
gin th erefore, b y clarify in g it. W hen w e refer to traditional astrology w e are referrin g to the w ealth o f a stro ­
logical k n o w led g e p racticed from the H ellenistic era to the en d o f the 17th centu ry. T h is k n o w led g e is a di-

xxvii
 rc c t in h e rita n c e o f th e B ab y lo n ia n , G reek, A rabic, and M edieval E u ro p ean civ ilizatio n s. Its p ra c tic e , w h ic h
k n e w p e rio d s o f g re a t sp le n d o r, grad u ally w eakened and n early b ecam e ex tin ct for a lm o st tw o c e n tu rie s
(fro m th e e n d o f th e 17th to th e m id 19th centuries). Its reco v ery beg an in the 1980s, w ith th e E n g lish
re p u b lic a tio n o f th e b o o k C h r i s t i a n A s t r o l o g y (1 6 0 2-1 681), an d the tran slatio n o f v ario u s w o rk s fro m th e
H e lle n is tic an d M e d ie v a l perio d s.

T h e s e so u rc e s g a v e stu d e n ts an d co n tem p o rary p ractitio n ers th e im p ressio n th at th e an c ie n t a s tro lo g ic a l

p ra c tic e w a s fa r m o re co m p lex and rich than the cu rren t one. T h is d isc o v ery sp u rred a w av e o f stu d ie s an d
tra n s la tio n s o f a n c ie n t w o rk s th at slo w ly b egan to reveal th e p rac tice o f a stro lo g y in all its sp le n d o r: an a c a ­
d e m ic d isc ip lin e o f g re a t rich n ess and dep th, cap ab le o f g en e ratin g in te rp re tatio n s o f ex c e p tio n a l p re c isio n
in a n y a re a o f h u m a n ex p erien ce.

T h o s e w h o p u rsu e d th e se stu d ies em p lo y ed th e term “ trad itio n al a s tro lo g y ” in o rd e r to d iffe re n tia te it fro m
c o n te m p o ra ry astro lo g y (re co n stru c ted u p o n an in co m p lete fo u n d atio n at th e en d o f th e 19 th c e n tu ry a n d
w h ic h sin c e th en h as alre ad y p ro d u ced a m y riad o f d iv e rg e n t ap p ro ach es).

S in c e tra d itio n al a stro lo g y em erg ed fro m this scen ario o f m u ltip le lin eag es, so m e h av e c o n fu se d it as j u s t a n ­
o th e r a p p ro a c h am o n g th e m a n y th at cu rren tly exist. H o w ev er, th e te rm “ trad itio n al a s tro lo g y ” d o e s n o t re fe r
to j u s t a n o th e r ty p e o f a stro lo g y , b u t to astro lo g y itself. T ra d itio n al astro lo g y ta k es a stro lo g ic a l p ra c tic e b a c k
to its ro o ts an d retu rn s to it its fo rm e r g rea tn ess an d dig n ity .

O n o u r astro lo g ica l jo u rn e y , w e stu d ied an d p ra c tic e d th e m o d e m v ersio n s o f a stro lo g y in th e ir p s y c h o lo g i­

c a l an d eso teric asp ects. N o n eth e le ss, it w as in th e trad itio n al th a t w e fo u n d a co m p le te an d e ffe c tiv e s y ste m
th a t allo w ed us to a ttain w h at w e m o st so u g h t: th e essen c e o f astro lo g y .

A s tr o lo g y T o d a y

T h e rec o v ery o f tra d itio n is o f g re a t sig n ific an c e in th e cu rre n t tim es, g iv e n th a t astro lo g y h a s b e c o m e a fad
w h ic h h as b e c o m e w id e ly in te g ra te d in to p o p u la r cu ltu re. T o c o n su lt an a s tro lo g e r o r to stu d y a s tro lo g y h as
b e c o m e co m m o n p ra c tic e th a t few fin d stran g e. T h is in te g ra tio n h as h e lp e d to d u st o f f a su b je c t th a t w a s p r e ­
v io u sly lo o k ed u p o n w ith su sp ic io n an d fear; b u t it h as also b ro u g h t w ith it so m e se rio u s d isa d v a n ta g e s ,
a m o n g th e m th e p o p u la riz a tio n th a t lead s to th e c h e a p e n in g o f its q u a lity to th e lo w e st c o m m o n d e n o m in a ­
to r. A s a resu lt, an y o n e c a n fre ely o p in e o n astro lo g y , n o m a tte r h o w ig n o ra n t o r silly th a t o p in io n , s in c e few
h a v e su fficie n t k n o w le d g e to d e te c t (an d fe w e r y et, to c o u n te r-a rg u e ) th e in c o n siste n c ie s. A stro lo g y h a s b e ­
c o m e a free z o n e fo r e v e ry ty p e o f o p p o rtu n ism an d sp e cu la tio n . In tru th , m u c h o f w h a t to d a y is c a lle d a s tro l­
o g y — an d a c c e p te d as su c h b y m o st stu d e n ts— is n o th in g m o re th a n a c o lla g e o f u n c o n n e c te d id e as, v a g u e ly
s u p p o rte d b y a s tro lo g ic a l sy m b o lism . T h e d isin fo rm a tio n is so w id e s p re a d th a t m a n y p ra c titio n e rs th in k , in
g o o d faith , th a t th e y a re w o rk in g effe c tiv e ly , w ith o u t th e u n d e rsta n d in g th a t w h a t th e y h a v e b e e n ta u g h t is
c o n fu s e d , in c o m p le te , an d d e v o id o f so lid fo u n d atio n s. In fact, m a n y o f th e c u rre n t a s tro lo g ic a l s y ste m s e x ­
te n s iv e ly id e n tify th e m se lv e s w ith th e ra p e u tic an d p sy c h o lo g ic a l a p p ro a c h e s (o fte n in su rp risin g ly a m a te u r­
is h a n d irre sp o n sib le w a y s) a n d re le g a te th e a c tu a l astro lo g y to a se c o n d a ry ro le.

T o d a y , d e s p ite th e v a s t a rra y o f a v a ila b le in fo rm atio n , it is a lm o st im p o s sib le to o b ta in re lia b le in fo rm a tio n

a b o u t re a l a stro lo g y . T h e e x c e s s o f in fo rm a tio n h as g e n e ra te d a n ill-d e fin e d c o lle c tio n o f a p p ro a c h e s an d
p r a c tic e s , w h e re th e a c tu a l a s tro lo g y em erg es as a m e re a n d e v e r-ra re fie d ad d -o n . In s u m m a ry , th e re a re
m o r e a n d m o re a s tro lo g e rs , a n d less a n d less astro lo g y . P o p u la r a s tro lo g ic a l p ra c tic e h as b e c o m e in c re a s ­
in g ly s im p lis tic fro m a te c h n ic a l p e rsp e c tiv e , an d in c re a sin g ly c o m p lic a te d a t a c o n c e p tu a l le v el. T h e ru le s
a n d a s tro lo g ic a l fu n d a m e n ta ls h a v e b e e n re d u c e d to g e n e ra liz e d p re sc rip tio n s, an d th e in te rp re ta tio n s are
im m e r s e d in a n in c re a s in g ly c o n fu se d clo u d o f sp iritu a litie s, p sy c h o lo g ie s, an d d isp a ra te m e ta p h y s ic a l s y s ­
te m s .

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Il is essential that astrology preserve its cohesion and depth. To m isrepresent astrological know ledge is to
m utilate our cultural legacy. Personally, w e w ill not consent to that loss, nor w ill w e passiv ely accept th at
m utilation. This book is our contribution tow ard preserving and m aintaining the dignity o f astrology. It co n ­
sists o f a w ork that is instructional, organized, and overreaching in scope in order to provide students w ith an
adequate learning m ethod. This is a crucial step, because only those w ho learn appropriately can practice
correctly. This is, therefore, a w ork dedicated to those w ho honor astrology and practice it correctly, w h eth er
from a technical or ethical perspective. It is through them that the cultural legacy o f astrology is handed
dow n and kept alive, w hether for the current generation or for those y et to come.

L e a r n in g A s t r o lo g y

To those w ho w ant to leam astrology, it is im portant that the first steps be solid, because they w ill trace the
path for future studies. F or this reason, the student should have a clear idea o f the nature and specificity o f the
subject he o r she seeks to study. The student should know its history, its philosophy, and its principles. It is
therefore vital that w e first clarify som e im portant points.

First, w e need to reiterate w hat should be obvious: astrology is studied. It has laws, rules, and postulates that
define it as a consistent and functional body o f know ledge. T hese rules need to be learned by the student,
both theoretically and in their practical application. It is a vast, rich, and solid body o f ideas that require dedi­
cation and tim e to be duly assim ilated.

It is equally im portant to recognize astrology as a specific field o f study. Its goal is the correlation betw een
celestial m ovem ents and terrestrial events. In order to attain this goal, it has specific rules (as previously
m entioned) at its disposal, as w ell as its ow n techniques and tools. It is from the correct application o f these
rules, law s, and concepts that w e derive the astrological interpretation. T he student should know these rules
and techniques w ell in ord er to distinguish w hat is and is n o t astrology.

A nother concept is that astrology is autonom ous. It does n o t have to rely on o ther areas o f study to define it­
s e lf n o r to dem onstrate its functionality. It is cohesive and self-sufficient.

F inally, it is im portant to u nderstand that astrology has practical applications. It is true th at astrology has a
deep and very rich philosophical and m etaphysical structure, b u t this is not lim ited to its theory, nor ex clu ­
sively to the sy m bolic realm . It is a live body o f know ledge, capable o f bein g applied and tested. In its w id est
sense, astrology is a language, a description o f reality. It generates objective descriptions applicable to the
m ost diverse areas o f life and capable o f addressing all types o f topics, from the m o st m undane to the m o st
transcendent.

W ith these things in m ind, w e now turn to the astrology.

H e le n a A v e la r
L u is R ib e ir o

xxix
XXX
 C d y jte r I

Astrofogy
The w orld is in a constant state o f change. Som e changes are natural and expected, because everything on
Earth is b om , m atures, and dies. O th er changes are sudden and unexpected, rem inding us that w e live in an
im perfect w orld w here chaos and pain can arise at any m om ent. O nly the im m ense heavens persist im m uta­
bly in our eyes and, consequently, becom e sym bols o f perpetu al perfection. N evertheless, it is still possible
to p erceive m otion even w ithin the im m utable heavens: the rising and setting o f the Sun, the phases o f the
M oon, the m ovem ent o f the planets. A s the m acro is a m easure o f the m icro, the m otion o f the heavens p ro­
duces effects on E arth— the tides, the passage o f the seasons, the changes in clim ate.

U nderstanding this heavenly m otion and its effects u pon earthly events has alw ays been a goal for m an. For
centuries, d edicated sky-w atchers scrutinized the skies in search o f patterns and cycles. N ig h t after night,
they stu died the subtleties o f planetary m otion w ith attentive eyes. E qual attention w as given to terrestrial
events in an attem pt to find correlations in them . In tim e, this effort produced fruits and allow ed fo r the d e­
duction o f the law s that link stellar m otion to w orldly events. T hus, m an k in d d iscovered the key to astrology.

M any hours have b een d edicated to the study and cataloguing o f these law s, m any scholars have dedicated
th eir lives to the study o f this know ledge, and m any civilizations have contributed to its develo pm ent. T his
en d eav o r has alw ays b een colored by a profound sense o f reverence at the gran d io sity o f celestial order. In
this w ay, astrological thought b ecam e the cornerstone th at explain ed the u n iv erse and its m eaning. T his
know ledge deepened and grew , pro ducing a set o f con sisten t principles and techniques p o ssessin g g reat p re ­
cisio n and efficacy. T hese structures m ake up the astrological system that has reach ed us v ia the traditio n.

T h e H e a v e n s in M o tio n

T he Sun, M oon, and plan ets are the only bodies w e see m o v in g in the heavens. E ach nig ht, th eir m o v em en ts
change the ap p earan ce o f the sky. E very day the Sun sets at a place differen t from the n ig h t before, an d every
night, the M oon w axes o r w anes and the planets shift ev er so slightly. B ecau se o f this m o b ility , w h ich c o n ­
trasts w ith the apparent stillness o f the stars, these bodies becom e g ran d icons o f change. It is th ese m o v eab le
p ieces that m ake the astrological system a dynam ic one. In cid en tally , this sy stem w as co n ceiv ed o f in o rd er
to p red ict and in terpret those v ery sam e m ovem ents.
 2 / O h t f t c H c a v c n f y S jr fic rc s

In a d d itio n to th e ir m o tio n in relation to the fixed stars, the p lan ets also p articip a te in th e g ra n d ro ta tio n th a t
“ d r a g s ” th e firm a m e n t— alo n g w ith all its stars— from su n rise to su n set to su n rise ag ain in th e sp a ce o f a d a y .
In o r d e r to s tu d y th e m o v e m en t o f the p lanets in relation to the sky, w e use a sy stem o f c e le stia l c o o rd in a te s :
th e z o d ia c a n d its tw elv e d iv isio n s, the signs. T he m o v em en t in relatio n to the h o rizo n is m e a su re d b y a s y s ­
te m o f te rre s tria l co o rd in a tes: th e astrological houses, w hich d iv id e th e sk y in to se g m en ts p ro je c te d fro m th e
h o riz o n . T h u s, th e m o v e m en ts o f the p lanets arc m easu red and q u alified in acco rd an c e w ith th e ir p o s itio n
w ith in th e se tw o c o o rd in a te system s. In o th er w ords, w e m easu re th e p o sitio n o f the p la n e ts in th e ir h o u se s
a n d sig n s. E a c h sig n an d h o u se has its ow n specific m ean in g , w h ich is c o m b in ed w ith th e m e a n in g o f th e
p la n e t in o rd e r to g e n e rate th e nexus o f an astro lo g ical in terp retatio n . T h ese m e an in g s can th e n b e a p p lie d in
th e d e s c rip tio n o f an y type o f ev en t— personal o r collective. In this m an n er, astro lo g y c o n s titu te s a s y s te m
th a t d e s c rib e s te rrestrial reality by m ean s o f celestial m o v em en ts.

P r e d ic tio n

A n a tu ra l o u tg ro w th o f this sy stem is the co n cep t o f p red ictio n . I f it is p o ssib le to in te rp re t c e le stia l m o tio n to

d e s c rib e th e p rese n t, then lo g ically , it is also p o ssib le to fo resee fu tu re c e le stia l m o v e m e n ts an d fro m th e se to
d e s c rib e a fu tu re reality . In a sim ila r m an n er, it is eq u a lly p o ssib le to k n o w th e p ast m o v e m e n ts o f c e le s tia l
b o d ie s an d , as a co n seq u e n ce, to d escrib e the p ast reality . A stro lo g y th u s d escrib es th e re a lity o f th e p re s e n t,
p a s t, an d fu tu re b y m e an s o f the m o v em en ts o f th e cele stia l b o d ie s an d th e ir re la tio n sh ip to E arth . A p p lie d
in itia lly to natu ra l ph en o m en a , and then later to p o litical an d in d iv id u al ev en ts, p re d ic tio n h as a lw a y s b e e n a
c h i e f g o al o f astro lo g y .

T h e B r a n c h e s o f A s tr o lo g y

A stro lo g ic a l k n o w le d g e h as b ec o m e sp e cia liz ed in to v ario u s b ran c h es th a t are d efin e d b y su b je ct. T h e re a re

fo u r p rin c ip a l b ran c h es: m u n d a n e a stro lo g y , n a ta l a stro lo g y , h o ra ry astro lo g y , an d elec tio n a l as tro lo g y .

A s th e n a m e im p lies, m u n d a n e a s tro lo g y stu d ies th e m u n d a n e w o rld . T h is bran c h e x a m in e s s u b je c ts su c h a s

civ iliz a tio n s, h u m a n tren d s, p o litics, ec o n o m ic s, w ars, so cial m o v e m en ts, etc.— esse n tia lly , all o f th e p h e ­
n o m e n a affe c tin g h u m a n ity as a co llec tiv e . O n th e o th e r h an d , th is b ran c h o f a s tro lo g y is also c o n c e rn e d
w ith n a tu ra l p h e n o m e n a , su c h as ea rth q u ak e s, sto rm s, an d d ro u g h ts, an d is also k n o w n as n a tu ra l a s tro lo g y .

T e c h n ic a lly , m u n d a n e astro lo g y in te rp re ts th e ch a rts p ro d u ce d b y an n u a l in g re sse s (th e b e g in n in g o f th e

fo u r s e aso n s o f th e y ea r), th e ch a rts o f ec lip ses, an d o th e r re le v a n t c e le stia l p h e n o m e n a (fo r e x a m p le , c o m ­
e ts ), as w e ll as th e c h a rts o f n atio n s an d th e ir go v ern m e n ts.

N a ta l a s tro lo g y co n c e rn s its e lf w ith n a tiv itie s, o r b irth ch arts. Its su b je c t o f stu d y is th e h u m a n b e in g : b e h a v ­

io r, c a p a c itie s a n d ch a lle n g e s, so cial re la tio n sh ip s, an d d estin y . T h e p rin c ip a l to o l o f n a ta l a s tro lo g y is th e
n a ta l c h a rt, o r th e a s tro lo g ic a l c h a rt fo r th e m o m e n t o f b irth o f th e in d iv id u al.

H o ra ry a s tro lo g y is th e m o st d iv in a to ry o f all th e b ran c h es, b e c a u se it p u rp o rts to g iv e a n s w e rs to s p e c ific

q u e s tio n s b y in te rp re tin g th e ch a rt fo r th e m o m e n t th e q u e stio n w as fo rm u late d . B e c a u se o f th e p iv o ta l im ­
p o r ta n c e it g iv e s to th e astro lo g ic a l m o m e n t— th a t is, to th e q u e s tio n ’s h o u r— it is c a lle d h o r a r y . T h is b ra n c h
c o n c e r n s its e lf w ith all ty p e s o f q u estio n s: jo b s an d p ro m o tio n s, b u y in g an d se llin g o f g o o d s a n d p ro p e rty ,
th e fu tu re o f re la tio n s h ip s , le g a l q u estio n s, th e w h e re a b o u ts o f lo st o b je cts an d p e o p le , etc. Its p rim a ry to o l is
th e a s tro lo g ic a l c h a rt e re c te d fo r th e m o m e n t w h en th e q u e s tio n w as p o se d to th e a stro lo g e r. T h e a s tro lo g e r
th e n a p p lie s s p e c ific in te rp re ta tiv e te ch n iq u e s to a n s w e r th e q u estio n .

A s tr o lo g ic a l e le c tio n s a re u s e d to select, o r elect, th e a stro lo g ic a l m o m e n t m o st a p p ro p ria te to in itia te an a c ­

tio n . T h e y a llo w fo r th e se lec tio n o f th e rig h t m o m e n t to , fo r e x a m p le , b e g in c o n s tru c tio n o f a b u ild in g ,
 A s t r o f o g ij / 3

launch a business, send a m essage, or

schedule a w edding. W hereas m un­ Mu n d a n e
dane, natal, and horary charts arc in­ Ast r ol og y
terpreted in o rder to understand the
condition o f a nation, individual, or
question, in an election w e try to co n ­
struct the appropriate chart for the
desired result. Ho r a r y
Ast r o l o g y
T here are also specialties in astrology
that com bine the tools o f different
branches. W ith the goal o f under­
standing, diagnosing, and curing ill­
ness, m edical astrology is the m ost Na t a l S r jO ltS IH L b lK T H C H A H 7 3 Or1 IN D iV IO U A A j,

representative o f these specializations. Ast r o l o g y , U 3£O A*<O KAOlVN H IA H C -t OK A s rH O u o o r. ■

T his specialty relies on horary and na­

tal techniques in o rder to diagnose a
patient, on electional astrology to d e ­
term ine the best m om ent to initiate or
adm inister a treatm ent, and m ore
pointedly, on m undane in order to u n ­
derstand the larger social context o f a
p articu lar disease. F ig u r e 1 , T h e B r a n c h e s o f A s t r o lo g y

T he rules o f astrolo gy are co m m on to all o f the branches. The difference in interpretation com es from the
context that is applied to the significations o f the planets, houses, and signs. A dditionally, each branch also
contains its ow n set o f techniques that are particular to its study.

A s tr o lo g ic a l T y p e s

It is im portant to understand the difference betw een an astrolo gical branch and an astrological type. A s d is­
cussed above, the astrological branches are distinguished by th eir p articu lar focus, w hereas an astrological
type results from the integration o f a philosophy o r creed into the practice o f astrology. T hus, instead o f one
astrology, there is a p roliferation o f m ultip le variations o f astrology, som e m ore coherent and valid th an o th ­
ers. W e therefore have, for exam ple, psychological, hum anistic, holistic, k arm ic, eso teric, an d experiential
astrologies.

In m o st cases, the differences are m ore apparent th an real. In reality, despite th eir b eg u ilin g nam es, m any o f
these variants are very sim ilar, diverging only in the nam e and the p erso n al creed o f each astrologer; the
techniques and m ethods em ployed are usually the sam e. A dditionally, the m ajo rity o f these ap p ro ach es lim it
th eir study to natal astrology and m ake few incursions into the o th er branches. M any o f these v arian ts appeal
to a su pposed esoteric o r spiritual u nderstanding o f the natal chart, alleging th at trad itio n al a stro lo g y is
purely m aterialistic. T his, o f course, is absurd, as those w ho stu d y the trad itio n can read ily attest. A stro lo g y
rests upon m etap h y sical principles th at encom pass all facets o f the life o f the h u m an b ein g , including,
n atu rally, spirituality.

F rom an o th er p ersp ectiv e, there exist ap proaches th at are co n sid ered astro lo g ical in content, b u t w h ic h d i­
verge co n sid erab ly in technical term s from the nucleus o f trad itio n al astrology. A m o n g th ese w e fin d the
c o sm o b io lo g y school developed by G erm an a stro lo g er R ein h o ld E b ertin (1 9 0 1 -1 9 8 8 ), w h o se te ch n ical
p rinciples are fo r the m o st p art different from th ose o f trad itio n al astro lo g y an d u se the m ath em atical rela-
 4/On tftc Hcavenfy Sjtftcrcs

tio n s h ip s b e tw e e n p la n e ts (fo r exam ple, distan ce p ro p o rtio n s) as a b asis for in terp retatio n . A lso o f n o te arc
U ra n ia n astro lo g y , c re ate d by G erm an astro lo g er A lfre d W itte (1 8 7 8 -1 9 4 1 ), w h ich u ses e ig h t h y p o th e tic a l
p la n e ts , a n d th e H u b e r m eth o d , created by the S w iss co u p le L o u ise (b. 1924) and B ru n o H u b er (1 9 3 0 -1 9 9 9 ).
T h e la tte r is m o re sim ila r to trad itio n al p ractice but relies on its ow n in tc ip reta tiv e te ch n iq u e s (g e o m e tric
fig u re s, c o lo rs, etc,).

B r ie f H is to r y o f A s tr o lo g y

T h e p re se n ta tio n o f a co m p ete h isto ry o f astro lo g y an d its d ev e lo p m e n t falls b ey o n d th e sc o p e o f th is b o o k .

W h a t w e p re se n t h ere is a v ery a b rid g ed v ersio n th at h ig h lig h ts th e p rin cip al m o m en ts, b u t w h ic h n e v e rth e ­
le ss le a v e s o u t so m e im p o rtan t referen ces. O u r o b je ctiv e is to g iv e th e stu d en t a g en e ral n o tio n o f th e h isto ry
o f th is d isc ip lin e.

A s tro lo g y is on e o f th e o ld est fo rm s o f k n o w led g e. Its o rig in s are lost in tim e bu t are a ttested to as far b a c k a s
th e b irth o f h u m an civ ilizatio n . T h e o b se rv a tio n an d stu d y o f th e m o v e m en ts o f th e stars e m e rg e d at a tim e
w h e n th e lives o f h u m an s w ere tied to th e cy cles in natu re. T h e o b se rv a tio n o f th e se aso n s o f th e y e a r an d th e
p h a s e s o f th e M o o n is an cien t, an d th e reg u la rity o f th ese cy c le s is an o rien tin g m a rk e r fo r h u m a n s. T h e s ig ­
n ific a n c e o f this k n o w led g e w as su ch th at early on a sy m b o lic an d tran sc en d e n t im p o rta n ce w as a ttrib u te d to
it. T h e in terp retativ e, sy m b o lic, an d m e tap h y sica l slan t o f th ese o b se rv a tio n s b e c am e th e b asis o f a s tro lo g y ,
w h ile th e m ath em atical v ein ap p e ared la ter to g iv e rise to th e stu d y o f astro n o m y . U n til th e 17th c e n tu ry
th e se tw o asp ects o f c e le stia l k n o w led g e w ere in sep arab le.

O r ig in s o f A s tr o lo g y

T h e o ld est v estig e s o f ce le stia l o b se rv a tio n go b ac k to p re -h isto ry to m y th s in v o lv in g k n o w n c o n s te lla tio n s ,

so m e as o ld as 3 0 0 0 0 B C E . H o w ev er, a s tro lo g y as w e k n o w it to d ay o n ly b eg a n to d e v e lo p a fte r m a n s e t
d o w n ro o ts, its o rig in s b ein g in tim ately c o n n e cted w ith th e d e v e lo p m e n t o f a g ric u ltu re (N e o lith ic p e rio d ca .
6th m ille n n iu m B C E ). T h e n e e d to u n d e rsta n d n a tu re ’s cy cles w as essen tial fo r g ro w in g cro p s. In th e n e a r
east, w e en c o u n te r th e e a rliest c iv iliz atio n s a d o rin g th e h ea v en s an d th e stars an d b u ild in g m e g a lith ic s tru c ­
tu res in a lig n m e n t w ith a s tro n o m ica l c o n fig u ratio n s o r d iv in e advice.

M é s o p o ta m ie P e r io d

T h e o ld e st d iv in a to ry o b se rv a tio n s in v o lv e d n o t o n ly th e stars an d p la n ets b u t also o th e r c e le stia l fa c to rs

su c h as rain b o w s, th e flig h t o f b ird s, o r th e ap p e a ra n c e o f clo u d s. B u t an a s tro lo g y s im ila r to w h a t w e m ig h t
re c o g n iz e to d a y b e g a n to d e v e lo p in M e so p o ta m ia aro u n d th e 2 n d m ille n n iu m B C E . O n e o f th e o ld e s t a n d
m o s t e x te n siv e d o c u m e n ts fro m th is p e rio d is k n o w n as th e E n u m a A n u E n l i l a n d c o n sists o f a c o m p ila tio n
o f a s tro lo g ic a l o b se rv a tio n s a n d th e ir c o rresp o n d in g o m en s. W e also k n o w th a t b y th is tim e, E g y p t w a s a l­
re a d y a ssig n in g astro lo g ic a l sig n ific an c e to c o n stellatio n s, th e re b y tim in g th e ir so la r c a le n d a r. T h u s, b y th e
tim e o f th e o ld B a b y lo n ia n p erio d , a s tro lo g y h ad b e c o m e as im p o rta n t as o th e r o ld e r d iv in a to ry m e th o d s a n d
b e g a n to b e ex p re sse d in th e fo rm o f ce le stia l o m en s. H o w ev er, th e a s tro lo g ica l ch a rts as w e k n o w th e m t o ­
d a y d id n o t y e t ex ist.

T h e p la n e ts a re th e o ld e st fac to rs u se d in astro lo g y . B y th e 2 n d m illen n iu m , th e y w e re a lre a d y a p a rt o f th e

B a b y lo n ia n a s tra l re lig io n an d th e ch a racteristics o f th e ir tu te la ry d eitie s w e re a lre a d y m o re o r le ss e s ta b ­
lis h e d a n d a ttrib u te d to th e m , alth o u g h so m e alteratio n s d id o c c u r as astro lo g y m ig ra te d w e s tw a rd in to
G re e c e . In c o n tra st, th e h o u se s an d th e asp ects d id n o t y e t ex ist, an d ca lc u la tio n s an d in te rp re ta tio n s f o l­
lo w e d d iffe re n t ru le s fro m w h a t w e u se to d ay . It w as d u rin g th e 1st m ille n n iu m B C E th a t m o re re fin e d o b s e r ­
v a tio n a l m e th o d s a n d a s tro n o m ic a l calcu latio n s b eg a n to co m e in to u se. T h is e v o lu tio n le d to th e d e v e lo p ­
m e n t o f th e z o d ia c a n d , w ith it, th e attrib u tio n o f p la n e ta ry ru le rsh ip s to signs.
 Astrofogy/5

All o f the religious tapestry o f this tim e was favorable to the developm ent o f astrology. In fact, astrology w as
practiced by priests w ho em phasized its m agical, religious, and sacred aspects. A strology w as, above all,
used for the study and prediction o f collective events. Personal predictions w ere relatively rare and, in g en ­
eral, reserved for kings and other im portant figures.

A strological developm ent reached its pinnacle during the Persian occupation (ca. m iddle o f 6th century
BCE). D uring this period, the calendar w as perfected and diaries o f eclipses and other astronom ical phen o m ­
ena w ere com piled. The architecture o f these civilizations also considered celestial phenom ena: tem ples and
palaces w ere oriented w ith stellar alignm ents, and large construction projects w ere only begun w hen
celestial conditions w ere considered favorable.

G r e e k o r H e lle n is tic P e r io d

A round 700 BCE, the expansion o f trade routes and the increase o f contact betw een the populations o f the
M editerranean led to the transm ission o f religious and philosophical thought. A strology captured the inter­
est o f the G reek civilization, and w as further developed, transform ing it into a structured discipline w ith
scholastic standing. V ery im portant figures such as P ythagoras ca. 571 BC E -ca.497 BC E) brought a w ealth
o f know ledge from the M iddle East that w ould be refined over the centuries. T he geom etrical theories and
the great philosophies that underpin w estern astrolo gy appeared. R enow ned G reek thinkers such as Plato c.
428 B C E -347 BC E) and A ristotle (384 B C E -322 BCE) developed astronom y and astrology w ith the cre­
ation o f physical and m etaphysical m odels o f the universe.

The earliest evid ence for the calculation o f the A scendant dates to about 200 BCE, an innovation that p erm it­
ted the precise calculation o f the astrological houses. T his increased m athem atical precision led to the im ple­
m entation o f new concepts. T he astrological chart, w ith all its com ponents, w as b om . S im ultaneously, natal
astrology also em erged and individual birth charts gradually becam e m ore popular.

In the early centuries CE, new thinkers and no tew orthy astrologers began to appear. M any m anuals and trea­
tises w ere w ritten at this tim e. O f these scholars, C laudius Ptolem y (ca. 100-ca. 178) stands out; he com piled
a large part o f the astrolo gical know ledge o f the tim e in his w ork T e tr a b ib lo s . L ater, this w ork b ecam e one o f
the great foundations o f M edieval astrology (A rabic and European).

W ith the slow disintegration o f the Rom an Em pire and the ad option o f C hristianity as the official religio n (in
313 by decree o f the E m p ero r C onstantine), the practice o f astrology suffered its first decline. T h e C hristian
religio n generated a strong an ti-pagan current, and astrolo gy began to fall into disfavor. T h e hostility tow ard
astrology (and o ther disciplines such as m athem atics, philosophy, and m edicine) on the p a rt o f the C hristian
religio n, seriously curbed its form al study. T he situation w as aggravated by the social and p o litical uprisin g s
th at sw ept the R om an E m pire during the follow ing 100 years, culm inating in its fall in the m id 6th century
CE, w hen E u rope entered the D ark A ges.

M e d ie v a l P e r io d

A fter 632 C E, the A rabs becam e one o f the great w o rld pow ers, occu p y in g the M iddle E ast, n o rth ern A frica,
and so uthern E urope (the Iberian Peninsula). B lessed by an im m ense interest in all a d v an ced learning, the
A rabs sought to collect G reek, B abylo nian, and P ersian k n o w led g e in o rd er to p reserv e an d d ev elo p arch i­
tecture, m edicine, philosophy, and astrology/astronom y. It is th anks to the scholars o f this p erio d that m uch
o f w estern astrological th o u g h t has been preserved. A round 700 C E , several celeb rated th in k ers w h o se a s­
trological w orks w ould influence and m odel w estern astro lo g ical th o u g h t beg an to a p p ear in the A rabic
w orld. T he Iberian p en in su la (particularly the A l-A ndalus) w as at th at tim e one o f the p rin cip al sch o lastic
centers o f the w orld. A rabic astrologers provided co n tin u ity w ith G reek astro lo g y , d eep en in g its m a th e m a ti­
cal precisio n and ex p an d in g certain branches, notab ly horary.
 6/On t k Hcavcnfy Sjrficrcs

W ith the Christian R cco n q u est 1 and the Crusades in the 11th century, a phase o f intellectual exchange w as
initiated that w ould foster developm ent and innovation o f astrological thought in the Christian world. A n a p ­
preciation for the w estern tradition w as renew ed as m any A rabic and G reek w orks w ere translated. D uring
this tim e, astrologers achieved im portant roles in society, acting as advisors to kings and nobles. N o n eth e­
less, tension w ith the C atholic Church continued, m aking astrology a risky profession. A strology w as p ri­
m arily used as a m eans for diagnosing health problem s. It also had a prom inent role in political consulting.

T h e R e n a is s a n c e

T h e 15th and 16th centuries initiated an im portant change in attitude: the Renaissance. The concept o f the in ­
div id ual w as expanded and the w orld w as perceived in a different m anner. The sciences and the arts w ere
reenergized and astrology underw ent som e transform ations. The classical techniques w ere questioned and
som e o f the m ain principles w ere m odified. The grow ing political discontentm ent w ith the A rabs (rep re­
sented by the O ttom an em pire), and the resurgence o f G reek ideas, led to the adoption o f P to lem y ’s treatise
as w estern a stro lo g y ’s prim ary source. Yet Ptolem y did not m ention several significant traditional factors,
and pro posed a form o f astrology that w as divergent from that o f his contem poraries. Thus, several trad i­
tional elem ents understood to be “A rabic innovations” w ere progressively discarded from the tradition.
T h ese changes created a schism betw een the M edieval astrologers and those o f the Renaissance, en g en d er­
ing instability in astrological practice.

D urin g this tim e the antagonism betw een astrology and the Catholic C hurch reached its apex. T he C hurch
condem ned astrological judgm ents (a.k.a. ju d icial astrology) because o f its political im plications and b e ­
cause o f the pow er it conferred to astrologers, notw ithstanding the fact that m any clerics w ere steeped in a s­
trological know ledge. The “official” practice o f astrology in Christian kingdom s w as restricted to less co n ­
troversial m atters, nam ely m edicine and w eather forecasting. In Protestant countries, astrology w as m ore
easily tolerated; its flow ering in northern Europe after the 15th century w as particularly notable.

D e c lin e o f A s t r o lo g y

A t the end o f the 16th century, the developm ent o f the A ge o f R eason and the scientific approach p rovoked
an irreparable crisis in astrology. The scientific reasoning o f the age declared astrology to be a superstition,
and it w as considered obsolete. The final severing betw een astrology and astronom y occurred in 1650. T h e
practice o f astrology still had som e im petus in the 17th century, but thereafter entered into a rapid d ecline,
having, by the start o f the 18th century, alm ost com pletely disappeared. In 1770, the U niversity o f
S alam anca ceased teaching astrology, and the subject definitively left academ ic circles. Ironically, and in the
co n tex t o f the tim es, the loss o f academ ic support constituted the collapse o f the on ly protection keeping a s­
trology from falling into superstition and m ediocrity.

In an attem pt to keep the p ractice o f astrolo gy alive, som e astrologers sought to reconcile astro lo g y ’s sy m ­
b o lic and m etaphysical ideas w ith the m echanistic vision o f scientific rationalism . H ow ever, th eir efforts
p ro d u ced m ore p roblem s th an benefits. In the hope o f attaining acceptance from the p revailing view s, th ey
o v ersim p lified the astrological system , im poverishing it in quality and function. The attem pt to explain as­
tro lo g y scien tifically led to the distortion o f its fundam ental principles. A strology w as relegated to p o p u lar
e n tertain m en t and w as increasingly ridiculed in po p u lar alm anacs at the end o f the 18th century. W ith o u t
ad eq u ate su pport o r p ractice, the m illennial astrological tradition w as forgotten.

R e v iv a l

In th e second h a lf o f th e 19th century, a revival o f O riental spirituality occurred. M any esoteric co n cep ts and
b ra n c h e s o f th o u g h t w ere stu d ied and recovered, and astrolo gy w as am ong them . T he au th ors o f this age de-

’C h ristia n R eco n q u est: a p e rio d o f ap p ro x im ately 800 y ears in th e M iddle A ges in w h ich sev eral k in g d o m s o f th e Ib e­
ria n P e n in su la (p re se n t-d a y P o rtu g al an d Spain) striv ed to retak e th e lan d from M uslim d o m inion.
 A s tr o fo g ij/7

sired not only to becom e restorers but also reform ers o f the astrological tradition. M ost notable w as T heoso-
phist A lan Leo, w ho, to avoid being charged w ith violating British laws against fortune-telling, innovated
the practice o f character analysis from the chart.

N otw ithstanding m ost good intentions, their w ork left som ething to be desired as it attem pted to reconstruct
astrology on the basis o f a m odel that w as already abbreviated and devoid o f any profound k now ledge o f the
tradition. It w as upon this fragile and incom plete foundation that m odem astrology found its footing. It c en ­
ters alm ost entirely around natal astrology and discounts the tradition’s predictive inflection. In addition, the
m odern approach lacks a philosophical structure and offers an im poverished oversim plification o f
interpretative techniques.

This inadequate situation gave rise to several problem s. O n the one hand, it allow ed personal o pin­
ions— even the m ost ineffectual and uninform ed ones— to assum e an authoritative voice. A s a consequence
o f this proliferation, astrology propagated into num erous currents and approaches, m any o f w hich lack m uch
substance. O n the other hand, it led serious practitioners to dedicate them selves to o ther disciplines in an at­
tem pt to com pensate for the shortcom ings o f their astrological practice, thereby perpetuating its convoluted
state.

M odern A p p roach

By the 20th century, w ith the em ergence o f psychology and the increasing interest in personal grow th, p sy ­
chological and hum anistic astrology w ere bom , centering astrology around the hum an being. This m arriage
o f astrology, psychology, and the social sciences led to the appearance o f ideological m ovem ents that called
for astro lo g y ’s u se as a tool for self-grow th. T he psychological language w as then adapted to astrology and
the co ncept o f astrology as an adju nct to psycholo gical counseling em erged. This astrology revolved around
a sort o f sim plified form o f psychoanalysis based upon astrological sym bolism , rath er than upon astrological
interpretation itself.

This poin t o f view influenced every avenue o f astrological developm ent o f the 20th century. N atal astrology,
w hich exam in es the individual horoscope, becam e the m ost practiced form o f astrology, relegating the other
branches, such as m undane and horary, to near extinction. Parallel to this, astrology w as separated from the
em barrassing legacy o f prediction in such a w ay that its p redictive function, an essential nucleus o f astro l­
ogy, b ecam e a taboo subject th at w as replaced by generalized forecasts.

U nderstandably, the increase in astrological popularization led to the em ergence o f sim p lified variations.
Sun-sign astrology and m agazine horoscopes are obvio us products o f the sim plification o f a once m ore
highly com plex system . In the 1960s and 1970s, a p ro -sp iritu al culture em erged, an ou tg ro w th o f the 19th
centu ry im portation o f oriental p hilosophies into Europe and A m erica. It w as at this tim e that th em es such as
reincarnation, karm a, and m editation becom e a p art o f the com m on vernacular. In astrology, this influx o f
new ideas w as translated to karm ic, spiritual, and esoteric approaches, vary in g greatly in q uality . S om e w ere
serious studies, w hile others involved the fastenin g o f p erso n al b eliefs to the astro lo g ical system . M ean ­
w hile, the spiritual and m etaphysical foundations o f astrology rem ain ed largely ignored b y the m ajo rity o f
its practitioners.

In technical term s, the 20th century b ro u g h t to astrology the ease o f calcu latio n p ro v id ed by com puters. A l­
though this is a blessing to the serious p ra ctitio n er o f the art, it b rin g s w ith it som e in co n v en ien ces b ecau se it
allow s those w ith insufficient know ledge o f astrology to “p ro fessio n ally ” cast and in terp ret charts.

C urrently, w e also b ear w itness to the ap pearance o f nu m ero u s a stro lo g ical tech n iq u es, som e o f th e m m ere
m ath em atical v ariatio n s w ith little o r no practical use. T he th in k in g seem s to be “w h at is new is g o o d ,” as
new techniques and approaches are in vented every year. O ne finds, in a d d itio n to the in clu sio n o f the
8/Oh tfa Heavcnfy Sjrficrcs

trans-S atum ian planets (U ranus, N eptune and Pluto), the indiscrim inate use o f copious asteroids and p lane­
toids, leading to ever m ore elaborate and unnecessary interpretations.

A s a reaction to the lack o f objectivity in m odem astrology, the 1990s brought a m ovem ent tow ard a m ore
classical and traditional orientation. This w as encouraged by the translation and publication o f ancient texts.
A com parison betw een the m illennial practical tradition and the current one brings w ith it the understanding
o f how far contem porary astrology has strayed from its roots. A nd, the rediscovery o f tradition resulted in a
resurgence o f the forgotten branches o f horary and m undane astrology. C urrently, astrology has begun a
slo w return to its origins from w here it is hoped it w ill rccm crge as an intact, solid, and functional body o f
know ledge. It is up to its current students and practitioners to continue to restore and venerate the
astrological tradition.
 C h a jrter I I

The Universe
According to Astrology
M o d e ls a n d P e r s p e c tiv e s

In order to understand astrology one first m ust understand the cosm ology upon w hich it rests. W ithout this
know ledge, it is no t possible to obtain a real understanding o f its foundation, its dynam ics, o r the m etaphys­
ics o f astrology. T he m ost im portant thing to consider is the fact that this m odel describes the U niverse ac­
co rdin g to param eters that are astrological, w hich differ substantially from contem porary scientific m odels.

W hen w e currently speak o f stars and planets,

the im age th at m o st frequently com es to m ind
is that o f the so lar system w ith the Sun at the
cen ter and the eight k n ow n planets (as w ell as
E arth) o rbiting around it. Figure 1 depicts the
im age o f the solar system as i f o b serv ed from a
p o in t in space outside o f it. V iew ed this w ay , it
o 0 0 o 0 ’ 0 0 is easy to fo rget th at w e resid e in side the so lar
Sun
5 9 d b ¥ Y system and th at it is from w ith in th at w e see the
Mercury Vbnut Earth Man Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune
planets and stars. 2 T his rep resen tatio n e x ­
presses the o b jectiv e reality o f the so lar sy stem
and em phasizes the co n crete an d p h y sical re al­
ity o f the p lanets. A lb eit correct, this p ersp ec ­
tive does no t express a v iew p o in t th at is a p p ro ­
F ig u r e 1. A s t r o n o m ic a l o r H e lio c e n t r ic M o d e l: p riate fo r astrology.
t h e C e le s tia l B o d ie s O r b it A r o u n d t h e S u n

2
T h is m a n n e r o f v ie w in g th e so la r sy ste m from th e “ ex te rio r” is so ro o te d in o u r so c ie ty th a t m a n y fo rg et th a t th e p la n e ts
are v isib le fro m th e earth ; o n e o n ly n eed s to o b serv e th e n ig h t sky.
 lO jO n tlie H e a w n i y S y fw r c s

T h e A str o lo g ic a l R e a lity

In a s tr o lo g y , th e o b s e r v a tio n a l p o in t o f v ie w is E a rth . A ll a s tro lo g ic a l k n o w le d g e is c o n s tru c te d a s a f u n c tio n

o f th e r e a lity o b s e r v a b le fro m o u r p la n e t. T h u s , th e p la n e ts a re re p r e s e n te d as th e y a rc s e e n b y a te r re s tria l
o b s e r v e r . T o th e o b s e r v e r , th e p la n e ts a p p e a r to m o v e a ro u n d th e E a rth a n d n o t a r o u n d th e S u n . A s s u c h , it is
u n d e r s to o d th a t in te r m s o f s y m b o lis m a n d in te rp re ta tio n , a s tro lo g y c o n s id e rs th e E a rth a s its c e n te r ( g e o ­
c e n tr ic p e r s p e c tiv e ) , n o t th e S u n (h e lio c e n tric p e rs p e c tiv e ). It is n o t a m a tte r o f c h o o s in g o n e o f th e m o d e ls
o v e r th e o th e r , b u t o f u n d e r s ta n d in g th a t b o th r e p r e s e n t th e s a m e re a lity b u t fro m d if f e r e n t p e rs p e c tiv e s : th e
h e lio c e n tr ic m o d e l d is p la y s th e s o la r s y s te m in its e n tire ty , w h ile th e g e o c e n tric m o d e l d is p la y s th e s k y a s it
is s e e n fr o m E a rth . T h e k e y , th e n , is to s e le c t a m o d e l th a t is a p p ro p r ia te to th e o b je c tiv e a t h a n d . W h e n th e
o b je c tiv e is th e s tu d y o f a s tro lo g y , w h ic h o b s e r v e s th e s ta rs fro m a te r re s tria l p e r s p e c tiv e , a g e o c e n tr ic m o d e l
s h o u ld b e a d o p t e d ?

T h e C e le stia l S p h e r e s M o d e l

T h e a s tr o lo g ic a l u n iv e r s e is r e m a rk a b ly w e ll p ic tu r e d in th e P to le m a ic m o d e l (a ls o k n o w n a s th e c e le s tia l
s p h e r e s m o d e l) , fro m w h ic h w e re ta k e n th e m a jo r ity o f th e s ig n ific a tio n s a n d b e h a v io r s o f th e a s tr o lo g ic a l
p la n e ts . In th is m o d e l, th e E a rth is s itu a te d a t th e c e n te r o f th e u n iv e r s e — th e p o in t o f g r e a te s t m a te r ia lity .
A r o u n d it, th e s e v e n p la n e ta r y s p h e r e s ( in c lu d in g th e S u n a n d M o o n ) , a s w e ll a s th e s p h e r e o f th e fix e d s ta rs
a n d o f th e z o d ia c , a re g ro u p e d in to c o n c e n tr ic c irc le s .

In a d d itio n to th e s p h e r e s , s a y s th e tr a d itio n , w e a ls o
fin d th e r e th e d iv in e k in g d o m s , w h ic h tr a n s c e n d a s ­
tro lo g y i t s e l f a n d c o n s titu te a to p ic o f th e o lo g ic a l
stu d y .

T h e n in th s p h e r e , th e o n e m o s t d is ta n t fr o m E a rth , is
c a lle d T h e P r i m u m M o b i l e . It is c a lle d th is b e c a u s e it
is fro m th is s p h e r e th a t th e p r im a r y m o tio n is g e n e r ­
a te d ; th is is th e m o tio n th a t c a u s e s th e r o ta tio n o f th e
h e a v e n s fr o m e a s t to w e s t in th e c o u r s e o f 2 4 h o u r s . 34
P r i m a r y m o t i o n is th e m o s t p o w e r f u l a n d im p o r ta n t
o f a ll th e c e le s tia l m o v e m e n ts : it c a r r ie s th e s ta rs , th e
S im , th e M o o n a n d th e p la n e ts a r o u n d E a rth . In th is
w a y , it m a r k s th e p a s s a g e o f th e d a y s a n d a s c r ib e s to
th e p la n e ts t h e i r p o w e r to a c t b e c a u s e it e s ta b lis h e s
w h e n th e y r is e , c u lm in a te , a n d se t. I t is a ls o w ith in
th is c e le s tia l s p h e r e th a t th e z o d ia c , th e b a s is o f a s t r o ­
lo g ic a l in te r p r e ta ti o n , is r e p r e s e n te d .

J u s t b e lo w th is , w e f in d th e e ig h th s p h e r e , th a t o f th e
f ix e d s ta r s , w h ic h c o n s t it u te th e s ta r r y b a c k g r o u n d F ig u r e 2 . P t o le m a ic M o d e l: t h e C e le s tia l B o d ie s

th a t is o b s e r v e d in th e n ig h t s k y . T h is s p h e r e , a ls o D e p ic t e d a s T h e y A r e S e e n f r o m E a r th

c a ll e d th e f i r m a m e n t , r e p r e s e n ts th e im m u ta b le s k y
o f th e c o n s t e ll a ti o n s a n d s ta r s in a ll its m a j e s t y a n d s y m b o lis m .

3
A s is c o m m o n k n o w le d g e , so m e astro lo g ers w o rk w ith th e h elio cen tric m odel. T his is an ex p erim en tal te c h n iq u e th at
d iv erg es fro m th e T ra d itio n an d w h ic h w ill n o t b e em p lo y ed in th is book.
4
A lth o u g h th is a p p a re n t m o tio n is in re a lity cau sed b y th e ro ta tio n o f th e E arth , from th e p ercep tio n o f a terrestrial o b ­
serv er, it is th e sta rs th a t a p p e a r to m o v e, w h ile th e E arth (th e h o rizo n ) rem ain s still.
 T ft c U n iv e r s e A c c o r d i n g to A s t r o f o g y / l l

N ext w e find the seven planetary spheres, w hich

contain the seven planets visible to the naked eye.
The sequence is ordered according to the apparent
speed o f each planet. T hus, Saturn, the slo w est
body, occupies the seventh and m ost distant sphere
(also know n as “the seventh heaven”). Ju p ite r’s
sphere is next, then that o f M ars, that o f the Sun
(w hich occupies the center o f the sequence), then
that o f V enus, that o f M ercury, and lastly, that o f the
M oon, the sw iftest o f the visible celestial bodies.

F ig u r e 3 . S p h e r e o f th e Primuni Mobile A t the center, encircled by all the other spheres is

Earth, differentiated by four layers that correspond
to the four elem ents: fire, earth, air, and w ater. To
the earth elem ent, the heaviest, corresponds the
solid part o f the planet: the islands, continents,
m ountains, etc. W ater obviously corresponds to the
oceans, rivers and lakes. A bove the earth and w ater
hovers the air, w hich corresponds to the atm osphere
and the w inds. A ccording to the tradition, these ele­
m ents w ould have been encircled by a fiery sphere
from w hich phenom enona, such as falling stars,
com ets, and the aurora borealis, w ould have origi­
F ig u r e 4 . S p h e r e o f t h e F ix e d S ta r s , nated (today w e m ig ht establish a parallel betw een
A ls o C a lle d F ir m a m e n t the fiery zone and the upperm ost layer o f the terres­
trial atm osphere w here one can observe friction and
w here cosm ic radiation strikes).

A ccording to the tradition, the celestial spheres are

com posed o f a spiritual substance and, therefore,
they are p erfect and im m utable. O nly the elem ental
sphere, also called the sublunar w orld (because it is
below the lu nar sphere), is subject to changes due to
its m aterial nature. W e know to day that the heavens
are not im m utable n o r p erfect and are com posed o f
the sam e su bstance as E arth. N onetheless, for a te r­
restrial observer, this is how the celestial sp here is
F ig u r e 5 . S p h e r e s o f t h e P la n e t s perceived: perfect, im m utable and grand.

From an astrological p oint o f view , these p re su p p o ­

sitions continue in place: ev ery th in g terrestrial is
su b ject to change an d w ill ev en tu ally en co u n ter d e ­
terioration an d decay. T h ese changes, ho w ev er, do
not o ccur ran d o m ly b u t acco rd in g to a rh y th m d ic ­
tated by the m o v em en t o f the planets. A s they m ove,
the p lanets act upo n the four terrestrial elem ents,
ch an g in g th em in d ifferen t w ays, an d co n seq u en tly
cau sin g changes on E arth an d on ev ery th in g it c o n ­
tains, including h u m an beings. T h i s is th e f u n d a ­
F ig u r e 6 . T h e E a r th a n d th e S p h e r e s o f th e E le m e n ts m e n t a l p r i n c i p l e o f a s t r o l o g y : th e r e e x i s t s a c o r r e l a -
 12l0ii the Heavenly Sj)fares

lio n b e tw e e n c e l e s t i a l m o v e m e n ts a n d th e e v e n ts o n E a r th th a t p e r m i t s u s to in te r p r e t a n d f o r e s e e th e s e
changes.

Thus, in ord er to understand how the planets and stars arc related to the changes on Earth, it is necessary to
identify the correlations o f each planet, sign, and star with the four elem ents— that is, w ith the terrestrial
w orld. T his is the basis o f astrological study.

T h e W o r ld o f th e E le m e n ts

N ow that w e have a general view o f the astrological universe, w e ’ll take up the m atter o f the elem ents, the
forces on E arth upon w hich the planets act.

P r im a r y Q u a litie s

T he elem ents, the b uilding blocks o f the universe, are in

turn co m posed o f four fundam ental principles, the p r i ­
m a r y q u a li ti e s . T hese are: hot, cold, dry, and moist. H ot
T hese qualities represent the dynam ic basis o f all behav­
H
ior pertaining to substances: energy, density, resistance,
and m alleability. They explain the essence o f the ele­
m ents and, consequently, o f m atter and o f the m aterial
w orld.
M- D
As they com bine w ith each other, the prim aiy qualities M oist D ry
define the four elem ents. The qualities also define the
essence o f the various astrological factors, nam ely o f the
planets and signs. H ot and cold im print dynam ism onto
the w hole system , the reason they are called active q u ali­
ties. T hese are associated w ith the concept o f e n e r g y . hot
c
Cold
represents w hat is active, energetic, radiant, centrifugal,
lum inous, light and subtle. F ig u r e 7 . T h e P r im a r y Q u a lit ie s

Cold represents w hat is static, absorbent, centripetal,

dark, heav y and dense. T he hot quality corresponds to H ot
the m ascu lin e, w hich is expansive and dynam ic; cold H
corresponds to the fem inine, w hich is contracting and
static. T h e m ascu lin e prin cip le represents activity, dyna­
m ism , e x terio rizatio n and expansion, w hile the fem inine
co rresp o n d s w ith receptivity, contem plation, internal­
ization an d contraction.

E v ery th in g in the u n iv erse is subject to opposing forces,

w hich m a n ifest as p o larities such as light-dark, ex p an ­
sio n -co n tractio n , m o v em en t-im m o b ility , activity-pas­
sivity, etc. T h e in teractio n b etw een h o t and cold g en er­
ates tw o n e w poles: m o ist an d dry. T he m oist quality
c
Cold
c o rresp o n d s w ith a fluid interaction. It is generated from
the q u a lity o f c o ld , sin ce th e in crease in cold ness has h u ­ F ig u r e 8 . H o t a n d C o ld

m id ity as a n atu ral co n seq u en ce (fo r exam ple, the co ld ­

ness o f n ig h t lead s to the c o n d en satio n o f dew ). It represents adaptability, m alleability, plasticity, sm o o th ­
ness, and, as a co n seq u en ce, th o se th ings that are easily m old ed, slippery, soft, and sm ooth. It has no fo rm in
 T fi e U n iv e r s e A c c o r d i n g to A s t r o f o g ij / 1 3

itself, but represents the principles o f coh esio n and

form.

T he quality o f dry corresponds w ith a tense interaction.

It is generated from the quality hot, since the increase in
heat has dryness as a consequence (as m ay be verified
w hen anything is left to dry out in the Sun). It represents
M- D resistance, hardness, rigidity, and, th erefore, those
M oist D ry things that are abrasive, breakable, and cold. Its p rin ci­
ple property is the m aintenance o f form: co ntain in g, g iv ­
ing structure, and crystallizing. Because they are g ener­
ated from the active qualities, m oist and dry are called
passive qualities. T hey are connected to the concept o f
f o r m (for exam ple, clay is m alleable w hen it is m oist­
ened but hardens w hen dried in an oven).
F ig u r e 9 . M o ist a n d D r y

F o r m a tio n o f th e E le m e n ts

Each elem ent is co m posed o f tw o prim ary qualities: an

active one and a passiv e one.

T he fire elem ent is generated from the union o f hot and

dry. It is ch aracterized by an expansive, radiant action
(hot) that im poses itse lf naturally w ithout m old in g itse lf
to the external environm ent (dry). From the union o f hot
and m oist w e get air, equally dynam ic (hot) b u t adapt­
able (m oist); it is characterized by changeable, adapt­
able, and dispersive activity.

B ecause they share the hot quality, fire and air are both
m asculine, dynam ic, and extroverted. T hey are charac­
terized by a strong centrifugal im pulse (exteriorizing).
F ig u r e 1 0 . T h e F o r m a t io n o f t h e E le m e n ts
O n the o th er hand, the connection b etw een cold and dry
g enerates the elem ent earth, contracted, inert (cold),
hard and no n-m olding (dry). F ro m the u n io n o f co ld and
m oist em erges w ater, w hich is characterized b y recep ­
tivity and density (cold), b u t w h ich is ex trem ely m allea­
ble (m oist).

B ecause they are b o th cold , earth and w a te r are fem inine

elem ents, reflexive an d introverted; th ey hav e a recep ­
tive and cen trip etal m otion.

W e can also group the elem en ts ac c o rd in g to th e ir p a s­

sive, o r secondary, q u alities.

T hus, fire and earth share th e d ry q u a lity , w h ic h giv es

th em a tense, resistan t and n o n -m o ld in g ex p ressio n . F ire
resists by im p o sin g its rad ian ce; it co n su m es an d b u m s
 14/ Oh tfw HcavettCy Sjrficrcs

w hat it touches, but also illum inates and energizes,

transm itting its heat to everything. Sim ilarly, earth re­
sists through its persistence, its perm anence. It pos­
sesses a sort o f im m ovability that creates obstacles and
blocks, but that also structures and gives cohesion and
stability. A ir and w ater share the m oist quality and are
th erefore m alleable, changeable, and adaptable. W hile
air expresses this m alleability in an active m anner, ex­
panding itse lf freely in any direction, w ater expresses it
in a m ore retracted m anner: it m olds itself, absorbs in­
fluences, infiltrates itself, and dissolves structures.

T he four elem ents arc spread out over spheres according

to th eir subtly and density. E arth is the densest elem ent;
therefore, it occupies the center o f the sublunar w orlds, F ig u r e 1 2 . W a te r a n d E a r th
com prising the continents. On account o f its gravity
(w eight), it represents everything that tends tow ard
static perm anence (a rock, for exam ple). It m aintains
fixed and structured form s, crystallizes and turns sub­
stances hard, giving them perm anence, durability, and
stability. Those things characterized by earth are dark,
o f dull colors, and rough, heavy, and very solid.

W ater occupies the subsequent sphere since it is less

dense than earth. It represents the oceans and all w atery
bodies on Earth. N otw ithstanding the fact that it is a
dense elem ent (cold), the m oist quality gives w ater great
p lasticity and adaptability. W ater turns the densest m a­
terials pliable and has adhesive properties, w hich m akes
it an aggregating elem ent, preventing objects from b e­
com ing dry and brittle. T hose things characterized by
w ater tend tow ard dark colors, can have reflective p ro p ­ F ig u r e 1 3 . T h e D r y E le m e n t s : F ir e a n d E a r th

erties o r ap p ear to play w ith color (like w ater itself),

have lim ited flexibility, and are lighter than those things
represented by the earth elem ent.

T he a ir corresponds to the third su b lu n ar sphere, rep re­

senting the terrestrial atm osphere. It has lightness and
the c ap acity to pen etrate as its characteristics and is co n ­
n ected w ith great m obility and plasticity. A s w ith w ater,
it has a u n ify in g role, b u t in a m ore subtle m anner, so it is
a sso ciated w ith transportation (fo r exam ple, sm ells and
sounds are tran sp o rted th rough the air).

T h o se things characterized b y the a ir are scintillating,

clear, sm o o th , and light, d isp lay in g great ag ility and
flex ibility.

F ig u r e 1 4 . T h e M o is t E le m e n t s : A ir a n d W a t e r
F ire, the m o st subtle elem en t, occupies the outerm ost
sphere o f the su b lu n ar w orld s. B ecause it is extrem ely
 T fie U n iv e rse A c c o r d in g to A str o fo g ij/1 5

rarefied, its presence is prim arily

detected through its qualities o f
- A Sphere of Fire
lum inosity, heat and “ electricity.”
- A Sphere of Air This elem ent allow s the various
energy exchanges betw een v ari­
- Sphere of W ater
ous form s. It acts on m atter by
- Sphere of Earth causing the creation and transfor­
m ation o f the varied substances,
and on living beings, conferring
vitality and pro m oting grow th.
T hose things characterized by
fire are lum inous, brilliant, o f ra­
diant colors, and very alive. They
are also light, b u t display som e
F ig u r e 15 . T h e S p h e r e s o f th e E le m e n ts harshness and resistance.

E veryth in g th at exists on E arth is associated w ith one o f the elem ents o r w ith a m ixture o f elem ents (to be
precise, w e m ay state that fire, earth, air, and w ater are present in everything, albeit in different proportions).
O n the other hand, each sign and each planet is associated w ith a particular elem ent. T he m ovem ents and ce­
lestial configurations can therefore be interpreted from the perspective o f the m ovem ent and com bination o f
elem ents. W e m ay thus recognize the elem ents as the bridge b etw een terrestrial events and celestial reality.
T h eir dynam ic interrelationships, m anifested via the m ovem ents o f the planets and stars, give us insights
into terrestrial events (for exam ple, m undane events, the clim ate, hum an behavior, diseases, etc).

T h e T e m p e r a m e n ts

W e also find the four elem ents in the hum an bein g as m anifested through the four tem peram ents: choleric,
sanguine, m elancholic, and phlegm atic, associated respectively w ith fire, air, earth and w ater.

T he tem peram ents define w h at the ancients called the c o m ­

p l e x i o n o f each individual: the set o f th eir ph y sical an d b e ­
havioral traits, as w ell as th eir psych o lo g ical and m etabolic
predispositions. T hus, to each tem p eram en t is associated a
group o f behavioral patterns, a specific p h y sical structure,
and a hum or, w hich is its p h y sio lo g ical counterpart. E ach
hum an being exhib its a pred o m in an t tem peram ent, b u t the
rem aining three w ill also be p resen t in the con stitu tio n , alb eit
in sm aller proportions. T his sy stem o f tem p eram en ts c o n sti­
tutes a ty pe o f a n cien t p sy ch o lo g y th at allow s u s to m ak e
com plex and subtle assessm en ts o f the m o tiv atio n s, b eh av ­
iors, and dynam ics o f each individual. T h is ev alu atio n is e x ­
trem ely u sefu l n o t only in n atal astro lo g y b u t also in m ed ical
astrology.

C h o le r ic
T h e choleric tem p eram en t u n ites th e q u alities o f h o t an d dry
and is associated w ith the fire elem ent. It m an ife sts as e n th u ­
siasm , energy, an d rap id actions. It p ro d u ces re so lu te, co u ra­
geous, and am b itio u s p erso n alities, alw ay s read y fo r actio n ,
F ig u r e 1 6 . T h e T e m p e r a m e n ts , enterprising an d en th u siastic, and n e v e r cap itu latin g to o b ­
1 6 th C e n tu r y I llu s tr a tio n stacles. I f rig h tly m o d erated , it g iv es the n ativ e a sp irit o f
 16/On tftc Hcavciify Sjtlicrcs

leadership and strong will. A lthough enthusiasm isn ’t easily lost, the choleric tends to change his o r her m ind
frequently and to start several projects throughout life. The focus o f interest is on action and conquest, rarely
letting details deter the intent. The choleric can som etim es be precipitated and inconstant. D ue to a lack o f
patience, this tem peram ent is not given to study or investigation.

In em otional term s, the choleric is not very em otional and “dryness” m ay cause him or her to be rigid and in ­
sensitive. Im patience m akes this individual lack grace in expression to the point o f rudeness and hostility.
T he choleric reacts w ith great intensity to threats or external challenges, being capable o f aggression or even
violence. In extrem e eases, the com bined lack o f sensitivity and easily expressed rage can result in cruelty.

I f the choleric tem peram ent has traces o f m elancholic, the personality tends to be m ore m oderated in its ac­
tions. In this com bination the dry quality predom inates, w hich indicates a tendency to retain ire, giving rise
to m istrust and bad tem per. N evertheless, this com bination o f tem peram ents produces greater constancy, c u ­
riosity, and a capacity for study because the coldness o f the m elancholic m oderates the heat o f the choleric.

T he presence o f the phlegm atic tem peram ent cools the constant activity and the im pulsive reactions o f the
choleric because it involves a m ixture o f com plim entary prim ary qualities (hot and dry on the one hand, and
cold and hum id on the other). H ow ever, it provides a greater em otional contrast, generating all m anner o f
tem peram ental attitudes.

I f the secondary tem peram ent is sanguine, there w ill be greater lightness and sociability, w hich attenuates
the choleric expression. There is m ore sensibility and adaptability (the hum id m oderates the harshness o f the
dry), but because both share the hot quality, it produces a certain agitation and inconstancy.

In physiognom ic term s, the body o f a choleric tends to be slim , m uscular, and hairy. T he fram e is average o r
short. The skin is coarse, hot, and shiny, o f a yellow ish o r reddish tone. T hese traits m ay be m odified by
other tem peram ents.

In the m edical/physiological realm , the choleric tem peram ent is associated w ith the hum or know n as y e l l o w
b il e (the term bilious is often synonym ous w ith choleric). A ccording to the ancient m edical system , this h u ­
m or, w hich is centered in the gall bladder, w ould have been used to process the rem aining hum ors; it co nfers
m ovem ent and action and heats up the body.

S a n g u in e
T he sanguine tem peram ent com bines the qualities o f hot and m oist and is associated w ith the air elem ent. A s
in the choleric type, it produces a dynam ic and active personality, but the m oist quality m akes the native
m ore versatile and adaptable. T he sanguine is characterized b y a vivacious, spontaneous, and en thusiastic
p erso n ality th at is very com m unicative and sociable. Interests com prise a great m any topics, and w hen p ro p ­
erly tem pered, it p roduces curious, studio us, and inquiring individuals.

In em o tio n al term s the saguine is very sensitiv e and cries easily, a w ay to shed w orries and anxieties. F o r this
reason the individual does not h arb o r an g er and is n atu rally hap p y and friendly. E xtrem e fluidity can lead to
dispersion, a lack o f concentration, and a notorious lack o f p erseverance. O ther negative aspects are a lack o f
o rg an izatio n and discipline, as this tem peram ent can be very unsettled and restless. Im m ense so ciability m ay
also deg en erate into su p erficiality and futility.

I f m elan ch o lic traces are found, the dynam ic nature and changeability o f the sanguine acquire m ore structure
and co n sisten cy . T h e v iv acity and jo y o f this tem p eram en t becom e contained and the individual becom es
m o re serio u s an d conservative. It is a very balan ced com b in atio n due to the contrasting prim ary qualities
p resen t (h o t an d m o ist w ith co ld and dry) and is p articu larly suited to the pursuit o f study and investigation.
 Tfic Universe According to Astrofogg/17

W hen the secondary tem peram ent is phlegm atic, you get a sort o f dissolution o f the sanguine tem peram ent;
the presence o f cold m akes the individual less exuberant and happy, m ore self-oriented yet still changeable
and adaptable due to the m oist quality. W hen com bined w ith the choleric traits, a predom in ance o f hot re­
sults and the tem peram ent becom es m ore intense and bellicose and loses som e o f its natural flexibility. N ev ­
ertheless, the dryness confers greater determ ination and perseverance to the actions o f the sanguine.

In physiognom ic term s, the sanguine tem peram ent tends to be m eaty and full, but not fat. T he fram e is ro ­
bust, o f m edium height or tall. The skin is sm ooth, hot and m oist to the touch, w ith a w hite or rosy hue.

In m edical term s, the sanguine tem peram ent is associated (as its Latin nam e indicates) w ith the b lo o d . C on­
veyed through the arteries and veins, this hum or has, as its function, the elim ination and transport o f su b­
stances through the body.

M e la n c h o lic
The m elancholic tem peram ent com bines the qualities o f cold and dry and is associated w ith the earth ele­
m ent. It has a reflective and focused personality. T he native can be very reserved and m oderated in his o r her
m anifestations, and is som etim es underestim ated, seem ing to be less interested in things than is actually true.
The focus o f attention is objective reality, w hich gives the individual a sense o f firm ness and security. H e or
she tends to deal better w ith facts than w ith ideas, and is generally resourceful and a good investigator, dis­
playing a great deal o f p atience and perseverance.

In em otional term s, the individual is not very dem onstrative and, as w ith the choleric, is rigid in sensibilities.
N oneth eless, the cold quality m akes these people especially susceptible, w ith a tendency tow ard m elan­
choly, pessim ism , and w hen em otionally unbalanced, tow ard depression. D ue to the dry quality, they have
difficulty crying and m ay retain th eir anger for a long tim e, to the point o f resentm ent. T he rigidity o f this
tem peram ent m akes one obstinate, distrustful, and anti-social, w hich can lead to loneliness. G enerally criti­
cal and a p erfectionist, this individual in extrem e cases is capable o f being intolerant and cold-hearted.

W hen com bined w ith the sanguine tem peram ent the m elancholic becom es m ore sociable, bold, and jo y fu l,
exhibiting a tem peram ent that is less pessim istic and defensive. T his co m b in atio n is considered very m ea­
sured as it com bines opposite qualities. I f it exhibits a choleric undertone, it acquires g reater vitality, so cia­
bility, and d eterm ination. N onetheless, the predom inance o f the dry q uality confers o nto it a solitary and in­
d ivid ualistic attitude. In its fusion w ith the p hlegm atic tem peram ent, the pred o m in an ce o f the co ld quality is
em phasized, w hich rein forces the tendency tow ard reserve and w ithdraw al. T his p roduces b eh av io r sim ilar
to th at o f the pure m elancholic type, albeit a bit m ore flexible and adaptable.

In physio g n o m ic term s, the body o f the m elancholic has a m edium fram e and a slim constitution. T he skin is
coarse and cold to the touch, generally o f a yellow ish or dull color, w ith sparse h a ir that tends to b e dark.

T he m elancholic tem p eram en t is associated w ith the hu m o r know n as b l a c k b ile . Its function is the reten tio n
o f substances in the body, b estow ing consistency to the m uscle tissues an d liquids, solid ify in g the bones,
and stren g th en in g m em o ry and sobriety. Its containing organ is the spleen.

P h le g m a tic
T he tem p eram en t o f the ph leg m atic com bines the q ualities o f cold and m oist and is asso ciated w ith the w ater
elem ent. It p roduces a sensitive and reserved p ersonality w ith a p o w erfu l e m o tio n al drive. L ik e the m elan ­
cholic, this type is in troverted, but the presence o f the m oist q u ality co n fers p lasticity and ad ap tab ility . T h e
native has a p o w erfu l em o tio n al drive, m aking decisions that help m ain tain secu rity an d em o tio n al w e ll-b e­
ing. B y favoring em otional reasoning, these people can be very su b jectiv e an d in co n stan t (“w h a t is goo d to ­
day b ecau se it m akes m e feel safe, m ay be bad tom orrow b ecau se it m ak es m e feel p o o rly ”) to the p o in t o f in-
 18/O h tfie H cavciify tylîcrcs

congruence. T hey arc interested in w hat they feel and in w hat prom otes security, and they delight in new
people and new situations, but can easily adopt a passive and slightly lazy attitude. G enerally speaking, the
m elancholic has a tim id and serene tem peram ent.

W hile em otion and feelings are the basis o f behavior, these are seldom openly expressed. A lthough sensitive
and sym pathetic, the phlegm atic avoids com m itm ents and is not terribly expressive. He or she tends to as­
sum e conciliatory roles and is excessively patient. W hen em otionally disturbed, this tem peram ent can b e ­
com e reclusive and apathetic. D ue to its excessive m alleability, laziness and indolence can becom e larger
flaws. O nly w ith difficulty, does the individual display courage and determ ination in his or her actions. A t its
w orse, em otional self-centeredness m anifests as greed, cow ardice, deceit, and em otional m anipulation.

W hen com bined w ith the choleric tem peram ent, the phlegm atic gains greater agility and daring. T he general
expression tends to be m ore tem pered due to the opposing qualities o f each. The union w ith the sanguin e
type adds the hot quality, w hich gives it greater jo y and vitality, m inim izing the m ore static aspects o f the
phlegm atic type. The predom inance o f the m oist quality reinforces the flexibility and elasticity o f the p e r­
sonality. T he com bination w ith the m elancholic tem peram ent gives em phasis to the cold, enhancing the in ­
troverted characteristics. N onetheless, the addition o f the dry quality confers greater solidity and p ersev er­
ance to the native.

In physiognom ic term s, the phlegm atic tends to have a m edium to short fram e, w ith a m eaty, flaccid bod y
that can easily put on w eight. The skin is soft and cold to the touch, generally pallid or w hite in color and
w ith little hair.

This tem peram ent is associated w ith the p h l e g m hum or, w hich is responsible for the m aintenance o f the
b o d y 's tem perature and its lubrication. In m odem term s, it corresponds to m ucus and lym ph.

P r a c t ic a l A p p lic a tio n

The tem peram ents constitute the key to interpreting a natal chart. Each planet o r sign has affinities w ith each
o f the four tem peram ents, w hich serve as the basis for defining its characteristics. T he com bination o f a
p la n e t’s tem peram ent w ith the tem peram ent o f the sign w here it is posited m akes up the core o f astro lo g ical
interpretation. In natal astrology, it is possib le to determ ine the tem peram ent (or com bination o f tem p era­
m ents) o f each individual. This global tem peram ent describes the core characteristics that condition all the
behaviors, m otivations, and personal dynam ics o f the individual. T he m anifestation o f the details sh ow n in
the chart is alw ays underscored by the p redom inant tem peram ent. F o r exam ple, an astrological m ark er o f
aggression w ill have a different ex pressio n in the chart o f a choleric tem peram ent (w hich reinforces an a g ­
gressive tendency) than it w ill in the ch art o f a phlegm atic (w hich w ill w eaken it). T em peram ent is, th e re­
fore, a type o f b ackground upon w hich the personality w ill m anifest.

T h e calculations for d eterm ining the individual tem peram ent are so m ew hat com plex, as th ey take into a c ­
co u n t the relativ e w eig h t o f the fo u r p rim ary q ualities in the chart. In the scoring, one considers the prim ary
qualities o f the A scen d an t an d the M oon (as w ell as the planetary configurations associated w ith it), to w h ich
is ad d ed th e te m p eram en t o f the so lar sign. T his assessm ent w ill be covered in greater detail in an A ppendix.
 The Astrological Chart
The horoscope or astrological chart is the principal w orking tool o f an astrologer. It is a diagram containing a
representation o f the position o f the planets in the sky as w ell as the degree o f the A scendant and o f the vari­
ous astrological houses. The term h o r o s c o p e m eans “ the observation o f the hour” ; that is, the observation o f
the configurations in the sky at a specific m om ent in tim e. O riginally, the term referred solely to the rising
sign w ith term s like “m ap ,” “ figure,” or “ch art” being used to refer to the astrological diagram . Currently, the
term horoscope also arises as a synonym o f the astrological chart.

To calculate an astrological chart it is necessary to know the exact date, h o u r and location o f the ev ent repre­
sented in it (the birth o f a hum an being, a question, an event, etc.). It is on the basis o f these spatial and tem ­
poral coordin ates that w e calculate the positions o f the planets in signs (in relation to the zodiac) and in the
houses (in relation to the horizon). It is then sim ply a m atter o f consulting tables o f planetary positions,
ephem erides, and tables o f houses. A fter m aking a few adju stm ents, w e obtain the necessary data necessary
to construct the chart.

T h e calculation o f a chart o r astrolo gical figure requires, ab ove all,

B asic instructions fo r the c alcu la­
rigor. To do this, one m ust certify th at all the data obtained are as ac­
tion o f an astrological ch art are
curate as possible. G enerally, the ho u r is the m ost problem atic b e ­
found in A p pendix 7, A stro lo g ical
cause it is norm ally considered superfluous inform ation. F o r this
C hart C alculations
reason, it isn ’t alw ays recorded, and w hen it exists, it is u su ally a p ­
proxim ated. T he ho u r is, n everth eless, the principal elem en t required for the co nstruction o f a horoscope.
W ith o u t it, it is n o t po ssib le to calculate the A scen d an t and deriv ed angles, the house cusps, n o r the ex act p o ­
sition o f the M oon. In truth, w ith o u t the tim e th ere is no h o roscope in the real sense o f the term (since h o r o ­
s c o p e m eans “ to observe the ho u r.” In such cases, one can o nly o b tain ap p ro x im ate p ositions fo r the p lan ets
in the signs, w h ich are in su fficien t for an effective astrological study. F o r this reason, the stu d en t sh o u ld a l­
w ays determ ine the h o u r w ith the greatest p recisio n possible.

In the case o f natal charts, one should try to obtain the birth h o u r from a fam ily m em ber, p referab ly o n e p res­
ent at the m o m en t o f b irth and w h o se recollection is trustw orth y. B irth certificates w ill g e n erally p ro v id e a
reaso n ab ly ap p ro x im ate tim e, alth o u g h one should count o n som e rounding. In any case, one sh o u ld b e care-
 20/O h the Hcaveufy Spheres

ful w ith erro rs, d elay s in re g isterin g birth tim es, p o o r tran sc rip tio n s, etc. It is w o rth w h ile, i f p o ssib le , to c o m ­
p a re th e d ata o f th e o fficial rec o rd s w ith th o se o f th e fam ily m e m b e r’s reco llectio n .

In ca se o f d o u b t, an a p p ro x im a te h o u r is b e tte r th an n o n e, alth o u g h it sh o u ld n o t b e c o n sid e re d a d e fin itiv e

tim e. F ro m a p ro b a b le b irth tim e, it is p o ssib le, th ro u g h re c tifica tio n tech n iq u e s, to se arch fo r a m o re p ro x i­
m a te tim e. T h is, h o w ev e r, is o n ly v ia b le i f th e m a rg in o f erro r is n o t g re a te r than 30 m in u tes.

W h e n d e a lin g w ith th e c h a rts o f c e le b rities, o n e can n e v e r b e to o carefu l. In th ese cases, it is alw a y s n e c e s­

sa ry to o b ta in th e so u rce o f th e d ata; th a t is, th e ex act o rig in o f th e d ate an d h o u r o f b irth . U n fo rtu n a te ly ,
m a n y p ro fe ssio n a l a stro lo g e rs n eg lec t th is c o n v e n tio n an d circ u la te ch a rts w ith o u t so u rc e s to th e p o in t
w h e re th e re are o ften in circ u la tio n ch arts o f th e sa m e p erso n w ith d iffe ren t b irth tim es an d e v e n d ates.
S o m e tim e s “ in v e n te d ” h o u rs o r A sc e n d a n ts ap p e ar, sim p ly d eriv e d fro m th e su p p o se d in tu itio n o f th e a s tro l­
o g er. T h e se d ata sh o u ld b e re g a rd e d as h y p o th e tic al an d o f little astro lo g ica l v alu e u n til a relia b le so u rc e ( h u ­
m a n o r d o c u m e n te d ) c o n firm s su ch c o n c lu sio n s. R ecall th a t th e ro le o f th e a s tro lo g e r is n o t to g u ess sig n s o r
A sc e n d a n ts, b u t ra th e r to in te rp re t, as c o rrec tly as p o ssib le, th e h o ro sco p e s co n stru c te d fro m re lia b le d ata.

O n ly in th e ca se w h e re th e h o u r is u n k n o w n sh o u ld o n e reso rt to a p artial c a lc u la tio n w h e re o n ly th e a p p ro x i­

m a te sig n p o sitio n s o f th e p la n ets can b e k n o w n . In an y ev en t, it is a lw a y s p re fe ra b le to ca lc u la te a c h a rt
w ith o u t a b irth tim e th an to in v e n t an A sce n d an t. W h en th e h o u r is u n k n o w n , it is a d v isa b le to c a lc u la te th e
p la n e ta ry p o sitio n s fo r n o o n an d o b ta in th e av e rag e p la n e ta ry p o sitio n s fo r th a t day. A g a in w e re p e a t th a t
an y in te rp re tatio n b a se d u p o n th e se d ata is v ery in c o m p le te an d w ill o n ly g iv e a g e n e ra l id e a o f th e b e h a v io r
o f th e in d iv id u al (o r o f th e d y n am ics o f an ev en t). T h e in d iv id u al p artic u la ritie s, in all o f th e ir c o m p le x ity
an d d ep th , ca n o n ly b e id e n tified in a co m p re h e n siv e a stro lo g ic a l ch art.

T h e R e p r e s e n ta tio n o f th e A s t r o lo g ic a l C h a r t

T h ere a re sev eral w ay s to d raw a h o ro sc o p e o r fig u re . T h e m o st c o m m o n d esig n , w h ic h is u se d in th is b o o k ,

c o n sists o f th re e co n c e n tric circles:

• T h e first an d o u te rm o st c irc le d e p ic ts th e 12 sig n s o f th e z o d iac an d c o n ta in s a ru le r re p re se n tin g

th e 3 6 0 d eg rees.
• T h e se c o n d c irc le is also d iv id e d in to 12 p arts, b u t th e se are u n e q u a l d iv isio n s. It re p re se n ts th e 12
h o u se s a n d is fu rth e r su b d iv id e d in to tw o circ les, an d th e o u te rm o st o f th e tw o d e p ic ts th e d e g re e s
a n d m in u te s w h e re th e h o u se b e g in s, i.e., th e h o u se cu sp . T h e in te rio r an d w id e r c irc le c o n ta in s a
re p re se n ta tio n o f th e p la n e ta ry p o sitio n s w ith its g ly p h ,
d e g re e , sig n , a n d m in u te.
• T h e th ird a n d in n e rm o st c irc le c a n e ith e r d e p ic t th e title o f th e
h o ro s c o p e o r th e lin e s c o rre sp o n d in g to th e asp e c ts (th e
a n g le s th a t e a c h p la n e t m a k e s to o n e a n o th er).

T h e H o r o sc o p e T h r o u g h H isto r y
T h e firs t k n o w n h o ro s c o p e s c o n s is te d o f s im p le lists w h e re th e p la n ­
e t s ’ s ig n p o s itio n s w e re in d ic a te d ; th e re w e re n o d ia g ra m s. L a te r, w e
fin d so m e re p re s e n ta tio n s o f a s tro lo g ic a l c h a rts in to m b s an d b u ild ­
in g s in th e fo rm o f re lie fs o r p a in tin g s , w h ic h sim u lta n e o u sly fu lfille d
a n in fo rm a tiv e , d e c o ra tiv e , a n d sa c re d fu n ctio n .

In th e G re c o -R o m a n p e rio d , s im p le d ia g ra m s a p p e a r w ith th e p o s i­
tio n s o f th e p la n e ts in th e s ig n s a n d h o u se s. G e n e ra lly , th e s e c h a rts h a d F ig u r e 2 . E g y p tia n H o r o s c o p e
 Tlie Astro(ogica( Cfiart/21

n
o
zi
r
o
h
e
h
t
e
v
o
b
a

> Descendant
(DES)

n
o
zi
r
o
h
e
h
t
w
o
l
e
b

= A n g les b e tw e e n th e p lan ets. Show the position of the ptanets:

I Tncy are usually represented by
R 4 D irec tio n (re tro g ra d e ) :
! lines uniting the planets. T h ese 00’ ◄ Minute i
.• can bo of two types:
25° ◄ Sign degree
: -------------- N o rm al lino, usually
' representing soxlllos 4 Planet's glyph
i (6 0 °) and T r in e s
j (1 20*).

J -------------- D ash ed lino, used to

: r e p r e s e n t s q u a re s
(9O a ) and oppositions
(1 80°).

F ig u r e 1. M o d e r n C h a r t
 22/0n tfic Heavndij Syfiercs

a square form at and w ere divided into 12 areas representing

the 12 houses. Inside each area we find a sym bol (or nam e) o f
the planet and its respective sign position, w ith the degree and
m inute o f its location.

T he square style continued into the 17th century w ith only

slight aesthetic variations reflecting the period and culture.
T he choice o f a square form at is due, on the one hand, to its
ease o f draw ing, and on the other hand, to the fact that its inter­
pretation w as based upon the four angles (o r principal houses)
w hich form , in these charts, a central “cross.” H ere are som e
exam ples:

In som e charts the houses occupied the w hole square, w hile in

others (generally in the m ore recent charts) a central square
F ig u r e 3 . G r e e k H o r o s c o p e
w as left blank so that the author could w rite in the title and
data o f the astrological chart.

T o read a square chart, first identify the 12 houses and next o b ­

serve the positions o f the planets. I f the planet is in the sign o f
a particular house, it is generally draw n on the cusp o f that
house. I f it is in the next sign, it is placed in parallel to the next
house (w hich begins w ith that sign). In the m ajority o f the dia­
gram s, the degrees and m inutes o f each house and planet are
indicated. (See Figure 7 on page 24.)

In o ther versions, dotted lines are draw n to separate planets lo­

cated in different signs but in the sam e house. In som e texts,
the authors take artistic liberties, introducing m uch variety
and im agination in their designs.

C urrently, there is a preference show n for the circular astro ­

lo gical chart, w hich in the m ajority o f cases also includes a
w h eel w ith the zodiac. This sophistication is due no doubt to
tech n o lo g ical advances that exem pt the student from the ard u ­
o u s task o f draw ing the figure b y hand; i f this w ere not the F ig u r e 4 . M e d ie v a l H o r o s c o p e
case, the square chart w ould still be in use as it is easier to
draw . In fact, i f w e observe the horoscopes o f the b eginning o f
th e 20th century, w e find th at they are very sim ple, consisting
sim p ly o f a circle div ided into 12 parts (houses) w ithin w hich is
n o te d the p o sitio n s o f each house, and inside, the positio n o f
th e p lan ets b y sign.

L ater, th e central sp ace o f the w heel begins to b e used to depict

th e a n g u lar relatio n sh ip s betw een the planets, know n as as­
p ects. T h is is th e type o f ch art m o st used today.

F ig u r e 5 . R e n a is s a n c e H o r o s c o p e
 T h e A s tr o fo g ic a f C fa r t/2 3

F ig u r e 6 . T h e H o u s e s in S q u a r e C h a r ts

F ig u r e 8 . A “ C ir c u la r ” S q u a r e C h a r t F ig u r e 1 0 . C ir c u la r C h a r t w it h A s p e c t s

F r o m th i s i d ea em e r g ed m a n y v a r i a ti o n s w h o se d i f f e r ­
en c es ar e b a se d so l e l y u p o n aesth e ti c p r ef er en c e s. D e ­
sp i t e t h e v a r i a t i o n s, t h e y al l c o n v e y t h e sa m e i n f o r m a ­
ti o n .

O f al l th e o p ti o n s av ai l ab l e to d ay , w h at i s m o st i m p o r ­
tan t i s th at th e d i ag r am p r esen t th e astr o l o g i c al i n f o r ­
m ati o n i n a c l ear, c o m p l ete, an d u n eq u i v o c al m an n er .
A d i a g r a m w i t h t h e se c h a r a c t e r i st i c s i s, i n r e a l i t y , t h e
f i r st st ep t o a q u a l i t y a st r o l o g i c a l d e l i n e a t i o n .

F ig u r e 9 . C ir c u la r C h a r t,
B e g in n in g o f 2 0 th C e n tu r y
24/O h the Heavenfy Spheres

F ig u r e 7 . H o w to R e a d a S q u a r e C h a r t
 C h a p te r I V

The Pfanets
T he planets are the foundation o f astrology because it is through th eir m otion, expression, and interaction
that it is possible to m ake astrological interpretations. To the terrestrial observer, the planets first appear as
lum inous points sim ilar to stars. H ow ever, the planets change position over tim e, w hile the stars alw ays
m aintain their relative p ositions.5 In fact, the w ord “ planet” com es from the G reek w ord n X a v r i w ç , w hich
m eans “errant” or “w anderer.” B ecause o f th eir erratic m ovem ent relative to the im m utable stars (the celes­
tial sphere), the planets stand for w hat is m utable in the sky. T hey are therefore, the principal instrum ents for
m easuring and qualifying those celestial changes, as w ell as th eir counterparts in the m undane w orld.

P la n e ta r y S y m b o ls

In astrology, each planet is represented by a sym bol o r glyph. T hese sym bols represent som e o f the attributes
o f the p lan et o r the deity associated w ith it. T he origin o f the c u n e n t sy m bols is G reco-R om an, and although
th ey have und erg o n e changes o ver tim e, th eir basic sym bolism has survived. (S eeA ppendix I fo r a b rie f ref­
erence to the m ore ancient planetary sym bols.)

D T he M oon is perhaps the m ost recognizable and sim ple o f all the glyphs. It is the lu nar crescent.
0 The Sun is represented by a circle w ith a point in the center, sym bolizing origin and the creative force,
d" M ars is rep resen ted b y a circle from w hich an arrow em erges. A lthough it has changed o v er tim e,
the arrow has been a constant feature.
Q V enus is rep resen ted by circle atop a cross. Som e authors say it depicts the m irro r o f V enus.
2 T he sy m bol fo r M ercury is sim ilar to th at o f V enus except that it has a crescen t at the top. It is in ­
spired by the caduceus (a sta ff w ith tw o intertw ined serpents) o f the G reek g o d H erm es (w h o m the
R om ans called M ercury).
H T he glyph for Jupiter, w hich looks like the n u m ber 4, is in reality a v ariatio n o f the le tte r Z fo r
Z eus, the G reek nam e o f this deity.
5
A lth o u g h th e re la tiv e po sitio n o f th e stars is n o t im m u tab le, th e ir m o tio n is to o slo w to b e d e te c te d in te rm s o f in d iv id ­
ual, o r ev en c iv iliz a tio n life-sp an s.
 26/On tfic Heaven fy Sjrfteres

h The sym bol for Saturn is com posed o f a sem i-circle capped by a cross. It m ay possibly represent a
scythe, sym bol o f the deity associated with the planet.

P la n e ta r y H ie r a r c h y

In o rder to understand the nature and

function o f each planet, it is necessary to
study its position in the celestial schem e
introduced in C hapter II. T he first thing to
keep in m ind is the order in w hich the
planets are distributed. This is know n as
the C haldean order 67and it distributes the
planets from the m ost distant sphere to
the nearest in order o f its apparent m o­
tion. Thus, the slow est planet, Saturn,
starts the sequence, follow ed by Jupiter,
M ars, the Sun, V enus, M ercury and the
M oon.

T h e L u m in a r ie s a n d th e P la n e ts

First, w e need to distinguish betw een lu ­

m in a r i e s and p l a n e t s J T he lum inaries, or
lights, are the Sun and the M oon. D ue to
their lum inosity, they are considered the
king and queen o f the heavens. The
Sun/M oon pair m ake up a basic m odel,
structured in term s o f polarities, for the
classification o f the planets: m ascu- F ig u re 1. T h e P to le m a ic M o d e l
line/fem inine, dium al/noctum al, etc. a n d th e C h a ld e a n O r d e r

T he Sun is the m ost im portant star. A ccording to the Chaldean order, it is located in the center o f the se ­
quence o f the p lanetary spheres and is considered the sym bolic center o f the heavens. The M oon is his co n ­
sort, the queen o f the heavens. T he rem ain in g planets constitute the royal retinue, the court o f the lum inaries.
T his distinction o f the tw o lum inaries from the five planets is fundam ental in the astrological system .

S u p e r io r a n d I n f e r io r P la n e t s

T h e Sun, as the cen ter o f the planetary sequence, also influences the m anner in w hich the plan ets are
grouped. M ars, Ju p ite r and Saturn, w hich are above the so lar sphere and therefore have a m otion slow er th an
the star-king, are called su p erio r planets. Since they m ove m ore slow ly, th eir effects are considered m ore en ­
d u rin g and p ro lo n g ed (p articu larly th ose o f Ju p iter and Saturn). T hose situated in the sphere below th at o f
the Sun— V enus, M ercury, an d the M oon— are called inferio r planets. A s these planets m ove m ore quickly,
th e ir effects are m ore transitory; b u t th eir action is m ore dynam ic. It should be noted that the inferior and su ­
p e rio r classificatio n has n o th in g to do w ith good o r bad qualities, b u t rath er w ith th eir positioning below (in ­
ferior) o r above (su p erio r) th e so lar celestial sphere.

6
T h e n a m e o f th is se q u e n c e c o m e s fro m th e C h ald ean s, a p e o p le o rig in atin g in th e M iddle E ast in the reg io n cu rren tly
o c c u p ie d b y K u w a it an d so u th e rn Iraq. T h e C h ald ean s are a m o n g th e o ld est civ ilizatio n s to practice astrology.
7
S o m etim es, th e lu m in a rie s a re d e sig n a te d “p la n e ts” sim p ly b e c a u se it is m ore co n v en ie n t to do so. T h ere is n o p ro b le m
in th is d e sig n a tio n as lo n g a s o n e re a liz e s th a t th e S u n is in re a lity a star, and th e M oon a natu ral satellite o f th e E arth.
 T fie P fa n e ts /2 7

T h e M o d e m P la n e ts

U ranus, N eptune and Pluto, the trans-S atum ian,

o r m odem , planets are not visible w ith the naked
eye, so they do not belong in the schem e o f trad i­
tional astrology. Since the objective o f this book
is to provide the student w ith the foundations o f
traditional astrology, the three m o d em planets
w ill not be included in the central body o f this
work. (The integration o f these three planets in the
astrological system is covered in A ppendix 2, The
M odem Planets.)

T h e N a tu r e o f th e P la n e ts

T he nature o f each planet derives from various as­

tronom ical characteristics determ ined by direct
observation. T hese are: m ovem ent, appearance,
lum inosity, and m ost im portant, the position in
F ig u r e 2 . S u p e r io r a n d I n fe r io r P la n e ts the celestial schem e.

T h e T e m p e r a m e n ts

In astrological theory, each planet is characterized by tw o prim ary qualities that synthesize its essential na­
ture and that are attributed to it according to its position in the celestial spheres.

T he S u n , due to its heat and radiance, has a hot and dry nature. N everth eless, its action is considered m oder­
ate, because w ithout its heat and light, life w ould not be possible. Its lum inosity varies depending u pon the
season, w hich also contributes to its m oderation. H ow ever, w hen a p lan et is too close to the Sun, the
star-king loses his tem perate nature and becom es exceedin gly hot and dry. T hen it is said th at this planet is
com bust.

T he M o o n is characterized principally by the m oist quality, due to its association w ith the oscillatin g m otion
o f liquids. Second, it has coldness as a quality b ecause it com plem ents the Sun, w hich is hot. H ow ever, since
the am ount o f light reflected by the M oon is oscillating, it is said that she becom es relativ ely h o tter w hen she
is w axing (and therefore m ore lum inous), and relatively co ld er w hen she is in a w aning phase (thus, darker).

S a tu r n , the m ost d istan t visible planet has an excessively cold and dry quality.

M a rs, on the o ther hand, has an excessiv ely hot and dry quality, d ue to its p ro x im ity to the sp here o f the Sun.

ly ing in b etw een these tw o extrem es (the coldness o f S aturn and the heat o f M ars), h as a tem p erate
J u p ite r ,
and fertile nature; it is m oderately hot and m oist.

V e n u s has the sam e tem perate nature as Jupiter. It is hot because it is close to the su n ’s sphere, and m o ist b e ­
cause it is situated in the inferior celestial spheres, thus clo ser to the M oon. S om e au th o rs n e v erth eless a ttrib ­
ute a cold quality to it because it is a fem inine planet. In any event, it is its m oist q u ality th at is im p o rtan t; as
to its tem p eratu re (hot o r cold), the m ost relevant aspect is its m oderation.

M e r c u r y has an am biguous nature. It m ay be dry, b ecause it is n ev er far from the Sun, b u t it is also m o ist b e ­
cause it is n ear the lunar sphere. T hus, the qualities o f this planet ten d to ch an g e a cco rd in g to th e circu m -
 28/ On tlîc Hcavcnfy Sjîficrcs

stances in w hich it finds itself. N otw ithstand­

ing this, som e authors say that M ercury's own
nature— that is, w hen it is alone and docs not
■V Saturn Cold & Dry
interact w ith other planets— tends to be dry.
V Jupiter Hot & Moist
Three o ther im portant concepts that describe
the natures o f the planets arc derived from clas­ d Mars Hot & Dry

o
sifying the planets through their qualities: the
existence o f the m alcfics and benefics, m ascu­ Sun Hot & Dry
line and fem inine planets, and diurnal and noc­
turnal planets.
? Venus Hot & Moist
Malefic and Bencfic Planets
The term s “m alefic” and “b enefic” m ay be the ? Mercury Common

D
m ost m isunderstood in m odem astrology. The
confusion arises by equating, in a sim plistic Moon Cold & M oist
and ju d g m en tal m anner, the term benefic with
good and the term m alefic w ith bad. D ue to the
current insistence on w hat is politically correct, F ig u r e 3 . T h e P r im a r y Q u a lit ie s o f th e P la n e ts
and to a lack o f astrological know ledge, these
term s are frow ned upon in current astrological
vocabulary. First, it is im portant to recall that
the origin o f astrological sym bolism com es
from an essentially agricultural context, not
Ju p ite r J
Benefic
from a ju d g m en t about individual m orality. Y Venus I
Thus, the term s m alefic and benefic are essen­
tially functional. I f a planet brings benefits and
has an expression that is naturally constructive, Saturn 1
it is considered benefic. I f a p lanet represents J- Malefic
effort, deprivation, and restriction, and has a
q M ars j
naturally destructive expression, it is consid­
ered m alefic. Sun Benefic (except by conjunction)
W ith regard to the natu re o f the planets, the
term s benefic and m alefic arise in connection Ç M e rcu ry I
w ith the p rim ary qualities. H ot and m o ist are z Depend on configuration
favorable to life and grow th, as th ey produce
] ) M oon J
fertile en vironm ents. T he co n traiy qualities,
cold and dry, are antagonistic to life, as they
p roduce w ild and sterile environm ents. T o u n ­ F ig u r e 4 . B e n e fic a n d M a le fic P la n e ts

derstand this sym bolism , one need only o b ­

serve the g ro w th o f p lants, w h ich develop b etter in w arm , hum id environm ents. Thus, Jupiter and V enus,
w hich hav e the qualities h o t an d m o ist in m oderate quantities, are co nsidered benefic p lanets— favorable to
life, g ro w th an d prosperity. Saturn is excessively cold (and dry), w hile M ars is excessiv ely hot (and dry). B e ­
cause o f this, they are co n sid ered co n trary to life, representing the principles o f destruction and decline,
w hich is w h y th ey are co n sid ered m alefics. In agricultural term s, Saturn sym bolizes frost, w hich gives rise to
“cold b u m s,” w h ile M ars is the searing h eat th at w eakens the plants and the drought that kills them . In the
hum an b ody, th e co ld o f S aturn represents, fo r exam ple, a state o f hypotherm ia, w hile the excessiv e h eat o f
M ars m ay b e asso ciated w ith feverish states.
 Tfie P(anets/29

Since Saturn is the slow est m oving planet, its effects arc m ore prolonged, so it is know n as the great, or
greater, m alefic. M ars is faster, so its effects are not as long lasting; therefore, it is called the m inor, o r lesser,
m alefic. O f the bencfics, Jupiter m oves m ore slow ly and thus is called the greater, or greater, b enefic, w hile
V enus, m oving m ore quickly, is know n as the m inor, or lesser, benefic.

The Sun is generally considered a benefic because it is the giv er o f life and light. N evertheless, i f it is too
close to another planet, it is considered m alefic since its heat “b u m s” and its light “blinds.” T he M oon and
M ercury, due to their variable natures, alternate betw een benefic and m alefic. As usual, the classification o f
M ercury depends upon its com bination w ith o ther planets. W hen it is located near benefics, it assum es th eir
benefic traits; w hen near m alcfics, it acquires a m alefic expression. T he M oon tends to be benefic w hen it is
w axing, since it carries m ore light and heat, and is relatively m ore m alefic w hen it is w aning, since it loses
light and heat.

T here are still a few im portant points to co nsid er w ith regard to this classification. First, it is im portant to em ­
phasize that the benefic and m alefic role o f a planet depends greatly upon the context o f its interpretation. I f
the destruction o f som ething is beneficial (the destruction o f a disease, for exam ple), then a m alefic planet
becom es favorable. In addition, w e should also recall that in this chapter w e ’re only discussin g the basic n a­
ture o f the planets. This m ay be altered by various circum stances (nam ely, th eir position by sign and house)
w hereby a m alefic planet m ay have a benefic effect and vice-versa. Lastly, w e need to co nsid er th at all ex­
cesses are destructive and, therefore, m alefic. F o r exam ple, although heat and hum idity are generally benefi­
cial to life, their excess favors the grow th o f fungus and prom otes rotting; thus, under certain circum stances,
they m ay be considered m alefic. A gain, it all depends upon context.

G e n d e r : M a s c u lin e a n d F e m in in e

Just as previously stated, ev eryth in g in the m anifest universe can be classified into tw o genders: fem inine
and m asculine. T he classification “m asculine” refers to an extroverted and active expression, w hile the term
“ fem inine” refers to an introverted and receptive expression. H ow ever, in the case o f the planets, it is their
effect (or m anifestation) that is classified, not the p lanet as an entity. W e m ig h t co n sid er that the planets are
essentially neutral, being capable o f m anifesting either fem inine o r m asculine qualities. N evertheless, in
th eir effects, certain p olarities m ay predom inate.

A gain, it is the prim ary qualities that are at the basis o f this classification. T hus, the essentially hu m id p lan ­
ets, such as the M oon and V enus, have a predom inantly fem inine expression and are given the fem inine g en ­
der. T he essentially hot o r dry planets, such as
the Sun, Jupiter, M ars, and S aturn, tend tow ard
the m asculine. A gain, M ercury is co n sid ered
neutral, and cap ab le o f exp ressin g b o th ten d en ­
cies, dep en d in g up o n the circum stances.

W hen a p lan et is p o sitio n ed in a fem inine sign,

its ex p ressio n w ill be “ fem in in e,” m ore re­
served an d discrete; w h en situ ated in a m ascu ­
line sign, it acquires a “m ascu lin e” ex p ressio n ,
m ore d irect and visible. In gen eral term s, a
p lan et is c o n sid ered to b e m o re co m fo rtab le
and stable w h en it finds itse lf in a sig n o f its
sam e p o larity (m ascu lin e p lan ets in m ascu lin e
signs, an d fem in in e p lan ets in fem in in e sig ns).
In the in v erse situ atio n (m ascu lin e p lan ets in
F ig u r e 5 . M a s c u lin e a n d F e m in in e P la n e t s fem in in e signs, and fem inine p lan ets in m ascu-
 30/O n tfic Heavenly Sjilieres

line signs) the expression o f the planet occurs less easily because it is assum ing a role contrary to its natural
expression.

S e c t: D iu r n a l a n d N o c tu r n a l

This classification arises from the basic division betw een day, dom inated by the Sun, and night, governed by
the M oon. D iurnal sect contains the planets that have an affinity w ith the day. T heir expression is facilitated
by the heat and dryness o f the day, w hich equates to a m ore extroverted, active, and visible expression. T he
nocturnal sect includes the planets w hose expression is enhanced by the hum idity and cold o f the night, and
is characterized by a m ore introverted, reflective, and discrete expression.

The diurnal planets are the Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn, and the nocturnal planets are the M oon, V enus, and
M ars. The classifications o f the Sun as diurnal and the M oon as nocturnal are self-evident because the fo r­
m er defines the actual day, and the latter is the celestial body
that illum inates the night. Jupiter, as a m asculine and hot Q Sun \
planet, has an expansive and active expression w hen diurnal,
w hile V enus, a fem inine and m oist planet, has a m ore natural
1 | . Jupiter V D iu r n a l
expression w hen nocturnal. Saturn and M ars are special
cases because th eir classification does not com e from an af­
finity betw een sect and essential nature, as is the case w ith Saturn J
the others. Since w e ’re dealing w ith planets that are consid­
ered m alefics, a different criteria is used: instead o f em pha­
sizing its nature, w e seek to m oderate it. For this reason, it is J ) M oon
associated w ith the sect that com pensates for its excesses and
m akes its expression m ore constructive. Thus, Saturn is inte­ Ç Venus Y N o c tu r n a l
grated into the diurnal sect so that its extrem e cold is m iti­
gated and its destructive expression tem pered by the heat o f M ars )
the day. The “paralyzing” and covert actions o f this p lanet
are com pensated for by the activity and visibility o f daytim e.
O n the other hand, M ars, an extrem ely hot and dry planet,
has its expression m oderated by the cold and hum idity o f
$ M ercury A m b iv a le n t
nighttim e. T he abruptness and sharpness belo ngin g to M ars,
F ig u r e 6 . D iu r n a l a n d N o c t u r n a l P la n e t s
are in this w ay com pensated for by the reflective and intro­
verted nature o f the night. M ercury, being a neutral planet, can have both a nocturnal o r diurnal expression,
depending upon its p ositio n by sign and its relation to the Sun.

S e c t I m p lic a t io n s in P la n e t a r y E x p r e s s io n

S im ilar to gender, the nocturnal and diurnal co ndition o f a planet affects its expression. A diurnal p lan et w ill
have a stro n g er and m ore stable expression w hen it is located in the diurnal hem isphere, w hile the inverse o c ­
curs w ith a n o ctu rn al planet.

T he Sun is the m o st im portant factor sin ce it m arks the separation b etw een day and night. O bviously, w hen it
is located a b o v e the horizon, the h oroscope is classified as diurnal, and w hen it is below the horizon, the
h oroscope is n octurnal. Ju p iter and Saturn are d iu m al i f th ey are above the horizon in a diurnal horo sco p e,
and b elo w the h o rizo n in a n octurnal horoscope, o r expressed in an o th er w ay, w hen they are on the sam e side
o f the ho rizo n as th e Sun.

T h e M oon, V en u s, an d M ars are co n sid ered n o ctu m ally positio n ed w hen they are below the ho rizon in a d i­
u m a l h o ro sco p e— th at is, w h en th ey are on the side o f the h o rizon opposite the Sun.

T he c o n d itio n o f M e rc u ry (n eu tral planet) depends upo n its p o sitio n b y sign and o ther factors.
 T h e Pfancts/31

F ig u r e 7 . D iu r n a l P la n e t s in a D iu r n a l C o n d it io n

F i g u r e 8 . N o c t u r n a l P l a n e t s in a N o c t u r n a l C o n d i t i o n

C h a r a c te r is tic s o f th e S e v e n P la n e ts

The characteristics and qualities of a planet are derived from a combination of the various facets of its nature.
Thus, a planet is first described by its temperament (primary qualities), gender, sect, and malevolence or be­
nevolence. To these basic characteristics are added others of a mytho-symbolic nature. Many of the practical
expressions of the planet (for example, Venus, goddess of love, and Mercury, messenger of the gods), as
well as some characteristics of astronomical content (color, brilliance, velocity, cycle, etc.) are included.
The nature of the planet thus results from a combination of all of these descriptive levels. Below is a descrip­
tion of the natures of each of the seven traditional planets:

S a tu r n

Saturn is a diurnal, masculine planet, dry and cold. It is associated with the earth element and the melan­
cholic temperament.

Saturn is the most distant and slowest of the five traditional planets. Its distance makes it a symbol of cold,
austerity, and hardness. In this respect, Saturn represents isolation, distance, and limitation, but also re­
sponsibility and seriousness. Its pale brilliance represents night and darkness, all that is black, sinister and
obscure, and by extension, fear, the occult, and evil. Seen another way, it also represents deep thought,
making it a symbol of memory, reflection, and strategy. The slow motion of Saturn makes it a representa­
tive of time, maturity, old age, decline, and finally, death. Thus, Saturn becomes a planet of antiquity,
whether as the wise and respected sage, or as the decrepit and senile old man. It is also a symbol of contain­
ment, frugality, structure, hard work, and austere actions that demand order. Its actions always imply re­
sponsibility and duty.
 32lO n tlic Hcavcnfy Syfwrcs

S atu rn is th e g re a te r m alefic, and b ec au se its n atu re is co ld an d dry, it is co n tra ry to life, w h ich is h o t an d

m oist. It is co n sid e re d a m a lefic b ec au se it lim its, co n c lu d e s, an d cau ses declin e. In its d ig n ifie d e x p re ssio n ,
it sig n ifies d ep th , se v erity , an d rigor. It rep rese n ts rese rv e , th riftin c ss, strateg y , and p atien c e. In a m o re d e b il­
itated e x p re ssio n , S atu rn rep rese n ts m iserlin e ss, p ettin e ss, fear, je a lo u s y , an d m a lic io u s ac tio n s. It also s y m ­
b o lizes stu b b o rn n ess, m istru st, an d p reten se.

J u p ite r U

Ju p ite r is a d iu rn al, m a sc u lin e p lan et, m o d e ra te ly h o t an d m o ist. It is a s so cia te d w ith th e a ir e le m e n t an d th e

sa n g u in e te m p eram en t.

Ju p ite r is o n e o f th e m o st b rillia n t p la n ets in th e sk y , o n ly su rp a sse d b y th e b rig h tn e ss o f V en u s. Its ra d ia n t

an d lu m in o u s e x p re ssio n , in co m b in a tio n w ith its slo w n e ss an d d istan c e fro m E arth , m a k e it a sy m b o l o f h a r­
m o n y , w e ll-b e in g , an d k in d n e ss. In m a n y m y th o lo g ies, J u p ite r is a s so cia te d w ith th e h e a v e n ly k in g . Its te m ­
p ered n atu re , its ro le as m e d ia to r b e tw e e n th e ex tre m e s o f co ld a n d h ea t (S a tu rn an d M a rs), an d its c le a r ra d i­
an ce m a k e J u p ite r a sy m b o l o f th e in te rm e d ia ry an d le g isla to r— h e w h o p ro m o te s te m p e ra n c e . J u p ite r th u s
sy m b o lize s m o d e ra tio n , ju s tic e , relig io n , law , an d m a g n a n im o u s actio n s. B e ca u se it is a slo w -m o v in g
p lan et, J u p ite r is o n e o f th e C h r o n o c r a t o r s , o r M a rk e rs o f T im e , as is S atu rn . T h e ir c o n ju n c tio n c y c le s re p re ­
sent im p o rta n t c h a n g es in so c ieties an d civ iliz atio n s.

T h is p la n et is k n o w n as th e g re a te r b e n e fic b e c a u se its m o d e ra te ly h o t an d m o ist n a tu re is b e n e fic ia l to life.

T h is fact m a k e s J u p ite r th e re p re se n ta tiv e o f a b u n d a n ce , g ro w th , an d b alan c e. In its d ig n ifie d e x p re ssio n , J u ­
p ite r rep rese n ts m o d e sty , so b riety , an d ju s tic e . It ex p re sse s m a g n a n im ity , lo y alty , an d d arin g . It is a s y m b o l
o f th e asp ira tio n to h ig h id e als re a c h e d th ro u g h h o n o ra b le an d ju s t m e an s. H o n o r, n o b ility , an d re lig io s ity
b elo n g to its n atu re . It also re p re se n ts in d u lg e n ce , g e n e ro sity , an d c h a rity , a n d its a c tio n s a re d ire c t a n d m o d ­
erate. J u p ite r’s d eb ilita te d e x p re ssio n g iv e s rise to ex tra v a g a n c e , o b stin a c y , fra u d u le n t a c tio n s, an d h y p e r­
critical relig io sity . It ca n b e p o m p o u s, b o a stfu l o f k n o w le d g e an d sta tu s it d o e s n ’t p o sse ss, an d e x p re ss its e lf
in a ru d e m an n er. It can re p re se n t ig n o ra n c e a n d c a rele ssn ess.

M ars C f

M ars is a n o c tu rn a l an d m a sc u lin e p la n e t, e x c e s siv e ly h o t an d d ry. It is asso c ia te d w ith th e fire e le m e n t a n d

th e ch o le ric te m p eram en t.

M a rs is th e sw iftest o f th e su p e rio r p la n ets an d h as a ch aracteristic red d ish -o ran g e co lor. D u e to its n atu re, M a rs
is a p la n e t o f a c tio n a n d co u rag e, an d its actio n s im p ly co m b at, stru g g le, ch allen g e, an d co m p etitio n . It is th u s
asso cia te d w ith fire an d w ar. T h is p la n e t is k n o w n as th e lesser m alefic b ec au se its ex cessiv e n atu re m a k es it in ­
c o m p atib le w ith life. M a rs is th u s rep rese n tativ e o f v io le n ce , co n flict, ag g ressio n , an d d estru ctio n .

W h e n d ig n ifie d , it is d e fia n t, d a rin g , c o n fid e n t, a n d u n fla p p a b le ; it p u ts v ic to ry a b o v e all e lse a n d o fte n risk s

itself. It is c o m b a tiv e , v a lia n t, an d a lo v e r o f w a r a n d b e llic o se th in g s. It d o es n o t su b m it its e lf fre ely to a n y ­
o n e o r a n y th in g , a n d lik e s to a n n o u n c e its ac tio n s. W h e n d e b ilita te d , M a rs e x p re sse s its e lf th ro u g h b o a s tin g
an d im m o d e sty . It g o e s fro m b e in g c o m b a tiv e to b e c o m in g a b u lly , g e ttin g in v o lv e d in c o n fro n ta tio n s, d is re ­
sp e ct, a n d v io le n c e . In e x tre m e c a se s, it is tu rb u le n t, p re c ip ito u s, a n d ca re le ss; sh o w s n o re sp e c t fo r o th e rs;
a n d c a n b e u n g ra te fu l, c o v e to u s, a n d g ree d y .

Sun O

T h e S u n , th e lo rd o f th e d a y , is m a s c u lin e a n d its n a tu re is m o d e ra te ly h o t an d dry.

T h e S u n is th e k in g o f th e sta rs , th e g re a te s t lu m in a ry . It is th e g iv e r o f lig h t, h ea t, an d life, a sy m b o l o f ra d i­

a n c e, p o w e r, a n d fo rc e . I t re p re s e n ts th e c re a tiv e p rin c ip le a n d is a s y m b o l o f th e div in e. It is a lso a sy m b o l o f
 Tfic P(anctsl33

sight since its light enlightens, revealing the truth. It represents dignity, nobility, and authority figures in
general, and the father figure in particular.

Its elem ent is fire. But the fire o f the Sun is m oderate: it illum inates and w arm s, in contrast w ith the fire sy m ­
bolized by M ars, w hich destroys. D ue to its qualities o f m oderation and light, the Sun represents vital energy
and spirit, the principle underlying all things. H ow ever, if the Sun is too close, it becom es excessive: its light
blinds and its heat consum es.

W hen dignified, the Sun represents fidelity, prom ises kept, and the ability to govern. It sym bolizes p ru ­
dence, good judgm ent, m ajesty, and status, and the search for fam e, honor, and riches. It also indicates
sum ptuousness and m agnificence. I f debilitated, the Sun indicates arrogant, prideful, and disdainful b eh av ­
ior, w hen its nobility is false and its discernm ent w eakened. Its m anifestations are restless, disorderly, d o m i­
nating, and inconsequential, and there is an underly in g feeling o f personal entitlem ent.

V enus 9

V enus is a nocturnal fem inine planet. Its nature is m oderately hot and m oist (cold and m oist, according to
som e authors). It is associated w ith the elem ents o f air and w ater, and the sanguine and phlegm atic tem p era­
m ents.

Like Jupiter, its tem pered nature leads to fertility and grow th. V enus is the m ost lum inous planet in the sky,
representing beauty, grace, softness, and delicacy; it is know n as the lesser benefic. V enus sym bolizes the
principle o f love, both conceptually and in the cam al sense o f the term . F riendship, accord, fraternity, and
sym pathy are all under its ju risd ictio n , as is passion, sensuality, sexuality, dating, and m arriage. A nother as­
pect o f V e n u s’ expression is the playful side o f life: gam es, entertainm ent, and indulgences and pleasures o f
all types. In its negative aspect, it represents the distortion o f all those facets. T hus, it eq ually indicates lu x­
ury, licentiousness, superficiality, and vanity.

W hen dignified, V enus suggests peace and serenity. A ll actions are realized in goo d faith, w ith o u t m alice or
distrust. Its expression is p leasant, com posed and jo y fu l, although not given to w ork o r effort, and little at­
tention is given to intellectual questions, disputes, o r discussions. It sy m bolizes love, play, and artistic m at­
ters (particularly w ith regard to m usic). In a d ebilitated state, V enus represents laziness, extravagance, un ­
ruliness, and bad com pany. It equally sym bolizes greed, jealo u sy , infidelity, and licentiousness.

M ercury 5

M ercury is a neutral planet. Its nature varies, assum in g the traits o f the position w here it is lo cated an d o f the
planets it contacts. Som e authors state that it has a dry nature w hen it is isolated and does n o t in teract w ith
o ther planets.

D ue to its variability, M ercury represents the prin cip les o f com m unication and contact. It is the m e sse n g er o f
the gods. M ercury sym bolizes all form s o f co m m unication, transportation, com m erce, and trade, as w ell as
language, w riting, and education. It also represents the intellect, w hich is responsible fo r these activities.

W h en in a d ignified condition, M ercury represents the subtle and strategic in tellect, d ebate, e lo q u en ce, d is­
crim ination, and cultural refinem ent. It leads to the investigation o f m ysteries and k n o w led g e in a p e rcep tiv e
and sh rew d m anner, and represents the ability and desire to leam , and a love o f trav el an d d esire to see o th er
places. M ercury also represents curiosity, ingenuity, and com m erce.

W hen debilitated, its actions are frenetic and argum entative, leading to discord. It rep resen ts a d iso rg a n ize d
m ind, an d can in dicate a teller o f tall tales o r an easily d eceived fool. In the extrem e, it rep resen ts d ecep tio n ,
 34/O h tfic Heawnfy Sjrficrcs

m alice, shallow conversation, lies, and boasting. A nother aspect o f a debilitated M ercury is provocation,
m ockery, and derision.

M oon D
T he lady o f the night is fem inine and o f a cold, m oist nature.

T he M oon is queen o f the celestial bodies, the lesser luminary. Its sym bolism is intim ately connected w ith
the Sun, its consort and counterpart. Like the star-king, the M oon is a sym bol o f life, representing organic
life, biological form s, and m atter (as a counterpart to the solar vitality). The M oon represents the cyclical
process o f birth, grow th, and decay, w hich the Sun nourishes w ith its vital energy. This sy m bolism o f the
M oon is directly related to the M o o n ’s phases: the N ew M oon is associated w ith birth, the w axin g phase to
grow th, the Full M oon to fullness, and the w aning phase to decline. D ue to its apparent fluctuations, the
M oon indicates change, variability, and inconstancy.

T he light reflected from the M oon m akes it a sym bol o f m irrors and o f the soul. D ue to its m oistness, the
M oon is also a sym bol o f the fem inine. A ll fem ale figures are under its ju risdiction: m other, w ife, queen, etc.
T he public and the m asses arc also represented by this celestial body. It represents the average person, as
w ell as the populace.

W hen dignified, it indicates kindness, love o f liberty, novelty, and the propensity for change. It suggests
adaptability and the capacity to learn any task. The M o o n ’s actions are oriented tow ard the present, but have
a hesitant and tentative quality to them . W hen debilitated, it represents the drifter and inactive or lazy people,
and also the drunk or the lunatic w ho lacks status or am bition. In the extrem e, the M oon depicts inertia and
passivity.

R u le r s h ip s a n d A ss o c ia tio n s o f th e P la n e ts

In addition to its essential nature, the planets are also associated w ith other aspects o f daily life, nam ely c o l­
ors, tastes, m inerals, and places. T hese attributions have an affinity w ith the nature o f the planet. F o r ex am ­
ple, Saturn, a cold and dry planet (therefore, sterile and unfavorable
to life), appears naturally associated w ith freezes, w inter, cem eter­ Im portant N ote: all o f the asso cia­
ies, and graves. T he visible characteristics o f the p lanet also contrib­ tions presented here refer to the
ute to these associations. F o r exam ple, V enus the m ost lum inous basic nature o f the planet. T hey
p lanet, is associated w ith brig h t colors, w hile M ars, being o f a red ­ m ay be m odified by the p osition
dish hue, appears naturally associated w ith red and derived tones. o f the p lanet in a house o r sign.

It is im p o rtan t to note that this ty pe o f association is not applicable to all branches o f astrology. M any o f
th em sh o u ld be u sed w ithin the context o f specific techniques, nam ely in the description o f objects, p laces,
and p e o p le (horary astrology), in the d eterm ination o f diseases (m edical astrology), in the description o f in ­
div id u als (natal o r h orary a strology), and in the localization o f events (m undane astrology).

C o lo r s
T he asso c ia tio n o f plan ets w ith colors is esp ecially relevant in the description o f objects, clothes, anim al
furs, an d oth ers, an d is p articu larly u sefu l in h o rary astrology. F o r exam ple, an item o f clo th in g signified by
the M o o n w ill h av e light colors, v ary in g b etw een w hite and blue-green.

Saturn h B lack o r b la c k m ix ed w ith yellow , dark green, leaden gray.

Ju p ite r U L ig h t co lo rs, y ello w ish o r bro w n ish w hite, b rig h t o r glitterin g colors, solem n colors: blue,
p u rp le, b u rg u n d y red.
 T h e P (a n e ts l3 5

M ars CT Red, yellow , bright fiery colors, saffron.

Sun O Bright yellow , golden, orange, scarlet, purple, solar colors in general.
V enus 9 Pure white, pastel and m ilky colors, lum inous and light tones (som e authors m ention green).
M ercury 5 C om plex colors, m ulticolored patterns, m ixtures, bluish gray, som e m etallic tones.
M oon D L ight blue, w hite, pale green, silver.

O d o r s a n d F la v o r s

T he planets can function as descriptive aids, in particular for places and foods. T hey are also u sed for the se­
lection o f m edical treatm ents and talism ans.

Saturn h A stringent and unpleasant odors, acetic and offensive odors, bad sm ells; bitter, sour, o r a g ­
gressively unpleasant flavors.
Jupiter U Sw eet sm elling things and any pleasant and m oderate odor; sw eet and bittersw eet flavors.
M ars d" A ggressive and spicy odors; bitter and strong flavors that b u m the tongue
Sun 0 Pungent odors; flavors that are rich, bittersw eet, strongly arom atic, o r spicy but nice and
m oderate.
V enus 9 O dors that incite to pleasure and lust; flavors that are tasty, sw eet, fatty, m oist or delicious.
M ercury 5 C om posite odors, subtle but penetrating; m ix ed and com plex flavors.
M oon P Fresh, w et, and m ild odors; salty, bland, o r slightly bitter flavors.

P la c e s

T he places associated w ith the planets are particularly useful in horary astrology to find objects, anim als, or
m issing persons.

Saturn h D eserts, dark places, caves, holes, m ountains, graveyards, ruins, coal m ines, w ells, and
dirty and bad sm elling places.
Jupiter U Places o f worship, buildings with a religious function, courts o f law, and clean and tidy places.
M ars CT B lacksm ith shops, furnaces, chim neys, brick and p o ttery ovens, p laces w here fuel is
burned, and slaughter houses.
Sun 0 R oyal courts, palaces, grandiose show room s (theaters, opera houses, salons), an d m ajestic
buildings.
V enus 9 G ardens, fountains, w edding suites, pretty cham bers, dance schools, and p laces o f pleasure
and am usem ent.
M ercury 5 Places o f com m erce, shops, m arkets, schools, libraries, pu b lic spaces, an d casinos.
M oon P F ountains, stream s, springs, ports, docks, rivers, lakes, aquariu m s, fish p o u n d s, sw im m in g
pools, bath houses, roads, and desert p laces.

M in e r a ls

T h e m in eral associations can provide inform ation about the m aterial from w h ich a lost o b je c t is m ad e, and be
u sefu l in the p ro d u ctio n o f talism ans. T here are m any variations o f this table. T h e o n e p re se n te d h ere is the
m ore com m on.

S aturn h M etals: lead, loadstone, scum from other metals, debris; any im pure o f b ad quality m aterial.
G em s and m inerals: sapphire, o n y x ,je t and other black stones, stones th at are hard to polish
 36/On tfte Hawcnfy Sjrfiercs

or have sad colors (grey, black).

Ju p iter U M etal: tin. G em s and m inerals: am ethyst, sapphire, em erald, m arble, and stones that are
easy to cut.
M ars CT M etals: iron and antim ony. G em s and m inerals: hem atite (loadstone), ja sp e r (especially
blood stone), arsenic, and sulphur.
Sun O M etal: gold. G ems and minerals: jacinth, diamond, carbuncle, chrysolite (olivine), and ruby.
V enus 9 M etals: copper and brass. G em s and m inerals: coralline, coral, alabaster, lapis lazuli, b ery l­
lium, and chrysolite (olivine).
M ercury 5 M etal: m ercury. G em s and m inerals: topaz, silex, and all stones o f diverse colors.
M oon D M etal: silver. G em s and m inerals: selenite, m oonstone, rock crystal, and all soft stones.

P h y s ic a l A p p e a r a n c e

T hese associations o f the planets are used particularly to describe the physical appearance o f individuals.
T hey have practical applications in natal, horary, and m edical astrology.

Saturn Dry and lean figure, slightly bent, m edium stature, pale com pletion, and dark hair and eyes.
Jupiter U Pleasant figure, upright stature, pinkish com pletion, oval and full face, fair hair, light eyes,
and strong thighs.
M ars CT Strong body, m edium stature, reddish com pletion, round face, coarse h air o f a fair colo r
(tending tow ard red), and light piercing eyes.
Sun O Large and strong body, ruddy skin, big round eyes, and generally light hair w ith a te n ­
dency to baldness.
V enus 9 M edium body, light but not pale skin, dark and beautiful eyes, and abundant (usually light
colored) hair.
M ercury S Tall and slim figure, dark skin and hair, big forehead, thin lips and nose, and long harm s
and hands.
M oon D Full figure, round face, light skin, abundant hair, and short and fleshy hands.

P r o fe s s io n s

T hese associations indicate vocation and skills, as w ell as describing people.

Saturn h Professio ns associated w ith the earth are given to Saturn: those w ho w ork toil it, such as
farm ers and gardeners; those w ho w ork b elow it, such as m iners; those w ho w ork w ith
m in erals such as stonem asons, brick m akers, coal m erchants, potters, those w ho w ork w ith
tin, asphalt layers; and co nstruction professio ns.
Saturn rules religious professions that im ply isolation, such as m onks, or auxiliary church
personnel, such as sextons. It indicates activities associated w ith old age, such as retirem ent.
Saturn is also co nnected w ith pastoral p rofessions and, in general, professions that deal
w ith livestock, stables and stable hands, and hide tanners. A nother type o f Saturn profession
is asso ciated w ith debris an d its cleaning, such as plum bers, chim ney-sw eepers, sanitation
w orkers, and in general, pro fessio n s co n sid ered o f a low social status. F o r this reason, it
also rules b eg g ars an d those w ho w o rk odd jo b s. Saturn is also connected w ith th ose w ho
deal w ith d ealh an d cadavers, such as grave diggers and m orticians.
Jupiter U Ju p ite r rules p ro fessio n s associated w ith th e law and w ith politics, such as ju d g es, senators,
ch an cello rs, law yers, and law p ro fesso rs; relig io u s professions such as clerics, bishops,
 T fw P fa n e t s /3 7

priests, vicars; and professions associated w ith advanced education, such as graduate, u n i­
versity and college students.
M ars Cf Because it is associated w ith w ar, M ars represents conquerors, generals, captains, co m m an ­
ders, m ilitary people in general, arm orers, police officers, and bailiffs. M ars also represents
physicians, surgeons, and pharm acists, as w ell as professions associated w ith fire, such as
alchem ists (chem ists), m etalw orkers, and firefighters. It also rules professions that rely on
metal or cutting tools, or those w ho w ork directly with m etals, such as blacksm iths, tanners,
barbers, tailors, carpenters, cobblers, w atchm akers, butchers, bakers, and cooks. O ther pro­
fessions under this planet are dyers, athletes, and m overs. In its negative aspect, M ars sym ­
bolizes all tyrants and oppressors, usurpers, executioners, and thieves.
Sun O K ings, princes, em perors, dukes, m arquises, counts, and nobles, and those in adm inistrative,
high-status, and pow er positions, such as m agistrates, butlers, and courtesans.
V enus 9 Since it is associated w ith pleasure, V enus represents m usicians, singers, and gam e players.
In the arts and crafts, silk and fabric traders, em broiderers, dressm akers, painters, je w elers,
designers, decorators, and all professions connected w ith aesthetics and beauty are associ­
ai ed w ith V enus.
M ercury S M ercury is associated w ith authors, philosophers, m athem aticians, astrologers, m erchants,
secretaries, clerks, poets, orators, am bassadors, teachers, printers, m oney traders, accoun­
tants, law yers, salespeople, transporters, m essengers, delivery personnel, and letter carriers,
as w ell as thieves, liars, and sw indlers.
M oon D The M oon rules seafarers, sailors, fishing personnel, producers and sellers o f alcoholic
beverages, bartenders, delivery w orkers and m essengers, carriage drivers, taxi drivers,
hunters, m illers, housekeepers, m idw ives, and nurses.

M e t e o r o lo g y

T hese planetary associations govern w eather forecasting (natural astrology) as its goal. It is im portant to
note that this branch o f astrology follow s very specific rules regarding the p lanets an d the chart as a w hole.

Saturn h C loudy skies, th ick dark clouds, cold w eather, and eastern w inds.
Ju p iter U Serene, good w eather, and northern winds.
M ars Cf R eddish clouds, th under and lightning, pestilential airs (dry and hot), and w estern w inds.
Sun O W eath er according to the season o f the year, and eastern w inds.
V enus 9 G ood w eather in sum m er, rain or snow in w inter, and southern w inds.
M ercury S W indy and tu rb u len t w eather, and som etim es rain and storm s.
M oon D W eath er according the planet it contacts, thus rein fo rcin g the p la n e t’s nature.

P la n e t a r y P e r io d s

In the traditio n, each p lan et rules specific perio ds o f tim e, k n ow n as p lan etary periods. T h ese p erio d s are d i­
v ided into m axim um , greater, m iddle and lesser years. In practice, these valu es are u se d ev ery tim e it is n ec­
essary to calcu late the duration o f an event. T he m axim um years are u sed w ith ev en ts on a h isto ric scale (fo r
exam ple, the fo undation o f a dynasty ), w hile the rem aining periods refer to m ore h u m an tim e scales. T h e
lesser and m ax im u m y ears are obtained from the geocentric periods o f the p lan ets (zo d iacal an d /o r synodic
cycles). T h e g reater years result from th e total nu m b er o f degrees co rresp o n d in g to the E g y p tia n term s o f th e
p lan et (in the case o f the Sun and the M oon, they are sym bolic num bers). T h e m id d le y ears resu lt from the
average o f the lesser and greater years. T he follow ing listing sh ow s the p lan etary periods:
 38/On the H eaw nfy Spheres

P la n e t L esser M id d le G r e a te r M a x im u m
h Saturn 30 43,5 57 256
U Jupiter 12 45,5 79 246
Cf M ars 15 40,5 66 284
© Sun 19 69,5 120 1461
9 V enus 8 45 82 1151
9 M ercury 20 48 76 461
D M oon 25 66,5 108 520

T he A ges o f M an

T he planets are also associated w ith different phases o f hum an life. E very stage o f life is generically un d er
the rulcrship o f a planet w hich bestow s upon it its attributes and characteristics. The first years o f life,
m arked by rapid changes and by a total dependency upon the parents, are under the dom inion o f the M oon.
Infancy, w hereupon the developm ent o f com m unication and o f the rational faculties are experienced, is u n ­
der the rulership o f M ercury. The horm onal changes o f adolescence and the developm ent o f social skills are
dependent upon V enus. Y outh, a phase w hen the young adult seeks to conquer a place in society is g o v erned
by the Sun. M aturity, the stage for the consolidation o f strength and o f the capacity to act, is associated w ith
M ars. The pinnacle o f life, a stage o f reflection and o f the attainm ent o f honors and or recognitio n is u n d er
the jurisdiction o f Jupiter. Finally, old age, m arked by natural decline and by the lim itations o f age, is a ttrib ­
uted to Saturn.

P la n e t Y ears A ges P h a s e o f L if e
D M oon 4 0 -4 T he B aby
S M ercury 10 4 -1 4 Infancy
9 V enus 8 1 4 -2 2 A dolescence
© Sun 19 2 2 -4 1 Y outh
Cf M ars 15 4 1 -5 6 M aturity
4 Ju piter 12 5 6 -6 8 Pinnacle o f life
h Saturn 30 6 8 -9 8 O ld age
A fter 98 years, the cycle repeats.

T h e P h a s e s o f G e s ta tio n

T h e tradition associates the nine m onths o f fetal gestation w ith the planets according to the C haldean order.
T he first m onth is attributed to Saturn and corresponds to the initial phase w hen pregnancy m ay o r m ay n o t
p roceed. T he second m onth is u n d er the ju risd ictio n o f Jupiter, a benefic and fertile p lan et th at stim ulates
grow th and the m u ltip licatio n o f cells. M ars is next, ru ler o f the third m onth, w hich energizes gestation w ith
its heat an d activity. T h e fourth m onth, g overned b y the Sun, corresponds to the phase w hen spirit directly
influences m atter, b esto w in g up o n it the h u m an form . In the fifth m onth, from the nature o f V enus the o rgans
are co m p leted and se n sib ility increases. N e x t is M e rcu ry ’s m onth, the six th m onth w hen the ab ility fo r
m o v em en t in creases. In the sev en th m onth, u n d e r the auspices o f the M oon, the baby com pletes its fo rm and
th e u se o f its organs. I f it is b o m du rin g this phase, it m ay n o w su rviv e on its ow n. Saturn returns to rule o v er
th e e ig h th m onth, c o o lin g d o w n and firm ing up the form ; it is considered less p rom ising for there to b e a
b irth d u rin g this ph ase th an in the p revious one due to the excessively cold nature o f this planet. Finally, the
cy cle c o m p letes its e lf in th e n inth m onth, ru led b y Jupiter, w h o se abundance and fertility protects the b ab y
an d favors birth. T h e fo llo w in g listin g sh ow s the p hases o f gestation and th eir planetary rulers:
 T h e P (a n c ts l3 9

P la n e t M o n th

h Satum 1st Beginning, fixation

U Jupiter 2nd M ultiplication
Cf M ars 3rd A ctivity, heat
O Sun 4th H um an form , Spirit
9 V enus 5th Sensitivity
5 M ercury 6th M ovem ent
D M oon 7th V itality, com pletion o f form
h Satum 8th C onsolidation, hardenin g
U Jupiter 9th Birth
4 0/0 h tfic Heavenly Sjrftcres
 C h a p te r V

T h e Z o d ia c a n d th e S i g n s
T he w ord zodiac com es from the G reek Z ô o v , w hich m eans life o r anim al. T h e zodiac is, therefore, the band
o f life, or the band o f anim als, because m any o f the constellation im ages found along this band depict the fig­
ures o f anim als (ram , bull, lion, etc.).

T he zodiac is generated from the apparent m ovem ent o f the sun around the E arth during the course o f the
year. (In reality it is the E arth, that in its translation m ovem ent, circles the sun; b u t this is n o t w hat is visible
by a terrestrial observer.) T his apparent m otion, traces a line, know n as the ecliptic, around the Earth, and it
is along this line that the M oon and the planets m ove through space.

B ecause the apparent trajectory o f the planets does not coincide exactly w ith the ecliptic, a ban d o f about 16°
in w idth (8° above and below the ecliptic) w as defined to encom pass the total area w here the visib le planets
m ove. It is this band th at is called the zodiac.

T his band and its divisions, the signs, are the principal p oint o f reference in astrology. In it are m easu red the
m o vem ent o f the p lanets, as w ell as the variations in th eir qualities and effects as th ey cross the differen t
signs.

T h e Z o d ia c a n d th e S ig n s
T h e v ariatio n s in light an d h eat cau sed
by the m o tio n o f the S un th ro u g h o u t the
y ear p ro d u ce the fo u r seasons: spring,
sum m er, autum n, and w inter. T h erefo re,
both the seaso n s as w ell as th e zo d iac
arise from the m o tio n o f th e Sun an d are
in tim ately c o n n ected to it. In fact, th e z o ­
diac w as o rig in ally c o n c e iv e d o f a s a
calen d rical d ev ice in o rd e r to “m ea su re”
the seasons. In this w ay , th e zo d iac is d i­
F ig u r e 1. T h e Z o d ia c v id ed into fo u r d istin c t areas, e a c h one
 42/On tfic Heavenly Spheres

corresponding to a season o f the year. The

points o f division are on the spring equinox, the
sum m er solstice, the autum n equinox, and the
w inter solstice; that is, the points w here the Sun
finds itse lf at the start o f each season.

T he zero point o f the ecliptic (and o f all celes­

tial references) is the spring equinox, also
know n as the v e rn a l p o in t. T his equinox m arks
the point at w hich days and nights are o f equal
length. From that point on, the days gradually
increase in length, w hile the nights becom e
shorter. T he w eath er becom es w an n er, and
heat jo in s the accum ulated hum idity o f w inter,
producing fertility and grow th. It is a tim e o f
agitation, o f great “sim m ering” in the natural
w orld. Springtim e is a hot and hum id season,
associated w ith the air elem ent and the San­
guine tem peram ent. Its sym bol is a germ inating
seed.

M axim um daylight is reached during the sum ­

m er solstice. T he Sun reaches its highest alti­
tude in the sky and the w eather continues to be­
com e w arm , drying the hum idity o f springtim e.
It is a tim e for the m aturation o f fruits because
o f hotter days. S um m ertim e is a hot and dry
season, associated w ith the fire elem ent and the
choleric tem peram ent. Its sym bol is a germ i­
nated seed.

D uring the autum n equinox, the days and

nig hts again h ave the sam e length. A fter this
point, the height o f the Sun in the sky gradually
begins to decrease. T he w eath er rem ains dry,
b u t tem perature and hours o f d aylight decrease.
It is a season fo r harv est and fo r p reparing for
the h arsh tim es o f w inter. T he autu m n is a cold
and dry phase, associated w ith the earth ele­
m en t and w ith the m elan ch o lic tem peram ent.
T he sym bol o f autum n is a fu lly grow n plan t
th a t has b egun to d ry out:

T h e sh o rtest d ay (an d the longest nig ht) is

F ig u r e 3 . T h e Q u a litie s o f th e F o u r S e a s o n s
reach ed a t the w in te r solstice, pro d u cin g a sea­
son o f cold an d sp arse d ay lig h t since the Sun is at its lo w est altitude in the sky. D uring this phase, the rains
are ab u n d an t an d n atu re is relativ ely static, aw aitin g the spring. T he w in ter is a cold and m o ist season, a sso ­
c iated w ith the w a ter elem en t and the p hlegm atic tem peram ent. T he sym bol for w in ter represents w a re­
h o u sed foods:
 T h e Z o d ia c a n d t h e S ig n s /4 3

Each o f the four seasons is divided into three

parts correspondin g to the beginning, m iddle,
and en din g phases. B y d ividing the zodiac into
four seasons, and each season into three parts,
w e get 12 segm ents that correspond to the 12
signs. T he first three signs signal the spring:
A ries, w hich m arks the beg inning o f the season;
T aurus, w hich corresponds to its culm ination;
and G em ini, w hich signals its end.

The sequence repeats itse lf in the other seasons

th roughout the year. T he signs for the sum m er
are C ancer, Leo, and V irgo; signs o f autum n are
Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius; and those o f
w inter are C apricorn, A quarius and Pisces. A l­
though it is subordinate to the tem peram ent o f
the season to w hich it belo ngs (and w hich d e ­
fines it in general term s), each sign presents its
ow n tem peram ent and m ode o f action.

T h e I m a g e s a n d S y m b o ls o f th e S ig n s

Som e signs are sym bolized by an anim al im age, such as the R am (A ries), the Bull (T aurus), the Crab (C an­
cer), the Lion (Leo), and the Fish (Pisces). O thers are sy m bolized by hum an figures, such as the Tw ins
(G em ini), the V irgin (V irgo), Libra (a young w om an hold in g Scales), and A quarius, also called the W a­
ter-bearer (a youth that pours w ater from a ju g ). T here are also signs that are represented by m ythological
figures: C apricorn, an anim al that is h a lf goat and h a lf fish, and Sagittarius, a centaur, h a lf m an, h a lf horse
(som e versio ns substitute the centaur for an archer on horseback. T hese im ages have th eir origin in very an­
cient attributions that have com e dow n to us through G reco-R om an m ythology. N evertheless, the signs are
far older than these civilizations, their origins lost in tim e. T he signs are represented by sym bols that are sty l­
ized im ages o f the figures that give them th eir nam es.

In the sym bols o f A ries and T aurus can be seen the

N ote: T he signs and th eir sy m b o lism are directly
heads o f th eir respective anim als: T , b
related to the seasons o f the y e a r in the north ern
T he sym bol for G em in i is the R om an num eral 2, hem isphere because it w as here th at all the civ ili­
referring to the tw o tw ins: H zations th at contributed to the co nstruction o f the
T he sym bol fo r C ancer evokes the pincers o f the w estern astrological system aro se an d flourished.
anim al: ® D espite this, practice has sh o w n th at the system is
perfectly applicable to h o ro sco p es for the so u th ­
T h at o f L eo looks to deriv e from a stylization o f ern hem isphere, m ain tain in g the sam e sym bolism .
the head and m ane o f the lion:
V irgo is represented by a stylized letter M: 11?
In L ibra w e see the tw o p lates and fulcrum o f the scales:
T h at o f Scorpio is a stylization o f the anim al w ith its respective stinger: 1ÎL
S agittariu s is sy m b o lized by an arrow , referrin g to the arrow ( s a g i t t a in L atin ) o f the archer: /
C apricorn b y a stylization o f the m ythical creature (h a lf goat, h a lf fish): YS

T he sym bol o f A q u ariu s is the flow in g w ater p oured out by the w ater-bearer: æ
Pisces is sy m b o lized by tw o stylized fish, united by a cord: H
 44/O h tftc Hcavmfy Spfwres

The m anner o f representing the signs has changed considerably over the ages. C urrently, there arc m any a r­
tistic variations, but the basic design o f the sym bols is alw ays the sam e (see A ppendix 1, The A strological
Sym bols). Follow ing arc the sym bols o f the signs that should be m em orized:

T A ries
Ï5 Taurus
K G em ini
S C ancer
Leo
H7 V irgo
Libra
l i t Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
22 A quarius
X Pisces

T he signs divide the zodiacal circle into tw elve equal

30-degree parts. In other w ords, the circum ference o f the
zodiac (360 degrees) is divided into 12 segm ents o f 30 d e­
grees, the signs. Each sign begins at zero degrees and zero
m inutes and ends at 29 degrees and 59 m inutes (the 30th
degree o f a sign corresponds to the zero degree o f the next
sign). In zodiacal notation w e use degrees and m inutes o f
arc: the degrees are represented by the s y m b o l 0 and the
m inutes by ". W hen noting a p la n e t’s position in the z o ­
diac, we say that a planet is in a certain degree and m inute
o f a sign. This m anner o f locating a planet is know n as zo­
d ia c a l lo n g itu d e .

F o r exam ple, i f the M oon is located at 12 degrees and 40

m inutes o f Sagittarius, it is w ritten as show n in F ig ure 6.

T he position o f a p lan et in a sign changes o v er tim e. F or

an accurate astrological inteipretation it is necessary to
know , w ith precision, not o nly its sign but also the degree
29’ 59’
and m inute in w hich a p lan et is located at a given m om ent 3) a t1 2 ° Z 4 1 ’ . 20-

in tim e. F o r exam ple, in the h oroscope o f the p o et Flo rbela .... ^7 7 7 7 -^ 1 °°

E spanca, Saturn is located at 03° and 2 8 ' o f Scorpio,
..........r x
w hich is w ritten as show n in F ig u re 7.

In sum m ary: F ig u r e 6 . T h e P l a n e t s in t h e Z o d i a c

• T he zo d iac is created by the ap parent m o tio n o f

the Sun aro u n d the Earth. ^ T
° 3 °r 128’^
• It is the seg m en t o f the sk y w h ere the Sun, the
M oon, an d th e p lan ets m ove.
degree m inute
• It is d iv id ed in to fo u r seasons, w hich are in turn sign
d iv id ed in to th ree p arts (a beginning, m iddle and
F ig u r e 7 . Z o d ia c a l N o ta t io n
end); th us c reatin g the 12 signs (four seasons o f
o f a P l a n e t ’s P o s i t i o n
 T ftc Z o d ia c a n d t f c S ig n $ l4 5

three signs each).

• This division is based upon the equinoxes and solstices (the start o f the seasons o f the year).
• Each sign is a segm ent o f 30° o f the zodiac (w hich totals 360°, a circum ference).
• The position o f the various astrological elem ents in the signs is called zodiacal longitude and is
expressed in degrees and m inutes o f a sign.

T h e N a tu r e o f th e S ig n s

Each sign represents a p articular group o f qualities as defined by the season o f the y ear to w hich it belongs,
as w ell as its position in the zodiacal sequence. T his positioning bestow s upon it a specific tem peram ent,
w hich is the basis for its nature. T herefore, as w ith the planets, the signs m ay be classified in various w ays:
according to the phase o f th eir season (beginning, m iddle, o r end), that is, according to their m o d e; accord­
ing to their p rim ary qualities, that is, e l e m e n t and t e m p e r a m e n t ; according to th eir gender, m a s c u l i n e or
f e m i n i n e ; according to their sect, n o c t u r n a l and d i u r n a l ; and according to the planet under w hich they are
governed, th eir r u l i n g p l a n e t .

T h e M odes

The signs that begin the seasons are called m oveable or cardinal since th ey “ m ove” or “driv e” the character­
istics o f the season. The signs o f the m iddle o f the season are called fixed o r solid, since they establish or
“ fix” the characteristics o f that tim e o f year. T he final signs are called com m on, double-bodied or by-corpo-
real, or m utable, because they represent the tim e w hen the seasons change. A t this tim e, the clim ate shares in
the ch aracteristics o f tw o seasons, the one en din g and the one that draw s near. T hus, these three
types— m oveable, fixed, and com m on— represent the m ode o f action o f the sign.

T he m oveable signs th at begin the seasons, are charac­

terized by a strong drive for action, a love o f m ovem ent
and agitation. T hey represent unexpected and objective
actions, b u t w hich end as q uickly as they began. The
m oveable signs are A ries, Cancer, L ibra and Capricorn.

If the m oveable m ode describes:

• the beh av io r o f a person, it indicates im pulsivity,
im patience, difficulty resp ectin g lim its, resources
and people; propensity for action, tran sitio n in g
easily from ideas to actions;
• an object, it w ill be light, dynam ic, p o ssib ly sharp,
its function tied to action;
• an event, suggests dyn am ism b u t also a ten d en cy to
change quickly;
F ig u r e 8 . M o v e a b le o r c a r d in a l S ig n s • a p eriod o f tim e, it in dicates rapidity, im m ediacy.

The fixed signs, w hich signal the m id dle o f the season, are characterized b y stab ility an d du rab ility ; to th em
is attributed a certain co n serv atism and inertia. T hey represent cautious, defensive, b u t also p ersisten t and
consistent actions. T h e fixed signs are T aurus, Leo, Scorpion, and A quarius.

I f the fixed m ode describes:

• the b eh av io r o f a person, it indicates a strong drive fo r security, contin u o u s actio n s, d efen se an d
self-control, b u t also stubbornness, reactions that are slow , cautious, d efen siv e an d v ery c o n tro lled ;
rig id ity and difficu lty g iv in g in;
 4 6 /O h tfic H c a v a ify Sjifiercs

• an object, it w ill be heavy; solid, not easily

m oved, its function tied to m aintenance and
conservation;
• an event, it indicates that w hich has a
long-lasting im pact; or
• a period o f tim e, it suggests a long wait.

T he com m on or double-bodied signs, w hich m ark the

end o f the season and, consequently, a change in cli­
m ate, are characteristically am bivalent and variable.
Since they indicate a transitional phase, they present
characteristics from both the previous two m odes: they
vacillate betw een rapid im pulses (characteristic o f the
m oveable m ode) and the tendency tow ard inertia (ty pi­
cal o f the fixed m ode). T hey arc characterized by the
F ig u r e 9 . F ix e d o r S o lid S ig n s
m ultiplicity o f action, by diversity o f responses, and by
a certain adaptability. The com m on o r double-bodied
signs are G em ini, V irgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

I f the com m on or double-bodied m ode describes:

• the behavio r o f a person, it indicates vitality,
curiosity and the capacity to adapt, also present
is a certain inconsistency and scattering;
• an object, it indicates everyday, com m on (o f
little value) item s, and those w ith m ore than one
function;
• an event, it suggests sim ultaneous actions, or
those w ith m ultiple im pacts; or
• a period o f tim e, it w ill be o f average duration:
not as long as the fixed n or as im m ediate as the
cardinal.
F ig u r e 1 0 . C o m m o n , D o u b le o r B i- c o r p o r e a l S ig n s
T h e T e m p e r a m e n ts o f th e S ig n s

B esides m ode, each sign is associated w ith an elem ent and its respective tem peram ent. The attribution o f the
elem ents to the signs alw ays follow s the sam e order: fire, earth, air and w ater. To the first sign is given fire,
to the next earth, then, air, then w ater, and so on. Thus, the first sign, A ries, belongs to the fire elem ent; fo l­
lo w ed by T aurus, tied to earth, G em ini to the air, C an cer to w ater and so on. T he distribution o btained is
su m m arized in F igure 11.

T h ere are three signs fo r each elem ent, an d each o f these groups is called a trip lic ity . T he fire trip licity is
m a d e up o f A ries, L eo and S agittarius; the air trip licity by G em ini, L ibra, and A quarius; the earth triplicity,
b y T aurus, V irgo, an d C apricorn; and the w ater trip licity by C ancer, Scorpion, and Pisces.

T h e sig ns th at b elo n g to a m ascu lin e elem en t (fire an d air) are also classified as m asculine and diurnal, w hile
th o se o f a fem in in e elem en t (earth and w ater) are classified as fem inine and nocturnal. A s w as p rev io u sly
m e n tio n ed , in the zo d iacal sequence the m asculine and diu rn al signs alternate w ith the fem inine and n o c tu r­
n al ones. T h e m ascu lin e an d diu rn al signs are natu rally expressive and expansive, and p ositively p ro ject
th e ir natures. T h eir core is a ctio n and m ovem ent.
 T f i c Z o d i a c a n d tf tc S i g n s / 4 7

B em en t |
S lfln

“f Arles A Fire |

Taurus V Earth

A A ir j
JX G em ini
1"
I1
1 s C a n c er V W a te r
i
i
1 Q Loo A Fire

1 Hl V irg o
V Earth •

A A ir 1
| / I Libra

T fy S corpio V W a te r 1

ÿ f S agittarius A Fire j
--------------------------------- |

VJ C a p ricorn V Earth

A A ir i
A q u a riu s
r ----------------------------------
I Pisces V W a te r

F ig u r e 1 1 . E le m e n ts o f t h e S ig n s

T he fire signs carry the choleric tem peram ent,

acquirin g a positive, trium phant, and naturally
radiant expression. T hey are characterized by
im petuosity, daring, aggressiveness, and the
tendency to dom inate.

T he a ir signs carry the sanguine tem peram ent,

m ore fluid and restless than the one before; they
have a dynam ic ex pressio n that is sociable and
relational. Its core is the intellect, com m unica­
tion, and curiosity.

T he fem inine and nocturnal signs are naturally

reserved and contem plative. O f an introverted
nature, they ex press them selves in a m ore
guarded and defensive m anner. T h eir core is se­
curity and preservation.

T he ea r th signs carry the m elancholic tem pera- F ig u r e 1 3 . T h e N a t u r e o f t h e S ig n s

m ent, w hich gives th em a great focus on p racti­

cal and functional action. T h ey are o f a co nstructive nature, appreciate solidity and ex p ress th em selv es in an
o rganized and p rag m atic m anner.

The w a te r signs carry the p h leg m atic tem peram ent, m ore un stab le an d w av erin g then th e m elan ch o lic, b u t
susceptible to sudden changes. Its core is em otionality, com fort and security.

It is from the co m b in atio n o f te m p eram en t and m ode that the basic ch aracteristics o f a sign are d efin ed , th at
is, the fundam ental n atu re o f the sign is characterized by: gender and sect (w h ich in the signs are in tim ately
connected), by the p rim ary q u alities (from w hich are derived elem ent an d tem p eram en t) an d b y m ode.
 48/Ou tftc Heavenly tyfwres

T h e P la n e ta r y ’ R u le r s

Each sign is also u n d er the dom inion o f a planet, w hich is called its ruler. This planet acts as a sort o f m aster
key to the sign and contributes greatly to its characterization. The rulers o f the signs are:

S ig n P l a n e ta r y R u le r
T Aries o’ M ars
« Taurus 9 Venus
K Gem ini y M ercury
S C ancer D M oon
fl Leo 0 Sun
HP V irgo y M ercury
Libra 9 V enus
HL Scorpio cT M ars
/ Sagittarius 4 Jupiter
Capricorn Saturn
A quarius h Saturn
X Pisces 4 Jupiter

Thus, the signs ruled by M ars (A ries and Scorpio) display the m artial traits o f conquest, w ounding and a g ­
gression; those ruled by V enus (T aurus and Libra) display calm , peaceful, and com forting, etc. traits. O b v i­
ously, these planetary shades m ust be contextualized by the nature o f each sign. Thus, the aggressiv e ten o r o f
M ars m anifests itse lf in a m ore extroverted m anner in A ries (m asculine, fire and cardinal) than it does in
Scorpio (fem inine, w ater, fixed), w here it m anifests as defensive attitudes. T he topic o f planetary ru lers is o f
prim e im portance in astrological interpretation and w ill be covered m ore thoroughly in subsequent chapters.
W hen the tenor o f a planet is com bined w ith the core characteristics, w e obtain the nature o f the sign.

T h e N a tu r e o f th e S ig n s

A r i e s : M asculine, diurnal, o f fire, choleric (hot and dry), cardinal or m oveable, ruled by M ars. T he c o m b i­
nation o f fire and cardin ality creates a very rapid and dynam ic expression w ith great brilliance and energy.
The ruler, M ars, gives it a courageous nature w hich m ay exaggerate its tendencies to the p oint o f ag gressio n.

T a u r u s : F em inine, noctu rnal, o f earth, m elancholic (cold and dry), fixed o r solid, ruled by V enus. T his sign,
w hich com bines the earth elem ent w ith the fixed m ode, displays a conservative, stable, tenacio us natu re, but
also inertia w ith a tendency tow ard stubbornness. Its ru ler V enus, gives it a touch o f grace and tolerance.

G e m i n i : M asculine, diurnal, o f air, sanguin e (hot and m oist), m utable, bi-corporeal or com m on, ruled by
M ercury. T he m utable a ir o f this sign represents m ovem ent and sw iftness, w ith traces o f instability and d is­
persion. To this is a dded the dynam ism , versatility, and viv acity o f the ruler, M ercury, intensifying its v a ri­
ab ility an d bustle.

C a n c e r : Fem inine, no ctu rn al, o f w ater, p hlegm atic (cold and m oist), cardinal o r m oveable, ru led b y the
M oon. T h e co m b in atio n o f card in ality an d w a te r p roduces a dynam ic but little externalized expression,
w h ich resu lts in sen tim en tal an d d efen siv e behavio rs. T he rulership o f the M oon adds a vacillating, altern at­
in g n atu re w ith cy clical variations.

L i o n : M asculine, d iurnal, o f fire, choleric (hot an d dry), fix ed o r solid, ruled by the Sun. B ecause it’s fixed
an d fiery, th is sig n h as a p o sitiv e expression, ch aracterized by constancy and solidity, w hich can be im pos-
 Tfie Zodiac a n d tfie Signs/49

ing. The Sun as ruler, gives it a pow erful, radiant and grandiose aspect.

Fem inine, nocturnal, o f earth, m elancholic (cold and dry), m utable, bi-corporeal or co m m on, ruled
V ir g o :
by M ercury. The m utable earth o f this sign com bines the characteristics o f concreteness and versatility, p ro ­
ducing m ultifaceted efficiency. M ercury, the ruler, adds sw iftness and a certain lightness.

L i b r a : M asculine, diurnal, o f air, sanguine (hot and m oist), cardinal o r m oveable, ruled by V enus. T h e air
elem ent com bined w ith the cardinal m ode produces in this sign a fluid and dynam ic expression. V enus en ­
dow s it w ith softness, a touch o f beauty, and artistic expression.

S c o r p i o : Fem inine, nocturnal, o f w ater, phlegm atic (cold and m oist), fixed o r solid, ruled by M ars. Th is sign
com bines the em otiveness and sensitivity o f the w ater elem ent to the stability and stubbornness o f the fixed
m ode, producing a defensive and persevering expression o f w hich the em otions occupy a central focus.
M ars, the ruler, contributes w ith its bellicose nature.

S a g i t t a r i u s : M asculine, diurnal, o f fire, choleric (hot and dry), m utable, bi- co rporeal o r com m on, ru led by
Jupiter. The m utable fire produces a m ultifaceted expression, positiv e but directed tow ard various sim ulta­
neous objectives. The nature o f Jupiter, the ruler, adds a sense o f ju stic e and tem perance, w hich som ew hat
stabilizes the com bination.

C a p r i c o r n : Fem inine, nocturnal, o f earth, m elancholic (cold and dry), cardinal or m oveable, ruled by Sat­
urn. This cardinal sign o f the earth com bines action w ith a co nstructive im pulse, w hich produces an essen­
tially pragm atic nature. Saturn endow s it w ith deliberation and persistence, producing a resistant, rigorous,
disciplined, but conservative expression.

M asculine, diurnal, o f air, sanguine (hot and m oist), fixed or solid, ruled by Saturn. T he fixed air
A q u a r iu s :
associates the fluid and dynam ic characteristics w ith constancy and p erseverance, giv in g rise to an expres­
sion that is distant, individualistic, and w ith a great tendency tow ard abstraction.

P i s c e s : F em in in e, nocturnal, o f w ater, p hlegm atic (cold and m oist) m utable, bi-corporeal, o r com m on, ruled
by Jupiter. T his sign o f m utable w ater com bines sensibility and v ariability, w hich p roduces a m ultiplicity o f
expressions and sentim ents. Jupiter associates its tem perance w ith this dynam ism , p ro d u cin g id ealism and
m oderation.

T he nature o f the sign defines ev erything that it represents: behavio rs, objects, places and regions, sp atial d i­
rections, the parts o f the body, etc. F o r exam ple, the sign G em ini, represents a m u ltifaceted (m utable), cu ri­
ous and co m m unicative behavior (air elem ent); but also indicates a m o untainous terrain w ith hills o r g am in g
and entertainm ent places; in the hum an body it represents the arm s and hands.

A d d itio n a l C h a r a c te r is tic s

T he nature o f the sign can also be com plim ented by a set o f o th er seco n d ary attributes. T h ese se co n d ary
characteristics enrich the description o f the sign and are applied w hen a m ore d e tailed o r specific d escrip tio n
o f a person, action, or tendency show n by the sign is needed. T hus, the signs are also:

• B estial (referring to beast, anim al) or quadruped: A ries, T aurus, L eo, S ag ittariu s an d C apricorn.
• H um an: G em in i, V irgo, Libra, A quarius and the first h a lf o f S agittarius.
• Fierce or Feral: Leo

T his c lassificatio n is associated w ith the im a g e s , anim al o r hum an, th at m ak e up the sig ns; in term s o f in ter-
 50l0n tfie Hcavcnfy Sjrficres

pretation, they refer to subtle behavioral traces. The quadruped signs im part a behavior sim ilar to the anim al
that sym bolizes it, in that it has an abrupt physical expression. The hum an signs (those represented by hum an
figures) describe a m ore social behavior and w ith a g reater propensity for com m unication and the use o f the
m ind. The sign Leo is characterized as fierce since it is represented by a w ild anim al, thereby one attrib utes
m ore assertive and pointed characteristics to it.

• Fertile: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

• Barren: G em ini, Leo, V irgo
• M oderately Fertile: T aurus, Libra, Sagittarius
• M oderately Barren: A ries, Capricorn, A quarius

This classification is used w hen one desires to obtain a num ber or a quantity. For exam ple, in the study o f a
chart to determ ine the probable num ber o f children or siblings. As is apparent, the fertile signs correspond to
m any, the barren signs to none (or in som e cases, one) and the rem aining to few (only one o r tw o).

• O f strong voice: A ries, Leo, and Sagittarius

• O f m iddle voice: V irgo, Capricorn, and A quarius
• M ute: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

This classification characterizes the pow er o f the in dividual’s oratory and is generally applied to the asce n d ­
ing sign and to the sign placem ent o f M ercury, due to its connection w ith speech/com m unication. T he signs
o f strong voice easily project their voice, those o f m iddle voice have an average voice, and the m ute signs
tend to be shut dow n in their vocal expression.

• Bitter: A ries, Leo, and Sagittarius

• Sweet: G em ini, Libra, and A quarius
• Salty: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
• Sour: Taurus, V irgo, Capricorn

This classification is useful in the descriptions o f foods, m edications, and other elem ents o f a m edical nature.

T hese are the attributes m ore frequently used in the astrolo gical practice. It is im portant to keep in m ind th at
these attributes m ust be integrated into an appropriate interpretative context. U nderstandably , it m akes no
sense to include attributes such as “bitter” o r “fertile” in the descrip tion o f a behavior. Sim ilarly, in the d e ­
scription o f an o bject, the use o f attributes such as “ im pulsive” o r “em otional” are equally absurd.

• L ong A scension o r oblique: C apricorn, A quarius, Pisces, A ries, T aurus, and G em ini
• Short A scension o r straight: C ancer, L eo, V irgo, L ibra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.

T h is classification refers to the tim e that each sign takes to rise ov er the horizon. D ue to the in clination o f the
E a rth ’s axis, the signs do n o t all tak e the sam e tim e to rise. T he exact use o f this division w ill be co vered in a
su b seq u en t chapter.

I n te r p r e ta tio n o f th e S ig n s

T h e signs are like d iv isio n s in a b o ard gam e. T hey are only relev an t in an interpretation w hen th ere is so m e ­
th in g p la c e d in them . T h u s, a sign colo rs w ith its qu alities any p lan et (o r other astrological p o in t o f the h o ro ­
sco p e) th at is lo cated in it. T h e ex p ressio n o f th at p lan et o r facto r is then m olded b y the sign and acq u ires a
set o f traits th at co n d itio n its m anifestation. T h e plan ets possess th eir ow n natures, b u t th eir m o v em en t
 T fic Z o d ia c a n d t(ie S ig n s j S l

through the signs alters the m anifestation o f that nature. I t is f r o m th e c o m b in a ti o n o f th e n a t u r e s o f th e f i v e

p l a n e t s a n d th e lu m in a r ie s w ith th e tw e lv e b a s ic q u a li ti e s o f th e s i g n s th a t a l l d i v e r s i t y o f e x p r e s s i o n in n a ­
tu r e a r e d e r iv e d . T h is e x p r e s s io n m a y b e tr a n s l a t e d in to v a r i o u s f o r m s : h u m a n b e h a v i o r , c l i m a t i c v a r ia ­
tio n s , w o r l d l y e v e n ts, e tc.

I n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f P la n e t s in S ig n s

To determ ine the effects o f planets in signs, one m ust com bine the nature o f the p lanet w ith the sign in w hich
it finds itself. The planet w ill have its ow n expression and natural signification altered by the characteristics
o f the sign. The result will be m ore or less fluid, depending upon the agreem ent betw een the natu res o f the
planet and the sign.

N ev er forget that the focus o f the interpretation is alw ays centered on the planet. T he p lan et indicates w hat is
in play (for exam ple, M ars indicates action, com bat, etc.); the sign refers to the traits by w hich it expresses it­
s e lf (for exam ple, Taurus indicates a solid and slow expression, w hile C ancer represents an expression that is
em otional and variable).

L e t’s take the M oon as an exam ple: its signification includes,

In astrology, w hat is im portant is u n d er­
am ong other things, the m oods, em otional tones, and sensibil­
standing, not m em orization. It is critical
ities o f the individual. I f it is positioned in Leo, these m oods
to possess a solid understanding o f the
w ill acquire the characteristics o f this sign. W e have then a fi­
nature o f each planet and sign in order to
ery sign, hot and dry, w ith a dynam ic expression, positive and
understand the result o f any planet-sign
enthusiastic; a m asculine and diu rnal sign, therefore, extro­
com bination. The student w ho internal­
verted; a fixed sign, p ossessing co nfident and lasting action.
izes this understanding w ill be able to
In this m anner, the m oods and em otions represented by the
handle any com bination w ithout having
M oon in L eo w ill be enthusiastic, positive (fire/choleric), not
to depend upon “cookbook” descrip­
passin g w ithout notice (m asculine and dium al). T h eir expres­
tions o r descriptive tables.
sion w ill be firm , possibly often b eing stubborn (fixed). The
ex pressio n o f the planet is m ore jo y fu l and extroverted, but less receptive since the natural sensibility o f the
M oon is d im inished in a hot and dry sign, w hich contradicts the cold and m oist (phlegm atic) facet o f the lu ­
m inary. A lso, the natural plasticity o f the M oon w ill be m ore restrained because o f the fix ed L eo nature.

I f w e co n sid er another fire sign, such as A ries, w e discover that the traits o f enthusiasm , affirm ation, and ex ­
troversion are com m on. N oneth eless, a M oon in A ries portrays a greater restlessness and p ro p en sity fo r ac­
tivity, since it is a m oveable sign. Sim ilarly, a M oon in S agittarius, a m utable, fire sign, acquires a m ore
adaptable, m ultifaceted and dispersed expression.

It is also im portant to note the im pact o f the ruling planet o f the signs ( o f w hich w e w ill sp eak in m o re detail
ahead): in this case, the Sun, ru ler o f L eo, M ars, ruler o f A ries, and Ju piter, ruler o f S agittariu s. T h e M o o n in
L eo w ill po rtray distinctly positive traits (Sun), in A ries, m ore bellico se and sharp ones (M ars), an d in S agit­
tarius, an “ad v o catin g ” (Jupiter) m otivation. W e m ay also co n sid er the seco n d ary attributes o f the signs. L eo
is a fierce sign, w hich indicates a m ore intense and dom ineering em otional ex p ressio n than in th e o th e r fire
signs. O n the o th er hand, Leo, A ries and S agittarius are bestial signs, w h ich im plies m ore a b ru p t attitu d es
w ith a g reater negative social im pact. O f the fire signs, S agittariu s has a d ouble aspect, since it is d ep icted by
a figure th at is h a lf m an and h a lf anim al, w hich m akes it sw in g b etw een ab ru p tn ess an d sociab ility . N o tw ith ­
standin g, the fluctuations are so ftened by S agittarius also being an au tu m n (calm er) sign an d h av in g Ju p ite r
(planet o f m o d eratio n ) as its ruler.

I f w e consider, by contrast, the M o o n in C apricorn, the d elineation w ill be very different. In th is case, w e
have a cold and dry sign, o f air, m elancholic, fem inine and n octu rnal, and m oveable. H ere th e attitu d es and
em otions sig n ified by the M oon w ill have a m ore discrete and restrain ed ex p ressio n (fe m in in e/n o c tu m a l),
 52/O n the Heavenly Spheres

overlaid by a pragm atic and slightly sus­ Note: A lthough each planet alw ays has a natural signification
picious and cautious (earth, m elan­ (M ars signifies action, V enus affection, M ercury u n d erstan d ­
cholic) attitude, but w hich is very active ing, etc.) w hat is truly im portant in interpretation, is the p a r ­
and dynam ic (m oveable). A gain we have t i c u l a r s i g n i f i c a t i o n that each planet acquires in the chart.
a quadruped sign, m aking its expression The position by sign gives us only the qualities through w hich
a bit abrupt, as in previous exam ples (al­ the celestial body expresses itself; it does not indicate its
though m oderated by the earth clem ent function or im portance in the general context o f the h o ro ­
and by the sobriety o f the ruler, Saturn). scope. This inform ation is given to us from the house position
and by the rules o f delineation. The interpretation by sign is
The sam e rationale should be applied to only m ade by beginners as a practice exercise.
the rem aining planets and signs. W e re­
peat: it is o f n o u s e to m e m o r iz e th e s ig n i fi c a ti o n o f th e p l a n e t s in e a c h s ig n ; w h a t is t r u ly im p o r ta n t is to u n ­
d e r s t a n d th e a s t r o l o g i c a l p r i n c i p l e s th a t a r e a t th e r o o t o f th o s e s i g n i f i c a t i o n s .

C h a r a c t e r iz a t io n a n d D e s c r ip t io n b y S ig n

T he characterizations that w e list below have diverse applications. F or exam ple, in a natal horoscope, th ey
describe the behavioral traits o f an individual, in a horary chart, they give a description o f the person asked
about; in still o ther horary charts, they describe the “characters” represented by the planets situated in the re ­
spective signs. Follow ing is the expression and behavior o f the signs:

T A r ie s H ot + Dry Its behavioral expression is characterized by im pulsivity

Choleric and rapid response; action is at the core o f its m otivations. It
M ovable describes an enthusiastic and passionate attitude th at can
R uled by M ars also be a bit abrupt and precipitated, and often aggressive.
The expression is em otive and expansive, but lacks a degree
o f sensibility, tact and subtly.

d Taurus Cold + D ry C haracterizes a calm , pondered behavior w ith a tendency

M elancholic tow ard inertia and laziness. T he attitude is pragm atic, p ra c­
R uled by V enus tical, and centered on com fort and satisfaction. N o t given to
action, it tends to be m ore reactive to external stim uli than
to initiate actions. It cultivates security and stability. T he
em otional ex pressio n is m ade through physical d em o n stra­
tions o r concrete expressions.

J I G em ini H ot + M oist Its behavioral expression is characterized by curiosity, a

Sanguine v ariety o f interests, and the capacity to change o n e ’s atte n ­
D ouble o r C om m on tion from one to pic to another. It exhibits great dyn am ism
R uled b y M ercury (especially at the intellectual or social level), b u t the e x p re s­
sion tends to be dispersed, often m anifesting itse lf w ith v o l­
atility an d inconsistency. It tends to be m ore rational th an
em otive.

S> C an cer C o ld + M oist B ehavio rally, it exhibits a calm , receptive, and sym pathetic
P h leg m atic attitude, b u t subject to em otional ups and dow ns since e m o ­
M o v ab le tional security is at the core o f its behavior. It responds e a s­
R u led b y the M oon ily to changes in the environm ent, b u t in a defensive o r h e s­
itant m anner.
 T fic Zodiac a n d tfic Sü)nsl53

Leo Hot + Dry The behavioral expression is characterized by a natural ra d i­

Choleric ance w hich results in an affirm ative and d o m inant attitude.
Fixed Its actions are firm and consequential, although personal in
Ruled by the Sun perspective. A generous and w arm personal ex pressio n, b u t
sim ultaneously not very receptive and exhibiting som e
abruptness and im pulsivity.

ÎI7 V irgo Cold + Dry The b ehavior represented by this sign, is distinguished by a
M elancholic utilitarian, practical and detailed expression. T he expression
D ouble or Com m on is agitated, v ery focused on conceptual questions and p racti­
Ruled by M ercury cal details. T he actions are precise, but tend to get lost in a
m ultiplicity o f details. T he rational streak predom inates,
m aking the em otional expression appear “ dry.”

=Ch L ibra H ot + M oist T here is great attention to social interactions, w hich acquire
Sanguine a dynam ic and varied expression. It cultivates contacts,
M ovable friendships and groups, tending to m aintain a socially
Ruled by V enus acceptable and conservative expression. It tends to express
itse lf in a m ore rational than em otive m anner and cultivates
m oderation.

1ÎV Scorpio C old + M oist It represents a contained, introverted and defensive expres­
P hlegm atic sion. T he actions are based upon security and em otional
Fixed control, giving rise to distrust and caution. W ith a reserved
R uled by M ars expression, it avoids show ing feelings and sensitivity.

/ Sagittarius H ot + Dry It is characterized by an active and dynam ic expression,

C holeric very adaptive and good-hum ored. T he actions are expansive
D ouble o r C om m on and expressiv e w ith a certain idealistic and self-righteous
R uled by Jupiter inclination. I t’s nature is ad venturous, ex p erim en tal and
optim istic.

C apricorn C old + D ry T he b ehavior is firm and enterprisin g. T h e m otiv atio n is

M elancholic pragm atic, centered on practical and useful actions, w h ich
M ovable com bine objectivity and dynam ism . T h e em otional ex p res­
R uled by Saturn sion is restrained, vacillating b etw een so briety an d reserve.

A quariu s H ot + M oist A taste for concepts and ideals, to w h ich the m in d adheres
S anguine in a p ersevering and o ften stubborn m anner. It cu ltiv ates its
Fixed ow n m an n er o f acting, d istan cin g itse lf from a n y th in g th at
R u led by Saturn is o f a general m indset. N o t very em otional, it tends to be
m ore theoretical th an practical.

X P isces C old + M o ist C alm , receptive, and sentim ental behavior, o f a p lastic an d
P hlegm atic adaptive nature; so m etim es fickle, since the actio n s are
D o u b le o r C om m on based upon sentim ents and the sensibilities o f the m om ent.
R uled by Ju p iter A t ease attitude to the p oint o f dispersal an d disregard.
 54/On die Heavenly Spheres

In o th er astrological contexts, as in m undane or horary, a planet Note: The behaviors indicated by the
m ay represent actions o r anim ated objects. In these cases, the at­ sign m ust alw ays be com bined w ith
tributes listed above w ill represent the characteristics o f that ac­ the planet that occupies it. For ex am ­
tion o r object. Let us take the M oon once m ore as an exam ple. ple, the enthusiastic behavior rep re­
G enerally, an action represented by the M oon w ould be fast sented by C ancer will be expressed
(given that the M oon is the fastest planet), o f great visibility (it is differently by Saturn— m ore cautious
a lum inary), w ith a strong em otional clem ent (it sym bolizes the and reserved— or by M ars— m ore a s­
em otional nature), but short-lived (it has a changeable nature). I f sertive and dynam ic.
it is po sitioned in Leo, it also represents an action that is enth usi­
astic and intense (fire), but controlled or restricted (fixed). In Capricorn, it signifies an action that is faster
and m ore sudden (cardinal) but also discrete, orderly, and objective (earth). If w e refer to an object, the
M oon m ay represent (along w ith m any other things) a glass or cup (receptivity). I f positioned in Leo, the cup
w ill be eye-catch ing and shiny (fire), possibly golden (Sun), but w ith a heavy appearance (fixed), w h o se
function w ill be to adorn or to sym bolize status. A M oon in C apricorn will represent a cup o f a d ark er m ore
plain m aterial (earth), o f little w orth o r old (Saturn), o f easy use (cardinal or m oveable), and w ith a practical
function (earth).

R u le r s h ip s a n d S ig n A s s o c ia t io n s

T he sign position can also give m ore com plex associations, such as a spatial direction (east, north, w est,
south) o r describe locations, such as the part o f a house, a territory, a nation, etc. F or exam ple, a plane in Leo
indicates, in ten u s o f the interior o f a house, a fireplace or a place w here fire is present, w hile C apricorn re p ­
resents places near the ground and doorsteps. Just as w ith the planets, the signs are associated w ith v ario u s
aspects o f daily life. Each sign rules (or is associated w ith) the parts o f the body, places, colors, plants, a n i­
m als, etc. F o r this book, w e ’ve selected the associations w ith the m ost practical application; the rem ain in g
associations m ay be easily found in the m ajority o f sources referenced.

B o d y P a r ts
P articularly used in m edical astrology, these associations determ ine the place in the body subject to illness
and also to determ ine birthm arks and blem ishes in physical descriptions.

T A ries H ead, face and ears

Ü T aurus N eck and throat
X G em ini A rm s, hands, shoulders and shoulder blades
S C ancer Breast, bosom , ribs, stom ach and spleen
Leo H eart, back, spinal colum n
l æ V irgo B elly, intestines e diaphragm
=Ch L ibra B ellybutton, kid neys, bladder, urin ary system (purification o f blood)
TQx S corpio G enitals and anus
/ Sagittarius T hig hs, buttocks an d m u scles in general
C ap rico rn K nees (and b lack bile)
A q u ariu s L egs and ankles (circulatory system )
X P isces F eet (and p hlegm )

P h y s ic a l A p p e a r a n c e
T h ese are p articu larly u sed to describe physical characteristics o f people. T hey have practical ap p licatio n s
p rim arily in natal, h o rary and m edical astrology. F ollow ing is a list o f p hysiognom ic traits o f the signs,
w h ich are relativ e to the risin g sign and n o t to the Sun sign. In addition, they m ay be m o d ified by plan ets lo-
 T fic Z o d ia c a n d th e S ig n s /5 5

catcd in the first house or w hich aspect the A scendant (in this case, the planets add additio nal characteristics
to this basic structure).

T Aries D ry body, m edium -tall height, strong bones and lim bs, w ide sh ould ers, long face and
neck, dark com plexion, thick eyebrow s.
d Taurus Short and full stature, large shoulders, w ide forehead, big eyes and m outh. D ark hair,
large hands.
I Gem ini Straight tall body, long arm s but short hands and feet. D ark hair, sanguine co m p lex ­
ion, although darker.
® C ancer Short stature, larger u p p er body, pale com plexion, dark hair, sm all eyes.
Leo A bove average stature, full body, large shoulders but narrow chest. B ig round head,
light curly hair, T anned skin, b ig goggle eyes.
11? V irgo M edium height, m edium body, thin and harm onious w ith a tendency to have short
limbs. D ark com plexion and hair.
:O= Libra Tall and thin body, harm onious and straight. R ound face, fair co m plexio n w ith pink­
ish skin and soft light hair.
1 ît Scorpio Strong robust body, hairy, stocky and com pact, w ith slightly bow ed legs. D ark com ­
plexion and coarse hair. L ong face and sh ort neck.
/ Sagittarius A bove average height, ro bust body, harm onious lim bs. P leasant face, long but full.
T anned com plexion and light hair.
C apricorn D ry body, m edium to short stature, long neck, narrow chest, d ark hair, long and lean
face, narrow chin.
A quarius Stocky body, large, fleshy o r strong, w ell p ro portioned and not too tall. L ong face,
light sanguine com plexion.
X Pisces Short stature, fleshy body, not very harm onious, a little curved, pale co m plexion and
large face.

S p a tia l D ir e c tio n s
T hese are used in horary astrology to find lost anim als o r people, thereby giving a general in d icatio n o f the
direction they m ay have taken.

T A ries E ast
b T aurus South by E ast
H G em ini W est by South
S C ancer N orth
Leo E ast by N orth
1JP V irgo South by W est
L ibra W est
TQx Scorpio N o rth by E ast
/ S agittarius E ast by S outh
C apricorn South
A quarius W est by N orth
X Pisces N o rth by W est
 56/Oh tfic Heavenly Sjrfiercs

L o c a ti o n s
Locations are used in horary astrology to find m issing objects, anim als or people. In this context the signs
describe the location.

T A ries O utside: pastures and stables for small anim als; recently ploughed lands o r w here
bricks or lim e have recently been burned; ploughed or undulating fields. In the hom e:
roofs, ceilings, and plaster.
b Taurus O utside: horse stables, isolated pastures, level lands or recently trim m ed lands, w here
coni or w heat is planted. In the hom e: basem ents and low room s.
K G em ini O utside: elevations and m ountains, barns, coni silos, high places. In the hom e: w alls
and plaster, w ood-lined w alls, gam e room s. Safes and chests.
® C ancer O utside: the sea, large navigable rivers, springs, stream s, w ells, sw am py lands, and
banks, dykes. In the hom e: basem ents, laundry room s and cisterns.
Leo O utside: forests, w oods, places that are deserted, steep, rocky, inaccessible, or fre­
quented by w ild anim als. Palaces, castles, forts and parks. In the hom e: near chim neys
or fireplaces.
HP V irgo Outside: com fields, m ounts o f straw, barley or w heat, bam s, places w here m alt o r dairy
is stored or m anufactured. In the hom e: the office, places w ith books and bookcases.
=Q= Libra Outside: m ountaintops, slopes, place o f fresh air, sandy or gravel-filled lands, falconry
and hunting grounds, sawmills, cooperages, places near w indm ills, bam s, isolated agri­
cultural storage. In the home: upper room s, attics, cham bers and room s w ithin room s.
1Tb Scorpio O utside: sw am py and m uddy lands, quicksand, places used by craw ling anim als, g a r­
dens, orchards, w ineries, tanks and ruined houses near w ater. In the H om e: kitchen,
pantries and laundry room s.
/ Sagittarius Outside: hills, the highest places around, stables for horses o r cattle. In the hom e:
upper room s n ear fire.
IS Capricorn O utside: uncultivated lands w ith sharp shrubs, stacked dirt and m anure, sheep p a s­
tures, cattle enclosures, w ood o r ship storage. I n th e H o m e : low dark places, near the
ground or doorsteps.
SZ A quarius O utside: elevated or non-level places, new ly excavated grounds, quarries o r o ther
places w here m inerals are extracted, w ineries, and p laces near springs and fountains.
In the hom e: roofs, eaves and hig h places.
X Pisces Outside: w atery lands o r w ith springs, lakes, and rivers rich in anim als and birds, w ater
m ills, m otes. In the hom e: w ells and places n ear w ater, w ater pum ps, or reservoirs.

C o u n tr ie s o r R e g i o n s
T hese rulerships are prim arily u sed in m un d an e astrology to d eterm in e the location o f events. Ju st as in the
case o f the p lanets, one should rem em b er that these associations are very ancient and th at they do n o t alw ays
coincide w ith the current bou n d aries o f nations. A dditionally, th ere are o ccasio nal differences b etw een the
v ario u s sources. In natal and h o rary astrology, these correspondences help to assess the affin ity b etw een in ­
dividuals an d p laces, an d they are p articu larly useful in situations involving travel and business.

T A ries G erm any, P oland, U p p er B urg u n d y superior, F rance, E ngland, D enm ark, Silesia
su perio r, Judea, P alestine, Syria, Sinai, A rabia, and parts o f Persia and A ustria.
b T aurus G reater P oland, northern Sw eden, R ussia, Ireland, Sw itzerland, L orraine, C am pania,
P ersia (m ain ly current Iraq), C yprus, Parthia, M edes, C yclades Islands, L y d ia and
Ionia.
 Tfic Zodiac and tfic SignslSJ

X G em ini Egypt, Phoenicia, Scotland, Flanders (B rabant), Sardinia, L om bardi, w est and so u th ­
w est England and the A zores Islands.
® C ancer Scotland, Zeeland, N orw ay, Russia, H olland and part o f Flanders, B ritannia, K ingdom
o f G ranada (South o f Spain), A rm enia, N um id ia, E thiopia, A lgeria, T unisia.
Leo Bohem ia, A lps, South G aulle, Italy (A pulia), Sicily, Ithaca (part o f G reece), Chaldea,
Phoenicia, D am ascus, the Red Sea and part o f Turkey.
HP V irgo G reece, Southw est France, C roatia, M esopotam ia (particularly A ssyria), A thens.
d2= L ibra U pper A ustria, D uchy o f Savoy, A lsace, Livonia, A frican coast o f the Red S ea (p ar­
ticularly Ethiopia).
1 ît Scorpio N orw ay, W estern Sw eden, N orth o f Bavaria, S cotland, C appadocia (T urkey), M auri­
tania, M orocco, Libya, Syria, Judea.
/ Sagittarius Spain (and Iberian Peninsula in general) A rabia, H ungary, T uscany, G aulle, M alta,
M oravia, Slavonia, D alm atia.
18 Capricorn Portugal, Thrace, M acedonia, A lbania, B ulgaria, B avaria, Lithuania, Styria, Saxony
(southeast), Thuringia, O rkney Islands, India.
££ A quarius A ragon (part o f Spain), Ethiopia, parts o f B ohem ia and B avaria, R ussia, Sw eden
(m iddle), Croatia.
X Pisces Portugal, G alicia, Calabria, part o f Turkey, Ireland, N orm andy, north ern Egypt.

C itie s
T hese attributions are sim ilar to those o f countries and regions. M any o f th em m ay orig in ate w ith the foun­
dation o f the cities, w ith the sign indicated corresponding to the c ity ’s A scendant. S om etim es, several signs
are attrib uted to the sam e city.

T A ries N aples, Florence, G enoa, Capua, Ferrara, A ncona, V erona, U trecht, K rakow , M arseille,
A ugusta, Padua, Bergam o, Babylon, Z aragoza, T orto sa, V alladolid, C u id ad R odrigo,
L ogreno, N ajara.
b T aurus B ologna, Salerno, Parm a, T oro, G irona, B urgos, N ov o h rad , T rento, M an tu a, Sena,
C onstatinople, Troy, N arbonne, G irona, C arlstad, N antes, L iepsig, P alerm o , B adajoz,
A storga, Huelva, A lcântara, Elvas, A lm eida, Castelo Branco, N isa, Portalegre, M oura.
X G em ini Tireno, London, Leuven, Bruges, Sena, T urim , V iterbo, N u rem b erg , H asford, M ont,
Bamberg, Cesena, Trento, Siguença, Talavera delà Reina, Cordova, M adrid, M onviedro,
Ecija, M aguncia, Azores islands.
® C an cer Babylon, C onstantinople, C arthage, V enice, M ilan, G enoa, Pisa, M an tu a, Ferrara,
C antabria, A m esterdam , Y ork, M ag dburg, W ittenberg, Saint L uca, C ad is, T unes,
A lbares, G ranada, B arcelona, Santiago de C om postela, Z aragoza, L o g ro sa, B urgos,
V ictoria, N ajara, N avarrete, A lgarve, L isbon, B eja, Setubal, S an tarem , L eiria, O urem .
Leo M eca, D am ascus, Rom e, Syracuse, C rem ona, U lm , M antua, R avenna, P alerm o, Prague,
Lintz, B ristol, La Pulla, Leon, M urcia, M adrid, Braga.
HP V irgo A thens, Jerusalem , C orinth, Pavia, R hodes, Paris, L yons, B asel, F errara, H eidelburg,
T olo sa, L as A lg eziras, M edin a del R io Seco, T oledo, A vila, L erida.
L ibra F rankfurt, V ienna, U rbino, Piedm ont, Piacenza, A rles, F rib u rg , T eb a, P arm a, Sesa,
S alam anca, B urgos, Salerno, A lm eria, L isbon, V iana, A lm eid a, G o u v eia, C oim bra.
1ÎL S corpio C atalonia, V alencia, U rbin o, F orum Julii, V ienna, M essina, G h en t, F ra n k fu rt (O der),
F errara, P atavia, G enoa, V alencia, Lugia, T angier, M orocco, B u rg o s, M alag a, M urcia,
P edroso, T u d ela, B raga.
 5 8 /0 1 1 tfte H e a v e n ly S jjfw re s

Sagittarius Buda, N arbonne, N urem berg, Rotenberg, Ludcm burg, Cullen, Stargard, T uscany,
Jerusalem , A vignon, Toledo, Calahorra, Jacn, M edina Celi, M alta, Faro, Serpa,
M oura, Évora.
Capricorn: H assia, O xford, Cleves, Brandenburg, G hent, Ingolstad, C onstantinople, Savoy,
Carm ona, Tortosa, O sm a, Soria, O lm edo, Salam anca, C onstância, Ferrara and
V erona, Castro M arim , T avira, Louie, A lcoutim .
A quarius H am burg, Brem en, M ontsferat, Trento, Ingolstadt, Jerusalem , U rbino, Z am ora,
Palencia, Palencia, M edina del Cam po, Seville, Carm ona.
X Pisces A lexandria, Rhem es, W onnes, Ratisbon, Com postela, Padua, Sevilha, O rensc, Ecija,
O porto, Faro.

T h e M o v e m e n t o f t h e P la n e t s in t h e S ig n s

T h e m otion o f the planets in the zodiac follow s the o rder o f the signs. Thus, the planets m ove from A ries to
T aurus, then to G em ini, etc.

O n its norm al path, a planet increases the num ­

b e r o f degrees it traverses in a sign until it leaves
it, transiting into the succeeding sign.

M ercury and V enus, in contrast to the other

planets, are never very distant from the Sun.
T his happens because (from a heliocentric p er­
spective) their orbits are inside that o f the Earth.
T herefore, for a terrestrial observer, M ercury,
w hose orbit is closest to the Sun, is never m ore
than 28° (approxim ately a sign aw ay) from the
S im ’s zodiacal position. V enus, w hich has a
w id er orbit, is never m ore than 48° (approxi­
m ately a sign and a half) aw ay. This m axim um
d istance is know n as e l o n g a t i o n .

A lo n g th eir trajectory, M ercury and V enus

m ak e tw o co nju nctions to the Sun; once on the
sid e opposite to the E arth (called a s u p e r i o r
F ig u r e 1 4 . T h e M o v e m e n t o f t h e P la n e t s in t h e S ig n s
c o n j u n c t i o n ) , the o th er w hen they are betw een
the E arth and the Sun ( i n f e r i o r c o n j u n c t i o n ) .
In the su p erio r conjunction, the p lan et is on the
o th er side o f the Sun, m ov in g therefore above
th e Sun (thus, the term su perio r), w hile in the
in ferio r conjunction, the p lan et passes betw een
th e E arth and the Sun, b elo w it. In an astro lo g i­
cal chart, the in ferio r co n junction alw ays co rre­
sp o n d s to th e retro g rad e m otion o f the p lan et
(w h ich w ill b e ex p lain ed later).

V e lo c ity

T h e p ro g ressio n o f th e p lan ets along the signs

h ap p en s a t d ifferen t speeds. T h e fastest body,
th e M o o n , m o v es a t an averag e rate o f 13° p er
 T ft c Z o d i a c a n d tfic S i g n s / 5 9

day, advancing ab out 1° every tw o hours and

co verin g a com plete sign in about tw o and a h a lf
days. Saturn, the slow est o f the traditional p lan ­
ets, advances on average 2° a day and takes
about tw o and a h a lf years to cross a sign. T hese
different speeds are represented on the m odel o f
the planetary spheres by the C haldean o r­
der— Saturn, Jupiter, M ars, the Sun, V enus,
M ercury, and the M oon.

E ach planet has a specific cycle m easured by the

am ount o f tim e it takes it to com plete a revolu­
tion around the zodiac. T he M oon takes about
27.5 days to return to the sam e place in the z o ­
diac; M ercury, V enus and the Sun take about 1
y ear (since th ey are nev er far apart); M ars,
ab o u t 2 years; Jupiter, about 12 years; and Sat­
urn, approxim ately 29 years.
F ig u r e 1 6 . M a x im u m D is ta n c e o f M e r c u r y a n d
V e n u s to th e S u n , P r o j e c t e d in th e Z o d ia c
N ev erth eless, along its course, the apparent
speed o f the p lan et varies due to its proxim ity or
d istance in relation to E arth. T hese are the aver­
age daily speeds o f the planets:

P la n e t A v e r a g e D a ily S p e e d
Saturn 0 0 °0 2 '0 1 "
U Ju p iter 0 0 °0 4 '5 9 "
Cf M ars 00 o 3 1 '2 7 "
0 Sun 0 0 °5 9 '0 8 "
9 V enus 0 0 °5 9 '0 8 "
5 M ercury 0 0 °5 9 '0 8 "
P M oon 1 3 °1 0 '3 6 "
F ig u r e 1 7 . I n fe r io r a n d S u p e r io r C o n ju n c tio n o f V e n u s

A lthough the Sun, V enus, and M ercury have

id entical average speeds, M ercu ry reaches a
m axim um speed o f little m ore th an 2° 1 0 ' p er
day. V enus is less, w ith a m ax im u m o f 1°16',
and the Sun w ith l° 0 1 '.

N ote: the ap p aren t daily v elo city o f the M o o n

fluctuates b etw een U ° 4 1 ' and 15°23'; the Sun
ranges b etw een a m in im u m o f 57° 10' an d a
m axim um o f l° 0 1 '1 0 " . F o r the rem ain in g p la n ­
ets, the m ax im u m daily m o tio n s are a p p ro x i­
m ately 4 7 ' fo r M ars, 14' fo r Jupiter, an d 0 7 ' for
Saturn.

F ig u r e 1 8 . T h e C h a ld e a n O r d e r
a n d th e S p e e d s o f th e P la n e ts
 6 0 /0 n tlie Heavenfy Spheres

In th e c a s e w h e r e th e d a ily m o tio n o f th e p la n e t is s h o r te r th a n th e o n e p re s e n te d in th e ta b le , it is s a id th a t th e
p la n e t is s lo w ; w h e n g r e a t e r th a n th e a v e ra g e , th e p la n e t is s a id to b e fast. A fa st p la n e t is c o n s id e r e d to h a v e a
s w if te r a n d m o r e e ff e c tiv e a c tio n , a n d a s lo w p la n e t h a s a m o r e p ro tra c te d a c tio n . 8

R e tr o g r a d a tio n

P la n e ta ry m o v e m e n t n o r m a lly o c c u rs in th e o r d e r o f th e z o d ia c s ig n s , (A rie s , T a u ru s , G e m in i, e tc .). T h is is

c a lle d d ir e c t m o tio n . A t c e r ta in tim e s a lo n g its c e le s tia l c o u rs e , h o w e v e r, th e p la n e t s lo w s d o w n its m o tio n
u n til it a p p a r e n tly s to p s , r e v e r s e s its c o u rs e , a n d
b e g in s to m o v e in a d ir e c tio n o p p o s ite to th e o r ­
d e r o f th e s ig n s . T h is p h e n o m e n o n is k n o w n a s
r e tr o g r a d e m o tio n (o r r e tr o g r a d a tio n ) a n d it
o c c u rs p e r io d ic a lly d u r in g th e z o d ia c a l c y c le o f
th e p la n e t. T h u s , a p la n e t is s a id to b e r e tr o g r a d e
w h e n its a p p a r e n t m o tio n in th e c e le s tia l d o m e
is c o n tr a ry to th e z o d ia c a l s ig n s (G e m in i,
T a u ru s , A rie s , e tc ). T h is a p p a re n t re v e r s a l o c ­
c u rs w h e n E a rth p a s s e s th e s lo w e r p la n e ts th a t
a re o u ts id e o f its o rb it. A s im ila r p h e n o m e n o n
o c c u rs w h e n a c a r p a s s e s a n o th e r m o v in g in th e
s a m e d ir e c tio n b u t a t a s lo w e r s p e e d . T h e p a s ­
s e n g e r s in th e fa s te r c a r p e r c e iv e th e s lo w e r c a r
to b e m o v in g b a c k w a rd s .

In th e c a s e o f th e p la n e ts o n th e in s id e o f E a r th ’s
o rb it, M e r c u iy a n d V e n u s , re tr o g r a d a tio n o c ­
c u rs w h e n th e s e b o d ie s ( m o v in g w ith in th e ir
o w n o rb its a ro u n d th e S u n ) c o m e c lo s e to E a rth ,
p a s s in g b e tw e e n it a n d th e S u n (s e e F ig u r e 3 0 ).
R e tro g r a d e m o tio n is a n a p p a r e n t p h e n o m e n o n
c a u s e d b y th e o b s e r v e r ’s c h a n g e in p e rs p e c tiv e
a s E a rth c ir c le s a r o u n d th e S u n . In r e a lity , a
p la n e t n e v e r s to p s its m o v e m e n t a r o u n d th e S u n ;
it is a p u r e ly g e o c e n tr ic p h e n o m e n o n .

In a ta b le o r in a h o r o s c o p e , a r e tr o g r a d e p la n e t
is in d ic a te d b y th is s y m b o l— B— lo c a te d n e x t to
th e p la n e t.

T h e S u n a n d M o o n a r e n e v e r r e tr o g r a d e . In th e
c a s e o f th e S im , it is th e E a r th th a t o r b its a r o u n d
it, s u c h th a t th e a p p a r e n t m o t io n is c o n tin u o u s .
T h e M o o n h a s its o r b i t d ir e c tl y a r o u n d th e
E a r th , w h ic h m a k e s r e t r o g r a d a t io n im p o s s ib le .

T h e E ffe c ts o f a R e tr o g r a d e P la n e t

D ir e c t m o t io n is w h a t a p la n e t n o r m a ll y a s ­
s u m e s w h ile o n its c o u r s e a n d is c o n s i d e r e d n o r -

8
S o m e au th o rs c o n sid e r th a t a slo w p la n e t is d eb ilitated sin c e its m o v e m e n t is sim ilar to th at o f S aturn, th e slo w e st and
m o st m alefic o f th e tra d itio n a l p lan ets.
 T fie Z o d ia c a n d th e S ig n s /6 1

m a l, s in c e it d o e s n o t in te rfe re in its e x p re s s io n . R e tr o g r a d e m o tio n , b e c a u s e it m a k e s th e p la n e t a p p e a r to

m o v e b a c k w a rd , is c o n s id e re d a n in te rfe re n c e in its n o r m a l f u n c tio n in g . T h u s , a r e tr o g r a d e p la n e t is c o n s i d ­
e re d d e b ilita te d b e c a u s e its e x p re s s io n is c h a lle n g e d . Its a c tio n s a re d is c o n tin u o u s a n d g iv e n to s u d d e n
c h a n g e s . It c a n s ig n ify re v e r s a ls , d e la y s , a n d th e c a n c e lin g o f p la n s .

T h e S ta ti o n s
T h e c h a n g e in d ir e c tio n fro m d ir e c t m o tio n to r e tr o g r a d e m o tio n d o e s n o t o c c u r s u d d e n ly . T h e p la n e t s lo w s
d o w n g r a d u a lly u n til it a p p e a rs to s ta n d c o m p le te ly s till. It th e n b e g in s to s lo w ly m o v e in th e o p p o s ite d ir e c ­
tio n , in c r e a s in g in s p e e d u n til it r e a c h e s its n o r m a l
s p e e d . W e c a ll th is s to p p in g p o in t th e s ta tio n , and
th e p la n e t th a t a p p e a r s s to p p e d is s ta tio n a r y .

A t th e tr a n s itio n fr o m d ir e c t to r e tr o g r a d e a n d b a c k to
d ir e c t, th e p la n e t m a k e s tw o s ta tio n s . T h e fir s t s ta ­

tio n o c c u r s w h e n a p la n e t, in d ir e c t m o tio n , g r a d u a lly

d im in is h e s its s p e e d u n til it s ta tio n s , to th e n b e g in its
a p p a r e n t r e tr o g r a d e m o tio n . T h e s e c o n d s ta tio n o c ­
c u rs w h e n , d u r in g r e tr o g r a d e m o tio n , th e p la n e t
s lo w s d o w n , s ta tio n s , a n d th e n r e s u m e s its d ir e c t m o ­
tio n . In p r a c tic e , a p la n e t in th e f irs t s ta tio n is c o n s id ­
e r e d m o r e d e b ilita te d th a n a p la n e t in th e s e c o n d s ta tio n , s in c e a f t e r th e la s t o n e th e p la n e t r e s u m e s d ir e c t m o ­
tio n ( c o n s id e r e d n o rm a l).

T h e L a titu d e o f th e P la n e ts

A s w a s s ta te d a t th e s ta rt o f th is c h a p te r , th e c e le s tia l p o s itio n o f th e p la n e ts d o e s n o t a lw a y s c o in c id e e x a c tly

w ith th e e c lip tic . W ith th e e x c e p tio n o f th e S u n , w h ic h tr a c e s th e e c lip tic w ith its a p p a r e n t p a th , th e M o o n
a n d th e p la n e ts m a y b e lo c a te d a b it a b o v e o r b e lo w th e e c lip tic . T h is o c c u r s b e c a u s e o f th e e x is te n c e o f d if ­
fe r e n c e s b e tw e e n th e o r b its o f th e E a r th a n d o f th e o th e r p la n e ts . T h is d iv e r g e n c e is e x p r e s s e d in te r m s o f a n ­
o th e r c e le s tia l c o o r d in a te , la titu d e . W hen a
p la n e t is a b o v e th e e c lip tic , th a t is , in th e n o r th ,
it is s a id to h a v e n o r th e r n la titu d e ; w h e n it is lo ­
c a te d b e lo w , in th e s o u t h e r n p a r t, it is s a id to
h a v e s o u th e r n la titu d e .

L a titu d e is a ls o e x p r e s s e d in d e g r e e s a n d m i n ­
u te s o f a rc , a n d r a n g e s b e tw e e n 0 ° a n d 9 0 °. In
p r a c tic e , it is r e p r e s e n te d b y a n u m b e r o f d e ­
g re e s a n d m in u te s a n d th e n o ta t io n N i f th e la t i­
tu d e is n o r th , a n d S i f it is s o u th . F o r e x a m p l e ,
5 °N 2 3 ' in d ic a te s a p la n e t w ith a n o r t h la titu d e
o f 5 d e g r e e s a n d 2 3 m in u te s .

F i 6g u r e 2 2 . T h e L a t i t u d e o f t h e P l a n e t s . j n r o /o o
T h e z o d ia c is d e fr i n e d a s a b a n d o f 16° (8 ° a b o v e
a n d 8° b e lo w th e e c lip tic , w h ic h is th e c e n tr a l lin e ), s u c h th a t it m a y a c c o m m o d a te th e v a r i a ti o n s in la titu d e
th a t th e p la n e t s e x h ib i t o v e r tim e . T h e la titu d e o f e a c h p la n e t h a s a v a r y i n g r a n g e o f m a x i m u m a n d m i n im u m
d is ta n c e . O f th e tr a d itio n a l p la n e ts , V e n u s h a s th e g r e a te s t v a r i a ti o n in la titu d e , s in c e its m a x i m u m la t it u d e
r e a c h e s c lo s e to 9 0 . 9

9
O f th e m o d e m p la n e ts, P luto ex h ib its th e g re a te st v ariatio n in latitude, a lm o st 18° (w h ic h p u ts it o u tsid e th e tra d itio n a l
lim its o f the zo d ia c d u rin g m o st o f its o rb it); U ran u s an d N ep tu n e e x h ib it m a x im u m s b e tw e e n 1° a n d 2°, re sp e c tiv e ly .
 6 2 / O i t tftc H e a v e n l y S jtfte r e s

8*N 49’
In c o n tra st to z o d iac al lo n g itu d e, th e latitu d e o f
th e p la n e ts d o e s n o t g et re p re se n te d d ire c tly in
th e h o ro sco p e . It is g e n e ra lly lo c ate d in a d jac en t
tab les.
3 °N 43 ' / \

In p ra c tic e , th e la titu d e is n o t u se d in th e b asic 2*hM 6* 4? 4 A

b o d y o f th e in te rp re ta tiv e sy stem ; it is m e re ly / \ 1
* °N36’ ' ;
a p p lie d in te rp re ta tiv c ly o n a ca se b y ca se b asis
H A u r U :.i
w h e n o n e m a k e s m o re sp e cific stu d ies o f th e
p la n e ts (fo r e x a m p le , as an aid to p h y sic al d e ­
sc rip tio n ). A s a g e n e ral ru le, th e c lo se r a p la n e t i; V i. H
is to th e ec lip tic , th e stro n g e r an d m o re sta b le its 4 /' 1°S 2 9 ’ 4 4
effec ts. T ra d itio n a lly , a p la n e t w ith a n o rth la ti­ 2°S 47’ 4
tu d e is p re fe rre d to o n e w ith a so u th la titu d e j 3*S58’
sin c e fo r a n o b se rv e r in th e n o rth ern h em isp h e re \ / 5*S18’
it h as g re a te r v isib ility (it ap p e ars h ig h e r in th e
6*S52’
sk y an d sta y s lo n g e r a b o v e th e h o riz o n ). 10 z

N o n e th e le ss, as w as sta te d ea rlier, th e a p p lic a ­ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8 * S 4 3 ’_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

tio n o f th e se ru les is v ery seco n d a ry , b ein g
F ig u r e 2 3 . T h e R a n g e o f L a titu d e o f th e P la n e ts
e c lip se d b y o th e r in te rp re ta tiv e e lem e n ts o f
g re a te r sig n ific an c e.

T h e C y c le s o f th e P la n e ts

T h e m o tio n o f th e p la n ets in th e z o d iac is cy c lic a l in n a tu re b e c a u se ev e ry p la n e t re p e a ts its o w n a p p a re n t

m o tio n a ro u n d th e E arth in re g u la r p e rio d s o f tim e. T h e se cy c le s a re im p o rta n t in o rd e r to u n d e rsta n d th e d y ­
n am ic o f th e pla n e t as w ell as a p a rt o f its s y m b o lism . T h e p la n e ts h a v e tw o cy c le s o r m a jo r p e rio d s: a z o d ia ­
cal cy c le , also c a lle d sid e re al, an d a sy n o d ic cycle.

Z o d ia c a l o r S id e r e a l C y c le
T h is is th e p e rio d o f tim e th a t it ta k es fo r a p la n e t to c o m p le te a re v o lu tio n a ro u n d th e E a rth , o r a re v o lu tio n
a ro u n d th e zo d iac . T h e d u ra tio n o f th e zo d ia c a l c y c le d ep e n d s u p o n th e sp e e d o f th e p la n e t. 11

P la n e t Z o d ia c a l C y c le
h S atu rn 2 9 y 5 m 13d
U Ju p ite r l l y 10m 18d
C f M a rs l y 10m 2 2 d
O Sun iy
9 V enus l y (a p ro x .)
3 M e rc u ry l y (ap ro x .)
D M oon 2 7 .5 d

,0
In principle these rules should be inverted for the southern hem isphere, for obvious reasons. H ow ever, there are no
conclusive studies attesting to this.
l,
D ue to their periods o f retrograde m otion, M ercury and Venus have an oscillating zodiacal cycle. N onetheless, b e­
cause o f their proxim ity to the Sun, the values are always close to 365 days, that is, a year.
 T fw Z o d ia c a n d tfte S ig n s /6 3

S y n o d ic C y c le
The synodic cycle corresponds to the period o f tim e that it takes a planet to return to its starting p o in t in re la­
tion to the Sun. In practice, it consists o f the period betw een tw o successive conjunctions o f a planet to the
Sun. The difference betw een this cycle and the previous one resides in the fact that it accounts fo r— aside
from the speed o f the planets— the speed o f the Sun.

P la n e t S y n o d ic C y c le
\ Saturn ly 13d
U Jupiter ly 3 4 d
0 " M ars 2y 50d
9 V enus ly 3 4 d
S M ercury 219d
D M oon 29.5d

In the case o f planets that m ove faster than the Sun, w hen the planet retu rns to the sam e p oint in the zodiac,
the Sun has already m oved and it is necessary that the planet travel a bit m ore to reach it. A s for the slow er
planets, it is the Sun that reaches them.

T he A u g e o f th e P la n e ts
This is a traditional concept that com es up in the context o f the m odel o f the celestial spheres and does not
have a direct application to the astronom ical heliocentric m odel. It is frequently m entioned by traditional au-
thors, w hich is w hy w e ’ve decided to include it
O c f d o here even th ough its im portance in astrological
Conjun ctio n
to tho Sun in terpretation is extrem ely sm all.

D urin g th eir travel around the Sun, planets m ay

O < /? D
be clo ser o r farth er from Earth. T he ph ase o f
S u p e rio r
c o n ju nction greatest d istance is know n as a u g e . W h en a
p lan et gets close to this point, it is said to “ as­
cend to its a u g e ” and is co n sid ered to b e a d v an ­
taged; w hen it gets far from this po in t, it is said
to “descend from its a u g e ” and is co n sid ered to
be disadvantaged.

In an astrological ch art w e can d eterm in e this

situation by o b serv in g the c o n ju n ctio n s o f the
planets w ith the Sun. T h e su p e rio r p lan ets (S at­
urn, Ju p iter and M ars) reach th e ir a u g e clo se to
the co n junction w ith the Sun; they are said to as­
cend to th eir a u g e w h en the S u n gets clo se to
them , and to d escen d from th e ir a u g e w h en the
Sun m oves aw ay from them . T h e in fe rio r p la n ­
In fe rio r
con ju nction ets (V enus an d M ercu ry ) are at th e ir a u g e d u r­
ing the su p erio r c o n ju n ctio n s o f th e S u n (th at is
in d irect m otion), fin d in g th e m se lv e s farth est
0«’ cfR
O p osltion from a u g e w h en they are in in fe rio r c o n ju n ctio n
to tho S un
M e n e n d Venue
(d uring retro g rad e m o tio n ). T h e M o o n is close
f u r th e n t fro m th e ir A u g e
to its a u g e w h en its sp eed is slo w er, a n d far from
F ig u r e 2 4 . T h e Auge o f t h e P la n e t s ( A p o g e e a n d P e r ig e e ) it w hen it is faster.
 6 4 / O n tfic H c a v e n f y S jr fie rc s

W c m ay equate a u g e to the p la n et’s apogee and

its opposite point, p e rig e e . *12 A lthough these
concepts arc generally applied to the M oon, in a
geocentric p erspective, they m ay be applied to
the rem aining planets.

T h e Z o d ia c in A s t r o n o m y a n d H is t o r y
The zodiac is a very ancient celestial structure
that w as probably defined by M esopotam ian
civilizations. Its representation m ay be found in
alm ost all o f the classical civilizations. The 12
divisions probably derived from the seasons o f
the y ear and lunar m ovem ent since the Sun and
M oon en counter each other 12 tim es in a year at
the N ew M oon. This gave birth to the 12 calen­
dar m onths and, as a consequence, to the 12 di­
visions in the sky along the path o f the S u n . 13

A t an earlier tim e, these divisions m arked by F ig u re 25. S id e re a l Z o d ia c , T ro p ic a l Z o d ia c a l

stars and the signs o f the zodiac would have cor­
responded to groups o f stars: the zodiacal con­
stellations. T his zodiac, based upon constella­
tions, is know n as the sid e re a l zodiac.

W ith the passage o f time, astrologers/astrono-

m ers noted that the beginning o f the seasons and
the signs w ere not in sync and that this discrep­
ancy increased w ith tim e. Thus the phenom enon
known as the p re c e ssio n o f th e eq u in o x es w as
discovered. T his m otion causes the dislocation
o f the vernal p o in t (the point w here the Sun is
located on the sp ring equinox) in relation to the
background stars. In this m anner, the vernal
point crosses all the constellations o f the zodiac
in a perio d o f 25 ,9 2 0 years (changing a sign e v ­
ery 2,160 years). T his m otion occurs in the in ­
verse o rd er o f the constellations (that is, the
equinox m oves from the constellation o f A ries
to Pisces, then to A quarius, etc.) and is caused
by the cy clical w o b b le o f the E a rth ’s axis.

In ord er to av o id this d istan cin g and to d efin i­

tiv ely asso ciate the zo d iac w ith th e seasons, the
sidereal zo d iac w as rep laced by the tropical a n d E a r t h ’s A xis

,2
T h e te rm a p o g e e c o m e s fro m a G reek term th at
m ean s “ fa r fro m th e E a rth ” in th e sam e w a y th at p erig ee m ean s “ clo se to th e E arth ” in G reek. T he sam e is ap p lied to th e
p lan ets in re la tio n to th e Sun: ap h e lliu m m ean s “ fa r from th e S u n ” an d p erih elliu m m eans “clo se to th e S u n .”
13
It sh o u ld b e n o te d th a t so m e tim e s th ere a re 13 lu n atio n s in a so la r y ear, w hich causes a d iscrep an cy b etw een th e so la r
a n d lu n a r ca le n d a rs.
 T f te Z o d ia c a n d t f e S i g n s ! 6 5

zodiac, w herein the signs are divisions o f the four seasons o f the year. T his is the zodiac used by the w estern
tradition (and w hose structure was covered in this chapter). W e do n o t know w hen this change w as m ade. Its
great prom oter was, w ithout a doubt, Claudius Ptolem y (c.lOO-c. 178), b u t the concept m ay be far o lder than
this author. Because both zodiacs w ere alm ost the sam e at the tim e o f P to lem y (begin nin g o f the C hristian
era), it is extrem ely difficult to determ ine w hich o f the tw o zodiacs w as used by the astrologers o f the tim e.
N evertheless, alm ost all post-Ptolcm aic w estern authors use the tropical zodiac. T he great exception is
H indu astrology, w hich evolved separately from the w estern tradition after the G reek period and still uses
the sidereal zodiac.

C o n s t e lla tio n V e r s u s S ig n

T hus, in the w estern astrological tradition, w hen w e speak o f the

D espite the fact that astrologers have
s i g n s w e are not referring to constellations. T he nam es coin cid e
know n o f this difference for at least
because the sym bolism o f the signs w as extrapolated to a great
2,000 years, m any students and (even
extent from the constellations. W hen som eone says that he or
w orse) som e astrology professionals,
she w as born in the sign o f C apricorn (referring to his o r her
not know ing this fact, (or purposely
Sun-sign), y o u ’ll perhaps be surprised to discover that from an
ignoring it for sim plicity), insist upon
astronom ical perspective, the Sun is in fact in the constellation
referring to the signs as constellations,
o f Sagittarius. The actual current discrepancy betw een both z o ­
thus, p erpetuating the confusion.
diacs is 24° and it is know n as an a y a n a m s a (a Sanskrit term ).
This point does not invalidate astrology, as is often argued; it m erely indicates a reference that is different
from that used in astronom y. Seasons and signs are the references used in the tropical zodiac, and the groups
o f stars (constellations) are those o f the sidereal zodiac.

T h e A s t r o lo g ic a l A g e s

A nother phenom enon associated w ith the precessio n o f the T he A ges are often used by m o d em
equinoxes is the sequence o f astrological ages. Since the vernal m ystical/esoteric system s to explain
point takes 2,160 years to cross a constellation, it is said that d u r­ the evolution o f hum anity th roughout
ing th at perio d that p articular constellation rules over and d eter­ history and to ju stify ap p aren t alter­
m ines w orldly topics. T his is the case o f the fam ous A ge o f ations in hum an behavior. A lthough
A quarius, into w hich w e are all heading, accordin g to som e, or interesting, this theory is n o t m en ­
in w hich w e are cu rrently living, according to others. tioned in an y significant m an n er in the
trad itio n al sources, n o r is any p ra cti­
O n the basis o f the m o st com m on com putations, the vernal p oint cal application attrib u ted to it b y the
is found at this m om ent at roughly 6° Pisces and is slow ly p ro ­ trad itio n (as far as w e know ). T h ere is
gressing (1° every 72 years) into the constellation o f A quarius. I f no evidence for the astro lo g ical in ter­
this calculation is correct, w e should enter the A ge o f A quarius p retation o f the p recessio n o f the eq u i­
in 432 years. Since the boundaries o f constellations are hig hly noxes p rio r to 1870. It is th erefo re a
disputed, th ese calculations are left to the im agination and cre­ relativ ely recent concept. In co n trast,
ativity o f the various authors. the trad itio n al sy stem does frequently,
an d in a m ore practical m an n er, e m ­
ploy o th er ty pes o f cycles, p a rticu larly
in the areas o f m u n d an e astrology.
66/ On tfie Hca vaify Sjificrcs
 C h a p te r V I

The EssentiaC Dignities

T h e S y ste m o f E s s e n tia l D ig n itie s a n d D e b ilitie s

W e ’ve now seen how the planets express their natures and how that expression is colored by the characteris­
tics o f the signs in w hich they find them selves. W e w ill now fu rth er develop that concept.

W hen placed in the sam e sign, planets exhibit com m on q ualities given to th em by that sign. N evertheless,
som e planets have a greater ease o f expression in p articu lar signs than they do in others. It all depends upon
the com fort level the p lanet has in that zodiacal position. T hus, there are areas in the zodiac w here the expres­
sion o f a p lan et is n atu rally strong and stable, w hile in others the sam e planet experiences difficulties. T hese
areas are defin ed by the natural order o f the zodiac and the celestial spheres.

W hen a planet finds itse lf in a segm ent o f the zodiac in w hich its natu re is rein forced, it is said to be d ig n i­
fied; w hen it finds itse lf in an area w here its expression is challenged, it is said to be debilitated. T h ese states
o f dig nity and d ebility are know n as e s s e n t i a l because th ey reinforce o r challenge the m an ifestatio n o f the
p la n e t’s essence. W hen dignified, the planet acquires g reater s t a t u s in the horoscope and b eco m es, to a
g reater o r lesser degree, lord o f its ow n actions. W hen d ebilitated, the p lan et loses p o w e r an d beco m es c o n ­
ditioned by the rem ain in g planets.

In the system o f essential dignities, there are five dignified states and tw o d ebilitated states.

T h e M a jo r D ig n itie s

T he m a jo r dignities are dom icile, o r ru lership, and exaltation. W hen a p lan et has dig n ity , it a c q u ire s p o w er
and its ex p ressio n is m ore m arked. O pposing these dignities are the debilities o f d e trim en t an d fall. I f a
p lan et has debility, its ex pressio n is w eak and irregular. B ecause o f th eir im portance an d th e p o w e r they b e ­
stow on planets, dignities (and co rresponding debilities) are designated m ajor, fu n d am en tal, a n d co m p lete.

D o m ic ile o r R u le r s h ip
T he m o st im p o rtan t dig nity is th at o f dom icile, o r rulership. E ach sign has a ruling p lan et th a t acts as k in g o r
lord o f th at “ territo ry .” T h e r u l e r i s t h e k e y t h r o u g h w h i c h t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f t h e s i g n a r e e x p r e s s e d .
 68/On the Heavenly Spheres

Thus, in addition to the prim ary qualities (elem ents, m odes, and gender), the signs are characterized by th eir
ruling planet. As w e ’ve seen, the signs ruled by Saturn have a structured and austere expression due to the
nature o f its ruler; the signs ruled by Jupiter share a posture that is enthusiastic and adaptable; those o f M ars
have a bellicose and assertive m anner; the sign ruled by the Sun is radiant; those o f V enus express th em ­
selves in a gentle and harm onious m anner; those o f M ercury are m ultifaceted; and the sign o f the M oon has a
changeable and flow ing expression.
Important: In the ancient sources, the sign
W hen the a ilin g planet is in the sign that it rules, it is said to that a planet rules is also called “ the house
be dignified. A s w ith a king w ho is ruling his land, the planet o f the planet” ; often, the te n u s d o m ic ile
expresses its best nature in the m ost stable and productive and h o u se arc used interchangeably. In
m anner. F o r exam ple, if V enus is posited in one o f its ruling classical w orks, there are frequent refer­
signs, T aurus o r L ibra, its expression w ill be gentle and ences to the sign o f C ancer as “ the house
pleasant, w h eth er in term s o f the sensual and practical as­ o f the M oon,” or to Capricorn o r A q u ar­
pects o f the earth (T aurus) or in the social and com m unica­ ius as the “house o f S aturn.” To avoid
tive aspects o f air (Libra). confusion betw een the astrological
houses and the signs (in the dom icile
H o w R i d e r s h i p is A s s i g n e d sense) w e w ill not use “ house” to refer to
The assignm ent o f rulership is based upon a com bination o f signs in this book. The read er should
two distinct factors: the seasonal characteristics o f the sign nonetheless be aw are o f this use o f term i­
and its order in the celestial spheres (the C haldean order). nology w hen consulting the traditional
L et's sec how these tw o factors interact. authors.

As w as stated, the zodiac is based upon the four

seasons o f the year. The signs C ancer and Leo
m ark the heig ht o f sum m er. Since they corre­
spond to the tim es o f greatest daylight, they
have the tw o lights as rulers: the Sun and the
M oon. The Sun— the m asculine light and lord
o f the day— rules Leo, a m asculine and diurnal
sign. The M oon— the fem inine light and lady o f
the night— rules C ancer, a fem inine and n octur­
nal sign. Saturn, the m ost distant and darkest
planet— rules the tw o w in ter signs, Capricorn
and A quarius. B ecause it is a sym bol o f scarcity,
Saturn belo ngs to the rulership schem e opposite
the tw o lights, sym bols o f ab undance and life.
The rem aining plan ets are distributed th ro u g h ­
out the signs a cco rd in g to th eir p ositions in the
celestial spheres, the C haldean order. Jupiter,
the p lan et th at succeeds Saturn in the o rd er o f
the spheres, ru les th e tw o ad jacen t signs, S ag it­ F ig u r e 1 . P la n e t a r y R u le r s
tarius and Pisces. M ars rules the n ext tw o signs,
A ries and S corpio. V en u s rules T aurus and L ibra, an d M ercury rules G em ini and V irgo. C o n t r a r y to w h a t is
o ft e n s ta te d , t h e r u l e r s h i p s a r e n o t a s s i g n e d o n th e b a s i s o f a f f i n i t i e s b e t w e e n s i g n s a n d p l a n e t s .

Y o u ’ll n o te th at in th is schem e V en u s an d M ercury retain , in relation to the lights, the sam e m ax im u m d is­
tance th at th ey attain relativ e to th e Sun. Since M ercury is n ev er m ore than one sign from the Sun, it is g iven
rulership o v e r the signs n ex t to the tw o lights (S un and M oon). V enus rules the next tw o signs since its m a x i­
m um d istan ce fro m th e Sun n ev er exceeds tw o signs.
 Tftc E ssentiaf D igntics/69

W e can then sec that the rulership schem e p rojects

onto the zodiac the perfection o f the celestial spheres.
T he perfect distribution o f the planetary rulers g ener­
ates several sym m etrical relationship arrangem ents
am ong the planets that are crucial for an u n d erstan d ­
ing o f astrological foundations. This distribution d i­
vides the zodiac into lunar signs (from A quarius to
Cancer) and solar signs (from Leo to Capricorn).

Each planet is also assigned a diurnal rulership for a

m asculine sign and a nocturnal rulership for a fem i­
nine sign. Thus, each planet has an extroverted ex ­
pression (dium al, m asculine) and an introverted ex ­
pression (nocturnal, feminine). F or exam ple, V enus
has a nocturnal rulership in Taurus, a fem inine and
nocturnal sign, and a dium al rulership in Libra, a
m asculine and dium al sign.
F ig u r e 2 . S o la r a n d L u n a r S ig n s

The lights do not possess this

duplicity because they define
the concept o f day and night.

J o y b y S ig n
In som e rulerships, the nature
o f the planet is tem pered by the
nature o f the actual sign; w hen
this happens w e say that the
planet is in its jo y . Jupiter, a
m asculine and d iu m al planet,
has its jo y in S agittarius, a sign
equally m asculine and dium al.
F ig u r e 3 . D iu r n a l a n d N o c t u r n a l R u le r sh ip s V enus, a fem inine and n o ctu r­
nal planet, has its jo y in
T aurus, w hich shares the sam e nature. M ercury,
w hich is essentially dry, has its jo y in the cold an d dry
sign V irgo.

T his m oderating action N ote: the jo y by sign

m anifests both by rein­ should not be co n ­
forcem ent (the cases fused w ith the jo y b y
above) as w ell as by house.
contraposition (the case
o f m alefic planeis). M ars, w hich is n o cturn al, is m o re
constructive in Scorpio, also a n o ctu rn al srgn, b u t
w ho e cold and m oist q ualities tem p er th e cx ces-
i î h n t and dry qualities o f th e planet. S atu rn (d i-
S
m aD is m ore balanced in th e sign A q u ariu s w h ere
T e x c e sively cold and dry nature is tem p ered b y th e
s : te s r m o i s t y q u a iitie s o f t h e S l g n.

F ig u r e 4 . J o y s o f th e P la n e ts (b y s ig n )
 7 0 /O h tfw H e a v e n ly Sjrfieres

E x i le o r D e tr im e n t
W hen a planet is in the sign opposite its rulership it is said
to be in exile o r detrim ent. This is the state opposite to
that o f dom icile. In this situation the expression o f the
planet is debilitated. Its perform ance becom es insecure
and indirect. Because it has difficulty expressing itself, its
nature is w eakened and distorted. W hen in detrim ent, the
natural qualities o f the planets transform them selves into
their corresponding defects (the distortion o f these quali­
ties). Thus, the sobriety and caution o f Saturn becom e
m elancholy and m eanness; the generosity and optim ism
o f Jupiter becom e squandering and disregard; the cour­
age and assertiveness o f M ars m anifest as cow ardice and
aggression; the natural authority o f the Sun becom es ar­
rogance; the sensuality and sociability o f Venus inclines
tow ard luxury and frivolity; the curiosity and ingenuity
o f M ercury expresses itself as intrigue and fraud; and the
adaptability o f the M oon slips into inertia and laziness.

I f the planet in detrim ent represents an object, it suggests

som ething in a bad condition, not valuable, and possibly
broken. Som e authors use the term s exile or envy to des­
ignate this debility.

E x a lta tio n
In som e cases the ruler o f a sign may have a planet that is
second-in-com m and that shares w ith it the governing
functions o f the “realm .” The nam e exaltation is given to
this second state o f dignity. The term exaltation com es
from the Latin e x a lto and m eans to raise up, elevate, and
honor. W e m ay com pare exaltation to the role o f prim e
m inister: a dignitary w ith m any honors and pow er but
w hose action continues to be dependent upon the ap ­
proval o f the king. A n exalted planet finds itse lf in a state
F ig u r e 6 . S ig n s o f t h e E x a lt a t io n o f t h e P la n e t s
. W e m ay even say that it expresses its n a ­
ture w ith a g reater intensity than it has in its rulership state. H ow ever, the expression o f an exalted p la n e t is
m ore inconstant, goin g through highs and lows. E ach p la n e t is exaltated in only one sign.

In an astrological interpretation w e m ight consider that an exalted p lan et sim ultaneously indicates v alu e and
exuberance. I f the p lan et represents an individual, it sug g ests som eone respected and w ell-in ten tio n ed but
w ith a tendency tow ard ex aggeration and even arrogance. A n object represented by an exalted p la n e t w ill be
in good condition, b u t m ay seem m ore valu able than it a c tu ally is. Som e authors use the term h o n o r to refer
to this dignity.

F a ll
C o rresponding to the exaltation is a debility know n as fall, w h ich occurs in the opposite sign. Ju st as in the
case o f d etrim ent, a p lan et in fall has difficulties expressing its nature. In fall, th at difficulty is characterized
b y instability in its expressio n. T he planet becom es “clu m sy ,” its action is inadequate, inappropriate. S om e
authors re fe r to this d ebility as d e p re ssio n o r sh a m e .
 T fie E s s e n t ia f D i g n t i c s / T l

H o w E x a lta tio n a n d F a ll A r e A s s ig n e d

T h e e x p la n a tio n o f e x a lta tio n a ls o h a s a n “ a g r i­

c u ltu r a l” lo g ic a s its b a s is . I t is tie d to th e d e g r e e
o f f e r tility o f th e p la n e t a n d to its a f f in ity w ith a
p a r tic u la r s e a s o n o f th e y e a r.

T h e S u n is e x a lta te d in A r ie s b e c a u s e s p r in g b e ­
g i n s 14 w h e n it e n te r s th is s ig n , a n d th e d a y s b e ­
g in to g e t lo n g e r a n d w a r m e r . Its h o t a n d d r y n a ­
tu r e is id e n tic a l to th a t o f A r ie s a n d its r u le r
M a r s . Its fa ll o c c u rs in L ib r a , a s ig n th a t s ig n a ls
th e d im in is h in g o f lig h t a n d th e b e g in n i n g o f a u ­
tu m n .

T h e M o o n is e x a lte d in T a u r u s , a f e m in in e
s p r in g s ig n , a d ja c e n t to A r ie s , th e s ig n o f th e
S u n ’s e x a lta tio n . A s q u e e n o f th e h e a v e n s , s h e
r e m a in s p o s itio n e d n e x t to h e r k in g . F u rth e r-
F ig u r e 7 . S ig n s o f F a ll o f th e P la n e t s m o r e , i f th e S u n w e re in A r ie s , th e M o o n w h e n
le a v in g its r a y s , w o u ld b e v is ib le fo r th e first
tim e in T a u ru s . S c o rp io , o p p o s ite T a u r u s , is its s ig n o f fa ll.

S a tu r n is e x a lta te d in L ib ra , th e s ig n o p p o s ite th e e x a lta tio n o f th e S u n . L ib r a s ig n a ls th e s ta r t o f a u tu m n , a

s e a s o n w h e n te m p e r a tu r e s b e c o m e c o ld e r a n d th e d a y s d e c r e a s e in le n g th . It is th u s th e id e a l s ig n fo r e x a lta ­
tio n o f th e c o ld e s t p la n e t, S a tu rn . B y th e s a m e lo g ic , its fa ll is in A r ie s , th e f irs t s ig n o f s p r in g .

J u p ite r , p la n e t o f f e r tility a n d a b u n d a n c e , is e x a lta te d in C a n c e r , a s ig n o f s u m m e r a n d o f th e r i p e n in g o f th e

c ro p s . Its fa ll is in C a p ric o r n .

M a rs, is e x a lta te d in C a p r ic o r n , w h e r e its e x tr e m e h e a t is te m p e r e d b y th e c o ld o f w in te r . Its f a ll is in C a n c e r.

V e n u s, a f e m in in e a n d m o is t p la n e t, is e x a lte d in P is c e s , a s ig n o f h u m id ity th a t m a k e s w a y f o r th e f e r tility o f

S p rin g . Its fa ll is in V irg o , a s ig n th a t m a r k s th e p a s s a g e in to a u tu m n a n d th e p r e d o m in a n c e o f d r y n e s s .

M er cu ry , o f a d r y n a tu r e , is e x a lta te d in V ir g o , a c o ld a n d d ry s ig n ( w h ic h it a ls o r u le s ) , a n d in its fa ll in P is ­
c e s , a c o ld a n d m o i s t sig n .

T h e D e g r e e s o f E x a lta tio n

T r a d ti o n a l a u th o r s a ls o a s s ig n s p e c if ic d e g r e e s o f e x a lta tio n to th e e x a lt a ti o n o f th e p la n e t s . T h u s , th e S u n
h a s its e x a lta tio n a t 19 A r ie s , th e M o o n a t 3 T a u r u s , J u p i te r a t 15 C a n c e r , M e r c u r y a t 15 V ir g o , S a tu r n a t 2 1
L ib r a , M a r s a t 2 8 C a p r ic o r n , a n d V e n u s a t 2 7 P is c e s . F a ll o c c u r s in th e s a m e d e g r e e o f th e o p p o s i te s ig n . I n
p r a c tic e , h o w e v e r , th e e x a lta tio n is c o n s id e r e d in th e fu ll w id th o f th e s ig n . T h e s e d e g r e e s a p p e a r to in d ic a te
th e p o in ts o f g r e a t e r s tr e n g th . S o m e r e s e a r c h e r s b e lie v e th e m to b e s y m b o lic p o s i ti o n s , w h a t r e m a in s o f a n
a s tr o n o m ic a l s y s te m o f g r e a t im p o r ta n c e to th e a n c ie n ts .

14
R ecall th at a stro lo g ical lo g ic h as th e n o rth ern h em isp h ere in m ind. In th e so u th e rn h e m isp h e re th e in g re ss o f th e S u n
in to A rie s c o rre sp o n d s to th e A u tu m n .
 72lOn tftc Heavenly Sjrficres

S e c o n d a i* )' D ig n it ie s

R ulcrship, exaltation, detrim ent, and fall arc the m ajor dignities (also called “com plete”) o f the astrological
system . It is possible to perform a basic interpretation o f a horoscope relying solely on the scoring o f these
four factors.

H ow ever, the system o f dignities is m ore com plex. In addition to rulcrship and exaltation, there arc three
other levels o f dignity: triplicity, ten u , and face. T hese additional dignities, apart from having specific tech ­
nical applications, allow for a better evaluation o f the potential expression o f every planet in the various d e ­
grees o f the zodiac. By using the w hole system , w e can understand how in som e horoscopes, apparently d e ­
bilitated planets can have an expression m ore consistent w ith th eir natures. O ne m ight additionally say that,
in contrast to rulcrship and exaltation, the triplicities, ten u s, and faces d o n ’t have a com plim entary debility.
For this reason, they are also designated incom plete dignities.

T r ip lic itie s
The triplicities are dignities assigned according to the elem ent o f each sign. Three planets are assigned to
each elem ent: one called diurnal, another nocturnal, and a third called participating or com m on (m ixed).
T hese three planets are com m on to the signs belongin g to each elem ent.

For the fire elem ent, the Sun is the diurnal triplicity, the nocturnal triplicity is Jupiter, and Saturn is the p a r­
ticipating triplicity.

T he air elem ent has Saturn for the diurnal triplicity, M ercury for the nocturnal triplicity, and Ju p iter for p a r­
ticipating triplicity.

For the earth elem ent, the diurnal triplicity is V enus, the nocturnal is the M oon, and the participating is M ars.

W ater also has V enus as the diurnal triplicity, M ars has the nocturnal triplicity and the M oon is participating.

A s can be seen, the assignm ent o f the triplicities to each elem ent follow s the sect o f the planets: diu rnal p la n ­
ets are attributed to the diurnal sect, and noctu rnal planets to the nocturnal sect.

E le m e n t D i u r n a l T r ip l ic it y N o c t u r n a l T r i p li c i ty P a r t i c i p a n t T r ip li c it y
F ire T fl / o h
A ir h y 4
7
E arth b ip !? 9 » cf
W ater S < H 9 cf D

In practice, a p lan et in its triplicity is literally am ong fam ily since it finds itse lf in the elem ent o f its ow n sect.
It is n o t in its realm (as in rulership), n o r is it the p rim e m in ister (as in exaltation), but it is a part o f the ro yal
fam ily and th erefore enjoys som e pow er. A p lan et in its ow n trip licity is am ong friends.

S om e au th o rs state th at in a diu rn al ch art the diu rnal trip licity is the strongest and that the nocturnal w ill have
m ore im pact in a n octurnal chart. T he p a rticip atin g triplicity w ill alw ays have a m oderate strength. In any
event, a p lan et p o sited in a sign in w h ich it p o ssesses trip licity is in a state o f dignity, independent o f w h eth er
the ch a rt is d iu rn al o r nocturnal.

T he ru lers o f th e trip licities are g en erally co n sid ered in sequence, receiv in g the label o f first, second, and
third triplicity. T his seq u en ce depends upon w h eth er the ch art is diurnal o r nocturnal. (R ecall th at in diu rnal
charts, th e Sun is a b o v e the ho rizo n , and in n octurnal ch arts it is below the horizon.) In diurnal charts w e giv e
 T ftc E s s e n tie lD ig n tic s /7 3

F ig u r e 8 . D iu r n a l S e q u e n c e o f T r ip lic itie s precedence to the diurnal trip licity, follow ed

F irs t Second T h ird by the nocturnal and the participating; in n o c­
E le m e n t T r ip lic ity T r ip lic ity T r ip lic ity turnal charts, the precedence is given to the
o nocturnal triplicity, follow ed by the diurnal
Fire 4 h
and the participating.
A ir h y u
Earth 9 D CT In very specific interpretative techniques (see
W ater 9 d" D A ppendix 4, A dditional C onsid erations C o n ­
cerning the H ouses), the triplicities indicate
F ig u r e 9 . N o c tu r n a l S e q u e n c e T r ip lic itie s tem poral sequences. It is in these cases that
F ir s t Second T h ir d the diurnal and nocturnal sequences becom e
E le m e n t T r ip lic ity T r ip lic ity T r ip lic ity m ore relevant because the order o f the planets
is decisive.
Fire 4 o h
A ir 5 h 4 T erns
Earth D 9 CT T he term s are divisions o f the signs into five
W ater 0" 9 D unequal divisions. To each part (o r term ) is
assigned the ru lership o f one o f the five tradi­
V a r ia t i o n s in t h e A s s ig n m e n t o f T r ip li c it ie s tional planets: Jupiter, V enus, M ars, Saturn.
T he Sun and M oon do not rule term s.
T he group o f triplicities that w e present in this book is the
m ost com m on am ong traditional astrologers, and is T he greatest peculiarity about the term s is ir­
know n as T he D orothean T riplicities, not because this au ­ regularity. Each div isio n consists o f unequal
thor created them , but because he is the old est source to parts o f the sam e sign, an d each sign is di­
reference them . vided in different w ays. In addition, the se­
D uring the R enaissance there w as a large reform ation o f quence o f the rulers also differs from sign to
astrolo gical theory on the basis o f P tolem aic teachings. sign; that is, no tw o signs are the sam e w ith
C onsequently, the D orothean triplicities w ere gradually respect to th eir term s. F o r exam ple, in A ries
substituted by versions based upon P to lem y ’s w orks. the first div ision has 6°; the second has 6°; the
P tolem y changed the participating planets in the fire ele­ third has 8°; and the fourth an d fifth each
m ent, substituting Saturn for M ars, and in earth, substi­ have 5°. In the follow ing sign, T au ru s, the re­
tuting M ars fo r Saturn. H e also altered the triplicities for spective div isions have 8°, 6°, 8°, 5°, and 3°.
w ater, giving the sequence as: V enus, M oon, M ars. A lso, the sequence o f planets is co m pletely
O ne o f the cu rrently m ost p opularized versions is from different in these signs. In A ries, the first term
the E nglish school, o f w hich w ell-know n authors such as belongs to Ju piter, the seco n d to V enus, the
W illiam L illy are the m ost representative. T his lineage third to M ercury, the fourth to M ars, and the
uses only the diu rnal triplicities in diurnal charts, and the last to Saturn. W h ile to T aurus, the sequence
nocturnal triplicities in nocturnal charts. T he sequences o f term rulerships is: V en u s, Jupiter, M er­
are the sam e as th ose in D orotheus, b u t the participating cury, S aturn an d M ars.
p lan et is abandoned. T he only exception occurs in w ater,
w here M ars (n octu rnal ruler for w ater in D orotheus) is T he logic for these d iv isio n s h as b e e n lost in
considered sim ultaneous ru ler o f the diurnal and n o ctu r­ tim e. T h e m ost an cien t au th o rs, n am ely P to l­
nal triplicities. em y, suggest that the d istrib u tio n d epends
upo n the degree o f dig n ity th at each p lan et
has in a sign, g iv in g prio rity som etim es to rulership, som etim es to exaltation, so m etim es to trip licity . M ars
and Saturn, becau se they are m alefics, tend to rule over the last tw o term s, w hile the b en efics, Ju p ite r an d V e ­
nus, are given the initial term s.

T he term s m ost frequently u sed in this book are the E gyptian T erm s. T his seq u en ce a p p ears in the w o rk s o f
m ost ancient authors and has been m ost consistent throughout tim e.
 74lOii tfic Heawnfy Sjrficrcs

T he term o f a planet can be com pared to its “ fiefdom ”

w ithin a sign. A planet in its ow n term is in its ow n p ri­
vate territory, even i f the sign w here it is located is not
particularly favorable to it. It can therefore act according
to its ow n rules (literally, “on its ow n term s”). The te n u
also has an effect on the quality o f expression o f the
planets. F or exam ple, a planet in the term s o f Saturn, will
have a m ore reserved expression, w hile a p lanet in the
term s o f Ju piter w ill have a m ore jo v ial expression.
Som e authors use the w ords “lim its,” “boundaries,” or
“ends” to refer to this dignity.

F aces
T he faces 15 o r decanates arc regular 10° divisions o f a
sign, and because each sign has 30°, there are three faces
in each sign. To each face is assigned a ruling planet ac­
cording to the C haldean order. A ssigned to the first face
o f A ries is M ars, the planet that rules A ries, follow ed by
the face o f the Sun and o f V enus. The follow ing planet in
the C haldean order is M ercury, the planet assigned to the
first face o f Taurus, follow ed by the M oon and Saturn.
Jupiter, the next planet in the sequence, is assigned to the
first face o f G em ini, follow ed by M ars and the Sun. The
F ig u r e 10. E g y p tia n T e rm s
C haldean order continues through the zodiac.

V a r ia tio n s o n th e A s s ig n m e n t
T he faces are relatively w eaker dignities because they
o f th e T e r m s
only slightly reinforce the nature o f the planet. A part
from being a part o f the scoring system o f essential d ig ­
T here are other variations on the term s th at are
nities and debilities, they are applied in specific in terpre­
w orth m entioning. The m ost im portant is the
tative system s, w here they serve to detail behavioral dif­
table o f P tolem aic term s. T his version o f the
ferences o f the signs. From this perspective they are used
term s is suggested by P tolem y in his w ork
in detailed interpretations o f the A scendant and the Sun.
T e tr a b ib lo s . It is also m entioned in M edieval
sources, but its use seem s to have been very
T here are o th er types o f dignities that arise from d iv i­
sporadic. D uring the R enaissance, P to le m y ’s
sions o f the zodiac th at are even sm aller o r from the attri­
w ork becam e m ore p revalent and his table
butio n o f q ualities to p articu lar degrees. Since these d ig ­
w as popularized. N everth eless, various v e r­
nities do not h ave such a w idespread ap plication, w e w ill
sions o f his table w ere circulated w ith sig n ifi­
not discuss th em in this chapter. S om e o f these system s
cant variations (m any o f them m ere scribal e r­
are referred to in A p pendix 3, M in o r D ignities.
rors). T w o versions o f this table are cu rren tly
in use (see A ppendix 3, M in o r D ig nities).
P tolem y refers to an additio nal table w h ich he
designates as the Chaldean term s, b u t w h ich is
n o t presented in any other con tem p o rary
w ork. T here are no know n exam ples o f its use.

I5
T h is d e sig n a tio n d e riv e s fro m p h ase, referrin g to a stag e in tim e, an d not, as m ig h t be supposed, to face, in th e se n se o f
facial a p p earan ce.
 T li c E s s c n t i a f D i g n t i e s / 7 5

V a r ia t io n s o n t h e A s s ig n m e n t
o f th e F a c e s

W ith respect to the w estern astrological tra­

dition, there are no know n variations on the
assignm ent o f faces to the planets. N ev erth e­
less, a variant based upon the H indu a stro ­
logical d ecanate system , w hich is very d if­
ferent from the w estern faces, is currently
b eing w idely published. In the H indu sys­
tem , the distribution o f the planets is based
upon the elem ents and the sign rulerships.
T he first d ecanate o f a sign is assigned to the
ruler o f that sign, the second to the ru ler o f
the subsequent sign o f the sam e elem ent, and
the third to the last sign o f the sam e elem ent.
F o r exam ple, for C apricorn, the first
d ecanate corresponds to Saturn (ruler o f
F ig u r e 1 1 . T h e F a c e s
C apricorn), the second to V enus (ruler o f
T aurus, the next earth sign), the third to M er­
F ig u r e 1 2 . E s s e n tia l D ig n it ie s a n d D e b ilitie s cury (ruler o f V irgo, the rem aining earth
sign).
Rulership o r D om icile +5
Exaltation +4
A lthough interesting, this system is a part o f
D ig itie s : T riplicity +3 an o th er traditio n and should not be m ixed
Term +2 w ith the system o f the w estern tradition. Its
Face +1 in sertion into w estern astrology is a co n se­
quence o f the g reat trend o f eastern im p o rta­
tions o f the end o f the 19th century and w as
D e b ilit ie s : Fall -4
m ade by authors w ho did n o t kn o w the fu n ­
E xile or D etrim ent -5
dam ental rules o f astrology.

O ther decanate system s b ased u p o n m ix ­

tures o r derivations o f the trad itio n al o r the
H indu are often referen ced in th e astro lo g i­
cal literature, bu t th eir v alid ity an d o rig in are
questionable an d w ill not b e treated in this
w ork.

D is p o s ito r s a n d R u le r s

T h e D is p o s ito r

T h e ru ler o f a sign is sim ilar to a king: he has dom inion over every th in g that is fo und in his k in g d o m (th e sign
it rules). T his applies n o t only to p lanets situated in that sign, but also to the h ouse cusps, P arts, etc. It is said
that the ru lin g p lan et disposits (o r rules) those o ther planets o r astro lo g ical factors. T h e c o n c e p t o f d isp o sito r
is o f prim ary im p o rtan ce in astrological interpretation. O n the one hand, it adds a c o lo rin g o f its n atu re to all
o f the planets and elem ents o f the horoscope th at find them selves in its sign. F o r ex am p le, i f V en u s, a p lan et
n aturally ag reeab le and so ciable, is in C apricorn, its expression w ill b eco m e m ore re se rv e d b e c a u se S atu rn is
its dispositor.
 76/O h the Heavenly Spheres

O n the o ther hand, the dispositor regulates the expression o f the planet it disposits, confirm ing o r co n trad ict­
ing its characteristics. In interpretation, it indicates the m otivations underlying the expression o f the planet.
For exam ple, considering V enus in Capricorn once m ore, its expression is further m odified by the conditions
o f S atum in the horoscope. I f Saturn is strong, the reserve it bestow s upon V enus will m anifest w ith m o d era­
tion and elegance; if it is w eak it could indicate defensiveness and trepidation.

In sum m ary, the dispositor bestow s upon the planet that it disposits its ow n state or condition in the h o ro ­
scope, adding to the action o f the disposited planet its ow n capabilities (if it is dignified) or d ifficulties ( if d e ­
bilitated). Returning to the previous exam ple, if V enus in C apricorn is disposited by a dignified S atu m (fo r
exam ple, positioned in A quarius, the sign o f its rulcrship), the expression o f V enus w ill be enabled by the
positive condition o f Satum . The m otivations underlying the em otional expression o f V enus w ill be so b er
(since S atu m is dispositor), but that sobriety is socially acceptable and integrated such that it w ill not e n g e n ­
d er great problem s.

If, on the other hand, the sam e V enus in C apricorn is disposited by a debilitated Satum (for exam ple, in C a n ­
cer, the sign o f its detrim ent), the reserve o f V enus w ill be colored by the em otional fears and difficulties
characteristic o f Satum in that position, generating defensiveness and trepidation, w hich are m otivated by
the debilitated condition o f the dispositor. In com parison, if the debility o f S atum results from being po sited
in A ries (the sign o f its fall), the m otivations that it bestow s upon V enus w ill be o f a different nature. Instead
o f exhibiting a tinge o f shyness (C ancer), V enus w ill flaunt the dry and abrupt characteristics o f S atu m in
A ries. W e can thus see that the nature o f the difficulties varies in accordance w ith the type o f debility o f the
dispositor.

In som e cases the dispositor is found in the sam e sign o f the planet that it disposits. This then becom es its
ow n dispositor, creating a type o f “crossed” disposition. In such a case it is said that the tw o planets are in
m u t u a l d i s p o s i t i o n . F or exam ple, V enus in Capricorn w ill be in m utual disposition w ith S atu m i f S atu m is
in Taurus o r Libra (signs o f V enus). W hen this happens, the planets reinforce each other m u tu ally even i f
their natures are not particularly com patible.

I f w e apply the system o f dispositions to all the planets o f a

Note: not all horoscopes have a final
horoscope, w e find that in som e cases the chain o f dispositions
dispositor o r m utual dispositio ns; som e
ends in one sole planet. This planet is designated the f i n a l
have oth er patterns o f disposition,
d i s p o s i t o r and has g reat predom inance in the chart. F o r exam ­
w hich are not as relevant and w hich are
ple, co n sid er a horoscope w ith the follow ing planetary p o si­
not d etailed here.
tions: S atu m in Sagittarius, Ju p iter in C ancer, M ars in A quar-
ius, Sun in L ibra, V enus and M ercury in V irgo, M oon in G em ini. I f w e follow the dispositio ns o f the planets,
M ercury is the final dispositor; that is, M ars in A quariu s is disposited by Satum , w hich in Sagittarius is
d isp o sited b y Jupiter; Ju p iter in C an cer has the M oon as its dispositor, and since the M oon is in G em in i, it is
d isp o sited b y M ercury in V irgo. P laced in its ow n sign o f rulership (V irgo) M ercury has no dispositor. T here
are tw o p lan ets m issing: the Sun and V enus. S ince the Sun is in Libra, it is disposited by V enus in V irgo,
w h ich brin g s us once m ore to M ercury. In practice, all the m otivations in this horoscope w ould be co lo red by
the analytic capabilities o f M ercu ry in V irgo.

A lth o u g h it is u sually applied to the ruler, the co n cep t o f disposition is also valid for o ther essential d ig nities:
ex altatio n , trip licity, term , and face. T h e d isp o sitio n w ill have m ore o r less p o w er according to the degree o f
d ig n ity th at th e p lan et has in th at area o f the zodiac. E x altatio n can serve as a second ruler, disp o sitin g (b y
ex altatio n ) the plan ets th at are located there. T he trip licity rulers are used in m ore specialized in terpretations,
p ro v id in g in d icatio n s ab o u t the differen t facets o f a p lanet. D isposition by term is applied in only very sp e­
cific cases, w h ile the d isp o sitio n b y face is p ractically ignored since it is a w eak dignity.
 T h e E s s e n ti a f D i g n t i e s / 7 7

T he planetary dignities and debilities are a system for as­ I n te r p r e ta tio n o f D ig n itie s a n d
sessing the capacity o f expression o f the planets. A d igni­ D e b ilit ie s o f t h e P la n e t s in N a t i v it i e s
fied planet has its expression facilitated, and the sam e h ap­ B efore explain in g the system o f scoring o f
pens in relation to everything that the planet signifies in the the dignities and debilities, it is im portant to
horoscope. W hen it is in its own r u l e r s h i p , the planet has bring to light som e fundam ental co n sid er­
all its capabilities and expresses itself easily and w ith sta­ ations. T hese co ncern co m m on m istakes in
bility. In its e x a l t a t i o n it m anifests w ith identical ease but the first attem pts at interpreting n atal charts.
w ith greater exuberance and less stability, and tends to suf­ F or exam ple, beginners frequently state that
fer fluctuations. W hen it is in its ow n t r i p l i c i t y , the planet a debilitated M ercury indicates a stupid p er­
is com fortable and has a fluid expression. In its ow n t e r m , son, or that a debilitated V enus indicates
it has a stable and secure behavior, although not as obvious som eone lacking the capacity to love. T his
as in the oth er cases. A planet in face is relatively w ell, al­ statem ent is based on profoundly in correct
though its pow er is greatly lim ited. presuppositions. T he first statem ent presu p ­
poses that a deb ilitated planet does not w ork
A debilitated planet m anifests som e difficulties and these and th at it indicates a bad person. In truth,
extend them selves to everything that the planet signifies in the d ebilitated planet indicates difficulties
the horoscope. W hen in d e t r i m e n t , the m anifestation o f in the area to w hich it is assigned (the house
the planet is difficult and laborious, w ith a tendency to d e­ w here it is positioned and also the houses it
v iate from its natural inclination. In fall, one feels, above rules). T hese difficulties can only be u nder­
all else, the instability, w hich translates into irregular, out stood w hen a planet is co ntextualized into
o f sync, and disproportionate m anifestations. the general dynam ics o f the horoscope.

A nother o f the functions o f the system o f dignities is to d e­T here are o th er factors besid es the essential
term ine the ruling planets. T hese rule (that is, dom inate) dignities that can m inim ize this difficulty.
w h atev er planet finds itself in the signs w here they hold In the life o f a hum an being, these difficul­
pow er. F o r this reason, the system o f dignities therefore re­ ties m anifest as p oorly executed o r planned
veals “ the pow ers gam e” underlying the planets in the actions, o r as confrontations w ith people
horoscope. and situations that are hard to deal w ith. T he
individual, how ever, can learn to m anage
all o f these situations. T he sam e can be said about erroneous conclusions related to dignified planets: it is in ­
correct to consider that they indicate, by them selves, exceptional qualities and good people.

The o ther incorrect presupposition is to attribute the cause o f all m anner o f ills to a sole planet. B ecau se o f
this, it is, at the very m inim um , naive to evaluate the ch aracteristics o f the personality on the basis o f a p la n e ­
tary positio n. T he excessive use o f the general signification o f a plan et also contributes to this m istake. For
exam ple, M ercury = m ind, V enus = love, etc., w ithout taking into account its specific sig n ificatio n in a p a r­
ticular horoscope.

S c o r in g o f D ig n itie s a n d D e b ilitie s

T h e S c o r in g S y ste m

The evaluation o f essential dignities and debilities o f

the planets is m ade by a po in t system . A planet in ru l­ ef 5 (njlecship) + 3 (triplloty) = 8 p o in ts
ership is aw arded 5 points; a planet in exaltation, 4 9 3 (triplicity) ♦ 1 (face) = 4 points
points; in triplicity, 3 points; in term , 2 points; and in J) 3 points (triplicity)
face, 1 point. A s to the d ebilities, detrim ent corre­ k t) 2 points (team)
sponds to -5 poin ts and fall to -4.

To score a p articu lar planet, d eterm ine if the planet is F ig u r e 1 3 . S c o r in g o f E s s e n tia l

D ig n itie s a n d D e b ilitie s
found in any o f its dig nities, and if so, give it the re­
 78/On the Heavenfy Spheres

sp c c tiv c n u m b e r o f p o in ts. T h e sam e p ro ce d u re is fo llo w ed fo r th e deb ilities, g iv in g th em th e c o rre sp o n d in g

n eg a tiv e p o in ts. T h e final sco re, n eg a tiv e o r p o sitiv e, fo r each p la n et sh o w s th e d eg re e o f d ig n ity o r d e b ility
o f th a t p la n et. F o r e x a m p le , M e rc u ry at 16 C a n c e r is in its o w n term an d face. It th e re fo re re c e iv e s 2 p o in ts
fo r term an d 1 fo r face, fo r a to tal o f 3 p o in ts. S in ce M e rc u ry has no d eb ility in this sign, no p o in ts are s u b ­
trac ted . A n o th e r ex a m p le : J u p ite r at 4 G em in i is in its o w n p a rtic ip a tin g trip licity an d in its o w n fac e, fo r a
to ta l o f 4 p o in ts. H o w ev er, J u p ite r is also in its d etrim e n t in this sign, so it lo ses 5 p o in ts. T h e fin al re su lt is 1
n e g a tiv e p o in t.

I f th e fin al sc o re fo r th e p la n e t is p o sitiv e, th e p la n e t is d ig n ifie d . T h e m o re p o sitiv e p o in ts th e p la n e t a c c u ­

m u la te s, th e g re a te r its d ig n ity . A p la n e t in ru lersh ip o r ex a lta tio n th at also has d ig n ity b y trip lic ity , te rm , o r
face re in fo rc e s its p o w e r. 16 T h e sa m e o cc u rs w h en a p la n e t ac c u m u la te s trip lic ity w ith term o r fac e b e c a u s e
th e natu re o f th e p la n e t is rein fo rced . P lan e ts th a t ap p a re n tly arc n eu tra l in a h o ro sco p e can rev e al th e m se lv e s
to b e s tro n g e r th a n th ey ap p e ar. T h u s, a p la n e t w ith a p o sitiv e sco re is co n sid ered in g o o d co n d itio n . W ith a
sc o re a b o v e 4 p o in ts, it is c o n sid e re d stro n g . A b o v e 5
N o te th at th e sta te o f d e b ility is alw a y s g iv e n by
p o in ts, it is c o n sid ered v ery stro n g .
d e trim e n t an d fall, w h ic h are o p p o site th e m a jo r
d ig n ities (ru le rsh ip an d e x a lta tio n ); th e d ig n i­
A p la n e t w ith a n eg a tiv e sco re is c o n s id e re d d e b ili­
ties th at m itig ate th at co n d itio n arc alw a y s th e
tated . A lth o u g h th e d eb ility m a y b e a tte n u a te d b y m i­
m in o rs (trip lic ity , term , o r face), n o t h av in g su f­
n o r d ig n ities, th e p la n e t w ill c o n tin u e to h a v e d iffic u l­
ficien t p o w e r to n eg a te th e d e b ilita te d state.
ties in its ex p re ssio n .

A p la n et w ith a n e g a tiv e sc o re is th u s c o n sid e re d in p o o r co n d itio n . W ith a sc o re lo w e r th a n 4 n e g a tiv e

p o in ts, it is said to b e c lea rly d eb ilita te d .

In so m e situ atio n s, d e b ility is o v erc o m e b y d ig n ity , w h ic h resu lts in a p la n e t w ith so m e stren g th . B e c a u se

th e y are o p p o sites, ru le rsh ip an d e x a lta tio n c a n n o t c o e x ist w ith th e ir re sp e c tiv e d e b ilitie s (d e trim e n t an d
fall). N o n eth e le ss, th e re ca n ex ist ov erla p s b e tw e e n th e d eb ilitie s an d o th e r d ig n ities: a p la n e t in d e trim e n t o r
fall can at th e sa m e tim e b e in trip licity , term , o r face. In th is ca se , th e se c o n d a ry d ig n itie s w ill m itig a te th e
d eb ilita te d sta te o f th e p la n e t in d etrim e n t o r fall, an d in sp e c ific in sta n c e s th e y ca n e v e n re c o v e r th e d ig n ity .
F o r ex a m p le , c o n s id e r V en u s a t 12° V irg o . In th is p o sitio n V e n u s is in th e sig n o p p o site its o w n e x a lta tio n
(P isces), an d th u s in fall. T h e sc o re o f a p la n e t in fall is -4. H o w e v e r, V en u s h as trip lic ity in V irg o a n d a t 12°
it is a lso in its o w n te rm an d face. It th u s g a in s 3 p o in ts fo r th e trip lic ity , 2 fo r te rm , a n d 1 fo r fac e, a n d a to ta l
o f 6 p o in ts. I f w e s u b tra c t th e 4 n e g a tiv e p o in ts, th e re a re still 2 p o sitiv e p o in ts. T h u s, an a p p a re n tly d e b ili­
ta te d p la n e t can , i f th e m in o r d ig n itie s are c o u n te d , h a v e so m e d ig n ity . In p ra c tic e , w h a te v e r V e n u s re p re ­
se n ts in th e h o ro sc o p e w o u ld n o t b e g re a tly a ffe c te d b y th e d eb ility .

In o th e r ca se s, th e d ig n itie s a n d d e b ilitie s c a n c e l ea c h o th e r o u t, le a v in g th e p la n e t w ith a sc o re o f 0 p o in ts . In

th e s e c a se s, w e c o n s id e r th a t th e p la n e t is s lig h tly w e a k e n e d . F o r e x a m p le , V e n u s a t 8 S co rp io is in d e tri­
m e n t, g iv in g it 5 n e g a tiv e p o in ts ; n o n e th e le ss, b e c a u s e it is in a w a te r sig n , it h as d iu rn a l trip lic ity , w h ic h
g iv e s it 3 p o in ts , a n d in th is d e g re e o f S c o rp io it is in its te rm , w h ic h a d d s 2 m o re p o in ts to it. T h e su m o f th e 5
n e g a tiv e p o in ts w ith 5 p o s itiv e p o in ts is ze ro . W e ca n th e n c o n s id e r th a t th e in itial d e b ility o f th e p la n e t is a t­
te n u a te d b y th e m in o r d ig n itie s. T h e re is still d iffic u lty in e x p re ssio n , b u t it is n o t as n o tic e a b le .

T h e re is o n e s p e c ia l ca se . W h e n a p la n e t h a s a b s o lu te ly n o d ig n ity in its p o sitio n , it is c a lle d p e r e g r in e . T h e

te rm p e re g rin e m e a n s “ in p a s s in g .” T h e p la n e t h a s n o th in g o f its e lf in th a t a re a o f th e z o d ia c , a n d th e re fo re is
s u b je c t to th e “ lo rd s ” th a t g o v e rn th e re a n d h as little fre e d o m o f a c tio n . It is also c o n s id e re d a ty p e o f d e b il­
ity , w h ic h is a g g ra v a te d in th e c a se w h e re it is a d d e d to d e trim e n t an d fall.

I6
Ptolem y states that a planet w hich adds its m ajor dignity w ith one or more m inor dignities is in “its carriage” (in its
victory chariot), or “elevated in its throne” . A planet in these conditions is in a pow erfully dignified state.
 T ft c E s s c n t i a f D i g n t i c s / 7 9

T he S u n is peregrine in all o f Taurus; in the first and second thirds o f G em ini; all o f Cancer; the second and
third thirds o f Virgo; all o f Libra (w here it is also debilitated by fall); the first and third thirds o f S corpio; the
first and second thirds o f Capricorn; all o f A quarius (w here it is debilitated by detrim ent); and all o f P isces.

T he M o o n is peregrine in the signs Aries, G em ini, and Leo; in the second and third thirds o f Libra; the first
and third thirds o f Sagittarius; and the first and second thirds o f A quarius.

Note: som e authors designate a planet w ith­ M ercu ry is peregrin e in A ries from 0° to 12° and from 20°
out dignity or debility in its position as p ere­ to 29°; in T aurus from 14° to 29°; in the first and second
grine. H ow ever, the m ajority seem to concur thirds o f Cancer; in Leo from 0° to 17° and from 24° to
in attributing the peregrine designation to a 29°; in Scorpio from 0° to 11° and from 19° to 29 °; in S ag ­
planet w ithout dignity, independently o f ittarius from 10° to 17° and from 21° to 29° (in this sign it
w hether o r not it is debilitated. The actual is also in detrim ent); in C apricorn from 8° to 29°; and in
term seem s to point to this conclusion, since Pisces from 0° to 16° and from 19° to 29° (in this sign it is
it suggests the idea o f a w anderer, w ithout also in detrim ent and fall).
ties o r responsibilities.
V e n u s is peregrin e in A ries from 0° to 16° and from 12° to
20° (in this sign it is also in detrim ent); in G em ini from 0° to 12° and from 17° to 29°; in Leo from 0° to 6° and
from 11° to 29°; in Sagittarius from 0° to 12° and from 17° to 29°; and in A quarius from 13° to 29°.

M ars is peregrine in G em ini from 0° to 10° and from 24° to 29°; in Leo in the first and second thirds; in L ibra
from 0° to 28° (in this sign it is also in detrim ent); in S agittarius from 0° to 26°; and in A quariu s from 0°to 20°
and from 25°to 29°.

is peregrine in T aurus from 0° to 14° and from 22° to 29°; in V irgo from 0° to 17° and from 21° to 29°
J u p ite r
(w here it is also in detrim ent), in Scorpio from 0° to 19° and from 24° to 29°; and in C apricorn from 14° to 29°
(w here it adds to the debility by fall).

S a t u r n is p eregrine in the first and second thirds o f T aurus; in C ancer from 0° to 26° (w here it adds to d etri­
m ent); in V irgo from 0° to 28°; in Scorpio from 0° to 24°; and in P isces from 10° to 27°.

V a r ia n t s o n th e S c o r in g S y s te m

T he system o f scoring that w e presented is the m ost current, particularly since the end o f the M iddle A ges.
H ow ever, som e A rabic authors such as A li B en R agel and A l-B iruni, gave m ore im portance to term than to
triplicity. In that system o f scoring (apparently older) term received 3 poin ts and triplicity 2. In the m ed iev al
astrolo gical literature there also exist references to other system s, b u t these ap p ear n o t to have had a practical
relevant expression.

E x a m p le S c o r in g o f th e E s s e n t ia l D ig n it ie s

T his exam ple uses the horoscope o f G erm an philo so p h er F riedrich N ietzsch e to score the d ig n ities an d d e­
bilities o f the planets. W e start b y noting the zodiacal position o f each planet and, u sing th e tab le o f essen tial
d ig nities, assign the respective scores.

S a t u r n is at 0° A quarius 4 6 '. In this position it receives 5 points fo r rulership an d 3 m o re fo r the d iu rn al

trip licity ru ler o f this air sign. It has no debilities. Saturn, th erefore, has 8 to tal points.

is at 26° P isces 0 2 '. It also has rulership, therefore receives 5 poin ts; b u t it has no o th er d ig n ity ,
J u p ite r
th erefore w e do not add any m ore points. Since it also has no debility, no points are su b tracted from it. It to ­
tals 5 points.
 SO/On tftc Hcawnfy Sjrfiercs

C h a r t 1 . N a t iv it y o f F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e

M a r s is at 27° V irgo 5 6 '. B ecause it is in an earth sign, it receives 3 points for p articip ating triplicity; it also
has 2 points for being in its ow n term s. Since it has no debilities, it accum ulates a total o f 5 points. T he S u n is
located in L ibra, at 2 2°07'. In this sign the Sun has no dignity at all. Since it is in fall, it receives 4 n eg ativ e
points. It has a total o f -4 points. V e n u s is at 6° V irgo 2 2 '. It receives 3 points for diurnal trip licity fo r b ein g
in an earth sign, but 4 points are subtracted for being in the sign o f its fall. Its final score is -1 point. M e r c u r y
is at 4° L ib ra 0 9 '. In this air sign it receives 3 points for nocturnal triplicity. It has no m ore dignities n o r d e b il­
ities, m ak in g a total o f 3 points. T he M o o n is at 9° S agittarius 0 2 '. In this zodiacal position the M oon has no
dig nity o r debility at all; it thus receives 0 points.

C o m paring the results, w e can see that Saturn is the m ost dignified planet w ith a total o f 8 poin ts, follow ed
by Ju p ite r and M ars, both w ith 5 poin ts, and M ercury w ith 3 points o f dignity. A ll these planets are dignified,
th erefo re ev erything th at th ey signify in the chart w ill have a stable and constructive expression.

O n the o th e r hand, the Sun and V enus have neg ativ e scores, findin g them selves debilitated. T h o se things
th ey sig n ify in th e chart w ill have a m ore d ifficu lt and laborio us expression. T he M oon has 0 points, it is
th erefo re n o t d ig nified; in th ese cases w e c o n sid er th at the p lan et is slightly debilitated. T he M oon in S ag it­
tarius an d the Sun in L ib ra are pereg rin e, w h ere the latter adds the condition o f peregrine to th at o f fall.

W ith this scoring system w e can d eterm in e w ith ease the operational state o f the planets. A lth o u g h th ese
sco rin g system s serve to m easu re the q u ality o f a p la n e t’s expression, th ey are only one factor in delineation,
th ey sh o u ld n o t be in terp reted b y them selv es. T he d ig n ity o r d eb ility o f a p lan et only m akes sense in the co n ­
tex t o f the entire horoscope.
 T f w E s s m t i a f D icjn tie s /8 1

The scoring system serves only to aid the astrologer in the evaluation o f dig nity and debility. It gives us an
approxim ate notion o f the effective pow er o f the planets and should not be applied in a rigid m anner. O ne
m ust rem em ber that this q u a n t it a t iv e m ethod is an aid to interpretation, w hich is q u a li ta ti v e .

In practice, there is no point w asting tim e on overly detailed co m parisons o f the scores o f planets. T he idea is
to have a notion o f its relative strength and apply that inform ation to the (properly co ntextu alized) interpreta­
tion o f the planet.

A h n u te n

The w ord a h n u t e n is a corruption o f an A rabic term that m eans “the victo rio u s” o r “ the w inner.” In astrology
the a h n u t e n is considered to be the planet that possesses the m ost dignity in a p articu lar point in the ho ro ­
scope. A s an exam ple, consider M ercury at 4° Libra 0 9 ' in N ie tzsc h e ’s horoscope. T hrough the table o f es­
sential dignities w c ’H sec w hich planets have dignity in this degree o f the zodiac. Since the sign is Libra,
w ith V enus as its ruler, M ercury receives 5 points. In Libra, the ex altation belo ngs to Saturn, so it gets 4
points, and since Libra is an air sign, Saturn also has diurnal triplicity, so it gets 3 m ore points. In the table w e
can see that the fourth degree o f L ibra is also the term o f this planet, so it receives 2 m ore points. Saturn,
therefore, scores a total o f 9 points. The rem aining triplicities o f the air elem en t belong to M ercury (noctur­
nal) and Jupiter (participating) therefore both acquire 3 points in this position. N o w co n sid er face: consult­
ing the table, the first 10° o f Libra are under the dom inion o f the M oon, so 1 p o in t is added.

Ç 5 po r.ts (rulcrsh » Saturn is clearly the planet w ith the hig hest score in
F? 4 (cxjilla'.ion) ■» 3 (triplicty> * 2 (term ) ’J 9 points that degree; w e th erefore conclu de that Saturn is the
O 4°£i09’ I4, 3 p o n s (triplicity) a h n u te n o f M ercury in this horoscope. This m eans
Ç 3 p o n s (triplicity)
that in the in terpretation o f M ercury w e m ust add a
1 pon*. (faco)
Saturnine tone (containm ent, reserve, and depth o f
thought) to the m ore leisurely and social expression
F ig u r e 1 4 . S c o r in g o f P la n e t s a t 4 ° L ib r a 09* o f M ercury in Libra.

N ote th at in this calculation w e did not figure the d eb ili­ T h e calculation o f a h n u te n is also u sed to d e­
ties (L ibra is the detrim ent o f M ars and the fall o f the term ine w hich p lan et has the m ost p o w er
Sun). T he calculation o f a h n u te n seeks to determ ine the o ver non p lan etary points in the h o ro ­
planet w ith the m ost dignity in a degree (that is, the planet scope— for exam ple, the A scendant. L e t’s
that has “co m m and” o f that point), so the debilities do not look again at the exam ple o f N ietzsch e, w ho
need to be considered. has the A scen d an t at 29° Scorpio 0 9 '. T he
ru ler is M ars, w ho th erefore receiv es 5
J 5 (n jle rs h ip ) 3 (tn p llo ty ) = 8 p o in ts points. Since w e are d ealin g w ith a w ater sign, M ars also
$ 3 (triplicity) ♦ 1 (fa c e ) = 4 points has nocturnal triplicity, ad d in g 3 m ore poin ts. T h e total is
]) 3 points (triplicity)
8 points. V enus also has trip licity (diurnal) in w ater signs,
2 points (term )
so it receives 3 points, to w h ich w e also ad d 1 m ore p o in t
F ig u r e 1 5 . S c o r in g o f P la n e ts a t 2 9 ° S c o r p io 0 9 '
since it also has face in the last 10° o f Scorpio . T h e sum to ­
tal b eing 4 points. T he M oon gets 3 p o in ts for b e in g p a r­
ticipating triplicity and Saturn gets 2, because this degree o f S corpio is in its term . S ee F ig u re 15.

W e co nclude then that M ars is the a h n u te n o f the A scendant. Since M ars is alread y the ruler, this co n clu sio n
co nfirm s its p o w er o v er that p o in t o f the horoscope. A s can be seen, a h n u t e n alw ay s c o rresp o n d s to the ru ler­
ship o r exaltation o f the respective sign, thus corroborating the po w er o f one o f the m a jo r dignities.

K l m u t e n indicates the m o st p o w erful planet in a p articu lar p oint in the horoscope. W e can also u se the c alc u ­
lation o f a h n u te n to d eterm in e the planet that has dom in io n o v er a g roup o f points in th e ch art (p lanets,
houses, etc.), w h ich synthesizes th eir com bined qualities. T hese p o in ts are n o t selected b y chan ce, b u t b e-
 82/0)1 tfie Heavenly Spfieres

cau se o f th eir jo in t signifi- J i W I Mars 1 Sun I Venus I Mencwy I Moon I

cancc in a p articu lar area o f _ 3 5+3+2 i 1 J..... ! .... J
4*3*2 ....... ? I..... 5 3 ! 1 »
study. F or exam ple, in a na-
tai chart, a l m u te n o f the
12 1! 13 ! o _ ; 3 5 ; » .!. 1. i
M oon and M ercury gives F ig u r e 1 6 . C a lc u la t io n o f th e M o o n - M e r c u r y A lm u t e n
indications about the type
o f m ental structure that R uler ExaH.^ TripIM tles Eglptlan Terms Faces j E xila F a ll

characterizes the individual (o bvi­ O, 0 , \ b , J il 9 . 9 d ,’b ,: d O 9 Î 9 , b.

T <5
;
ously the inform ation given by
« 9 X V 9 . D .d ,, 9 , 9 , J i , b , < 9 : D b | d '
a lm u te n should be considered
along w ith o th er interpretative fac­
IX 9 . b . 2 . K 9 J X , 9. d . b j X? d ' 0 j X •
S V 9 , d . D, d - 9 J S - ' x . b , 9 9 J : b d_
tors).
n O. 0 . K b, b . ' 9 . d_: b X ■d i b i
m 9 4 9 ? 9 . D .d , 9 .. *9 X d 0 9 9 ! Ji : 9 ,
A s an exam ple, le t’s calculate the
n.
9 b„? b , 5 . X b „ 9 ■ 9 .< ! J i b ; X | d .Q ,
a lm u te n o f the M oon and M ercury
in N ie tzsc h e ’s horoscope. The d, ? . 4 . K i 9 - X ' b j d ! Q ■9 i 9 ■ D_
M oon is at 9° Sagittarius 0 2 '. In J I», O. K b , 1. . 9.9^. b ,d ,, 9 D : b 19 :
this sign, Ju p iter has rulership, vy b d . 9 , J . d , 5 , i> . d O .D k
nocturnal triplicity, and term , for a b; : b, 9’^ X , ! d^ b,I 9 ; 9 ; P J0 •
total o f 10 points (5+3+2). Saturn X 9 _ ;9 , d , ]),' 9 d ' - Ï b iK d I9 / 9,
sim ply has participating triplicity, ♦5 *4 1 *1 j -5 j -4
so it receives 3 points. T he Sun has F ig u r e 1 7 . E s s e n t ia l D ig n it ie s a n d D e b ilit ie s
diurnal triplicity, so it also receives
3 points. M ercury has face in this degree, w hich yields it 1 point.

M ercury is at 4° L ibra 0 9 '. V enus is ruler, so it gets 5 points. Saturn ow ns its exaltation, the diurnal triplicity,
and term , thus g am ering 9 points (4+3+2). Jupiter ow ns the p articip ating triplicity, so it receives 3 poin ts.
M ercury has diurnal triplicity, w hich aw ards 3 points. The M oon has dignity by face, receiving 1 point. I f w e
place these calculations in a table, w e get the results show n in Figure 16.

Ju p iter has the h ighest score; therefore, it is the a l m u t e n . H ow ever, Saturn is close (1 point less), so it is c o n ­
sid ered a c o - a lm u te n ', th at is, it adds its co lo rin g to that o f Jupiter. T he significance o f these tw o p lan ets is
also reinforced by the large difference in scores to the rem aining planets. In practice, N ie tzsc h e ’s m in d set is
thus colored b y a m ix o f Ju p iter (philosophical thought, faith,
m ysticism ) and by Saturn (scientific thought, skepticism , cri­ N ote: A second a l m u te n ( c o - a l m u t e n ) is
tique). T h e result o f this com plex m ixture is, by the w ay, ap ­ only valid w hen a l m u te n o f v ario u s
p aren t in his w riting. co m bin ed points is considered. In the
case o f a l m u t e n o f a single poin t, o n ly
A l m u t e n is a sp ecialized adjunct o f interpretation. It is used co n sid er a c o - a lm u te n if tw o plan ets are
o n ly in p a rtic u lar cases w hen it is n ecessary to m ake v ery d e ­ equally tied in the dig n ity scoring.
tailed delineations. It is n ev er used indiscrim inately, w h eth er
w h en a p p ly in g the c a lcu latio n to an isolated p o in t o r in the synth esis o f various p oin ts in the chart. In su m ­
m ary, it is u seless to calcu late a l m u t e n fo r g roups o f random points, because the results w ill be m ean in g less.
O n the o th e r hand, a l m u t e n (as, b y the w ay, ev erything in astrology) is n ever in terpreted in isolation; one
m u st alw ay s co n sid er th e g en eral co n tex t o f the horoscope.

It is u seless to state, for ex am p le, th at a g iven p lan et is the a lm u te n o f the A scendant, im m ediately d raw in g
co n clu sio n s from this fact; o n e m u st un d erstan d in detail the dynam ic o f that p lan et and o f the actual A sc e n ­
dan t, fo r the in fo rm a tio n g iv en b y a l m u t e n to m ak e sense. O nly w hen pro p erly contextualized, can this in fo r­
m atio n co m p lim en t a n d deep en the basic interpretation o f the horoscope.
 C h a p te r V II

The Houses
In previo us chapters w e discussed the celestial elem ents o f astrology: the p lanets an d the signs. This chapter
focuses on the “terrestrial” com ponent o f astrology, the houses, w hich are created by dividing the sky into 12
parts. This division varies according to the location used in the c h a rt’s calculation, w hich m akes the houses
the m ost individualized factor in the horoscope. W ithout them no astrological chart exists and one can only
m ake generic interpretations.

T he astrological houses have two reference points as a basis: the h o r i z o n and the m e r i d i a n . T he horizon d if­
ferentiates the stars that are visible (above the horizon) from the stars that are hidden (b elo w the horizon). In
the sky, the eastern and w estern points o f the horizon are crucial because the stars rise in the east and set in
the w est. T he east defines the A scendant, since it is at this p o in t th at the stars rise (ascend) in the sky.

T he w est p o in t defines the D escendant, w here the stars descend and set.

T he m e r i d i a n represents the p o in t w h ere

the stars culm inate, w h ere they reach the
hig hest p lace in th e sk y alo n g th eir n a ­
scent (ascendant) and settin g (d escen ­
dant) trajectory. O n th is m e rid ia n th ere
are tw o points: the M e d i u m C o e l i (M C ),
w here the stars c u lm in ate a b o v e th e h o ri­
zon and the o p p o site p o in t, th e I m u m
C o e li (IC ), the low est po in t. T h e M ed iu m
C oeli and the Im u m C o eli m a k e u p the
v ertical axis o f a h o ro sco p e.

T hus, the stars alw ay s rise in the east,

culm inate in the m erid ia n , an d d escen d
to w ard w est. T h ey ta k e an id en tical route
F ig u r e 1 . T h e H o r iz o n : R is e a n d S e t
in the lo w er h em isp h ere, re tu rn in g to rise
 8 4 / O n tfte H e a w i i f y S jjfie r e s

at th e A sc e n d a n t a b o u t 24 h o u rs later. T h is c y ­
cle , in w h ic h th e w h o le sk y a p p e ars to m ak e a
re v o lu tio n in 24 h o u rs, is a n atu ral c o n s e ­
q u e n c e o f E a rth ’s ro tatio n . B e c a u se it is so e v i­
d e n t, it is c a lle d th e p r i m a r y m o t i o n .

T h e H e m is p h e r e s

T h e A sc e n d a n t an d th e D e sc e n d a n t m a k e u p
th e h o riz o n ta l ax is o f a h o ro sc o p e an d d iv id e
th e c e le stia l sp h e re in tw o h em isp h e re s. T h e
p a rt th a t lie s a b o v e th e h o rizo n is c a lle d th e s u ­
p e r i o r h e m i s p h e r e , th e o n e b elo w th e h o rizo n
is c a lle d th e in fe r io r h e m is p h e r e .

T h e g e n e ra l ru le is th a t th e stars lo c ate d ab o v e
F ig u r e 2 . T h e M e r id ia n : M e d iu m C o e li a n d Im u m C o e li
th e h o riz o n sig n ify th in g s th at arc p u b lic , v isi­
b le , an d e x p re sse d in a so c ial en v iro n m en t,
w h ile th e sta rs situ ate d b e lo w th e h o rizo n re p ­
re se n t m o re p riv a te an d less v isib le m atters.

T h e sk y ca n also b e d iv id e d in to tw o h e m i­
sp h e re s b y th e ax is d e fin e d b y th e M C an d IC.
In th is ca se , w e g et th e o rien tal h e m isp h e re , o r
A sc e n d a n t, lo c ate d to th e E ast, o n th e sid e o f
th e A sc e n d a n t, an d th e o c c id e n ta l h e m isp h e re ,
o r D esc e n d a n t, lo c ate d to th e w est, o n th e sid e
o f th e D esc en d a n t.

T h e Q u a d r a n ts

W ith th e se tw o ax es, th e sk y is d iv id e d in to
fo u r q u a d ra n ts. T h e q u a d ra n ts a re n u m b e re d in
th e d ire c tio n se t b y th e p rim a ry m o tio n (in
c lo c k w is e d ire c tio n ) an d h a v e th e fo llo w in g
c h a ra c te ristic s:

F i r s t Q u a d r a n t : g o e s fro m th e A s c e n d a n t to
th e M id h e a v e n ; it is c a lle d o rie n ta l o r v e rn a l
(re la te d to sp rin g ); it is m a sc u lin e , h o t an d
m o is t, a n d it h a s a sa n g u in e te m p e ra m e n t. I t
s y m b o liz e s in fa n c y .

S e c o n d Q u a d r a n t : g o e s fro m th e M id h e a v e n
to th e D e sc e n d a n t; it is c a lle d n o rth e rn o r
e s tiv a l (re la te d to S u m m e r); it is fe m in in e , h o t
a n d d ry , a n d it h a s a c h o le ric te m p e ra m e n t. I t
s y m b o liz e s y o u th .

T h ir dQ u a d r a n t : g o e s fro m th e D e s c e n d a n t

to th e IC ; it is c a lle d o c c id e n ta l o r a u tu m n a l F ig u r e 4 . S u p e r io r a n d I n fe r io r H e m is p h e r e s
 The Houscs/ 85

(related to autum n); it is m asculine, cold and

dry, and it has a m elancholic tem peram ent. I t
s y m b o liz e s m a tu r ity .

goes from the IC to the A s­

F o u r th Q u a d r a n t:
cendant; it is called so uthern o r h iem al (related
to w inter); it is fem inine, cold and m oist, and it
has a phlegm atic tem peram ent. I t s y m b o l i z e s
o ld a g e .

Im portant: this div isio n is very different from

the divisions pro posed by the contem porary
astrological m ovem ent (post 19th century).
T he traditio nal classification p resented here is
based upo n the daily m otion o f the planets
F ig u r e 5 . O r ie n t a l a n d O c c id e n t a l H e m is p h e r e s through the houses, w hile the contem porary
ap proach (om itted here because it is com ­
m only found in various m anuals) is based
upon the ord er o f the houses.

T h e T w e lv e H o u se s
Each quadrant is div ided into three different
areas, indicating the beginning, m iddle, and
end o f the cycle o f planetary ascension. Thus,
w e get tw elv e div isions know n as astrological
houses. E ach house represents a specific area
in w hich the signs and planets act.

T he 12 houses are num bered in ascending o r­

der, o r counterclockw ise. Just b elo w the h o ri­
zon is the first house, o r the first p lace to as­
cend; after that, the second house, o r the sec­
F ig u r e 6 . T h e F o u r Q u a d r a n ts ond place to ascend; and so on. T his n u m b er­
ing system can be co n fu sin g since b eg in n in g
students often conclude that the m o v em en t o f
the planets in the h ouses pro ceed s in th e sam e
direction (from the first to the second, etc.).
A lthough this seem s logical, it is n o t w h a t ac­
tually h appens w ith resp ect to th e h ouses. In
th eir d aily m otion, th e plan ets go fro m th e se c­
ond house to the first, w here they cross th e A s­
cendant, p ro ceed in g into the tw elfth , eleventh,
etc. T h u s th ere is a d ifferen ce b e tw ee n the
m ovem ent o f the planets in th e zo d iac (c o u n ­
terclockw ise) and in the h o u ses (clockw ise).

T o und erstan d this a p p aren t in co n sisten cy , it

is n ecessary to rem em b er th a t th e h o u ses are
“ slices o f the sk y ” traced acro ss th e h o rizo n
F ig u r e 7 . T h e T w e lv e H o u s e s
and the local m eridian. T h e h o u ses, th erefo re,
 86/On tfie Heavenly Sjrfteres

arc a static reference system that

docs not m ove relative to the horizon
(the first house is alw ays in the east,
the tenth alw ays above, etc.). W hat
m oves is the zodiac (along w ith the
planets) follow ing the prim ary m o­
tion from east to w est and circling
around all 12 houses in 24 hours.

Each house has its begin nin g in a d e­

gree o f the zodiac know n as the
c u s p . In a horoscope, the m ost n ote­
w orthy cusps are the A scendant F ig u r e 8 . T h e P r im a r y a n d S e c o n d a r y M o t io n
(cusp o f the first house), the
M idheaven (cusp o f the tenth
house), the D escendant (cusp o f the
seventh house), and the IC (cusp o f
the fourth house). The rem aining
cusps, calculated from these points,
are called i n t e r m e d i a r y c u s p s . The
cusp is the poin t o f greatest expres­
sion o f the house: its position in the
zodiac defines the qualities o f the
house. F or exam ple, the cusp o f the
eleventh house in A ries defines the
qualities o f that sign (dynam ism , im ­
petuosity, etc.) for this area o f life F ig u r e 9 . T h e H o u s e C u sp s
(friends, allies, etc.).

A lthough th ey are equal divisions o f the sky (30°), w hen they are projected
F or m ore details on the
onto the zodiac, the houses are som ew hat distorted; thus, a chart m ay have
different types o f ca lc u la ­
houses w ith different sizes. This difference depends upon the location o f the
tions, co nsult A p p en d ix 4.
Earth fo r w hich the chart is calculated; the degrees o f the Z odiac th at are ris­
ing an d cu lm in atin g at that m om ent; and upon the type o f m athem atical division used in that calculation.

N ote that th e size o f the house does no t necessarily im ply a greater o r lesser im portance; its sig n ifican ce d e ­
pends u p o n the p lan ets p ositioned there.

C la s s ific a tio n o f th e H o u s e s

A n g u la r ity
L ike th e p lan ets and signs, the astrological h ouses can be classified in several w ays. T he m o st im p o rtan t
c la ssificatio n is an g u larity , w hich div id es th em into th ree types: a n g u l a r , s u c c è d e n t , and c a d e n t .

H o u ses on e, fo ur, seven, an d ten are called a n g u lar houses; th eir cusps correspond to one o f the fo u r m a jo r
an g les (th e A sc en d an t, the IC, the D escendant, and the M idheaven, respectively). Planets p o sitio n ed in th ese
h ouses h av e a v ery p o w erfu l expression.

T h e su ccèd en t h o u ses, so -n am ed because they succeed the an g u lar houses, are the second (w hich su cceed s
the first), th e ele v e n th (w h ich succeeds the tenth), the eig h th (w hich succeeds the seventh), and th e fifth
 T he Housc$l87

(w hich succeeds the fourth). P lanets located in the

succèdent houses have a m ediu m level o f expression.

T he cadent houses (from the L atin verb c a d e r e ,

m eaning to fall) are so nam ed because planets in
them “ fall aw ay” from the angles; these are the
tw elfth, (w hich falls aw ay from the A scendant), the
ninth (w hich falls aw ay from the tenth), the sixth
(w hich falls aw ay from the seventh), and the third
(w hich falls aw ay from the fourth). Planets located in
these houses have little p o w er o f expression.

A ngularity is d irectly related to the diurnal m otion o f

the planets. T he pow er o f ex pressio n o f a house in ­
creases the clo ser it is to an angle. H aving passed this
angular high point, the planet “ falls” from the angle
to a cadent house and loses (expends) its pow er. It
begins to recuperate it w hen it passes into the adjoin­
ing succèdent house, returning to its m axim um
p o w er in the subsequent an g u lar house. N ote that in a
chart, the planets are actu ally stationed in a specific
position. T his dynam ic concept serves only to ex­
plain the various house classifications.

A side from these m ore general gradations o f pow er,

w e can also establish gradations o f strength betw een
the 12 houses. T h e strongest are evidently, the four
angular houses. B ut o f these, the first is the m ost
pow erful, fo llow ed by the tenth, seventh and fourth.
O f the su ccèdent houses, the strongest is the elev ­
enth, follow ed by the fifth, second, and eighth. O f
the cadents, the strongest is the ninth, fo llo w ed by
the third, sixth and tw elfth.

F ig u r e 1 2 . C a d e n t H o u se s F ig u r e 1 3 . T h e H o u s e ’s P o w e r
 88/Oh tfic Hcavcnfy tylicres

T h e re are h o w e v e r, e x c e p tio n s: alth o u g h th e ca d en t h o u ses arc as a g en eral rule w e a k e r th an th e s u c c c d e n ts,

th e n in th a n d th ird h o u se s (d e sp ite bein g ca d en t), h av e a g re a te r ex p re ssio n th an th e se co n d an d eig h t h o u se s
(w h ich arc su c c è d e n t). T h is e x c e p tio n is tied to the rela tio n sh ip b etw een the h o u ses an d th e A sc e n d a n t,
w h ic h w c w ill d isc u ss b elo w . T h u s, th e se q u en c e o f p o w e r o f th e h o u ses is as follow s: first (th e m o st p o w e r­
fu l), ten th , se v en th , fo u rth , e lev e n th , th ird , se co n d , eig h th , sixth, an d tw elfth (the w eak est). A lth o u g h la rg e ly
ac c e p te d , th e s e q u e n c e ca n g e n e ra lly v ary in a sso cia tio n w ith v ery sp ecific in te rp re tativ e m e th o d s.

G ender
A n o th e r fo rm o f c la ssify in g th e h o u se s c o n c ern s g en d er; th e h o u ses c o n sid e re d m a scu lin e are o d d n u m b e re d
(first, th ird , fifth , se v en th , n in th , an d elev e n th ), and th o se c o n sid ered fem in in e are ev e n n u m b e re d (se c o n d ,
fo u rth , six th , eig h th , te n th , an d tw elfth ). T h is cla ssific a tio n is not v ery sig n ific an t in p ra c tic a l te rm s.

T h e S ig n ific a tio n o f th e T w e lv e H o u s e s

E a c h h o u se c o n ta in s a v ery rich array o f sig n ific atio n s: it d efin e s to p ics, p eo p le, a c tio n s, d ire c tio n s, c o lo rs,
p a rts o f th e b o d y , etc. N e v e rth e le ss, not all o f th e se sig n ific a tio n s are a p p lica b le to all are a s o f a s tro lo g y ;
so m e are sp e cific to m u n d a n e astro lo g y , o th ers to h o rary , etc.

T h e p rin c ip a l sig n ific a tio n s o f ea ch h o u se are n o te d in th e fo llo w in g p ag e s, alo n g w ith th e a p p ro p ria te

b ra n c h o f astro lo g y (w h e n n ec essary ). A lso listed fo r ea c h ho u se a re th e sp e cific a sso c ia tio n s a n d ru le rs h ip s ,
su c h as th e co lo rs u se d in h o ra ry astro lo g y , an d th e an a to m y u se d in m e d ica l astro lo g y .

F ir s t H o u s e — A n g u la r a n d M a s c u lin e

T h e first h o u se h as th e A s c e n d a n t as its cu sp , m a k in g it th e m o st im p o rta n t o f th e a s tro lo g ic a l c h a rt. T h e A s ­

ce n d a n t re p re se n ts th e p rin c ip le o f in d iv id u a lity in th e ch art. It m a rk s th e h o u r o f b irth a n d th e re fo re th e to ta l
c e le stia l c o n fig u ra tio n o f th a t m o m e n t o r b irth . It is th e fo u n d a tio n o f th e a stro lo g ic a l ch art. T h e te rm “ h o ro ­
sc o p e ” co m es fro m th e G re e k cû p o o K 0 7 ir|o iç an d m e a n s “ to see th e h o u r.” F o r c la ssic a l a u th o rs, th e te rm
h o ro sc o p e is sy n o n y m o u s w ith A sc e n d a n t (th u s, i f in a c la ssic a l te x t it states th a t th e h o ro sc o p e o f an in d i­
v id u a l is L eo , fo r e x a m p le , it m e an s L eo is th e risin g sig n an d n o t th e S u n sign).

T h e first h o u se alw a y s re p re se n ts th e in d iv id u al, w h e th e r in a b irth c h a rt o r in a ho rary . In c h a rts o f e v e n ts o r

c o lle c tiv e s, it also in d ic a te s th e su b je c t in q u e s tio n (c o u n try , b u sin e ss, p ro jec t, etc.) an d its c h a ra c te ristic s.

In a n a tiv ity , th is is th e h o u se o f life, s ig n ify in g a ll o f th e co n d itio n s th a t su rro u n d th e in d iv id u a l. It re fe rs to

p h y s ic a l a p p e a ra n c e (sta tu re , a p p e a ra n c e , an d fo rm ) as m u c h as to m o tiv a tio n s an d o b je c tiv e s. T h e ta ste s,
m a n n e rism s , a n d m e n ta lity a re in la rg e p a rt d e fin e d b y th e first h o u se . In q u e stio n s o f h e a lth , it s ig n ifie s th e
v ita lity an d th e g e n e ra l a p p e a ra n c e . In th e b o d y , it is sp e c ific a lly tie d to th e h ea d an d th e face. T h u s, in a
m e d ic a l c o n te x t, th e p la n e ts in th is h o u s e c a n re p re se n t c o n d itio n s o r b le m ish e s (d isea se s, b irth m a rk s , sc a rs,
e tc .) in th o se p a rts o f th e b o d y .

In h o ra ry a s tro lo g y , th e first h o u s e d e fin e s th e in d iv id u a l th a t p o se s th e q u e stio n , d e s c rib in g th a t p e r s o n ’s

a p p e a ra n c e a n d s ta te o f m in d a t th e m o m e n t th e q u e s tio n w a s ask ed . W ith re sp e c t to c o lo r, th e p o s itio n o f a
s ig n ific a to r 17 in th is h o u s e d e s c rib e s p e o p le , a n im a ls, o r o b je c ts th a t are w h ite , g ray , o r g e n e ra lly lig h t in
c o lo r.

In a m u n d a n e h o ro s c o p e (e c lip s e , in g re ss , e tc .) th e A sc e n d a n t in d ic a te s th e g e n e ra l sta te o f th e lo c a tio n fo r

w h ic h th e c h a rt w a s c o n s tru c te d . It sig n ifie s th e n a tio n o r k in g d o m , as w e ll as its p e o p le a n d c o n d itio n .

17
T he planet that represents the thing asked about.
 Tft c Houscs/ 89

S e c o n d H o u s e — S u c c è d e n t a n d F e m in in e

T he second house represents resources, w hether they refer to an individual or to a collective. B ecause it is the
house succeeding the A scendant, it is considered to support the ascension o f the first.

In a birth chart, the second house represents the resources and assets o f the person, his o r her w ealth o r p o v ­
erty, and the w ay he or she m anages possessions.

In horary astrology, the second house signifies the possessions o f the querent and his o r her m oveable goods.
It refers to questions about loans, profits, and losses, and in the case o f duels and legal questions, it represents
those w ho support the querent (friends and assistants).

O n the m atter o f colors, it is associated w ith green (som etim es w ith shades o f red).

In a m undane chart, it indicates the resources and econom y o f a people o r nation, its supplies, its allies o r
supporters. In battle, it signifies the attacking arm y.

In m edical astrology, the second house represents the neck, from the nape to the shoulders.

T h ir d H o u s e — C a d e n t a n d M a s c u lin e

T he th ird ho u se rep resen ts bro th ers, sisters, and close relativ es in g en eral (co u sin s, sib lin g s-in -law , etc.).
It in d icates the co n d itio n s that surro u n d them and th eir relatio n sh ip w ith the n ativ e. It is also the ho u se o f
short jo u rn e y s— travel to p laces nearby o r w ith in the sam e cu ltu ral co n tex t. In trad itio n al term s the th ird
h ouse also rep resen ts jo u rn e y s by land, as o pposed to jo u rn e y s by sea, w h ich are sig n ified b y the ninth
house.

T he third house shares w ith the ninth house the topic o f religio n and legal know ledge, although to a lesser
degree. T he third house seem s to be related m ore to the practical and m undane expression o f these topics, al­
though this distinction is not alw ays clear in the w orks o f ancient authors. T hought, intellect, and com m uni­
cation are also central topics o f this house.

In horary astrolo gy, the third house represents all types o f m essages (letters, conversations, etc.) as w ell as
those w ho transm it them (m essengers, postal carriers, telephones, internet, etc.). W ithin this context, rum ors
and gossip are also topics o f this house.

C olors associated w ith the third house are orange, yellow , and sim ilar tones (saffron, rust, etc.).

In a m undane chart, the third house represents m eans o f transportation (streets, brid ges, etc.), the m edia
(n ew spapers, m agazines etc.), and all m an n er o f reports and official co m m unication.

In m edical astrolo gy, the third house signifies the shoulders, arm s, hands, an d fingers.

F o u r th H o u s e — A n g u la r a n d F e m in in e

T he fourth house, also know n as the angle o f Earth, represents the b ase o r foundation o f the h o ro sco p e. Its
sym bolism is v ery rich.

In a nativity, the fourth house sym bolizes the fam ily o f origin. G enerally, it represents the p aren ts, b u t in p a r­
ticular it signifies the n a tiv e ’s father. A long the sam e lines, it indicates an cestral ro ots o r an y m a tte r p e rta in ­
ing to o n e ’s genealogy.
 90 /0 n the Heavenhj tyheres

O th er central topics o f this house arc assets and possessions. In contrast with the second house, w hich repre­
sents solely m oveable possessions, this house is related to the im m oveable possessions o f the individual
(houses, lands and o ther types o f property) o r the resources acquired through the fa m ily ’s inheritance.

In an o th er context, it also represents the end o f life and the conditions that surround it, w hat happens after
death, and the grave.

In a horary question, it signifies all topics related to land and houses, from its purchase or leasing, to its cu lti­
vation and the treasures buried in it. It indicates the quality o f the land or the house that is purchased, as w ell
as the quality o f the soil o f an agricultural plot. It can also be used to determ ine the end o f a m atter.

W ith respect to colors, the fourth house is associated w ith red.

In m undane astrology, this house represents castles, forts, and buildings in general, as w ell as gardens, fields,
forests, grazing, and crop lands. N atural resources (m ineral and tim ber, etc.) are also a part o f its sym bolism .
T he w ife o f the king (the consort queen), as w ell as his concubines, are also indicated by this house. S im i­
larly, it also represents his enem ies or those o f the governm ent. In a m ore specific context, it can also rep re­
sent a city and its m ayor.

In m edical astrology, the fourth house is associated w ith the thorax, chest, and lungs.

F ifth H o u s e — S u c c è d e n t a n d M a s c u lin e

In a natal chart, the fifth house includes the children, their condition, and th eir relationship to the individual.
A lso associated w ith this house are all playful activities, entertainm ent, pleasure, and loves and p assion. A r­
tistic expression is also included in its sym bolism .

In a horary question, the fifth house signifies the m atter o f o n e ’s offspring, children in general, p reg n an cy
and fertility, as w ell as invitations for banquets, parties, and oth er leisure-tim e activities.

In term s o f colors, it represents w hite, black, or honey-colored things.

In m undane term s, the fifth house represents am bassadors and em bassies, as w ell as places o f e n tertain m en t
(bars, stadium s, etc.). In som e contexts, it represents the resources o f a city, its foods, and supplies.

In m edical astrology, the fifth house signifies the stom ach, liver, heart, back, and sides o f the body.

S ix t h h o u s e — C a d e n t a n d F e m in in e

In a nativity, the sixth h ouse represents d iseases and lesions, the w eaknesses and tendencies o f the in d iv id u al
tow ard debilitation, as w ell as the constitution (and hum ors) th at originate them . It also represents the p e o p le
that w ork fo r the nativ e and his o r h e r relationship w ith th em (traditionally, servants and slaves; to day, c o n ­
tracted labor an d services). O bligations and daily tasks are also topics o f this house.

D o m estic an im als and liv esto ck (sm aller than sheep) are also indicated by the sixth house. T oday, w e u se
th is attrib u tio n for pets (cats, dogs, etc.).

T h e c o lo r asso ciated w ith this house is black.

In h o rary astro lo g y , the six th house is related to questions about d isease (their natu re and d u ration), as w ell
as em p lo y ees, cattle, o r pets.
 The Houscsl91

In m undane astrology, the significations are the sam e but are instead associated w ith the co untry o r region
under study.

In m edical astrology, the sixth house represents the low er abdom en, stom ach, and intestines.

S e v e n th H o u s e — A n g u la r a n d M a s c u lin e

T he seventh house signifies the generic “o ther” because this house is opposite the first (the A scendant). In
nativities, it is the house o f m arriage, conjugal and rom antic relationships, and partnerships. T h e “o ther”
m ay be personified by the spouse (fiancé, dating relationship, etc.), associates, and business partners, as w ell
as opponents and the open enem ies referenced by the tradition. This house defines, therefore, the dynam ics
o f the relationships o f the individual: how he or she relates to others; the type o f partn er; how he or she deals
w ith confrontation; and the nature o f his or her opponents (enem ies).

In horary questions the sym bolism is practically the same. It represents the sp ouse and rom antic situations,
enem ies, o r the person being asked about. In particular, it defines the opponents in a legal case, the enem y in
w ar o r in duels, the th ie f in cases o f theft, and fugitives in general. It also indicates the doctor in questions
about health, and the consulting astrologer. It also indicates the destination o f a trip (the p o in t o f arrival, in
opposition to the A scendant, w hich represents the departure).

In term s o f colors, it signifies black, dark, and green hues.

In a m undane horoscope, the seventh house represents the opponents, but in this case it is the enem ies o f the
country, kingdom , o r people, as w ell as w ars and conflicts.

T he part o f the body attributed to the seventh house is located from the belly b u tto n to the hips.

E ig h th H o u s e — S u c c è d e n t a n d F e m in in e

T he eighth is the house o f death and everything associated w ith it. In natal charts, it represents death, its na­
ture, and all m atters that involve death and loss. It, therefore, refers to w ills, legacies, and inheritances. It is
also associated w ith feelings o f fear, w orry, and angst, as w ell as w ith obsessions and, in general, som ber and
obscure states o f m ind. It likew ise represents occult m atters, ancient things, and ancestors (in a b ro ad er sense
than that o f the fourth). In another context, it also refers to the p a rtn e r’s resources, such as a dow ry.

The eighth house has identical m eanings in horary and m undane astrology. In legal cases, it gives in d ica­
tions o f the supporters o f the opponent, and in battle, o f the resources and arm y o f the enem y.

W ith respect to colors, it is associated w ith green and black.

T he g enitals and organs o f excretion are the parts o f the body represented by this house.

N in th H o u s e — C a d e n t a n d M a s c u lin e

T he ninth house is associated w ith know ledge and m atters o f faith and religion, rep resen tin g all m a n n e r o f
religio us peo p le (m onks, p riests, pastors, etc.) as w ell as tem ples and churches. It is o fte n called the H o u se o f
G od. It is also associated w ith long jo u rn ey s.

A dditionally, the ninth house represents know ledge and education, h a v in g sig n ificatio n o v er schools,
books, un iv ersities, and professors. O ther topics associated w ith it are dream s, visio n s, an d th eir in terp reta­
tion, and pro p h ecy , stories, fables, and narratives about the past. W ith in this co n tex t, astro lo g y its e lf is sig n i­
fied b y this house.
 92/On tlic HcavcitCy Spfieres

Journeys o f long duration (in earlier tim es, travels by sea) and to foreign lands are other topics o f this house.
The “ house o f pilgrim ages” is another nam e by w hich it is known.

In natal astrology, the ninth house indicates the attitude o f the individual in relation to know ledge and learn­
ing, as w ell as the treatm ent o f religion or philosophy that is m ost in accord w ith the in d iv id u al’s nature.
M ore specifically, it relates to the relatives o f the partner.

In horary and m undane astrology, the ninth house represents any m atter associated w ith religion, k n o w l­
edge, dream s, o r travels. Specifically in horary astrology, this house indicates an individual’s know ledge or
the quality o f such know ledge.

T he ninth house has w hite and green as its colors.

In m edical astrology the ninth house represents the buttocks and thighs.

T e n th H o u s e — A n g u la r a n d F e m in in e

T he tenth house is the m ost elevated house o f the horoscope. Just as w ith the fourth, it too has a very rich
sym bolism . It is associated w ith tem poral pow er, w ith figures o f authority and w ith actions that have a social
im pact.

In a nativity, the tenth house represents the actions o f the native— his or her projects or o bjectives in life. It
signifies the vocation, career, and profession o f the native, giving indications o f its nature and quality. It is
also representative o f public life as w ell as o f fam e and social im pact. In traditional term s, it in dicates d ig ­
nity, pow er, and distinction.

O ne particular aspect o f this house is its association w ith the m other, in the sam e w ay th at the fourth is a sso ­
ciated w ith the father.

In horary astrology, in addition to the significations already m entioned for natal astrolo gy, the n inth house
additionally indicates topics havin g to do w ith pow er, figures o f authority (governors, em ployers, m anagers,
etc.), the profession o f the querent, and its current state. In legal m atters, it represents the ju d g e and the v e r­
dict.

In m undane astrology, its prin cip al representations are authority figures (kings, presid ents, heads o f state,
dukes, princes, prefects, etc.), and in general, the current governm ent o f a nation.

It is associated w ith w hite and red.

A n ato m ically , the tenth ho u se represents the knees and thighs.

E le v e n th H o u s e — S u c c è d e n t a n d M a s c u lin e

T h is house is o ften called the “g o o d sp irit” b ecau se it is considered fortunate. In natal astrology, it rep resen ts
friends an d allies, th o se w ho su p p o rt and help, a n d the type o f relationship that the native has w ith them . It is
also the house o f hopes, sig n ify in g o n e ’s dream s an d expectations. In som e w ays, it also represents faith, n o t
n ecessarily in the relig io u s sense o f the w ord, b u t m ore as an “ optim istic expectation.” C onfidence an d so ­
cial reco g n itio n are lik ew ise topics o f this house.

In h o rary astrology, th e m ean in g s are identical.

T h e colors rep resen ted are saffro n and yellow hues in general.
 Tfw Hoiises/ 93

In m undane astrology, the eleventh house represents the favored, co uncilors and allies o f the king, an d g o v ­
ernm ent. W ithin this context, it represents governing bodies such as the parliam ent, the state councils, and
other legislators. O ther m undane significations include the treasury, taxes, and finances o f the co u n try . In
m atters o f w ar, it indicates the resources (arm y and m unitions) o f the head o f state.

W ith respect to the parts o f the body, it represents the legs and ankles.

T w e lft h H o u s e — C a d e n t a n d F e m in in e

T he tw elfth house is the house o f prisons and lim itations, frequently called the “bad spirit.”

In a nativity, this house alw ays represents situations that lim it and condition the native. It is associated w ith
sadness, lam entations, tribulations, and afflictions. It is also the
house o f secret (or hidden) enem ies— those w ho w e do not Im portant N ote: T he diverse sig n ifica­
know are our enem ies. Thus, envy, betrayal, and acts o f sab o ­ tions o f a house should not be related to
tage are associated w ith the tw elfth house. Equally im portant each o th er because they exist on d iffer­
topics are illicit acts, as well as prisons, enclosures, and cases ent planes. F o r exam ple, the tenth
o f isolation in general. house represents the career, fam e, and
the m o th er o f the individual as signifi­
From another perspective, the tw elfth house also represents the cations. N oneth eless, it is incorrect to
conditions p rio r to birth; that is, w hat happened to the native th ink that the m other has influence over
w hile in the m o th e r’s w om b. the career o r the fam e o f the individual.
S im ilarly, siblings and sh ort jo u rn ey s
In horary astrology, this house has identical m eanings. have no relationship to each other, al­
though both are signified by the third
In term s o f color, the tw elfth house sym bolizes green. house.

W ithin a m undane context, this house represents the secret enem ies o f a co untry, n ation, o r institution. T hus,
it m ay represent spies, saboteurs, crim inals, and all m anner o f su bversive agents. A less com m on significa­
tion o f the tw elfth (valid in any o f the astrological branches) is that o f large anim als. In this category are in ­
cluded dom esticated anim als o f a larger size (horses, cam els, cattle, and the like) o r w ild anim als in general
(traditionally, “b easts”).

In m edical astrology, the tw elfth house represents the feet.

B e n e fic a n d M a le fic H o u s e s
A s w ith the planets, the houses can be classified as b en efic
or m alefic. G enerally, the first, eleventh , tenth, nin th , sev ­
enth, fifth, third and second are co n sid ered ben efic becau se
they represent areas o f life th at favor the individual. O n the
other hand, there are th ree h ouses th at are co n sid ered m a ­
lefic because th ey rep resen t m ore c h a llen g in g an d lab o ri­
ous facets o f life: the sixth, asso ciated w ith illness an d se r­
vitude; the eighth, associated w ith death; an d the tw elfth,
associated w ith lim itations. In som e cases, th e sev en th
house can also acquire a m alefic c h a racter b ec a u se , al­
though it represents m atters that are c o n sid e re d b en efic
such as m arriage and p artn ers, it also in d icates o p p o n en ts,
enem ies, and conflicts (note th at this h o u se is o p p o site the
A scendant, thus, rep resen tin g th at w h ich o p p o se s it). A n ­
F ig u r e 1 4 . M a le fic H o u s e s
other house w ith an am b ig u o u s sig n ificatio n is th e fourth,
 94/O h tfic H eavenly Sjrfieres

w h ich ca n e q u a lly rep rese n t th e h o m e an d th e fam ily, a b en eficial situ atio n , an d th e en d o f life, w h e re in it a c ­
q u ires a m o re m a le fic ch aracter.

T h is c la ssific a tio n d eriv e s no t o n ly fro m th e sig n ific atio n o f th e h o u se b u t fro m its a n g u la r p o sitio n rela tiv e
to th e A sc e n d a n t. T h e tw elfth , six th , eig h th an d se co n d form w eak an g les w ith th e A sc e n d a n t (30° b e tw e e n
th e first an d th e se co n d , an d b etw e en th e first an d th e tw elfth ; and 150° b etw e en th e first an d th e six th , an d
b e tw e e n th e first an d th e eig h th ). P lan e ts p la c e d in th ese
h o u se s d o n o t c o n trib u te to th e ex p re ssio n o f th e A sc e n ­
dan t. O n ly th e se c o n d h o u se is sp a re d th is sy m b o lism b e ­
c a u se it is a d ja c e n t to th e first an d b ec au se th is is tak en to
m e an th a t it c a n su p p o rt it.

D e r iv e d H o u s e s

B e sid e s th e p rim a ry o r rad ic al sig n ific a tio n s d e sc rib e d e a r­

lier, e a ch h o u se c a n also h av e m o re sp e cific m e an in g s d e ­
riv e d fro m its re la tio n sh ip to o th e r h o u ses. T h e se sig n ific a ­
tio n s, c a lle d “ d e riv e d ,” a re o b ta in e d w h en , in stea d o f ta k ­
in g th e A sc e n d a n t as th e sta rtin g p o in t, a n o th e r h o u se is
u se d . In th is w ay , w h en w e w a n t to e x a m in e a sp ecific
to p ic in -d e p th , w e u se th e cu sp o f th e h o u se th a t rep rese n ts
th e m a tte r u n d e r stu d y as th e A sce n d an t. T h e rem a in in g
h o u se s w ill th e n d e riv e th e ir sig n ific a tio n s re la tiv e to this F ig u r e 1 5 . H o u s e D e r iv a t io n
d eriv e d A sc e n d a n t in th e ir n a tu ra l o rd er.

F o r ex a m p le , to learn sp e cific in fo rm a tio n a b o u t th e fath e r o f an in d iv id u al, th e fo u rth h o u se o f th a t c h i ld ’s

ch a rt ca n b e u se d as a sta rtin g p o in t (th e fo u rth h o u se sig n ifie s th e fath er). F ro m th is p e rsp e c tiv e , th e c h i ld ’s
fifth h o u se th e n b e c o m e s th e d e riv e d se c o n d h o u se— th e se co n d h o u se fro m th e fo u rth . T h e c h ild ’s fifth
h o u se th u s ac q u ire s as a d e riv e d sig n ific a tio n th e reso u rce s (sec o n d h o u se ) o f th e fa th e r (fo u rth h o u se ). S im ­
ilarly , th e c h ild ’s six th h o u se b e c o m e s th e d e riv e d th ird h o u se , o r th e sib lin g s (th ird ) o f th e fa th e r (fo u rth ).
T h e re m a in in g h o u se s fo llo w th e sa m e logic.

A lth o u g h a n y h o u se stu d ie d b y m e a n s o f d e riv a tio n b e c o m e s th e A sc e n d a n t, th e d e riv e d h o u se n e v e r lo se s

its o rig in a l m e a n in g . It is th e d e riv e d h o u se o f th e ch a rt th a t a c q u ires a n e w sig n ific a tio n , a lw a y s re la tiv e to
its p o sitio n in re la tio n to th e “ s ta rtin g ” (d e riv e d A sc e n d a n t) h o u se.

N o te th a t th e d e riv e d h o u se s n e v e r re p la c e th e n a ta l (o r h o ra ry , m u n d a n e , etc.) h o u se s; th e d e riv e d m e a n in g s

a re a lw a y s a c o m p le m e n t to th e in d ic a tio n s o f th e n a ta l h o u se s. N o n e th e le ss, th e re is n o o v e rla p b e tw e e n th e
n a ta l a n d d e riv e d sig n ific a tio n s. F o r in sta n c e , in th e p re v io u s e x a m p le , th e n atal fifth h o u se , b e s id e s s ig n ify ­
in g th e c h ild re n o f th e n a tiv e , a lso d e riv a tiv e ly sig n ifie s th e re so u rc e s o f th e fath er. N e v e rth e le ss, th e f a th e r ’s
m o n e y is n o t r e la te d to th e c h ild re n o f th e n a tiv e . T h e d e riv e d in te rp re ta tio n se rv e s to a d d d e p th to sp e c ific
to p ic s, b u t in o rd e r to a v o id u n n e c e s s a ry c o n fu s io n it sh o u ld n o t b e m ix e d w ith th e n a ta l in te rp re ta tio n .

D e r iv e d H o u s e S ig n ific a tio n s
B e lo w a re lis te d s o m e d e riv e d sig n ific a tio n s fo r th e h o u se s. B e c a u se n o t all th e sig n ific a tio n s a re u s e fu l fo r
in te rp re ta tio n , th e lis t is lim ite d to th o se m o s t im p o rta n t. A s w ith ev e ry th in g in a stro lo g y , th e re is n o p o in t in
m e m o riz in g th is lis t o f s ig n ific a tio n s. W h a t is im p o rta n t is to u n d e rsta n d th e m e th o d o f d e riv a tio n a n d to
k n o w h o w to u s e it w h e n it is n e c e s sa ry .

F i r s t h o u s e : frie n d s ’ sib lin g s (th ird fro m th e e le v e n th ); fa th e r o f th e m o th e r, th a t is, th e m a te rn a l g ra n d fa th e r

(fo u rth fro m th e te n th ); o p p o n e n ts ’ p a rtn e rs (s e v e n th fro m th e se v en th ); re lig io n o r tra v e ls o f th e c h ild re n
 Tfic Houses/95

(ninth from the fifth); father’s occupation, or the m other o f the father— paternal g ran d m o th er (tenth from the
fourth); sib lin g s’ friends (eleventh from the third).

S e c o n d h o u s e : friends’ parents or fam ily (fourth from the eleventh); m a y o r’s children (fifth from the tenth);
death o f the partner (eighth from the seventh); travels due to illness (ninth from the sixth); c h ild re n ’s p ro fe s­
sion or honors (tenth from the fifth); fath er’s friends (eleventh from the fourth).

friends’ children (fifth from the eleventh); g o v ern o r’s o r the m o th e r’s illnesses (sixth from the
T h ir d h o u se :
tenth); p artn er’s religion (ninth from the seventh); c h ild ren ’s friends (eleventh from the fifth).

F o u r th h o u se: sib lin g s’ m oney and incom e (second from the third); the frien d s’ illnesses (sixth from the
eleventh); k in g ’s opponents (seventh from the tenth); travels related to death (ninth from the eighth); en ­
e m y ’s or p a rtn e r’s profession (the tenth from the seventh).

F i f t h h o u s e : fath er’s possessions (second from the fourth); siblings o f the siblings, w hen from another fa­
th er o r m other (third from the third); friends’ partners (seventh from the eleventh); g o v ern o r’s or m o th e r’s
death (eighth from the tenth); p a rtn e r’s friends (eleventh from the seventh).

S i x t h h o u s e : ch ild ren ’s possessions (second from the fifth); fath e r’s sib lings, that is, the paternal un-
cles/aunts (third from the fourth); sib lin g s’ father, w hen they are h a lf siblings from a different father (fourth
from the third); death o f friends (eighth from the eleventh); m o th e r’s religion o r travels (ninth from the
tenth).

em p lo y ee’s assets (second from the sixth); ch ild ren ’s siblings, w hen from another father
S e v e n th h o u se :
(third from the fifth); fath er’s father— paternal grandfather (fourth from the fourth); sib lin g s’ children, that
is, the nieces/nephew s (fifth from the third); m o th er’s profession o r the m o th e r’s m other— m aternal g ran d ­
m o th er (tenth from the tenth).

p a rtn e r’s or o p p o n en t’s assets (second from the seventh); sib lin g s’ illnesses o r em p lo y ees
E ig h th h o u se :
(sixth from the third); m o th er’s friends (eleventh from the tenth).

N in th h o u s e : p a rtn e r’s or o p p o n en t’s siblings (third from the seventh); c h ild re n ’s children, th at is, the
g randchildren (fifth from the fifth); fath er’s illnesses (sixth from the fourth); sib lin g s’ partn ers, th at is, the
sib lings in-law (sevnth from the third); frie n d s’ friends (eleventh from the eleventh).

p a rtn e r’s father, that is, the father-in-law (fourth from the seventh); c h ild re n ’s illn esses (sixth
T e n th h o u se:
from the fifth); fath e r’s partners o r opponents (seventh from the fourth); sib lin g s’ death (eig h th from the
third).

m o th e r’s o r g o v e rn o r’s assets (second from the tenth); p a rtn e r’s children, th at is, ste p -c h il­
E le v e n t h h o u s e :
dren (fifth from the seventh); em p lo y ee’s illnesses (sixth from the sixth); c h ild re n ’s p artn e rs-d a u g h -
ters/so n s-in -law (sevnth from the fifth); death o f the father (eig hth from the fourth); relig io n o r trav els o f the
sib lings (n inth from the third).

T w e lfth h o u se : frie n d s’ assets (second from the eleventh); the m o th er’s siblings, th a t is, the m ate rn a l u n -
cles/aunts (third from the tenth); p artn e r’s illnesses (sixth from the seventh); c h ild re n ’s d e a th (eig h th from
the fifth); fa th e r’s religion (n in th from the fourth); sib lin g s’ pro fessio n (tenth from the th ird).

To avoid excessive, o r even w orthless, inform ation, this technique should be em p lo y ed w ith m o d e ra tio n ,
good sense, an d w ithin the ap p ro p riate context. F o r exam ple, in the in terp retatio n o f a natal c h art, it is o f lit-
 96/On the Heavenly Sjrfteres

tie use to know that the second house signifies the children o f the boss (the derived fifth house from the natal
tenth), o r that the eighth house represents the b rother’s em ployees (sixth derived from the natal third). H a v ­
ing said that, these exam ples can m ake total sense within the context o f horary or m undane astrology.

H o u s e -S ig n -P la n e t I n te r a c tio n

S ig n - H o u s e I n te r a c t io n

H o u s e C u s p S ig n
T he sign on the cusp o f the house characterizes the m atters o f that house. Through the natu re o f that
sign— polarity, elem ent, m ode, etc.— w e can evaluate the behaviors and the types o f actions that ch a ra c ter­
ize the expression o f that house. Even i f another sign w ith a greater num ber o f degrees occupies the house,
the principal characterization o f that house is alw ays given by the sign located on the cusp. T his is b ecau se
the q ualities o f the cusp arc being evaluated, not the “quantity” o f the sign w ithin that house.

H o u s e R u le r
T he sign on the cusp also determ ines another essential interpretative factor: t h e r u l e r o f t h e h o u s e . T h is is
the planet that rules the sign found on the cusp. It is called the ruler or the lord o f the house. If, for ex am p le,
the tenth house o f a horoscope has 22° Taurus on its cusp, V enus, the planet that rules that sign, w ill be the
ru ler o f the tenth house (this is the case in the chart o f A gatha Christie).

O bviously, the planet that rules the cusp is not alw ays located in the house that it rules; m any tim es it is in an-

Ur
55

A g a t h a C h r is tie
15 S eptem ber 1890
04h00m LM T
Torquay, England
22*15 N ig h t
Hour. 9
01'

28
or 55-<1

C h a r t 2 . N a t iv it y o f A g a t h a C h r is t ie
 The H ouses/97

o th er house and another sign. The position in the chart o f the ruling p lan et indicates w h e re and h o w the to p ­
ics sig nified by the house w ill be realized: the area o f life (w here), as indicated by the house, and the m an n er
o f action (how ), as indicated by the sign w here the ruling p lan et finds itself.

In the exam ple o f A gath a Christie, V enus, ru ler o f the tenth house, is in the third house in Scorpio. T hus, the
m atters o f the tenth house (career) will be directed tow ard the area o f w riting an d co m m u n icatio n (third
house) in a focused and tenacious m anner (S corpio, a fixed sign). W e see then th at the ru lin g p lan et o f a
house becom es the a c c id e n ta l s ig n ific a to r o f the m atters o f that house. In the case o f A g ath a C h ristie, V e­
nus is the accidental significator o f profession (because it rules the ten th house).

N ex t w e w ill exam ine the chart o f Flo rbela E spanca. T he cusp o f the second house is at 17° S corpio; M ars,
the ruler, is positio n ed in A ries in the seventh house. H ere, M ars is the topical sig n ificato r for reso u rces. T h is
co n fig u ratio n indicates that m any o f the w rite r’s resources (second house) are tied to h er p a rtn ers/m arriag es
(seventh house). B ecause it is dig nified in A ries, M ars suggests abu n d an ce o f resources, b u t th e fiery an d
card in al nature o f the sign also indicates som e im prudence in its m anagem ent.

It is w o rth clarify in g th at in both charts the ru lin g p lan et used as an exam ple is located in a h o u se th at it also
rules. In A gatha C h ristie ’s chart, V enus also rules the th ird h ouse, w h ich has L ib ra on the cu sp ; in F lo rb e la
E sp a n c a ’s chart, M ars also rules the seventh house, w ith A ries on the cusp. T h ese p lacem en ts, rein fo rc e th e
sig n ificatio n o f the planet.

T h e o th er essen tial dig nities can also rule the houses o f a chart. T hus, b esid es its ru lin g p lan et, th e h o u se also
has a ru le r fo r exaltation, th ree p e r trip licity, one fo r term , and one for face. O f these, the m o st n o te w o rth y is
 98/On die Heavenly Sjrfieres

th e e x a lta tio n ru le r, w h ic h c a n in p a r tic u la r c a s e s a c q u ir e th e s ta tu s o f c o -r c g c n t o f th e h o u s e . T h e tr ip l ic i tic s

o f th e h o u s e (th e th r e e r u le rs o f th e c le m e n t o f th e c u s p ’s sig n ) a rc u s e d in s p e c ia liz e d in te r p r e ta tio n s . T e r m
is u s e d o n a c a s e b y c a s e b a s is , w h ile th e ru le r fo r fa c e , is g e n e ra lly ig n o r e d s in c e it is c o n s id e r e d a v e ry w e a k
d ig n ity . F o r e x a m p le , in F lo r b c la E s p a n c a ’s c h a rt, th e s e v e n th h o u s e , w h o s e c u s p is a t 14° A r ie s 2 0 '
h a s — b e s id e s th e s i g n ’s d o m ic ile ru le r, M a rs — a n e x a lta tio n ru le r: th e S u n ; th r e e r u le rs fo r tr ip lic ity : J u p ite r ,
th e S u n , a n d S a tu r n (r u le rs o f th e fire trip lic ity ); a ru le r fo r te rm : M e r c u ry ; a n d a r u le r fo r fa c e : th e S u n .

It is a ls o p o s s ib le to c a lc u la te a n a l m u t e n fo r th e h o u s e c u sp . S o m e tim e s th e a l m u t e n is a d if f e r e n t p la n e t
fr o m th e ru lin g p la n e t, in w h ic h c a s e it is c o n s id e re d a c o - r u le r fo r th e m a tte r s o f th e h o u s e . T h e “ n o r m a l”
r u l e r c o n tin u e s to h a v e p r io r ity in in te rp re ta tio n , b u t th e a l m u t e n a ls o h a s s o m e th in g to a d d . N o te th a t th e
a l m u t e n (a s p r e s e n te d in th is b o o k ) is a lw a y s th e ru le rs h ip o r e x a lta tio n r u le r o f th e sig n . T h is fa c t m e r e ly r e ­
in f o r c e s th e ro le th a t e x a lta tio n p la y s a s c o -r u lc r. R e tu rn in g to th e p re v io u s e x a m p le , F l o r b e la ’s s e v e n th
h o u s e h a s th e S u n a s a l m u t e n . s in c e it re c e iv e s 8
p o in ts fo r s im u lta n e o u s ly b e in g e x a lta tio n ,
tr ip lic ity , a n d fa c e r u le r o f 14° A rie s 2 0 '. M a rs ,
r u l e r o f th e h o u s e (a n d s ig n ), h a s o n ly 5 p o in ts.
H e re , th e S u n p a rtic ip a te s a s c o -r u le r o f th e h o u se ,
w h ic h n o t o n ly c o n tr ib u te s to th e fie ry n a tu re o f
F lo r b e la E s p a n c a ’s re la tio n s h ip s (S u n in S a g itta r­
iu s ) b u t to a n in te re s t in im p o rta n t p a rtn e rs o r th o s e
w ith s o m e so c ia l s ta tu s (th e S u n ).

I n te r c e p te d S ig n s

I t is c o m m o n to fin d tw o s ig n s in a h o u s e : o n e o n
th e c u s p a n d o n e th a t b e g in s fa r th e r in to th e
h o u s e . S o m e tim e s it h a p p e n s th a t a h o u s e b e g in s
in o n e s ig n , e x te n d s i t s e l f in to th e n e x t, a n d o n ly
e n d s in th e th ird s ig n o v e r. In s u c h a c a s e , th e s ig n
in th e m id d le h a s its 3 0 d e g re e s c o m p le te ly c o n ­
ta in e d w ith in th e h o u s e . T h is p h e n o m e n o n is
c a lle d i n t e r c e p t i o n , w h e r e b y th e s ig n c o n ta in e d w ith in th e h o u s e is th e i n t e r c e p t e d s i g n . 1 8 91

I n th e c a s e o f N ie tz s c h e , S a g itta r iu s is in te r c e p te d in th e firs t h o u s e ( w h ic h s ta rts a t 2 9 ° S c o r p io a n d e n d s a t

5 ° C a p r ic o r n . F o r th is r e a s o n , J u p ite r , r u l e r o f S a g itta r iu s , b e c o m e s c o - r u le r o f th e fir s t h o u s e , a n d c o m b i n e s
w ith M a r s ( r u le r o f S c o r p io ) , w h ic h is th e p r i m a r y ru le r. N o te th a t S c o rp io , in s p ite o f o n ly o c c u p y in g o n e
d e g r e e o f th e fir s t h o u s e , is m o r e im p o r ta n t th a n S a g itta r iu s b e c a u s e it is n o t th e n u m b e r o f d e g r e e s th a t
c o u n ts , b u t th e s ig n o n th e c u s p . O n th e o th e r h a n d , C a p r ic o r n d o e s n o t h a v e a n y s ig n if ic a tio n in th e m a t te r s
o f th e f ir s t h o u s e , b u t is n o n e th e l e s s th e d e te r m in in g s ig n o f th e s e c o n d h o u s e . I t is im p o r ta n t to k e e p in m i n d
th a t c o - r u le r s h ip o n ly o c c u r s w h e n a s ig n is in te r c e p te d in a h o u s e ; in o th e r c a s e s , th e q u a litie s o f th e s e c o n d
s i g n a r e tr a n s f e r r e d to th e n e x t h o u s e .

A lo o k a t th e c h a r t m a k e s it o b v io u s th a t th e in te r c e p tio n a lw a y s a ff e c ts tw o o p p o s ite s ig n s a n d h o u s e s . I n th e
c u r r e n t e x a m p le , i f S a g it ta r iu s is in t e r c e p t e d in th e firs t, G e m in i— th e o p p o s ite s ig n — is in t e r c e p t e d in th e
s e v e n t h h o u s e , o p p o s i te th e firs t.

18
In e x tre m e c a se s w h e re th e latitu d e o f th e p la c e is v ery e lev a ted (v ery fa r n o rth o r very far so u th o f th e g lo b e) la rg e r
d isto rtio n s can o ccu r; a h o u se can c o n ta in tw o o r ev en th ree in tercep ted signs.
19
N o te th a t th e w o rd “a c c id e n ta l” is n o t u se d h e re w ith th e n e g a tiv e a ttrib u tio n s fo u n d in co m m o n language. In an a stro ­
lo g ic a l co n tex t, th is te rm m e a n s “b y ch a n c e ” o r “ a p a rtic u la r in sta n c e .” In th is co n tex t, it is used to d esig n ate a c o n d itio n
th a t c h a n g e s fro m c h a rt to c h art, su ch as th e lo catio n o f a p la n e t in a p a rtic u la r house.
 The Hou$csl99

2V
04» 56‘
0»

F r i e d r i c h N ie tz s c h e
15 O ctober 1844 o ro ru n
& ________
:
10h00m LMT
^i Q o ro r Rocken, Germany
Day: d
H our Ç
D **0

461
oo°

C h a r t 3 . N a tiv ity o f F r ie d r ic h N ie tz s c h e

H o u s e -P la n e t I n te r a c tio n

The houses are crucial in what is called a c c i d e n t a l r u l e r s h i p 1 9 , that is, the particular function of the planet in
a given horoscope. This determination can occur in two ways:

By Placement'. By being placed in a particular house, a planet has the area of life represented by the house as
its main focus of expression. The planet will then characterize the activity of that house, determining its na­
ture (and qualities), behaviors, people, events, etc.

By Rulership'. By ruling one or more houses, a planet becomes designated as the significator of the matters of
the house it rules, independently of the position it occupies in the astrological chart.

In the chart of Florbela Espanca, Mercury is located in the second house, so it is considered to act within the
area of resources (determination by placement). On the other hand, Mercury also rules the ninth house,
which makes this planet a specific significator of study, religion, and travel (determination by rulership).

This accidental determination is the master-key to delineation and astrological interpretation, since it will
define with greater precision the significations of the planets. Thus, the natural (or universal) signification of
the planet will be associated with its specific function in the horoscope. In the current example, we can say
that Florbela Espanca’s resources are related to activities of the nature of Mercury (writing, communication,
language, etc.) and are also associated with matters of the ninth house, ruled by Mercury (study, etc,). This
interpretation will be combined with the one given earlier, wherein the resources of the poet were related to
her partners/marriages (M ars, ruler of the second, in the seventh). In an astrological interpretation, both
pieces of information combine to describe the activity represented in the chart concerning her resources.
 lOO/On the Heavenly Sjiheres

P l a n e t s in H o u s e s
B e fo re b e g in n in g th e in te rp re tatio n , w e need to d e te r­
m in e in w h ic h h o u se th e p la n e t is lo cated . T ec h n ica lly
sp e a k in g , th e p la n e t is lo c ate d in a p a rtic u la r h o u se
w h e n it fin d s its e lf b e tw e e n th e cu sp o f th at h o u se and
th e c u s p o f th e n ex t on e. H o w ev er, th e g rea t m a jo rity
o f a u th o rs c o n s id e r th at th e h o u se ex te n d s its in flu en ce
u p to 5° b e fo re th e cu sp . T h u s, i f a p la n e t is w ith in less
th a n 5° o f th e n e x t h o u se c u sp , it is c o n sid e re d to be a c ­
tiv e in th a t n ex t h o u se. T h is is k n o w n as th e 5° ru le .

W e m ig h t c o m p a re a pla n e t in th is situ a tio n w ith a p e r­

so n th a t is o n his o r h e r d o o rste p b u t n o t y et hom e. In
su c h a ca se , th e p erso n can h a v e so m e say in th e affairs
o f th e h o u se ev en th o u g h h e o r sh e is still on th e o u t­ F ig u r e 1 7 . F iv e - d e g r e e R u le
sid e. T h is c o n d itio n is m o re n o tic e a b le w h en th e p la n et
is in th e sa m e sig n as th at o n th e cusp.

N o te : T h e 5° ru le o n ly ap p lie s to th e h o u se s, n o t to th e signs. A p la n e t is c o n s id e re d to b e in a sig n fro m

0°00 '0 0 " to 29°59 '5 9 " o f th a t sig n . In th e c a se o f th e sig n s, th e re is no su c h m a rg in o f erro r. S ig n s a n d h o u s e s
a re d iffe re n t p o in ts o f refe re n c e an d h a v e d istin c t rules.

T h e p la c e m e n t o f a p la n e t in a h o u se g iv e s tw o d istin ct p ie ce s o f in fo rm atio n : on th e o n e h an d , it te lls u s in

w h ic h a re a o f life th e p la n e t acts, an d o n th e o th e r h an d , it in d ic ates th e p la n e t’s in te n sity w ith in th e g e n e ra l
c o n te x t o f th a t h o ro sco p e . In effec t, its p la c e m e n t b y h o u se is th e k e y to th e p la n e t’s lev el o f e x p re ssio n ,
w h e th e r in te n sify in g o r d im in ish in g it. T h is m e an s th e re are tw o situ atio n s to co n sid er: a n g u la rity a n d th e
jo y s.

D e g r e e s o f A n g u la r ity
T h e d e g re e o f a p la n e t’s a n g u la rity is w ith o u t a d o u b t th e m o st d e te rm in in g fa c to r w ith re g a rd to its p o w e r o f
e x p re ssio n . A p la n e t c a n h a v e th re e le v els o f a n g u larity : a n g u l a r , w h e n p la c e d in th e first, te n th , se v e n th ,
an d fo u rth h o u se s; s u c c è d e n t, in th e ele v e n th , eig h th , fifth a n d se co n d h o u se s; c a d e n t , in th e tw e lfth , n in th ,
six th , an d th ird .

A p la n e t w ith a n a n g u la r p la c e m e n t b e c o m e s h ig h ly d istin g u ish e d in th e c h a rt’s o v e ra ll co n te x t, o fte n o v e r ­

rid in g a ll o th e r fac to rs. In v e rse ly , a c a d e n t p la n e t is c o n s id e re d v e ry w ea k , m a k in g little im p re ssio n o n th e
c h a r t’s o v e ra ll c o n te x t. T h e p la n e ts in s u c c è d e n t h o u se s o b v io u sly h a v e an in te n sity th a t lie s b e tw e e n b o th
th e se e x tre m e s . T h e re a re th re e a n g u la r p la n e ts in F lo rb e la E s p a n c a ’s ch art: S a tu rn in th e first, a n d a c o n ­
ju n c tio n o f th e M o o n a n d M a rs in th e se v e n th . In th e life o f th is p o et, th e c o n tra st b e tw e e n a d e p re s s iv e a n d
in tro v e rte d v e in (S a tu rn in S c o rp io in th e firs t h o u se ) a n d a fiery an d a g ita te d o n e (M o o n a n d M a rs in A rie s
in th e s e v e n th ) a re n o te w o rth y . T h e s e fa c to rs a re a p p a re n t in th e b e h a v io r an d life o f F lo rb e la E sp a n c a . T h e
o th e r p la n e ts , a lth o u g h e q u a lly im p o rta n t, a re e x p re s s e d in a less o b v io u s m a n n er.

The Jo ys
T h e re is a n o th e r ty p e o f p la c e m e n t th a t g iv e s a p la n e t a sp e c ia l sig n ific a n c e : th e jo y . A p la n e t is sa id to b e in
its j o y w h e n it is p la c e d in a h o u s e w h o s e s ig n ific a tio n h a s a g re a te r a ffin ity w ith its n atu re . W h e n lo c a te d in
th is h o u s e , th e p la n e t a c q u ire s p o w e r o f ex p re ssio n . E a c h p la n e t h as its j o y in a sin g le h o u se , th is b e in g
k n o w n a s th e “ re s id e n c e ” o r “ te m p le ” o f th e p la n e t:
 T fic H ouscs/lO l

M ercury, significator o f the m ind, has its jo y

in the first house, o f the p e r s o n a o f the in d iv id ­
ual.

T he M o o n , the fastest and m ost m utable

planet, has its jo y in the third house, since this
is the house o f m ovem ent, o f short trips, and o f
com m unication.

V e n u s, planet o f love and pleasure, expresses

its jo y in the fifth house o f love, gam es, and ro ­
m ance.

M a r s , p lan et o f w ar and o f force, has its jo y in

the six th house o f illnesses and servitude.

T he Sun, lord o f the heavens, source o f light

F ig u r e 1 8 . J o y s o f th e P la n e t s
and life, has its jo y in the ninth house, o f faith,
religion, and foresight.

the g reater benefic, has its jo y in the

J u p ite r ,
eleventh house o f allies, friends, and hopes.

N ote: D o not confuse the jo y s by house w ith

those by sign m entioned in C h ap ter VI. The
jo y s by sign refer to a p articu lar state o f es­
sential dignity o f the planet, w hile the jo y s
by house are related to an affinity betw een
the natu re o f the p lan et and the sig n ifica­
tions o f the house w here it has its jo y .

carrier o f lim itations and g reater m a­

S a tu r n ,
lefic, has its jo y in the tw elfth house o f trib u la ­
tions, restrictions, and im prisonm ents.

T hus, in traditional astrology, the fifth house,

for exam ple, m ay be referred to as the tem ple
F ig u r e 1 9 . J o y s a n d S e c t
o f V enus o r the jo y o f V enus.

T he system o f jo y s also reflects the natural sym m etry o f the planets. T hus, the no cturnal p lan ets (M o o n , V e ­
nus and M ars) have th eir jo y s in houses below the horizon (third, fifth and sixth), w hile the d iu rn al o n es (the
Sun, Jupiter, and S aturn) have th em above the horizon (ninth, eleventh, tw elfth). T his sy stem also e m p h a ­
sizes the planets o f the sam e nature, w hich are positio ned in houses opposite each other. T hus, th e S u n -M o o n
p air (lu m inaries) are p laced in the n inth and third houses, respectively; the Ju p iter-V en u s p a ir (b en efics) on
the eleventh-fifth axis, reinforce the fortunate nature o f these houses; the p a ir S atu m -M ars (m alefics) o n the
tw elfth-sixth axis, u n d erlie the less pleasant aspect o f these houses.

N o te also th at the jo y p lacem en ts favor the houses considered to be less pow erful. T here are jo y s in th e fo u r
cadent h ouses (M oon in the th ird, M ars in the sixth, Sun in the ninth, an d S aturn in the tw elfth ) a n d in tw o o f
the su ccèd en t houses (V enus in the fifth and Ju piter in the eleventh). O f the an g u lar h o u ses, w h o b y th em -
I02l0n tfic Hcavcnfy Spheres

T h e S o r r o w o f th e P la n e ts selves are considered the m ost pow erful, only

the first is the jo y o f a planet (M ercury).
Som e traditional authors state that the house opposite
that o f the jo y o f a planet is the house o f its sorrow. In I n te g r a tio n o f E s s e n t i a l D ig n ity , A n g u l a r i t y
this place the p lanet w ould be in a m ore incapacitated and Joy
position. A lthough it seem s to have a logical basis (since It is im portant to m ention that the highlight
it repeats the rulership-cxilc and exaltation-fall pairs o f given to a planet in an gular co nditio n o r jo y
the rulcrship system o f dignities), this concept is not does not m odify its essential conditio n (d ig ­
v ery functional in practical terms. For exam ple, Jupiter, nity or debility). These conditions can co m ­
p lan et o f fertility and abundance, w ould have its sorrow bine and reinforce each other, but they never
in the fifth house (opposite the eleventh o f its joy). H ow ­ negate each other. Thus, even if d ebilitated by
ever, in p ractical term s, the placem ent o f the planet o f zodiacal position (fall o r detrim ent, etc.), a
fertility in the house o f children is very favorable. Sim i­ planet m ay still be highlighted in the chart by
larly, the positio n o f V enus in the eleventh house (w here virtue o f its angularity o r jo y . In versely, a
it w ould be in its sorrow ) is traditionally interpreted as planet in excellent zodiacal condition (ru ler­
m arriage fo r love, representing, therefore, a very happy ship or exaltation) can see its strength d im in ­
situation. ished by being in a cadent house.
T his is an exam ple o f how pure logical deduction does
not alw ays apply in the astrological system . N ote also L e t’s look first at the interaction b etw een jo y
that the oldest authors do not m ention the sorrow s o f the and the essential condition o f the planet. In the
planets, w hich suggests that it m ay have been a later d e­ chart o f K arl M arx, for exam ple, w e find tw o
velopm ent (probably from the late M iddle Ages). planets in their jo y : the M oon in the th ird and

C h a r t 4 . N a tiv ity o f K a r l M a r x
 Tftc Houses/ 103

Jupiter in the eleventh. But they have very different zodiacal conditions because the M oon is ex alted in
Taurus and Jupiter is in fall in Capricorn. The M oon in its jo y and exaltation is o b viously a p ow erful p lan et
in this horoscope. It represents a great capacity to m aterialize (T aurus) its ideas (notably through jo u rn a lism
and books, natural topics o f the third house). Ju p iter’s situation is different; on the one hand, it is stre n g th ­
ened by being in its jo y , on another, it is w eakened by b eing in fall. T hese tw o factors, ap p aren tly co n tra d ic­
tory, com bine to contribute to their interpretation. T he placem ent o f Jupiter by jo y suggests th at the in d iv id ­
ual has allies (eleventh house) with great pow er; how ever, since the planet is d ebilitated, w e can ded u ce th at
these allies, w hile pow erful, are inconstant and p ro m ­
In A ppendix 4, A dditional C onsiderations about ise m ore than they can deliver.
the H ouses, is inform ation concerning the 12
houses. T opics such as the origins o f the houses, A sim ilar situation can occur w ith deb ilitated b u t a n ­
the house system s and their problem s, and other gular planets, although an angular p lan et alw ays has
inform ation can be found there. an ap parent expression. I f its essential natu re is d e b il­
itated, it tends to express its m ore challenging side. In
the ch art o f K ing Sebastian, for exam ple, the Sun is angular (conjunct the A scendant) b u t debilitated (in fall
and peregrin e in A quarius). The angularity o f the Sun gives this king authority and natural brilliance, b u t
these qualities tend to becom e im posing and inappropriate, o r even arrogant, due to the debilitated condition
o f the Sun (this condition is even m ore em phasized by the conjunction o f the Sun w ith choleric M ars). W ith
respect to dignified but cadent planets, the reverse situation occurs; the expression o f the planet, w hile d is­
creet, is stable, balanced, and o f good quality.
104/ On the Hcaveiify tyftercs
 C h a p te r V I I I

Aspects
T he term “aspect” is o f Latin origin ( a d s p e c tu ) and m eans to observe, see, lo ok at. F rom an astrolo gical con­
text, tw o planets are considered to be in aspect w hen they “ look at” one another, thereby establishing a rela­
tionship betw een them . T he aspects betw een planets indicate the types o f dynam ic relationship s form ed b e ­
tw een them and describe the actions o f the planets in the horoscope.

T h e F iv e A s p e c ts

T he aspects derive from the geom etry o f the actual zodiac and from the nature o f the signs. P lanets p osited in
the sam e signs are subject to the sam e qualities; for this reason, w e conclude that th eir actions com bine. In
this case, its is said that the planets are in c o n j u n c t i o n . Planets in signs opposite each o ther act co n trary to
one another, p rovoking conflict and division.
T hey are said to be in o p p o s i t i o n . W hen tw o
planets are situated in signs o f the sam e ele­
m ent, they are un d er the influence o f the sam e
p rim ary qualities and th eir actions com bine
w ith ease and grace. T hey are said to b e in t r i n e .
S im ilarly, planets in signs w ith different ele­
m ents but o f the sam e g ender share the sam e
tem perature: hot, in the case o f the m asculine
signs, and cold in the case o f the fem inine signs;
th ey are said to be in s e x t i l e . T heir relationship
is not as flow ing as w ith the trine, but the rela­
tionship is ag reeable. P lanets situated in signs
w hose tem peratures are incom patible b u t w ho
share the sam e m ode are said to b e in s q u a r e .
T his asp ect depicts a difficult relationship, in ­
clining to w ard friction.

In astro lo g ical practice, an asp ect is m ore nar­

row ly defined. Instead o f co n sid erin g the signs F ig u r e 1. A s p e c t G e o m e tr y
 1 0 6 /O h tfic Hcavcnfy Sjtftercs

to determ in e the aspectual relationship, only the

angle that the signs form in the zodiac is consid­
ered. Signs in opposition arc at an angle o f 180°;
in trine, at an angle o f 120°; in square, at an an­
gle o f 90°; and in sextile, at 60°. T herefore, the
relationship betw een signs is converted into a
geom etrical relationship. The planets arc thus
considered to be in opposition w hen there is an
angle o f 180° b etw een them , in trine w hen there
is 120°, etc. In this m anner, the aspect is defined
in practice as an angular relationship betw een
tw o planets rooted in the geom etrical structure
o f the zodiac.

N o te that the angles represented by the aspects

are geocentric, m eaning they are m easured from
the center o f Earth. They represent the angular
relationship betw een tw o planets from the p er­
spective o f a terrestrial observer. F ig u r e 2 . A s p e c t s a s A n g u la r R e la t io n s h ip s
B e t w e e n T w o P la n e t s
In c o n ju n c ts

F o u r signs are left out o f this system : the two

im m ediately adjacent to the starting place (at
30° distance) and the tw o that flank the sign o p ­
posing (at 150°), both o f w hich are not a part o f
the traditional system o f aspects. T hese signs
share nothing w ith the starting sign— neither
tem perature, n o r m ode— and thus cannot estab­
lish a relationship w ith it. T raditionally it is said
that these signs cannot “see” each other, m ean­
ing they cannot aspect each other. Som e authors
state th at the an g u lar relationships o f 30° are
very w eak and that th ose o f 150° do not result
from a w hole d ivision o f the circle and therefore
should not be considered. T hese an g u lar rela­
tionships o f 30° and 150° are know n as an
inconjunct.

L ig h t a s a B a s is fo r A s p e c ts

A t the ro o t o f the co n cep t th at planets in aspect

can “see” o r “o b se rv e ” one an o th er is the light
cast b y the planets. T h e astro lo g ical tradition holds th at the aspects o f 180°, 120°, 90°, and 60° are fo rm ed b e ­
cau se the p lan ets in v o lv ed to u ch each o th er w ith th eir light. In the case o f the conjunction, the p lan ets m eet
e ach o th e r “p h y sic ally ,” m ix in g th e ir lig h t to geth er, w hereas the rem aining aspects form by rad iatin g th eir
light. In the case o f the oppo sitio n , trine, square, and sextile, the planet radiates its light, w hich to u ch es a n ­
o th e r plan et, allo w in g th em to see each o th e r an d fo rm the aspect.

T h is co n cep t is b a se d u p o n the p rin cip les o f ancient G reek optics. A ncient scholars believ ed th at v isio n w as
p o ssib le b ecau se th e eyes em itte d rays; w hen they to uched an object, these rays allow ed fo r th eir v isu a liz a ­
tion. W e k n o w to d ay th a t w h a t actu ally occurs is the ex act opposite: it is the eyes that capture th e lig h t from
 Asyects/lO T

objects and can therefore see them . N o n e th e ­

less, the basic principle is the sam e, u n d e rsc o r­
ing the im portance o f light in traditional a stro l­
ogy-

From this perspective, the conjunction sh o u ld

not be co nsid ered an aspect since it c o n sists o f
the bodily interaction betw een planets an d n o t
their m utual visualization. In truth, o n e m u st
distinguish betw een a bodily co n junction and
the aspects so defined. To sim plify things in this
book, w e ’ll refer to the conjunction as an aspect,
despite the distinction.

O rb s
In horoscopes w e rarely fm d exact aspects. E ach
planet has a field o f influence from w hich it can
interact (fo rm an aspect) w ith other planets.
F ig u r e 4 - T h e I n c o n ju n c tio n . In m o d e m a s tr o lo g y , th e s e T his field, know n as an orb m ay be en visioned
r e la t io n s h ip s a r e c a lle d s e m i- s e x t ile (3 0 ° ) a n d q u in c u n x as an “aura” radiating around the planet. The
( 1 5 0 ° ) . T h e y a r e m in o r a s p e c t s ( s e e A p p e n d ix 5 .) cen ter o f this sphere or orb, is the actual degree
w here the p lan et is located— its body. T he orbs
are expressed as a radius, w hich m eans that the
influence o f the p la n e t’s orb w ill extend in front
o f and b ehind the p lan et a certain n u m b er o f d e­
grees. T he orb o f each p lan et varies according to
its astrological “w eig h t.” T he values are show n
in Figure 6:

T he orbs are generally m easured in term s o f ra­

dii. Som e authors give orbs th at are slightly d if­
ferent from th ese (for instance, 17° o f radius for
the Sun, and 8° fo r V enus), b u t the m ajo rity use
the orbs given h e re . 20

F o r exam ple, the orb for the M oon has a diam eter o f 24°, 12° extending b ehind and 12° to the front o f the z o ­
diacal p o sitio n o f the planet. I f the M oon is located at 17° o f C apricorn, its orb extends from 5° to 29° o f the
sign. W ithin this range, the M oon m ay form conjunctions.

F o r the oth er aspects, the orb o f the M oon radiates, as if it projected b eam s o f its light into areas o f the zo d iac
w here it can fo rm aspects. In this w ay, the M oon aspects by oppo sitio n any th in g situated b e tw ee n 5° a n d 29°
o f C an cer (the sign o pposite C apricorn); it form s a square to any p lan et located at the sam e d eg rees o f A ries
and L ib ra (the signs located 90° from C apricorn); it form s a trine to any p lan et in the sam e d eg rees o f T a u ru s
and V irgo (signs o f the sam e elem ent at 120° from C apricorn); and lastly it form s a sextile w ith an y p la n e t o r
p o in t situated at the sam e degrees o f P isces and Scorpio (signs at 60° o f C apricorn).

T h erefo re, an asp ect is form ed w hen the orb o f the planet w ith the larg er au ra touches the b o d y , (th e z o d ia ca l
degree) w h ere the o th er p lan et is p hysically located. In the previous exam ple, the M o o n w as at 17° C a p ric o rn
and M ars at 10° V irgo. W e find here that the orb o f the M oon, w hich ex ten d s from 5° to 29° o f th e sig n,
to uches by trine the p o sitio n o f M ars. Sim ilarly, the orb o f M ars, w hich extends from 2° to 18° V irg o
 108/0fi t(ic Hcavcnfy Sjrficrcs

F ig u r e 6 . O r b s o f th e P la n e ts

( r a d iu s a n d d ia m e te r )
P la n e t O r b R a d iu s ( d ia m e te r )
S atu rn 9° (18°)
Ju p ite r 9° (18°)
M a rs 8° (16°)
Sun 15° (30°)
V enus 7° (14°)
M e rc u ry 7° (14°)
M oon 12° (24°)

to u c h e s, th ro u g h its ray s, th e d eg re e o f th e
M o o n . It is sa id th e n th at th e a sp ec t b etw e en th e
p la n e ts is m u tu a l.

P a r tile a n d P la tic A s p e c ts

N e v e rth e le ss, th is M o o n -M a rs a sp ec t w o u ld n o t
b e ex act. F o r th at to o ccu r, b o th p lan ets w o u ld
h av e to o cc u p y th e sam e d eg re e in th e ir resp e c­
tiv e signs: fo r in stan ce, 10° V irg o (M ars) an d 10°
C a p rico rn (M o o n ). W e can th u s d istin g u ish b e ­
tw e e n tw o ty p es o f aspects: p a r t i l e an d p l a t i c as­
p ects. A p artile asp ec t o ccu rs w h en th e p lan ets
are lo cated in th e sam e d eg re e an d th e asp ect b e ­
tw ee n th e m is ex act. W h e n th e asp ect is o u tsid e
o f th at d eg re e b u t still w ith in th e n ec essary orb, it
is said to b e a p latic asp ect. T h e c lo se r to ex a ct is
th e asp ect, th e m o re in ten se are its effects.

D u e to th e d iffe re n c e s in o rb s fo r th e p la n e ts , o f­
ten th e a s p e c ts a re n o t m u tu a l. T h e o rb o f p la n e t
A m a y to u c h th e b o d y o f p la n e t B , b u t th e o rb o f
p la n e t B m a y n o t to u c h th e b o d y o f p la n e t A . In
su c h a ca se , w e h a v e a s lig h tly w e a k e r asp ec t.
O n ly w h e n b o th p la n e ts a re w ith in e a c h o th e r’s F ig u r e 8. O r b o f th e M o o n a n d its R a y s
o rb s is th e a s p e c t e s p e c ia lly ac tiv e . F o r ex a m -
p ie , c o n s id e r th e S u n a t 2° G e m in i a n d S a tu rn at 13° o f th e sa m e sig n . T h e o rb o f th e Sun (w ith 15° o f ra n g e )
e x te n d s to 17° G e m in i an d to u c h e s th e b o d y o f S atu rn a t 13°. H o w e v e r, th e o rb o f S atu rn o n ly re a c h e s as far
a s 4° G e m in i, a n d th u s d o e s n o t to u c h th e b o d y o f th e Sim . W e th e n sa y th a t S atu rn is w ith in th e o rb o f th e
S u n , b u t th e S u n is n o t w ith in th e o rb o f S atu rn . T h e re is a c o n ju n c tio n b e tw e e n th e p la n e ts, b u t th e a s p e c t is
o n e -s id e d a n d d o e s n ’t e x p re ss its e lf c o m p le te ly . T h e s a m e lo g ic a p p lies to o p p o sitio n s, trin e s, sq u a re s an d
s e x tile s.

20
T h e se v a lu e s c o m e fro m th e S u n ’s rela tio n sh ip w ith th e p lan ets. F o r instance, 15° is ap p ro x im ately th e d eg ree ran g e o f
lu m in o sity o f th e S u n a n d 12° is th e d ista n c e th a t th e M oon n e e d s to h av e from th e Sun b efo re it is ag ain b eco m e s v isi­
b le . T h e v a lu e s fo r th e p la n e ts p ro b a b ly re su lt from ad ju stm en ts m a d e in acco rd an ce w ith th e p la n e ts’ relatio n sh ip s w ith
th e lig h ts a n d th e ir in d iv id u a l im p o rtan ce. T h u s, th e slo w er, su p e rio r p lan ets S atu rn an d Ju p iter, h av e a slig h tly larg er
o rb th a n th e fa s te r p la n e ts, V e n u s an d M ercu ry , w h ic h h a v e sm a lle r orbs.
 Asyccts/109

O u t- o f- S ig n A s p e c ts

D ue to the range created by the orb o f th e p lan et,

an aspect betw een signs w ith o u t a ffin ity o r c o m ­
patibility m ay occur. T his h appens w hen the
planets are located at the end o f o n e sign and
th eir orb reaches into the next sign, o r w h en they
are located at the beginning o f one sign and the
orb reaches b ack into the previous sign. T his is
called an out-of-sign aspect. T hese are som e e x ­
am ples (see Figure 11):

• P lanet A is at 28° Leo and p lan et B is at 2°

V irgo, form ing a very tight conjunction
(only 4° apart), but the aspect betw een tw o
adjacent signs that do not see each other.
• Planet C at 1° T aurus form s a sextile to
planet D at 29° A quarius; it is a tight aspect
(2° apart), but b etw een signs th at are
natu rally square one another.
• P lanet E at 27° V irgo form s a sq uare to
planet F at 2° Capricorn, and despite being a
tight square (5° apart), the signs involved
are norm ally in a trine relationship to each
other.

T he term partile can sim ply be substituted by

the expression “exact” and platic by “ w ithin
the orb.”
• Planet G is at 27° C ancer, in o pposition to
p lanet H, at 1° A quarius in a tig h t
opposition (4° apart) that ties to g e th er sig ns
that norm ally do not aspect each other.

T he aspects can also form aspects to o th er c o m ­

ponents o f the chart, such as the A sc en d an t, th e
F ig u r e 1 0 . U n ila te r a l A s p e c t: a S u n -S a tu r n C o n ju n c tio n
M idheaven, A rabic Parts, etc. S ince th ese fac­
tors are m ath em atical points and not celestial bodies, they do not have any orb. In these cases, w e sim p ly u se
the orb o f the planet to calculate the aspect.

T he co n ju n ctio n and opposition are less affected by out-of-sig n aspects since their effects d eriv e m a in ly
from the positio n s o f the planets (corporally together or in opposite placem ents o f the chart) ra th e r th a n fro m
the signs involved.
T he v alid ity o f these aspects is often a source o f debate betw een authors. A pparently, the m o re a n cie n t a u ­
thors only co n sid ered the aspect w hen it occurred in the appropriate sign, w hile later authors c o n sid er th e a s­
p ect v alid as long as it w as w ithin orb. T here are recorded cases o f aspects by degree in the an cien t G re e k a u ­
thors.
The p ro b lem is so m ew h at academ ic. P ractical experience has dem onstrated that o u t-o f-sig n a sp ec ts re p re ­
sent c ircu m stan ces that, w ith o u t im peding the action o f the aspect, can nevertheless d isrupt its n o rm a l fu n c ­
tioning. T h u s, ou t-o f-sig n trines and sextiles display som e instability, w hile the sq uares a p p e a r to b e m o re
fluid, ch aracteristics that are not typical o f these aspects. In any case, there is no existing d o c trin e w ith re g a rd
 110/On the Heawitfy Sj)fieres

to out-of-sign aspects; their interpretation de­

pends on th eir particular context.

V a r i a t i o n s in t h e D e f in it io n s o f a n A s p e c t

S om e R enaissance authors (15th and 16th cen­

turies) use a slightly different rule for the defini­
tion o f aspects. A lthough they also use the con­
cept o f orb, they contend that the orb is form ed
w hen one p la n e t’s half-orb touches the other
p la n e t’s half-orb. There is thus a division o f the
orbs into halves, w hose technical term is m o i e t y
(from the French m o it ié m eaning “h a lf ’). For
ex am p le (sec Figure 12), consider the M oon at
14° G em ini and M ercury at 22° o f the sam e sign.
To sec i f th ere is an aspect, w e take the m o ie ty o f
the M o o n ’s orb, or 6° (h a lf o f 12), and the m o i ­
e t y o f M ercu ry ’s 3°30’ (h a lf o f 7°); the result is
9 °3 0 ' (6°+ 3° 3 0 ’). This is the range w ithin
w h ich the planets m ay touch each other in the F ig u r e 1 1 . O u t - o f - s ig n A s p e c t s
fo rm ation o f an aspect. Since in this instance the
d istan ce betw een both planets is 8° (a value sm aller than the range) there exists an aspect since the m o i e t i e s
o f the planets slightly overlap.

W e can say that the M oon and M ercury are conjunct. This is a m ore m athem atical perspective on the concept
b ecause it takes the “average” o f the degrees o f orb o f each o f the planets involved. T he earlier m eth o d is
m ore “ph y sical.” W e therefore have tw o system s:

• T he o r b - b o d y s y s t e m , w hich w e use in this book, considers the aspect to occur w hen the ray from
planet A touches the body o f p lanet B.
• T he s y s t e m o f m o i e t i e s , w hich considers the aspect to occur w hen h a lf o f planet A ’s orb touches
the h a lf o f planet B ’s orb.

C urrently, the last system is m ore p o pular am ong students and practitioners o f traditional astrology. T his
happens n o t because this system is m ore logical o r practical than the other, but because it is m ore
w ell-know n. Its popularity is credited prim arily to W illiam Lilly (the m ost w ell-know n traditional a u th o r in
the E nglish language) w ho u ses it in his sig nificant w ork C h r is tia n A s tr o lo g y .

W e u se the orb-body system , w hich is the ty p i­

cal sy stem in the m ajority o f traditio nal texts.
B esid es th at, it is a system th at rests on the p rin ­
cip les o f an cien t o ptical theory: an o bject is only
v isib le w h en the rays that it em its to uch the
“b o d y ” (th e eyes) o f the observer. In this sense,
th e o rb -b o d y system is m ore reasonable because
it arg u e s th a t the asp ect occurs w hen the light
fro m a p la n e t touches the b o d y o f another. In the
m o i e t y sy stem , it is the light from both planets
th a t to u ch o n e another, w h ich seem s in consis­
te n t w ith classical o ptical theory. In any event,
th e p ra c tic a l d ifferen ce b etw een both system s is F ig u r e 1 2 . Moieties
 A sjiects/1 1 1

negligible. T he orb-body system tends to be a

bit m ore generous, allow in g fo r slig h tly w id e r
aspects.

A s p e c ts in M o t io n : A p p l i c a t i o n s a n d
S e p a r a ti o n s
W hen w e look at a chart, w e see a fixed m o m en t
in tim e. The planets are “ frozen” in th eir tra je c ­
tories and for that reason the aspects a p p ea r
static. H ow ever, this is only a practical c o n v e ­
nience because nothing in nature is static. B e­
cause the planets are alw ays in m otion, the a s­
pects constitute dynam ic relationships. T h e d y ­
n a m i s m c h a r a c te r is ti c o f th e a s p e c ts d e r i v e s
f r o m e a c h p l a n e t ’s d is ti n c t s p e e d . A n asp ect is
alw ays form ed by the sw iftest planet because it
is this p lanet that ap proaches or distances itse lf
from the slow er planet. F o r exam ple, co n sid er
Figure 13. Applying and Separating Aspects M ercury at 3° P isces and Jupiter at 9° o f the
sam e sign. M ercury, being the faster planet,
form s the aspect to Jupiter, w hich in this case is a conjunction. Because M ercury is at 3° Pisces and Ju p iter at
9°, one can easily conclude that the exact aspect w ill only o ccur w hen M ercury physically jo in s Ju p iter at 9°
Pisces. T he aspect is w ithin the orb, but it is still form ing. This aspect is then referred to as a p p l y i n g . I f M er­
cury w ere at 14° Pisces and Jupiter still at 9° o f the sam e sign, it w ould also be a conjunction, b u t M ercury
w o u ld be separating from the exact aspect. This is thus called a s e p a r a t i n g aspect.

W hen p lan et A , the faster planet, com es into orb o f the aspect w ith planet B, the slo w er planet, the aspect b e ­
gins to form . In this phase, the planet is applying to the aspect w ith planet B. A t a certain point, the p lan ets
reach the exact distance for the aspect to form and the aspect then com pletes itself, o r p e r f e c t s . W e th en h ave
a p artile o r exact aspect. As soon as p lanet A begins to distance itse lf from planet B by m ore than 1°, th e a s­
p ect begin s to break up. In this phase, planet A separates itse lf from the aspect to p lanet B. T he se p aratio n
continues until p lan et A (the faster planet) leaves the orb and the aspect ends.

R ecall th at the relative speeds o f the planets is given to us from the C hald ean order: the M oon, M ercu ry , V e ­
nus, the Sun, M ars, Ju p iter and Saturn. T he M oon is alw ays the fastest celestial body, so it presents no p ro b ­
lem. T he Sun has a relatively constant speed or approxim ately 1° p er day. T he rem aining planets, d e sp ite fo l­
low in g the C haldean order, often exhibit slight irregularities in th eir speeds (this happens w h en th ey c h a n g e
the directio n o f th e ir m otion from direct to retrograde and b ack again). F o r a m ore p recise study it is n e c e s­
sary to consult planetary tables in order to determ ine th eir exact speeds (see planetary speeds in C h a p te r V ).

P articu lar situations o ccu r w hen one o f the tw o planets involved in the aspect is retrograde. F o r in stan ce,
suppose p lan et A is ap proaching the aspect to p lanet B, w hich is retrograde and also ap p ro ach in g th e a sp e c t
to p lan et A. In this case the planets are in m u t u a l a p p l i c a t i o n because they are ap p ro ach in g o n e a n o th er.
S im ilarly , p lan et A m ay be separating from planet B, w hich being retrograde, m ay also b e se p a ra tin g fro m
p lan et A. In this case, there is a m u t u a l s e p a r a t i o n .

A p p licatio n s and separations illustrate the dynam ic nature o f the aspects and are ex trem ely im p o rta n t in d e ­
term in in g the o utcom e o f the actions described in the horoscope. A pplying aspects d escrib e w h a t w ill h a p ­
pen, w h ile sep aratin g aspects describe w hat has happened. T his type o f in terp retatio n is p a rtic u la rly re le v a n t
in h orary astro lo g y and in ev en t charts.
U2jOn tfic HawaiCy Sjrficrcs

A
A p p ro a c h : A m oves towards B,
T h e o rb s do n ot touch the b od ies o f the pla n ets P e rfe c tio n : exact aspect b etw een A and B
so the a s p e c t h as n ot y e t form ed

B e g in n in g o f a p p lic a tio n : A enters the orb o f B Beginning o f separation: A is 1 degree away from B
T he as p e c t form s

A p p lic a tio n : the aspect becom es stronger as

S e p a ra tio n : B exits the orb of A, the aspect w eaken s
the orb of A reaches B

B e g in n in g o f p e rfe c tio n : A Is at less than 1 degree from B

End o f separation: A exits the orb of B; the aspect ends

F ig u r e 1 4 . T h e a s p e c t ’s C y c le : A p p lic a t io n , P e r fe c tio n a n d S e p a r a t io n
 A s j)c c ts lll3

S p e c ific C a s e s : V o id o f C o u r s e a n d F e r a l
W h en a p la n e t fo rm s no a s p e c ts to o th e r p la n e ts ,
it is sa id to b e v o i d , o r v o i d o f c o u r s e . In th e s e
in stan ces, it fo rm s o n ly s e p a ra tin g a s p e c ts .
S in ce a p p ly in g a sp ec ts d e s c rib e fu tu re a c tio n s ,
o r m o tiv a tio n s (in th e c a se o f n a tiv itie s ), a
p la n e t in th is co n d itio n s h as its c a p a c ity fo r a c ­
M u tu a l a p p lic a tio n : tio n d im in ish e d o r im p e d ed . It in d ic a te s a s ta te
A moves towards B, and B being retrograde moves towards A
o f in a ctio n an d la ck o f w ill in th e m a tte rs s ig n i­
fied b y th e p lan et. T h is ty p e o f s itu a tio n is p a r­
tic u la rly im p o rta n t w ith th e M o o n , w h ic h , b e ­
c a u se it is th e fa ste st p la n e t, is th e o n e m o s t fre ­
q u en tly v o id . B e sid e s th a t, th e M o o n is th e
p la n e t th a t d e s c rib e s th e m o st e m in e n t a c tio n s in
a h o ro sco p e . T h is ty p e o f an a ly sis is p a rtic u la rly
re le v a n t in a h o ra ry c h a rt o r m u n d a n e ch a rt, o r
M u tu a l se p a ra tio n : in an e lec tio n . In a n a ta l ch a rt, a lth o u g h th e c o n ­
A departs from B, and B, retrograde moves away from A c e p t is e q u a lly v a lid an d a p p lic a b le , th e in te r­
p re ta tiv e c o n te x t is d iffe re n t a n d its sig n ific a n c e
F ig u re 15. M u tu a l A p p lic a tio n and S eparation
is rela tiv e .

A lth o u g h a p p a re n tly sim p le, th e d efin itio n o f v o id o f co u rse h as led to so m e d isc u ssio n s b e tw e e n m o d e m
a u th o rs. S o m e say th a t a p la n e t is v o id o f co u rse o n ly w h e n it d o e s n ’t fo rm a n y asp e c ts to a n o th e r p la n e t b e ­
fo re it le a v e s th e sig n w h e re it is po sited . T h u s, a p la n e t th a t m a k e s o n ly se p a ra tin g asp e c ts b u t th a t ap p lie s to
an o u t-o f-s ig n asp e c t is co n sid e re d vo id . T h is w o u ld n o t b e tru e in
th e p re v io u s d efin itio n . T h is d iffe re n c e o f o p in io n is d u e to in c o m ­ N o te : a p p lic a tio n s a n d se p a ra tio n s
p le te o r q u e s tio n a b le d e fin itio n s fro m v a rio u s so u rce s b e c a u s e o n ly o c c u r b e tw e e n p la n ets. A s ­
m o st tra d itio n a l a stro lo g e rs d id n o t c o n s id e r o u t-o f-sig n asp ec ts. p e c ts o f p la n e ts to th e A S C , M C ,
T h u s, a p la n e t w o u ld h a v e to en te r in to th e n e x t sig n to fo rm a n a s ­ P art o f F o rtu n e , an d o th e r p o in ts,
p e c t, e v e n w h e n th e o rb w o u ld allo w it to fo rm th e a s p e c t in th e p re ­ fo llo w d iffe ren t rules. S ee p a g e 115.
v io u s sig n .

In o u r o p in io n , th is d isc u ssio n is ac ad e m ic . T h e o b je c tiv e o f th e in te rp re ta tio n is to o b ta in a d e s c rip tio n o f

th e a c tio n o f th e p la n e t. T h e fact th a t a p la n e t d o es n o t m a k e an a p p lic a tio n re v e a ls a la c k o f a c tio n . If, o n th e
o th e r h a n d , th e a s p e c t th a t th e p la n e t ap p lie s to is o n ly p e rfe c te d in th e fo llo w in g sig n (in e ffe c t v o id o f
c o u rse fo r s o m e a u th o rs) w e h a v e an in d ic a tio n th a t so m e c irc u m sta n c e w ill c h a n g e (c h a n g e in sig n ) b e fo re
a n y a c tio n c a n o c c u r (th e p erfe c tio n o f th e a sp ec t). W h a t’s m o s t im p o rta n t in su c h q u e s tio n s is to d e s c rib e
th e c h a rt, ra th e r th a n th e o riz in g a b o u t it. T h is is th e d iffe re n c e b e tw e e n a n u n d e rs ta n d in g o f th e c h a rt b a s e d
u p o n p ra c tic a l e x p e rie n c e an d o n e b a s e d stric tly u p o n th e o re tic a l stu d y .

W h en a p la n e t is to tally d ev o id o f aspects (ap p ly in g or sep aratin g ) it is said to be fe ra l. T h is c o n d itio n is c o n sid ­

ered u n fo rtu n a te b ecau se th e p lan et d o es no t sh are its qualities w ith an y o f th e o th e r elem ents o f th e ch art. S in ce it
has n o d irec t in teractio n w ith o th er planets, its ex p ressio n b eco m es w eak , an d as a co n seq u en ce, th e p la n e t is
h ig h lig h ted in th e chart. T h e effect o f a feral p lan et is ev en m o re ap p aren t i f th e p lan et is alo n e in its sign.

F o r in sta n c e , in th e h o ro s c o p e o f A g a th a C h ristie , M e rc u ry is feral. In th is c a se , m e rc u ria l q u a litie s (c o m m u ­

n ic a tio n , ra tio n a lity , in te lle c t) a re h ig h lig h te d , w h ic h is o b v io u s in th e life o f th is a u th o r o f d e te c tiv e sto rie s.
N o n e th e le s s , th e fe ra l c o n d itio n o f M e rc u ry c re a te s a d isin te g ra tio n b e tw e e n h e r n o ta b le c a re e r a s a w rite r
an d h e r p e rs o n a l life, w h ic h w a s fa r m o re re m o v e d . T h e c o n d itio n is m o re n o te w o rth y g iv e n th e fa c t th a t
M e rc u ry is th e A s c e n d a n t ru ler.
 114/On tfic Hcavciify Sjrficres

T h e d y n a m ism o f th e p la n e ­
ta ry a sp e c ts, w h o se b asis is
th e a p p lic a tio n an d se p aratio n
o f th e p la n e ts, p ro d u c e s even
m o re c o m p le x p a tte rn s w h ich
w ill b e d isc u sse d la ter in this
c h a p te r.

D e x te r a n d S in is te r A sp e c ts
O f th e fiv e trad itio n a l asp ec ts,
th e trin e , sq u a re an d sex tile T h o M o o n Is V o id o f C o u rs o :
It s eparates from tho trines of Jupiter and o f M a rs
a rc c o n s id e re d d o u b le asp ects. and the opposition of Venus.
It doos not apply to any othor planot.
T h e s e a s p e c ts can o c c u r in
tw o d ire c tio n s fro m th e sta rt­
in g p o in t, o n e to th e left an d
o n e to th e rig h t. T h u s, th ere F ig u r e 1 6 . A V o id - o f - C o u r s e P la n e t

a re a c tu a lly tw o ty p es o f
trin e s, sq u a re s an d sex tiles. T h o se th at o c c u r to
th e left o f th e p la n et, in th e d irec tio n o f th e o rd e r
o f th e sig n s, are c a lle d s in i s te r a s p e c ts . T h o se
th a t o c c u r to its rig h t, in th e d irec tio n co n tra ry to
th e o rd e r o f th e sig n s, are c a lle d d e x t e r a s p e c ts .
T h e w o rd sin ister, fro m th e L atin , m e an s “ le ft”
a n d d o es n o t h av e th e n e g a tiv e c o n n o ta tio n s
w h ic h w e c u rre n tly attrib u te to it.

T o d istin g u ish b e tw e e n a d e x te r a n d a sin iste r

a sp ec t, o n e m u st sta rt w ith th e fa ste r p la n et,
w h ic h is re sp o n sib le fo r th e fo rm a tio n o f th e a s ­
p e c t. I f th e asp e c t is fo rm e d in th e d ire c tio n c o n ­
tra ry to th e o rd e r o f th e sig n s, it is a d e x te r a s ­
p ec t. I f it is fo rm e d in th e d ire c tio n o f th e o rd e r
o f th e sig n s, it is a s in iste r asp ec t. S een a n o th e r
w a y , i f o n e lo o k s a t th e fa ste r p la n e t fro m th e
c e n te r o f th e c h a rt, a ll o f th e as p e c ts w h ic h fo rm
to its rig h t a re d e x te r, w h ile a ll th a t fo rm to its C h a r t 2 . N a tiv ity o f A g a th a C h r is tie
le ft a re sin ister. F o r in sta n c e , c o n s id e r V e n u s at
7° C a n c e r, S atu rn a t 10° S co rpio , an d Ju p iter a t 5° A ries. V en u s is w ith in the orb o f th e tw o slo w er p lan ets, p ro ­
je c tin g a trin e to Saturn an d a square to Jupiter. T h e trine to S aturn is sinister becau se it is pro jected alo n g th e o r­
d e r o f the signs (C an c er to L eo to V irgo to L ib ra and, finally, to Scorpio). T he square to Ju p iter is d ex ter b ec au se it
is fo rm e d in th e o rd e r co n trary to th e o rd er o f th e signs (fro m C a n ce r to G em ini to T aurus and, finally, to A ries).

A d e x te r a s p e c t is th o u g h t to b e s tro n g e r th a n a s in iste r a s p e c t b e c a u s e it is fo rm e d in th e d ire c tio n in w h ic h

th e s ig n s r i s e . It is th e re fo re c o n s id e re d m o re s ig n ific a n t in its a c tio n s. O n th e o th e r h an d , th e sin is te r a s p e c t
is m ild e r b e c a u s e it is fo rm e d in th e d ire c tio n c o u n te r to th e risin g o f th e sig n s, b u t a lo n g th e n a tu ra l p a c e o f
th e m o v in g p la n e ts . B e c a u s e it is m ild e r, it a llo w s fo r a g re a te r fre e d o m o f ch o ic e in th e a c tio n s it re p re se n ts.

T h is c o n c e p t is o fte n ig n o re d b e c a u s e it re v e a ls o n ly a v e ry m in o r d iffe re n c e in th e s tre n g th o f th e a s p e c t. A l­

th o u g h it d o e s n ’t a lw a y s a s s u m e a p ro m in e n t ro le in in te rp re ta tio n , it is v ery u se fu l w h e n s tu d y in g a n a s p e c t
in g r e a te r d e ta il.
 A s p e c ts /115

A s p e c ts to N o n -P la n e ta r y P o in ts

P lan e ts ca n also m a k e a sp e c ts to n o n -p la n e ta ry
p o in ts in an a stro lo g ic a l ch art. T h e m o s t im p o r­
ta n t are asp ec ts o f p la n e ts to th e A s c e n d a n t,
M id h e av e n , an d P art o f F o rtu n e . S in c e th e s e
p o in ts do n o t c a st lig h t (th e y h a v e n o p h y s ic a l
fo rm ), th e y c a n n o t h a v e o rb s n o r fo rm a s p e c ts .
T h e p la n ets, h o w ev e r, ca n a s p e c t th e m . In c o n ­
tra st to in te rp la n e ta ry asp ec ts, a s p e c ts b e tw e e n
p la n e ts an d p o in ts a re u n ila te ra l b e c a u s e o n ly
o n e o f th e tw o (th e p la n e t) ac tiv e ly p a rtic ip a te s
in th e asp ec t; th e o th e r is m e re ly a sp e c te d .

T o c a lc u la te th e se a sp e c ts, w e c o n s id e r w h e th e r
th e p o in t in q u e s tio n is w ith in th e lim its o f th e
o rb o f th e p la n e t (in th e ca se o f th e c o n ju n c tio n )
o r w ith in its p ro je c te d ray s (in th e c a se o f th e
trin e , sq u a re , a n d se x tile ). F o r th e fo u r a n g le s o f
F ig u r e 1 7 . D e x te r a n d S in is t e r A s p e c ts
th e c h a rt an d th e P a rt o f F o rtu n e , a p p lic a tio n s
an d s e p a ra tio n s a re n o t c o n s id e re d b e c a u s e th e
m o v e m e n t o f th e se p o in ts th ro u g h th e z o d iac
fo llo w s d iffe re n t p a ra m e te rs fro m th e m o tio n o f
th e p la n e ts.

A s to sin ister an d d ex ter aspects, th e d efin itio n is

the sam e, alth o u g h in this case th e ac tive p o in t is
alw ay s th e plan et, in d ep en d en t o f its speed. F o r
exam ple, in th e F ried rich N ie tz sc h e ’s horoscope,
the A scen d an t (29° S corpio 09 ') receives a sin ister
sextile fro m M ars (27° V irg o 5 6 ') an d a d ex ter
trine fro m Ju p iter (26° P isces 0 2 ').

In th e c a se o f th e fo u r a n g le s, o n ly a s p e c ts to th e
A s c e n d a n t a n d M id h e a v e n are c o n s id e re d . A s ­
p e c ts to th e o th e r tw o a n g le s c a n e a s ily b e d e ­
d u c e d fro m th e s e tw o . In re a lity , w e are a c tu a lly
e x a m in in g tw o a x e s w h ic h u n ite o p p o s ite a n ­
g les: th e A sc e n d a n t/D e s c e n d a n t a n d th e M id -
F ig u r e 1 8 . E x a m p le o f D e x te r a n d S in is te r A s p e c ts
h e a v e n /Im u m C o e li. A n y p la n e t th a t is c o n ju n c t

A s p e c ts a n d S ig n A s c e n s io n

S o m e a u th o rs c la im th a t th e n a tu re o f an a s p e c t ca n b e p a rtia lly m o d ifie d b y th e sig n in w h ic h th e a s p e c t

o c c u rs. T h u s, a s p e c ts th a t fo rm b e tw e e n sig n s o f fast a s c e n sio n (C a p ric o rn to G e m in i) a re “ s h o rte n e d .”
T h e s q u a re a c q u ire s th e p ro p e rtie s o f a se x tile an d th e trin e th o se o f a sq u a re . A sp e c ts th a t fo rm b e tw e e n
sig n s o f lo n g a s c e n sio n (C a n c e r to S ag itta riu s) a re “ s tre tc h e d ” : th e se x tile a c q u ire s th e p ro p e rtie s o f th e
sq u a re a n d th e s q u a re b e c o m e s lik e a trin e. A lth o u g h th is c o n c e p t is a p p lie d b y so m e p ra c titio n e rs w ith
g o o d re su lts, o th e rs c o n te st its v a lid ity b e c a u s e it re su lts fro m c o m b in in g d iffe re n t fra m e s o f re fe re n c e :
th e v e lo c ity o f th e s ig n ’s a s c e n sio n (d u e to th e in c lin a tio n o f th e e c lip tic ), a n d th e a s p e c ts , w h ic h a re
b a s e d u p o n th e sig n s.
 116/Oit the Heavenly Spheres

o n e o f th e se p o in ts is in o p p o sitio n th e o th er; w hen in trin e w ith one, it is sex tile the o th e r (an d v ic e v ersa );
w h en in sq u a re to on e, it is s q u a re th e other. It is th erefo re un n ec essary to no te th e asp ec ts to all o f th e an g le s;
it is en o u g h to k n o w th e asp ec ts to o n e sid e o f the ax is in o rd er to d ed u ce th o se to th e o th er.

A sp e c ts to th e h o u se c u sp s sh o u ld also be av o id ed due to th e u n ce rtain ties as to th e m o st a c c u ra te m e th o d o f

h o u se c a lc u la tio n (see A p p e n d ix 4 , A d d itio n al C o n sid eratio n s A b o u t th e H o u ses). It m a k es no se n se to c o n ­
sid e r a s p e c ts b e tw e e n th e v ario u s a n g les n o r b etw e en tw o n o n p la n cta ry p o in ts; b ec au se th ey d o n o t “ p o sse ss
th e ir o w n lig h t,” th e y c a n n o t asp ec t each other.

R e p r e s e n t in g A s p e c t s in t h e H o r o s c o p e

A s p e c t N o ta tio n

T o fac ilita te re p re se n ta tio n , asp ec ts h av e sp ecific sy m b o ls th at d eriv e fro m th e g e o m e try th a t is a s so c ia te d

w ith ea ch . T h e c o n ju n c tio n is re p rese n ted by a circ le w ith a sin g le line, sig n ify in g reu n io n . T h e o p p o sitio n is
re p re se n te d b y tw o o p p o sin g circ le s u n ite d by a line. T h e trin e an d th e sq u a re are d e p ic te d b y th e ir g e o m e tri­
cal c o rre la te s: a tria n g le an d a sq u a re , resp e ctiv ely . T h e se x tile is rep re se n te d b y a six -p o in te d star, a v a ria ­
tio n o n th e h ex a g o n .

It is e s se n tia l to a p ra c tic a l w o rk in g k n o w le d g e o f a s tro lo g y to b e ab le to rea d an d n o ta te th e asp e c ts. M a n y

stu d e n ts p la c e to o m u c h tru st in a s tro lo g ica l so ftw are a p p lica tio n s, th in k in g th a t th e se w ill re lie v e th e m fro m
te d io u s c a lc u la tio n s. O n e sh o u ld n o te, h o w ev e r, th at to fu n ctio n p ro p erly , an y p ro g ra m m u st b e c o n fig u re d
p ro p e rly . In o rd e r to do th is, te ch n ic al k n o w le d g e o f th e ca lc u la tio n o f asp e c ts is a p re re q u isite . B e sid e s,
e v e n i f th e a p p lic a tio n trac es th em c o rrec tly , th e stu d e n t m u st still k n o w h o w to id e n tify th e m a n d in te rp re t
th e m c o rre c tly . A n a sp e c t m u st a lw a y s b e n o te d , b eg in n in g w ith th e faste st p lan et. T h is o n e is re sp o n sib le
fo r th e fo rm a tio n an d se p a ra tio n o f th e asp ec t; so it sh o u ld b e n o te d first. T h e n o ta tio n is m a d e u sin g th e s y m ­
b o ls o f th e p la n e ts an d asp e c ts as sh o w n b elo w :

A spect D eg rees S y m b o ls
O p p o sitio n 180°
T rin e 120° A
S q u are 90° □
S e x tile 60° *
C o n ju n c tio n 0° cr
F o r e x a m p le , le t’s ta k e a sq u a re b e tw e e n V e n u s a n d th e M o o n . S in c e th e M o o n is fa ste r th a n V e n u s, it is th e
M o o n th a t fo rm s th e sq u a re . T h e n o ta tio n is m a d e b y w ritin g th e sy m b o l o f th e M o o n fo llo w e d b y th e s y m ­
b o l o f th e a sp e c t, a n d th e n o f V en u s:

DO9
A le ss c o rre c t n o ta tio n is u se d i f th e a s p e c t is w itte n lik e th is:

9nD
I f th e a s p e c t is a p p ly in g , a n “ a “ is a d d e d to th e en d . I f it is se p a ra tin g , a n “ s” is ad d ed . F o r ex a m p le :

M a rs a p p lie s to a s e x tile o f S a tu rn = C f -X- h a

S u n s e p a ra te s fro m th e o p p o s itio n to J u p ite r = O U s

 Asyect slll7

A G u i d e f o r M a p p i n g A s p e c t s in a C h a r t

S te p O n e : I d e n t i f y i n g th e A s p e c t s
Start w ith the fastest planet, the M oon. Look at its degree and m inute and note the range o f its orb. T h is is
done by subtracting and adding to its position, the value o f its allow ed orb (12° in the case o f the M oon).
N ext, look for planets close to the M oon to see if there are any conjunctions. T hese are easy to see. T h en ,
look in the sam e degrees o f the opposite sign for any oppositions. Then search the chart from the o p p o sitio n
p oint to the conjunction for any possible aspects: trine (two signs after the opposition), square (the sign a fter
the trine), and sextile (the sign after the square). A fter this, do the sam e on the other side o f the chart. In this
process, you m ust alw ays consider the orb o f the planet and select oth er bodies situated w ithin th at range.

W h en ev er an aspect is located, note w hether it is applying or separating (and also i f dexter o r sinister). W h en
all aspects o f the M oon are noted, do the sam e w ith the next fastest planets: M ercury, V enus, the Sun, etc.
(follow ing the Chaldean order). N ote that once an aspect from , for exam ple, V enus to Ju piter is identified, it
is unnecessary to record this sam e aspect w hen the aspects o f Jupiter are identified. T his w ay, the farth er
along one proceeds in the order o f the planets, it is necessary only to note the aspects to slo w er p lanets,
avoiding any duplications.

R ecall once m ore that:

1. A conjunction occurs in the sam e sign and is easy to spot.

2. A n opposition occurs betw een opposing signs, six signs aw ay, and is also easy to detect.
3. T he sign next to the opposition is inconjunct and does not create aspects.
4. T he trine occurs betw een signs w ith the sam e elem ent, four signs aw ay.
5. T he square occurs betw een signs o f the sam e m ode, three signs aw ay.
6. T he sextile occurs betw een signs o f the sam e gender, tw o signs aw ay.
7. T he sign adjacent to that o f the planet is also inconjunct and does not create aspects.

L ook fo r o ut-of-sign aspects. I f the p lan et is at the

beginning o r en d o f a sign it is likely th at it m ay form
an aspect outside o f the ex p ected signs. T h e stu dent
should pay special attention in th ese cases.

S te p T w o : M a p p i n g t h e A s p e c t s
T he aspects can be rep resen ted in a ch art by co lo red
lines. T his step is optional since it is a m atter o f v i­
sual preference. S om e peo p le do n o t illu strate th e a s­
pects in a chart, preferrin g to id en tify th em in th e
m om ent. T h e ideal is to id entify the asp ects y o u rse lf
and avoid the aspect lines in the c en ter o f the chart.

H avin g said that, th ere is no stan d ard fo r illu stra tin g

the aspects, so w e suggest the follow ing:

• T he tension and co n flict-in d icatin g asp ects

(square and oppo sitio n ) sh o u ld b e d raw n in red.
• T he harm onic aspects (trine an d sex tile) sh o u ld
F ig u r e 1 9 . I d e n tify in g th e A s p e c ts be draw n in blue.
 118/Chi tfte Hcavaify Sjrfwres

In o rd e r to d istin g u ish b etw e en ap p ly in g and sep aratin g asp ects, you can use a d ash ed line for th e se p a ra tin g
a s p e c ts a n d an u n in te rru p te d line for th e ap p ly in g aspects. I f co lo r is n o t used , then a d ash ed lin e m a y b e u sed
fo r th e o p p o sitio n an d sq u a re , an d an u n in terru p ted line m ay be u sed for th e trin e an d se x tile (in th is case,
h o w e v e r, th e y w o u ld n o t d istin g u ish ap p licatio n s from sep aratio n s). O n ly asp ects b etw e en p la n ets sh o u ld be
d ra w n . A sp e c ts to th e A sce n d an t, M id h eav en , o r P art o f F o rtu n e sh o u ld be listed se p arate ly . T h is p rev e n ts
th e c h a rt fro m b e c o m in g o v e rly clu tte re d w ith lines, w hich m ak e its rea d in g d ifficu lt.

A s an e x a m p le . K in g S e b a s tia n 's ch art is u sed to calc u late the p la n eta ry ran g es in C h a ld e an o rd er:

S tart w ith th e M o o n lo cated at 26° L eo 3 7 '. T h e ran g e o f its orb w ill run fro m 14° L eo 3 7 ' (12° b e fo re ) to 8°
V irg o 3 7 ' (12° after). T h en lo ok for p lan ets th at lie w ith in this orb o r its rays. T h ere are n o p la n e ts n e a r th e
M o o n ; th e re fo re w e sta rt at th e o p p o site sig n, A q u ariu s. T h ere arc th ree p la n e ta ry c a n d id a te s to an o p p o s i­
tio n o f th e M o o n : M e rc u ry at 2 2 ° 1 3 ', M ars at 14°37' and th e S un at 10°0 0 '. T h e o rb o f th e M o o n re a c h e s to
1 4 °3 7 '; th u s, o n ly M e rc u ry an d M ars arc w ith in th e ray s o f th e o p p o sitio n . W e h av e th e re fo re , tw o
o p p o sitio n s: th e M o o n to M e rc u ry an d th e M o o n to M ars. S in ce th e M o o n is at 26°, it h as p a s se d th e e x a ct
d e g re e s o f M e rc u ry an d th e asp ect is se p aratin g . M e rc u ry is re tro g rad e an d , th e re fo re, also s e p a ra te s fro m
th e M o o n , a m u tu a l se p aratio n . S in ce th e d istan c e b e tw e e n b o th p la n ets is 4 ° 2 4 ' (2 6 ° 3 7 ' - 22° 13 ') a n d th e o rb
o f M e rc u ry is 7°, th e a sp ec t is m u tu al.

T h e a s p e c t to M a rs is also se p aratin g (sin ce it is ev e n farth er fro m th e M o o n th an M e rc u ry ); h o w e v e r, th e

d ista n c e b e tw e e n th e m is 1 1°28'. T h is is a se p a ra tin g a sp ec t v ery c lo se to th e lim it, w h e re b y th e o rb o f M a rs
d o e s n o t to u c h th e M o o n . So it is a w ea k a sp ec t o f little n o te in th e ch art. T h e re m a in in g p la n e ts a re in p o s i­
tio n s w ith o u t an asp ect: V en u s an d S atu rn a re in sig n s ad ja c e n t to th e o p p o sitio n , an d J u p ite r is to ta lly o u t o f
o rb to fo rm an y asp ect.

N o te th e asp e c ts th is w ay:

D cPSs

Dæcf s
N e x t is M e rc u ry , th e se c o n d fa ste st p la n e t, at
22° A q u a riu s 1 3 '. Its orb e x te n d s fro m 1 5 °1 3 ' to
2 9 ° 1 3 ' o f th e sig n (7° b e fo re a n d afte r). In th e
sa m e sig n w e fin d M a rs a n d th e S un. A lth o u g h
th e o rb o f M e rc u ry d o e s n o t re a c h th e se p la n e ts ’
p o sitio n s, k e e p in m in d th a t th e ir o rb s are la rg er.
T h e d ista n c e fro m M e rc u ry to M a rs is 7 ° 0 4 ',
s lig h tly o u t o f o rb fo r M e rc u ry (7°), b u t w ith in
th e o rb o f M a rs (8°). T h e re fo re , w e h a v e a M e r­
c u ry -M a rs c o n ju n c tio n . B e c a u se M e rc u ry is re t­
ro g ra d e , it is m o v in g to w a rd M a rs, w h ile M a rs
in d ire c t m o tio n is m o v in g to w a rd M e rc u ry . W e
h a v e in th is c a s e a m u tu a l a p p lic a tio n . A lth o u g h
M a rs is n o t w ith in th e o rb o f M e rc u ry , th e d if­
fe re n c e is v e ry c lo s e (0 ° 0 4 ’) a n d th e p la n e ts a re
a p p ro a c h in g o n e a n o th e r, w h ic h g iv e s th e a s ­
p e c t g re a t p o w e r.

T h e S u n , w ith its 15° o rb , a ls o r e a c h e s M e rc u ry , C h a r t V . N a tiv ity o f K in g S e b a s tia n

 Asj)ccts/119

form ing a conjunction. It is a w eaker conjunction than that o f M ars because the distance is even larger, b u t it
is also a m utual application. As to other aspects, the M oon w as considered, V enus and Saturn are in a d jac e n t
signs (and therefore w ithout aspect), and Jupiter is out o f orb for a trine.

N ote the aspects this way:

O a

tfa

V enus, w hich is next in speed, is at 10° Capricorn 3 9 ' and its orb runs from 3°39' to I7 °3 9 '. T h ere are no
planets next to V enus to form a conjunction, nor planets in opposition. T he Sun, M ars, and M ercury are in an
adjacent sign and do not form an aspect. T he M oon is in the sign next to the opposition; therefore, it does no t
form an aspect. I f we follow in the direction o f the signs, w e find Saturn in Pisces, to w here V enus p ro jects a
sextile. Saturn is at 14°14' o f the sign and therefore w ithin the rays o f V enus. In turn, Saturn also touches V e­
nus w ith its orb. W e therefore have a V enus-Saturn sextile. It is an applying aspect because V enus, the faster
planet, is approaching an exact aspect to Saturn. Because V enus projects a sextile in the order o f the signs, it
is also a sinister aspect.

I f w e look in the direction contrary to the order o f the signs, w e find Jupiter at 4° L ibra 4 0 ', and V enus in
C apricorn projects a dexter square. Jupiter is w ithin the rays o f V enus (w hich runs to 3 °3 9 ') and also touches
it w ith its ow n orb (w hich runs to 13°40'). T here is, therefore, a square betw een both planets. T he aspect is
separating because V enus is 10° in front o f Jupiter and is faster.

N ote the aspects this way:

9 □ U s (dexter)
9 -X- h a (sinister)

T he Sun is at 10° A quarius 0 0 ' and its orb runs from 25° C apricorn 0 0 ' to 25° A quarius 0 0 '. In A quarius w e
also find M ercury (w hose conjunction to the Sun w as already identified) and M ars at 15°09'. M ars an d the
Sun are w ithin each o th e r’s orbs and form a conjunction b ecause they are only 5 °09' apart. Since the Sun is
faster and is ap proachin g M ars, the conjunction is applying. In the opposite sign is the M oon, w h o se aspects
w e ’ve already considered. V enus and Saturn are in inconjunct signs and form no asp ect w ith the Sun. Ju p ite r
is in Libra, a sign o f the sam e elem ent as A quarius, allow ing the possib ility o f a trine w ith the Sun. S ince Ju ­
p iter is at 4 °4 0 ' and the Sun at 10°00', w e find that they are w ithin each o th e r’s orb, w hich co n firm s a trin e
b etw een them . T he aspect is separating because the Sun, the faster o f the tw o, is ahead o f Ju piter. It is d ex ter
b ecause it is p rojected in the direction contrary to the order o f the signs.

N o te the aspects this w ay:

O c T Cf a
Q A 4 a (dexter)

N ex t, turn to M ars at 15° A quarius 0 9 ', w hose orb runs from 7°09' to 2 2 °0 9 ' o f th e sign. Since w e n o te d a ll o f
the aspects o f the planets faster th an M ars, it is only necessary now to look for aspects from M ars to Ju p ite r
and S aturn, w h ich are slow er. Saturn is in the adjacent sign, and th erefore no aspects are form ed. J u p ite r is in
L ibra, w h ere M ars pro jects a trine. H ow ever, M a rs’ orb does no t reach Jupiter, and Ju p ite r’s o rb (e x te n d s to
12°40') also does n o t reach M ars. T hus, no aspect is form ed.
 120l0n tfic Heawnfy Sjrficrcs

A s to J u p ite r, all th a t is left is to see i f it form s an aspect w ith S aturn. S in ce th ey arc in in c o n ju n c t sig n s in th is
c h a rt, th e re a rc n o a sp e c ts b etw e en them . T he asp ects betw een S atu rn and th e o th e r p la n ets h a v e a lre a d y
b een c o n s id e re d .

T h e re a rc n o feral p la n e ts b e c a u se all th e p lan ets arc in v o lv ed in an aspect. N ex t, ch e ck to se e i f th e re a rc

a n y p la n e ts th a t a rc v o id o f co u rse. F o r this w e
o n ly n e e d to se e i f th e re arc an y ap p ly in g aspects:

• T h e M o o n h as tw o se p aratin g asp ects but

n o a p p ly in g o n es. It is, th erefo re, void.
• M e rc u ry ap p lie s to M ars an d th e Sun.
• V e n u s a p p lie s to S aturn.
• T h e S u n fo rm s a m u tu a l ap p lica tio n w ith
M e rc u ry .
• M a rs a lso fo rm s a m u tu a l ap p lica tio n w ith
M e rc u ry .
• J u p ite r d o c s n o t a p p ly to an y p lan et, an d is
th e re fo re void.
• S a tu rn also h as no a p p lica tio n s an d is void.
W e ca n th e n m a k e a list o f all th e asp ec ts in K in g
S e b a s tia n ’s ch a rt:
D S s S e fO a 9 □ O s d e x te r
O cf CT a 4 voc v oc
D æ C fs S cT C fa 9 -X- *1 a sin iste r
F ig u r e 2 0 . A s p e c t s in K i n g S e b a s t i a n ’s C h a r t
0 A 4 s d e x te r
D voc
W e ca n th e n se p a ra te ly n o te th e asp e c ts fo rm e d to th e A sc e n d a n t (A S C ), th e M id h e a v e n (M C ) a n d th e P a rt
o f F o rtu n e , w h ic h in th is c h a rt are:

O cf A sc ÎD M C Dc t p
5 O' A sc O *M C
CT d A sc 4 * mc
J A sc

I n te r p r e ta tio n

T h e N a tu r e o f th e A sp e c ts

E a c h a s p e c t re p re s e n ts a sp e c ific ty p e o f in te ra c tio n (o r re la tio n sh ip ) b e tw e e n th e p la n ets. T h is re la tio n s h ip

is d e fin e d b y th e g e o m e tric a l (th e a n g le ) a n d th e z o d ia c a l (sig n s) n a tu re o f th e asp ec t. T h e first ste p in in te r­
p re tin g th e a s p e c ts is to k n o w th e ir n a tu re s w ell.

C o n ju n c tio n

T h e c o n ju n c tio n is th e m o s t in te n s e o f a ll a s p e c ts s in c e it d ire c tly u n ite s th e p la n e ts . It o c c u rs w h e n th e y

a r e in a n a n g le c lo s e to 0° a n d g e n e ra lly in th e s a m e sig n . H o w e v e r, it is n o t a tru e a s p e c t b e c a u s e it re s u lts
fro m a “ p h y s ic a l” c o n n e c tio n b e tw e e n c e le s tia l b o d ie s a n d n o t fro m a n a n g u la r re la tio n s h ip ( o f ra y s).

Its n a tu re is o n e o f u n io n b e c a u s e it m ix e s th e q u a litie s o f th e p la n e ts, an d th e y ca n b e c o m e so id e n tifie d th a t

th e ir in d iv id u a l n a tu re s a re c o n fu s e d . D e s p ite its in te n sity , w e m a y sa y th a t th e c o n ju n c tio n is a n e u tra l as-
 /\syectsll21

pect. Its quality depends upon the nature o f the planets involved and o f the sign w here it occurs. I f the p la n e ts
arc com patible, the conjunction generates ease and flow; if the planets are o f very different natures, it g e n e r­
ates friction and obstruction. This aspect is also know n as a “bodily conjunction” or synod.

O p p o s itio n

T he opposition relates planets in opposite signs, at an angle close to 180°. Its nature com es from the in tera c­
tion betw een opposing sides and not from the actual signs involved, as in the rem aining aspects. Since it puts
tw o zodiacal polarities in contact, it indicates confrontation and m anifests in a tense, difficult m anner. I f w e
com pare the opposition to a dialogue, this w ould be an open discussion w here the tw o parties are in d irect
conflict, producing discom fort and obstruction. This aspect is also know n as a d i a m e t e r .

T r in e

T he trine corresponds to 120°. It relates planets in signs o f the sam e elem ent and w hich, therefore, share the
sam e p rim ary qualities (tem peram ent) It thus, indicates an easy, sm ooth, and stable relationship betw een the
plan ets involved. I f this aspect were a dialogue, we could im agine tw o people w ho speak about the sam e
th in gs and agree w ith each other. This aspect is also know n as a t r i a n g l e .

Square

T h e sq uare relates tw o planets that are 90° apart. It relates signs o f the sam e m ode but o f incom patible ele­
m ents. It indicates tension betw een the planets involved, w hich generally m anifests as pressure and internal
conflict. It is ex ternalized as struggle and resistance. Because o f this, the square is often a source o f stress and
frustration. I f it w ere a dialogue, the square w ould be a tense, uncom fortable conversation, full o f p ro v o ca­
tions. B ecause the square cuts the zodiac into four parts, it is also know n as a q u a r t i l e .

S e x tile

T he sextile corresponds to an angle o f 60°. It represents a harm onious relationship because it relates signs o f
the sam e tem perature (hot and cold). N onetheless, the sextile is less intense than the trine because the signs
involved have different elem ents and m odes.

A s a dialogue, the sextile w ould be a conversation w here the tw o peo p le agree on the m ain points, although
w ith slight differences in th eir approaches. It is an aspect that represents cooperation and un d erstan d in g ,
w h ere the planets have a functional and pleasant expression. T his aspect is also know n as a h e x a g o n b ecau se
it d iv id es the circle into six parts.

A s p e c ts a n d th e R u le r s h ip S c h e m e

T he aspects derive fundam entally from the natural relationships betw een signs. H ow ever, w e can also relate
the n atures o f the aspects w ith the natures o f the planets. T his relationship is established th ro u g h the ru le r­
ship schem e, in w hich the relationship betw een planets and lum inaries (w hen p laced in the signs th ey rule)
reflects and com plim ents the nature o f the aspects.

T he lu m in aries— sym bols o f life, order, and abundance— rule over the signs o f greatest d ay lig h t an d heat:
C ancer, ruled by the M oon, and Leo, ruled by the Sun. In the ru lership schem e, the m alefic p lan ets S a tu rn
and M ars form tense aspects w ith the lights. Saturn, the g reater m alefic, is in direct op p o sitio n w ith th e Sun
and the M o o n b ecau se it occupies C apricorn (opposite C ancer) and A quarius (opposite L eo). M a rs, th e
lesser m alefic, form s squares to the lights by w ay o f its signs o f ru lership, A ries an d S corpio. F ro m A rie s, it
is sq u are the M o o n ’s sign, Cancer, and from Scorpio, it is square the S u n ’s sign, Leo.

In turn, the ben efic planets, Ju p iter and V enus, form favorable aspects to the lu m in aries’ signs fro m th e sig n s
th ey rule. Ju p iter, the greater benefic, form s a trine to the Sun from S agittarius and an o th er to th e M o o n from
 1 2 2 /O n tfic H e a v e n ly Sjtlieres

Pisces, w hile V enus, the lesser bcncfîc, forms a sextile to the Sun from Libra and anoth er to the M oon from
Taurus.

M ercury is a special ease because it is too close to the Sun to form an aspect. Its position in the rulcrship
schem e m irrors this pattern: its signs o f rulcrship, G emini and V irgo, are adjacent to the signs o f the lights.
T his im age m akes clear the sym m etry that relates the planets w ith the aspects according to the type o f rela­
tionship they create. Thus:

• T he opposition has a nature sim ilar to Satum ; it im pedes, obstructs and creates tension.
• T he square has the nature o f M ars; it generates friction and m isunderstanding.
• T he trine has the nature o f Jupiter; it unites with perfection and understanding.
• The sextile has the nature o f V enus; it unites with friendship and m oderation.
• T he conjunction has the neutral nature o f M ercury because its effect depends upon the planets
involved.

N ote that the sym m etry o f this schem e also reinforces the m asculine/dium al and fem inine/noctum al ex p res­
sion o f the planets. The planets in their diurnal rulcrships (M ercury in G em ini, V enus in Libra, M ars in
A ries, and Ju p iter in Sagittarius) form sextiles and trines w ith the Sun, the m asculine light and lord o f the
day, w hile the planets in th eir nocturnal rulerships (M ercury in V irgo, V enus in Taurus, M ars in Scorpio, and
Ju p iter in P isces) form sextiles and trines to the M oon, the fem inine light and lady o f the night. O nly S atum ,
the m ost m alefic o f all the planets, is opposed to the lights in any situation (in its diurnal ru lersh ip over
A quarius, it is opposite the Sun in Leo, and in its nocturnal rulership over C apricorn, it is opposite the M oon
in Cancer).

It is also possible to observe a sim ilar sym m etry in the system o f jo y s attributed to the astrolo gical houses. In
this system , the pairs Sun-M oon (the lights) and Jupiter-V enus (the benefics) have th eir jo y s in houses w hich
sym bolically m ake aspects to the A scendant (first). T he third house, jo y o f the M oon, and the eleventh
house, jo y o f Jupiter, form sextiles to the A scendant, w hile the ninth, jo y o f the Sun, and the fifth, jo y o f V e ­
nus, form trines.

O n the o ther hand, the m alefics are located in

houses that do n o t aspect the A scendant, the
tw elfth, and the sixth. T his w ay, w hen they are
in a p osition o f p ow er, th ey do not “dam age” the
A scendant. D ue to its neutral and am bivalent
nature, M ercury is n o t m atched up; it is p o si­
tio n ed in the A scen d an t so th at it w ill be in good
relatio n sh ip s w ith the lights and benefics.

I n te r p r e tin g th e A s p e c ts

T h e re are b asically tw o ty pes o f aspects: h arm o ­

n io u s an d challenging. T he aspects considered
h a rm o n io u s, the trine an d sextile, represent
c o m fo rta b le relatio n sh ip s, w herein the natures
o f th e p la n e ts co m b in e easily. In the ancient
tex ts th e y are c alled aspects o f friendship and
lo v e, refe rrin g to th e easy relationship that is es­
ta b lish e d b e tw e e n th e p lan ets involved. T he o p ­
p o sitio n an d th e sq u a re im p ly difficult planetary F ig u r e 2 1 . C o r r e la t io n B e tw e e n A s p e c t s
a n d th e R u le r s h ip S c h e m e
 Asj>ect$ll23

F ig u r e 2 2 . A s p e c t s in D i u r n a l a n d N o c t u r n a l R u l e r s h i p s

relationships w herein tension and friction are

predom inant factors. In the ancient texts, they
are called aspects o f enm ity and hatred, once
m ore alludin g to the type o f relationship be­
tw een the planets. T he co n junction is consid­
ered neutral because the outcom e o f the com bi­
nation depends upon the natu re o f the planets in­
volved. T he conjunction b etw een tw o planets
w hose natu re is com patible (such as V enus and
the M oon) w ill be harm onio us. O n the other
hand, the con ju n ctio n b etw een tw o planets natu­
rally antagonistic (such as M oon and M ars) w ill
be disharm onious.

W ithout m inim izing the in form ation above, it

should be noted th at the quality an d ex p ressio n
o f each aspect depends in great p art u p o n the
planets involved. B esid es the n atu re o f th e as­
p ect and the com patibility betw een p lan ets, d ig ­
F ig u r e 2 3 . A s p e c t s a n d th e J o y s o f th e P la n e t s
nities and deb ilities m u st also b e co nsidered. I f
w e co m p are an asp ect to a relationship, the quality o f the relationship depends upo n the p articip an ts th em ­
selves. T h e p leasan t conversations (represented by trines and sextiles) can be frivolous an d u n p ro d u ctiv e if
the p lan ets in v o lv ed are in bad co nditio n in the chart (debilitated). O n the o th er hand, ev en the liv eliest d is­
cussions (rep resen ted by squares and oppositions) can produce interesting results i f the p articip an ts are in te l­
ligent in dividuals (dignified planets). T he planets involved are thus alw ays the m o st im p o rtan t fa c to r in the
in terp retatio n o f an aspect.

I m p o r ta n c e a n d I n te n s ity o f a n A s p e c t

N o t all asp ects h ave the sam e “w eight” in a horoscope. Som e are very sig nificant, w hile o th ers are m o re se c ­
ondary. T o d eterm in e th eir significance, the follow ing factors sh ould b e tak en into co n sid eratio n :
 124/011 tfic H c a v c iify S p h e re s

• T he exactness o f the aspect m akes it m ore significant.

• T he aspects w here both planets arc within each o th er’s orbs arc m ore intense.
• O ut-of-sig n aspects arc w eaker (except if very tight, less than 5°).
• A pply in g aspects tend to be m ore intense than separating aspects.
• A spects at the end o f the orb arc very weak, especially if separating or out-of-sign.

In p ractice, these considerations help to establish a type o f hierarchy for the aspects o f a chart. In this w ay,
u ndue im portance w ill not be given to irrelevant aspects, or secondary status to im portant aspects, thus u n ­
d erm in in g the quality o f the interpretation.

Basic Significations
T he basic signification o f any aspect results from the delineation o f tw o factors. T he first concerns the type
o f aspect involved: the flow ing aspects facilitate the com bined expression o f the planets, w hile the tense as­
pects ch allen g e it. The other factor to keep in m ind is the “m ixing o f the natures” o f the tw o planets: co m p ati­
ble natures produce easy interactions, w hile incom patible natures produce instability. A t the root if this co m ­
p atib ility issue are the prim ary qualities and tem peram ents o f the planets.

F or exam ple, M ars and the M oon are essentially incom patible because they have adverse tem peram ents: one
is hot and dry, the other cold and m oist. Saturn and the M oon, although antagonistic in their sig nifications,
do h ave one thing in com m on: they share the cold quality, w hich contributes tow ard stabilizin g th eir in terac­
tions. W ith Jupiter, the M oon has better com patibility because they share the m oist quality; the differences
in tem p eratu re are in this case o f lesser im portance because the heat o f Jupiter, although m oderated, d oes not
in terfere w ith the coldness o f the M oon.

I f tw o p lanets o f com patible nature form

N ote: Since the aspects stand out quite a bit in the horoscope,
an aspect, the resulting com bination will
students tend to place excessive em phasis on them , som etim es
alw ays be positive. N evertheless, the
to the detrim ent o f oth er factors. A ccording to the rules o f in ­
ty pe o f aspect that the planets form can
terpretation, the aspects should only be considered after one
alter this situation. The flow ing aspects
has interpreted the p la n e t’s overall co nditio n (dignity/debility,
(trine and sextile) reinforce the com pati­
position by sign, position by house). I f the approach follow s
bility o f the planets, allow in g each to
this order, the delineation o f the aspects w ill be placed w ith in
share in w hat is good about the other.
its p ro p er context and w ill furnish m ore m eaningful and co m ­
T he tense aspects (square and opp o si­
prehensive inform ation than i f it w ere m ade first. I n s u m m a r y ,
tion) d isrupt this com patibility w ithout,
n e v e r s t a r t a n in t e r p r e ta ti o n f r o m th e a s p e c ts .
how ever, destro y in g it; the interaction
continues to have an agreeable outcom e, although its expression m ay be unstable and uncoordinated. In the
case o f co m patible p lanets, the conjunction is considered a flow ing aspect.

In c o m b in atio n s in volving natu rally in com patible p lanets, the tensio n is an ever-present factor, w h atev er the
a sp ect b ein g form ed. N o n eth eless, the flow in g aspects (trine and sextile) m inim ize part o f the tension, em ­
p h a siz in g w h at is b est ab o u t the com bin ation. T he tense aspects (square and opposition) reinforce the c h ar­
acte ristic s th at are alread y d ifficult about the sh ared interaction. In these cases, the co nju nction functions
lik e a ten se aspect.

T h e F r ie n d s h ip a n d E n m ity o f th e P la n e ts
T h e c o m p a tib ilities an d in co m p atib ilities o f the planets are p resen ted in various w ays in traditio nal a stro l­
o g y , a n d frien d sh ip and e n m ity are tw o th at are m ost often referenced. T hey are used in planetary co m b in a­
tio n s in m o re ad v a n c ed in terp retativ e techniques (fo r exam ple, the com patibility betw een tw o people). A l­
th o u g h th e re are v a ria tio n s b etw een d ifferent authors, the one presented here is the m ore com m on.
 A s jx c ts ll2 5

F ig u re 23 re su lts fro m the co m p atib ility in the natu res o f the p la n ets, an d fro m o th e r c o n s id e re d fa c to rs (se c t,
g e n e ra l sig n ific a tio n , etc.) F o r ex am p le, V enus is frien d ly w ith all p la n e ts e x c e p t S atu rn . T h is re s u lts n o t
o n ly fro m p la n e ta ry te m p eram en t (san g u in e and m elan ch o lic, re sp e c tiv e ly ) b u t b e c a u s e e v e ry th in g th a t V e ­
n u s sig n ifie s is to ta lly a v e rse to w h at S aturn signifies: w h ile V en u s is jo y fill, so ft an d c o lo rfu l, S a tu rn is s e ri­
o u s, so m b e r an d gray.

In so m e ca se s, frie n d sh ip is n o t n ecessarily recip ro cated . F o r e x a m p le , m a n y a u th o rs c la im th a t th e S u n is

frie n d s w ith S atu rn b ec au se its hea t am elio rates th e c o ld n ess o f th e p la n et; b u t S atu rn d o es n o t re c ip ro c a te its
frie n d sh ip in th e sam e m a n n e r b ecau se its cold and d ark n atu re is to o c o n tra ry to th e h e a t a n d lu m in o s ity o f
the Sun. In cid e n tally , th e se p la n e ts a re n a tu ra lly o p p o s e d in th e
zodiac, w h e th e r in th e ru le rsh ip s (L e o -A q u a riu s) o r in th e e x a l­
ta tio n s (A rie s-L ib ra ).

T h e frien d ly p la n e ts m u tu a lly re in fo rc e o n e a n o th er. I f th e re is

a flo w in g a sp ec t b e tw e e n th e m (se x tile o r trin e ), th e re in fo rc e ­
m en t w ill b e m o re ev id e n t; i f th e re is a te n se a s p e c t (sq u a re o r
o p p o sitio n ) b e tw e e n th e m , th is re in fo rc e m e n t w ill b e less n o ­
ticeable. In th e ca se o f e n e m y p la n e ts, th e d iffe re n c e b e tw e e n
th e ir n atu res p re v a ils, p ro d u c in g d iv is io n b e tw e e n th em . I f th e
asp ec t is ten se, th e en m ity re in fo rc e s it; i f it is flo w in g , it reta in s
its fac ilita tin g n atu re , a lth o u g h th e e n m ity b e tw e e n th e p la n ets
also rem ain s. O b v io u sly , th e c o m p a tib ility b e tw e e n p la n e ts is
F ig u r e 2 4 . F r ie n d s h ip s a n d E n m it ie s esp ec ially e v id e n t in th e c a se o f c o n ju n c tio n s. F o r e x a m p le , as­
B e t w e e n th e P la n e ts p ects b e tw e e n S atu rn a n d V e n u s a lw a y s re p re s e n t d iffic u lt
q u alities to re c o n c ile , in d e p e n d e n tly o f th e ir a sp ec t. E v en a
trin e b e tw e e n th e se p la n e ts w ill b e co lo re d b y a m e la n c h o lic in te n sity th a t is p re s e n t e v e n in s itu a tio n s o f
h a rm o n y .

A G u id e fo r P la n e ta r y C o m b in a tio n s

L iste d b e lo w a re so m e g en e ral d elin ea tio n s o f th e v ario u s p la n e ta ry c o m b in a tio n s. T h e s e re fe r to n a ta l

c h a rts, b u t th e sa m e c o m b in a tio n s in o th e r c o n tex ts can d e sc rib e e v e n ts o r e v e n a lte ra tio n s in c lim a te , ra th e r
th a n p e rs o n a lity traits.

The M oon
T h e M o o n re p re s e n ts th e em o tio n a l c o m p o n e n t o f h u m a n b e in g s, th e ir m o o d s, h a b its, a n d in stin c ts. B e c a u s e
it is th e fa s te s t p la n e t, it is also th e m o st recep tiv e. W h e n it asp e c ts a p la n e t, it is stro n g ly c o lo re d b y th e o th e r
p la n e t’s q u a litie s. In c o n tra st, b e c a u s e it is a lu m in ary , it in te n sifie s th e p o te n tia l o f th e p la n e ts it a s p e c ts.

M o o n -M e rc u ry c o m b in a tio n s stim u la te m e n tal p e rc e p tio n an d ag ility , fa v o rin g c o m m u n ic a tio n , le a rn in g ,

an d m e m o ry ; th e s e q u a litie s m a y m a n ife st in a m o re o r less s ta b le m a n n e r, d e p e n d in g u p o n th e ty p e o f a s p e c t
b e in g fo rm e d .

W ith V e n u s, th e M o o n in d ic a te s ae sth e tic an d em o tio n a l se n sib ility , so m e tim e s w ith a rtis tic p ro p e n s ity . It is
a s s o c ia te d w ith a to u c h o f le v ity an d fu tility , an d in so m e ca se s a c c o m p a n ie d b y la z in e ss, s e lf-in d u lg e n c e ,
an d so m e n e g le c t.

W ith M a rs, th e M o o n su g g e sts te m p e ra m e n ta l b eh a v io rs, s u sc e p tib ility , irrita b ility , a n d a g g re s s io n . W h e n

th e re is a flo w in g c o n n e c tio n , th e te n sio n re fe rre d to is c h a n n e le d to c o n s tru c tiv e a c tio n s , a lth o u g h th e a g ita ­
tio n re m a in s.
 126/On tfie Heavenly Sjrfiercs

W ith the Sun, the M oon has a special relationship. The contact betw een both lights alw ays produces a p ow ­
erful configuration that m anifests via the phases o f the M oon, in the lu n a tio n cycle (see C hapter X).

W ith Jupiter, the M oon bestow s an optim istic and expansive side, w ith a good dose o f self-confidence.
T here can be a tendency toward exaggeration and unrealistic expectations, particularly in the em otional
realm .

W ith Saturn, the M oon generates em otional contention because the rigid nature o f Saturn dim in ishes the
adaptable nature o f the M oon. The free expression o f em otions and needs is challenged by defensiveness and
a degree o f pessim ism . O n a m ore positive note, it conveys pragm atism , self-sufficiency and a realistic per­
spective, protecting the individual from em otional disillusionm ent.

M ercury
M ercury is connected w ith com m unication and thought. As w ith the M oon, it is very fast and thus easily co l­
ored by the planets w ith w hich it com es into contact. Its neutral nature also contributes to this process.

W ith V enus, it can only form conjunctions and sextiles because these planets are never m ore than 76° apart.
T he com bination o f th eir natures produces pleasant, agreeable, and friendly, but also not very profound,
com m unications.

M ercury has a special relationship w ith the Sun. Since these tw o bodies are never m ore than one sign apart,
they never form any aspect other than the conjunction. T he proxim ity to the Sun m akes M ercury excessively
subjective and centered on its ow n perception; greater distance corresponds to greater objectivity.

W ith M ars, it produces a w ounding tendency, a sharp tongue, and argum entativeness. The h arm onious a s­
pects represent verbal persuasiveness and conviction, w hile in the tense aspects, there is a tendency tow ard
argum ent and confrontation.

W ith Jupiter, M ercury produces optim ism and m agnanim ous com m unications, b u t can also indicate a ten ­
dency to w ard exaggeration, boasting, and even lying.

W ith Saturn, M ercury brings intellectual insecurities and potential difficulties in learning, but it can also b e­
stow depth o f thought and the propensity for study. The m ind is serious and analytical.

V enus
V enus represents the ex pressio n o f affection, individual tastes, and pleasures. W hen aspected, V enus lends
its y ielding and conciliatory nature to the o ther planets.

W ith the Sun, V enus only form s conjunctions. In special cases, it can form a sextile, b u t this is alw ays a w eak
a sp ect th at n ev er p erfects and, therefore, has little im pact on the horoscope. The pro xim ity to the Sun gives
th e individual an ag reeab le expression, b u t also rem oves from V enus its natural receptivity, m ak in g it less
em pathetic.

W ith M ars, V enus p ro d u ces a passionate and im petuous natu re w ith the need to conquer affection. T his co n ­
ta c t h as a sed u ctiv e o r even sexual quality to it. A t its best, it produces enchantm ent and a m ixture o f charm
an d darin g ; a t its w o rse, it produces com petition, ru deness in interactions, and potential jealo u sies.

W ith Ju p iter, V en u s b esto w s dignity, optim ism , an d self-confidence that turn into good fortune. G enerosity,
h o n esty , an d c o m p a n io n sh ip are patent qualities o f this com b in atio n , although the tense aspects add in stab il­
ity an d self-in d u lg en ce.
 A s j)c c t$ ll2 7

W ith Saturn, the affective expression becom es m ore serious and m elancholic. T hese c h a racteristics m a y e x ­
press as sobriety and emotional reserve, or as affective inhibitions and difficulty relating.

The Sun
T h e Sun represents affirm ation and authority. W hen in aspect w ith other planets, it bequeaths its e n erg y ,
p o w e r and vitality unto them. H owever, the conjunction w ith the Sun obfuscates the planets and “b u m s u p ”
th eir qualities. This condition is known as c o m b u s t i o n (see C hapter X).

W ith M ars, the Sun bestow s courage, daring, great personal affirm ation, natural leadership, and b o ld n ess; at
its w orse, it m ay m anifest as brutality, arrogance, and a lack o f com passion.

W ith Jupiter, the Sun produces m agnanim ity, a regal stance, self-confidence, and generosity; but in the ten se
aspects, it is colored by loftiness and haughtiness.

W ith Saturn, the Sun indicates seriousness and responsibility, b u t w ith difficult aspects it suggests p roblem s
w ith authority figures, pessim ism , and lack o f confidence.

M a rs
M ars signifies fighting, aggression, and conquest. It bequeaths unto aspected planets a choleric and ag g res­
sive ch aracter, but can also add daring, courage, and activity. It all depends upon the type o f aspect and on
the condition o f M ars itself in the horoscope.

W ith Jupiter, it produces a daring, adventurous, and optim istic nature, bu t w hich can be colo red b y tinges o f
irresponsibility and exaggeration. Thus, the defense o f ideas and opinions typical o f this com bination can
b eco m e heated, im posing, and doctrinaire.

W ith Saturn, M ars indicates rigorous, strategic, and calculating actions, b u t also difficulties and sham e in
self-assertion. In extrem e cases, there can be cruelty, cow ardice, and v engeful actions.

J u p ite r
Ju p iter represents faith, honor, and tem perance. K now n as the g reat benefic, Ju p iter bestow s tem perance and
op tim ism to the p lanets it contacts. W hen debilitated, it can also transm it haughtiness and bravado.

Ju p iter-S atu rn aspects are especially studied in the context o f m undane astrology b ecause they are linked to
2 0 -y ear cycles and have a generational im pact. In a nativity, these aspects are related to o n e ’s cap acity to re ­
late to social structures and can be seen as a sign o f honors. T he flow ing aspects are associated w ith g o o d re ­
lationships w ith law and order. T ense aspects indicate d ifficulties o f in sertion in the social fabric o f life due
to co u n tercu ltu ral choices.

S a tu r n
S aturn receiv es co nnections w ith all the oth er planets, but because o f its slow m otion, it rarely ap p lies to o th ­
ers. 21 It therefore em erges as a burdensom e, halting, and obstructive elem ent. It represents the o b stacles an d
fears that im pede action.

C ontacts o f S atu rn to the o ther planets are alw ays colored by seriousness, restriction, and rigor. Its m o re p o s­
itive side besto w s perseverance, responsib ility, p ragm atism , resiliency, and a sense o f duty.

S p e c if ic S ig n if ic a t io n in t h e C o n t e x t o f t h e C h a r t

F o llo w in g is the m o st im portant facto r and the key to an accurate interpretation o f an aspect. N o tw ith sta n d ­
ing the gen eral indications already m entioned, an understanding o f the aspects can only b e c o m p le te d w h e n
 128/On the Heavenfy Sjiheres

o n e k n o w s th e ro le o f th e p la n e ts in v o lv ed in th e co n tex t o f th e chart. In th is m a n n er, an asp ec t sh o u ld o n ly

be in te rp re te d a fte r d isc ern in g :

• T h e fu n ctio n o f th e p la n ets in th e h o ro sco p e (its sig n ific atio n s an d w h at h o u se s it ru les). B e sid e s

th e n a tu ra l sig n ific atio n o f th e p lan et, th ere are o th e r facto rs to b ea r in m in d : th e h o u se w h ere th e
p la n e t is p o sited in d ic ates th e area o f life w h ere th e actio n m a n ifests, an d th e h o u se s ru led b y th e
p la n e t rev e al to p ic s u n d e rly in g th a t m an ifestatio n .
• T h e stre n g th o f th e p la n et to e x e cu te its p u rp o se (d ig n ity an d d eb ility ). T h e e ssen tial sta te o f th e
p la n e t ca n sig n ific an tly a lte r th e final o u tc o m e o f an asp ect. D ig n ifie d p la n ets act in a m o re o rd e rly
m a n n e r, co n trib u tin g th e ir stren g th an d stab ility , w h erea s d eb ilita te d p la n ets o p e ra te erra tic a lly ,
tra n sm ittin g th e ir in stab ility to an y asp ect.

T h e s e c o n s id e ra tio n s, w h en w ell u n d e rsto o d an d a p p lied , a llo w u s to g o b e y o n d v ag u e , p a rtial, an d

n o n c o n te x tu a liz e d in te rp re tatio n s ty p ical o f astro lo g ica l “ c o o k b o o k s .”

F o r e x a m p le , th e M o o n -M e rc u ry o p p o sitio n in th e ch art o f K in g S eb astia n , it is n o t e n o u g h to say th a t h is

m o o d s (M o o n ) in te rfe re (o p p o sitio n ) w ith his co m m u n ic a tio n an d u n d e rsta n d in g (M ercu ry ). A lth o u g h c o r­
rec t, th is in te rp re ta tio n is in su fficien t. W e nee d to p la c e it w ith in a la rg e r co n te x t o f th e c h a rt to re v e a l d e e p e r
le v e ls o f m e an in g . M e rc u ry is in A q u a riu s, in d ic atin g natu ra l c u rio sity a n d a liv e ly th o u g h t p ro c e ss. T o th e se
q u a litie s w e ad d th e asse rtiv e n e ss o f M ars an d th e rad ia n ce o f th e S un, w h ich , c o n ju n c t M e rc u ry , c o n trib u te s
a liv e ly , sh a rp , an d e x tre m e ly asse rtiv e m in d th at is e x p re sse d in a stu b b o rn m a n n e r b e c a u se A q u a riu s is a
fix e d sig n . T h e M o o n in L eo su g g e sts an in te n se an d as se rtiv e e x p re ssio n o f e m o tio n s an d m o o d s th a t m a n i­
fests a b o v e all in his re la tio n sh ip s w ith o th e rs (se v e n th h o u se).

T h u s, th e co n ta c t b e tw e e n th e M o o n a n d M e rc u ry re fle c ts an a rg u m e n ta tiv e an d b ru sq u e m a n n e r (o p p o s i­
tio n ) m a rk e d b y a sh a rp a s se rtiv e n e ss (trip le co n ju n c tio n ) b u t c o lo re d b y in se c u ritie s in re la tio n to h is re c o g ­
n itio n b y o th e rs (M o o n in L eo ). S in c e th e o p p o sitio n o cc u rs in th e first an d se v e n th h o u se s, it c re a te s d iffi­
c u ltie s in th e re la tio n sh ip s o f th is k in g , o fte n d e s c rib e d as h a v in g a ch o le ric an d d iffic u lt te m p e ra m e n t.

T h e V e n u s-S a tu rn se x tile ca n b e in te rp re te d in th e sa m e m a n n er. T h is co m b in a tio n is n o t n a tu ra lly e a sy b e ­

c a u se th e y a re u n frie n d ly p la n e ts w ith in c o m p a tib le n atu re s: S atu rn is a co ld an d d ry p la n e t, w h ile V e n u s is
h o t a n d m o ist. S atu rn , th e s lo w e r o f th e tw o , im p o se s its co ld , d ry n a tu re u p o n V e n u s, im p a rtin g so b rie ty to
its a ffe c tiv e ex p re ssio n a n d c o o lin g its n a tu ra l se n sib ility . S in ce th e y a re lin k e d b y a se x tile , th e in te ra c tio n is
s o m e w h a t fa c ilita te d , a lth o u g h it re m a in s n a tu ra lly d ifficu lt.

V e n u s in C a p ric o rn in d ic a te s a n a ffe c tiv e e x p re ssio n th a t is in h ib ite d an d p ra g m a tic , an d S atu rn in P isc e s

a d d s a d e g re e o f se n tim e n ta l w ith d ra w a l. H is a ffe c tio n is c o n ta in e d an d so b e r, w ith h in ts o f m e la n c h o ly c o l­
o re d b y fe e lin g s o f c o m p a ssio n , sa c rific e , an d su ffe rin g . F o r th is k in g , a ffe c tio n is a s so c ia te d w ith se v e rity
a n d in h ib itio n . W e ca n se e th a t th e fin al o u tc o m e is alw a y s d e te rm in e d b y th e p la n e ts, a lth o u g h th e n a tu re o f
th e a s p e c t d e fin e s th e m a n n e r in w h ic h th e y w ill c o m b in e.

B e s id e s th e g e n e ra l s ig n ific a tio n s o f th e p la n e ts , w h ic h w e re ju s t c o n sid e re d , n o w lo o k a t th e g e n e ra l c o n te x t

o f th e c h a rt. In th is c h a rt, S a tu rn is th e A sc e n d a n t ru le r a n d is p o site d in th e first h o u se , w h ic h d e fin e s to a
g re a t e x te n t th e m o tiv a tio n s o f th e k in g . V e n u s is ru le r o f th e n in th h o u se , a s so c ia te d w ith re lig io n an d faith ,
a n d is p o s ite d in th e e le v e n th h o u s e o f frie n d s an d allie s. K in g S e b a stia n h a d as stro n g a llie s p e o p le w ith
s tro n g re lig io u s c o n v ic tio n s (ru le rs o f th e e le v e n th an d n in th ) w h o c o n trib u te d g re a tly to h is p e rs o n a l g o als
(s e x tile to S a tu rn , ru le r o f th e A sc e n d a n t).

2I
T he on ly exceptions are cases o f m utual applications.
 Asjjcct sll29

W e ju st looked at a flow ing aspect between planets o f incom patible natures. N ow w e w ill look at a re v erse
exam ple from the sam e chart: a tense aspect between friendly planets with com patible natures. In the V e ­
nus-Jupiter square, the planets are posited in signs indicating rigor and protocol (Capricorn, ruled b y S atu rn ,
and L ibra, its exaltation), thereby suggesting a sober and restrained expression. It is noneth eless a square,
w hich produces dissonance betw een pragm atic Venus in Capricorn and the idealistic expectations o f Ju p ite r
in Libra. Since Jupiter rules the M idheaven (the aspiration o f life, career, and pow er) this con fig u ratio n has a
direct im pact on the am bitions o f the king. Venus rules the ninth house (ideals) and is po sitioned in the e le v ­
enth (allies), so the convictions o f the king and his choice in allies interfered in his career. B ecause it is a
square, it caused instability and greatly disturbed his kingdom . K ing Sebastian w as poorly advised and
launched the disastrous cam paign o f A lcâcer-Q uibir, w here he lost his life.

I n te r p r e ta tio n o f N o n -p la n e t a r y A s p e c ts

To in terpret an aspect betw een a planet and a non-planetary point, one m ust add the quality o f the p lan et to
the signification o f the point in question. The planet contributes its qualities (natural and accidental) and the
non-planetary point receives them. F or instance, a dignified Saturn in aspect w ith the A scendant adds to the
personal ex pressio n a note o f seriousness and pondering, w hereas a debilitated Saturn gives it a m ore u n ­
couth and suspicious m anner.

On the o th er hand, the nature o f the aspect shapes the contribution o f the planet: if the aspect is flow ing, the
p lanet m ore easily integrates its nature to the signification o f the point; if it is tense, the planet m anifests in a
less stable m anner. F or instance, a dignified Saturn in trine to the A scendant indicates that the seriousness
and po n d erin g already m entioned are expressed in a constant and stable m anner. H ow ever, if the sam e d igni­
fied Saturn is in square to the A scendant, these qualities w ill be m ore in constant to the p oint w here it m ay
harm the ex pressio n o f the individual.

N o w w e w ill look at a practical exam ple o f the com bination o f both factors: the q uality o f the planet and the
n atu re o f the aspect. T he charts o f Friedrich N ietzche and Johannes K epler have an aspect betw een a d ig n i­
fied Ju p iter in Pisces and the A scendant. H ow ever, in N ietzsch e’s chart, the aspect is a trine, w hile in K ep­
le r’s chart, it is a square. In both cases, the personal expression is colored by the qualities o f ju stic e and lib­
erty, although in K e p le r’s case, these qualities have an erratic ex pressio n because o f the square.

A n t is c ia

T h ere are o th er types o f interactions betw een signs, o f w hich the m ost w ell-know n and used are the a n t i s c i a .
A n tiscia (antiscion in the singular) is a term o f G reek origin m eaning “ shade” o r “reflex.” It is said th at tw o
zodiacal points are in antiscion w hen they occupy positions that are equ id istan t from the celestial equator.
T his hap p en s w hen they are at the sam e distance from the solstice poin ts, the C an cer-C ap rico rn axis.

T he p lan ets situated in C ancer have th eir “m irror po in ts” in G em in i and v ice-versa. In the sam e w ay , the
an tiscia co n n ect the pairs L eo-T aurus, V irgo-A ries, L ibra-P isces, S corpio-A quarius, and S ag ittariu s-C ap ri­
corn. A n tiscia are also called “days o f equal light” because w hen the Sun transits degrees th at are in
an tiscio n , the d uration o f daylight is the sam e at those tw o tim es o f the year. T his m eans the d eg rees o f
a n tiscio n are points in the zodiac w here the am ount o f daylight given o f f by the Sun on those day s is equal.

C a lc u la tin g A n tis c ia

T he m irro r im age relationship establishes a correspondence not only b etw een signs b u t also b etw e e n th e d e ­
grees and m inutes o f each sign. Thus, a planet situated in the first degree o f a sign w ill hav e its a n tisc io n in
the l a s t d e g r e e o f the reflected sign. F o r exam ple, 1° V irgo has its a n tiscio n at 29° A ries. T h e sa m e o c c u rs
w ith all the o th e r signs: 2° V irgo corresponds to 28° A ries, 3° to 27°, and so on successiv ely . T h e m in u te s are
m irro red in an id entical m anner: 00° 0 1 ' o f one sign has its an tiscion at 29° 5 9 ' o f the m irro r sign, 00° 0 2 ' has
 1 3 0 / 0 n tfw H e a v c n fy Sjrficrcs

an an tisc io n at 29° 5 8 ', 00° 0 3 ' has its a n tisc io n at 29° 5 7 ', and so on su ccessiv ely .

T o o b ta in th e an tisc io n d eg re e m e re ly su b trac t from 30° th e d eg re es and m in u tes o f th e p la n e ta ry p o sitio n .

F o r in stan c e, to ca lc u late th e a n tisc io n o f V en u s at 8° S co rp io 2 0 ':

• F in d th e m irro r sign; in th e ca se o f S co rp io , it is A q u ariu s.

• S u b tra ct th at d eg re e fro m 30°; su b trac t
th e m in u te fro m 6 0 ' (to su b trac t 8° 2 0 '
fro m 3 0 ° 0 0 ', “ b o rro w ” 1 d eg re e an d tu rn
it in to m in u tes so th at 30°00 b ec o m e s
2 9 ° 6 0 '). T h en , 2 9 ° 6 0 ’ - 8° 2 0 ’ = 21° 4 0 '.
T h u s, w e se c th at V en u s at 8° S co rp io 2 0 ' p ro ­
je c ts its an tisc io n to 21° A q u ariu s 4 0 '.

Y o u c a n also co n v e rt th e a n tisc ia u sin g th e ta ­

b les in F ig u re 26.

T h e p o in t o p p o site to th e a n tisc io n is ca lle d c o n ­

tra -an tiscio n . F o r e x a m p le , V en u s at 8° S co rp io
2 0 ' p ro je c ts its a n tisc io n to 21° A q u ariu s 4 0 '. Its
c o u n te r-a n tisc io n is in th e o p p o site d eg re e: 21°
L eo 4 0 '.

N o te: th e c o u n te r-a n tisc io n m a y also b e th o u g h t

o f as a p ro je c tio n a lo n g th e 0° A rie s-0 o L ib ra
axis.

In p rac tica l te rm s, a n tisc ia an d c o u n te r-a n tisc ia

are o n ly c o n s id e re d i f th e re are p la n e ts o r o th e r
ch a rt fac to rs a c tiv a tin g th o se p o in ts. T h e y are
co n sid e re d c o m p lim e n ts to in te rp re ta tio n an d
a re n o t in te rp re te d b y th e m se lv es.

T w o p la n e ts in an ti sc io n are th o u g h t o f as a ty p e
o f co n ju n c tio n . T h is c o m b in a tio n o f p la n e ts in
a n tis c io n is le ss in te n se th a n a “ b o d ily ” c o n ­
ju n c tio n a n d f o r it to b e c o n s id e re d it m u st o c c u r
w ith in 2° o f b e in g ex a ct. F o r e x a m p le , c o n s id e r
M a rs a t 19° A rie s a n d th e M o o n a t 10° V irg o .
M a rs p ro je c ts its a n tisc io n to 11° V irg o an d th e
M o o n p ro je c ts its a n tisc io n to 20° A ries. T h e re ­
fo re , M a rs a n d th e M o o n a re in a n tisc io n . T h is
m e a n s th a t th e M o o n is g o in g to ta k e o n m a rtia l
c h a ra c te ris tic s a n d th a t M a rs is g o in g to ac q u ire
a g re a te r v o la tility , c h a ra c te ristic o f th e M o o n .
J u s t a s in a c o n ju n c tio n , th e a n tisc ia fu se th e
q u a litie s o f b o th p la n e ts . T h e p rin c ip a l d iffe re n c e b e in g th a t w ith th e an tisc io n , it is p o ssib le to c o m b in e v e ry
d if fe r e n t h o u s e s a n d sig n s, w h ic h d o es n o t o c c u r w ith a n o rm a l c o n ju n c tio n .
 A s y e c ts ll3 1

C ounter-antiscia is in terp reted as a

A ntiscia Antiscia
type o f opposition. U sing th e p re v io u s
of of exam ple, M ars at 19° A ries w o u ld h av e
degrees minutes its counter-antiscion at 11° P isces; if
0 0 <-> 30 00 <->60 16 « 4 4 M ercury is at 12° P isces, it is in co u n -
01 <-> 2 9 01 <->59 17 « 4 3 ter-antiscion to M ars, w h ich tran slates
02 <-> 2 8 02 « 5 8 18 « 4 2 to a certain irritability in co m m u n ic a ­
tion.
0 3 <-> 27 03 <->57 19 « 4 1
0 4 <->26 04 <->56 20 « 4 0
T here are tw o cases o f antiscia in the
0 5 <-> 2 5 05 <->55 21 « 39 horoscope o f Friedrich N ietzche. T h e
0 6 <->24 06 <-> 54 22 « 3 8 first is betw een M ercury at 4° L ib ra
0 7 <->23 07 <->53 23 « 3 7 and Ju piter at 26° Pisces. T h ese tw o
0 8 <->22 08 « 5 2 24 « 36 planets form a very w eak aspect (at the
end o f the orb). H ow ever, the presence
0 9 <->21 09 <->51 25 « 3 5
o f the antiscion, w hich is p ractically
10 <->20 10 « 5 0 26 « 3 4 exact, reinforces the co nnection b e ­
11 <-> 19 11 « 4 9 27 « 3 3 tw een them . T h e antiscion M er­
12<-> 18 12 « 4 8 28 « 3 2 cury-Jupiter links the objective m ind
13 <-> 17 13 « 4 7 29 « 3 1 (M ercury in Libra) w ith an idealistic
14 <-> 16 14 « 4 6 30 « 3 0 and devotional strain (Jupiter in Pis­
ces), a contrasting com bin ation that is
15<-> 15 15 <-> 4 5
w ell m irrored in its orb. N ote that the
F ig u r e 2 7 . A n tis c ia ( d e g r e e s a n d m in u te s ) involvem ent o f M ars in this co nfigura­
tion (conjunct M ercury and opposite
Jupiter) contrib utes to the bellicose
and critical tone, so very characteristic o f this
author.

T he second case o f antiscia involves Saturn at 0°

A quarius and the A scendant at 29° Scorpio. T he
personal ex pressio n (A scendant) becom es co l­
ored by a strong S aturnine com ponent, w hich
m anifested in the severe depressions that
shaped his w hole life.

O t h e r R e la t io n s h ip s B e tw e e n S ig n s

B esid es the antiscia, th ere are o th er n o n -asp ec-

tual relationships betw een signs th at are p re ­
sented in the tradition as targ eted c o n cep ts a p ­
plied in v ery specific contexts. T h e m o st w ell
know n is the relationship b etw een sig n s that
com m and and those that obey. A cc o rd in g to
F ig u r e 2 8 . C o u n te r -a n tis c ia Ptolem y, A ries, T au ru s, G em ini, C a n cer, L eo
and V irgo are signs th at c o m m an d , b e cau se
w h en the Sun is in them the day is longer than the night, since they co rrespond to the sp rin g an d su m m er

N ote: since an tiscia are m irror-im age points w ithout physical b ody, w e n e v e r in te rp re t th e se x tile s,
sq u ares o r trines o f these points. T he only aspects that count are the co n ju n ctio n an d o p p o sitio n fo r th e
reaso n s given above.
 132/ On tfic Hcaw it fy Sjjficres

F i g u r e 2 9 . A n t i sc i a a n d C o u n t e r - a n t i sc i a

m o n t h s.22 C o m p l i m e n t i n g th ese ar c t h e si g n s

th at o b ey , L ib ra, Sco rp io , S ag i t t ar i u s, C ap ri­

c o r n , A q u a r i u s, a n d P i sc es, w h i c h c o r r e sp o n d t o
t h e a u t u m n a n d w i n t e r m o n t h s, si n c e w h e n t h e
Sun is in th em , th e n i g h ts ar e l o n g er th an th e
d a y s.23

T h i s ty p e o f a ttr i b u ti o n i s u sed to c o m p ar e th e

p o w e r b e t w e e n si g n s. F o r i n st an c e, w e c an c o m ­
p a r e th e r el a ti v e str en g th o f th e M o o n (e m o ­
t i o n s ) a n d M e r c u r y (r e a s o n ) i n a n a t a l c h a r t . I f
M erc u ry is in a si g n th at c o m m an d s an d th e
M o o n i n a si g n o f o b e d i e n c e , t h e n r e a so n t en d s
t o p r e v a i l o v e r t h e em o t i o n s. I n t h e i n v e r se si t u ­
at i o n , t h e e m o t i o n s e a si l y o v e r sh a d o w r ea so n .

T h e sam e ty p e o f r e a so n i n g w as f o l l o w ed for

o t h e r c o n si d e r a t i o n s, as i s t h e c a se w i t h si g n s
t h a t o b se r v e a n d t h o se t h a t l i st en , et c . T o g e t h e r
w i t h t h e a n t i sc i a , t h e se t e c h n i q u e s a d d n e w d at a

to th e stu d y o f p l an e ta r y r el a ti o n sh i p s an d e n ­ C h a r t 1. N a t i v i t y o f F r i e d r i c h N i e t z sc h e

r i c h t h e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f a h o r o sc o p e.

N o t e : t h e a n t i s c i a p r e s e n t e d h e r e a s e x a m p l e s a r e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a s p e c t s (t h e f i r s t c o r r e s p o n d s t o a w e a k
o p p o s i t i o n a n d t h e s e c o n d t o a n o u t - o f - s i g n s e x t i l e ). H o w e v e r , a n a n t i s c i o n d o e s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y h a v e t o
a l so i n v o l v e a n a sp e c t . T h e i r i n t e r p r e t a t i o n i s v a l i d i n i t s e l f a n d i s i n d e p e n d e n t o f t h e asp ec t s.

22
R e c a l l t h a t t h i s c o n si d e r a t i o n h a s t h e se aso n s i n t h e n o r t h e r n h e m i sp h e r e as i t s b asi s.

^ T h e r e ar e so m e v ar i at i o n s o n t h e c o n c ep t o f c o m m an d i n g an d o b ey i n g ; i n t h i s m an u al w e p r esen t t h e m o st u t i l i z ed ,

a n d f o r w h i c h w e h a v e so m e e x a m p l e s. S o m e A r a b i c a u t h o r s a ss o c i a t e t h e si g n s t h a t c o m m a n d t o t h e si g n s o f r i g h t a s ­
c e n s i o n , a n d t h e si g n s o b e y i n g t o t h e si g n s o f o b l i q u e a sc e n si o n . T h i s i s a sl i g h t l y d i f f e r e n t o p i n i o n .
 Asjjectsll33

F ig u r e 3 0 . T h e C o m m a n d in g S ig n s a n d th e O b e y in g S ig n s
134/On tftc Heavcnfy Sjjftercs
 Cftajrter IX

C h a r t D y n a m ic s
A s p e c t s in M o t io n

T he aspects form a w eb o f interaction betw een the planets in a chart. This chapter focuses on the m ore com ­
plex patterns o f planetary dynam ics: the interaction by aspect o f several planets and the com bination o f these
aspects w ith th eir essential dignities. In practice, this type o f interaction is prim arily analyzed w ith respect to
ho rary astrology and occasionally in m undane or natal astrology.

C o m b in e d M o v e m e n ts

W hen sp ecific topics are studied in a chart, certain planets are desig nated as s i g n i f i c a t o r s , w hich represent
the action bein g studied. In a question about career, for exam ple, the significators are the planets th at rule the
A scen d an t (the person) and the M idheaven (the career). A ny relationship (o r lack o f one) betw een
sig n ificato rs describ es the developm ent o f that action and conveys in m ore detail the “p lo t” o f the story. This
relatio n sh ip is generally represented by an aspect. N onetheless, the contact b etw een the significators m ay be
rein fo rced , im peded, o r negated by other planets. In som e cases, the p lanetary interactions are b rought about
th ro u g h changes in the direction o f the p la n e t’s m ovem ent, w hile in others they o ccur as a byp ro d u ct o f the
ap p licatio n an d separation o f aspects
in v o lv in g a third planet.

W h a t is m o st im portant in this type o f

an aly sis, is to have som e idea o f the
m o tio n o f the planets (i.e., relative
sp eed and direction). A lso im portant is
to be aw are that an aspect has three
phases: the application, perfection (the
m o m e n t w h en it is exact), and the sep­
aration. T h ese concepts are essential to
u n d erstan d in g the inform ation in this
chapter.
F ig u r e 7 . S e q u e n c e o f A s p e c ts
 136f0n tftc Heavenly Splieres

T h e 3 0 ° R u le r

A sim ple and practical w ay o f visualiz­

ing the m ovem ent o f the planets is to
u se a diagram consisting o f a 30° ruler.
04° 10o 1 0 °1 4 o 15° 22° 26°
T his ru ler is an alternate w ay o f repre­ n 22 V Ï Q
senting the planetary positions in the 40' 0 0 '3 9 ' 13' 37'
Z odiac, placin g all o f them w ithin a
sp ace o f 30 degrees, irrespective o f
th eir sign position (w hich is noted next
to each planet, allow ing for aspect dis­
tinctions). For exam ple, in the horo­
l_| 1 1 I ' 1 ! . 1.
1 I 1 I II 1 1 . • .
e .À L! 1! !
fP l 11i
scope o f K ing Sebastian (sec page 118) io
0° 10° 20° 3
the planetary positions on the ruler are
as follow s:

F ig u r e I . E x a m p le o f t h e 3 0 ° R u le r
T h e ruler show s the distance betw een
p lanets, w hich aids in the calculation
o f aspects and in seeing planetary
m ovem ent. V isually, this allow s the
planets that are near each o ther by de­ 22° 26°
gree to be seen. T he planets that are P
n e a r each o ther on the ruler w ill form 13' 37'
aspects as long as they are in signs that
aspect each other. F or exam ple, M er­
cury and the M oon are about 4° from fi
each oth er on the ruler in opposite signs 1 1 J 111I 1! 11
(A quarius and L eo respectively); thus,
i . . . 11 - . 1 1l i 1 i 1 1 i i 1 I
th ey form an opposition. 0° 10° 20 ° 3 0°

A dditionally, the ru le r also show s

p lan ets that are located n ear each o ther
F ig u r e 2 .
b y degree, but w hich are in signs that
d o not aspect one another. T his is the
case w ith the S un-V enus pair, situated
at 10° A quariu s and 10° C apricorn, re ­
sp ectiv ely , and w ith the M ars-S atu rn
10° 10° 14°15°
& y? x &
p air, located resp ectiv ely at 15° A q u ar­ 0 0 ' 3 9 ' 14 z 0 9 z
iu s an d 14° Pisces.

O n the o th er hand, the Sun and M ars

09 W
a re o n ly 5° ap art and in the sam e sign,
th e re b y form ing a conjunction. W hile
V e n u s an d S aturn, b ein g o n ly 3° apart,
10° 20° 0°
fo rm a sextile.
no aspect

T h e ru le r also m ak es it e asie r to o b ­
se rv e w h e th e r th e m o v e m en t o f the F ig u r e 3 .
p la n e ts are ap p ly in g o r sep aratin g from
a n asp ect. F o r ex am p le, i f w e lo o k at
 Chart Dijnamics/137

the ruler, w e see that the V e n u s-S a tu rn

9 X- b sextile is applying b ecau se V en u s, the
.ft, faster planet, is m ov in g to w ard S atu rn ,
io ° n r u ° i 5 ° the slow er planet. A lso, M ars a n d
HfV • J Z\ M ercury are 7° apart in the sam e sig n,
0 0 ' 3 9 ' 1 4 '0 9 ' thereby form ing a conjunction. M er­

09 W cury, the faster body, is m o v in g to ­

w ard M ars by retrograde m o tio n ,
therefore it is applying to the c o n ju n c ­
tion.

A nother useful function o f the ru ler is

that it allow s us to im m ediately d etect
any planets that are void o f course. F o r
exam ple, the M oon is in the last d e ­
grees o f a sign (in this case Leo) and
does not apply to any aspects before
leaving this sign. In this case, the
M o o n ’s orb extends past the 30 d e­
grees o f the ruler. T hus w e m ust return
to the ru le r’s beg in nin g (0°) to com ­
plete the extension o f the M o o n ’s orb.
R em em ber that w hen this happens, the
sign alw ays changes; in this case, the
M o o n ’s orb extends as far as 8° V irgo
37. A s w e can see by the ruler, the orb
appears to touch Jupiter. H ow ever, Ju ­
piter is in L ibra, the sign next to V irgo,
and therefore does n o t aspect it.

F ig u r e 5 . T he 30° ru ler w as first pro posed by

E nglish astro lo g er D erek A ppleby.
(1937-1995)

04°
n.
40'

F ig u r e 6 .
 1 3 8 /O n tfic H c a v c n fy Sjrficrcs

T h e p e rfe c tio n o f an a sp e c t is th e m o st im p o rtan t d y n am ic situ atio n in th e m o v e m en t o f a ch a rt. T h e a s p e c t is

o n ly c o n s id e re d p e r f e c t e d w h en it has b eco m e exact. F o r ex am p le, in F ig u re 7, M e rc u ry at 16° A q u a riu s
fo rm s a s e x tile to M a rs at 17° A ries an d a n o th er to V en u s at 12° S ag ittariu s. It also fo rm s a s q u a re to Ju p ite r at
18° T a u ru s an d an o p p o sitio n to S atu rn at 14° L eo. E v ery asp ect is w ith in orb. N e v e rth e le ss, fro m a d y n a m ic
p e rsp e c tiv e , o n ly tw o a sp ec ts arc co n sid ered : the last o ne fo rm ed (sep a ra tin g asp ec t) an d th e n e x t o n e to
c o m p le te (a p p ly in g asp ec t)— in th is ea se, th e se p aratio n fro m S atu rn an d th e ap p ly in g se x tile to M ars. D y ­
n a m ic a lly , n e ith e r th e se x tile to V en u s (w h ich o cc u rre d b efo re the o p p o sitio n to S atu rn ) n o r th e s q u a re to J u ­
p ite r (w h ic h o n ly b e c o m e s e x a ct afte r th e sex tile to M ars) n eed be co n sid ered .

T r a n s la tio n o f L ig h t

T ra n sla tio n o f lig h t o cc u rs w h en faste r p la n et A se p arate s from slo w e r p la n et B an d a p p lies to p la n e t C. In

su c h a e a se , it is sa id th at p la n et A tran sm its (o r tran slate s) th e lig h t fro m p la n e t B to p la n e t C. In o th e r w o rd s,
p la n e t A c o n n e c ts th e o th e r tw o in th e sa m e w ay th at a rela y ra c e r m ig h t tra n sp o rt th e c h a ra c te ristic s o f
p la n e t B to p la n e t C. In p rac tica l te rm s, tran slatio n o f lig h t h as tw o effects:

1. It e sta b lish e s a c o n n e c tio n th at w o u ld no t o th e rw ise ex ist w h en th e fa ste r p la n e t u n ite s tw o th a t d o n o t a s ­

p e c t e a c h o th er. F o r ex a m p le , su p p o se th at M ars at 12° S ag ittariu s an d J u p ite r at 20° T a u ru s a re th e
sig n ific a to rs. T h e y d o not fo rm an y a p e ct b ec au se th e y are in in c o n ju n ct sig n s (150° ap a rt). H o w e v e r, V e n u s
a t 15° A q u a riu s is se p a ra tin g
fro m a se x tile to M a rs an d is
a p p ly in g to a sq u a re w ith J u p i­
ter. In th is case, V en u s u n ite s
tw o p la n ets, tra n sfe rrin g th e
lig h t (an d its n atu re ) fro m M a rs
to Ju p iter.

2. It rein fo rces a u n io n w h e n a
fa ste r p la n e t u n ite s tw o slo w e r
p la n e ts th at a re se p aratin g . F o r
e x a m p le , su p p o se M a rs at 10°
C a n c e r a n d M e rc u ry a t 15° are
th e sig n ific ato rs. M e rc u ry is
s e p a ra tin g fro m a se x tile to
M a rs , w h ic h m e a n s th e asp e c t
h a s c o m p le te d a n d is d is s o lv ­
in g . H o w e v e r, th e M o o n at 12°
C a p ric o rn c o m e s to re in fo rc e
th e c o n n e c tio n b e tw e e n th e m
b e c a u s e it is se p a ra tin g fro m an
o p p o s itio n to M a rs a n d a p p ly ­
in g b y trin e to M e rc u ry , re a c ti­
v a tin g th e ir c o n n e c tio n .

L e t ’s im a g in e a h o ra ry a s tro l­
o g y e x a m p le in w h ic h th e fo l­
lo w in g q u e s tio n is p o se d :
’’W ill I g e t th e j o b ? ” T h e c h a rt
f o r th e q u e s tio n h a s 18° S a g it­
ta riu s ris in g a n d 7° L ib ra o n th e
M id h e a v e n . In th is c a s e , th e F ig u r e 9 . T r a n s la tio n o f L ig h t, E x a m p le 2
 Chart Dynantics/139

significator for the q u e re n t (th e

person ask in g the q u e stio n ) is
Jupiter (ru ler o f th e A sc e n ­
dant), w hich is at 10° S a g itta r­
ius. T he sig n ificato r fo r the jo b
is V enus (ru ler o f th e M C ),
w hich is at 15° T aurus.

Since the significators do n o t

have any co n tact w ith each
other by aspect, w e m ig h t say
at first glance th at the q u eren t
w ill not get the jo b . N o tw ith ­
F ig u r e 1 0 . T r a n s la t io n o f L ig h t, “ W ill I g e t th e j o b ? ” standing, the m ovem ents o f the
M oon im ply the opposite. A t
12° P isces, the M oon unites both planets through translation o f light: it separates from a square to Ju p iter and
applies to a sextile w ith V enus. W c can therefore give a positive answ er to this question: the querent w ill o b ­
tain the jo b , possibly through an interm ediary (the M oon) w ho establishes a connection betw een the querent
(Jupiter) and the jo b (Venus).

H ad this co nfig uration com e up in a birth chart, it w ould indicate a tendency in the native (Jupiter) tow ard
reach in g his goals (V enus) w ith the assistance o f interm ediaries (M oon). In this case, it speaks to a tendency
th at w o u ld have to be ju d g ed w ithin the larger context o f the natal chart.

C o lle c t io n o f L ig h t

C o llectio n occurs w hen two planets that do not aspect each other apply to a third slo w er planet. In such a
case, it is said that the slow er planet collects the light o f the other tw o, bringing together th eir qualities and
a ctin g as a un ify in g agent. It can represent a situation o r a person w ho functions as an in term ediary w ho fa­
cilitates the action (the type o f action is indicated by the tw o o th er planets). For exam ple, suppose the S un at
7° L ibra an d the M oon at 10° o f Pisces are the significators. T hey are in inconjuct signs an d do not therefore
asp ect each other. H ow ever, both are form ing applying aspects to M ars, w hich is at 12° G em ini (the Sun
form s a trin e and the M oon a square). Since M ars is the slow er planet, w e say th at M ars collects the light
from the o th er tw o and thereby connects them.

H ere is an o th er horary q u es­

tion: “ W ill I find m y lost n e c k ­
lace?” (see F igure 12). In this
chart, the A scen d an t is 11°
V irgo. T h e sig n ificato r o f the
q u eren t is M ercu ry (ru ler o f the
A scendant), w h ich is at 18°
S corpio. T h e lost o b ject is re p ­
resen ted by th e ru ler o f the sec­
ond h o u se o f p o ssessio n s,
w h ich has 11° L ib ra o n the
cusp. V en u s, its ru ler, is at 21°
L ibra.

T here are no asp ects b etw een

F ig u r e 1 1 . C o lle c t io n o f L ig h t M ercury (the q u e re n t) an d V e-
1 4 0 /O n th e H e a v e n fy S p h e r e s

nus (th e q uesited, i.c., the

n ecklace), w hich indicates a
negative response. N ev erth e­
less, both planets arc applying
to M ars, w hich is at 25° C apri­
corn (M crcur}' by sextile and
V enus by square). W e can then
co nclude th at M ars gathers or
collects the light from both
p lanets, a ctin g as an interm edi­
ary w ho reunites the two. In
this ease, M ars m ight represent
a friend that finds the lost o b ­
je c t (V enus) and safeguards it
until the ow n er (M ercury) can F ig u r e 1 2 . C o lle c t io n o f L ig h t, “ W ill 1 fin d m y lo s t n e c k la c e ? ”
reco v er it.

P r o h ib itio n o f L ig h t

A p rohibition o f light occurs w hen a third planet interferes in the perfection o f an aspect betw een tw o others,
im peding its realization. Prohibition exists w hen:

• Planet A applies to planet B, but before it can reach it, it first form s an aspect w ith p lan et C; thus,
planet C im pedes planet A from com m unicating w ith planet B. F or E xam ple, suppose M ercury at
5° Leo and Jupiter at 10° Libra are the significators. M ercury applies by sextile to Jupiter, but
before it can com plete the aspect, it form s a square w ith M ars at 7° Scorpio. In such a case, M ars
prohib its the
significators from
finding each other and
blocks th eir action.
• Planet A applies to
planet B, but before it
can reach it, it is
aspected by p lanet C.
F o r exam ple, suppose
M ars at 15° L eo and
S aturn at 20° T aurus
are significators. M ars
is a p p ly in g to Saturn
by square, b u t b efo re it
can co m p lete the
asp ect, V enus, w hich is
at 12° S agittariu s,
asp ects it b y trine. In
su ch a case, V enus the faster o f the three, prohibits the action p rom ised through the square o f M ars
an d S aturn.
• P la n e t A ap p lies to p lan et B, b u t b efo re it can reach it, p lan et C aspects p lan et B. F o r exam ple,
M ars at 15° A ries and Ju p iter at 25° L eo are the significato rs. M ars applies by trine to Jupiter, but
b e fo re it c an co m p lete the aspect, M ercury at 14° Scorpio , com pletes a square to Jupiter. In this
case, th e fa ster M ercu ry , prohibits the connection betw een the significators.
 Chart Dijnatitics/141

T here are m any v a ria tio n s o f

prohib itio n, so m e o f w h ic h are
given specific n am es b y so m e
authors. B ut the m ain id ea to
keep in m ind is th at in p ro h ib i­
tion a third p lan et im p ed es in
one w ay o r a n o th er the rea liz a ­
tion o f an aspect b e tw ee n tw o
oth er planets. A sim p le e x a m ­
ple o f prohibition o f lig h t from
horary astrolo gy can b e seen in
a question about relationships.
C o n sid er the ch art for this
question: “ W ill she date m e?”
F ig u r e 1 4 . P r o h ib it io n o f L ig h t, E x a m p le 2 T he A scen d an t o f the chart is 5°
A quarius. In this case, the
sig n ificato r fo r the qu eren t is
S aturn (ruler o f the A scen­
dant), located at 15° Leo. The
sig n ificato r o f the quesited (the
w om an in question) is the Sun
(ru ler o f the D escendant), lo ­
cated at 5° A ries.

T h e Sun (her) looks to be ap ­

p ly in g by trin e to S atu rn (him ),
su g g estin g th at th ey w ill date.
H ow ever, a clo ser lo o k reveals
th a t the Sim w ill not com plete
its asp ect w ith S aturn b ecause
it w ill first fo rm a trine w ith
M ars at 9° Sagittarius. W e can
th erefore say th at she (th e Sun)
w ill in itiate a re latio n sh ip w ith
a p erson rep resen ted by M ars
an d w ill not en d up d a tin g th e
p erso n w ho p o sed the q u estio n
(Saturn).

F r u s tr a tio n o f L ig h t

F ru stratio n o f lig h t is a v a ria ­

tio n on pro h ib itio n . It o ccu rs
w h en p lan et A ap p lies to p la n et
B, but b efo re the a sp e c t is c o m ­
p leted, B m ak es a n a sp e c t to C.
O ne can say th en th a t p la n e t A
is fru strated in its c o u rse o f ac­
F ig u r e 1 6 . P r o h ib itio n o f L ig h t, “ W ill s h e d a te m e ? ”
tion. F o r ex am p le, su p p o se
M ercury at 15° G em in i an d
M ars at 22° A q u a riu s are
 142/ Oh tfw Hcavcnfy Sjrfurcs

significators. In this case, M er­

cury is ap p ly in g by trine to
M ars, but before it can com ­
plete the aspect, M ars perfects
to a co n ju n ctio n w ith Saturn at
25° A quarius. W e say then,
that the connection betw een
M ercury and M ars w as frus­
trated.

R e f r a n a t io n o f L ig h t

R efranation occurs w hen two

plan ets are applying to each
other; but before they can com ­
p lete the aspect, the faster
planet changes direction, thus
im peding the aspect from com pletion. For exam ple, suppose M ercury is at 14° V irgo and Saturn a tl 8° C an ­
cer. M ercury applies to Saturn by sextile, but before it can com plete the aspect, M ercury stations and enters
retrograde m otion at 16° V irgo. In such a case, the aspect never com pletes, w hich m eans the action regresses
and is not realized.

R efranation m ay be considered
a sub-set o f prohib itio n that in ­
volves only tw o planets and
w herein the agent o f im pedi­
m ent entails a change in one
p la n e t’s direction.

As an o th er exam ple of
refranation from horary astrol­
ogy, consider this question:
“W ill w e reconcile?” It w as
posed by so m eone w ho re­
cently ended a relationship. In
th is chart, the A scendant is at
18° A ries. T he significator o f
the querent in this case is M ars
(ru le r o f the A scendant), lo ­
c ated at 10° Scorpio. T he p artn er is represented by a retrograde V enus (ruler o f the D escendant) at 14° S co r­
p io . In its re trograde m ovem ent, V enus is applying to a conjunction w ith M ars, w hich suggests a reunion o f
th e couple. H ow ever, V enus stations and returns to direct m otion at 13° S corpio before it can com plete the
co n ju n c tio n to M ars. B ecause it is faster, V enus begins to distance itse lf from M ars as soon as it turns direct.
M a rs, m o v in g m o re slow ly, is unable to catch up to it. W e can therefore conclude th at a reconciliation b e ­
tw e e n th e co u p le does n o t take place. A t first, the p artn er seem s interested in retu rnin g (his ru ler is retro ­
g ra d e ) b u t th en ch an g es his m ind and distances him self.

T h e p la n e ta ry in teractio n s p resen ted h ere are the m ost im portant ones yo u w ill encounter. T here are v aria ­
tio n s on th ese, an d som e h ave different technical nam es. H ow ever, w h at is m ost im portant is to com e aw ay
w ith an u n d e rsta n d in g o f p lan etary m otion and th at the ch art is alw ays a m irro r o f action.
 Chart Dynainics/143

A s s is te d a n d
B e s ie g e d P la n e ts

In certain circu m stan ces th e a s­

pects have a d irect im p a ct on
the capacity o f the p la n e t to e x ­
press itself, at tim es am p lify in g
that expression greatly, an d at
others, hindering it. T h is h a p ­
pens w hen soft asp ects are
com bined w ith benefic p lan ets
or w hen hard aspects are c o m ­
bined w ith m alefic planets.
T here are tw o extrem e cases o f
this type o f interaction: a s s i s ­
F ig u r e 1 9 . R c fr a n a tio n o f L ig h t, “ W ill w e r e c o n c ile ? ” ta n c e and b e s i e g e m e n t.

A s s is ta n c e
W hen a planet separates from
one o f the benefics and applies
to another, it is said to be as­
sisted. In assistance only the
conjunction, trine, and sextile
are considered (the co n ju n c­
tion is the m o st pow erful). As
the nam e its e lf indicates, assis­
tance represents a situation in
w hich the planet (and w hatev er
it sig nifies in the chart) has ex ­
ternal help. A ssistance su g ­
gests positive circu m stan ces
w ith the possib ility o f su ccess.
F o r exam ple, M ercu ry is a t 14°
L eo, V enus at 12° o f the sam e
sign, and Ju p iter at 16° S a g it­
tarius. M ercu ry is sep aratin g
from a co n ju n ctio n to V e n u s
and applying by trin e to Ju p i­
ter, thereby b ein g a ssiste d b y
the benefics. A n y th in g th a t is
signified b y M ercu ry in th a t
chart (an in dividual, e v e n t, o r
action) is th erefo re su rro u n d e d
by go o d co n d itio n s.

B e s ie g e m e n t
B esiegem ent is th e o p p o site o f
assistance. A p la n e t is b e sie g e d
w h en it sep arates fro m o n e o f
the m alefics and ap p lies to the other. In besiegem ent only the conjunction, square and o p p o sitio n a re c o n sid ­
ered (th e co n ju n ctio n is the m o st pow erful). Just as w hen a city is besieged, the p lan et ex p e rie n ces d iffic u lt
 144/On tfic Hcavenfy Sjiftcrcs

circum stances from w hich it w ill have difficulty escaping. It is com parable to the proverbial expression o f
being “ stuck betw een a rock (Saturn) and a hard place (M ars).” The planet and anything it signifies in the
chart is su rrounded by adverse circum stances. For exam ple, consider M ercury at 20° Sagittarius, M ars at 18°
V irgo and S aturn at 25° Pisces. In this ease, M ercury is separating from a square to Saturn and applying, also
by square, to M ars. E verything that M ercury signifies in this chart is encountering serious difficulties.

S om e authors co n sid er the Sun to be the only exception to the besiegem ent rule because they believe the Sun
cannot be besieged, at least by conjunction, because o f its inherent power. In such a ease, it is the Sun that
“co n su m es” the planets that arc in conjunction with it, concealing their action.

E x a m p le s o f A s s is t a n c e a n d B e s ie g m e n t

T h ere is an exam ple o f assistance in the chart o f poet and w riter Edgar A llen Poe. The M oon at 9° 4 9 ' sep a­
rates from a conjunction to V enus at 9° 0 7 ' and applies to a conjunction o f Jupiter at 16° 5 2 '; all the planets
are in Pisces, close to the cusp o f the fifth house. Since the M oon is on the fifth house cusp and rules the
ninth, it suggests that this assistance will benefit the m atters relating to leisure and pleasures (fifth house), as
w ell as learning, publishing, and travel (ninth house). N evertheless, it should be noted that the M oon and V e ­
nus square Saturn, w hich also suggests som e difficulties in these areas.

T he benefits w ould therefore at tim es be m arked by reversals, im passes, and losses. In effect, P o e ’s life w as
alw ays m et w ith difficulties and his literary success cam e about only after his death. Since Saturn is located
in the first house (the individual), these setbacks m ay have originated from P o e’s ow n actions (w hich is co r­
ro borated by M ars in a very debilitated state in the tw elfth house). M any o f P o e ’s problem s w ere in fact tied
to his propensity for alcohol, w hich w ould eventually lead to his death.

C h a r t 7 . E d g a r A lle n P o e
 Chart Dynamics/145

C h a r t 8 . J im M o r r is o n

T h e ch art o f Jim M orrison, lead singer o f T h e D o o r s , illustrates b e s ie g e m e n t. T he Sun at 15° Sagittarius 42 is

sep aratin g from an opposition to M ars at 11° G em ini 40 and is app ly in g to an oppo sitio n to S atu rn at 23°
G em ini 45. T he Sun is located in the tenth house and rules the seventh, indicating the areas affected by the
besiegem ent. In effect, the fam e and success (tenth house) achieved by M o rrison w ere m ark ed b y polem ics:
som e o f his m usical perform ances w ere actually interrupted by the authorities and his conduct o n stag e co n ­
dem ned fo r its lack o f decency. H is personal relationships (seventh ho use) w ere equally m ark ed b y c o n flict
and enm ity.

A s can be seen from these exam ples, cases o f a s s is ta n c e and b e s i e g e m e n t m ust alw ays be ex am in ed w ith in
the larger co n tex t o f the rest o f the chart. O nly in this w ay can th eir expression b e fully seen in a sp ecific
chart, as w ell as th eir relative w eight in the life o f the native.

R e c e p tio n

A t the sam e tim e th at aspects allow for the connection betw een tw o p lanets, th ey also en ab le th e sh a rin g o f
dig n ity and p o w e r betw een them . It is from the com bination o f aspects and essential d ig n ity th a t arises th e
concept o f r e c e p ti o n .

R ecall th at a p lan et that ru les the dignity o f a p articular degree o r zodiac sign is the d isp o sito r o f w h ic h e v e r
p lan et (o r o th e r p o in t in the chart) happens to be p osited there. W hile the term “d isp o sito r” is g e n e ra lly a p ­
p lied to th e ru le r o r o w n er o f the sign, it can also refer to a dispositio n by exaltation, trip licity , term , o r face.
R eception is an ex ten sio n o f the idea o f disposition and occurs w hen p lan et A m akes an a sp ec t to p la n e t B,
w hen p la n e t A is located in a sign o v er w hich planet B has som e dignity. It is said th at p la n e t B rec e iv e s
 146/On tfic Hcavenfy Spheres

p la n e t A a n d g iv e s it its d isp o sitio n , n atu re and virtue, w h ich m ean s it tran sm its to it its d ig n ity , m a k in g it
stro n g e r.

F o r e x a m p le , c o n s id e r M ars at 10° P isces and Ju p ite r at 15° T au ru s. M ars m ak es a se x tile to J u p ite r an d is lo ­

c a te d in a sig n ru led b y Ju p iter. T h erefo re, M ars is in recep tio n (o r is receiv ed ) by Ju p iter. In a n o th e r e x a m ­
p le, le t’s su p p o s e th a t th e M o o n is at 5° A ries an d in a trin e w ith th e Sun at 15° S ag ittariu s. H ere, th e M o o n is
re c e iv e d b y th e S u n in its sig n o f ex altatio n , A ries. W e ca n co m p are th e p lan et th at re c e iv e s to a h o st w h o
w e lc o m e s (re c e iv e s) th o se w h o en te r h is hom e.

R e c e p tio n is sa id to b e p erfec t w h en p lan et A finds its e lf in th e sig n o w n ed o r e x a lte d b y p la n e t B ; in th o se

e a se s th e in te ra c tio n b etw e en th e tw o p lan ets is fortified. W h en th e rec ep tio n in v o lv e s th e le sse r d ig n itie s
(trip lic ity , te rm , o r face) it is c o n sid ered w ea k o r im p erfect. F o r m a n y a u th o rs, re c e p tio n b y th e m in o r d ig n i­
tie s is o n ly c o n s id e re d w h en th e p la n et rec eiv e d is lo cated in a d eg re e o v e r w h ich tw o sim u lta n e o u s m in o r
d ig n itie s a rc h e ld b y th e d ig n ify in g plan et. F o r ex a m p le , c o n s id e r M ars at 15° V irg o in as p e c t to V e n u s a t 12°
G e m in i. B e c a u se V en u s h o ld s tw o m in o r d ig n ities (trip lic ity an d term ) in 15° V irg o , it is c o n s id e re d to b e in
re c e p tio n w ith M ars.

W h e n th e tw o p la n e ts in a s p e c t arc in e a c h o th e r ’s d ig n itie s (A in th e d ig n ity o f B a n d B in th e d ig n ity o f

A ), th e y a re sa id to b e in m u t u a l r e c e p t i o n . T h e re la tio n s h ip b e tw e e n th e tw o p la n e ts is th e re fo re c o n s id ­
e re d to b e m o re in te n se . A n e x a m p le o f th is is M e rc u ry in C a p ric o rn fo rm in g a trin e to S a tu rn in V irg o ;
M e rc u ry is in th e sig n ru le d b y S a tu rn , a n d S a tu rn is in th e sig n ru le d b y M e rc u ry . M u tu a l r e c e p tio n s m a y
a ls o b e m ix e d , w h e n p la n e t A is in th e s ig n ru le d b y p la n e t B , an d p la n e t B is in th e sig n o f p la n e t A ’s e x a l­
ta tio n . A n e x a m p le o f th is w o u ld b e M e rc u ry in P isc e s sq u a re V e n u s in G e m in i; in th is c a se it is a m u tu a l
b u t m ix e d re c e p tio n b e c a u s e M e rc u ry is re c e iv e d in e x a lta tio n b y V e n u s, w h ile V e n u s is re c e iv e d in r u le r ­
sh ip b y M e rc u ry .

In p ra c tic e , w e m a y lo o k u p o n re c e p tio n as a sig n o f g o o d w ill b y th e d ig n ify in g p la n e t to h e lp o u t th e v is it­

ing p la n e t, w h ic h b e c o m e s stro n g e r in its a b ility to ac t. In a se n se, re c e p tio n h ig h lig h ts th e so fte r a s p e c ts
(trin e an d se x tile ) an d alle v ia te s th e m o re d isc o rd a n t c irc u m sta n c e s (o p p o sitio n an d sq u a re ).

R e c e p tio n a lso in d ic a te s th e p re d isp o s itio n an d m o tiv a tio n b e h in d p a rtic u la r ac tio n s. A p la n e t th a t is re ­

c e iv e d in ru le rsh ip c o n fe rs g re a t im p o rta n c e o n to its d isp o s ito r (in th e sa m e w a y th a t a v is ito r w ill h o n o r th e
h o st). I f th e re c e p tio n o c c u rs th ro u g h e x a lta tio n , it c a n re p re se n t e x c ite m e n t o n th e p a rt o f th e p la n e t re ­
ce iv e d . T h e sa m e o c c u rs w ith th e m in o r d ig n itie s, b u t o n a s m a lle r scale.

T h e d e b ilitie s m a y also b e in c lu d e d in an in te rp re ta tio n , a lth o u g h th e ir im p a c t is less n o tic e a b le a n d e a s ily

n u llifie d b y o th e r c o n fig u ra tio n s. T h e y n e v e rth e le ss re p re se n t a so rt o f “ n e g a tiv e d is p o s itio n ” b e tw e e n th e
p la n e ts . F o r e x a m p le , c o n s id e r th e S u n in C a n c e r fo rm in g a se x tile w ith S atu rn in V irg o . In th is c a se , th e S u n
a s p e c ts S a tu rn fro m its sig n o f d e trim e n t (C a n c e r) su c h th a t S a tu rn d o es n o t h o ld h im in reg a rd .

A s a m o re p ra c tic a l e x a m p le , w e re tu rn to th e p re v io u s h o ra ry q u e stio n : “ W ill sh e d a te m e ? ” T h e A sc e n d a n t

o f th e c h a rt is 5° A q u a riu s. A s w e sa w , th e sig n ific a to r fo r th e q u e re n t is S atu rn (ru le r o f th e A s c e n d a n t), lo ­
c a te d a t 15° L e o . T h e sig n ific a to r o f th e q u e s ite d (th e w o m a n in q u e s tio n ) is th e S u n (ru le r o f th e D e s c e n ­
d a n t), lo c a te d a t 5° A ries.

T h e p re v io u s c o n c lu s io n w a s th a t a re la tio n sh ip w o u ld n o t o c c u r b e c a u s e sh e (th e S u n ) p re fe rre d to d a te a n ­

o th e r m a n (M a rs ), ra th e r th a n th e q u e re n t (S a tu rn ). N o w , fro m a n e x a m in a tio n o f th e re c e p tio n s in v o lv e d , w e
w ill lo o k a t th e u n d e rly in g m o tiv a tio n s o f e a c h o f th e se c h a ra c te rs. T h e s ig n ific a to r o f th e q u e re n t is S a tu rn ,
w h ic h , in L e o , is d is p o s e d b y th e S u n , s ig n ific a to r o f th e w o m a n . T h is in d ic a te s th a t h e h as a g re a t in te re s t in
h e r a n d th a t in a m a n n e r o f sp e a k in g h e is u n d e r h e r d o m in io n (S a tu rn is u n d e r th e ru le rsh ip o f th e S u n : h e is
 C fta r t D y n a m i c s / 1 4 7

in her “kingdom ”). U nfortunately he is in a

detrim ented position (Saturn in L eo), so is n o t in
a strong position to m ake his w ishes co m e true.

She has a good social position, rep resen ted by

the exaltation in A ries; w hich receives S aturn in
the sign it rules. Saturn can only receive the Sun
by triplicity, but in its w eak condition o f d etri­
m ent this w ill not b e greatly noticeable. B esides,
she (the Sun) is in the sign o f S atu rn ’s d etrim en t
(A ries), w hich brings into play som e sort o f re­
sentm ent o r envy on his p art tow ard her (she, the
Sun, is in the sign o f S atu rn ’s exile; th at is, in a
position/status uncom fortable to him ). T he
strongest feelings on h er part are reserved for
the o ther m an, signified by M ars. Since the Sun
(her) is in A ries, a sign ruled by M ars, w e can
say that she is u nder his dom inion, and that he
F ig u r e 2 2 . E x a m p le , “ W ill s h e d a te m e ? ”
has a certain po w er ov er her (she is in his “kin g­
dom ”).

N ow w e w ill look at an interpretation o f these

conditions in a natal chart. In the chart o f K ing
Sebastian, there are tw o exam ples o f reception.
In the square betw een V enus an d Ju p iter we
have an exam ple o f sim ple reception: Ju piter in
L ibra is received by V enus, lady o f the sign,
p osited in Capricorn. T his reception reinforces
the intensity o f the aspect because it m akes con­
crete the association o f ideals w ith am bitions.
N ote that Jupiter, ruler o f the M id h eav en (am b i­
tion) is receiv ed by V enus, ruler o f the n inth
house (ideals).

T he second exam ple occurs w ith the sex tile b e ­

tw een V enus and Saturn. In this case, w e h ave a
m ixed m utual reception: V enus is in the sign
ruled by Saturn (C apricorn), an d S atu rn is in the
exaltation o f V enus (P isces). T h e em o tio n al
C h a r t 5 . K in g S e b a s tia n rigor indicated b y the plan ets (see C h ap te r V III
for an explanation o f asp ect d elin eatio n ) is re in ­
fo rced and intensified through the m utual reception. In the larger context o f the life, this sex tile rep resen ts
K in g S e b a stia n ’s relationship w ith his allies (V enus in the eleventh). T he m utu al recep tio n su g g ests th at
those allies attrib u ted great force and pow er to him (Saturn disposes V enus), and that in re tu rn th e K in g re ­
sponded to th ese ex pectations w ith ex citem ent (V enus disposes Saturn in exaltation).

T h e stren g th o f reception thus functions at tw o levels: in m u t u a l r e c e p ti o n , the strongest, th e in te ra c tio n o f

bo th p lan ets is greatly intensified; and in s i m p l e r e c e p ti o n , the interaction helps to m a k e th e a sp e c t m o re
co n crete ( if the aspect is a pplying it m akes the reception even m ore effective). In the ab o v e e x a m p le , th e re ­
ception b etw een V enus and Saturn is not only strong because it is m utual, but also b e cau se it is a n a p p ly in g
 148/ On tlic Hca w nfy Sjrfwrcs

aspect. In com parison, the reception between Venus and Jupiter is less noticeable because the aspect is sep a­
rating.

S om e authors speak o f the existence o f reception w ithout the presence o f an aspect betw een the planets. In
these eases, the reception is very weak. There m ay exist an “expectation” betw een the planets involved (rep ­
resented by the reception), but this expectation is not acted upon (represented by the aspect). W e m ight say
that there is a latent m otivation betw een the planets, but there lacks an aspect to realize it. For exam ple, the
M oon at 2° Sagittarius disposed by Jupiter at 16° Libra is colored by the expectations and optim ism o f Ju p i­
ter. N o n eth eless, because there is no aspect between both bodies, that expectation docs not express itse lf in a
specific action. Instead, it rem ains an underlying disposition in the nature o f the M oon. In this case, the co r­
rect term to be used should be d i s p o s itio n and not reception. T hroughout this book w e use the term reception
to refer only to those eases w here an aspect is present; in the absence o f an aspect, w e use the te n u d i s p o s i ­
tio n . (S om e au th ors suggest that m utual reception has enough strength to function even w ithout an aspect to
connect the pertinent planets).

In the horoscope o f K ing Sebastian, the conjunction o f M ercury, Sun, and M ars in A quarius is disposed by
Saturn, w hich is in Pisces. In this case, there is no reception because there is no aspect betw een the conjoined
planets and Saturn. N otw ithstanding, even w ithout reception, the disposition is not w ithout its influence; it
indicates a m otivation underlying the actions o f the disposed planets. In this w ay, the im petuosity and ex ­
pansiveness represented by the M ercury-S un-M ars conjunction in an air sign (A quarius) are so m ew hat em o ­
tio nally constricted due to the disposition o f Saturn in a w ater sign (Pisces). N ote that, w hile im portant, this
ch aracteristic is not alw ays noticeable in the actions o f the native.

A d d it io n a l C o n c e p t s

T here are som e concepts o f m in or im portance related to reception that are lim ited to very specific uses o f
the chart and sh ould be looked at as secondary indicators that strengthen or dim inish the strength o f the as­
pect and the planets involved.

E m is s io n o f V ir t u e

E m ission o f p o w er occurs w hen a p lanet in one o f its m ajo r dignities (rulership o r exaltation) m akes an as­
p ect to a n o th er planet. It is said to then send em it its p o w er to the other planet. F o r exam ple, the M oon ex ­
alted at 13° T aurus in trine to M ercury at 10° C apricorn em its o r discharges its p o w er to M ercury w h ich is
p ereg rin e, and thus, aided. In practice, this concept tells us that a planet in its ow n m ajo r dig nities is not
o n ly p o w erfu l, b u t can transm it that strength to others it contacts. In otherw ords, a dig nified p lan et can
stren g th en an d assist o th er planets it aspects.

R e tu r n o f V ir tu e

W h en a p la n e t is receiv ed by another, but it is com bust, retrograde o r cadent, it cannot receive the strength
a n d v irtu e o f its d isp o sito r and returns it. F or exam ple, V enus retrograde at 8° A ries in the six th house,
trin es M ars at 10° L eo in the tenth house. M ars receives V enus and sends h er his virtue o r nature. B ut b e ­
c a u se V en u s is re tro g rad e and cadent, she returns w hat he sends. T he idea that this concept is conveying is
th a t a p la n e t th at is v e ry d ebilitated in a chart does n o t b en efit greatly from reception. T his m eans reception
c a n stre n g th e n w h a t alread y exists, but does not have the p o w e r in itse lf to rem ove a planet's d eb ilitated
c o n d itio n .
 C h a p te r X

T h e C o n d itio n o f th e P h in e ts
In ad d itio n to the essential dignity and debility o f the planets, there are oth er conditions that can increase, d e ­
crease, o r m o dify the expression o f a planet. T hese conditions are based upon the repetition, to a greater o r
lesser extent, o f the idealized astrological schem e. W ith regard to this topic, the M oon w ill be considered
separately because it is a lum inary and not a planet.

S u n a n d P la n e t R e la tio n s h ip s

T he Sun is the engine o f the astrological schem e. Its m ovem ent produces the zodiac and the seasons o f the
year, and its central position in the celestial sphere determ ines the essential nature o f the planets. T he Sun
also d efines day and night. Its light is so bright that no planet, w ith the exception o f the M oon, can be seen
d uring the day. B ecause o f its overarching pow er, the Sun plays a piv otal role in the dynam ic relationship
am ong the planets.

I n c r e a s e a n d D e c r e a s e o f L ig h t

In astro lo g y , th ere is a direct relationship betw een lum inosity and strength: the m ore light a p lan et has, the
stro n g er it is in the horoscope because its light and visibility are the ro o t o f astrological in terpretation. T h e
am o u n t o f light that a planet appears to display to a terrestrial o bserver (the so lar light it reflects to e a rth ) is
d eterm in ed by its position in relation to the Sun. W hen a planet is very close to the Sun, its lig h t is o v e r­
w h elm ed by the S u n ’s glare. As it distances itse lf from the Sun (or the Sun from it) the p lan et g rad u ally b e ­
com es m o re lum inous, and consequently m ore visible. It is said then to be i n c r e a s i n g i n l i g h t . T h e p la n e t
reaches its g reatest lum inosity w hen it is farthest from the Sun. From that p oint on, the p ro cess re v e rse s its e lf
and th e p la n et is n ext said to be d e c r e a s i n g i n l i g h t . T he phase o f least lum inosity co rresp o n d s to t h e c o n ­
ju n c tio n w ith the Sun.

In the case o f the slow er, su perior planets (S aturn, Jupiter, and M ars), this condition is esta b lish e d fro m its
p ro x im ity o r distance from the Sun. T he cycle begins w ith the conjunction, d uring w h ich the p la n e t is n o t
v isib le to a terrestrial o bserver due to solar glare. A s the Sun distances itse lf from the p lan et, it g ra d u a lly b e ­
com es b rig h ter and therefore stronger. This increase in light culm inates w ith the o p p o sitio n , th e p o in t at
w h ich the p lan et reflects the g reatest am ount o f solar light. A fter this, the Sun begins o nce m o re to a p p ro a c h
 1 5 0 /O fi d ie H e a v e n ly S jd ic rc s

the plan et, w hich starts to decrease in light and

is th erefo re w eakened. The decrease culminates
w ith a new conjunction to the Sun.

F o r the in ferio r planets (V enus and M ercury)

the cycle is different due to their proxim ity with
the Sun. T h e ir cycles exhibit two different
phases o f in crease in light: one when they de­
tach from the Sun during direct m otion, and one
w hen th ey m ove aw ay from the Sun during ret­
rograde m otion. Sim ilarly, they also exhibit two
ph ases co rresponding to a decrease in light: one
w hen direct, and one w hen retrograde. To deter­
m in e the p hase o f the cycle in w hich the planets
find them selves in a particular horoscope, it is
n ecessary to observe the direction o f its m ove­
m en t in relation to the Sun.

P r a c t i c e E x a m p le :
F ig u r e 1. I n c r e a s e a n d D e c r e a s e o f L ig h t
I n c r e a s e a n d D e c r e a s e in L ig h t
o f th e S u p e r io r P la n e ts
T he chart o f Florbela Espanca illustrates the in­
crease and decrease o f light o f the inferior p lan ­
ets.

In the chart o f Florbela Espanca, first look at the

inferio r planets, M ercury and V enus. V enus is
conjunct the Sun and therefore not visible. B e­
cause it is faster than the Sun, V enus is beg in ­
nin g to m ove aw ay from it and thus beginning
to increase in light. M ercury, on the o ther hand,
is nearing the Sun and thus in a phase o f de­
creasin g in light. The conclusion then is that
V enus is becom ing stronger and M ercury is
m oving to w ard a w eaker state.

R egarding the su p erio r planets (Saturn, Jupiter,

F ig u r e 2 . I n c r e a s e a n d D e c r e a s e o f L ig h t
and M ars), Saturn and Jupiter are both in a
o f th e I n fe r io r P la n e ts
p h ase o f in creased light because the Sun, the
fa ste r b ody, is separating from them . Saturn is in its initial phase, w ith the Sun relatively close by, w hile Ju ­
p ite r is close to culm inating its cycle because the Sun is nearing its m axim um distance (the opposition). T he
co n clu sio n is thus th at both are strengthening. M ars, in turn, is in a phase o f decreased light because the Sun
is g ra d u a lly ap p ro ach in g it. T he M oon is increasing in light because it is also m oving aw ay from the Sun.
N ote: A lth o u g h this contributes to the general study o f the chart, this condition is not interpreted in isolation.

U n d e r t h e B e a m s , C o m b u s t io n , a n d C a z im i

W h en a p la n e t n ears th e Sun, its light is concealed by the h eavenly king. A s it advances into the area o f so lar
glare, its lig h t b eco m es e v er m ore difficult to see until it is u ltim ately com pletely hidden. T h e glare o f the
S u n p ro je c ts to ab o u t 17° to eith er side o f the Sim. It is this glare th at can be seen at dusk, ju s t a fter the Sun
h as set (w h e n th e star-k in g crosses the D escendant). It only disappears after the Sun has descen d ed to ab o u t
17° b e lo w th e h o rizo n . T h is glare is also visible at daw n. It is the daw n lig ht th at announces the start o f a new
 T fic C o n d itio n o f tfie P fa n c ts/1 5 1

day, before the S u n ’s rise, w hen it is 17° b e lo w

the A scendant (the day only really b eg in s w h e n
the Sun crosses the A scendant.

W hen a planet enters into this glare, it is sa id to

be u n d e r th e b ea m s o f th e S u n . Its v isib ility is
com prom ised as soon as it is few er th an 17°
from the star-king. A planet in these c o n d itio n s
is slightly w eakened because it cannot sh in e at
its m axim um strength.

W hen the proxim ity to the Sun is w ithin 8° it is

said to be c o m b u st. In this case, its light is no
longer visible u n d er the S u n ’s rays. T he q u a li­
ties o f the planet are also very w eakened. C o m ­
bustion, by the w ay, is considered a greater d e ­
bility. It rem oves from the planet a great part o f
its capacity to act, w eakening its expression,
w hether for g ood o r bad.
C h a r t 3 . N a t iv it y o f F lo r b e la E s p a n c a

In a natal chart, a com bust planet indicates a d e ­

gree o f inhibition w ith regard to the m atters sig­
nified by the p lan et in that horoscope. T he re­
percussions o f this situation depend upon the
relative im portance o f the p lan et and its func­
tions in the chart. F o r exam ple, if the co m bust
p lanet is the ruler o f one o f the angles o f the
chart, the condition tends to be m ore noticeable;
in other cases, it m ay be relatively inconsequen­
tial.
F ig u r e 3 . D u s k a n d D a w n
In specific situations, such as horary astrology,
com bustion m ay indicate w eakness, disease,
anxiety, fear, im prisonm ent, o r even d eath (d e­
pen d in g obv io u sly on the questio n an d the c o n ­
text). T his occurs b ecau se the state o f c o m b u s­
tion is sim ilar to a “b u m ” : the p lan et (an d w h a t it
sig nifies) is bu rn ed up by the Sun. F o r ex am p le,
if the co m b u st p lan et is the ru ler o f th e A sc e n ­
dant in a h orary chart, it suggests a w o rrie d p e r­
son u n d er p ressu re or in som e w ay w e a k e n e d ; if
it is the sig n ificato r o f an o b ject th a t o n e w ish e s
to p urchase, it raises questions re g a rd in g th e sa t­
isfacto ry co ndition o f the article. In a n o th e r c o n ­
text, co m b u stio n can also b e a sso cia te d w ith
h idden things, w h ich co rrelates to th e in v isib il­
ity o f the planet.

C o m b u stio n affects each planet in a different w ay in accordance w ith the differen t n atu res o f th e p la n e ts.
M ercu ry , a n atu rally dry planet, is little affected by com bustion. Its effects m an ifest as a slig h t lo ss o f o b je c -
 152lOn the Heavenly Spheres

tivity. B esides that, the frequent proxim ity o f

M ercury to the Sun m akes com bustion rela­
tively com m on. M ars, an exceedingly hot and
dry planet, possesses a nature that is exacer­
bated u n d er com bustion. N onetheless, that ex­
cess in itse lf becom es a lim iting factor on the
actions o f the planet. On the other hand, for the
fem inine planets (V enus and the M oon) w hose
principal ch aracteristic is m oistness, com bus­
tion is particularly dam aging because it contra­
dicts the essence o f these planets. Com bust Ju ­
p ite r loses the w etness that is characteristic o f it,
th us dim inishing its tem perance. As for Saturn,
the excessive heat o f com bustion disturbs its
cold nature and produces rigidity.

R eturning to F lo rb ela’s horoscope, Venus is

com bust (at 1°49' from the Sun). Because V e­
nus is the A scendant ruler, com bustion will af­
fect som ething intrinsic to her personal expres­
sion, w hich in this case is a strong interest in
love and rom ance. N onetheless, com bustion di­
m inishes the sensibility that is characteristic o f
V enus. W e thus get a strong expression o f
“em otional greed,” w here there is a pow erful
focus on feelings and personal and subjective
experiences, com bined w ith difficulty in u n d er­
standing the feelings o f others. N ote that this
dynam ic expression occurs in the third h ouse o f
com m unication and w riting.

T here exists a special case o f com bustion w herein the planet is strength ened rather than w eakened. T his o c ­
curs w hen the p lanet is in exact conjunction w ith the Sun, or m ore precisely, w hen it is at 17' o r less o f the
cen ter o f the solar disc. T his condition is know n as cazim i, w hich m eans “ in the heart o f the S un.” It co rre­
sponds to a state o f great pow er, w here the p lanet is supported and facilitated by the p o w er o f the star-king.

T h e outcom e o f this special situation d epends on the condition o f the planet: i f it is dignified, cazim i adds to
it a strong ability to project itself; i f it is d ebilitated, the strength co nferred by the condition o f cazim i m ay ac­
c en tu ate the difficulties. A good exam ple o f the first case w ould be in a chart w ith Saturn, ru ler o f the
M id h eav en , d ignified in A quarius and cazim i. In this case, the native has a good chance o f receiving re c o g ­
n itio n and fam e. T he seriousness and w ork ethic o f dignified Saturn are enhanced by the Sun. F o r the second
c a se , co n sid er a ch art w here Saturn, ru ler o f the M idheaven, is sim ultaneously in fall and cazim i. H ere, the
S u n also grants fam e, but not for the b est o f reasons (S aturn is debilitated).

In w h a te v e r case, w h at needs to be highlighted is that cazim i only enhances w hatev er is already p resen t in
th e ho ro sco p e.

In th e ch art o f E d g ar A llen Poe, M ercury, planet o f com m unication and w ritin g, is cazim i and only 0°1 2 '
fro m th e Sim . M ercu ry is th erefore greatly strength ened by the Sun. B ecause in this ch art the Sun rules the
M id h e a v e n , its actio n m an ifests as fame. T he conjunction occurs in the third house o f co m m u n icatio n and
 T h e C o n d itio n o f t(te P (a n e t$ /1 5 3

writing, indicating that fame will come from

these activities. The strong connection between
Mercury and Saturn (by aspect and disposition)
describes the somber quality of his writings. In
addition, Mercury rules the eighth house, which
also contributes to his style of literary writing,
which is marked by morbid themes and psycho­
logical undertones.

O r ie n ta lity a n d O c c id e n ta lity

These conditions are also defined by the posi­

tion of the planets in relation to the Sun. A
planet is o r i e n t a l when it rises in the sky before
the Sun because at that time it is visible and to
the east (orient). When it rises after the Sun, it is
o c c i d e n t a l because it will only be visible in the
west (occident) after the Sun has set. This con­
cept is probably as old as astrology itself and de­
C h a r t 7 . N a t iv it y o f E d g a r A lla n P o e rives from the direct observation of the move­
ment of the planets. The first interpretive pre­
historic techniques were based in large part on
this type of relationship between the planets and
the Sun.

Determining Oriental and Occidental Planets

Because horoscopes may have the Sun in any
position (and not just on the Ascendant), new
students may encounter difficulties determining
ASC DSC orientality and occidentality. Most important is
to remember that one’s point of reference is al­
F ig u r e 7 . O r ie n t a l P la n e ts ways t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p o f t h e p l a n e t s t o t h e
S u n and not the position of the Sim in the
houses. Thus, to determine the position of the
planets, imagine that the Sun is rising over the
horizon (conjunct the Ascendant). This estab­
lishes an imaginary horizon that divides the
chart into two parts: the planets that are above
this imaginary horizon are oriental, and those
that are below are occidental. To help visualize
this, you can turn the chart.

The oriental planets, those that precede the Sun,

F ig u r e 8 . O c c id e n t a l P la n e t s
were envisioned as “ spear-bearers” of the
star-king, signaling the vitality of a new day.
Thus, an oriental planet was considered to have masculine characteristics, giving it a more direct, outward,
and assertive manner. On the other hand, occidental planets, which follow the Sun, were envisioned as the
entourage that follows the solar court. Occidental planets exhibit feminine qualities, expressing themselves
in a more discreet, contemplative, and withdrawing manner. Note that these qualities must be added to the
characteristics that the planets acquire via their positions by sign, house, etc. There is little point in interpret­
ing them independently.
 154/On tftc Hcawnfy Sjrftcres

T h e s u p e r i o r m a s c u l i n e p l a n e t s (S a t ­
u r n , Ju p i ter , an d M ar s) ar c str en g th ­
en ed w h en o ri en tal in p o si t i o n b e­
c a u se t h e y h av e th e i r m asc u l i n i ty r e­
i n f o rc ed . O n th e o th er h an d , th e i n f e­
rior f e m i n i n e p l a n e t s (V e n u s , M er­
c u r y , a n d t h e M o o n ) ar c st r en g t h e n e d
w h e n o c c i d e n t a l b y p o si t i o n b ec a u se
th i s p o si ti o n r ei n f o r c es th ei r f em i n i n e

n atu r e s.

T h e o r i e n ta l i ty o f m asc u l i n e p l an ets
an d th e o c c i d c n tal i ty of f em i n i n e
p l a n e ts r e p e a ts th e o r d er o f th e c el e s­
t i a l sp h er es: t h e su p er i o r s ar e ab o v e
t h e S u n w h e n o r i en t al b ec au se t h ey
r i se b ef o re him , w hile th e in f erio r
p l an ets ar e b el o w th e S u n w h en o c c i ­
d e n t a l b e c a u se t h ey r i se a f t e r h i m .

W h e n th e n atu r al o r d er o f th e c el e s­
ti al sp h e r e s i s rep eated in a horo­
sc o p e, t h e p l a n e t s a r e i n t h e i r i d ea l ­
i z ed p o si t i o n s i n r e l a t i o n sh i p to th e
S u n a n d t h e r e f o r e st r en g t h e n e d . M e r ­
F ig u r e 9 . E x a m p le s o f O r ie n ta l a n d O c c id e n t a l p la n e ts
cu ry , a n eu tr al p l an et, is a sp e c i a l
c ase. C o n tr ar y to t h e o t h er s, al l of
w h i c h h a v e a d e f i n e d g e n d e r (m a s c u l i n e o r f e m ­
MC
i n i n e ), M e r c u r y ’ s g e n d e r i s d e t e r m i n e d b y its
p o si ti o n i n r e l a ti o n sh i p to th e S u n . I t i s c o n si d ­
er ed m asc u l i n e w h en o ri en tal an d f em in in e
w h en o c c i d en tal .

O r i e n t a l i t y a n d o c c i d e n t a l i t y al so h as an ef f e c t
o n th e p r i m ar y q u al i ti es th at c h ar ac ter i z e eac h
p l an et. D ep en d i n g u p o n th e p l a n e t’ s p o si ti o n i n
r el ati o n to th e Su n , o n e o f i ts p r i m ar y q u al i ti es i s
e m p h a si z e d . T h u s, S at u r n , n a t u r a l l y cold an d
d r y , ten d s to b e c o l d er w h en o ri en tal , an d d r i er
w h en o c c i d en tal . W h en o r i en tal , i t ten d s to ac ­
quire so m e h u m i d i ty , th er eb y m o d eratin g its
q u a l i ti es. Ju p i te r , hot an d m o i st, g ets h o tter
w h en o rien tal, an d w etter w h en o c c i d en tal .
M ar s r ei n f o r c es i ts h eat w h en o r i en tal an d i ts
IC
d r y n e ss w h e n o c c i d e n t a l . J u st l i k e Ju p i t e r , V e ­
n u s is h o tter w h en o rien tal an d w etter w h en o c ­
F ig u r e 1 0 . C o r r e la t io n B e tw e e n t h e
c i d e n t a l . M e r c u r y a l so i n c r e a se s i ts h ea t w h en
P to le m a ic S c h e m e a n d O r ie n ta lity
o r i e n t a l , b u t o c c i d e n t a l i t y r e i n f o r c e s i t s d r y n ess.
T h e M o o n , b e c a u se i t i s a l u m i n ar y , f o l l o w s sp ec i al r u l es ex p l ai n ed l ater i n th i s c h ap ter .
 T h e C o n d itio n o f th e P fa n e ts /1 5 5

P r a c t i c e E x a m p le f o r O r ie n ta lity a n d O c c id e n ta lity
In the chart o f Florbcla Espanca there arc three oriental and three occidental planets. M ercury, S aturn, and
Ju p iter rise before the Sun, so they are oriental. In term s o f strength, orientality favors Ju p iter an d S aturn,
and occidentality favors the Moon. The same m ight be said o f V enus if this state w ere not n u llified by its e x ­
cessiv e proxim ity to the Sun (com bustion). In the case o f M ars, w hich is dignified in this chart (in rulership
and angular), occidentality m erely removes the capacity for assertiveness from it. T he leadership o f M ars is
still felt, but it is colored by hesitation and doubt. Because M ars is in the seventh house, this situation tends to
be experienced in the area o f relationships (especially in her tum ultuous m arriages). By being o riental, M er­
cury acquires speed and vitality in this horoscope (although it is considered to be favored in occidentality b e ­
cause it is an inferior planet).

O t h e r O r i e n ta li ty C o n c e p ts
T h ere are o ther planetary classifications with regard to orientality. T hese are based upon the placem ent o f
the planets in the hem ispheres and quadrants o f the chart and not on th eir relationship w ith the Sun, as in the
p revious cases. This type o f classification is know n as o r i e n t a l i t y in m u n d o . A ccording to this concept, a
p lan et is oriental w hen it is in the east in oriental quadrants (tw elfth, eleventh, tenth, and sixth, fifth, fourth
h ouses) and occidental w hen in w estern quadrants (ninth, eighth, seventh, and third, second, first houses).
T his classification is used in different contexts and has no relationship to the concept o f orientality w ith re­
gard to the Sun, described here.

T h e C o n d itio n s o f th e M o o n

D u e to its status as a lum inary, the M oon’s dynam ic relationships are different from the other planets. It
shares w ith them the sam e conditions (orientality, com bustion, etc.) b ut also has its ow n characteristics (ve­
locity, am o u n t o f light, and others) that m ake it unique.

T h e L u n a tio n C y c le

A t the root o f the M o o n ’s dynam ic interaction is its unique relationship w ith the Sun. B ecause it is the fastest
planet, it is the M oon that sets the pace o f that relationship. T he Sun-M oon cycle has four distinct phases.
T he first, know n as the F irst Q uarter, begins
w ith the con ju n ctio n o f the lights (N ew M oon)
and lasts until the square (F irst Q uarter). D uring
this phase, the M oon gradually d istan ces itse lf
from the S u n ’s rays. B ecause its v isib ility in ­
creases, it is said to be w a x i n g i n l i g h t . T he
S econd Q u arter phase follow s, w h ich beg in s
w ith the square o f the lights and ends at the o p ­
position (F ull M oon). In this phase, th e M oon,
w hich is increasing in light, reach es the p o in t o f
its g reatest distance from the Sun. T h e T h ird
Q uarter phase lasts from the o p p o sitio n to the
next square (L ast Q uarter). A fter it h a s attain ed
its greatest d istance and b rig h tn ess, th e M o o n
begins once m ore to app ro ach the Sun. Its v isi­
bility, w hich is still great, n o w b e g in s to d im in ­
ish. It is said then to be w a n i n g i n l i g h t . T h e
F ourth Q uarter phase b eg in s w ith th e sq u are
and ends at a new con ju n ctio n . In th is p h a se , the
M oon loses a large p art o f its b rig h tn e ss and
F ig u r e 1 1 . T h e L u n a t io n C y c le
 156/On the Hcavcnfy Sjrftcres

continues to w ane in light until it is conjunct the

Sun and is no longer visible. Each quarter ex­
tends for approxim ately one w eek, totaling a
com plete cycle o f 29’/ j days (that is, a lunar
m onth).

T he p rim ary qualities o f the M oon arc altered as

it travels a long the course o f its cycle. A lthough
its natural essence rem ains cold and m oist, the
various phases add slight shades o f heat and
dry n ess to it. In the first quarter, the M oon ap­
pears hot and m oist, w hich gives it a sanguine
tem peram ent. T he heat rem ains in the second
quarter, but the w axing light adds dryness to it,
thus pro d u cin g a choleric tem peram ent. W ith
the decrease in light o f the Third Q uarter phase,
the M oon cools but retains its dryness, produc­
ing a m elancholic tem peram ent. In the last
p h ase o f the cycle, the M oon recovers its m oist­
F ig u r e 1 2 . T h e P r im a r y Q u a lit ie s o f th e M o o n
ness, w hich w ill com bine w ith the cold, p roduc­
ing a phlegm atic tem peram ent.

F o r a d eep er interpretation, the M o o n ’s tem peram ent is com bined w ith the characteristics given to it by its
sign position. W hile the position by sign indicates the general attitude, its position by phase (tem peram en t),
defines the m anner in w hich it is externalized. F or exam ple: a Taurus M oon, w hich is oriented to w ard secu ­
rity, stability, and com fort (earth + fixed), w ill have a different expression according to its lunar phase. I f it is
choleric (hot + dry), this need becom es m ore dynam ic and urgent, actively seeking security. I f it is p h le g ­
m atic (cold + m oist), the search has a m ore passiv e and expectant tenor (“be still,” “d o n ’t m ake w av es” ) and
the conditions for security w ill ev entually com e to the native. In the general interpretation o f a n ativity, the
M o o n ’s sign and its phase are considered to g eth er w ith oth er factors to determ ine the in d iv id u al’s character.
T his determ ination is crucial in the overall ch ar­
acterizatio n o f an individual.

O r i e n t a l i t y a n d O c c id e n ta li ty o f t h e M o o n
In the w axing p hases (the first tw o quarters), the
M o o n is o ccid ental to the Sun, so this phase is
co n sid ered h o tter and therefore m ore dynam ic.
In the w an in g phase (the last tw o quarters), the
M o o n is oriental to the Sun and therefore co ld er
an d m o re w ithdraw n.

D e t e r m i n i n g t h e M o o n ’s P h a s e
F irst lo o k at th e p o sitio n o f the Sun. F rom this,
n o te th e p o in ts to w hich th e Sun em its rays fo r
th e o p p o sitio n an d th e tw o squares. I f the M oon
is p o sitio n e d b etw een the p o in t o f the c o n ju n c­
tio n an d th e first q u arter (in the direction o f the
o rd e r o f th e signs), it is in th e F i r s t Q u a r t e r . I f
it is b e tw e en th at sq u are an d th e opposition, it is
in th e S e c o n d Q u a r t e r . I f it is a fter the o pposi- F ig u r e 1 3 . O r ie n t a lit y a n d O c c id e n t a lit y
 T fie C o n d itio n o f tfie P fa n e ts /1 5 7

tion but before the second square (to w ard w h ich

the S u n ’s rays are em itted in the d irectio n c o n ­
trary to the order o f the signs), the M o o n is in
the T h i r d Q u a r t e r phase. I f it is b etw een th at
square and the conjunction, it is in the F o u r t h
Q u a r t e r . T he transition places o f the M o o n ’s
phases are the points o f exact aspects. F o r the
divisions into quarters, no orbs are used.

For exam ple, in the horoscope o f F lo rb ela

Espanca, the Sun is at 16° Sagittarius. It em its an
exact opposition to 16° G em ini and exact
squares to 16° Pisces (first square) and 16°
V irgo (second square). T he M oon is at 15°
A ries, therefore located betw een the first square
(o f Pisces) and the opposition (in G em ini). It is
therefore in the second quarter, w hich corre­
sponds to a choleric tem peram ent (hot and dry).
F i g u r e 1 4 . S u n - M o o n A s p e c t s in t h e L u n a t io n C y c le
In this case, the natu rally dynam ic and im pa­
tient attitude o f the M o o n in A ries (fire + cardi­
nal) is exacerbated by the M o o n ’s choleric con­
dition.

In another ex am p le from the chart o f K ing

Sebastian, the M oon is positio n ed right after the
opposition and before the second square and is
thus in the th ird quarter. T his phase corresponds
w ith a m elancholic tem peram ent. T he need for
assertiveness and self-recognition characteristic
o f the M oon in L eo (fire + fixed) acquires a
m ore rig id an d controlled expression due to the
m elancholic tem p eram en t (cold + dry).

T h e S y z y g ie s o r L u n a tio n s

The tw o principal p hases o f the M o o n ’s cycle

are the N ew M oon and F ull M oon. It is at the
N ew M oon, d u rin g the S un-M oon c o n ju n ctio n ,
that the M oon becom es subject to the S u n ’s
pow er. D ue to its lum inosity, the M o o n on ly
C h a r t 5 . N a tiv ity o f K in g S e b a s tia n falls u n d er the beam s w h en it is few er th a n 12°
from the Sun (th e o th er planets fall u n d e r the
beam s w hen th ey are w ithin 16°). A fter that, there follow s the phase o f conjunction, w hen the M o o n lo ses a
goo d deal o f its pow er, as happens w ith the planets. T his phase only ends w h en the M o o n is 12° ap art fro m
the Sun an d v isib le once m ore. T he N ew M oon m arks the b eg in n in g o f the cycle an d sy m b o lizes b irth an d
beginnings.

T he Full M o o n signals the culm ination o f the lunation cycle. It corresponds to the exact o p p o sitio n b etw e e n
the Sun an d M oon. T he M oon is then at its greatest brig htn ess and strength. A fter th is po in t, it b eg in s to d e ­
crease in light, initiating the w aning phase, w hich w ill culm inate in a n ew conjunction.
 1 5 8 /C h i t h e H c a v c i i f y S jiiie r e s

The N ew M oon and Full M oon arc called l u n a t i o n s or s y z y g i e s (a term from the G reek ô t a i â f i â , w hich
m eans conjunction, but w hich in this context can also be applied to the opposition). In m undane astrology,
the m on th ly syzygies signal im portant transition points, w hether as clim axes or as initiators o fc v e n ts. In n a­
tal charts, it is esp ecially im portant to determ ine the p r e n a t a l syzygy. If an individual w as b o m after the
N ew M oon and before the Full M oon, the prenatal syzygy w ill be the degree o f the N ew M oon. It is then said
that the in d iv id u a l’s horoscope is c o n j u n c t i o n a l . If the birth occurs after the Full M oon and before the next
N ew M oon, the pre-natal syzygy will be the degree w here the M oon w as opposite the Sun.24 In this case, the
h o roscope is said to be p r e v e n t i o n a l .

T he p ren atal syzygies act as sensitive points in the horoscope and arc used in advanced predictive tech ­
niques. F lorbela E sp an ca’s chart is an exam ple o f a conjunctional chart. T he M oon is in a w axing phase,
inching its w ay tow ard a Full M oon. The prenatal syzygy was a N ew M oon at 5° Sagittarius 09. T he ch art o f
K ing S ebastian is as exam ple o f a preventional case as he w as bom shortly after the Full M oon. In this in ­
stance, the previous syzygy w as the actual Full M oon, w hich occurred at 6° Leo 2 7 ', the position o f the
M oon at the m om ent o f the opposition.

O c c i d e n t a l i t y a n d O r ie n t a n t } ' o f t h e P l a n e t s to t h e M o o n

In astrological texts, references are often m ade

to the oricntality and occidentality o f the planets
in relation to the M oon. A s w ith the Sun, a
planet is oriental o f the M oon w hen it rises be­
fore the M oon and occidental w hen it sets after
it.

This is a concept rarely utilized; it is only re­

ferred to in very specific interpretative m ethods.
O bviously, this condition does not apply to the
Sun. A planet is considered strengthened w hen
F ig u re 15. P la n e ts O r ie n ta l to th e M o o n
it is occidental to the M oon. In this condition,
the planet acts as m aidservant to the Q ueen, car­
rying the train o f her gow n.

C o n d it io n s S p e c ific to th e M o o n

T here are som e conditions that are specific to

the M oon and that speak to its condition as lu ­
m in ary and fastest planet.

T h e V ia C o m b u s ta
W hen the M oon is located b etw een the last h a lf
o f L ib ra an d the first h a lf o f Scorpio, it is said to F ig u r e 16. P la n e ts O c c id e n ta l to th e M o o n
be in th e v i a c o m b u s t a . 2 5 T his position, consid-
ere d a slig h t d ebility, im parts a degree o f d iscom fort and instability to the M oon. It is particu larly used in h o ­
ra ry astro lo g y . In certain questions, the M oon in via com busta can indicate a negative an sw er or a situation
o f d istress.

2
“In th e c a se o f th e F u ll M o o n , so m e au th o rs affirm th at th e d eg ree o f th e lu m in ary th at is ab o v e th e h o rizo n at th e m o ­
m e n t o f th e lu n a tio n sh o u ld b e co n sid e re d . T h is id ea seem s to o rig in ate w ith P to lem y b u t w as n o t u n a n im o u sly ac­
cep te d .
“ S o m e a u th o rs a p p ly th e c o n c e p t o f th e v ia c o m b u sta to all th e planets.
 T fte C o n d itio n o f t f t e P fa n e ts /1 5 9

Lunar Mansion ..I SUr ___ Position (beginning ) j

! n. I Name Manning
i w o | *iiso j aooo | M W | The term v ia c o m b u s t a sho u ld n o t b e c o n ­
; 1 |AIThuralya ! f/K> nuny HIM ox?: i Pfe-adc» 28*036 | 29*018- ' 29*059- j 00*H4l • fused w ith the concept o f co m bustion. In this
1rhe t&iMer ! AMeba'an 081X24 j 09*H05 • 09*047 j 10*029- |
use, the term “com busta” refers to a re g io n o f
Al Hak'ah a nb.to vpcj 23’ 023- J24*005' i 24*047 1 25*0 27 |
_____
' 4 'AIHan'ah a bnunj <y m.nk 1ATenj
07*343' ' 08*325' I 09*506' | G9*S48 ! the zodiac considered difficult fo r the M oon
• S |AIOhlra Cillez
16*351' ’ 19*333 j 20*315' ’ 20 *3 56 -1
and not to its proxim ity to the Sun. S o m e a u ­
Al Nalhra i tho ÿap or e.b PrariMpe 0 5 *0 5 7 .0 6 *0 3 9 -107*0 20 ] 05’ 0 0 7 ;

: 7 lA ITharl ! tho opinio (ott'io l<on j ofO) 16*023 j 17*010 j 17*052 j~l8*O34 j
thors state that this co nditio n derives from the
Alert

6 AlJabhah 1 tltO
fatchOMl Regu'ut 26’ 02 6 I 29*008- ; 29*050- ; 00’7)3 v j fact that Libra and Scorpio are the sig ns o f the
09*7)55 ! 10*7)37 i 11*^17 i 12’n)1C'
; 10 ÎAISarfah
■the mine jZ o vn j
fall o f the lum inaries.
1 ir-.e
chançtr (r>f tho AOO'her) | Oenebcia 20*7)13 j 20*7)55’ i 21*7)37' j 22*7)19

25T.45' [ 26*7)27 J 27*7)10' j 27’7)57

tho un.imif»} |Sp-u 22 *027 i 23*009- ' 23*051- | 24*037 G e m in i M o o n

isyrma
Al Ghafr the cozcr-ny 02*rj23' 03*17)05' i 0 3 T / 7 | 04’ 7)29'
Al Zubana
A nother situation th at specifically w eakens
I 15 Al Ihlil al Jabhah tho ctc.vn tJlho lo'i ho.id 'Atrab the M oon is its position in G em ini, since this
; 16 ÎA IK o lb
i tho ho.vt G 5 V 2 Z ; 09 V 0 4 ] 09’^46' ! 103*27
is the tw elfth sign from its rulership. T h e re­
Al Shaula Shaui
12*7114' ! 12*7156' I 13*7)38' fore, a G em ini M oon is considered to be in a
19 |'AI Baldah !4-<rr5i' i 15*7)37 I 16-C14' sort o f tw elfth house position and, because o f
tt>o hjtky cno et tho sijirjhiercrs |G>ea- 02*= 27 o r= © 4' ; 01*=;46'
this, m ore lim ited in its expression.
tho good fortune cf the SAShOAor ! Aba't 12*=24'

■22 j Aa Sa’d al Su'ud tho k/cltotf of the «y ISada'auO 24*=05' i

' 23 ] Aa Sa'a al Ahbiyah . tho luc^f it jr of M d c n th-ngs
S iU m t'ik 02* H 27 OTMOJ- j 03*M45 C4*H27 L a t e D e g r e e s o f a S ig n
, 24 j Al Fargh al M jkdim ' (ho foro-ipout or tho noter buc>ct 22*H06‘ 22* H-*7'* 23*M29 ! 24’ M ir
Uarkab
f*25 i Al Fargh al Thani IM iccondor kj.icz spovt
A'jenb | 07%4o , C 8T28' ; 09 T 09 - | 0 9 T 5 V
W hen the M oon is located in the last degrees
26 I Al Bain al Hut tho bc"r et tho fan
p r T o r ; 2 9 T 4 Z I 00*024- ] 01*006-
o f a sign, it is also considered to b e partially
Sharatan { 02*034' j 03’ 016- J 03*05 5' | 04 *0 4 0 -1
I tho two ig n j
Bc*.ezi 1*19*027 ; 20*009- 20*051’ ' 21*033' | w eakened. B ecause it is close to changing
signs, it represents unex p ected behavior. In
F ig u r e 1 7 . L u n a r M a n s io n s ( a c c o r d in g to A I-B ir u n i)
addition, at the end o f the signs the M oon is
L u n a r M a n s io n (tr o p ic a l)
P o s itio n
alw ays in the term s o f a m alefic p lan et (M ars
R u le r
N. Nam e M e a n in g
(beginning)
and Saturn). T he com bination o f these tw o condi­
1 A ln a t h the boms of the ram o œ ro o - o tions generates disco m fo rt and instability, w hich
2 A llo t h a im o u A lb o c h a n the belly of the ram 12 T 5 1 ' . J L
r
. . . ---- ----- —— — . . — --- -- » . - ■ ----------— __ . . - ■. — are p reju dicial to the natu re o f the M oon. O nce
3 A c h a o m a z o n o u A th o r a y the Pleiades 2 5 *T 4 3 ' d
4 A ld o b a r a m the eye of the bull 0 8 *« 3 4 - $
m ore, this concept is u sed largely in horary and
5 A lc h a ta y o u A lb a c h a y the spot 2 1 *b 2 6 '
electional astrology. In a h orary chart, it suggests
6 A lh a n n a o u A lc h a y a the small star of great light 04«m r 9 that so m ething is soon about to change (a situation,
17*1109' Î
7 A ld im la c h o u A la r z a c h the arm of the twins b a price, an opinion, etc., d ep en d in g u p o n the c o n ­
—o text o f the question).
8 A ln a z a o u A n a t c h t r a y a the nebula oœ soo-
. . . . . » _ —». . . » . - - •—- —. — . ... ——. —. ». . —. » » ■. ■■- » » —»-. ... - — —• •

... * U M
9 A rc h a a m o u A rc a p h the eye of th e to n 1 2 *5 5 1 -
-— . - --- - —■—« — ——. . —. » . --- -- . . —» .. . . —». . . — —
10 A lg e llo c h o o u A lb g e b h the forehead of the lion 2 5 *S 4 3 ' d
L u n a r M a n s io n s
11 A z o b r a o u A r d u r f the mane of the ton ,
08 n 34 -
g
12 A lz a r p h a o u A z a r p h a the tail of the lion 2 1 *0 2 6 ' Just as the zodiac is div ided into 12 signs, c o rre ­
13 A lh a ir o the dog star or the wings of Virgo M v n ir 9 spondin g to the annual m o tio n o f the S un, th e p a th
14 A c h u r o t h o r
---- — -- ——— . . _ » _ .... -
the ear of com of Virgo
_ » ...
17*n)09'
—— . . . . -- — — —. ■■» — —
b . o f the M oon in the sky can be d iv id ed in to 28
15 A g r a p h a o u A lg a r p h a the covering OO»ÛOO' o houses or lunar m ansions. T he p o sitio n s o f th e stars
16 A z u b o n o o u A h u b o n o the d aw s of Scorp.o 12*Û 51 '
D
17 A lc h ll the crown of Scorpio 25*Q 43-
d are u sed to divide them , in co n trast w ith the sig n s,
18 A lc h a s o u A lt o b the head of Scorpio 08 *fïp 4 - w hich rely on the seasons to m ark th e ir b o u n d arie s.
19 A lla th a o u A c h a la (he sung of Scorpio 2W 026'

20 Abnahaya the beam O4V17* 9 A nother versio n o f the L u n ar M an sio n s u ses the
21 A b e d a o u A lb e ld a c h the desert 17V 09- b tropical zodiac as its p o in t o f re fe ren ce in ste ad o f
22 S a d a h a c h a o u Z o d c b o lu c h the Sheppard (XFVJW Q
the stars. In this system , b e g in n in g w ith th e first
23 Z a b a d o la o u Z o b r a c h the swallower 1 2 *W
D
24 S a d a b a th o u C h a d o z o a d the star of fortune 2 5 W d section at 0° A ries, each m an sio n is eq u iv a le n t to
25 S a d a lb r a c h a o u S a d a la c h la the butterfly W X34-
ÇJ ap proxim ately the p ath trav eled b y th e M o o n in
26 A lp h a r g o u P h r a g o l M o c a d e n the nrst spout 2 1 *s 2 6 *
one day. A ll 28 divisions hav e eq u a l len g th s o f 12°
27 A lc h a r y a o u A lh a lg a lm o a d the second spout 0 4 *M 1 F 9 5 1 '. T his is in effect an ex act tra n sp o sitio n o f a s i­
28 AlWhflm 9WAlçhPlçy_____ the Fishes 17*M 09’
dereal system onto a tro p ical o n e sin c e th e sig n ifi­
F ig u r e 1 8 . T r o p ic a l L u n a r M a n sio n s
cations o f each m an sio n rem ain th e sam e.
160/Oh t ft c H e a v e n l y S p h e r e s

P r a c tic a l M e a n in g o f th e L u n a r M a n s io n s
E ac h m a n sio n has a p a rtic u la r sig n ific atio n th at is ac tiv ated b y th e tran sit o f th e M o o n . T h e p a rtic u la r s ig n ifi­
c a tio n s a rc e s p e c ia lly u se fu l in c lec tio n a l ch arts. T h eir use in natal and m u n d a n e astro lo g y is re la tiv e ly u n ­
co m m o n . F o llo w in g is th e sig n ific a n c e o f th e L u n ar M an sio n s in elections:

S id e r e a l T r o p ic a l
M a n s io n M a n s io n N am e W h e n t h e m o o n is p o s i t e d h e r e . ..

1 3 th e m a n y little ones G o o d fo r: p la n tin g an d sa w in g

A v o id : w ed d in g s an d jo u rn e y s b y w a te r
2 4 th e fo llo w e r G o o d fo r : b u sin e ss, tra v e lin g an d m a rria g e
3 5 a w h ite sp o t G o o d fo r : b eg in w ars
A v o id : sa w in g o r u n d e rta k e a n y g o o d
4 6 a b ra n d o r m a rk G o o d fo r : p lo w in g an d sa w in g
A v o id : trav e ls
5 7 th e fo rearm G o o d fo r : trav e ls an d to ta k e m e d ic in e
6 8 th e g ap o r crib G o o d fo r : n a v ig atio n
7 9 th e g la n c e G o o d fo r : p la n tin g , b u ild in g an d m a rria g e
( o f t h e l i o n *s e y e )
A v o id : trav e ls
8 10 th e fo re h ea d G o o d fo r : sa w in g , p la n tin g , an d re le a sin g
p riso n e rs
A v o id : p u rg a tiv e re m e d ie s
9 11 th e m a n e G o o d fo r: p la n tin g an d m a rria g e
A v o id : n a v ig a tio n
10 12 th e c h a n g e r G o o d fo r: trav e ls, n a v ig a tio n , sa w in g , p lo w in g ,
( o f th e w e a th e r) m a rria g e an d se n d in g m e sse n g e rs
11 13 th e b a rk e r G o o d fo r : saw in g , p la n tin g an d to ta k e m e d ic in e
A v o id : trav e l an d m a rria g e
12 14 th e u n a rm e d G o o d fo r: d ig g in g
A v o id : m a rria g e an d tra v e ls
13 15 th e c o v e rin g A v o id : all a c tiv itie s
14 16 th e c la w s G o o d fo r: b u y in g ca ttle
A v o id : n a v ig a tio n
15 17 th e c ro w n o f G o o d fo r: b u ild in g , sa w in g , p la n tin g a n d
th e fo re h e a d n a v ig a tio n
A v o i d : m a r r ia g e

16 18 th e h e a rt G o o d fo r: p la n t, saw , tra v e l, g o to w a r
17 19 th e s t in g G o o d fo r: b u y in g ca ttle , h u n tin g
A v o id : m a rria g e
18 20 th e o s tric h G o o d fo r: b u ild in g , a s k in g fav o rs
A v o id : m a rria g e
19 21 th e c ity G o o d fo r: ta k in g m e d ic in e , n a v ig a tio n , p u ttin g
o n n e w c lo th e s
 Tfte Condition o f the Pfanets/161

S id e r e a l T r o p ic a l
M a n s io n M a n s io n N am e W h e n th e m o o n is p o s i t e d h e r e ...

20 22 the lucky one o f G o o d fo r : taking m edicine, travels

the slaughterers
A v o id : lending m oney and m arriage
21 23 the good fortune G ood for: m arriage, saw ing, taking m edicine,
o f the sw allow er leading an arm y
22 24 the luckiest o f the building, m arriage, m aking friends,
G o o d fo r :
lucky and travels
23 25 the lucky star o f G o o d fo r: taking m edicine
hidden things
A v o id : everything else
24 26 the fore-spout or G ood for: planting, saw ing, bargaining, and
the w ater bucket m arriage
A v o id : navigation
25 27 the second or G ood for: m arriage, taking m edicine, pursuin g
low er spout business
A v o id : traveling and lending m oney
26 28 the belly o f the fish G o o d fo r: travels and taking purgatives
27 1 the tw o signs G o o d fo r : bu y in g cattle, planting and travels
28 2 the belly G o o d fo r: bu y in g and selling
A v o id : sea activities

In astro lo g ical elections these significations are activated w hen a favorable m o m en t is selected for the start
o f a p articu lar action. Since the M oon is the fastest m oving celestial b ody, its position describes the action o f
the m om ent. Thus, one selects a m om ent w hen the M oon is located in a m ansion w hose m eaning is ap p ro p ri­
ate to the end eav o r being initiated. F or exam ple, if the objective is to elect a m arriage, one sh ould a void the
positio n o f the M oon in the tw entieth m ansion (As S ’ ad al D habi), w hich is unfavorable for unio ns. T he
w ed d in g cerem o n y should be delayed until the M oon transits into the tw en ty -first lu nar m ansion (A s S ’ad al
B ula), w h ich is m ore favorable for m arriage.

O th e r P la n e ta r y C o n d itio n s

In additio n to the co nditio ns derived from the p lan et’s position in relation to the Sun, th ere are o th e r sp ecific
conditions. T hese act as a sort o f addendum ”to the general condition o f the p lan et (essential d ignity, p o sitio n
by house, etc.), eith er reinforcing or disturbing it.

Hayz
H a y z m eans “ natural p o sitio n ” o r “preferential position.” W hile the p lanetary states stu d ied e a rlie r are illu s­
trations o f the repetition o f the astrological schem e, h a y z derives from a synth esis o f v ario u s fo rm s o f c o m ­
p atib ility b etw een the nature o f the planet and the positio n it occupies.

C o m p atib ility exists w h en ev er a planet is located in a place th at reinforces its nature. O n e o f th e fo rm s o f

c o m p atib ility has to do w ith its sect: diurnal planets located in a d iurnal h em isp h ere o r n o ctu rn al p la n e ts lo ­
cated in a n o ctu rn al hem isphere. R ecall that the diurnal hem isphere is alw ays the o n e in w h ich th e S u n is p o ­
sitioned. In a d iu rn al chart, it is in the u pper hem isphere (the one th at co n tain s the tw elfth , e le v e n th , ten th ,
nin th , eighth, an d seventh houses); in a nocturnal chart, it is in the b o tto m h em isp h ere (c o n ta in in g th e sev -
 162/On the Heavenly Spheres

enth , sixth, fifth, fourth, third, sec­

ond, and first houses).

T he o th er form o f com patibility is

related to gender: m asculine plan­
ets are com fortable in m asculine
signs, and fem inine planets in fem i­
nine signs.

W hen these tw o form s o f com pati­

b ility com bine, the planet is said to
be in h a y z . It thus gains greater than
usual strength and stability. F ig u r e 1 9 . D iu r n a l a n d N o c t u r n a l C h a r t s

T h e dignity o f h a y z exists w hen

tw o conditions arc met: the planet
lo cated in the hem isphere corre­
spo n d in g w ith its sect, and in a sign
co rresponding w ith its gender.
T hus, Jupiter and Saturn are in h a y z
w hen they are in m asculine signs,
above the horizon in a diurnal chart,
o r below the horizon in a nocturnal
chart. M ars, w hich is nocturnal,
m ust be below the horizon by day
and belo w the horizon by night; but
because it is a m asculine planet, it
F ig u r e 2 0 . E x a m p le o f a D iu r n a l P la n e t (J u p ite r )
m ust be in a m asculine sign. T he
h a y z condition o f M ercury depends
and a N o c t u r n a l P l a n e t ( V e n u s ) in Hayz
upon its position in relation to the Sun: w hen o rien­
tal, it has m asculine, diurnal qualities, and w hen
occidental, it has fem inine, nocturnal qualities.
T he Sun is also a special case because it defines
both day and night; it is in h a y z only w hen it is lo­
cated ab ove the horizon in a m asculine sign. W hen
it is b elo w the horizon, it is in a nocturnal chart and
th erefo re o u t o f sect.

A p lan et in h a y z is w ithin its sphere o f influence

an d th u s very com fortable. T his condition rein ­
fo rces a dig nified p lan et and bestow s som e stabil­
ity upo n a deb ilitated one.

T h e state o f h a y z can also be rein fo rced by o ther

factors. If, in ad d itio n to the conditions already
m e n tio n ed , the p lan et is also located in a qu ad ran t
o f th e sam e g en d er— th at is, a m ascu lin e p lan et in a
m a scu lin e qu ad ran t (first an d th ird ) an d a fem inine
p la n et in a fem in in e q u ad ran t (seco n d and F ig u r e 2 1 . M a s c u lin e a n d F e m in in e Q u a d r a n ts
fou rth )— it is said to b e c o n f o r m i n g b y q u a d r a n t .
 T fie C o n d itio n o f th e P la n e t s /1 6 3

W hen a planet is in c o n d itio n s th at

are the com plete o p p o site o f h a y z ,
it is said to be c o n t r a r y t o h a y z .
This condition lightly w e a k e n s the
planet, even if it is dig nified.

In Figure 22, Jupiter, a m ascu lin e

and diurnal planet, is p o sitio n ed in
a fem inine sign and in a n o ctu rn al
hem isphere. V enus, a fem in in e,
nocturnal planet, is in a m ascu lin e
sign and in a diurnal h em isphere.
F ig u r e 2 2 . P la n e t s in C o n t r a r i e t y o f H a y z Both are therefore, co n trary to
h a y z.

E x a m p l e o f P l a n e t s in H a y z
T h e h o roscope o f Florbela Espanca is nocturnal. Because the Sun is below the horizon, the low er h em i­
sp h ere is dium al, and as a result, the upper is nocturnal. In order to be in h a y z in this chart, the diurnal planets
m u st be below the horizon (in the sam e hem isphere as the Sun) and in m asculine signs; the noctu rnal planets
m ust be above the horizon and in fem inine signs in the case o f V enus and the M oon; and M ars (nocturnal,
m ascu lin e planet) m ust also be above the horizon, but in a m asculine sign.

S atu rn, M ercury, V enus, and the Sun are in the diu m al hem isphere. Saturn, a diu m al, m asculine planet, is in
a d iu m al hem isphere but a fem inine sign. B ecause it only fulfills one o f the conditio ns, it is n o t in h a y z . M er­
cu ry is oriental and therefore considered dium al and m asculine; it is in a d iu m al hem isphere b u t in a fem i­
nine sign, so does not m eet the necessary conditions. V enus is nocturnal and fem inine b u t p ositioned in the
d iu m a l h em isphere in a m asculine sign. It is therefore in a condition opposite to that o f h a y z , an d is said to be
c o n trary to h a y z (w hich reinforces the w eakened state caused by com bustion).

B ecau se th is is a n o ctu rn al c h art, the S un can

n e v e r be in h a y z e v en if, as is th e case, it is in a
m ascu lin e sig n. T h e M oon, Ju p ite r, an d M ars
are in the n o c tu rn al h em isp h ere. D esp ite b e in g
n o c tu m a lly p la ce d , the M oon is in a m ascu lin e
sign, w h ic h rem o v es th e p o ssib ility o f its b e in g
in h a y z . Ju p iter, a m ascu lin e an d d iu m a l p lan et,
is in a n o c tu rn a l h em isp h ere an d fe m in in e sig n ,
also co n trary to h a y z . M ars is in h a y z b e c a u se it
is a n o ctu rn al an d m ascu lin e p la n e t, lo c a te d in
a n o ctu rn al h em isp h ere an d in a m a sc u lin e
sign.

W e w ill now com pare the co n d itio n o f h a y z in a

d iu m al chart u sin g the ch art o f m a th e m a tic ia n
Johannes K epler.

B ecause Johannes K e p ler’s ch art h as th e Sun

ab ove the horizon, the u p p e r h e m isp h e re is d iu r­
nal and the one b elo w is no ctu rn al. In o rd e r to b e
C h a r t 6 . N a tiv ity o f J o h a n n e s K e p le r in h a y z , th e d iu m al plan ets m u st b e a b o v e the
 164lOn tfic Htovcnty Sjrfieres

horizon and in m asculine signs; the nocturnal planets m ust be below the horizon and in fem inine signs (ex ­
cept M ars, w hich m ust be in a m asculine sign).

In the diurnal hem isphere arc both lights as well as M ercury, V enus, and Jupiter. The M oon and V enus arc
au to m atically excluded because they arc nocturnal planets. The M oon is contrary to condition because, in
addition to bein g diurnal, is in a m asculine sign. The Sun and Jupiter arc m asculine and diurnal, but are both
located in fem inine signs and arc therefore also excluded from the possibility o f h a y z . This is true also fo r
M ercury, w hich in this ease is m asculine (since it is oriental), but in a fem inine sign.

In the n octurnal hem isphere arc Saturn and M ars. Saturn is contrary to h a y z because it is diurnal and m ascu ­
line, but in a nocturnal, fem inine sign. M ars is nocturnal and in a m asculine sign, w hich agrees w ith its n o c ­
tu rnal, m asculine nature, and therefore it is in h a y z . Because it is also positioned in a m asculine quadrant
(co n fo rm in g by quadrant), it reinforces the condition o f h a y z .

T he co n d itio n o f h a y z gives stability to the expression o f the planet. In the case o f dignified planets, it rein ­
forces th eir pow er; w ith debilitated planets, it slightly softens the debility, bringing greater co herence to its
expression. H a y z im parts som e instability to the planets, even to those that are dignified. In general term s,
h a y z can be com pared to com fort or discom fort.

Dustoria or S e c u r it y

T his is a very specific condition that encom passes w ithin it m any oth er conditions. In practical term s, it is
rare that a planet has this configuration. W hen it occurs, it is considered a sign o f fam e and success. A planet
is considered d u s to r ia w hen it applies to all o f
the follow ing conditions:

• H a y z (w hich is itse lf a com posite

condition).
• Posited in an angular house.
• O riental to the Sun (in a diurnal chart)
o r occidental to the M oon (in a diurnal
chart), w ith the lum inary posited in an
an g u lar house, w hich form s a 90° angle
to the house o f the planet (in practice,
this im plies that the p lanet m ust b e 10
houses aw ay from the Sun and four
houses aw ay from the M oon).

T his is a very com plex condition, w hich ex ­

p lain s its rarity.

In Jim M o rriso n ’s chart, Ju p iter is in d u s to r ia . C h a r t 8 . N a tiv it y o f J im M o r r is o n

In effect, Ju p ite r m eets all o f the requirem ents
n e ce ssary fo r this condition. First, it is in h a y z b ecau se it is a diurnal p lan et in a diurnal h em isp h ere and m a s­
cu lin e sig n; it is also a n g u l a r , in the seventh house, and oriental to the Sun, w hich is the lu m inary o f the
h our. In tu rn , th e Sun is also an g u lar in the ten th house, located 90° from Ju p ite r’s house (the seventh). Ju p i­
te r is a b en efic p lan et, w h ich m akes this co nfiguration a clear indicator o f success and fam e. T he rem aining
in teractio n s o f the c h art rein fo rce this configuration: the lights are strong, and th ere are im portant fixed stars
co n ju n c t Ju p ite r an d the M idheaven.
 T fie C o n d i ti o n o f t fie P f a n e t s / 1 6 5

A lm u g e a ( o r P r o p e r F a c e )
This accidental dignity derives from the p o si­
tion o f the planets in relation to the Sun o r M o o n
as dictated by the rulership schem e. T h u s,
w henever a planet is the sam e nu m b er o f signs
aw ay from the Sun o r the M oon as it is in the
rulership schem e, it is said to be in a state o f
a lm u g e a or p r o p e r face (independently o f the
signs w here they are posited). In order to be in
alm ugea to the Sun, the planet m ust be in the
signs follow ing the Sun (in the ord er o f the
signs). T he a l m u g e a to the M oon requires that
the planet be in the signs before the M oon, that
is, the alm ugea to the Sun occurs in one h a lf o f
the zodiac and that o f the M oon in the o ther half.
T he a l m u g e a o f the Sun is m ore pertinent in a
diurnal chart, and that o f the M oon in a noctu r­
nal chart.

• M ercury is in this state if it is in the sign

preceding the M oon or in the sign follow ing
the Sun.
• V enus, i f it is tw o signs b efore the M oon
and tw o after the Sun.
• M ars, three signs before the M oon, and
three after the Sun.
• Jupiter, four signs before the M oon, and
four signs after the Sun.
• Saturn, five signs before the M oon and five
after the Sun.

A planet in a l m u g e a is slightly stren g th en ed in

its expressio n because it is in its n atu ral p o sitio n
relative to the light. F or o bvious reasons, the
condition o f a l m u g e a does not ap p ly to the lu ­
m inaries.

N ote: T he term “p ro p er face,” a sy n o n y m for

a lm u g e a , should not be co n fu sed w ith “ fa c e ”
(o r decanate), w hich refers to the d iv isio n s o f
the signs by 10 degrees.

E x a m p l e o f P l a n e t s in A l m u g e a
In the ch art o f F lo rb ela E spanca, th ere is only one instance o f a l m u g e a . Saturn is in a l m u g e a to th e M o o n b e ­
cause it is five signs before this lum inary. T his a l m u g e a w ill be particularly significant b e cau se th is is a n o c ­
turnal birth. T h ere are various exam ples o f a lm u g e a to the Sun in the chart o f A gatha C hristie.

M ercury, V en u s, and M ars are all in a l m u g e a because they are ahead o f the Sun by the sam e n u m b e r o f sig n s
as th ey are in the rulership schem e. M ercury is in the next sign, V enus is tw o signs ahead, an d M a rs is th re e
signs ah ead o f the Sun. N onetheless, since this is a night birth, the alm ugeas to the Sun are less relev an t.
 166/Oh the Heavenly Sjjftcrcs

R e c o n c ilin g A p p a r e n tly
C o n tr a d ic to r y C o n d itio n s

I t i s c o m m o n t o see h o r o sc o p e s w h e r e t h er e i s an
ap p ar en t c o n tr ad i c ti o n b etw een th e d i g n i ti es o f
a p l a n e t an d i t s o t h e r c o n d i t i o n s. I n r ea l i t y th e
c o n t r a d i c t i o n d o es n o t ex i st b e c a u se t h e v ar i o u s
states o f th e p l an et ar e c o m b i n ed w i th o u t n eg at­
i n g eac h o th er . T h e d i g n i ti es an d d eb i l i ti es al ­
w a y s i n d i c a t e t h e q u a l i t y o f m a n i f e st at i o n o f a
p l a n e t , w h i l e t h e o t h e r c o n d i t i o n s se r v e to r e i n ­
f o r c e o r d i m i n i sh th a t b asi c ten d en c y .

L e t ’ s l o o k at tw o p r ac ti c e ex am p l es. I n th e h o r o ­
sc o p e o f F l o r b c l a E sp an c a t h e r e ar c t w o d i g n i ­
f i ed p l an ets th at ar c al so i n so m e d e b i l i t a t i n g

c o n d i t i o n s. Ju p i t e r i n C a n c e r i s e x a l t ed an d i s
th e m o st el ev ated p l an et, w hich i n d i c ates a

st r o n g p o si t i o n . N e v e r t h e l e ss, i t i s al so c o n t r ar y C h a r t 2 . N a tiv ity o f A g a th a C h r is tie

to hayz, w h i c h w e a k e n s i t a b i t . H o w ar e t h ese
c o n d i ti o n s sy n th esi z ed ? I n p r ac ti c e, th e p l a n e t’ s ex al tati o n an d el ev ati o n w o u l d b e en o u g h to c o n si d er th e
p l a n e t st r o n g b e c a u se t h e se ar e i m p o r t an t c o n d i t i o n s. T h e ex al t a t i o n i n d i c at es ease o f ac t i o n , w h i l e t h e e l e ­
v a t e d st a t e h i g h l i g h t s t h e p l a n e t i n t h e c h ar t . T h e c o n t r a r y c o n d i t i o n o f hayz i n d i c a t e s th at d esp i te al l th i s

st r e n g t h t h e p l a n e t ex h i b i t s a d e g r e e o f i n st a b i l i t y an d d i sc o m f o r t i n i ts e x p r e ssi o n . T h e h o r o sc o p e su g g e st s a
g o o d c a p a c i t y f o r s t u d y (J u p i t e r i s i n t h e n i n t h h o u s e o f s t u d y ), w h i c h i s h a m p e r e d b y i n s t a b i l i t y a n d h e s i t a ­
ti o n .

I n t h e sa m e h o r o sc o p e, M ar s i s i n a si m i l a r si t u at i o n . I t i s i n r u l e r sh i p , an g u l a r , an d i n hayz, b u t o c c i d en tal .

O c c i d e n t a l i t y d o e s n o t r e m o v e i t s st r e n g t h ; i t m e r e l y a l t e r s i t , m a k i n g i t m o r e i n t r o v e r t e d a n d d i s c r e e t , l e ss
asser ti v e an d d i r ect.

A n i n v e r se si t u a t i o n i s f o u n d i n Jo h a n n e s K e p l e r ’ s h o r o sc o p e , i n w h i c h a p l a n e t i s d e b i l i t a t e d b u t i n c o n d i ­
ti o n s th at f o r ti f y i t. M ar s i s d e b i l i t ate d i n L i b r a, b u t al so o r i e n ta l an d i n hayz. T h e d eb i l i ty o f M ar s i n d i c ates

d i f f i c u l ti e s i n th e ex p r essi o n o f a sser ti v en ess, b u t o r i e n ta l i ty i m p ar ts a m o r e ac ti v e an d sh ar p te n o r , w h i l e

hayz s t a b i l i z e s i ts o v er a l l e x p r e ssi o n , g i v i n g i t m o r e c o n f i d en c e. T h e d e b i l i t y d o es n o t d i sap p ear , b u t i ts e x ­

p r e ssi o n i s so f t e n e d .
 C fia jjte rX I

L u n a r N odes
T h e l u n ar N o d es ar e m ath ­
em a ti c a l p o i n ts, n o t c e l e s­
ti al b o d i e s. T h ey d eri v e
f r o m th e i n te r se c ti o n o f th e
M o o n ’s orbit w ith th e
ec li p ti c (t h e ap p aren t
c o u r se o f th e S u n ar o u n d
th e E ar th , w hich d em ar­
cates th e z o d i a c ), w hich
o c c u r s b ec au se th e M o o n ’ s
o r b i t h as a f i v e- d eg ree o f f ­
set f r o m th e ec l i p ti c . T h i s
m ean s th at d u r i n g h a l f o f i ts tr aj ec to r y th e M o o n i s
n o r t h o f t h e e c l i p t i c (t h u s h a v i n g n o r t h l a t i t u d e ) a n d
d u r i n g t h e o t h e r h a l f , i t i s so u t h o f t h e e c l i p t i c (h a v ­
i n g s o u t h l a t i t u d e ), t h u s c o i n c i d i n g w i t h t h e e c l i p t i c
a t t w o p o i n t s (d u r i n g w h i c h i t i s a t 0 ° l a t i t u d e ). T h e
p o i n t at w h i c h th e M o o n c r o sses th e e c l i p ti c m o v i n g

from so u t h t o n o r t h i s c a l l e d t h e North Node; th e

o p p o si te p o i n t, w h e r e i t m o v e s f r o m n o r t h to so u t h i s

c all ed th e South Node. T h e sy m b o l s o f th e N o d e s

ar e Q (N o r t h N o d e ) a n d £ 3 (S o u t h N o d e ).

T h e m o v em en t o f th e N o d es in th e zo d i ac is al w ay s
r etr o g r ad e. F o r ea c h l u n a r c y c l e (a c o m p l e t e r e v o l u ­
ti o n o f th e M o o n ar o u n d th e z o d i a c ) th e N o d e s r e tr o ­

g r a d e 1° 3 0 ' o f a r c o f t h e e c l i p t i c . T h e i r d a i l y m o t i o n

is ab o u t y o f ar c , c o m p l eti n g a c y c l e i n a to tal o f

F i g u r e 2 . L u n a r N o d e s i n t h e C e l e st i a l S p h e r e y ear s.
 1 6 8 /O h d i t H c a v e n fy S p fic rc s

T he sig n ifican ce o f the lu nar N odes com es from

th eir relationship to the eclipses. The Nodes
m ark the in tersection points o f the path o f the
Sun and the path o f the M oon. At these points,
the lights h ave 0° latitude and arc in perfect
alignm ent w ith E arth. W henever the lights si­
m u ltan eo u sly also pass the N odes, there is an
eclipse. B ecause they im ply the darkening o f
one o f the lights (the Sun o r M oon, depending
on the kind o f eclipse), the eclipses are consid­
ered distu rb in g phenom ena o f a celestial order.
F o r this reason, the N odes, w hich are the points
w h ere this occurs, becom e som ew hat signifi­
cant. T he ancients d esignated the N orth N ode to
be the H e a d o f t h e D r a g o n and the South N ode,
the T a i l o f t h e D r a g o n ; in Latin, this is C a p u t
D r a c o n i s and C a u d a D r a c o n i s , respectively.

F ig u r e 3 . M o v e m e n t o f th e N o d e s o n th e E c lip tic
B ecause the N odes are connected to the occur-
rcnce o f eclipses, the N odes represent areas o f
disturbance in the horoscope because they are
believed to disturb the expression o f any planet
that is located near them . In chart interpretation,
the N orth N ode is looked upon m ore favorably
than the South N ode. The N orth N ode is given a
natu re sim ilar to the benefic planets (Jupiter and
V enus) and is related to ab undance and fertility.
T herefore, w hen a planet is conjunct the N orth
N ode, its expression is am plified and its o u t­
com e depends upon the condition o f that planet.
O n the o ther hand, the South N o d e is looked
upon unfavorably. It partakes o f the nature o f
the m alefic planets (S atu rn and M ars) and is
thus connected to barrenness. F ig u r e 4 . N o d e ’s O r b o f I n f lu e n c e

B ecause th ey are not visible, the N odes cannot form aspects nor be aspected (the w ord “asp ect” m eans “to
see”). F o r this reason, th eir delineation refers only to the conjunction o f the planets to the N odes, not to any
o f the o th e r aspects. T he orb o f in flu ence begins 12° before and extends to 12° after the N ode.

I n te r p r e ta tio n o f th e N o d e s

In in terp retatio n , it sh ould b e noted that the N o d es affect the signs and houses w here they are placed. T h ey
re p re se n t in creases and decreases o f the m atters o f the houses w here they are placed and th ey distu rb the e x ­
p ressio n o f the sign w h ere they are located. T he N o rth N o d e brin gs w ith it a m ore positive alteration because
it am p lifies an d b estow s a degree o f prosperity. N evertheless, its benefits are rarely long-lasting and can im ­
p ly so m e inconstancy. T h e South N o d e alw ays represents a dim inution o r som e type o f alteration th at d a m ­
ag es th e sig n ificatio n s o f the houses, signs, and p lanets. F ro m this perspective, the N orth N o d e is co n sid ered
a b en efic an d the S outh N o d e a m alefic.

F o r ex am p le, in N ie tz sc h e ’s ho ro sco p e the adv en tu ro u s and enthusiastic b ehavior o f the S agittariu s M o o n is

a m p lifie d b y its c o n ju n c tio n to the N o rth N o d e, w h ich also adds a trace o f instability to the m oods o f the p h i-
 T fte C o n d itio n o f t f i e P fa n c t s /1 6 9

T ru e N od e and M ean N od e

In the tables o f planetary m otion, tw o ty p es

o f N odes are listed: the m ean N ode and the
true N ode, w hich are calculated usin g d iffe r­
ent form ulas. T he true N ode is an a stro n o m i­
cally exact point. Its calculation takes the
S u n ’s gravitational interaction w ith the
M oon into account. It exhibits som e flu ctu a­
tions in its m otion and can be stationary o r
retrograde.

The M ean N ode, as its nam e indicates, is a

calculation o f the average position o f the
N odes. Since it does not take oth er g ravita­
tional interferences into account, it exhibits
a regular retrograde m otion. T he difference
betw een the true and m ean N odes is never
C h a r t 1. N a t iv it y o f F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e
greater than 2°.

losopher. In A gatha C h ristie’s horoscope, there is a conjunction o f the South N o d e w ith M ars. T his co n fig u ­
ration b estow s a trace o f abruptness and recklessness to the naturally passionate and adventu rous actions o f
M ars in Sagittarius. The square betw een M ars and the lights also contributes to this attitude.

T h e E x a lta tio n s o f th e N o d e s

B ecause they are not planets, the N odes do not rule signs o f the zodiac. N evertheless, the tradition does at­
tribute to them p laces o f exaltation and fall. The N orth N ode is exalted in G em ini and has its fall in Sagittar­
ius, the o pposite sign. The South N ode, in turn, is exalted in Sagittarius and in fall in G em ini. T hese attrib u ­
tions are o f little practical use because the N odes never function as rulers o f houses o r dispositors. T hey indi­
cate, i f anything, a difference in the intensity o f the nodal effects.

T rad itio n al au th ors explain this attribution by stating that the N orth N ode, by virtu e o f its dual natu re (Ju p i­
ter and V en u s com bined), has its exaltation in the first dual sign o f the zodiac, G em ini. T he S outh N o d e, its
opposite, and also o f a dual nature (Saturn and M ars), is exalted in the o pposite dual sign S agittarius.

E c lip s e s

A n eclip se occurs w h en ev er a lunation occurs in the proxim ity o f the N odes. It is only at th ese p o in ts th at th e
p ath s o f the Sun and M oon cross, giving rise to a perfect alignm ent b etw een the Sun, M oon, an d E arth. It is
this a lig n m en t that causes an eclipse. T here are tw o types o f eclipses: so lar an d lunar.

S o la r E c lip s e

T h e so la r eclip se occurs during a new M oon w hen the M oon passes betw een the Sun an d E arth, o b sc u rin g
the so lar disc.

A so la r eclip se alw ays results w hen the N ew M oon occurs at few er th an 18° from one o f the N o d e s; th e
c lo se r the lights are to the N odes, the m ore com plete w ill be the o ccultation. T hus, a so lar eclip se m a y h a v e
sev eral d eg rees o f intensity:
 170/On tfic Hcavcnfy Sjrficres

• A to tal
e c l i p se, w h en
it o ccu rs v ery
c l o se to th e
N o d e an d th e
M oon
co m p l etel y
c o v er s th e
Sun.

• A p ar ti al Heliocentric Perspective Geocentric Perspective

e c l i p se, w h en
th e l u n ati o n
F ig u r e 5 . S o la r E c lip s e
occu rs a bit
f arth er f rom
th e N o d e an d
th e M o o n
co v ers o n ly a
p o r ti o n o f th e
Sun.

• A n an n u l ar
ec l i p se , a
sp ec i a l c ase, F ig u r e 6 . T h e T h r e e T y p e s o f S o la r E lip s e
w h en th e
M o o n i s f a r t h e r f r o m th e E ar th ; h e r e , i ts a p p a r e n t d i a m e t e r c o v er s o n l y th e c e n tr a l p o r ti o n o f th e
S u n , l ea v i n g v i si b l e t h e o u t e r p e r i m e t e r o f t h e so l a r d i sc , w h i c h f o r m s a “ r i n g o f l i g h t .”

B e c a u se t h e M o o n i s sm a l l e r t h a n E ar t h ,
i ts sh a d o w r eac h es o n l y so m e p ar ts o f th e
g l o b e. F o r t h i s r ea so n , e c l i p se s a r e o n l y
v i si b l e i n c er t a i n r e g i o n s o r c o u n t r i e s. O n
th e o t h e r h an d , b ec au se E ar th r o ta te s o n
i t s a x i s, a n d t h e M o o n i s al so i n m o t i o n ,
th e sh ad o w p ro jected from th e M oon
tr a c e s a p ath al o n g th e te r r estr i a l g l o b e.
T h e p ath o f th e ec l i p se tr ac es th e ar eas
w h ere th e o c c u l tati o n is v i si b l e in i ts
g r e a t e st i n t en si t y . F ig u r e 7 . T r a je c to r y o f a S o la r E c lip s e

Lunar Eclipses
A lu n ar ec l i p se occurs during a F ull
M o o n , w h en E ar th p r o j ec ts i ts sh ad o w o n
t h e M o o n a n d o c c u l t s i t.

A l u n a r e c l i p se a l w ay s r e su l ts w h e n a F u l l
M o o n o c c u r s l e ss t h a n 12° 3 0 ' f r o m o n e o f
th e N o d es. T h er e ar e th r ee k i n d s o f l u n ar
Heliocentric Perspective Geocentric Perspective
ec l i p ses:
• T o tal ec l i p se, w h en th e M o o n
F ig u r e 8 . L u n a r E c lip s e
c o m p l e te l y c r o sses th e sh ad o w o f

th e E arth .
 T f te C o n d i ti o n o f t f i c P fa n e ts /1 7 1

• P artial eclipse, w h e n th e
M oon p artially c ro sse s
the shadow o f th e E arth .
• P enum bral eclip se, w h e n
the M oon m erely c ro sses
Horizon Horizon
the p enum bra (th ese are
not c onsidered in
Total Eclip se P artial Ed lp s o P enum bral E c lip io
astrology because th e y
a re n o t
F ig u r e 9 . T h e T h r e e K in d s o f L u n a r E c lip s e visible to a
terrestrial observer.

L unar eclipses can b e o b serv ed in

any part o f the globe as long as the
Full M oon is above the ho rizo n (re­
gions w here it is nighttim e).

P e r io d ic it y o f E c lip s e s

E very year th ere are at least four

eclipses, tw o solar and tw o lunar.
T he solar eclipses correspond to the
F ig u r e 1 0 . T h e F o u r E c lip s e s O c c u r r in g E v e r y Y e a r tw o N ew M oons that o ccu r close to
the N o d es, one conjunct the N o rth
N o d e and the o ther conjunct the
S outh N ode. L u n ar eclipses corre­
spond to the tw o F ull M oons that oc­
c u r to g eth er w ith each o f the N odes.
T he four annual eclipses thus occur
at opposite points o f the zodiac.

F o r exam ple, in 1983, there w ere

fo ur eclipses. T h e first w as a so lar
eclipse at 19° G em in i on June 11; the
eclipse to o k place close to the N o rth
N ode, w h ich on th a t date w as a t 25°
G em ini. Six m onth s later, o n D ecem ­
b e r 4, th ere w as a n o th e r so lar
eclipse, this tim e at 11° S ag ittariu s
(co n ju n ct the S outh N o d e , w h ic h
w as at 16° G em ini).

T h e first lunar e clip se o c c u rre d Ju n e

25 (on the F u ll M o o n fo llo w in g th e
first so lar eclipse). T h e M o o n w a s at
3° C ap rico rn (w ith th e S u n a t 3° C a n ­
cer) an d the N o d es w ere at 24° G em -
F ig u r e 1 2 . E x a m p le s o f L u n a r E c lip s e s
ini-S agittarius. B eca u se th e d istan ce
b etw een the lights and the N o d es w as less than 12°, a partial lu nar eclipse still to o k place. S ix m o n th s later,
on D e c em b e r 20 (on the Full M oon that follow ed the second solar eclipse) th ere w as a seco n d ec lip se o f th e
M oon. B ecau se it w as at 27° G em ini and the N odes w ere at 15° G em ini-S agittarius (ex actly o n th e 12° lim it),
the eclip se w as m erely penum bral; the M oon never touched the sh ad o w o f the E arth.
 172/On tftc Heaven fy Sjjficrcs

W c thus see th at eclipses o ccur in pairs: each occultation o f the Sun

is associated w ith an occultation o f the M oon. In the previous ex­ Solar Eclipse
am ple, a so lar eclipse w as follow ed by a lunar one 14 days later. or ocultation
Six m onths later, the sequence repeated on the other side o f the zo­
diac. T he 14 o r 15 day gap is obviously tied to the lunar cycle: it is Lunar Eclipse
the tim e betw een the N ew M oon and Full M oon. In this exam ple,
the so lar eclipses preceded the lunar ones, but in other cases, the re­
F ig u r e 1 3 . S y m b o ls o f th e E c lip s e s
verse occurcd. T he order depends upon the relative positions o f the
lu nations and N odes. M ore than four eclipses per year can take place. This happens w hen the distance b e ­
tw een the lights and the N odes allow s for a fifth eclipse.

In the tables o f planetary m otion the eclipses are often indicated by a shaded conjunction sym bol (solar
eclipse) and an opposition sym bol (lunar eclipse). The solar eclipse sym bol is also used to sym bolize the
occu ltatio n o f another planet by conjunction.

I n t e r p r e t in g E c lip s e s

B ecause they involve the tem porary disappearance o f one o f the lum inaries (sources o f life and light),
eclipses are som etim es looked upon w ith apprehension, and by som e, as om ens o f disaster. N everth eless,
tlieir astrolo gical interpretation is not necessarily catastrophic. E clipses have a particular relevance in the
context o f m undane astrology. T hey signal points o f reversals and sudden change, p articularly at the social
and political levels. The im pact o f the eclipse is principally borne out in the regions o f the w orld w here it is
visible.

In m undane astrology, only visible eclipses are considered. In the case o f solar eclipses, only those visible at
the location u n d er study are considered. T he sam e applies to lunar eclipses. In horary, the p enunbral eclipses
are not considered because they are not visible to a hum an observer. T he kind o f eclipse (solar o r lunar) sug­
gests different things. L unar eclipses are associated w ith events o f short duration (in the o rder o f m onths)
and rapid change, w hile solar elipses are related to m ore noticeable changes o f longer duration (in the order
o f years). A deeper astrological interpretation o f an eclipse follow s very specific rules w hose explanation is
beyond the scope o f this book.

P la n e ta r y N o d e s

Ju st like the M oon, the planets also have planetary nodes. T hey correspond to the points w here the apparent
p a th o f the planet crosses the ecliptic and there is a change in latitude. D ue to the geocentric p erspective, the
n o d es o f the five planets do not correspond to tw o opposing points. F o r exam ple, the N odes o f M ercury, ju s t
lik e the planet, nev er drift m ore than 28° from the Sun. T he p lanetary nodes are not a p art o f the classical in ­
terp retativ e system ; th ey are m erely used as astronom ical references in the evalu ation o f the p la n e t’s lati­
tu de; th ey serve to determ ine i f a p lan et is m oving tow ard a north o r south latitude. Its interpretive value, if
an y , is still to be determ ined.

C u rre n tly m an y astrologers use the heliocentric planetary nodes because they are m ore co n sisten t ov er tim e,
an d sim ila r to the lunar N o d es, correspond to exactly opposite points. H ow ever, this practice m ixes tw o d if­
feren t sy stem s: the geocentric system , w hich is the basis fo r astrolo gy, and the heliocentric co o rd in ate sy s­
tem , w h o se n atu re is astronom ical. Its validity is therefore debatable.
 C d a j> te r X II

F ix e d S ta rs
T he d esig n atio n “fixed star” is attributed to all o f the visible stars. A s groups, the stars form the constella­
tions and constitute the background upon w hich the planets m ove. T h ey are called “ fixed” because th eir rela­
tive p o sitio n to each other is constant. The fixed stars are part o f the firm am ent, the h ig h est o f the celestial
spheres. T h ey are located beyond the planetary spheres, w hich, in a horoscope, m akes th em fu nction at a dif­
ferent level from the planets. Because they are fixed and im m utable, they tran sm it th eir q u alities to any
p lan et (o r chart factor) that is conjunct one o f them.

W h e n e v e r a planet is conjunct a fixed star, its action is strengthened and it acquires characteristics that are
not defin ed by any other configuration in the chart. Each star im parts very specific characteristics. T hose o f a
b en eficial n atu re im part honors, fame and success, w hile others o f m ore n eg ativ e sym bolism , disturb the v i­
tality o f a planet. T he stars o f greater m agnitude are m ore po ten t in th eir effect; those o f a lesser in tensity
m erely add secondary shadings to the interpretation.

W h ile p o w erfu l, the effects o f the fixed stars are actually shaped by o th er ch art factors. Since th eir p o w er is
carried b y the planets, they can only effectively transm it th eir characteristics i f th ese sam e ch aracteristics are
co rro b o rated by the chart itself; w ithout this reinforcem ent th eir efficacy is w eak. F o r exam ple, i f a star
p ro m ises fam e and honors, but there is no configuration in the ch art to su p p o rt this tendency, th e m o st lik ely
scen ario is that this fam e w ill not m anifest, or if it does, that it w ill not en dure. W ith o u t the su p p o rt o f the
p lan ets, w hich m ove w ithin the interm ediary spheres, the action o f the fixed stars can n o t “ d escen d to E a rth .”

N a t u r e o f th e F ix e d S ta r s

E ach sta r is unique; its particular nature derives from visible characteristics (brightness, in ten sity , a n d co lo r)
and from the sym bolism o f the constellation to w hich it belongs. N o n eth eless, it is p o ssib le to a sso c iate w ith
each sta r o n e o r tw o planets w hose natures are sim ilar to the ch aracteristics o f the star. T h is a sso c ia tio n
serv es as an interpretive guideline for the fixed stars, allow in g u s to group th em u n d e r a c o m m o n p la n e ta ry
th em e so th a t w e m ay understand their general m eaning. T he stars a sso ciated w ith the sam e p la n e t th u s sh are
the sam e g en eral effects. W hen m ore than one planet defines the n atu re o f the star, o n e sh o u ld p a y p a rtic u la r
atten tio n to the one m entioned first because this planet w ill define the p rin cip al c h a ra c teristic s, w h ile th e
o th e r ad d s a secondary them e.
 174/ Oti tfw Hca vcnfy Sjrftcrcs

S t a r s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h S a t u r n s i g n i f y : jealousies, greed, w ork, struggles, falls, im prisonm ent, poverty, and

m ean n ess; n everth eless, if they arc conjunct beneficial planets, this effect is negated, m aking the m eaning
ab o u t serious thoughts, inheritances and sobriety.
S a t u r n - J u p i t e r : m ental ability; the capacity to ju dge, m agnanim ity, and som e form o f riches.
S a t u r n - M a r s : betrayal, talkativeness, aggression, confrontations, precipitations, cruelty and torture.
S a t u r n - V e n u s : envy, slander, jealousy, loneliness, greed, sham eful actions, m ediocrity.
S a t u r n - M e r c u r y : studiousness, profound intellect, if poorly configured, they indicate slander, betrayals,
and theft.

S t a r s a s s o c ia t e d w it h J u p it e r sig n ify : good m anners, justice, m odesty, faith, m agnanim ity, piety, honors
and riches.
J u p i t e r - M a r s : the capacity for com m and and conquest, a taste for grand actions, daring, com petitiveness,
g reat accom plishm ents, docs not like mediocrity. A lthough fortunate, this com bination can also indicate a g ­
g re ssio n and obstinacy.
J u p i t e r - V e n u s : physical beauty, honesty, piety, justice, fidelity, liberty, honors and riches from friends, or
re la tio n sh ip s w ith w om en.
J u p i t e r - M e r c u r y : favorable for teaching and adm inistration, ingenuity, know ledge o f languages, good sp o ­
ken an d verbal expression.

S t a r s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h M a r s s i g n i f y : aggression, fights, violence and dangers, can indicate losses, a ssassi­

nations, injuries; if favorably configured, they bestow honors from activities o f a m artial nature.
M a r s - S u n : daring, bellicosity, leadership, difficulty w ith authority, w hen poorly configured, th ey can sig­
n ify cru elty and danger by fire.
M a r s - V e n u s : unexpected luck, inheritances and riches if configured to benefics, otherw ise, it is associated
w ith desires, passions, and luxury.
M a r s - M e r c u r y : lively and daring spirit, but colored by rage, irritability, and a lack o f p atience, associated
w ith spying, treason, and sw indling.
M a r s - M o o n : violence, poverty, hard w ork, m iseiy; propensity for drink, associated w ith travel and exile.

beauty, grace, harm ony, artistic sensibility, sociability.

S t a r s a s s o c ia t e d w it h V e n u s s ig n if y :
V e n u s-M er cu ry : ingenuity, talent, charm , softness, subtlety, artistic talent and goodness.

S t a r s a s s o c ia te d w ith M e r c u r y s ig n ify : intellect and capacity for learning, fortune and success through
trade, books, and intellectual activities.

In traditional astrology there are no cases o f stars associated w ith the Sun and M oon, no r w ith the co m b in a­
tio n s Saturn-S un, Saturn-M oon, Jupiter-S un, Jupiter-M oon, V enus-M oon and M ercury-M oon. T hese co m ­
b in atio n s only ap p ear in the w orks o f m ore recent authors (19th and 20th centuries).

P r in c ip a l F ix e d S t a r s

T h e p o sitio n s and characteristics o f the fixed stars m ost com m only u sed in the tradition are p resen ted here,
w ith the p o sitio n s in dicated fo r 2000. A t the end o f this ch ap ter is a m ore com plete list o f fixed stars, th eir p o ­
sitio n s, an d characteristics.

A l g e n i b : P eg a su s’ w in g (09° A ries 0 9 '). O f the natu re o f M ars and M ercury; favors notoriety, although it
c a n a lso b rin g d ish o n o r an d violence.
A l p h e r a t z : T h e head o f A ndrom eda (14° A ries 18'). O f the nature o f Ju p iter and V enus; b estow s h o n o r and
ab u n d a n ce . It is asso ciated w ith independence and liberty.
A lg o l: T h e h ead o f M ed u sa (26° T aurus 10'). It is the m o st m alefic star in the sky. Im parts in stability, stub-
 F ix â t S ta r s ll7 5

b o m n ess, and violence. Com m only used in elective astrology to obtain victory in battle. It is o f the n atu re o f
Saturn and Jupiter com bined.
The shoulder o f the Bull/thc seven sisters (01° G em ini 0 0 '). O f the nature o f the M o o n an d
T h e P le ia d e s :
M ars; associated w ith am bition, greed, and turbulence.
A l d e b a r a n : The southern eye o f the Bull (09° Gemini 4 7 '). Intelligence, eloquence, integrity, p o p u la rity
and courage, but also ferocity and revolt; can lead to the loss o f honor and benefits. O f the nature o f M ars.
R i g e l : O rio n ’s left foot (16° G emini 5 0 '). Bestows renown, honor, and glory. A lso associated w ith in g en u ity
and inventiveness. O f the nature o f Jupiter and Saturn.
C a p e l l a : T he little goat (21° G emini 51 '). O f the nature o f M ars and M ercury com bined. C ourage, in q u irin g
spirit (som etim es sarcastic), love o f novelty. Riches and renow n, som etim es accom panied by envy.
B e t e l g e u s e : O rio n ’s right shoulder (28° G emini 4 5 '). It is one o f the m ost beneficial stars in the sky. O f the
n atu re o f M ars and M ercury; prom ises honor and prosperity, but can also indicate som e instability.
S i r i u s : T he m outh o f the great dog (dog-star) (14° Cancer 0 5 '). C onsidered very beneficial, b estow s great
h onor, renow n and riches. It is above all associated with fidelity and devotion. B ecause it is o f the natu re o f
Ju p iter and M ars, it can indicate petulance, boldness, and pride.
C a n o p u s : T he sh ip ’s captain (the A rgo) (14° Cancer 5 8 '). Bestow s dignity, religiosity and know ledge. Star
o f the nature o f Saturn and Jupiter; frequently associated w ith travels.
C a s t o r : T he northern Tw in (the m ortal twin) (20° Cancer 15'). O f the nature o f M ercury; bestow s acute in ­
tellect; the law and publications can bring success, although it is not alw ays durable.
the southern Tw in (the im m ortal twin) (23° C ancer 13'). O f the nature o f M ars; indicates an inven­
P o llu x :
tive and darin g spirit, but w ith a tendency tow ard im patience and even cruelty.
P rocyon: T he little dog (25° Cancer 4 8 '). Provocative behavior, petu lan t and pride fui» b u t expressed in a
ten tativ e and tim id m anner. O f the nature o f M ercury and M ars.
and A s e l l u s A u s t r a l i s : The northern and southern donkeys (07° Leo 3 2 ' and 08° L e o 4 3 ').
A s e llu s B o r e a lis
Stars o f the nature o f M ars and the Sun. T hey indicate generosity and courage, but also d an g er o f vio lence
and accidents. T raditio nally tied to eyesight problem s.
T he h eart o f the H ydra (27° Leo 17'). O f the nature o f Saturn and V enus; bestow s w isdom and a r­
A lp h a r d :
tistic gifts, w hich arc hindered by strong passions and excesses.
T he heart o f the Lion (29° Leo 5 0 '). H onor, m agnanim ity, and desire for pow er; if m isu sed , can
R e g u lu s :
lead to vio len ce and destruction. O f the nature o f M ars and Jupiter.
T he tail o f the Lion (21° V irgo 3 7 '). B estow s nobility and goo d ju d g m en t. N o n eth eless, it is fre­
D e n e b o la :
q u en tly associated w ith despair, regret, and anxiety. O f the nature o f S aturn and V enus.
T he c ro w ’s right w ing (13° Libra 2 7 '). O f the nature o f M ars and Saturn; b estow s m alev o len ce, d e ­
A lg o r a b :

stru ctiv en ess, lies and slander.

S p i c a : T he sh e a f o f w heat (23° Libra 5 1 '). Beneficial star, besto w s renow n, riches, love o f a rt an d scien ce.
O f th e n atu re o f V enus and M ars.
A r c t u r u s : T h e knee o f the herdsm an (24° L ibra 15 '). O f a nature sim ilar to M ars and V enus. In d ic ate s g re a t
d e term in atio n , h o n o r and renow n, but also anxiety and extravagance.
the m o st brilliant jew el in the crow n (12° Scorpio 18'). S tar o f the nature o f V en u s a n d M ercu ry ;
A lp h e c c a :
b esto w s brillian ce and honor. It is associated w ith poetic an d artistic talents.
T he southern claw /the southern scale (15° S corpio 0 5 '). M alefic tied to b e tra y als an d p o i­
Z u b e n E lg e n u b i:
sonings. O f the nature o f Saturn and M ars, indicating difficulty forgiving.
Z u b e n E l s c h e m a l i : T he northern claw /the n orthern scale (19° S corpio 2 2 '). B enefic, tie d to fo r tu n e , h o n o r

and h ap p in ess. O f the nature o f Ju p iter and M ercury.

 1 7 6 /O h d ie H e a v e n f y S p h e re s

U n u k a l h a i : T he head (o rth o heart) o f the Serpent (22° Scorpio 0 4 '). M alefic star, o f the nature o f Saturn and
M ars. It is tied to intrigue, jealo u sy , and accidents.
A g e n a : T he right leg o f the C entaur (23° Scorpio 4 8 '). O f the nature o f V enus and Jupiter; this star bestow s
good h ealth, honor, friends, and refinem ent.
R i g c l C e n t a u r u s : T he foot o f the C entaur (29° Scorpio 3 2 '). B eneficence, friends and positions o f honor. O f
the n atu re o f V enus and Jupiter; it bestow s refinement.
A n t a r e s : T he heart o f the Scorpion (09° Sagittarius 4 6 '). O f the nature o f M ars and Jupiter; it bestow s liberty
and im patience, w hich easily turn to stubbornness and destructiveness.
L e s a t h : T he sting o f the Scorpion (24° Sagittarius 01 '). M alefic star o f the nature o f M ercury and M ars. It in­
d icates m alevolence, envy, and a sharp tongue.
F a c i e s : T h e face o f the A rcher (08° Capricorn 18'). O f the nature o f the Sun and M ars. It is related to eye
p ro b lem s and accidents.
V ega: H andle o f the lyre (15° C apricorn 19'). Benefits, idealism , and hope; colored by a certain sobriety. O f
the n atu re o f V enus and M ercury.
T he eagle (01° A quarius 4 6 '). O f the nature o f M ars and Jupiter; it is associated w ith daring, c o n fi­
A lt a ir :
den ce and bravery. A brupt fortune but o f short duration. Excessive daring m ay lead to excess and violence.
D e n e b A l g e d i : The tail o f the goat (23° A quarius 3 2 '). Star o f the nature o f Saturn and Jupiter; bestow s am ­
b ig u o u s gifts. It can either be a carrier o f success or o f m isfortune. Im parts honors and dignity, but alw ays
w ith great effort and struggle.
F o r m a l h a u t : The m outh o f the southern fish (03° Pisces 51 '). B enefic star; o f the nature o f V enus and M e r­
cury. B estow s great honors, but there is alw ays the danger o f corruption.
D e n e b A d i g e : The tail o f the sw an (05° Pisces 2 0 '). O f the nature o f V enus and M ercury; it bestow s an in g e­
nious nature, lively intellect, and ease o f learning.
A chern ar:T he end o f the riv er (15° Pisces 19'). Benefic star o f the nature o f Jupiter. B estow s honors and
good fortune, inclines tow ard religio n and charity.

T he above list contains general indications about the signification o f the stars. F o r m ore detail, see T h e F i x e d
S t a r s a n d C o n s t e ll a ti o n s by V ivian R obson (see recom m ended bibliography).

M o v e m e n t o f th e F ix e d S ta r s

D u e to the precession o f the equinoxes, the fixed stars travel about one degree o f longitude in the zo d iac e v ­
e ry 72 years. T his can be seen in the table presented here by com paring the star positions for 1 9 0 0 ,1 9 5 0 , and
2 000. D ue to this m ovem ent, the stars o f a given constellation m ay actually be located in the follow ing sign,
d ep e n d in g upon the date used. F or exam ple, Spica, o f the V irgo constellation, is currently situated in L ibra.
A n ta re s, the heart o f the Scorpion, is currently in Sagittarius. This m eans that the current p ositions are very
d iffe re n t from those o f the past. W hen dealing w ith ancient charts, one m ust calculate the necessary a d ju st­
m e n ts to d eterm ine the positio n o f the fixed stars for the date un d er study. I f w e know th at a star m o v es one
d e g ree e v e ry 72 years, w e can conclude that in one y ear it has m oved 50 seconds. This ratio p erm its a very
a p p ro x im ate d position.

F o r ex am p le, in 2000, A n tares w as at 09° Sagittarius 4 6 '. From this inform ation, the approxim ate p o sitio n o f
A n ta re s in the ch art o f N ietzsch e, w ho w as b o m in 1844, can b e calculated. Since his birth, 156 y ears have
p a sse d . T o d eterm in e the distance the star traveled during this tim e, sim ply divide 156 by 72 (the n u m b e r o f
y e a rs th a t the sta r takes to travel 1°), giving 2.17. T hen convert the d ecim al into m inutes o f arc (0.17 x 60 =
10.2 - ap p ro x im a tely , 10 m in u tes o f arc). T his star, at its recalcu lated position, w as 2°10' from the 200 0 p o ­
sitio n , o r a t 7 °3 6 ' o f Sagittarius.
 F ix e d S ta r s /1 7 7

F ix e d S t a r s in t h e H o r o s c o p e

B e f o r e in te r p r e tin g th e fix e d sta rs o f a h o ro s c o p e , o n e m u s t m a k e a s e le c tio n o f th e m o s t r e l e v a n t s t a r s f r o m

a ll o f th o s e in th e sk y . (A n a tte m p t to u se a ll o f th e h u n d re d s o f s ta rs in e x is te n c e is im p r a c tic a l.) T h e r e a r e
tw o c r ite r ia fo r th is s e le c tio n o r filte rin g p ro c e s s: its m a g n itu d e ( b r ig h tn e s s ) a n d its p r o x im ity to th e e c lip ­

tic . T h e m a g n itu d e o f e a c h s ta r d e p e n d s u p o n its v is ib ility a n d b r ig h tn e s s . In a c c o r d a n c e w ith th e s e c r i te r ia ,

th e s ta r s a re c la s s if ie d b y a m a g n itu d e s c a le . T h e b r ig h te s t a n d m o s t v is ib le s ta rs a re c o n s id e r e d to b e o f th e
1s t m a g n itu d e . T h e s e a re th e sta rs th a t s ta n d o u t in th e n ig h t s k y a n d a re v is ib le e v e n w h e n s e e n th r o u g h th e
lig h t p o llu tio n o f a c ity . T h e re m a in in g s ta rs g ra d u a lly d im in is h in b rig h tn e s s u n til th e 6 th m a g n itu d e o f th e
s c a le ; th e s ta rs th a t a re th e m o s t fa in t to h u m a n e y e s a re in c lu d e d in th is la s t g r o u p . 2 6

N o te : T e c h n ic a lly , th e fix e d s ta rs a re n o t re a lly In in te rp re ta tio n , th e s ta rs o f 1st m a g n itu d e a r e

fix e d . T h e p a s s a g e o f tim e a lte rs n o t o n ly th e ir p o ­ th o s e th a t p r o d u c e th e m o s t in te n s e e ff e c ts . T h o s e
s itio n in th e z o d ia c b u t th e ir d is ta n c e s re la tiv e to o f th e 2 n d a n d 3 rd m a g n itu d e a ls o p r o d u c e n o ti c e ­
o n e a n o th e r . B e s id e s th e s h ift c a u s e d b y p re c e s s io n a b le e ff e c ts , b u t th e re m a in in g f a in te r s ta rs a re n o t
o f th e e q u in o x e s , e a c h s ta r a ls o h a s its o w n m o tio n , m u c h c o n s id e re d . T h e s m a lle s t a n d le a s t v is ib le
w h ic h le a d s to a g ra d u a l a lte ra tio n o f th e sh a p e o f s ta rs a re g e n e r a lly u s e d in v e ry s p e c if ic in te r p r e ta ­
th e c o n s te lla tio n s . T h is a lte ra tio n ta k e s th o u s a n d s tio n s (f o r e x a m p le , in m e d ic a l q u e s tio n s ) . A s to d is ­
o f y e a r s to b e c o m e a p p a re n t s in c e th e m o tio n is e x ­ ta n c e , p r io r ity is g iv e n to th e s ta rs th a t b e lo n g to th e
tr e m e l y s lo w . In a s tro lo g ic a l p ra c tic e , th e in d iv id - 12 z o d ia c a l c o n s te lla tio n s , o r th a t, a lth o u g h th e y
u a l m o tio n o f e a c h s ta r is n o t v e ry re le v a n t. b e lo n g to o th e r c o n s te lla tio n s , a re c lo s e to th e e c lip ­
tic . 2 7 T h e r e a s o n fo r th is s e le c tio n h a s to d o w ith th e
m o v e m e n t o f th e p la n e ts a n d lig h ts b e c a u s e p rio rity is g iv e n to th e s ta rs th a t a r e s itu a te d w ith in th e z o d ia c a l
b a n d w h e r e th e p la n e ts c ir c u la te . T h e o th e rs a re o f m in o r im p o rta n c e .

W ith a fe w e x c e p tio n s , th e list p r e s e n te d e a rlie r c o n ta in s o n ly s ta rs o f 1st a n d 2 n d m a g n itu d e th a t a r e s itu a te d

c lo s e to th e e c lip tic .

I n t e r p r e tin g th e F ix e d S ta r s

T h e s ta r s f u n c tio n o n ly b y c o n ju n c tio n . T h e o th e r a s p e c ts a re n o t re le v a n t to th e a s tr o lo g ic a l i n te r p r e ta tio n o f

s ta rs . B e c a u s e th e y a re lu m in o u s o b je c ts , th e s ta rs p o s s e s s a n o rb , j u s t lik e th e p la n e ts . I n a c o n ju n c tio n b e ­
tw e e n a s ta r a n d a p la n e t, th e o n ly o rb to k e e p in m in d is th a t o f th e s ta r, n e v e r th e o rb o f th e p la n e t. T h is is b e ­
c a u s e th e s ta r is fo u n d in a c e le s tia l s p h e r e s u p e r io r to th a t o f th e p la n e ts a n d is th u s h ie r a r c h ic a lly s u p e r io r .

T h e o r b s u s e d in th e s e c o n ju n c tio n s v a ry a c c o r d in g to th e m a g n itu d e o f th e s ta r; th e o rb o f th e p la n e t o r o f th e
lu m in a r y h a s n o b e a r in g . F o llo w in g a re th e o rb s f o r fix e d sta rs:

S t a r 5 m a g n it u d e O r b ( r a d iu s )

1st M a g n itu d e T W

2 n d M a g n itu d e 5°30 '

3 rd M a g n itu d e 3°30'

4 th M a g n itu d e l° 3 0 z

26
T h is is th e trad itio n al scale, w h ich is b ased upon v isib ility . A m ore recen t scien tific scale is u se d in a stro n o m y to c a ta ­
lo g u e th e b rig h tn e ss o f celestial b odies. A lth o u g h it does n o t have m u ch u se in a stro lo g ical in te rp re ta tio n , it is th is sc a le
th at is n o rm ally p re se n te d in a g reat m ajo rity o f astrological so ftw are an d b ooks.
27
S o m e co n te m p o ra ry astro lo g ers arg u e th at th e latitude o f a sta r h as n o sig n ifican ce an d in clu d e in th e ir in te rp re ta tio n s
stars w h ic h are v ery d ista n t from th e eclip tic, such as U rsa M ajo r an d M in o r an d D raco. R ecen tly , sta rs v isib le in th e
so u th ern h e m isp h e re (w h ich are n o t a p a rt o f th e original tradition) have also b e e n in clu d ed . T h e ir a stro lo g ic a l v a lid ity
rem ain s to b e d efin ed .
 178 / Oh tfie Ha iv nt fy Spheres

A conjunction takes place the m om ent the body o f the planet com es into contact w ith the orb o f the star.
W hen stars o f a lesser m agnitude arc used, the conjunction should be very exact (about 3 0 ’). A lthough the
stars o f 1st and 2nd m agnitude possess large orbs, their influence w ill be that m uch m ore em phasized the
g reater the proxim ity o f the planet is to the star. A conjunction o f a planet o r angle at the edge o f the star’s
orb, is considered to be w eak and not very relevant. The student should evaluate these factors before inter­
preting. A star o f a 1st m agnitude can override the influences o f 2nd and 3rd m agnitude stars, but not negate
them , particularly if the stars o f a lesser m agnitude are closer to the planet.

In practice, only the stars that arc conjunct im portant points, nam ely the planets, the lights, and the angles
(p articu larly the A scendant and M idheaven) are considered in a chart. In interpretation, one m ust add the
th em e o f the star to the characteristics o f the planet. I f the nature o f the star coincides w ith that o f the planet,
the effects reinforce each other, m aking them m ore obvious. For exam ple, R egulus has a nature sim ilar to
M ars and Ju p iter com bined; if in a chart, it is conjunct M ars, it com bines its m artial nature w ith that o f the ac­
tual planet, intensifying its bellicose and dom ineering nature; the Jupiter undertone adds grandio sity to it.
O n the o th er hand, i f R egulus is conjunct a planet that docs not share its nature, this reinforcem ent does not
tak e place. I f die conjunction is w ith V enus, for exam ple, the m artial and jo v ial nature o f the star is sim ply
ad d ed to the planet, w hich therefore adds to the sociable and easy-going nature o f V enus a touch o f assertiv e­
ness (M ars) and m agnanim ity (Jupiter).

F i x e d S t a r s E x a m p le
T h ere are several relevant fixed stars in Frederick N ietzsch e’s chart.

In the A scendant is D schuba, a star o f 2nd m agnitude o f the nature o f M ars and Saturn. This star contributes
an aggressive and talkative behavior, adding a tendency tow ard confrontation w ith others. A lso in the first
house is a conjunction o f the M oon and A ntares, a star o f the 1st m agnitude o f the nature o f M ars and Jupiter.
T his com bination adds a dom in eerin g and confident attitude to the expansiveness and versatility o f the
M oon in Sagittarius. A ntares also bestow s great m ental breadth, love o f philosophy, popularity, and pow er.
B ecause the possibility o f loss is also present in every star o f great pow er, in this case it w ould m anifest
through overinflated, extravagant actions.

N ote th at the Sun, the o th er light, is closely co n ­

ju n c t the fixed star A rcturus, also o f 1st m ag n i­
tude, and o f the nature o f Ju p iter and M ars. This
star besto w s success and fam e, b u t since the
Sim is in fall in L ibra, the fam e pro m ised by the
sta r is affected by arrogance and egocentrism
(n eg ativ e expressions o f a debilitated Sun).

W h en th is inform ation is com bined w ith that o f

M o o n -A n tares, a clear influence o f Ju p iter and
M a rs is detected. T his com bination indicates
fam e an d reco g n itio n (lum inaries strength ened
b y sta rs o f the 1st m agnitude), b u t also contains
th e p o ssib ility o f excess. C ontinuing a bit fu r­
th e r w ith th is interpretation, w e note th at M ars
a n d Ju p ite r (w hich define the natu re o f these
sta rs) a re th e m o st an g u lar planets o f this chart.
T h is a n g u la rity rein fo rces a p rom ise o f po p u lar­
ity a n d n o to rie ty su g g ested by the stars, b u t b e­
c a u se th e re is a ten se asp ect (opposition) be- C h a r t 1 . N a t iv it y o f F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e
 F i x e d S t a r s /1 7 9

tw een the planets, the possibility o f loss is also reinforced. W e thus have an indication o f fam e sh a d o w e d b y
restless, unrcflective behavior.

N ote also that not only the M idheaven and M ars but also the IC and Jupiter are conjunct stars o f the n a tu re o f
M ercury and M ars, w hich are in the tenth house (Zavijava on the M idheaven; M arkab and Scheat o n th e IC ).
T his com bination im parts argum entation, critical thinking and audacity, w hich w ill be pro jected o n to bo th
the career and the public image o f this philosopher. All o f this is reinforced by the p osition o f M ercu ry an d
M ars in the tenth house.

Nom e Location Nature A study o f the torm ented life o f N ietzsche m irrors th e b e h a v ­
Andromeda, the chained woman 1 3 *T -2 9 *« 9 iors indicated by the configurations seen in his chart. T h is in ­
Aries, the ram 1 9 *T -2 1 ’b Zodiacal
terpretation is a good exam ple o f the interaction b etw een the
Cassiopeia, the enthroned queen 2 6 T -0 V H b9
Triangulum, o triangle 0 5 *« - 14 *« V fixed stars and the horoscope because since it clearly d e m o n ­
Taurus, the bull 1 6 * b - 24’ J I Zodiacal strates how the influence o f the fixed stars is co rro b o rated by
Perseus, the warrior 13’ « - 0 9 * J I lb the configurations o f the chart, reinforcing the effects o f the
Lopus, the hare 06’ 11 - 0 4 ° S b9
Orlon, the hunter O7’ H - O 3 * S lb
planets.
Auriga, the charioteer 1 1 *H -0 4 *S

Ursa Minor, the greater bear 0 0 ’ S - 0 8 ’ 01 b9 C o n s te lla tio n s

Canis Major, the greater dog 0 1 *5 -0 1 ’0 9
Gemini, the twin 0 2 *S - 2 4 *S Zodiacal
The actual constellations can also be an integral part o f in ter­
Argo Navis, the ship 1 1 * S -2 1 ’Q bl pretation. T heir use em erges prim arily in the context o f m u n ­
Canis Minor, the lesser dog 19’ S - 2 9 ^ 5 9d dane astrology, p articularly in the interpretation o f com ets, but
Cancer, the crab 2 3 *S -1 7 *O Zodiacal
also in m eteorological forecasts. T he table presented here indi­
Hydra, the w ater serpent 0 6 *0 -2 4 *0 1 b9
Leo, the lion 1 3 *0 -2 3 *0 1 Zodiacal
cates the approxim ated positions o f the traditional constella­
Crater, the cup 14’ 01 - 04’ A 99 tions in the tropical zodiac for 2000. Just as w ith the fixed stars,
Coma Berenices, Berenice's Hair 18*01 - 1 3 *Û J9 the constellations are also associated w ith planets that reflect
Virgo, the vlrgen 2 3 ’ 01 - 06*01 Zodiacal
their nature. In the case o f the 12 zodiacal constellations, w e ’ve
Bootes, the herdsm an 28’ 0 1 - 0 8 ’ 01 9b
Centaurus, the centaur 03’ û - 29’ 01 991 om itted the planetary correlate because no single planet uni­
Corvus, the raven O6’ n - 1 f l ° a db form ly correlates w ith all the stars o f each constellation. F or a
Hercules, the kneeled man 29’ n - 0 3 * K T 9 m ore detailed discussion o f the in flu ence o f each constellation,
Corona Borealis, the northern crown 0 3 ’ 0 1 - 1 8 ’ 01 99
Libra, the scales 08’ 0 1 - 2 9 ’ 01 Zodiacal
see T h e F i x e d S ta r s a n d C o n s t e l l a t i o n s by V ivian Robson.
Serpens, the serpent 14’ 0 1 - 16°VJ bd
Lupus, the w o lf 1 6 * 0 1 - 08 V bd N ote that in m any cases the b rig h test star o f the constellation
Scorpius, the scorpion 2 4 *0 1 - 2 7 V Zodiacal
possesses a nature d ifferen t from the others and from the group
Ophiuchus, the serpent-holder 2 8 *0 1 - 2 8 V b9
Ara, the altar IIV -O V V J 99
as a w hole. T his is due to the p a rticu lar ch aracter given to the
Sagittarius, the archer 2 8 V -0 2 *5 5 Zodiacal stars o f greater m agnitude an d visibility. T hus, for exam ple, the
Corona Australis, the southern crown 0 3 *V J -1 3 *V J b9 constellation o f O rion is p rim arily com p o sed o f stars o f a Ju p i­
Lyra, the harp 1 1 * V J - 00*55 99
ter and Saturn natu re. T h is is also the nature attrib u ted to the
Ursa Major, the greater bear 1 1 * V y - 28*01 d
Aquila, the eagle 1 3 * V J - 16*55 dl constellation as a w hole. N ev erth eless, its tw o b rig h test stars,
Sagitta, the arrow 1 8 * V J - 10*55 d9 B etelg euse and B ellatrix, are o f a M ars and M ercury natu re.
Capricornus, the water goat 2 6 * V J - 23*55 Zodiacal

Delphinus, the dolphin 0 9 *5 5 -2 0 *5 5 bd

P arans
Aquarius, the water-bearer 1 0 * 5 5 - 2 7 *H Zodiacal
Pisces Australis, the southern fish 1 6 * 5 5 - 0 6 *M 99 T he term p aran is an ab b rev iatio n o f the G re e k term
Cygnus, the swan 23*55 - 2 7 *M 99 p a r a n a t e l l o n t a and m eans “to rise sim ultaneously.” In an a stro ­
Pegasus, the winged horse 2 8 *5 5 -1 1 T d9
Pisces, the fishes 1 6 *M -2 7 * T Zodiacal
logical context, tw o stars are co n sid ered to b e p aran atello n ta
Eridanus, the river 1 6 'M - O I’ H b w hen th ey co in cid e at the angles, such as w hen a sta r rises in
Cetus, the aoa m onster 1 8 *M -1 4 * « b the east (on the A scen d an t) w hile an o th er cu lm in ates (o n the
Cephous, the king 1 8 *H -0 1 *S bl
M id heaven) o r sets in the w est (o n the D escendant).
Draco, the dragon Circum polar bdl

T he concept o f p aran is, a b o v e all, u sed in astro lo g ica l/a stro -

F ig u r e 1. C o n s te lla tio n s a n d T h e ir N a tu r e
nom ical o b serv atio n to co m p en sate for a p o ssib le la c k o f visi-
180/Ott tlic Htavcnfy Spheres

bility. I f an o b serv er know s that the rising o f star A corresponds to the position o f star B, then w henever star
B is seen, the ob serv er know s im m ediately that star A is rising, even w hen the m eteorological o r g eo graph­
ical con d itio n s do not allow for a direct observation o f the heavens. A nother practical application o f the
parans is in m eteorological forecasting. The stars that rise and set at the sam e tim e as the Sun (o r the planets)
arc in terp reted in term s o f clim atological changes. For exam ple, w hen the eye o f the Bull (A ldebaran) rises
w ith the Sun, “ it brings rain and w ind and som etim es thunder.” N ote that A ldebaran is a star o f the nature o f
M ars, w hich is w hy it is associated with bad weather.

S om e con tem p o rary authors defend that the concept o f parans contributes to the construction o f the celestial
m y thology. T hey affirm that the sim ultaneous rising o f a particular celestial figure and the culm in ation o f
an o th e r gives rise to a scries o f associations o f a sym bolic nature.

F ix e d S ta r s a n d th e ir N a t u r e

Zodiacal Longitude
N am e and p lan etary nature Mag. C onstellation
1900 1950 2000 2050
Deneb Kaitos - the tail o f the whale b 2 O 1°T1 1 ’ 01®T53' 0 2 *T 3 5 ' O 3*T17' Cetus

Algemb - the tip o f Pegasus wing d9 3 0 7 °T 4 6 ' 0 8 °T 2 8 ' 0 9 *T 0 9 ' 0 9 *T 5 1 ’ Pegasus

Alpheratz - the h ead o f Andromeda 9 2 1 2 °T 5 5 ' 13®T37' 1 4 °T 1 8 ' 1 5 *T 0 0 ' Andromeda

Baten Kaitos - the belly o f the wale b 4 2 0*T 3 3 ’ 2 1 *T 1 5 ' 2 1 *T 5 7 ' 2 2 *T 3 9 ' Cetus

Al Pherg - o f the tale o f the fish bX 4 25T26' 2 6 *T 0 7 ' 2 6 *T 4 9 ' 2 7 *T 3 0 ' Pisces

Vertex - o f Androm eda's h e ad (Galaxy) 9 5 2 6 *T 2 8 ' 2 7*T 0 9 ’ 2 7 *T 5 1 ' 28T33’ Andromeda

Mirach - o f Androm eda’s chain 9 2 2 9 °T 0 r 2 9 *T 4 2 ' 0 0 *8 2 4 ' 0 1*8 06 ' Andromeda

Mira - o f the wale b 3 0 0 *8 0 7 ’ 0 0 *8 4 9 ’ 0 1*8 31 ' 0 2*8 13 ' Cetus

Sheratan - the northern horn o f Aries db 3 0 2 *8 3 4 ' 03’ 8 1 6 ' 03’ 8 5 8 ’ 0 4*8 40 ' Aries

Hamal - the h e ad o f Aries db 2 06’ 8 1 6 ' 06’ 8 5 8 ' 0 7*8 40 ' 08’ 8 2 2 ' Aries

Schedar - o f Cassiopeia b9 2 06’ 8 2 4 ' 0 7 *8 0 5 ' 07’ 8 4 7 ’ 08’ 8 2 9 ' Cassiopeia

Aimak - the left foot o f Andromeda 9 2 12’ 8 5 0 ' 1 3 *8 3 2 ' 14’ 8 1 3 ' 14’ 8 5 5 ' Andromeda

Menkar - the ja w o f the wale b 3 12’ 8 5 5 ' 13’ 8 3 7 ' 14’ 8 1 9 ' 15’ 8 0 1 ' Whale

Zaurak - o f the river Eridanus b 3 22’ 8 2 8 ' 23’ 8 1 0 ' 23’ 8 5 2 ' 2 4*8 34 ' Eridanus

Capulus - o f P erseu s'sw ord ictureo d9 4 22’ 8 4 9 ' 23’ 8 3 0 ' 24’ 8 1 2 ' 24’ 8 5 4 ' Perseus

Algol - the h e ad o f M edusa bX 2 24’ 8 4 6 ' 2 5*8 28 ' 2 6 *8 1 0 ' 26’ 8 5 2 ' Perseus

Pleiades (Alcyone) - the seven sisters (Cluster) Dd 3 28’ 8 3 6 ' 29’ 8 1 8 ' 2 9 *8 5 9 ' 00*1141' Taurus

Hyades - the seven mourners (Cluster) b9 4 0 5 *H 2 8 ‘ 0 6 * II1 0 ' 06’ 1(52' O7’ H 3 4 ' Taurus

A n - the northern eye o f Taurus b9 3 07’ 1104' 07’ 1146’ 08’ 1128' 09*111 O' Taurus

Aldebaran - the southern eye o f Taurus d 1 08*1124' 0 9 *H 0 5 ' 09’ 2 4 7 ' 1 0*H 2 9 ' Taurus

Rigel - the left foot o f Orion Xb 1 15’ 1126' 16*1108' 1 6*H 5 0 ' 17’ 1132' Orion

Bellatrix - the left shoulder o f Orion d9 2 1 9*H 3 3 ' 20*1115' 2O’ H 5 7 ' 2 1 *H 3 9 ’ Orion

Capella - the little goat d9 1 2 0 *H 2 8 ' 21’ 1110' 21*1151' 2 2 *H 3 4 ' Auriga

Mmtaka - from the belt o f Orion ^b 2 21*1101' 21*1(43' 2 2 *H 2 4 ' 2 3 *H 0 6 ' Orion

El Nath - the northern horn o f Taurus d 2 2 i om i ' 2 1 *H 5 3 ' 2 2 *H 3 4 ' 23*1117' Taurus

Ensis - from Orion's sword (Neb-Je) dD 4 2 1 *H 3 6 ' 22’ 1(17' 2 2 *H 5 9 ' 23’ 1141' Orion
J AJnflam - from the belt o f Orion
Xb 2 22’ 1104' 22’ H 4 6 ' 2 3 *H 2 8 ' 2 4 *H 1 0 ' Orion

I Al Hecka - the southern horn o f Taurus d 3 23*1123' 24’ 1105' 2 4 *H 4 7 ' 2 5 *H 2 9 ' Gemini
j Betelgeuse - the right shoulder o f Orion d9 1 27’ E 2 r 2 8 *H 0 3 ' 2 8 *K 4 5 ' 29*1127' Orion
1 Menkalinan - the shoulder o f the Charioteer
d9 2 2 8 *H 3 1 ' 29*1113' 2 9 *H 5 5 ' 0 0 *5 3 7 ' Auriga
| P r o p u s -b e tw e e n the shoulders o f the twins
$9 3 0 2 *5 0 3 ' 0 2 *5 4 5 ' 0 3 *5 2 6 ' 0 4 *5 0 8 ' Gemini

Tejat Posterior - the left foot o f C astor 99 3 0 3 *5 5 5 ' 0 4 *5 3 6 ' 0 5 *5 1 8 ' 0 6*5 00 ' Gemini

Alhena - the left foot o f Pollux 99 2 0 7 *5 4 3 ' 0 8 *5 2 5 ' 09’ 5 0 6 ' 0 9*5 48 ' Gemini

Sirius - the mouth o f the gre ater dog Xd 1 1 2 *5 4 2 ' 1 3 *5 2 4 ' 1 4 *5 0 5 ' 14’ 5 4 6 ' Canls Major

Canopus - the pilot o f the ship Argus bùi 1 1 3 *5 3 5 ' 1 4*5 16 ' 1 4 *5 5 8 ' 1 5 *5 4 0 ' Argus

V i n a t - the right arm o f C asto r b 3 1 7 *5 0 8 ' 1 7 *5 5 0 ' 1 8 *5 3 1 ' 1 9 *5 1 3 ' Gemini

 Fixcrf Stars/ 181

Name and planetary nature Zodiacal Longitude

Mag. Constellation
1900 1950 2000 2050
Castor - the northern twin 9 2 1 8°G 51' 1 9°G 3 3' 20’ 3 1 5 ' 2 0 °3 5 6 ' Gemini

Pollux - the southern twin d 1 2 1 °S 50 ‘ 2 2 °G 3 2 ’ 23’ 3 1 3 ' 23’ 3 5 4 ' Gemini

Procyon - the lesser dog Vd 1 2 4 °S 2 4 ' 2 5 °G 0 6 ' 25’ 3 4 8 ' 26’ 3 2 9 ’ Canis Minor

Praesaepe - the manger (Cluster) dD 4 0 5°P 57 ’ 06’ 0 3 9 ' 07’ 0 2 0 ' 08’ 0 0 2 ' Cancer

Asellus Borealis - the northern ass dQ 5 0 6°n 0 9 ’ 06’ 0 5 0 ’ 07’ 0 3 2 ' 08’ 0 1 4 ’ Cancer

Asellus Australis - the southern ass dO 4 0 7 °P 1 9 ' 08’ 0 0 1 ’ 08’ 0 4 3 ’ 09’ 0 2 5 ' Cancer

Acubens - the south claw o f Cancer b9 4 1 2 °P 1 5 ’ 12’ 0 5 7 ’ 13’ 0 3 8 ' 14’ 0 2 0 ' Cancer

Algenubi - the mouth o f the Lion bd 3 19 OP 1 8 ’ 20’ 0 0 0 ' 20’ 0 4 2 ’ 21’ 0 2 4 ’ Leo

Alphard - the heart o f the Hydra b9 2 2 5 °P 5 3 ' 26’ 0 3 5 ' 27’ 0 1 7 ’ 27’ 0 5 9 ' Hydra

Adhafera - the mane o f the Lion b9 3 26’ 0 1 V 26’ 0 5 2 ’ 27’ 0 3 4 ' 28’ 0 1 6 ' Leo

Al Jabhah - the forehead o f the Lion b9 3 2 6 °O 3 1 ' 27’ 0 1 3 ' 27’ 0 5 4 ' 28’ 0 3 6 ' Leo

Regulus - the heart o f the Lion db 1 28’ 0 2 6 ’ 29’ 0 0 8 ' 29’ 0 5 0 ' oo’ o i s r Leo

Zosma - the back o f the Lion b9 2 09 o m 5 5' 10o m 3 7 ' 11’ 0119’ 12’ o i w Leo

Denebola - the tail o f the Lion b9 2 2 0 °n i1 3 ’ 20 o ^155 , 21’ 0137' 2 2 °n i1 9 ' Leo

Labrum - the cup 9$ 4 2 5 ° m i8 ’ 26’ njOO’ 2 6 ° n i4 r 27’ 0123' Crater

Zavijava - the head o f Virgo 9d 4 2 5 °m 4 5 ’ 26’ 0127' 2 7 ’ 0110’ 27’ 0152' Virgo

Markeb - the hull o f the ship Argo b it 3 2 7 °n i3 2 ' 28’ 0113' 28’ 0153' 29’ 0135' Argus

Zaniah - o f Virgo's wing 99 4 0 3 °n 0 8 ’ 03’ 0=50’ 04’ ^ 3 1 ' 05’ 0 1 3 ' Virgo

Vindem iatrix - o f Virgo's wing b9 3 o s 0^ 1 09’ 0 1 5 ' 09®£157’ 10’ 0 3 8 ' Virgo

Algorab - the right wing o f the crow db 3 12°£!:04' 12’ 0 4 5 ' 13’ 0=27' 14’ 0 0 9 ' Corvus

Seginus - the left should o f the hunter 9b 3 16 OA 1 6 ’ 16’ 0 5 8 ' 17’ 0=40' 18’ 0 2 9 ' Bodtes

Foramen - the mast o f the ship Argos b it 3 2 0 °Z i4 7 ’ 21’ 0 2 8 ' 22’ 0 0 9 ' 22 o ;Q 5 0 , Argus

Spica - the ea r o f grain o f Virgo 9d 1 22°£127’ 23’ 0 0 9 ’ 23’ 0=51' 24°£L32’ Virgo

Arcturus - the knee o f the hunter itd 1 2 2 °G 4 9 ' 23’ 0 3 2 ’ 24’ 0 1 5 ' 2 4°n 5 6 ’ Bootes

Princeps - o f the hunter 9b 3 01°n&45‘ 02’ 0127' 0 3 °rw 03 o rn 0 9 ’ BoOtes

Kham balia - the left foot o f Virgo 9d 4 05°nL34’ 06’ 0115' oe’ n i s r 0 6 °m 5 7 ' Virgo

Alphecca - the brightest o f the crown 99 2 W 3 ‘ 1 1 °iïl3 5 ' 12’ o i w U ’ OIOO’ Corona Boreal

Zuben Elgenubi - the southern claw bd 3 13W 1' 14’ 0123' 15’ o io s ' 15W 6’ Libra

Zuben Eschemali - the northern claw it? 3 17’ 17159’ 18’ 0140' 19’ 0122' 20°n V )4 ’ Libra

Unukalhai - the head (or heart) o f the snake bd 3 2O’ iïfc4O’ 21’ 0122' 2 2 °o io 4 ' 2 2°iïl/4 6 ’ Serpens

Agena - the left foot o f the centaur 9 it 1 22’ 0^24' 2 3 ’ 0106' 2 3 ’ 0148' 2 4 ° iïl2 9 ’ Centaurus

Rigel Centaurus - the foot o f centaur 9 it 1 28’ ^ 1 0 ’ 2 8 ’ 0151' 2 9°n p 2 ’ 00V06’ Centaurus

Yed Prior - the left hand o f the serpent holder b9 3 00V 54' 01V 36' 02 V 18' 03V00’ Ophiuchus

Dschubba - o f the head o f Scorpio db 2 01 V W 01V 52' 02V 34’ 03V 16' Scorpius

A crab - o f the head o f Scorpio db 3 01V48’ 02V 29’ 03V11’ 03V53’ Scorpius

Han - the left knee o f the serpent holder b9 3 07V 50* 08V 31' 09V13’ 09V 13’ Ophiuchus

A ntares - the heart o f Scorpio d it 1 08V22’ 09V 04' 09V 46' 10V27’ S corpius
182lOn tlic Hcavctify Sjrlwrcs

Zodiacal Longitude
N am e an d plan etary nature Mag. C onstellation
1900 1950 2000 2050
R as A lg e th i - the h e e d d9 3 1 4 °Z 4 5 ' 15V 27' 16V 09’ 16V50' H ercules

G ra ffia s - the h e e d o f S corpio db 4 15V5T 16V 32' 1 7 V 14' 17V55' S corpius

S a b ik - th e le ft kn ee o f th e s e rpe n t h o ld e r b9 2 16V34' 17V16' 17V 58’ 18V 40' O p h iu ch u s

R as A lh a g u e - the h e e d o f the se rpe n t h o ld e r b9 2 21V 03' 21V 45' 22V 27' 23V 08' O p h iu ch u s

L esa th - the stin g o f S corpio Sd 3 22V 37' 23V 19' 24V 01' 24V 42' S corpius

A c u le u s - o f the stin g o f S corpio (Nebula) dJ 5 24V 20' 25V 02' 25V 43' 26V 25' S corpius

A cu m e n - o f the stin g o f S corpio (Nebula) dJ 3 27V 2V 28V 03' 28V45’ 29V26’ S co rpiu s

S inistra - the le ft h a n d o f the se rpe n t h o ld e r b9 3 28® Z21' 29V 03' 29V 45' 00*7526' O p h iu ch u s

S p icu lu m - the tip o f the a rrow (Nebula) dD 6 29V40’ 00*7521' 01*7503’ 01*7545' S a g itta riu s

P o lis - th e b o w o f the a rc h e r Xd 4 01*7549' 02*7530' 03*7512' 03*7554' S a g itta riu s

F a cies - the fa ce o f the a rc h e r (Cluster) Od 6 06*7554' 07*7536' 08*7518' 08*7559' S a g itta riu s

N un ki - the a rro w o f the a rc h e r XS 2 10*7559' 11*7541' 12*7523' 13*7504' S a g itta riu s

A sc e lla - th e s h o u ld e r o f the a rc h e r XS 3 12°V5>14’ 12*7556' 13*7538' 14*7520' S a g itta riu s

M a n u b riu m - o f the a rc h e r Od 4 13°Vy35* 14*7517' 14*7559' 15*7541’ S a g itta riu s

W e g a - o f Lira 9S 1 13*7555' 14*7537' 15*7519' 16*7500' Lyra

D e n e b O ka b - the ta il o f the eagle dX 3 22*7514* 22*7556' 23*7538' 24*7520' A q u ila

T e re b e llu m - th e ta il o f the a rc h e r 9b 5 24*7 )2 7' 25*7509' 25*7550' 26*7533' S a g itta riu s

A lb ire o - the h e a d o f the sw an 9S 3 29*7552' 0 0 *2 3 3 ' 01’ 2 1 4 ' 0 1 *2 5 6 * C ygnus

A lta ir - the eag le dX 1 00’ 2 2 2 ' 0 1 *2 0 4 ' 0 1 *2 4 6 ' 0 2 *2 2 8' A q u ila

G ie di a1 - o f the so uth ern h orn o f the g o a t 9d 5 0 2 *2 2 2 ’ 0 3 *2 0 4 ' 0 3 *2 4 6 ' 0 4 *2 2 7' C ap ricorn u s

G ie di a2 - o f the s o uth ern h orn o f th e g o a t 9d 4 0 2 *2 2 8 ’ 03’ 2 1 0 ' 0 3 *2 5 1 ' 0 4 *2 3 3' C a p ricorn u s

D ab ir - the le ft e ye o f the g o a t b9 3 0 2 *2 3 9 ' 0 3 *2 2 1 ' 04’ 2 0 3 ' 0 4 *2 4 4 ' C a p ricorn u s

O cu lus - the rig h t e ye o f th e g o a t b9 5 0 3 *2 1 9 ' 04’ 2 0 1 ' 0 4 *2 4 2 ' 0 5*2 2 4' C ap ricorn u s

B os - the face o f the g o a t b9 5 0 3 *2 4 6 ' 0 4 *2 2 8 ' 0 5*2 0 9 ’ 0 5 *2 5 1 ' C ap ricorn u s

Arvnus - th e h e a rt o f the g o a t dS 5 1 1 *2 2 1 ’ 1 2 *2 0 2 ’ 1 2 *2 4 4 ' 1 3*2 2 6 ' C ap ricorn u s

D orsum - the b a c k o f the g o a t bX 4 1 2 *2 2 7 ' 1 3*2 0 8 ’ 1 3*2 5 0 ' 1 4*2 3 2 ' C ap ricorn u s

C astra - th e b e lly o f th e g o a t bX 5 1 8*2 4 8 ' 1 9*2 3 0 ' 2 0 *2 1 1 ' 2 0*2 5 3' C a p ricorn u s

N ash ira - th e ta il o f the g o a t bX 4 2 0*2 2 3' 2 1 *2 0 5' 2 1 *2 4 7 ' 2 2 *2 2 9' C ap ricorn u s

S a d a lsu u d - th e le ft s h o u ld e r o f A q u a riu s bS 3 2 2*2 0 0' 2 2 *2 4 2 ’ 2 3 *2 2 3 ' 2 4 *2 0 5' A q u ariu s

D e n e b A lg e d i - the ta il o f th e g o a t bX 3 2 2 *2 0 9' 2 2 *2 5 0 ’ 2 3 *2 3 2 ' 2 4 *2 1 4' C a p ricorn u s

S a d a lm e le k - th e rig h t s h o u ld e r o f A q u a riu s bS 3 0 2 *K 2 2 ' 0 3 *K 0 3 ' 0 3 *H 4 5 ' 0 4 *H 2 7 ' A q u a riu s

F o m a lh a u t - th e m o uth o f th e fish 9S 1 0 2 *X 2 7 ' 0 3 *H 0 9 ' 0 3*K 5 1 ' 0 4*K 3 3 ' P iscis A u strin u s

D e n e b A d ig e - th e ta il o f th e sw a n 9S 1 0 3 *H 5 7 ' O4’ H 3 8 ' 0 5°H 2 0 ’ 0 6 *K 0 0 ’ C ygnus

S k a t - th e le ft le g o f A q u a riu s Sb 3 0 8 *K 0 2 ' 0 8 *H 1 0 ' O8’ H 5 2 ' 0 9*K 3 4 ' A q u ariu s

A c h e m a r - th e e n d o f th e riv e r X 1 1 3 °H 5 4 ' 1 4 °H 3 6 ' 1 5 °H 1 9 ' 1 6 *H 0 1 ' E rida n u s

M a rk a b - th e w in g o f P e g a s u s dS 2 2 2 *K 0 6 * 2 2 *X 4 7 ' 2 3*X 2 9 ' 2 4 *K 1 1 ’ P e g asu s

S c h e a t - th e le ft le g o f P e g a s u s dS 2 2 7°X 5 9 ' 2 8 °M 4 1 ' 2 9 *H 2 2 ' 0 0 *T 0 4 ' P e g asu s

 F i x e d S ta r s /1 8 3

A bout the table: Som e star nam es m ay vary according to different epochs and cultures. In the fo llo w in g list
arc som e o f the m ain variants.

A lte r n a tiv e N a m e s fo r S o m e S ta r s

A cubcns: Scratan
A gcna: Beta Centauri
A lgol: R asalgul
A lphecca: G em m a
A lpheratz: Sirrah ou Schedar
A ltair: V ultur V olans
Capella: A lannaz, H ircus, A layodi
C astor: A pollo
D eneb K aitos: Difda
Pollux: H ercules
A lg enubi: Ras Elased A ustralis
Spica: A rista, A zim ech
R igel C entaurus: T olim an, Bungula, A lpha Centauri
W ega: V ultur C adens

N a tu r e o f th e sta rs: The planetary associations presented in the table orig in ated from o u r research into the
P tolem aic tradition and also from authors w hose practice reveals the recurrent usage o f the stars. T here are
o th e r m ore recent tables that present several variations to the tradition, including the additio n o f the m odem
planets. T hese associations w here disregarded in this m anual even though they are m entioned in F i x e d S ta r s
a n d C o n s t e l l a t i o n s in A s t r o l o g y by V ivan Robson.

T he m agnitude value corresponds to the traditional classification, and not to the astronom ical
M a g n itu d e :
scale o f m agnitudes.

O t h e r c e l e s t i a l b o d i e s : Som e stars in the list are not real stars, but celestial bodies o f an o th er kind, nam ely
g a lax ies (the M 31 in A ndrom eda), nebulas, and star clusters, w hich are identified in the table.

T he sta rs’ placem ents in the zodiac are calculated by projecting th eir p o sitio n onto the ecliptic
P o s itio n in g :

(tak in g in acco u n t th eir latitude, right ascension, and declination).

184/Chi tfw Hcawiify Spfwrcs
 ^ 3

C h a p te r X I I I

The Parts
T he parts are m athem atical points derived from the com bination o f three factors in the astrolo gical chart.
T his in teraction produces a fourth point, the part, w hich com bines the sig nifications o f the o ther factors in­
volved. In an astrological chart, the parts are significators o f specific m atters. T h eir function is to com ple­
m en t the interpretation o f the m ajor significators.

T o calculate a part, the zodiacal distance from point A to point B is projected from p o in t C. T he zodiacal de­
gree obtained is w here the part is located. T his distance betw een points A and B is alw ays m easu red in the d i­
rection o f the o rder o f the zodiac, m eaning in the order o f the signs. P oints A and B are, generally speaking,
plan ets (although they can also be other factors in the chart) chosen in fu nction o f th eir natural significations.
T he m eaning o f the part that is form ed derives from the interaction o f these tw o planetary significations.
P o in t C, from w here the part is projected, is alm ost alw ays the A scendant, w hich sig nifies the in div id ual o r
the ev en t b ein g analyzed in the chart.

F o r exam ple, the Part o f Children, used to com plem ent interpretations relating to children and fertility, is
calcu lated by takin g the zodiacal distance betw een Jupiter and Saturn. T hese planets w ere c h o sen as
sig n ificato rs since Ju p iter represents fertility and Saturn as that w hich lim its it. T he p art is o b tain ed b y p ro ­
jec tin g the d istan ce b e ­
tw een these tw o p lan ets
from th e A sc en d an t,
w h ich rep resen ts th e n a ­
tive. T h u s, w e are m e a ­
suring fertility (Ju p iter)
and its lim itatio n s (S a t­
urn) in the c o n te x t o f the
n a tiv e ’s life (A scen d an t).

T he c a lc u la tio n o f th e
parts is o fte n d e te rm in e d
F ig u r e 1. C a lc u la tin g a P a r t
by the sect o f th e h o ro -
(D iu r n a l a n d N o c tu r n a l C h a r ts )
 186/O h tfic Hcavaify Syftcres

scope. A s a general rule, the calculations differ in diurnal and nocturnal charts, although the planets involved
rem ain the sam e. Returning to the exam ple o f the Part o f Children, take the distance from Jupiter to Saturn in
d iu rn al charts, and from Saturn to Jupiter in nocturnal charts. In either ease, the projection is alw ays m ade
from the A scendant.

T he parts arc often called “A rabic” because for a long tim e their developm ent was attributed to the A rabs.
T h is o ccu rred because Ptolem y did not m ention them in T e tr a b ib lo s . D uring the Renaissance, T e t r a b i b l o s
b ecam e a sort o f canon o f “g ood” astrology. As a consequence, any technique that w as not found in it w as
th o u g h t to lie outsid e o f the classical nucleus o f astrology. Thus, the parts began to be looked upon as a su ­
p erflu o u s ad dendum and fell into disuse. H ow ever, all o f the other H ellenistic authors w ho w ere co n tem p o ­
raries o f Ptolem y do include abundant references to the various parts (they are know n in the H ellenistic texts
as L ots). F or reasons unknow n to us, Ptolem y appears to be the only one w ho excludes the parts from his
treatise. A dditionally, recent studies have revealed that these m athem atical points w ere already an integral
p art o f interpretation during the H ellenistic period and that the A rabs m erely refined and greatly expanded
u p o n th eir use.

T h e o n ly part m entioned by Ptolem y in T e tr a b ib lo s is the P a r t o f F o r t u n e . This is the only part to have su r­

v iv ed and to have continued to be used in charts from antiquity until the current age. N onetheless, after the
19th century, Fortune lost its practical significance in interpretation and began to be treated as a relic from
a n cien t tim es. V arious attem pts by authors o f the 20th century to recover the parts w ere not successful b e ­
cau se instead o f studying the original techniques and their practical application, they m erely adapted the
p arts to th eir ow n preconceiv ed notions. The em ergence o f various ineffectual interpretive techniq ues led to
the com plete loss o f th eir original signification. A s a result, the Part o f Fortune began to be considered u se ­
less by a large num ber o f astrologers. A noth er consequence o f the loss o f this doctrine is the recent d ev elo p ­
m ent o f new parts w ithout any technical basis o r practical signification. O nly recently, w ith the translation
and study o f ancient w orks, has the original understanding o f the parts and th eir practical application been
recovered . A n im portant interpretive com plem ent, w hich is as old as astrology itself, has thus been returned
to the discipline.

T h e V a r io u s P a r ts a n d t h e ir U s e

In addition to Fortune, there are m any o ther traditional parts, each w ith its ow n specific m eaning. Som e are
used in all horoscopes, w hile others are restricted to a particular branch o f astrolo gy (natal, horary, m undane,
etc.).

A m o n g the m ost im portant parts in n atal astrology are the planetary parts associated w ith the planets. T his is
a gro u p o f seven parts, each one corresponding to the qualities o f the p lan et that produces it. T he m o st im p o r­
tan t are the P art o f the M oon, o r Part o f Fortune, and the P art o f the Sun, or P art o f Spirit. T hey are calculated
from the a n g u la r d istance betw een the tw o lum inaries. T he rem aining planetary parts are extracted from
th ese tw o principal parts. T hey are p roduced by projecting from the A scendant the distance betw een the
p la n e t an d o n e o f these tw o principal parts (F ortune o r Spirit, depending on each p a r t’s form ula).

T h e P a r t o f S a t u r n o r T h e H e a v y P a r t is calculated from the distance betw een Saturn and F ortune in d iu r­

nal ch arts, o r b etw een F ortune and Saturn in nocturnal charts.

T h e P a r t o f J u p i t e r o r P a r t o f V i c t o r y a n d T r i u m p h is given by the distance betw een S p irit and Ju p iter in

d iu rn a l ch arts, an d betw een Ju p iter and Spirit in nocturnal charts.

T h e P a r t o f M a r s o r P a r t o f D a r i n g a n d C o u r a g e is obtained from the d istance betw een M ars and F ortu ne

in d iu rn a l ch arts, an d b etw een F ortune and M ars in n o cu m al charts.
 T h e P a rts/1 8 7

T h e P a r t o f V e n u s o r P a r t o f L o v e a n d C o n c o r d is g iv e n fro m th e d is ta n c e b e tw e e n S p ir it a n d V e n u s in d i ­
u rn a l c h a r ts , a n d b e tw e e n V e n u s a n d S p irit in n o c tu rn a l c h a rts.

T h e P a r t o f M e r c u r y o r P a r t o f N e c e s s ity is c a lc u la te d fro m th e d is ta n c e b e tw e e n M e r c u r y a n d F o r t u n e in
d iu r n a l c h a r ts , a n d b e tw e e n F o rtu n e a n d M e rc u ry in n o c tu r n a l c h a r ts . 2 8

T h e s e p a rts c o m p le m e n t th e d e lin e a tio n o f th e p la n e t to w h ic h th e y a re a s s o c ia te d , a n d h e lp to d e s c r i b e th e

m a n n e r in w h ic h th e in d iv id u a l e x p re s s e s th e n a tu ra l s ig n ific a tio n s o f th a t p la n e t. F o r e x a m p le , th e P a r t o f
D a r in g a n d C o u ra g e , tie d to M a rs, c o m p le m e n ts th e d e lin e a tio n o f M a r s in a c h a r t b y g iv in g in d i c a ti o n s a s to
th e m a n n e r in w h ic h th e n a tiv e e x p re s s e s c o u ra g e (o r th e la c k o f it).

A n o th e r g ro u p o f p a rts is a s s o c ia te d w ith th e a s tro lo g ic a l h o u s e s . F o r e x a m p le , th e s e v e n th h o u s e h a s s e v e r a l

p a rts a s s o c ia te d w ith it, th e m o s t w e ll k n o w n b e in g th e P a r t o f M a r r i a g e , w h ic h c o m p le m e n ts th e m o s t o b ­
v io u s s ig n if ic a tio n o f th is h o u se : re la tio n s h ip s a n d m a r ria g e s . In a d d itio n to th is o n e , th e r e a re o th e r p a r ts a s ­
s o c ia te d w ith th is h o u s e , s u c h a s th e P a r t o f C o n te s t s , fo r s itu a tio n s in v o lv in g fa c e to fa c e c o n f lic t, o r th e
P a r t o f L a w s u i t s , fo r q u e s tio n s in v o lv in g la w su its. N o te th a t th e d e s ig n a tio n “ P a r ts fro m th e H o u s e s ” s i m ­
p ly e s t a b li s h e s a s e m a n tic re la tio n s h ip b e tw e e n th e m e a n in g o f th e p a r t a n d th e to p ic o f th e h o u s e ; in c o n tr a s t
w ith th e p a r ts e x tr a c te d fro m th e p la n e ts , th is d e s ig n a tio n d o e s n o t im p ly th a t th e h o u s e c u s p is n e c e s s a r ily
in v o lv e d in th e e x tr a c tio n o f th e s e p a rts. T h e lis t o f p a rts a s s o c ia te d w ith e a c h h o u s e a n d th e ir r e s p e c tiv e fo r­
m u la s is to o lo n g to in c lu d e in th is b o o k (s e e T h e B o o k o f I n s t r u c t i o n i n t h e E l e m e n t s o f t h e A r t o f A s t r o l o g y
b y A l- B ir u n i a n d O n t h e A r a b i c P a r t s b y G u id o B o n a tti).

W e m a y y e t c o n s i d e r a n o th e r g ro u p o f p a rts th a t d o n o t b e lo n g to th e c a te g o r ie s j u s t d e s c r ib e d . T h e s e p a rts
h a v e a v a r i e ty o f u s e s a n d a re a s a g e n e ra l ru le a p p lie d to h o ra r y a n d m u n d a n e a s tr o lo g y . A m o n g th e m a re th e
P a r t o f V ic to r y a n d B a ttle s , o b v io u s ly u s e d fo r m ilita r y m a tte r s ; th e P a rts o f R a in , o f W in d , a n d o f C lo u d s ,
fo r m e t e o r o l o g ic a l p u rp o s e s ; a n d th e P a rts o f S e c re ts , o f T ru th a n d L ie s , a n d o f L o s t A n im a ls , u s e d in h o r a r y
q u e s tio n s . O th e r p a r ts h a v e c u rio u s n a m e s , s u c h a s th e P a rt o f O n io n s , o f H o n e y , o f A p r ic o ts , a n d o f W h e a t,
w h ic h w e r e u s e d in m a tte r s re la tin g to tra d e o r to f o r e c a s t th e a n n u a l h a rv e s t.

T h e p a r t s a r e c o m p le m e n ts fo r s p e c ific in te rp re ta tio n s a n d m u s t b e in te r p r e te d in th e i r a p p r o p r ia te c o n te x t. I t
is a w a s te o f tim e to in te r p r e t a ll th e p a rts in e v e ry h o ro s c o p e , b u t r a th e r to d e te r m in e w h ic h p a r t o r p a r t s a re
a p p r o p r ia t e f o r th e p a r tic u la r to p ic u n d e r s tu d y . F o r e x a m p le , in a n in q u ir y a b o u t r e s o u r c e s a n d a s s e ts , o n e
w o u ld e v a lu a te th e g e n e r a l in d ic a to r s (th e s e c o n d h o u s e , p la n e ts in th e s e c o n d , its ru le r , e tc ) th a t r e v e a l th e
n a t i v e ’s c a p a c i ty to g e n e r a te m a te ria l re s o u rc e s . In th is s c e n a r io , a n e x a m i n a ti o n o f th e P a r t o f S u b s ta n c e
m a y a d d in f o r m a tio n a b o u t th e s o u r c e o f in c o m e o f th e in d iv id u a l.

In a d d it io n to th e i r m e a n in g in th e h o ro s c o p e , th e p a r ts c a n b e e x a m i n e d in th e d ir e c tio n s , tr a n s it s , e tc . a n d
th e r e f o r e b e c o m e g o o d in d ic a to r s o f e v e n ts re la te d to th e ir s y m b o lis m . J u s t a s w ith th e p la n e ts , a p a r t is a f ­
f e c te d b y a s p e c t s a n d b y a n tis c ia , b u t in c o n tr a s t to th e p la n e ts , it d o e s n o t c a s t a s p e c ts b e c a u s e p a r t s la c k a n
o rb . T h e i r d y n a m ic s a re s im ila r to th o s e o f th e c h a rt a n g le s , w h ic h d o n o t fo r m a p p lic a tio n s o r s e p a r a ti o n s .
O n th e o th e r h a n d , th e p a r ts m a y b e a f f e c te d b y c o m b u s tio n a n d b y c o n ju n c t io n s w ith f ix e d s ta r s . I n i n t e r p r e ­
ta tio n , th e m o s t im p o r ta n t f a c to r is th e p la n e t d is p o s itin g th e p a rt. T h e p o s itio n o f th e d i s p o s it o r b y s i g n a n d
h o u s e , a s w e ll a s th e a s p e c ts th a t it re c e iv e s a n d its c o n d itio n , d e te r m i n e s th e e f f e c t o f th e p a r t. T h e p o s i t i o n
o f th e p a r t b y h o u s e a n d s ig n m u s t a ls o b e c o n s id e re d .

28
T h e fo rm u la s in d icated fo r the Part o f V enus and M ercu ry are fo u n d in th e G re e k trad itio n . L ater, in th e M id d le A g e s,
o th e r v a ria tio n s w ere d eveloped. T he P art o f V enus starts b ein g c alc u lated b y ta k in g th e d istan ce fro m th e p a rt o f F o r­
tu n e to th e P a rt o f S p irit and pro jectin g it from the A scen d an t (th e re v e rse at n ig h t); th e P art o f M e rc u ry w a s th e n c a lc u ­
lated b y ta k in g th e d istan ce from the P art o f S pirit to the P art o f F o rtu n e an d p ro je c tin g th at from th e A s c e n d a n t (th e re ­
v e rse at n ig h t). In th is h an d b o o k , w e use th e G reek fo rm ula, w h ich in clu d es in th e calc u latio n th e p la n e ts th a t g iv e th e m
th e ir n am e.
 1 8 8 /O n tfw H c a w n f y S jjfte rc s

T h e P a r t o f F o r tu n e

This is the m ost im portant A rabic part. It has been present in astrological interpretation since the beginnings
o f horoscopy. Its sym bol is a circle with an enclosed cross— ® .

Its calculation is extracted

from the positio n o f the lu­
m inaries. In a day chart,
take the d istan ce from the
Sun (the “ lum inary o f the
ho u r” in a day chart) to the
M oon and p roject this dis­
tance from the A scendant.
In a night chart, take the dis­
tance from the M oon (the
“ lu m inary o f the ho u r” fo r a
night chart) to the Sun and F ig u r e 2 . D iu r n a l a n d N o c t u r n a l C a lc u la t io n fo r th e P a r t o f F o r t u n e
project it from the A scen­
dant.

A w ay to tell w h eth er the

calculation o f the Part o f
Fortu ne is correct is to com ­
p are the lunar phase and the
distance o f the part to the
A scendant. T he distance be­
tw een the Sim and the M oon
(lunar phase) should be the
sam e as the d istance b e ­
tw een F ortune and the A s­
cendant. T hus, in a h o ro ­
scope w ith a N ew M oon
(that is, w ith a conjunction
betw een the Sun and
M oon), F ortune sh ould be
very close to the A scendant.
In a ho ro sco p e w ith a Full
M oon (a S u n-M oon o p p o si­
tion), the p art sho u ld be F ig u r e 3 . T h e P a r t o f F o r t u n e ’s P o s it io n V a r ie s
A c c o r d in g to th e P h a s e o f th e M o o n
v ery clo se to the D escen­
dant.

F o r the o th e r p h ases o f th e M oon, one m u st take into acco u n t w h eth er the h oroscope is d iurnal o r nocturnal.
In ch arts w ith a w ax in g m oon, F ortune is alw ays located below the horizon in diurnal charts, and above in
n o ctu rn al charts. In charts w ith a w an in g m oon, F ortune is alw ays above the horizon in diurnal charts and b e ­
lo w in n o ctu rn al charts. C on ju n ctio n s o f F ortune w ith th e M idheaven or IC alw ays o ccur in charts w h ere the
lu m in aries a re in sq u are asp ect (w axing o r w an in g square, as the case m ay be).

E x a m p le : C a lc u la tio n o f th e P a r t o f F o r tu n e
F ried rich N ie tz sc h e ’s ch a rt is d iurnal, so the Sun is the lu m inary o f the hour. T he p art is calculated by m e a ­
su rin g the d ista n c e fro m th e Sun to the M o o n and p ro jectin g it from the A scendant. T he Sun is at 22° L ibra
 Tfw Parts/189

0 7 ' and the M oon at 09° Sagittarius 02. T h e d is ­

tance betw een the lights is 46° 5 5 ': 7° 5 3 ' (fro m
the Sun to the end o f Libra) + 30° (all o f S c o r­
pio) + 9° 0 2 ' (from the beginning o f S a g itta riu s
to the M oon). This distance is added to th e A s­
cendant to find the part. T he 46° 5 5 ' c o n sists o f
30° (or a w hole sign) plus 16° and 5 5 '. T h e re ­
fore, add 30° (a w hole sign) to the A scen d an t:
29° 0 9 ' Scorpio + 30° = 29° 0 9 ' S agittarius. N o w
add the rem aining 16° 5 5 '. T here are 5 1 ' from
29° 0 9 ' to the end o f Sagittarius. T his leav es 16°
0 4 ' that now belongs to the follow ing sign.
Therefore, the Part o f Fortu ne is at 16° C ap ri­
corn 04.

N ote: Calculating the Part o f F ortune m ay

seem com plicated, but is less so if it is v isu al­
ized directly onto the chart.
C h a r t 1 . N a t iv it y o f F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e
In the horoscope o f F lorbela Espanca, the M oon
is the lum inary o f the ho u r because this is a noc­
turnal chart. In this case, the P art o f F ortune is
calculated by taking the distance from the M oon
to the Sun and pro jectin g it from the A scendant.
T he M oon is at 15° A ries 31 ' and the Sun at 16°
Sagittarius 0 2 '. N ote that in this case the larger
arc is used because the direction is alw ays o f the
order o f the signs. T h e distance betw een the
lights is 240° 3 1 ', w hich corresponds to 8 w hole
signs plus 3 1 ', o r 240° 3 1 ' is equal to 14° 2 9 '
(from the M oon until the final sign o f A ries) +
210° (seven w hole signs) + 16° 02 ' (fro m the b e ­
gin ning o f Sagittarius to the Sun). A ll that is left
is to add 240° 3 1 ' to the A scendant, w h ich is at
14° L ib ra 2 0 '. B y ad vancing 8 signs from this
point, the resu lt is 14° G em ini 20. T h e n ad d the
rem aining 3 1 ' to ob tain 14° G em ini 5 1 ', w h ich
is the po sitio n o f the P art o f F ortune.
C h a r t 3 . N a tiv ity o f F lo r b e la E sp a n c a
T he P art o f F o rtu n e is considered one o f th e v i­
tal p o in ts o f the horoscope because its significators are the Sun, source o f life, and the M oon, sy m b o l o f the
b o d y an d o f substance. Thus, it is alm ost as im portant as the actu al lum inaries, m aking it a key p o in t o f the
h o ro sco p e. It is one o f the few parts that can be in terpreted in isolation b ecause it syn th esizes th e c ritical
p o in ts o f any chart: the A scendant, M oon, and Sun.

T h e term “ fo rtune” does not necessarily signify m oney, but rath er co m fo rt, w ell-b ein g an d b e n e fits in g e n ­
eral. It re p resen ts an area o f life o r a situation in w hich the individual is fo rtunate o r has luck. T h e u se o f th is
p a rt is v aried and depends upon the interpretive context. It is p rim arily used in m atters h a v in g to do w ith
w e a lth an d health. E ssentially, the Part o f F ortune represents the su b stan tiatio n o f things. In a n a tiv ity it sig ­
n ifie s th at w h ich gives com fort and w ell-being to the native. It rep resen ts the m aterial asp ects o f life, n a m e ly
 1 9 0 / 0 n th e H e a v e n ly S jtfu r e s

the w ealth and prosperity o f an individual, as

w ell as that w hich supports and sustains individ­
ual actions (conditions, people, areas o f life).

I n t e r p r e t a t i o n E x a m p le s f o r th e P a r t o f
F o r tu n e
In N ie tz sc h e ’s chart. Fortune is located at 16°
C apricorn 0 4 ' in the second house, w hich hig h­
lights m atters connected to m aterial security and
econom ic prosperity. Satum , the dispositor o f
the part, is also the ruler o f the second house and
is posited there, w hich reinforces the im portance
o f the topic. Because S atum is involved, there is
w ith o u t a doubt an indication o f struggle and
hard w ork connected w ith w ell-being and m ate­
rial security. H ow ever, the planet is dignified
and th erefore can assist w ith these objectives. Figure 4. The Houses from the P a rt of F ortune
T he position o f S atum in A quarius (an air sign)
suggests that the w ell-being indicated by the Part o f Fortune is tied to depth o f thought, to concepts and
ideas. N ote also that Satum rules the third house o f w riting, teaching, and com m unication activities through
w hich N ietzsche attained not only m aterial resources but great satisfaction.

T he Part o f F ortune in F lorbela E sp an ca’s chart is at 14° Gem ini 5 1 ' in the ninth house, w hich sig nifies that
this poet got great satisfaction from intellectual stim ulation (G em ini) and from cultural discussions (the
ninth house). Florbela belonged to the intellectual circles o f her tim e and w as one o f the first w om en to at­
tend the university. T hese activities w ere nevertheless m arked by strong em otion because M ercury, the
dispositor o f the part and ru ler o f the ninth, is in Scorpio. It is also posited in the second house, w hich is im ­
portant to som eone w ho, through her w riting, obtained not only m aterial resources b u t also great personal
satisfaction.

H o u s e s F r o m th e P a r t o f F o r t u n e
In older system s o f astrology, n am ely those o f the H ellenistic period, the part o f Fortu ne w as so im portant
th at it w as turned into a sort o f A scendant. F rom this new A scendant, a new system o f houses could be d e­
rived w ith significations com pletely d ifferent from those o f the norm al houses. T he interpretive technique
fo r these houses did not survive intact from ancient tim es, b u t the exam ples th at do survive reveal the crucial
im portance o f this p art to astrological interpretation. The only list o f m eanings that survive is presen ted by
M an iliu s (ca. 14 A C ) in his w o rk A s t r o n o m i c a .

A n o th er variation is p resented by V ettius V alens (ca. 120-175 A C ) in his w ork A n t h o l o g y , w hich calls the
e lev en th ho u se from F o rtu n e th e “p lace o f A cq u isitio n ” and associates it w ith riches and prosperity. T his a u ­
th o r also gives great w eig h t to the an g u larity o f the planets in relation to the Part o f Fortu ne (nam ely plan ets
p la ce d in the ten th h o u se from Fortune). T h e P art o f Spirit w as interpreted in a sim ilar m anner.

T h e P a r t o f S p ir it

T h is p art, also k n o w n as the P art o f the Sun, is a co m p lem en t to the P art o f Fortune. In its calcu latio n w e u se
th e sa m e elem en ts as th o se in Fortune, b u t reverse the order. It is therefore a sort o f co u n terp art to the P art o f
F o rtu n e. T o ob tain the P art o f Spirit in diu rn al charts, take the distance from the M oon to the Sun; in n o c tu r­
n al ch arts, tak e the d istan ce from the Sun to the M oon. O nce m ore, these distances are p rojected from the A s­
cen d an t. N o te th at b ecau se th ey h ave an inverted calcu latio n , the Parts o f F ortune and Spirit w ill alw ay s b e at
 Tlie Parts/191

identical distances from the A scen d an t, b u t in

opposite hem ispheres. T hey form a m irro r im ­
age w ith the horizon as their axis.

As the nam e indicates, the Part o f S p irit sig n i­

fies the attitude o f the individual w ith reg ard to
m atters o f spirituality. Just as w ith F o rtu n e, it is
related to w ell-being, but in this case it p e rtain s
to a m ore philosophical o r intellectual outlook.
It is also associated w ith the personal co n cep t o f
divinity, the interpretation that each perso n
m akes o f w hat is divine. T he Part o f S pirit is the
only part, except for Fortune, that has its ow n
sym bol. It is represented by a globe from w hich
descend two rays o f light.

In Friedrich N ietzsch e’s horoscope, the M oon is

at 09° Sagittarius 0 2 ' and the Sun at 22° Libra
F ig u r e 5 . T h e P a r ts o f F o r tu n e a n d S p ir it a s
0 7 '. B ecause it is a day chart, take the distance
M ir r o r I m a g e s o f O n e A n o th e r from the M oon to the Sun, in the order o f the
signs. The sum is 313° 0 5 ', o r 10 signs (from
Sagittarius to L ibra = 300°) + 13° 0 5 '. This distance is projected from the A scendant at 29° Scorpio 0 9 ',
w hich gives the Part o f Spirit at 12° L ibra 14'.

In this chart, the Part o f Spirit is in Libra, an air sign, w hich suggests that N ie tzsc h e ’s at­
titu d e to w ard beliefs is prim arily intellectual. Because it is also in a cardinal sign, the
p art points tow ard som eone actively spreading his beliefs (religious, philosophical, or
others). H ow ever, V enus, the dispositor o f the part, is debilitated in V irgo, w hich adds a
stro n g pragm atic quality that is som ew hat disillusioned. T he critical attitude o f this p h i­
lo so p h er tow ard religious and social institutions is w ell know n. O n the o ther hand, V e­ F ig u r e 6 . S y m b o l

nus is in the ninth house and the Part o f Spirit is conjunct the Sun, ru ler o f the ninth, fo r th e P a r t o f

w h ich g reatly em phasizes N ietzsch e’s studious and philosophical tendencies. S p ir it

P a r t o f F a ith

T his p art is used in the delineation o f the ninth house and gives additional inform ation ab o u t the m a n n e r in
w hich the in div id ual approaches his or her faith (from w ithin a religious o r secular existence). Im portant:
this p a rt does not indicate the d e g r e e o f religiosity o f the individual, but rath er th e a p p r o a c h w ith reg ard to
m atters o f faith. It can therefore m anifest in the chart o f the very d evout o r o f the atheist, in d icatin g o n ly d if­
feren t attitudes to the topic.

It is calcu lated by taking the distance from the M oon to M ercury and p rojecting that from th e A scen d a n t in
d iu rn al charts; and in nocturnal charts, the distance from M ercury to the M oon and p ro jectin g th at fro m the
A scen d an t. F o r exam ple, in F riedrich N ietzsch e’s chart the M oon is at 09° S agittariu s 0 2 ' an d M e rc u ry at 04°
L ibra 0 9 '. S ince it is a day chart, take the distance from the M oon to M ercury. F ro m the M oon at 09° S ag it­
tariu s 0 2 ', advance in the order o f the signs (Sagittarius, C apricorn, etc.) until M ercury, w h ich is at 04° L ibra
0 9 '. T his is a total o f 259° 0 7 '. Or, there are 10 signs (from S agittariu s to L ibra = 300°) m inus 4° 5 3 ' (the d if­
ference in degrees betw een both planets). T his distance is th en projected from the A scen d an t a t 29° S co rp io
0 9 ', w h ich p laces the Part o f F aith at 24° V irgo 1 6 '.

In th is case, it is very tightly conjunct the M idheaven (23° V irgo 2 0 '), a p o sitio n that is h ig h ly sig n ific a n t to a
 1 9 2 lO n tfie H ca ven C y S p h e r e s

p h ilo so p h e r w ho spent m ost o f his life questioning m atters o f a religious nature. N ote that there is no incom ­
p a tib ility betw een N ietzsch e’s anticlerical views and this extrem ely highlighted Part o f Faith in his horo­
scope. In this ease, since it is in Virgo, a m utable earth sign, and governed by M ercury, his vision o f faith is
ex ceed in g ly pragm atic. In addition to this, it is conjunct M ars, w hich gives him a contesting and critical atti­
tu de to w ard religions. M uch o f his philosophical w ork is based upon the critical analysis and dispute o f reli­
gio n and its effect on societies. M atters o f faith arc therefore indeed highlighted in his life, albeit by w ay o f
his ratio n al opposition to them.

P a r t o f S u b sta n c e

T his part contributes to the delineation o f m aterial resources and values in a horoscope and indicates p o ssi­
ble sources o f incom e. It is thus designated as a second house part. It is calculated by taking the distance from
the ru ler o f the second house to the cusp o f the second house and projecting that from the A scendant. In co n ­
trast to the cases already presented, this calculation does not vary w ith sect; it is the sam e w heth er in a diurnal
o r n o ctu rn al chart.

In the chart o f Florbcla E spanca, the Part o f Substance is found in the seventh house, suggesting that a part o f
h er m aterial resources w ould com e from m arriage. The part is located at 08° T aurus 2 8 ', and V enus, the
dispositor, is found in the third house, w hich points to another o f her sources o f incom e: w riting, and the
p u b licatio n o f literary w orks. Since V enus is com bust, it is to be expected that her incom e could fall short o f
expectations. N ote that the delineation o f this part serves as a com plem ent to Fortune w ith regard to m atters
o f m aterial resources. In this chart, there in fact does exist a notable correspondence betw een both parts.

P a r t o f M a r r ia g e

T his part gives additional inform ation about relationships in natal charts. It integrates the d elineation o f the
seventh house and com plem ents the interpretation o f the principal factors involved. To calculate the Part o f
M arriage, use V enus (love and relationships) and Saturn (contracts and obligations) as significators, and
project th eir distance from the A scendant (the individual). In this case, the calculation varies according to the
gender o f the individual: in a m a n ’s horoscope, take the distance from Saturn to V enus, and in a w o m a n ’s
chart, take the d istance from V enus to Saturn. In both cases, pro ject the obtained arc from the A scendant.

B efore p roceeding to a chart exam ple, recall

that the Part o f M arriage only m akes sense
w hen integrated w ithin the interpretation o f the
sev en th house and o f the o ther relationship
significators. A n in teresting case to study is that
o f P rin cess M aria, the youngest d au g h ter o f
K in g M an u el o f P ortugal. T his princess w as
p ro m ised in m arriag e to the m ost im portant
k in g s o f h e r tim e, but for political and econom ic
reaso n s, she n ev er m arried. She rem ained
k n o w n th ro u g h o u t h isto ry w ith the epithet “ fo r­
e v e r b etro th e d .”

In th e ch a rt o f P rin cess M aria, the P art o f M ar­

riag e is lo c ate d at 24° G em ini 33 ' in the seventh
h o u se. It is im p ed ed becau se it is co m b u st and
its d isp o sito r is cad en t an d retro g rad e, co n d i­
tio n s w h ich m a k e it d ifficu lt to form a lasting
an d o fficia l unio n . N e v erth eless, the p o ssib ility
o f re latio n sh ip s sh o u ld n o t b e ru led o u t because C h a r t 9 . N a t iv it y o f P r in c e s s M a r ia o f P o r t u g a l
 T h e P a r ts ! 1 9 3

th e p a rt is in a m u ta b le sign an d asp ec ted by v ario u s p lan ets. B e ca u se it is c o m b u st in th e s e v e n th h o u s e ,

th e re is a stro n g in d icatio n o f h id d en rela tio n sh ip s— th at is, th o se n o t o ffic ia lly s a n c tio n e d . It sh o u ld b e
n o te d th a t P rin c ess M a ria w as o n e o f few royal w o m en o f h er tim e to h av e h e r o w n h o m e an d to liv e fro m h e r
o w n in c o m e, w h ich g av e h er a d eg re e o f lib erty an d p riv acy u n co m m o n in h e r tim e. T h is in fo rm a tio n is c o r­
ro b o ra te d b y M e rc u ry , d isp o sito r o f th e p art an d ru ler o f th e se v en th h o u se. M e rc u ry is in a m u ta b le ( o r d o u ­
b le -b o d ie d ) sig n , an d th e sam e is tru e for th e cu sp o f th e se v en th , w h ich re in fo rc e s th e p o ssib ility o f th e re b e ­
in g v a rio u s rela tio n sh ip s.

T h e re a re o th e r p arts related to m arriag e, w h ich so m e tim es g en e rate s c o n fu sio n . T h e m o st w e ll k n o w n is th e

P a rt o f M a rria g e ac c o rd in g to H erm es: in a m a n ’s h o ro sco p e it is o b ta in e d b y p ro je c tin g th e d ista n c e b e ­
tw e e n th e S u n an d V en u s fro m th e A sce n d an t; an d in a w o m a n ’s c h art, o n e p ro jec ts th e d ista n c e b e tw e e n th e
M o o n an d M ars.

P a r t o f C h ild r e n

T h is p a rt is u se d to c o m p le m e n t th e a sse ssm e n t o f fertility , b o th in n a tiv ities an d h o rary astro lo g y . It is c a lc u ­

la te d b y ta k in g th e d istan c e fro m Ju p ite r to S atu rn in d iu rn al ch a rts an d fro m S atu rn to J u p ite r in n o ctu rn a l
c h a rts a n d p ro je c tin g it fro m th e A sce n d an t. Its in te rp re tatio n sh o u ld a lw a y s b e m a d e in c o n ju n ctio n w ith
o th e r sig n ific a to rs o f th e fifth h ouse.

T h e P a rt o f C h ild re n in A g a th a C h ris tie ’s h o ro sc o p e is a t 25° C a p ric o rn 1 9 z . T h is is a m o d e ra tely b arren

sig n , w h ic h in d ic ates few ch ild ren . T h is ju d g m e n t is rein fo rc e d b y th e p o sitio n o f S atu rn , its d isp o sito r, in
V irg o , a b a rre n sig n . In fact, A g a th a h ad o n ly o n e d a u g h ter, b o m fro m h e r first m a rria g e. T h e p ro x im ity o f
th is p a rt to th e cu sp o f th e six th h o u se (illn e sse s) su g g e sts th e e x iste n c e o f so m e d eb ility o r m e d ica l c o n d i­
tio n th a t in te rfe re s w ith fertility .

P a r ts o f th e F a th e r a n d th e M o th e r

T h e s e p a rts are u se d in th e e v a lu a tio n o f th e fo u rth a n d te n th h o u se s re sp e c tiv e ly , an d p ro v id e a d d itio n a l in ­

fo rm a tio n re g a rd in g th e p a re n ts o f th e n ativ e. T h e P art o f th e F a th e r is c a lc u la te d b y ta k in g th e d istan c e fro m
th e S u n to S a tu rn a n d p ro je c tin g it fro m th e A sc e n d a n t; w h ile th e P a rt o f th e M o th e r is o b ta in e d b y ta k in g th e
d ista n c e fro m V e n u s to th e M o o n an d p ro je c tin g fro m th e A sce n d an t. I f th e n a tiv ity is n o c tu rn a l, th e P a rt o f
th e F a th e r is o b ta in e d fro m d ista n c e fro m S a tu rn
to th e S u n , a n d th e P a rt o f th e M o th e r fro m th e
M o o n to V en u s.

In N ie tz s c h e ’s c ase, w h ic h is d iu rn a l, th e P a rt o f
th e F a th e r is c a lc u la te d fro m th e a rc o f th e S u n
to S atu rn . T h e p a rt is lo c ate d in th e th ird h o u se
at 7° P isce s 4 8 '. Its d isp o s ito r is Ju p ite r, w h ic h
is d ig n ifie d a n d also in P isc e s in th e fo u rth
h o u se , w h ic h im p a rts u n to th e fa th e r th e q u a li­
ties o f d ev o tio n , re lig io sity an d h o n o r. T h e P a rt
o f th e M o th e r, c u rio u sly , is a lso lo c a te d in th e
th ird h o u se an d in P isc e s, a t 1° 4 9 ', w h ic h b e ­
sto w s u n to th e m o th e r v e ry s im ila r q u a litie s . It
is a w e ll-k n o w n fa c t th a t a ll o f N ie tz s c h e ’s fa m ­
ily w a s d e v o u tly re lig io u s a n d th a t h is fa th e r
w as a L u th e ra n m in iste r.

T h e in d ic a tio n s g iv e n b y th e p a rts s h o u ld a l­
C h a r t 2 . N a t iv it y o f A g a t h a C h r is tie w a y s b e c o m b in e d w ith o th e r re le v a n t
 194/On tfic Hcawnfy Sjrlicrcs

significators in o rd er to obtain a com plete and precise image. In this ease, the Parts o f the Father and the
M o th er arc in the sam e sign and house, w hich suggests a certain agreem ent. H ow ever, the oth er significators
o f the paren ts should also be taken into consideration. For instance, there is an opposition betw een Jupiter,
ru ler o f the fourth house (father) and M ercury, ruler o f the tenth house (m other), w hich suggests a difference
in a ttitu d e betw een the parents. T hese and other indications should be considered to gether w ith those given
by the parts in ord er to attain a m ore com plete picture.

O th e r in terestin g parts for the astrological practice arc:

• P art o f B rothers (from Saturn to Jupiter, projected from the A scendant), associated w ith the third
house.
• P art o f Illnesses (from Saturn to M ars, projected from the A scendant; reversed in night charts),
in terpreted in the context o f sixth house m atters.
• P art o f D eath (distance from the M oon to the eight house, projected from Saturn), related to the
eig h th house.
• P art o f T ravels (distance from the ruler o f the ninth to the cusp o f the ninth, projected from the
A scendant), another part related to the ninth house.
• Part o f Friends (from the M oon to M ercury, projected from the A scendant), related to the eleventh
house.
• P art o f E nem ies (from the tw elfth house ruler to the tw elfth house cusp, projected from the
A scendant), associated w ith the tw elfth house.

C o m p u t e r s a n d A r a b ic P a r ts: S o m e P r a c tic a l C o n s id e r a t io n s

W hen u sing a com puter to calculate the A rabic parts it is necessary to keep in m ind the fo llow in g points:

• T he m ajo rity o f softw are applications m ix the nam es and form ulas o f the traditional parts w ith
m o d em nam es and form ulas. D eterm ine the form ula used b y the program ; otherw ise, the part m ay
be different from the one intended.
• N o t all applications differentiate betw een day and night calculations for the parts.

G enerally, program s list the parts that are conjunct the planets in a horoscope, instead o f sim ply listing their
position. T hese lists o f conjunctions are com pletely u seless for interpretation and derive from a lack o f u n ­
derstanding on the p art o f p rogram m ers o f the p hilosophy and interpretive technique pertaining to the parts.
 C h y jte r X IV

Power of the Pfanets

S tr e n g th o f th e P la n e ts : A c c id e n ta l D ig n itie s

A p la n e t’s capacity to act is dependent upon two factors: the quantity and quality o f its expression. T he q u a l ­
i t y o f a p l a n e t ’ s e x p r e s s i o n is m easured by a p lan et’s e s s e n t i a l d i g n i t y . A planet w ith dig nity can fulfill its
p o ten tial because its expression is stable and enduring. In other w ords: a dig nified planet keeps its prom ise.
In contrast, a debilitated planet has difficulty being true to its nature and can be m aladjusted. T he q u a n t i t y o f
a p l a n e t ’ s e x p r e s s i o n is m easured through the a c c i d e n t a l d i g n i t i e s . T hese originate from the particular
co n d itio n s in w hich a planet finds itse lf in a given horo sco p e.29

W h ile the essential dignities refer to the conditions pertain in g to the p la n et’s (essential) nature, the accid en ­
tal dignities are states o r conditions that reinforce or im pede the expression o f that nature. T he m o st obvious
ex am p le o f this ty pe o f dignity is the plan et’s p osition by house: in the angular houses, the planets are acci­
d en tally dignified. O ther exam ples o f accidental dignity and d ebility are com bustion, orientality, an d re tro ­
gradation. In p ractice, the essential dignities are m ore pow erful, since they refer to the p la n e t’s state, b u t the
accid en tal d ig nities are the m ore noticeable because they affect the p la n e t’s p o w er to express.

T he co m b in atio n o f these tw o factors— essential and accidental dignities and d ebilities— is an im p o rtan t k ey
to u n d erstan d in g the role o f each planet in the chart. F or exam ple, a p lanet that has essential d ig n ity an d th at
is also accid en tally dignified is like an individual w ith a good resum e, and w hich, in addition to th is, also has
an im p o rtan t jo b w here his or her w orth can be dem osntrated. H ow ever, if the planet w ith essen tial d ig n ity is
a c cid en tally debilitated, the individual also has a good resum e, b u t a less im portant jo b . In the c o n tex t o f
b u sin ess, the first case is th at o f a com petent individual w ith a leadership position, an d the seco n d is th a t o f
an in d iv id u al w ith the sam e personal skills, but w ho is the doorm an. N o m atter how sk illed the seco n d in d i­
v id u al is, he o r she w ill never attain the sam e level o f im portance in the firm as the first person.

29
T h e te rm “ a c c id e n ta l” is not u sed h ere w ith th e n e g ativ e c o n n o tatio n s th a t it h as in ev ery d ay la n g u ag e . In a n a stro lo g i­
cal c o n te x t, this term m ean s “ by accid en t” o r “p articu larity ” . In this co n te x t it is u sed to d e sig n a te a c o n d itio n th a t
c h a n g e s from ch art to chart, su ch as th e p lace m en t o f a p lan et in a p a rtic u la r house.
 196/O n tfic H eavcnfy Sj’ ftcrcs

O n the o th er hand, there arc also eases w here an essentially debilitated planet is accidentally dignified. In
this ease, the planet also achieves great prom inence, although its intrinsical qualitiy is poor.

R eturning to the business analogy, a sim ilar situation is one where a person w ithout the proper skills, for one
reason o r an o th er (p ossibly nepotism ), is placed in a position o f leadership. The visibility afforded by the p o ­
sition allow s for sufficient action, but m ay also expose his or her inadequacies and its consequences (the
m istakes o f the boss arc generally m ore prejudicial to a Finn than those o f the doorm an). Finally, in an ex ­
trem e case, a very w eak planet that has essential and accidental debility is com parable to a person w ith very
few skills w ho has an equally m ediocre position.

A c c id e n t a l D ig n it ie s a n d D e b ilitie s a n d T h e ir S c o r in g

In p revious chapters the topic o f the essential dignities, their im portance, and respective system s o f scoring
w ere discussed. T his concept w ill now be expanded to include the accidental dignities, and in this m anner
obtain a com plete picture o f the p lan e t’s capacity for expression in the horoscope. The system is therefore an
extension o f the essential dignities and follow s a sim ilar fram ew ork. Thus, positive points are attributed to
the accidental dignities, and negative ones to the accidental debilities. The num ber o f points given o r re­
m oved natu rally depends upon the relative im portance o f the dignity or debility in question. W hile the essen ­
tial d ig nities o riginate sim ply from the position o f the planets in the signs, the accidental dignities arise from
a diverse scries o f factors and conditions. M any o f these conditions have already been explained. N ow , they
w ill be system atized into groups and attributed their respective scores.

P o s itio n b y H o u s e
T he m ost significant condition is the position o f the planet by house, w hich determ ines a large p art o f the
p la n e t’s quantity o f expression. W ith respect to the houses, there are two form s o f dignity: angularity and
jo y .

A n g u l a r i t y : A planet expresses its capacity in its totality w hen in an angular house, about half, w hen in a
succèdent house, and about a q u arter w hen in a cadent house. In general, a p lanet that is angular is considered
to be accid entally dignified, w hile a cadent planet is accidentally debilitated. Its position in the succèdent
houses is also a dig nified state, although it does not have the sam e strength as w hen in an an g u lar position. A t
first though, one m ig ht sim ply associate a dignified condition w ith the angular and succèdent houses and a
debilitated one w ith the cadent positions. H ow ever, this interplay is m uch m ore com plex b ecau se there are
differences am ong the houses. In practice, each house has its ow n specific strength that leads to a m ore co m ­
p lex system o f scoring.

T he positio n in g o f planets in the first and tenth houses, w hich are the m ost im portant angles, corresponds in
p ractice to the highest score: 5 points. T he rem aining angles, the seventh and fourth houses, and the eleventh
h o u se (w hich, although su ccèdent, is very strong) each receive 4 points. N ex t are the fifth and second
(su ccèd en t) houses w ith 3 points, and the ninth (cadent) w ith 2 poin ts, and the third w ith 1 point. T he p lan ets
lo cated in an y o f these h ouses are accidentally dignified, albeit w ith different degrees o f intensity, as is o b v i­
ous fro m th e ir scores.

A s seen earlier, the sixth, eighth, and tw elfth houses are considered m alefic because they do not aspect the
A scen d an t. A p la n e t located in these houses is th ought to be accidentally debilitated and receives a neg ativ e
score. T h e m o st d e b ilitated o f all is the tw elfth, w ith -5 points aw arded, follow ed by the eighth w ith 4 points,
an d th e six th w ith 3 n eg ativ e points.

J o y : T h e jo y s are also a n accid en tal dig nity and function in a m an n er sim ilar to angularity. T h ey giv e the
p la n e t so m e p ro m in en ce, alth o u g h th eir effects are n o t as strong as those o f angularity. T herefore, a p lan et in
its h o u se o f jo y receiv es 2 poin ts.
 Power of the PÏanctsll97

R e l a t i o n s h i p to th e S u n
T his accidental dignity pertains to the m anner in w hich the Sun can enable or debilitate the ex p ressio n o f a
planet. In this topic there are several criteria to quantify.

U n d e r th e B e a m s a n d C o m b u s tio n : These conditions are considered debilities because the ex cessiv e p ro x ­

im ity to the Sun w eakens the planet’s capacity to express. The under-the-beam s condition is given a -4 score.
In turn, com bustion attains the greatest o f the negative scores: -6 points. A lthough a com bust p lan et is te c h ­
nically u nder the beam s o f the Sun, these conditions are not cum ulative: one either scores und er-th e-b eam s
or the com bustion. In practice, a com bust planet receives -6 points, but these are not added to the -4 po in ts
given to the planet w hen under the S un’s beams. Com bustion is sim ply an aggravated version o f b eing u n d e r
the b eam s and the score already reflects this.

T h ese conditions are so significant that the opposite condition is also significantly scored: w hen a planet is
free from the influence o f the Sun (outside o f the areas o f com bustion or under-the-beam s) it receives 5
points.

C a z im i: T he p articular condition o f cazim i (within 17' o f the Sun) is also considered a dig nity and corre­
sponds to 5 points. For the reasons already m entioned above, this score is also not cum ulative w ith com bus­
tion o r under-the-beam s.

I n c r e a s i n g a n d D e c r e a s i n g in L ig h t: Sim ilarly, a planet increasing in light receiv es 1 point; in the decreasing

ph ase it loses 1 point.

O r i e n t a l i t y a n d O c c id e n ta lity : T his position o f the p lanet relative to the Sun can be q u a n tified b ecau se it
sig n ific a n tly au g m en ts o r deters from its nature and, conseq u en tly , the in ten sity o f its e x p ressio n . A s al­
read y stated , the su p erio r and m asculine planets are slightly favored w hen o rien tal o f the Sun an d receiv e 2
p o in ts; w h en they are occidental, they lose the sam e nu m b er o f poin ts. S im ilarly , the fem in in e plan ets
from th e lo w er ce lestial spheres are favored by o ccidentality and receive 2 p o in ts; th ey lose 2 p o in ts w h en
o rien tal.

M o tio n
T he m o tio n o f the planet is also an im portant accidental state because its fluidity strongly conditions the
planet. W ith respect to this topic, tw o distinct factors need be considered: velocity and direction.

V e lo c ity : A p lan et m ay be fast or slow in relation to its average speed. T hose that are in a state o f rap id m o ­
tion are co n sid ered to be slightly dignified and receive 2 points; sim ilarly, th ose w hich are slow are p e n a l­
ized w ith -2 poin ts.

D i r e c t i o n : W h en in direct m otion, a planet follow s its norm al course and hence is co n sid ered d ig n ified and
receives 4 poin ts. R etrograde m otion is considered m ore debilitated and gives the p lan et -5 poin ts.

O b v io u sly , this condition does not apply to the Sun and M oon, w hich are alw ays in d irect m otion. In the case
o f statio n ary plan ets m oving tow ard retrograde, they receive the sam e score as for retro g rad e m o tio n ; i f the
station is from retro g rad e to direct, they receive the direct m otion score.

A s p e c ts
T he c o n tacts a p lan et m akes by aspect are very im portant in the evaluation o f its expression. A sp ects w ith
o th er p lan ets, o r even the absence o f aspects, are significant in the scoring o f dig nity an d d eb ility .
 1 9 8 /O n tlie H e a v e n ly S jffu r e s

A s p e c t s w i t h M a l e f i c a n d B e n e f i c P l a n e t s : In te rm s o f a c c id e n ta l d ig n ity , a s p e c ts o f a p la n e t w ith th e
b c n c f ic s ( V e n u s a n d J u p ite r ) a rc p a rtic u la rly n o te w o rth y . T h u s , a p la n e t is c o n s id e re d a c c id e n ta lly d ig n if ie d
i f it fo r m s a f a c ilita tin g a s p e c t (s e x tile o r trin e ) o r i f it is c o n ju n c t th e b c n e fic p la n e ts . T h e c o n ju n c tio n r e ­
c e iv e s 5 p o in ts , th e tr in e , 4 p o in ts , a n d th e s e x tile 3 p o in ts . S im ila rly , a p la n e t is c o n s id e r e d a c c id e n ta lly d e ­
b ilita te d i f it fo r m s a te n s e a s p e c t (s q u a re a n d o p p o s itio n ) o r is c o n ju n c t th e a m a le fic (M a rs a n d S a tu r n ). T h e
c o n ju n c t io n r e c e iv e s -5 p o in ts , th e o p p o s itio n -4 p o in ts , a n d th e s q u a r e , -3 p o in ts . T h e s e x tile , tr in e , s q u a r e
o r o p p o s itio n a s p e c ts s h o u ld b e a p p ly in g o r v e ry c lo s e .

T h e c o n d it io n s o f a s s is ta n c e a n d b e s ie g e m e n t a re a ls o in c lu d e d in th is c a te g o r y a s e x tr e m e c a s e s . T h u s , a n
a s s is t e d p la n e t r e c e iv e s 5 p o in ts , w h ile a b e s ie g e d p la n e t r e c e iv e s -5 p o in ts .

V o i d o f C o u r s e a n d F e r a l : T h e s e tw o c o n d itio n s a re c o n s id e re d d e b ilita te d s ta te s . A fe ra l p la n e t is th o u g h t to
b e v e r y d e b ilita te d a n d r e c e iv e s -3 p o in ts . A v o id p la n e t is c o n s id e r e d s lig h tly le s s d e b ilita te d a n d is p e n a l­
iz e d w ith -2 p o in ts . B o th s c o r e s a rc n o t c u m u la tiv e ; th a t is, th e p la n e t is e ith e r fe ra l o r v o id a n d is s c o r e d b y
o n e o r th e o th e r , b u t n e v e r b o th s im u lta n e o u s ly .

C o n fo r m ity

C o n f o r m ity s p e a k s to a c o m b in a tio n o f c o n d itio n s w h e r e in th e n a tu r a l p r e d is p o s itio n o f th e p la n e t is r e i n ­

fo r c e d . T h e m o s t s ig n if ic a n t o f th e s e c o n d itio n s a re h a y z a n d j o y b y s i g n .

H ayz

B e c a u s e it g iv e s th e p la n e t s o m e s ta b ility in its e x p re s s io n , th e c o n d itio n o f h a y z e q u a ls a s c o r e o f 3 p o in ts .

T h e c o n tr a r ie ty o f h a y z , c o n s id e r e d a little le s s d e b ilita te d , e q u a ls o n ly -2 p o in ts .

J o y b y S ig n

T h is is a ls o a d ig n ity b e c a u s e a p la n e t in th e s ig n o f its j o y h a s th e id e a l c o n d itio n s to e x p r e s s its n a tu r e . T h is

d ig n ity g iv e s 3 p o in ts ; it h a s n o e q u iv a le n t d e b ility .

T h e c o n d itio n s o f c o n f o r m i t y b y q u a d r a n t a n d o f d u s t o r i a a r e a ls o in c lu d e d in th is g ro u p o f a c c id e n ta l d ig n i­
tie s . In p r a c tic e , th o u g h , th e y a r e s im p ly s e c o n d a r y r e in f o r c e m e n ts o f th e h a y z c o n d itio n a n d a re n o t a lw a y s
in c lu d e d in th e ta b le s . C o n f o r m in g to q u a d r a n t is g iv e n 2 p o in ts ; d u s to r ia , d u e to its ra r ity , r e c e iv e s 5 p o in ts .

C o n ju n c tio n to th e L u n a r N o d e s

T h e tr a d it io n c o n s id e r s b o th N o d e s a s p o in ts o f in s ta b ility a n d th e c o n ta c t o f a p la n e t to th e lu n a r N o d e s is
c o n s i d e r e d a d e b ility . T h e c o n ju n c tio n w ith th e S o u th N o d e is c o n s id e r e d m o r e d e b ilita te d a n d r e c e iv e s -5
p o in ts . T h e c o n ju n c tio n w ith th e N o r th N o d e is n o t a s d a m a g in g , e q u a lin g -3 p o i n t s . 3 0

L u n a r C o n d itio n

T o th e M o o n a r e a ttr ib u te d v a r io u s s p e c if ic c o n d itio n s , o f w h ic h th e m o s t im p o r ta n t in te r m s o f s c o r in g is v i a
c o m b u s t a , to w h ic h -2 p o in ts a r e a w a r d e d . O th e r lu n a r c o n d itio n s th a t m a y b e s c o r e d a re th e f o llo w in g :

• T h e p o s i ti o n in G e m in i, o r a t th e e n d o f s ig n s , w h ic h a w a r d s it -2 p o in ts .
• A n e c li p s e d M o o n , w h ic h a w a r d s it -5 p o in ts ( th is c o n d itio n m a y a ls o b e a p p lie d to th e S u n ).

T h e s e c o n d it io n s h a v e g r e a t e r s i g n if i c a n c e in h o r a r y a n d m u n d a n e h o r o s c o p e s .

30
S o m e a u th o rs c o n sid e r th e N o rth N o d e to b e p o sitiv e d u e to its b en efic nature. In this case, th e c o n ju n c tio n to th e n ode
re c e iv e s 3 p o in ts.
 P o w e r o f t f ie P fa n e t s /1 9 9

C o n ju n c t io n to F ix e d S ta r s

T he conjunction o f a planet w ith a fixed star o f the 1st or 2nd m agnitude and o f a bcnefic n atu re a w a rd s it 5
points; in parallel, the conjunction to a star o f a m alefic nature, also o f the 1st and 2nd m ag n itu d e, e q u a ls -5
points.

T he follow ing stars are suggestions for interpretation:

• Benefics: Regulus, Spica, Agena, Rigel Centaurus, V ega, Form aulhaut, A chem ar, Sirius, an d
Rigcl.
• M alefics: A lgol, A ntares, M arkab, A lphard, H am al, Zosm a, D enebola, Sabik and Ras A lhague.

T he m ajority o f traditional authors that include this scoring in their tables lim it them selves to R egulus and
Spica as benefics and A lgol as a malefic.

O th e r A c c id e n t a l D ig n itie s a n d D e b ilitie s

T here is y et another series o f conditions o f m ore m inor im portance, w hich m ay also be considered. A lthough
there are points assigned to them, their practical use is lim ited to a m ere m ention, w hich is secondary o r even
com pletely om itted from the general scoring o f the horoscope. A m ong th em are:

A s c e n s i o n to th e M id h e a v e n
T his condition relates to a planet that is m oving tow ard culm ination, m eaning located betw een the IC and the
M id h eav en on the side o f the Ascendant; it is given 2 points. T he corresponding debility— D escendant to
M idheaven— equals -2 points and refers to a planet that m oves aw ay from culm ination (betw een the
M idheaven and the IC on the side o f the Descendant).

L a t i t u d e o f th e P l a n e t
A p lan et that m oves from southern latitude to northern latitude receives 2 p oints because this m ovem ent in­
creases its visibility (and consequently, its pow er). The m ovem ent in the inverse direction is co n sid ered a d e­
bility and corresponds to a penalization o f -2 points.

A s c e n s i o n to its A u g e
A s alread y m entioned, the a u g e corresponds to a p lan et’s proxim ity to its apogee (the p oint farthest from the
E arth). T h e deb ility corresponds to the approxim ation o f the planet to perigee (the p oint clo sest to the Earth).
T h ey receive 2 and -2 points, respectively.

F a v o r a b l e a n d U n f a v o r a b le D e g r e e s
W hen a p lan et is posited in one o f the favored degrees it is considered slightly dig nified and g iven 1 point.
W h en in u n favorable degrees it is considered debilitated and given -1 point. T he tables for th ese d eg rees and
th eir resp ectiv e explanations can be found in A ppendix 3.

F in a l S c o r in g : th e T a b le o f S tr e n g th s a n d D e b ilitie s o f th e P la n e ts

T h e sco rin g system discussed here can be organized into a scorin g table, w hich is one o f the esse n tia l in stru ­
m ents o f the astrological tradition. This table evaluates the relative strength o f each p lan et in th e h o ro sco p e
an d assists in interpretation. A ccording to this system , the strength o f each p lan et is in d icated b y th e su m o f
all o f its dignities and debilities, both the essential and accidental ones. E ach p lan et thus o b tain s a n u m erical
v alu e th at facilitates a com parison o f strengths. T he table below sum m arizes the m o st sig n ific an t sco res 3 1 :

T h e sco res for each p lan et are given in colum ns. N o t all o f the boxes w ill be filled b ecau se all o f th e in d icated
c o n d itio n s do not apply to every planet. F urtherm ore, som e conditions do not o ccu r for p a rtic u la r p lan ets
 2 0 0 /O n tfic H c a w n f y S ji/icrcs

( f o r e x a m p le , th e S u n c a n n o t b e c o m b u s t n o r r e tro g ra d e ) ; in th e s e e a s e s , th e re le v a n t b o x is s h a d e d . A t th e
e n d , th e p o in ts fo r e a c h c o lu m n a rc a d d e d a n d a s u m to ta l is o b ta in e d fo r e a c h p la n e t. T h e e s s e n tia l d ig n itie s
a rc s c o r e d in th e first p a rt o f th e ta b le . In th is firs t s c o r in g a s u b to ta l is o b ta in e d th a t in d ic a te s th e e s s e n tia l
q u a lity o f e a c h p la n e t. T o th is re s u lt a rc a d d e d tw o n e w e le m e n ts : th e c o n d itio n o f p e r e g r in e and m u tu a l re­

c e p tio n .

A p e r e g r in e c o n d itio n is n o r m a lly n o t s c o r e d b e c a u s e it c o r r e s p o n d s to 0 d ig n ity p o in ts . N e v e r th e le s s , in th is

T a b lo o f S t r e n g t h * a n d D o b lll t lo s o f t h o P l a n e t s

S tr e n g th s:
b X d 0 9 V 3) Debilities:

Rukrship *5 •5 Ort riment

D u 'tabco 44 *4 Fa 3

Tripberty 43

Tem 42

Face 4!

Essential D ignities - T o tal:

•5 Peregrine

Mutual Reception by Houw 45

Mutual Reception by Dealt. 44

In the J - or 10 T H euw 45 •5 In the 12 * H o w e

In the 7 r , 4 r or 1 1 * House 44 •4 In b e 8 r House

In the 5 r ’ or Z * House 43 •3 In the 6 r House

In tho 9 r ‘ Houw 42
In tho 3 ” Houw 45

In tho Sign of its Joy 45

In b o House cf <ts Joy 45

C azm i 45 •6 Com bust

Free from the Sun’s beams 45 «4 Under Sun’s beams ( J < 1 2 ° )

Increasing in Light 41 •1 D o enw ing in U tfrt

b. X , d Oriental 42 •2 b. X, d Occidental

2 . V. J Occidental 42 •2 2 . 9, J Oriental

» •3 </ n
• •5 ✓ U
Direct 44 •5 Rctropadc

F a d in m eto n 42 •2 S b w in ruction

<y X er 2 45 •5 b or d

Applying ù to X er 2 44 4 Applying ✓ to b er d

A p p y n g * to X er 2 43 3 Applying 0 to h er d

Assisted (between X and 2 ) 45 •5 Besieged (between b and d )

• •2 Void of c o u r»

•3 Feral

Hau 43 •2 Contrariety of H a u

• •5 in V it C o m b in a

| Final Score:

F ig u r e 1 . P la n e ta r y S tr e n g th s

3I
T h e re a re m a n y v e rsio n s o f th is tab le in th e trad itio n al literatu re, b u t its u n d erp in n in g is alw ays th e sam e. T h e v a ria ­
tio n s a re d u e to m in o r d ifferen ces in the scoring o r in th e facto rs th a t o th e r a u th o rs co n sid ers to b e m o re sig n ifican t.
 P o w e r o f t h e P fa n e t s / 2 0 1

g lo b a l sc o rin g sy stem , it is p en a liz ed w ith -5 p oints. T h e reaso n for this is to g iv e m o re w e ig h t to p la n e ts th a t

h a v e esse n tia l d ig n itie s b y ele v a tin g th em in th e final scores. A p la n e t w ith so m e d ig n ity is a lw a y s m o re
fu n ctio n al th an a p e re g rin e on e, an d th u s sh o u ld b e em p h asized in th e fin al score .

M u tu a l re c e p tio n is co n sid e re d h ere b e c a u se it in v o lv es a co m b in atio n o f e ssen tial an d a c c id e n ta l d ig n itie s:

ru lc rsh ip (o r e x a lta tio n ) an d asp ect. In th e ca se o f a m u tu a l rec ep tio n ,32 each p la n e t is g iv e n th e sc o re th a t it
w o u ld h av e h ad i f it h ad b een in th e sig n w h ere it h as dig n ity . T h u s, 5 p o in ts arc g iv en to p la n e ts in m u tu a l re ­
c e p tio n b y ru le rsh ip , an d 4 p o in ts to th o se in m u tu a l re c ep tio n b y ex a lta tio n . T h e m ix e d re c e p tio n (ru le r-
sh ip -e x a lta tio n ) is ra rely sc o re d b e c a u se it is co n sid e re d less n o ticeab le. H o w ev er, a p la n e t th a t is in th e e x a l­
ta tio n o f th e o th e r re c eiv e s 4 p o in ts, an d th e o n e th at is in th e ru lersh ip o f th e o th e r re c e iv e s 5 p o in ts.

T h e re m a in in g lin e s re fe r to th e a c cid en ta l d ig n ities d e scrib ed ab o v e. N o te th at in ea ch line th e d ig n ity is in ­

d ic a te d to th e le ft an d th e co rre sp o n d in g d e b ility to th e right. F o r e x a m p le , ru lersh ip c o rre sp o n d s to th e d e ­
b ility o f d e trim e n t, an d d ire c t m o tio n co rre sp o n d s to th e d eb ility o f retro g rad atio n . In so m e ca se s th is c o rre ­
s p o n d e n c e d o e s n o t ex ist. F o r ex a m p le , the trip licity , term , an d face d ig n ities d o n o t h av e e q u iv a le n t d e b ili­
ties.

In a d d itio n to th e c o u n tin g o f p o in ts, th is ta b le also se rv e s as a m e m o ra n d u m w h ere all o f th e c o n d itio n s o f

th e p la n e ts arc in d ic ated .

S c o r in g E x a m p le

U s in g F lo rb e la E s p a n c a ’s ch a rt as an
e x a m p le , th e ta b le w ill b e c o m p le te d
ste p b y step.

B e g in w ith th e esse n tia l d ig n itie s an d

g iv e e a c h p la n e t th e sc o re re la tiv e to its
sta te o f d ig n ity o r d eb ility . T h e fo llo w ­
in g d ig n itie s are p re se n t in F lo rb e la
E s p a n c a ’s ch art:

• M a rs in ru le rsh ip in A ries,
re c e iv e s 5 p o in ts
• J u p ite r e x a lte d in C a n ce r,
re c e iv e s 4 p o in ts
• T h e S u n in trip lic ity in
S a g itta riu s, re c e iv e s 3 p o in ts
• M a rs a lso in te rm at 23° A ries,
re c e iv e s 2 m o re p o in ts

T h e re a re n o p la n e ts in d e trim e n t o r fall.

T h e firs t s u b to ta l fo r th e e sse n tia l d ig n i­

tie s is th u s:

32
W e recall that m utual reception requires the existence o f an aspect betw een planets, as w as referred in the ch ap ter on
aspectual dynam ics. H ow ever, not all authors agree w ith this rule; som e attribute points to m utual reception even w h en
no aspect exists.
 2 0 2 / O n tfic H e a w n f y S p h e re s

h do 9 $ D
RiXenhip ♦5 •5 D rtn n w it

L u ltatlon ♦4 +4 -4 Fall

Triplicity ♦3 ♦3
Term ♦2 ♦2
Free ♦1

Essential Deities - Total: 0 4 7 3 0 0 0

F ig u r e 2 . S c o r in g th e E s s e n t ia l D ig n it ie s

N ext, the totals for peregrine planets and m utual reception arc added to the essential dignities subtotal. From
the previo us table, observe that there arc four peregrine planets, m eaning w ithout essential d ignity— Saturn,
V enus, M ercury, and the M oon. Each is therefore penalized w ith -5 points. T here arc no m utual receptions.
T he result is:

N ex t, the a c c id e n ta l d ig n itie s, are evaluated. This involves several sections. Begin by attributing the scores
relevant to th eir p o sitio n b y h o u se. T he result is:

• Saturn in the first receives 5 points

• M ars and the M oon in the seventh each receive 4 points
• M ercury in the second house receives 3 points
• Ju p iter in the ninth house receives 2 points
• T he Sun and V enus in the th ird house each receive 1 point

B ecause th ere are no planets in the tw elfth, eighth and sixth houses, no negative points are attributed. T h e re ­
sult is:

T h e c o n c e p t o f jo y by sign and house is derviv ed from the position o f the planets by sign and house. In this
ex am p le , th ere are no p lan ets in eith er position.

N e x t sc o re th e p lan ets w ith reg ard to th eir positions relative to the Sun. In this section, the Sun is n o t scored
b e c a u se fo r o b v io u s reaso n s none o f the conditions apply to it. T h e first facto r to be evaluated is the p la n e t’s
p ro x im ity to th e S un, w h ich produces the conditions o f com bustion, under-the-beam s, and cazim i. In this
 P o w e r o f th e P fa n e ts /2 0 3

b d 0 $ $ D
CazIrrJ 15 -6 •6 Combust

fre e !rcm the Sun’s beams 15 +5 *5 +5 +5 +5 •4 Under Sun’s beam s ( J < 1 2 °) '

Increasing in U gh! 11 +1 +1 -1 +1 -1 +1 -1 Decreasing In Light

b, d Oriental 12 +2 +2 -2 •2 b. d Occidental
9 , 9 , J Occidental
i+ 2
| +2 -2 +2 -2 9, 9, J Oriental

F ig u r e 5 . S c o r in g th e P la n e t 's R e la t io n s h ip s to th e S u n

chart, V enus is com bust, so it receives -6 points. All o f the others are free o f com bustion and outside o f the
S u n ’s beam s and therefore receive 5 points. T here are no cazim i planets.

N ext, look for increase in light, another condition derived from the p lan et’s relationship to the Sun. In this
chart, the slow planets Saturn and Jupiter are increasing in light because the Sun is m oving aw ay from them .
T he sam e occurs w ith V enus and the M oon, w hich are m oving aw ay from the Sun. F or this condition th ey
each receive 1 point. D im inishing in light is M ercury, w hich is approaching the Sun, and the slo w er M ars, to
w h ich the Sun is approaching. T hese planets each receive -1 point.

A s to orientality, Saturn and Jupiter are oriental, each receiving 2 points. V enus and the M oon also receive 2
p o in ts each because they are occidental. As to the debilities, M ars is occidental and M ercury is oriental;
therefore, each is penalized w ith -2 points.

In Florbela E sp an ca’s chart there are no planets conjunct the lunar

Hanot Dally average Spoodon
speed Hocbola’a chart N odes.
h Saturn 0Û V2' W W

X Jupiter 0 0°0 5' 00“07’ /i N ext, evaluate the m otion o f the planets, w hich includes direction
d Mars 0 0 °3 1 ‘ W 12’
and velocity. W ith respect to direction, all o f the planets are scored
except the Sun and the M oon, w hich are n ever retrograde. In this
O Sun 0Q°59' O ttM ’
chart, all o f the planets are direct and receive 4 poin ts, w ith the ex ­
? Venus 0 0 °5 9 ’ w w
ception o f Jupiter, w hich is retrograde and receives -5 points.
9 Mercury OCPW O fW

b Moon 12W T he evaluation o f velocity is possibly the least obvio us in this ta ­

ble. It requires prio r know ledge o f the average speed o f the plan ets
F i g u r e 6 . V e l o c i t y o f t h e P l a n e t s in and also the velocity o f each planet o f the ch art u n d e r stu d y
F lo r b e l a E s p a n c a ’s C h a r t (w hich is not alw ays indicated by the astrological so ftw are p ro ­
gram s). By com paring the velocities o f the p lan ets in th is ch a rt
w ith the co rresp o n d en t average velocities w e verify that:

• S aturn, M ars, the Sun, V enus and M ercury are fast, and therefore they receiv e 2 p o in ts each
• M ars and the M oon are slow , so they receiv e 2 negative p oints each

I f a p la n e t’s velocity corresponds to the average, it receives 0 poin ts (n eith er fast n o r slo w ). T h e re su lt is
sh o w n in F ig u re 6.

b ^1
d o $ 9 D
Drott 14 4 4 -5 44 4 4 4 4 -5 Retrograde____________ j
Fast in motion +2 4 2 4 2 -2 4 2 4 2 4 2 -2 -2 Slow in motion «

F ig u r e 7 . S c o r in g th e P la n e t’s M o v e m e n t
 2 0 4 l 0 n t f w H e a v e n ( y S jjfic r e s

N e x t is th e e v a lu a tio n o f th e ac cid en ta l d ig n ities b y asp ect: c o n ju n ctio n s (b o th ap p ly in g an d s e p aratin g ) w ith

th e b c n c fic p la n e ts , V en u s an d Ju p iter; ap p ly in g a sp ec ts o f se x tile an d trin e to the sa m e p la n ets, o r th e c o n d i­
tio n o f a ssista n c e .

T h e c o rre s p o n d in g d eb ilitie s arc: co n ju n ctio n s to th e m a lefic p la n ets, M ars an d S atu rn ; a p p ly in g sq u a re s an d

o p p o sitio n s to th e sa m e p la n ets, an d th e co n d itio n o f b esieg e m en t.

In th e c h a rt o f F lo rb c la E sp an ca the Sun receiv es 5 p o in ts for its co n ju n ctio n to V en u s, and the M o o n loses 5

p o in ts fo r its co n ju n ctio n to M ars; M ars an d the M o o n receiv e 4 p o in ts each, d ue to th e a p p ly in g trin e o f V en us.

In th is e a s e 4 p o in ts arc also a ttrib u ted to S atu rn b e c a u s e o f th e trin e fro m Ju p iter; a lth o u g h se p a ra tin g , th is
a s p e c t is e x tre m e ly ex act, w ith b o th p la n ets w ith in th e sa m e d e g re e an d o n ly 13 ' ap art.

T h e re a rc n o c o n d itio n s o f assista n c e o r b e s ie g e m e n t in th is h o ro sco p e .

A s to th e o th e r co n d itio n s re la ted to th e asp ec ts, th e re is o n ly on e vo id o f co u rse pla n et, M a rs, w h ic h re c e iv e s

2 n e g a tiv e p o in ts , an d a feral p la n et, M e rc u ry , w h ic h re c eiv e s 3 n eg a tiv e p o in ts. A lth o u g h stric tly s p e a k in g
S a tu rn a n d J u p ite r arc no t ap p ly in g to an y p la n e t, th e y fo rm a v ery clo se asp e c t an d so a re n o t c o n s id e re d
v o id o f c o u rse .

N o te th a t th e c o n d itio n s o f feral a n d v o id are n o t c u m u la tiv e (re m e m b e r th a t th e feral c o n d itio n in c lu d e s, b y

d e fin itio n , th e v o id o f co u rse c o n d itio n ). T h e re su lts are:

b X d O |$ $ 1)
d X or 9 45 ♦5 -5 •5 d b or d
Appling A to X or 9 44 +4 44 *4 *4 App?/ng ** to b cr d
AppMng » to X or 9 43 •3 A pptfrg 0 to b cr d
Assisted (b eU ten X and 9 ) 45 •5 Besieged (between b and d )
• -2 •2 Void oî course

-3 •3 Feral

F ig u r e 8 . S c o r in g th e A s p e c ts

T h e re is o n ly th e c o n d itio n o f h a y z an d its c o n tra rie ty le ft to e v a lu a te. In F lo rb e la ’s h o ro sc o p e o n e p la n e t is

in h a y z , M a rs, w h ic h re c e iv e s 3 p o in ts , a n d tw o in c o n tra rie ty , Ju p ite r an d V en u s, w h ic h e a c h re c e iv e -2
p o in ts.

L a stly , th e c o n d itio n o f b e in g in th e v i a c o m b u s t a is ex a m in e d . T h is a p p lie s so le ly to th e M o o n . In th e e x a m ­

p le u n d e r stu d y , th e M o o n is n o t in th e v i a c o m b u s t a a n d th e re fo re d o es n o t re c e iv e a sco re.

T h e fin a l ta lly is sh o w n in F ig u re 10.

In th is c a s e , M a rs is c le a rly th e m o st d istin g u is h e d p la n e t w ith 2 0 p o in ts, fo llo w e d b y S a tu rn w ith 18. T h e

p r e d o m in a n c e o f M a rs b e c o m e s e v id e n t a t th e v e ry s ta rt o f th e sc o rin g b e c a u s e it is th e p la n e t w ith th e m o s t
e s s e n tia l d ig n ity . Its fin al sc o re is th e re fo re o f n o su rp rise .

i bi ^, d| 0 *2 1 1
Hdx +3 | | « 2 1+3 | -2 Contrariety of Halz

F ig u r e 9 . S c o r in g th e C o n d itio n s o f Hayz a n d C o n tr a r ie ty o f Hayz

 P o w e r o f th e P f a n e t s /2 0 5

Strengths:
ib X d o 9 9 D D é b i l i t e ; _____________

R'jIcnHp ■»5 : ♦5 -5 D atnrert_______________

t* » ' ,.aton +4 1 44 -4 fa»____________________

IrpliQty ♦3 I ♦3
Tcnm >2 \ ♦2
faon M 1
Essentia: Dignities • Total: ! 0 4 7 3 0 0 0
-5 -6 •6 •5 •5 Pcroorirt

Mutual Rocrptkn by H t j j o -»5 !

Mutual Rcccptan by Eaalt. ^4 :
h tho l* o r 10* Hou» -»5 *5 •5 H I N 12 * H ou»
n th o 7” . 4 * ot 11" House +4 > 44 44 a. In the 8 * H o u »
h the 5” or T * H ou» ♦3 : 43 -3 tn th i 6 " H ou»
h IN T House t z ; ♦2
:n tl-o 3 ” H ou» î 41 41
n the Sign ol its Joy ■♦5 ’
h th« Hc u m d its Joy ♦5 ’ .

Cazlmi 45 i «6 -6 Combust
free firm the Sun’s beams +5 I 45 ♦5 ♦5 45 45 -4 Under Sun's beams( J < 12*)

increasing in light 41 ’ 41 ♦1 •1 41 -1 41 •1 DocrMbngln light

b . 1 . d Orcrial 42 > 2 ♦2 -2 -2 b. X .d Occidental

9 . 9 . D Occidental 42 i 42 -2 42 •2 9. 9. £ Oncrtal
l •3 ✓A
1 •5 <f U
Direct 4 4 -5
| M ♦4 44 44 -5 Ratropaeo
fast in motion 42 i 42 ♦2 •2 42 42 42 -2 -2 Slew In motion

o' X v 9 4 5 l 45 -5 <f b o r d
Applying A to X or 9 4 4 ; 4 4 ♦4 44 -4 A pplying**» b o r d
Appiyng » to X or 9 43 : •3 Apply n g O to b o r d

Assisted (between h «ns 9 ) 45 -5 BesMgcd (betw w i b a r t d i

•2 •2 Void d cour»

<3 •3 feral

Haiz 43 -2 ♦3 -2 •2 C ortralrty o? Halz

L -5 P tn Via Cbmtvsta

■ F in a l Score: 1 18 9 20 11 -3 3

F ig u r e 1 0 . F in a l S c o r e in F lo r b e la E s p a n c a ’s N a t iv it y

Saturn is in second p lace exclusively because o f the accidental dignities, o f w hich angularity, orientality, d i­
rect m otion, sw iftness, and an applied trine from Jupiter are highlighted. T his case exem plifies how a p lan et
w ith o u t essen tial dignity ends up being im portant in the overall scoring.

I m p o r t a n t C o n s id e r a t io n s R e g a r d in g th e P r a c t ic a l U s e o f th e T a b le

It is o f the u tm o st im portance to rem em ber that each o f these accidental dignities has a specific valu e and th at
not all w eig h the sam e in the interpretation. The m ost im portant is, w ithout a doubt, the p la n e t’s p lacem en t
by h ouse becau se it is the strongest and m ost evident o f all o f the accidental dignities. Its c o n sid eratio n
sh ould b e m ade first and serve as a basis for the others, w hich add sm all variations to the expression o f th e
planet. It is o f p aram o u n t im portance to keep in m ind that this table gives us only a q u a n t i f i c a t i o n o f each
p la n e t’s co n d itio n s. T hese data m ust be approached w ithin the context o f the interpretation w h ere th ey are
treated n o t in term s o f q uantity but rather in term s o f quality.

In practice, these dig nities are cum ulative and never nullify each other. E ach one giv es the p la n e t its o w n
specific e ase o r difficulty. T he additions and subtractions o f this table serve only to facilitate the sco rin g ; th e
totals o b tain e d should be view ed as an instrum ent that allow s fo r a com parison o f the relativ e stren g th s o f th e
planets in the horoscope. T hey should not be view ed as absolute valu es becau se this ap p ro ach d o es n o t ta k e
into acc o u n t the g radations that the m ajority o f situations present. F o r exam ple, tw o p lan ets situ a te d in th e
sam e h o u se w ill h av e d ifferent intensities if one is very close to the cu sp and the o th er is at th e e n d o f th e
house. N o n eth eless, both receive the sam e score. In an oth er exam ple, a p lan et th at is m o v in g a w a y fro m
c o m b u stio n an d is already at the lim it o f the eighth degree from the Sun receiv es the sam e -6 p o in t sc o re as
 2 0 6 l 0 n tfic H e a v c n f y S jtftc r c s

a n o th e r p la n e t th a t is o n ly 2 d e g re e s a w a y fro m th e S u n . In th e first c a s e , a lth o u g h still c o m b u s t, th e p la n e t is

in a s l ig h tly b e tt e r c o n d itio n th a n th e se c o n d . T h e s e a n d o th e r g ra d a tio n s , w h ic h a rc fu n d a m e n ta l to p ro p e r
in te r p r e ta tio n , c a n o n ly b e d e te c te d b y c lo s e ly e x a m in in g th e c h a rt. In re a lity , th e c h a rt is a lw a y s th e s ta rtin g
a n d e n d in g p o in t: it s h o u ld b e s tu d ie d b e fo r e e re c tin g a ta b le a n d e x a m in e d a g a in a f te r th e s c o r in g in o r d e r to
p r o p e r ly c o n te x tu a liz e th e o b ta in e d re s u lts .

It is im p o r ta n t to re s is t th e te n d e n c y to im m e d ia te ly in te rp re t a n y v a lu e th a t is o b ta in e d fro m a c a lc u la tio n ,
s in c e , in th e m a jo r ity o f th e c a s e s , th is v a lu e o n ly m a k e s s e n s e in th e c o n te x t o f th e d e lin e a tio n . T h is is, in c i­
d e n ta l ly , a p r o b le m a tic a s p e c t o f th e c u rr e n t a s tro lo g ic a l tre n d : th e n e c e s s ity , o fte n in a p p r o p r ia te , to in te r­
p re t e v e r y t h in g in d e p e n d e n tly o f a c o n te x t. N o te th a t m a n y tim e s th is p ro b le m is g e n e r a te d b y a u to m a tic
s c o r in g a n d b y o th e r s h o r tc u ts re s u ltin g fro m th e u s e o f c o m p u te rs . A s fo r in te r p r e tin g th e r e s u lts , it is a l­
w a y s im p o r ta n t to n o te th a t th e p la n e ta r y s c o r e s a re o n ly v a lid w h e n p la c e d w ith in th e g e n e ra l c o n te x t o f th e
ta b le . T h e r e f o r e , it is o f n o u s e to in te rp re t a p la n e t in is o la tio n ; th is in te rp re ta tio n o n ly m a k e s s e n s e w h e n its
s c o r e is c o m p a r e d w ith th a t o f th e o th e r s . 33

In s u m m a r y , a lth o u g h th e im p o r ta n c e o f th is s c o r in g ta b le is re c o g n iz e d , its v a lu e is r e la tiv e s in c e it q u a n ti­

fie s th a t w h ic h s h o u ld b e q u a lifie d . It is a to o l fo r in te rp re ta tio n b u t c a n n o t in a n y c ir c u m s ta n c e s u b s titu te fo r
a s tu d y o f th e h o r o s c o p e its e lf. Its o b je c tiv e is s im p ly to a u g m e n t th e s t u d e n t’s o w n c a p a c ity to in te rp re t. It is
im p o r t a n t th a t it b e fu lly u n d e r s to o d a n d a p p lie d s in c e its in a p p r o p ria te u s e le a d s to in s ta n t a n d n o tic e a b ly
in c o n g r u e n t in te r p r e ta tio n s .

H a v in g s a id th a t, p la n e ta r y s c o r in g s h o u ld b e m a d e w ith c a re . O n e s h o u ld d e d ic a te th e n e c e s s a r y tim e a n d
e f f o r t, s in c e it is o f f u n d a m e n ta l a s s is ta n c e to d e lin e a tio n . W e e n ­
B e c a u s e w e liv e to d a y in a s o c ie ty
c o u r a g e s tu d e n ts to d o th e s e c a lc u la tio n s m a n u a lly b e c a u s e th e y
th a t v a lu e s “ fa s t a n d e a s y ,” th e r e
p r e p a r e th e w a y fo r d e lin e a tio n .
m a y b e a d e s ir e to s k ip th e e f f o r t
n e e d e d to m a k e th e s e c a lc u la tio n s .
E x a m p le s o f th e S c o r in g T a b le
C o m p u te r p r o g r a m s e n c o u r a g e th is
la z in e s s , o f f e r in g a ll m a n n e r o f p r e ­
F lo r b e la E s p a n c a
c a lc u la te d ta b u la tio n s . H o w e v e r,
R e tu r n i n g a g a in to th e c h a r t f o r F lo r b e la E s p a n c a , th e e s s e n tia l th e s tu d e n t s h o u ld a lw a y s k e e p in
d ig n i ty o f th e p la n e ts w ill b e c o m p a r e d w ith th e i r o v e r a ll p o w e r in m in d th a t th is a ttitu d e im p a ir s o n e ’s
th e h o r o s c o p e .
in te r p r e ta tio n r e s u lts .

M a r s , th e p la n e t w ith th e g r e a t e s t e s s e n tia l d ig n ity , r e ta in s its p r o m in e n c e in th e fin a l ta lly . T h is e m p h a s is o f

M a r s c h a r a c t e r i z e s th e p io n e e r in g a n d b o ld a ttitu d e th a t m a r k e d th e life o f th is p o e t.

O n th e o t h e r h a n d , S a t u r n ’s h ig h lig h te d p o s i ti o n p o in ts to a n e n tir e ly d if f e r e n t a s p e c t to h e r n a tu r e . T h is
p la n e t is s tr o n g b u t w ith o u t e s s e n tia l d ig n ity a n d lo c a te d in a w a te r s ig n , w h ic h s u g g e s ts a m e la n c h o lic a n d
d i s a g r e e a b l e p e r s o n a lit y w ith a te n d e n c y to w a r d d e p r e s s iv e e p is o d e s . N o tic e th a t S a tu r n is in th e fir s t h o u s e ,
w h ic h c o n tr ib u t e s d ir e c tl y to th e c h a r a c t e r i z a tio n o f F lo r b e l a ’s p e r s o n a lity a n d e v e n o v e r r id e s th e in d i c a ­
ti o n s g iv e n b y M a r s , in s p ite o f its h ig h e r s c o r e . T h is c o m b in a tio n o f tr a its r e s u lts in a c o m p o r tm e n t th a t o s -

b do $5D
|e — <MCW>a 0 4 7 3 0 0 0

| Fini» Score:_____________ ||18

«I |2 0 |H H H H

F i g u r e 1 1 . E s s e n t ia l D ig n it ie s a n d S c o r in g in t h e C h a r t o f F lo r b e la E s p a n c a

33
In th e sa m e w ay , it is o f little u se to co m p are th e sco res o f tw o ch arts sin ce each is v alid o n ly w ith in its ow n co n tex t.
 P o w e r o f th e P fa n e ts /2 0 7

cillâtes betw een “poetic m elancholy” (Saturn)

and the bold im pulsivity (M oon-M ars) that
ch aracterize her life and her w ork.

F r ie d r ic h N ie tz s c h e
T he planetary scores for this p hilosopher’s
h o roscope arc as follow s:

In this case w e observe a clear predom inance o f

M ars follow ed by Saturn and M ercury, planets
w h ich w ill characterize the general coloring o f
the individual. W e note in the chart that M ars
and M ercury are conjunct, w hich suggests a per­
so n ality given to argum ents, discussions and to
critique. Saturn, the other highlighted planet,
co n trib u tes w ith the depth o f thought typical o f
a philo so p h er, but also accents the tendency to
d iv erg e from current trends.

Ju p iter is also interesting. The planet is essen­

C h a r t 1. N a t iv it y o f F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e
tially dignified but, contrary to w hat
is expected, it has a low final score Strengths: b d o 9 9 D Debilities:____________
b ecau se it includes several accidental Ru'cnhp ♦■5 +5 *5 -5 Detriment_______________

debilities. In practice, the essential Exaitatw +4 4 <4 -4 Fail____________________

Tnpiicrty ♦3 ♦3 ♦3 43 43
d ig n ity o f Ju p iter im parts conviction
Term *2 ♦2
and the courage o f o n e ’s beliefs (in Face 4-1

this case, strong anti-clerical convic­ Essential D W ttev Total: 8 5 5 4 -1 3 0

tions), b u t the total o f accidental de­ -5 -5 Peregrne_______________

lAjtuai Roccpton by House >5

b ilities keeps these from m anifesting •
Mutual Roccpton by t o t ♦4
w ith m uch pow er. From the w ork o f In the f o r IQh House ♦5 ♦5 45 45 -5 In the 1 2 * House_________

this p h ilo so p h er w e find that the ex­ In the 7", 4’’ er I f Howe 4-4 ♦4 44 4 In the I P House__________
In the S'* or 2 HoweM
+3 ♦3 •3 ; In the 6** House__________
p re ssio n o f his m ore profound beliefs In the 9^ House >2 42
(d ig n ified Ju p iter but not very prom i­ In the y * House ♦5 •

n ent) is co n cealed by his natural ten­ In the Sfgn of its Joy >5 ♦3
In the Home d Rs Joy 45
d en cy tow ard questionin g and d is­ >5
Cariml Combust________________
p u te (very pro m in en t M ars, M ercury Free bom the Sun's beams +5 45 ♦5 ♦5 45 45 45 4 Under Sun's beams ( D < 12 e )

and Saturn). Increasing m U t f t 4-1 -1 -1 41 -1 -1 41 •1 Decreasing Light

b . J*, rf Oriental 4-2 *2 •2 42 -2 b . M Occdental

9 . Q. D Occidental 4-2 -2 •2 42 -2 9 . 9 . D Qnertat_________
A g a t h a C h r is ti e •3 -3 Q ____________________

T h e ch art o f A gath a C hristie has the -5 e - U ____________________

Direct 44 44 -5 44 44 44 -5 Retrograde_______________
fo llo w in g planetary scores: -2 ♦2 42 42 42 42
Fad In motion 42 42 -2 S o w tn motion___________

✓ 3» or 9 4-5 -5 •5 d b o r d _______________

T h e sco rin g o f essential dignities in­ Applying A to X or 9 4-4 4 Applying ✓ to b or d

Applying • to X or 9 4-3 -3 -3 ApoMeg O to b or d
d icates th at M ercury and Jupiter are
Assisted (between 1 and 9 ) 4-5 -5 Besieged (between b and d )
the m o re p o w erfu l planets, w hich is -2 -2 -2 -2 •2 Voâdd course____________

n o t su rp risin g breause this is the chart • -3 Feral _______________

H a« >3 -2 «2 43 43 •2 Contrariety ot Hefr_________,
o f a w riter. H ow ever, surprisingly,
• -5 tn V » CbmOusta
the fin al score clearly underscores Final Score: 16 4 22 •3 7 12 7
1

V e n u s, a p lan et that is in detrim ent

an d cadent! T he distinction o f V enus F ig u r e 1 2 . P la n e ta r y S tr e n g t h s fo r N ie t z s c h e 's N a t iv it y
 2 0 8 l 0 n tfie H e a v e n ly S jffteres

in the life o f this w riter becom es easy to under­

stand if w e exam ine the chart. V enus rules the
M id heaven (career and fam e) and is posited in
the third house (w riting, com m unication). In
fact, this author is know n for extensive literary
w ork w hose them e is crim e, m ystery and pas­
sion— situations described by a debilitated V e­
nus in Scorpion. In any event, M ercury is the
second m ost highlighted planet, w hich m akes
co m p lete sense in the chart o f a person w ho ded­
icated h er life to w riting.

T h ese arc som e exam ples o f the application o f

this tab le to natal charts. L e t’s now look at how
it m ight be applied to horary charts.

B r o k e n C o m p u te r
T h ere w as a potentially serious problem w ith a
bro ken com puter, possibly the need to replace C h a r t 2 . N a t iv ity o f A g a t h a C h r is tie
the m otherboard, w hich w ould be
v ery costly. T his question w as
asked: “ Is the m otherboard o f the
Strengths: bX do 9 0 Debilities:

Rulenb'p +5 -5 -5 Detriment

c o m p u ter b roken?” Exx’Jbon +4 -4 Fall

Trtpboty 43 ♦3 43 43
Terri +2 42
T h e co m p u ter is signified by the Face ♦1 41
second house (since it is a posses­ t a e r r t W D is n îito • Total: 0 ♦3 0 0 0 43 41

sion), by the ru ler and by the planets •5 -5 .5 •5 P e rd re

Mutual Reception by House

that are posited there. T he second +5
Mutual Reeepdon by Eu lL 44
ho u se has L eo on the cusp, w hich in the I ' c r K T House ♦5 ♦5 45 ■5 In the 1 2 * Home

m akes the Sun its ruler. T he Sun has in the 7". 4 * or ll"H o u s e 44 -4 In the 8 ° House
In the 5 " or 2 * Home ♦3 <3 ♦3 43 43 -3 In the 6 n House
no dig nity w h atso ev er (peregrine)
in the 9 ° House +2
and is in the six th house, a w eak m the 3 * House 45 41
cadent house, w hich depicts its p o o r In the Sign of its Joy 45

o r w eakened condition. A lso in the tn the House of its Jcy 45

Cazlmi 45 •6 Combust
second house is the M oon, it too in a Free from the Surfs bemrn 45 .4 ♦5 45 45 45 .4 -4 Under Sun’s teams ( 12*)
w eak en ed condition: it is peregrine, Incneshx in Ucht 41 ♦1 -1 -1 41 •1 41 -1 Decreasing In light

slow in m otion and applying to a b , 1 . <f Orertal 42 42 -2 -2 -2 b. X . d Ooo'denlal

9 . Ç , H Ooedenui 42 -• 42 42 42 -2 9 . V . U Or.ental
sq u are w ith M ars. -3 d û
-5 -5 d ü

A fte r co m p letin g the full scoring, Direct 44 ♦4 -5 ♦ 4 44 44 -5 Retrograde

Fest in moticn 42 ♦2 -2 ♦2 0 42 ■2 •2 -2 Slow In motion
th e S u n and M oon hav e negative d X o r 9 45 -5 d b or
sco res, m ean in g th eir accidental AœbfAg A t o X o r 9 44 44 44 •4 Apsfyingdto b o r d

c o n d itio n reinforces th e ir w eakened Aoctyrç ♦ to X or 9 43 ♦3 -3 -3 Applying O to h e r d

Assisted (between X and 9 ) 45 -5 Besieged (between b and d )
state. C onclusion: the m otherboard
•2 -2 •2 Void of course
d id in d eed hav e to be replaced. A l­ -3 •3 Feral

th o u g h it retain ed som e o f its fu n c­ H tü 43 ♦3 -2 -2 •2 -2 Contrariety of Hair

- $ in V*a C & n b u iu
tio n s, it n o n eth eless had a n irrep ara­ -5
R n a lS o o m : 6 -2 -1 -1 15 • 3
b le p ro b lem .
F ig u r e 1 3 . P la n e t a r y S tr e n g th s f o r
A g a t h a C h r i s t i e ’s N a t i v it y
 P o w er o f th e P fa n e ts /2 0 9

S p o r ts C h a m p i o n s h ip
On the eve o f an international sp orts c h a m p io n ­
ship, the captain o f a team w anted to kn o w how
the com petition w ould result. F ig u re 11 is the
chart o f the question: “ H ow w ill the c h a m p io n ­
ship go for our team ?”

T he significators are Jupiter, ruler o f the A scen ­

dant and significator o f the team , and V enus,
ruler o f the M idheaven and sig n ificato r o f th e
honors obtained and the y eam ed -fo r position.
W c observe in the horoscope that these plan ets
are in exact (partile) conjunction, w e ll-p o si­
tioned in the tenth house, and essen tially d ig n i­
fied, w hich indicates quite clearly th at the co m ­
petition w ill go w ell and that the team w ill o b ­
tain a good placem ent. E xam ining the table w e
verify that the com plete scoring o f p lan etary
C h a r t 1 0 . H o r a r y : “ Is th e m o th e r b o a r d b r o k e n ? ”
strength confirm s the good condition o f Ju p iter
and V enus, as w ould be expected.

N onetheless, Ju piter and V enus are close to the

South N ode, a sig nificato r o f disturbance and
F ig u r e 1 4 . P la n e ta r y S tr e n g th s fo r c h a r t 10
loss, w hich m eans the positive m eanin g o f the
planets w ill in som e w ay be dim inished. In fact,
the team did lose the ch am pionship by a few
points and had to becom e content w ith an h o n ­
orable second place.

This is a good exam ple o f the absolute necessity

to look at the chart, despite the inform ation
given by the scoring table. T he num erical in fo r­
m ation m erely q u a n t i f i e s the strength o f the
planets to attain the desired result. It does n o t i n ­
t e r p r e t those results. I f w e co n sid er the tab le
w ithout looking at the chart, w e w o u ld ju d g e
victory as a certain outcom e (because the p la n ­
ets are certainly v ery strong). H ow ever, w e only
get a com plete p ictu re from the in terp retatio n ,
w hich reveals a facto r th at is vital fo r the o u t­
com e: the South N ode. T his factor in d icates th a t
the level o f success is reduced and stops sh o rt o f
w hat is desired. T h is is the d ifferen ce b e tw e e n
C h a r t 1 1 . H o r a r y : “ H o w w ill th e q u a n t i f y i n g (using the table) an d q u a l i f y i n g (in ­
c h a m p io n s h ip g o fo r o u r te a m ? ” terpreting the chart).

_______ Ê æ æ j m _
_________ 1 - 1 1 8 | >2 | 1 | 5
1 H om e P urchase

| final Scorer_____________ I 1p| 19 | 9 | 3 | 22

L»l«i______ J E xcited ab out a ho use h e had seen, th e p ro s p e c ­
tive b u y er w an ted to co n firm w h e th e r th e p ro p ­
F i g u r e 1 5 . P l a n e t a r y s t r e n g t h s f o r c h a r t 11 erty w as o f quality. T he h o ro sco p e fo r th e q u e s-
 2 l 0 / 0 n tfîc H c a v e n f y S p h e r e s

tion is show n in Figure 12.

T he house is sig nified by V enus, ruler o f the

fourth house (im m ovable property). In the
h oroscope V enus is essentially debilitated, rep­
resenting therefore a house in poor condition.
T he conjunction to the South N ode reinforces
the idea o f the p o o r condition.

H ow ever, a look at the table reveals that Venus

is the m ost highly scored planet o f the chart,
w hich w ould lead to a rash ju d g m en t that the
house is o f good quality. W e arc faced w ith an
apparent contradiction: on the one hand, V enus
is highly scored, on the other, it is essentially
debilitated. W hich is the correct answ er?

First, realize that the elevated score o f V enus

C h a r t 1 2 . H o r a r y : “ Is th is h o u s e a g o o d p u r c h a s e ? ”
m erely indicates its p r o m i n e n c e , not its q u a lity .
In reality, the bu y er w as enchanted by the house
|l? jù » |< /|0 | 9 | 3)|
and w as tem pted to precipitously purchase the
| C M W tllW B W __________ •5 | -5 | 3 | 0 | -1 | 0 | -2 |
property. T his enchantm ent corresponds w ith
the high distinction o f V enus. N everth eless, the | Fi nal Score:____________ H-d’oi «l’<>i’ i ’ 1 1
h oroscope reveals that this house, charm ing
F ig u r e 1 5 . P la n e ta r y s tr e n g th s fo r c h a r t 12
upo n first glance, does not live up to expecta­
tions b ecau se it is represented by an essentially
d eb ilitated planet. T herefore, no contradiction in reality exists. W hat exists is a pow erful p ro jectio n (ele­
vated score) w ithout the reciprocated w orth (essential debility). O n the basis o f this and o th er inform ation
th at the ch art offers, w e conclude that the house w as not w orth the asking price and that given the circu m ­
stances, it w ould be b est not to m ake the purchase. This exam ple once again highlights the im portance o f in­
terpreting the co rrect co n tex t fo r the valu es given by the table.
 A p jje n d ïx 1

Tfte Astrolbgicaf Symbofs

B ecau se astrological sym bols have evolved over time, this appendix presents the m ain variants o f each sy m ­
bol from the G reek, M edieval, and R enaissance periods.

P la n e ta r y S y m b o ls

Initially, the planets did not have their ow n sym bols; they w ere represented in charts by their w ritten nam es.
A s tim e w en t by, the w riting becam e abbreviated and som e nam es w ere gradually reduced to th eir initials,
w hich e v en tu ally evolved into sym bols. A ccording to som e authors, this is the orig in o f the sym bols for Ju ­
p iter, S atu rn, and V enus. The acronym for Jupiter derived from the letter zeta (Z ), because the p la n e t’s
G reek n am e is Z eus; the one for V enus com es from the letter Phi ( 0 ) , the in itia l o f one o f its Greek names,
Phosphoros (m eaning bright); the onefor Saturn comesf ro m K appa (K ), from the nam e K ro nos, one o f Sat­
u rn ’s epithets.

O th e r sym b o ls w o u ld have probably evolved from the attributes o f the G reek gods th ey are a sso ciated w ith.
T his is the case o f M ercury, w h o se sym bol
Greek Medieval Renaissance Present time is the caduceus o f H erm es, and the c ase o f
Name
Symbol Symbol Symbol Symbol
M ars, rep resen ted by the sp ear o f A res, g o d
Sun
d o oO o f w ar. T here are sym bols, w h ic h are d irec t
rep resen tatio n s o f the p lan et, as is th e case
Moon C
c 1) 0 o f the M oon.
Mercury V
£O
$
S y m b o ls o f th e S ig n s
Venus 9
? P
2
Mara
d d T h e sym b o ls o f the sig n s are, g e n e ra lly
Jupiter
£ Of speaking, d irect rep re se n tatio n s o f th e a n i­
m al fo r w h ich th ey are n am ed . H o w e v e r,
Saturn
b 1? these sy m b o ls v ary a c c o rd in g to p e rio d a n d
culture.
F ig u r e 1 . S y m b o ls o f th e P la n e t s T h r o u g h o u t T im e
 212/O h tfie Hcavciify Sjjftercs

S y m b o ls o f th e N o d e s Name |
Orook
Symbol
Medieval Renaissance Present tlmo
Symbol Symbol Sym bol

T he lu nar N odes arc represented by two circles

A ria *
V
IO
V <Y> V
united by an arc or sem icircle, one arc is facing u p ­ Taurua (Wf « «
w ard (the N orth N ode), w hile the other is facing
dow nw ard (the South N ode). The g ly p h ’s circles
Oam Ini
C
T-- ZEE n
represent the tw o N odes and the arc connecting C ancar 2ZZ s G
them is the path o f the M oon, cither the northern
(upper) o r the southern (low er) path.
Lao
9 CTL a
V irgo TP -rm W
T he sym bols o f the N odes have rem ained alm ost the Libra _A_ n
sam e o v er tim e, w ith one im portant exception: by
the end o f the M iddle A ges there w as an exchange S corpio
Y OvQ -n v m
o f g lyphs betw een the N orth N ode and the South S agM ariuo z
N ode. T herefore, until the end o f the M edieval p e ­
riod, the N orth N ode w as represented by the sym bol
Capricorn Ù TP vs
w hich is now used fo r the South N ode, and Aquartua £
vice-versa. T his inversion m ay be due to the stan­
dardization o f N orth at the top o f m aps. In earlier
Placaa
°X° X X
m aps (fo r exam ple in the A rabic culture) South w as F ig u r e 2 . S y m b o ls o f th e S ig n s T h r o u g h o u t T im e
placed on the u p p er part o f a chart. So, in earlier rep ­
resentations the South N ode had the dow n-curvin g
G re ek M ed ie va l R en a iss an c e P re se n t tlm o
arc, and the N orth N ode the up-curving arc. N am e
Sy m b o l Sym bol Sym bol Sym bol

N orth V u f t
L u n ar N ode SI
S outh J I f t V
L u n a r Node S3

F ig u r e 3 . V a r ia n t s in th e N o d e ’s S y m b o ls
 A jrp e n c fix 2

T h e M o d e r n P fa n e ts
T h e d ev e lo p m e n t o f o p tical instrum en ts in the 18th centu ry allow ed fo r the d isco v ery o f new c e le s­
tia l b o d ies th a t are not visib le to the naked eye due to th eir sm all size and d istan ce from E arth . In
1781, E n g lish astro n o m er John H erschel (1792-1871) discovered U ra nus. In 1801, Ita lia n a stro n o ­
m er G iu sep p e P iazzi disco v ered the first asteroid , C eres. In the fo llow ing years P allas, Ju n o , and
V e sta w ere d isc o v e re d , along w ith thousan ds o f o ther asteroid s. N ep tu n e w as d etec ted in 1846, w ith
th e o ffic ia l d isc o v e ry bein g attrib u ted to G erm an astronom er Johann G o ttfried G alle (1 8 1 2 -1 9 1 0 ),
w h o se w o rk w as based on the calc u latio n s o f the F rench m ath em atician U rb a in Le V e rrie r
(1 8 1 1 -1 8 7 7 ). 34

O n the h e e ls o f these d isco v eries, new p erceptions about the m otio n and re la tiv e p o sitio n o f the
p la n e ts d e v e lo p e d in ju s t a few decad es, ev en tu ally leading to the c u rre n t co n c ep t o f the so la r sy s­
tem . T he new c e le stia l bodies w ere not im m ediately in cluded in the astro lo g ic a l sy stem and in the
b e g in n in g th e y w ere ign o red by astrologers. U ranus and N ep tu n e only b ecam e a re g u la r p a rt o f
c h a rt in te rp re ta tio n at the end o f the 19th ce ntu ry. In 1930, they w ere jo in e d by P lu to , w h ich in i­
tia lly w as c la s s ifie d w ith the plan ets, but is now co n sid ered a dw a rf-p lan e t.

T h e a ste ro id s b eg in to ap p e ar in astro lo g ical charts in the 1970s. T h e ir a p p lic a tio n in a stro lo g y

p e a k e d a fte r th e d isc o v e ry o f the p lan eto id C hiro n in 1977. T he last d ec ad es have w itn e sse d th e c o n ­
tin u a l d isc o v e ry o f m an y new ce le stia l bodies beyond the o rb its o f N e p tu n e and P lu to , w h ic h h as
g e n e ra te d a sta te o f co n fu sio n , w heth er from an astro n o m ica l o r a stro lo g ic a l p e rsp e c tiv e .

T h is a p p e n d ix o ffers som e thoughts reg ard in g the in clu sio n and in te rp re ta tio n o f th e se c e le s tia l
b o d ie s in th e a stro lo g ic a l system .

34
G alileo had already discovered this planet, but thought it to be a star. O ther renow ned astronom ers h ad suspected th e
existence o f a planet beyond Uranus, without however being able to incontrovertibly prove it.
 2 1 4 / O n tf te H c a v a t f y S y ft c r c s

M od ern o r T r a n s -s a tu r n ia n P la n e ts

U r a n u s , N e p t u n e a n d P lu to

F ro m an a s tro lo g ic a l p e rs p e c tiv e , U ra n u s an d N e p tu n e are u n d o u b te d ly th e m o re s ig n ific a n t o f all

th e n e w c e le s tia l b o d ie s , fo llo w e d c lo s e ly by P lu to . T h e sy s te m a tic in te rp re ta tio n o f U ra n u s an d
N e p tu n e in a s tro lo g ic a l c h a rts b e g a n o n ly at the en d o f th e 19th c e n tu ry , d u rin g th e a s tro lo g ic a l r e ­
v iv a l. T h e n e w p la n e ts arc , in re a lity , an in te g ra l p a rt o f th e “ n e w ” a s tro lo g ic a l sy ste m u se d at th is
tim e a n d w h ic h is th e c o rn e rs to n e o f s o -c a lle d m o d e rn a s tro lo g y . D u rin g th e p ro c e s s o f a s tr o lo g ic a l
r e v iv a l, th e tra d itio n a l sy ste m (b y th e n s e v e re ly m is u n d e rs to o d an d la c k in g c o m p e te n t p r a c titio ­
n e rs ) w a s a lte re d to m a k e ro o m fo r U ra n u s an d N e p tu n e . In o rd e r to a c c o m p lish th is, an a tte m p t w as
m a d e to a ttr ib u te to th em so m e a s tro lo g ic a l s ig n ific a tio n an d to d e fin e th e ir n a tu re . T h e s e a ttr ib u ­
tio n s b e c a m e w id e ly a c c e p te d an d a re th e o n e s u se d b y th e m a jo rity o f p re s e n t-d a y a s tro lo g e rs .
H o w e v e r, th e n a tu re s an d c h a r a c te r is tic s a ttrib u te d to th e n ew p la n e ts are b a se d u p o n a w e a k p r e m ­
ise . T h is w e a k n e s s d e riv e s fro m th e m e th o d e m p lo y e d to d e riv e th e se a ttrib u te s . B e c a u se n o e m p ir i­
c a l s ig n if ic a tio n s w e re a v a ila b le fo r th e se p la n e ts , a s tro lo g e rs re s o rte d to m y th o lo g y (g e n e ra lly
w h a t w a s a s s o c ia te d w ith th e n a m e o f th e p la n e t) an d to th e s o c ia l an d p o litic a l e v e n ts o c c u rrin g at
th e tim e o f th e p la n e t’s d is c o v e ry .

T h e r e f o r e , b e c a u s e U r a n u s w a s d is c o v e re d a ro u n d th e tim e o f th e F re n c h an d A m e ric a n r e v o lu ­
tio n s , it b e c a m e a s s o c ia te d w ith re v o lu tio n s , u n e x p e c te d e v e n ts , ru p tu re s , s h o c k s, a n d u n u s u a l s itu ­
a tio n s . T h e s e c o n c e p ts a re v a g u e ly c o rro b o ra te d by th e m y th o lo g y o f th e G re e k g o d O u ra n o s , w h o
w a s d is p o s s e s s e d o f h is p o w e r by th e re b e llio n o f h is so n , C h ro n o s (S a tu rn ). T h e p la n e t a ls o b e c a m e
a s s o c ia te d w ith g e n iu s , in v e n tio n s a n d th e n e w te c h n o lo g ie s , s u p p o s e d ly b e c a u s e th e re w a s a n in ­
c r e a s e in s c ie n tific b r e a k th ro u g h s a n d te c h n o lo g y a fte r its d is c o v e ry .

T h e q u a litie s o f s p ir itu a lity , m y s te ry , a n d m y s tic is m w e re a ttrib u te d to N e p t u n e b e c a u s e its d is c o v ­

e ry c o in c id e d w ith th e s p iritu a l re v iv a l o f th e 19th c e n tu ry . O n th e o th e r h a n d , it a ls o b e c o m e s th e
p la n e t o f d re a m s, illu s io n s , a n d e s c a p is m b e c a u s e its d is c o v e ry c o in c id e s w ith c e rta in m e d ic a l in n o ­
v a tio n s , su c h as a n a e s th e s io lo g y a n d h y p n o tis m . In N e p tu n e ’s c a s e , th e c o n n e c tio n to m y th o lo g y is
te n u o u s at b e s t s in c e th e a ttr ib u te s o f P o s e id o n (th e tu rb u le n t g o d o f th e o c e a n s , th e G re e k e q u iv a ­
le n t o f N e p tu n e ) b e a r little r e s e m b la n c e to th e s ig n ific a tio n s g iv e n to th e p la n e t. T h e o n ly d e te c ta b le
a s s o c ia tio n is a v a g u e p o e tic c o r r e la tio n b e tw e e n th e se a a n d its m y s te rie s .

P l u t o a p p e a re d so m e d e c a d e s la te r, in th e p e rio d b e tw e e n
N o te : P lu to is n o w c o n s id e r e d a
th e tw o g re a t w a rs , a n d th u s b e c a m e a s s o c ia te d w ith d e ­
d w a rf-p la n e t. A s th is c h a n g e o f s ta ­
s tr u c tio n , d e a th , c a ta s tr o p h e s , a n d th e a b u s e o f p o w e r. F o r
tu s is v e ry r e c e n t it is to o so o n to
th is r e a s o n , it a ls o a s s u m e s r u le r s h ip o v e r a to m ic e n e rg y
k n o w its im p a c t in th e a s tr o lo g ic a l
a n d its d e s tr u c tiv e p o w e r. M o s t o f P lu to ’s a s tro lo g ic a l s ig ­
c o m m u n ity . T h e n e w c la s s if ic a tio n
n if ic a tio n s d e riv e fro m th e m y th o lo g y o f H a d e s (P lu to ),
w ill c e rta in ly a ffe c t th e f u tu re in ­
th e G re e k g o d o f th e U n d e rw o rld a n d th u s a ttrib u te s o f
te r p r e ta tio n o f th is d w a rf-p la n e t.
d e a th a n d r e b ir th as w e ll as h id d e n a n d p r o fo u n d m a tte rs .
In th e c a s e o f P lu to th e s e s ig n if ic a tio n s w e re a ttr ib u te d a lm o s t im m e d ia te ly a fte r th e p l a n e t’s d is ­
c o v e r y , w ith o u t a n y e x p e rim e n ta l p e rio d to e m p iric a lly te s t th e ir v a lid ity . N o te a ls o th a t m o s t o f th e
a ttr ib u te s g iv e n to th is p la n e t h a d a lre a d y b e e n a s s ig n e d in th e b e g in n in g o f th e c e n tu ry to a h y p o ­
th e tic a l p la n e t b e a rin g th e s a m e n a m e . 35 T h e c o in c id e n c e o f n a m e s le d to th e d ir e c t s u p e r im p o s itio n
o f th e h y p o th e tic a l p la n e t ’s q u a litie s o n to n e w ly d is c o v e r e d P lu to w ith o u t m u c h th o u g h t o n th e m a t­
te r.

35
This is a reference to the hypothetical planet currently known as Wemyss-Pluto, proposed by the Scottish astrologer
M aurice Wemyss (1892-1960?), as a possible ruler o f Cancer.
 A jjy e n d ix 2)2 1 5

M uch o f the p re se n t sym bolism o f these celestial bodies is also said to be supported by o ctave th e ­
ory. A c co rd in g to this theory , the three m odern planets w ould stand as “ su p erio r” e q u iv ale n ts, or
o ctav es, o f M ercury, V enus, and M ars. In this perspective U ranus w ould signify the “co lle c tiv e
m in d ” and the p o w er o f “ ind iv id u alized ” thought, thus fu nctioning as a higher v ib ratio n o f M er­
cury, the “c o m m o n ” m ind. N eptu ne w ould be “universal love,” the higher octave o f “p erso n al
lo v e ,” sig n ifie d by V enus. Pluto w ould stand for “ tra n sfo rm atio n ,” a superio r m an ifestatio n o f the
“ d e s tru c tio n ,” sig n ified by M ars. H ow ever, there are several attributes o f the m odern p lan ets th at
are not ex p la in e d by the th eo ry o f the octaves. For instance, the qualities o f rebellio usness and ru p ­
ture com m only a ttrib u ted to U ranus are in the traditional system related to M ars and not to M ercury ;
illu sio n and dre am , associa te d w ith N eptune, are attributes o f the M oon, not V enus; the issues o f
p o w e r p re se n tly re lated to Pluto are traditionally the S u n ’s dom ain. F urtherm ore , in tra d itio n al a s­
tro lo g y the h ig h er q u ality o r “ su p erio r” expression o f a p la n e t’s action is rela ted to its esse n tial c o n ­
d itio n , as given by the essential dignity system , not by ano th er planet. The “ sh arin g ” o f a class o f a t­
trib u tes by tw o p lan ets creates a sort o f “sh o rt-c ircu it” in the astro lo g ical in terp re tatio n system .
T h ere are o th e r v ersio n s o f the octave theory, but none is co m pletely satisfacto ry .

N o tw ith sta n d in g these m isgiv ings, the advocates o f this theory co n sid er the m odern plan ets to be
ag e n ts o f tra n sfo rm atio n , acting upon the traditional planets (referred to in this con tex t as p erso n al
o r so cial p la n e ts) and inducing the p ersonality to transcend th eir lim itatio n s. For this reason, the
m o d ern p la n e ts are com m only referred to as the transpersonal p lanets.

T h e Q u e s t io n o f M o d e r n R u le r s h ip s

A s p a rt o f the attem p t to integrate the m odern plan ets into the astro lo g ica l system , the ru lersh ip o f a
sign w as assig n ed to each one. T his assignm ent was not m ade quietly. F or a lo ng tim e, several p ro p ­
o sitio n s w ere argued for, each one gathering its passio n ate d efenders. In the en d, the E nglish /A m er-
ican v e rsio n e v e n tu a lly pre dom inated over the French and G erm an su g g estio n s. It gives the sign
A q u a riu s to the ru lersh ip o f U ranus, Pisces to N eptune, and S corpio to P lu to and c u rre n tly en jo y s a l­
m o st u n an im o u s accep tan ce. In contra st, the assignm ent o f the e x a lta tio n s w as n ev e r cla rifie d , and
th e assig n m e n t o f the rem ainin g essential dignities (trip licity , term , and face) w as n ev er even a t­
tem p ted sin ce co n tem p o rary astrologers, who w ere u n fa m iliar w ith th e ir p ra c tic a l a p p lic a tio n , co n ­
sid e re d them o b solete.

It is im p o rtan t to note that the in clusion o f the new p lanets in the schem e o f ru le rsh ip s runs co n tra ry
to th e p rin c ip le s upon w hich the system rests. Instead o f b asing the schem e u pon the o rd e r o f th e ce ­
le stia l sp h eres and the seasons o f the year— w hich e stab lish th e tra d itio n a l ru le rsh ip s— th e ru le r­
sh ip o f the new plan ets is based upon a supposed sim ilarity b etw e en th e p la n e ts ’ and s ig n s ’ a ttrib ­
u tes. F ro m this p o int, the situatio n gets even m ore co m p licated b ec au se the co n n e c tio n b a se d on
sim ila rity b etw een sign and plan et leads to the tran sfere n ce o f the sig n and h o u se a ttrib u te s o n to th e
p la n e ts th em selv es. F or in stance, Pluto ju stifie s its s ig n ific a tio n o f d ea th th ro u g h its a s s o c ia tio n
w ith S co rp io , th e eighth sign and also (in co rrec tly ) to the eig h th h o u se o f d eath .

A s tr o lo g ic a l A s s o c ia tio n s o f th e T r a n s -s a tu r n ia n P la n e ts

T h e a m alg a m a tio n o f m y tholo gical and h isto rical a sso c ia tio n s c o m b in ed w ith a ttrib u te s “ b o r ­
ro w e d ” from the signs and houses has re su lted in the fo llo w in g a sso c ia tio n s:

U r a n u s : lib e rty , inv en tiv en ess, o rig in ality , in d ep en d en ce, re v o lu tio n , in n o v a tio n , in s p ira tio n , e c ­
c e n tric ity , u n p re d ic ta b ility , u nrest, every th in g th at b re ak s b o u n d a rie s, su d d e n c h a n g e s , lo n g d is ­
ta n c e tra v e ls, telec o m m u n ica tio n s, com puters e le c tric ity ; som e also arg u e th a t it ru le s a s tro lo g y
an d a stro lo g e rs.
 2 1 6 I O h tfic H e a v e n f y S jific re s

N e p t u n e : id ealism , sp iritu a lity , dev otion,

Most common Alternative
Planet
in tu itio n , fa nta sy, y ea rn in g , m ysticism , symbol Symbols

¥ Ô
u n iv ersa l love, d isso lu tio n and sacrifice;
Uranus
esc ap ism , illu sio n , v ictim iz atio n , u n p re­
d ic ta b ility , d rugs, an e sth e sia , hypnosis,
cin em a and p u b licity .
Neptune
Ï
P l u t o : tran sfo rm atio n , tran sm u tatio n illu ­
m in atio n , but also ob sessio n , dep endency,
Pluto
p T V a
c o n tro l, m an ip u latio n ; n u clea r energ y, te r­ F ig u r e 1. S y m b o ls o f th e M o d e r n P la n e ts

ro rism and o rg an ized crim e.

It should be noted that all o f the a ttrib u tio n s o f the m odern planets w ere “ b o rro w ed ” from the tra d i­
tional p lan ets, as has been stated. The asso ciatio n o f astro lo g y w ith U ranus is in truth borro w ed
from M ercury , w hich has alw ays ruled astro lo g ica l know led ge.

D e spite this sm orgasbord o f sig n ificatio n s, a ttrib u tio n s, and ru lersh ip s, the nature o f the m odern
p lan ets w as n ev er clea rly defin ed. No prim ary qu alitie s w ere ever attrib u ted to them , nor w ere any
tem p eram en ts, sect, or g e n d e r. 36 B ecause o f this, the m odern p lanets lack an esse n tial fo u n d atio n
that d efin es th e ir effects. In stead , an enorm ous co llec tio n o f sig n ificatio n s have been gro u p ed ov er
the last decades. In pra ctice, th e ir in terp re tatio n s ap p e ar to be applied sub jectiv ely , w hich leaves
open the q u estio n o f th e ir a stro lo g ica l effects. T here are argum ents that attem pt to ju s tify th is lack
o f co n siste n c y by co n sid erin g that th ey o p erate on a su p erio r level and that, there fo re , th eir effec ts
are u nknow able . T his very statem en t can un d erm in e the astro lo g ica l ap p licatio n o f th ese p lan ets.
B ecau se astro lo g y is esse n tia lly a p re d ic tiv e instrum ent (w h eth er o f in d ivid ual b eh a v io r or o f u n ­
fo ld in g ev e n ts), it is cru cial th at in te rp re ta tio n s be cle a r and o bjective. I f it is im p o ssib le to know
the effec ts o f U ra nus, N ep tu n e, o r P lu to, th eir astro lo g ic a l (and th erefo re p re d ic tiv e ) v alue b ecom es
g re a tly d im in ished.

T h e M a tte r o f S p e e d

A n o th e r q u estion re la ted to these p lan ets concerns th eir slow speed. B ecause they are very d istan t
from the Sun, th ey have very slow cycle s. U ranus takes 84 years to com plete its o rb it aro u n d the
Sun. N eptu ne, w hich is ev en m ore d istan t, takes 164 years and Plu to takes 248. T his m eans th at U ra ­
nus takes on av e rag e seven y ea rs to p ass through each sign. N eptu ne takes roughly 13 years. P lu to is
a sp ec ia l case, since its o rb it, w hich is in clin ed in re la tio n to the ec lip tic, ca uses v aria tio n s in its a p ­
p a re n t m otio n. T hus, its p assa g e th ro u g h a sign v arie s b etw een 13 and 35 y ears, d ep e n d in g upon
w hat area o f the zo d iac it is trav e rsin g .

A s a co m p ariso n , recall th at S aturn, the slo w est o f the v isib le p lan ets, takes tw o and a h a lf y ea rs to
cro ss a sign and c o m p letes a re v o lu tio n o f the zo d iac in 29 years. J u p ite r co m p letes a cy c le in 12
y e a rs and th ere fo re , spends on ly a y e a r in each sig n. T he speed o f the re m a in in g p la n e ts is ev en
fa ste r: M ars ta k es tw o y ea rs to c o m p lete a re v o lu tio n , w h ile V enus and M ercury, alw ay s clo se to the

36
S o m e m o d e m a stro lo g e rs h a v e p ro p o sed th e natu re o f h o t and d ry fo r U ranus and o f co ld an d m o ist fo r N ep tu n e.
H o w e v e r, th is a ttrib u tio n is d u b io u s b e cau se it is b ased u p o n th e su p p o se d ch aracteristics o f th e p la n e t an d no t on its
p o sitio n in th e cele stial sp h eres, fro m w h ere th e visib le p lan ets d eriv e th e ir qualities. In th e cele stial sp h eres m o d el, th e
n e w p la n e ts w o u ld b e lo cated b ey o n d S aturn an d b efo re th e sp h ere o f th e fix ed stars. T h erefo re, U ran u s co u ld n e v e r be
h o t, sin c e it is b e y o n d S atu rn , w h ic h is co ld an d d ry an d v e ry fa r fro m th e S un, w h ich im p arts heat. S im ilarly , N e p tu n e,
th e m o st d ista n t o f th e p la n e ts, c o u ld n ev er be m oist, sin ce h u m id ity d eriv es from its p ro x im ity to th e M o o n and th e
E arth (o r fro m th e in te rp o sitio n b e tw e e n tw o h o t an d co ld e x tr e m e s , as is th e case w ith Jupiter).
 A p p e n d ix 2 /2 1 7

Sun, take about one year each. The M oon, w hich is extrem ely fast, com pletes a cycle in less th an 28
days.

The slow speed o f the tran s-satu rn ian planets im plies that all peo ple born around the sam e p e rio d
have these p lan ets in sim ilar config urations. For this reason, som e authors suggest that th e ir in flu ­
ence should be c o n sid ered to apply on the collective rath er than individ ual levels. A stro lo g ical g e n ­
eratio n s d eterm in e d by the zodiacal positio ns o f these planets are often referred to. F or in stan ce , all
o f the p eo p le born betw een N ovem ber 1974 and N ovem ber 1981 have U ranus in S corp io, N e p tu n e
in S ag itta riu s, and Plu to in L ibra (although obviously in d ifferent degrees o f each sign d ep e n d in g on
the birth date) and th erefo re, share the sym bolism attributed to these zodiacal p ositio ns.

T h e M a tte r o f V is ib ility
T he a stro lo g ic a l system is based upon direct observatio n o f the heavens. It is thought that lig h t is the
m edium by w hich the plan ets transm it th eir pro perties, since light is w hat allow s us to see (th a t is, in
the sense o f u n d ersta n d in g or in terpretin g). It is for this reason that the p lanets that cannot tra n sm it
th e ir light to E arth (fo r ex am ple, a planet obscured by the S u n ’s rays or an eclipsed lu m in ary ) are in ­
te rp re te d as b ein g devoid o f pow er and capacity to act. From this p erspective, the m odern p la n e ts
w o uld be c o n sid ered non -fu n ctio n in g in the astrological system , since they are not visib le to the n a ­
ked eye.

T his n o n -v isib ility also has repercussions in the m atter o f the aspects. As w e ’ve ex p lain ed , the a s ­
p ec ts re la te to the p la n e t’s capacity to “ see” (from the Latin term a s p e c ta r e , “ to se e ”). T hus, it is not
p o ssib le to asp e ct (see) som ething w hich is not visible. T herefore, a plan et inv isib le to the n ak ed
eye also ca n n o t form aspects.

C o n c lu s io n
T ak in g all this in to co n sid eratio n , som e au thors have proposed that the m odern p lan ets be in clu d ed
in a sp ec ia l ca te g o ry o f in v isib le bodies that w ould operate on a d iffe re n t lev el from the v isib le
ones.

It is the a u th o rs ’ opinion that the in terp re tatio n o f U ranus, N ep tu n e, and o th er sim ilar b o d ies sh o u ld
be re fra in e d from un til th e ir nature s have been defin ed in an o b jectiv e and co n siste n t m anner.

F u rth e rm o re , the d isco v ery o f new astro lo g ical o bjects should not be u sed as a p re te x t fo r n e g le c t­
in g the stu d y o f a stro lo g y ’s fundam ental prin cip les. Even i f th ese new o b jects pro v e to be v a lid in
a s tro lo g ic a l in te rp re ta tio n , they should alw ays be co n sid ered as ad ju n cts to the tra d itio n a l sy ste m
an d n e v e r as th e ir su b stitutes.

N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g t h e c h o s e n a p p r o a c h to a s t r o l o g y ( m o d e r n , p s y c h o l o g i c a l , p u r e l y t r a d i t i o n a l , o r
o t h e r ) , a c o m m i t t e d s t u d e n t m u s t m a s t e r th e t r a d i t i o n a l i n t e r p r e t a t i o n t e c h n i q u e s in w h i c h t h e n e w
p l a n e t s a r e n o t in c l u d e d , f o r t h e y a r e th e c o r e o f t h e a s t r o l o g i c a l s y s t e m .

T h e A ste r o id s a n d O th e r M in o r B o d ie s

T h e re are, in o u r so lar system , th ousands o f c e le stia l bo d ies th a t fa ll in to this c la s s ific a tio n . T h e

m o st w e ll-k n o w n are the astero id s that o rb it betw een M ars and Ju p ite r. T he first, C e re s, w a s d is c o v ­
e re d in 1801; in 1802, P allas w as d iscovered, fo llow ed by Ju n o (1 8 0 4 ) an d V e sta (1 8 0 7 ). In th e s u b ­
s e q u e n t d ec ad es, hundre ds o f others w ere discovered. T o d ay , th e re are se v e ra l th o u s a n d a s te r o id s
c a ta lo g u e d .
 218/Ott tfic HcavctiCy Sjrfiercs

T he in clu sio n o f the a stero id s in the astro logical in terpretatio n dates from the 1960s. O f the th o u ­
san d s o f know n ce le stia l bodies, the m ost freq uen tly used arc C eres, Pallas, Juno, and V esta— the
first to have been d isco v ered and also the largest o f the group (C eres, the largest o f all, w as c la s s i­
fied as a d w a rf-p lan e t in 2006). The astrological in terpretatio n o f the asteroid s is based upon the
m y th o lo g y a sso c ia te d w ith the a ste ro id ’s nam e: C eres, w hich receives its nam e from the Rom an
g o d d ess o f the harv est, is interp reted as an ind icato r o f “ nutritio nal ca p a b ilitie s.” Pallas, b ap tize d in
h o n o r o f the G re ek goddess P allas A thene, is frequently associated w ith “com bat and stra te g y ”
c h a ra c te ristic s o f th is goddess. Juno, w hich gets its nam e from J u p ite r’s goddess co n so rt, is held as
a sym bol o f the “ca p acity to m anage re la tio n sh ip s.” V esta, w hose nam e evokes the g oddess w ho
p ro te c ts the h earth and its fire, is g enerally connected w ith
Symbol Asteroid
“ in te g rity and p erso n al d isc ip lin e .”

As is a p p a re n t, all o f these attrib u tes can be related to the Ceres

c la ssic a l p lan ets: C e re s ’ attrib u tes are borrow ed from the
M oon; th o se o f P allas, from M ercury and M ars; th ose o f
Juno from V enus; and V e sta ’s from the Sun. $ Pallas

A n o th e r c e le stia l body “ ad o p te d ” in som e astro lo g ical c ir­

cles is the astero id C hiro n, w hich w as disco v ered in 1977. £ Juno
It is a sm all c e le stia l body w hose orb it lies betw een that o f
S atu rn and U ranus. T he nam e C hiro n also com es from
G re co -R o m an m y th olo gy: it is the nam e o f a ce n ta u r and Vesta
son o f Z eus w ho w as the in stru c to r o f m any heroes.

F ig u r e 2 . A s te r o id S y m b o ls
T h is d isco v ery m ade a big splash am ong som e astro lo g ers,
w ho c o n sid ered it to be a ten th p lanet and im m ediately b e ­
gan to th eo riz e about its p o ssib le a stro lo g ica l effects.
A m ong the m ore p o p u la r m eanings is the asso c ia tio n o f Symbol Centaur
th is ce le stia l body w ith h ealin g and teac h in g b ecause the
m y th o lo g y o f C hiron dep icts him as a h ea le r and teacher. C hiron
D e sp ite its huge p o p u la rity , the in te rp re ta tio n o f C hiro n
has re m a in ed larg e ly th eo re tic al and in p ra ctice the re su lts
have b een larg e ly in effectu al and ra th e r vague. P holus

F o r som e tim e, th is p la n e to id w as th o u g h t to be the sole

o n e o f its kind. T his n o tio n p ro v e d to be in co rrect w hen a f­
te r 1990, m any b o d ies sim ila r to C hiron began to be d e­
te c te d in th at re g io n o f the so lar system . T hey w ere g e n e ri­
£ N essos

c a lly c la ssifie d as ce n ta u rs and the co n v en tio n w as F ig u r e 3 . C e n ta u r S y m b o ls

a d o p te d to b a p tiz e them all w ith nam es o f ce n ta u rs from
G re ek m y th o lo g y o r m y th o lo g ica l figures re la ted to them . T he larg e n um ber o f d isc o v e rie s
T o d a y , d o z e n s o f ce n ta u rs are know n. T hey m ake up a h e t­ has ex h a u ste d the nam es from
e ro g e n e o u s g ro u p w ith d iffe re n t shapes and sizes. T h eir G reco -R o m an m y th o lo g y and m ade
o rb its are v ery ec c e n tric and in m any ca ses they cross the it n ec essary to ad o p t nam es from
p la n e ta ry o rb its. A m ong tho se m ost cited in a stro lo g y , the m y th o lo g ies o f o th e r c u ltu re s or
a s id e from C h iro n , w e also find P holu s, N essu s, and from m undane life its e lf (the la tte r
C h a rik lo . u sed m ain ly to nam e the sm a lle r a s ­
tero id s). C u rre n tly , it is even p o s s i­
O th e r m in o r c e le stia l bo d ies have been d isco v ered in the b le to p u rc h ase the rig h t to nam e an
p a s t fe w y e a rs, p a rtic u la rly in the re gio n situ ated b ey o n d astero id .
 A p p e n d ix 2 /2 1 9

the orbits o f Neptune and Pluto. The detection o f numerous bodies in that region o f space (one o f
them larger than Pluto itself) has led the International Astronom ical Union to redefine a dw arf
planet. Among the newly discovered bodies are Quaoar, Sedna, Ixion, Varuna, and Oreo, to m ention
ju st a few o f those already named. Many others exist but which have yet to be named and are cur­
rently referenced through their catalog number.

T h e M a tt e r o f I n t e r p r e t a t io n
The speed with which these discoveries occurred makes any coherent attempt at integrating the new
celestial bodies into astrological interpretation impossible. Each time a new astronom ical body is
discovered new significations, rulerships, and cycles are immediately attributed to them. How ever,
these proposals, lacking m aturity and practical testing, turn out to be simply precipitous, theo retical
speculations. The case o f Sedna, one o f the recently (November 2003) discovered planets, is em ­
blem atic o f this situation. A few days after its name was announced (inspired by the name o f an Inuit
goddess o f the sea), the first astrological articles appeared. The mythology o f this goddess was im ­
m ediately scoured for key-words which were them selves imm ediately applied in astrological in ter­
pretations. Many more inflated theories were proposed, none o f which was testable in practice. F u r­
therm ore, no one remembered that Sedna takes 10,500 years to complete a revolution o f the zodiac,
which makes its inclusion in natal charts absurd.

This rush to interpret also applies to the asteroids, even those that are very small. Here too the inter­
pretation follows the questionable method o f extracting ideas from the m ythology connected w ith
the name and applying them directly to the planet. For example, the asteroid Eros is undoubtedly
connected with erotic love, while Urania, another asteroid, is inevitably associated with astrology.
W ith little im agination, one can produce a more or less coherent interpretation (but not necessarily a
true one). The question is made more complicated when we try to interpret the asteroids with more
m undane names, such as Dudu or Le Car. O bviously, these associations, when applied indiscrim i­
nately or w ithout good sense, produce ridiculous interpretations w ithout any relevance to the astro­
logical perspective. Some astrologers go so far as to invent astrological interpretations for astro­
nom ical bodies whose discovery is so recent that they have yet to be named and are known m erely
by th eir catalog name.

The reality is that we are still in the process o f determ ining the astrological significance o f these as­
tronom ical bodies. Their discovery is too recent to have objectively researched their precise effects
(if they exist at all) in an astrological chart. In addition, one must also consider that t h e a s t r o l o g i c a l
s y s t e m h a s b e e n f o r t h o u s a n d s o f y e a r s , p e r f e c t l y f u n c t i o n a l a n d c o m p l e t e a s is : i t d o e s n o t s u p ­
It is incorrect to think that all o f the new astronom ical
p o r t t h e n e w e le m e n t s , n o r d o e s it n e e d to .
discoveries m ust necessarily be included in the astrological system. A s t r o n o m y a n d a s t r o l o g y a r e
d is tin c t a r e a s w ith d is tin c t a p p r o a c h e s, c r ite r ia , a n d p u r p o s e s.

A com petent professional astrologer makes interpretations w ithout the need for new elem ents. The
new discoveries are seen as interesting advances in astronom y whose application to astrolo gy m ust
be carefully considered.

H y p o th e tic a l P la n e ts

Some astrologers developed the concept o f a hypothetical planet, a celestial body that is m erely th e ­
oretical but which does not physically exist.

The hypo thetical planets w ere very much in vogue at the turn o f the 19th century, p articu la rly in o c ­
cult circles. W hile some o f these “plan ets” arise from m ore or less scientific co n jectu res, others are
 2 2 0 / O n tfic H c a v n i f y S jilicrcs

th e p r o d u c t o f v is io n s a n d p sy c h ic im p re ssio n s. T h e fact th a t th e y do n o t o b je c tiv e ly e x ist is j u s t i ­

fie d b y th e ir su p p o s e d e s o te ric e x is te n c e , a c c e s s ib le o n ly to the m o re s p iritu a lly a d v a n c e d .

W ith th e c o n tin u e d a p p e a ra n c e o f new “ p la n e ts ” o f th is ty p e , th e situ a tio n b e c a m e e v e n m o re a b ­

su rd . W e 'v e re a c h e d a p o in t w h e re th e re n o w e x ist v a rio u s h y p o th e tic a l p la n e ts w ith d iffe re n t a t ­
tr ib u te s s h a rin g th e sa m e n a m e s o r ru lin g th e sa m e sig n s. M a n y o f th e se “ p la n e ts ” e v e n h a v e p u b ­
lis h e d c p h c m c rc d c s (w h ic h e s ta b lis h e s th e ir o rb its, sp e e d s, p o s itio n s , e tc .), w ith o u t e v e r h a v in g
th e ir e x is te n c e — e th e re a l o r o th e rw is e — p ro v e n . A fte r th e d is c o v e ry o f P lu to in 1930, th e th e o r e ti­
c a l s u rg e d im in is h e d an d th e h y p o th e tic a l p la n e ts g ra d u a lly d isa p p e a re d fro m a s tro lo g ic a l in te r p r e ­
ta tio n s .

A m o n g th e m o st w e ll-k n o w n h y p o th e tic a l p la n e ts a rc V u lc a n , T ra n s p lu to , P ro s e rp in a , A d o n is , Is is ,
a n d O s iris . C u rre n tly th e re a re s till so m e w h o u se th e se b o d ie s. T h is is th e c a se o f th e U ra n ia n
s c h o o l o f a s tro lo g y , w h ic h , b e s id e s th e k n o w n p la n e ts , in c lu d e s e ig h t h y p o th e tic a l p la n e ts in th e ir
in te r p r e ta tio n s : A d m e to s, A p o llo n , C u p id o , H a d e s, K ro n o s, P o se id o n , V u lc a n u s , an d Z e u s.

M od ern N o n -p la n e ta r y P o in ts

In a d d itio n to th e p la n e ts an d a s te ro id s a lre a d y m e n tio n e d , th e re a re s till o th e r s e c o n d a ry e le m e n ts

th a t so m e a s tro lo g e rs in c lu d e in th e ir in te rp re ta tio n s . T h e m o st w e ll-k n o w n is th e B l a c k M o o n o r
L i l i t h , a p o in t th a t re s u lts fro m th e p r o je c tio n o f th e a p o g e e o f th e M o o n o n to th e e c lip tic . 37 T h e a t­
tr ib u tio n s g iv e n to th is p o in t, su c h as r e je c tio n , n o n -c o n fo rm ity , an d in s ta b ility , a re c h a r a c te r is tic s
in s p ir e d b y th e m y th o lo g y o f L ilith , th e firs t w ife o f B ib lic a l A d a m . T h e re is so m e c o n fu s io n a ro u n d
th e n a m e o f th is p o in t, sin c e it is g iv e n to th re e d iffe re n t e le m e n ts: th e B la c k M o o n , a s te ro id # 1 1 8 1
(a ls o n a m e d L ilith ), a n d a h y p o th e tic a l s a te llite n a m e d D a rk M o o n th a t s u p p o s e d ly o rb its E a r th .38
F o r th is re a s o n , so m e le ss in fo rm e d a s tro lo g e rs u se th e sa m e in te rp re tiv e a ttrib u te s in d is c r im in a te ly
(a s w e ll as th e sa m e s y m b o l) fo r a ll th re e e le m e n ts .

A n o th e r p o in t f re q u e n tly m e n tio n e d b y so m e a s tro lo g e rs is th e G a l a c t i c C e n t e r , w h ic h as th e n a m e

in d ic a te s , m a rk s th e p o s itio n o f th e g a la x y in r e la tio n to th e z o d ia c . It is c u rre n tly lo c a te d a t a b o u t
27 ° S a g itta r iu s (2 6 ° 51 ' in th e y e a r 2 0 0 0 ) a n d m o v e s at a v e lo c ity o f 1° e v e ry 72 y e a rs , th e ra te o f
p re c e s s io n . T h e in te r p r e tiv e in te r e s t in th is p o in t se e m s to b e m o re s y m b o lic th a n p ra c tic a l a n d t y p i­
c a lly r e fe rs to m u n d a n e a s tro lo g y .
Sym bol N am e
T h e V e r t e x , w h ic h g a in e d p o p u la r ity in th e 1 9 9 0 s,
a ris e s fro m th e in te r s e c tio n o f th e P rim e V e rtic a l
w ith th e e c lip tic in th e w e st. Its in te r p r e ta tio n is e x ­
tr e m e ly s p e c u la tiv e a n d is s o m e tim e s re f e r r e d to a s a
2 Black Moon o r Lilith

s o rt o f “ s e c o n d d e s c e n d a n t” a n d a s s o c ia te d w ith r e ­ Galactic Center

la tio n s h ip s . T h e o p p o s ite p o in t is k n o w n as th e
a n ti- V e r te x a n d n o in te r p r e ta tiv e m e a n in g is g iv e n to
it. V X o rV Vertex

F ig u r e 4 . S y m b o ls o f th e
M o d e r n N o n -p la n e t a r y P o in ts

37
The apogee is the point in the orbit o f the Moon, where it is at its greatest distance from the Earth.
3S
The Dark Moon, a hypothetical satellite o f the Earth, was proposed by the authors Goldstein and Jacobson.
 A jjy e n c fix 3

Minor Dignities, ZodtiacaC

Degrees, ana Acftfttionaf Tabfes
M in o r D ig n itie s

In addition to the dignities mentioned in Chapter V, there are others o f lesser im portance whose
p ractical application is more uncommon. Among these, the better known are the novenaria and the
doudecim a, both resulting from the division o f the signs by nine and 12 equal parts, respectively.

Sim ilar to the terms and the faces, these small segments o f the signs are ruled by a planet.

N o v e n a r ia

N ovenaria are 03°20' segments o f a sign resulting from its division into nine equal parts. The first
novenaria o f the zodiac (0°00'-03°20' Aries) is ruled by M ars; the follow ing novenaria are attrib ­
uted to the planets according to the order o f the dom iciles. In this way, Mars initiates the sequence
00°00’ 03°20’ 06°40’ 10°00 13°20’ 16°40' 20°00 23°20’ 26°40‘
because it rules the first
sign, A ries, follow ed by
TT d $ $ J o $ 9 d it
« b 9 V J 0 5 Venus, ruler o f the seco nd
b it d
H $ d it b b it d 9 5 sign (T aurus), M ercury
S j o 5 9 d it b b it (G em ini), the M oon (C an ­
D d $ 5> D 0 9 9 d it cer), the Sun (L eo), M er­
b b it cf 9 ? J O 5 cury again (V irgo), V enus
n. $ d it b b it d 9 S (L ibra), M ars (S co rp io ),
D 0 9 9 d it b b it Ju piter (S ag ittariu s), S at­
d 9 J O 5 9 d it urn (C apricorn), S atu rn
yy b b it d 9 5 J O 9 once again (A quarius) and
9 d it b b it d 9 ? finally Ju p iter (ru le r o f the
X J 0 5 9 d it b b it last sign, P isces). T he se ­
F ig u r e 1 . N o v e n a r ia
quence then beg in s ag ain
 2 2 2 /O h tfie H e a v c iify Sjifiercs

oo°oo 02*30’ 05*00’ 07*30’ 10*00' 12*30’ 15*00’ 17*30’ 20*00 22’ 30’ 2 5*0 0' 27*30’
w ith M ars, follow ed by V e­ A
T T b n SB n m z vy M
nus, M ercu ry , and so on b b n 0 rç
n vy T
un til all the nov en aria o f K n n n n nir z vy X T b
S Q rç Rlr z vy % T b K
th e 12 sig n s arc com pleted. Q n rç n nv Z vy T b H SB
rç rç nv z vy K T b n SB n
n. nt z vy X T b n SB n ni
T his w ay, w e obtain the n
ni q. z vy T b n SB n rç
“ u n fo ld in g ” o f the ru le r­ z z vy X T b n SB n rç m
? T SB n nt z
ship s th ro u g h o u t the z o ­ V vy b n rç
*** T b H SB a rç z vy
diac, w hich re peats the T b SB n u iL z vy
* _Q L _
c o m p lete seq u en ce nine
F ig u r e 2 . D u o d e n a r ia (b y S ig n )
tim es.
00*00 02’ 30’ 05*00’ 07*30’ 10*00' 12*30’ 15*00' 17’ 30’ 20*00 22*30’ 25’ 00’ 27*30’

D u o d e n a r ia o r *1“ d 9 9 P 0 9 9 d JU b b X
b 9 9 P 0 9 9 d b b d
D u o d e c im a e H ? P O 9 9 d X b b d 9
(T w e lfth -P a r ts ) SB i) O 9 9 d X b b X. d 9 9
Q 0 9 9 d Ju b b h d 9 9 P
rç 9 9 d b b d 9 9 P O
D u o d e n aria are segm ents n 9 d b b d X 9 9 p O 9
o f 0 2 °3 0 ' o f a sign, re s u lt­ d JU b b 9 d 9 0 P 9 9
Z b b 1 d 9 9 P 9 O 9 d
ing from its d iv isio n into V b b X d 9 P 9 O 9 9 d
12 eq u al p arts. To each J L b d 9 9 O P 9 d b 9 Ju
d 9 9 P 9 O 9 Ju b d b
d u o d e n a ria is a ttrib u ted
F ig u r e 3 . D u o d e n a r ia (b y P la n e t a r y R u le r )
one sign and the c o rre sp o n ­
dent p la n e ta ry ruler. In this
w ay, each sign in cludes w ith in its e lf a co m p lete zdiac, w ith all o f its ru lers. The first d u o d en a ria o f
each sign is alw ays given to the sign itself. T hus, the first 02°3 0 ' degrees o f A ries co rresp o n d to
A rie s, the first 0 2 °3 0 ' d eg rees o f T aurus co rresp o n d to T aurus, and so on. T he o th e r seg m en ts o f
each sign fo llow the n atural o rd e r o f the z o d ia c .F o r instance, the first d u o d en aria o f C an cer is a ttrib ­
uted to C ancer, the second to L eo, w hich is the fo llow ing sign in the zodiac, and then by V irg o , L i­
bra , S corpio, S ag itta riu s, C ap rico rn , A q u arius, P isces, A ries, T aurus, and G em ini. T he d u o d en a ria
can also be re p resen te d by th e ir p lan eta ry ru lers.

P r a c t ic a l A p p lic a t io n

A lth o u g h freq u en tly m en tio n ed by the an c ie n t auth o rs, the p ra c tic a l ap p lica tio n o f the n o v en a ria
and th e d u o d en a ria are seldom ex e m p lified . T hey can be a p p lied to any fa cto r in the ch a rt, p ro v id in g
a d d itio n a l in fo rm atio n to its d e lin ea tio n . F or ex am ple, the ru le r o f the no v en a ria and the sign o f the
d u o d e n a ria w h ere the M oon in p lace d c o n trib u te to the d e lin ea tio n o f the b e h a v io r o f an in d iv id u a l
(in a n a tiv ity ) or the u n fo ld in g o f the events in a h orary fig u re (in a h o rary q u estio n ).

F o r ex a m p le , the A sce n d an t o f F ried rich N ie tz s c h e ’s c h a rt is 29° S corp io. It is in a d u o d e n a ria o f L i­

b ra, and th e re fo re , th is sign and its ru ler, V enus, co n trib u te to d eterm in in g his m o tiv a tio n s. T he
d u o d e n a ria o f L ib ra su g g ests so cia b ility and co m m u n icatio n (m o v eab le air sign), w h ich he e x ­
p re sse d th ro u g h his id eals and b e liefs, as V enus is p o site d in the nin th house. It is, h o w e v er, co lo re d
b y rig o r, se v e rity (V irg o ), and also som e sadness (V enus is in fa ll). T he A sc e n d a n t is also p o site d in
a n o v e n a ria o f Ju p ite r. T his p la n e t is d ig n ified , w hich b esto w s upon him an id e a listic n a tu re w ith a
s tro n g se n se o f h o n o r an d d ig n ity . N o te, how ever, th at all th ese c o n sid e ra tio n s are alw ay s s u b o rd i­
n a te to the ru le r o f th e A sce n d an t and its co n d itio n s. W ith M ars, the ru le r o f the A sc e n d a n t p o site d
in V irg o in th e M id h eav e n , N ie tz sc h e w ished to su cceed in this p ro je c ts (ten th h o u se), a lth o u g h he
p ro je c te d a c o n tro v e rsia l im age m ark ed by c riticism (M ars).
 A p j m u û x 3 /2 2 3

A n o th er exam ple: In the ch art o f K ing Sebastian, the A scendant falls into a d u o d en a ria o f L eo,
w hich g iv es him an assertiv e, im posing, and conquering m anner. H ow ever, the d u o d e n a ria ’s p la n e ­
tary ru ler, the Sun, is deb ilita ted in A quarius, som ew hat lim iting this assertiv en ess and ta in tin g it
w ith arro g an c e. T he A scendant is posited in a novenaria o f Saturn, w hich is also the ru le r o f the A s­
cen d an t, and th ere fo re corro borates and reinforces its traits.

T h e D e g r e e s o f th e Z o d ia c a n d t h e ir P r o p e r t ie s

A c co rd in g to the trad itio n , the in div idual d egrees o f each sign also contain sp ecific q u a litie s th a t a l­
low fo r g re a te r d etail in delineation. D egrees can be classified as fem inine or m ascu lin e, fo rtu n a te ,
o b scu re, v o id, lum in ous, etc. This level o f detail is used only in specific d elin ea tio n s and ra re ly ta b ­
u lated in the stu d y o f an astrological chart.

T he tab les p re sen ted here are the m ore com m only used, but stu den ts should keep in m ind th a t th ere
are sev e ral o th e r versio ns, as in the case o f the term s.

It is im p o rta n t to note that the tables pro vided in this ap pendix p resen t the re al value o f the d eg ree.
F or in sta n c e , the third degree o f the table starts at 03 o 0 0 '0 0 " and ends at 0 3 °5 9 '5 9 " . T his d iffe rs
from the tab les p re sen ted in ancient books, w here the num ber 3 usu ally m eans the th ird d eg ree o f a
sign, th at is from 0 2 °0 0 '0 0 " to 0 2 °5 9 '5 9 ".

M a s c u lin e a n d F e m in in e D e g r e e s

T h ese d eg rees are u seful in aiding the d escription in ho rary astrology. T hey can help d eterm in e g e n ­
der, a c c o rd in g to the p o sitio n o f the sig n ificato r in a m asculine or fe m inine degree.

L ig h t, D a r k , S m o k y
a n d V o id D e g r e e s

T hese d egrees are also u sed to d e­

scrib e in d iv id u a ls (g e n e ra lly in the
c o n tex t o f a h o ra ry ch a rt) and th eir
in te rp re ta tio n is v ery stra ig h tfo r­
w ard . T he lig h t d eg rees in d icate
lig h te r or pale sk in, d ark d eg rees
sig n ify d a rk e r c o m p le x io n , and
sm oky deg rees su g g est in te rm e d i­
ate to n es. In som e d e lin e a tio n s th ey
are also u sed fo r a e sth e tic e v a lu a ­
tion: a lig h t d eg ree su g g e sts b e a u ty
and harm o n y o f th e fa ce, a sm o k y
d eg ree is a ss o c ia te d w ith a v e ra g e
looks, and a d ark d e g re e w ith in h a r­
m o n io u s fe atu res. O b v io u s ly , th e se
d e sc rip tio n s re fle c t an a e s th e tic
o f b e a u ty th a t w as p ro b a b ly c u ltu r ­
ally sp e c ific to H e lle n is tic an d M e ­
d ie v a l E u ro p e , an d w o u ld h a v e to b e
a lte re d to re fle c t th e c u ltu ra l s ta n ­
d ard s an d m o res o f to d a y .
 2 2 4 / O n th e H e a v e n fy S p h e r e s

T he v oid d e g re e s have to do w ith in­

telle c tu a l c a p a b ilitie s. I f the A scen­
dant and the M oon arc posited in
v oid d e g re e s, th ey suggest lim ited
u n d e rsta n d in g (to be considered
v a lid , th is in fo rm atio n m ust be co r­
ro b o ra te d by o th e r fa ctors in the
ch art).

N ote: the light degrees arc som e­

tim es d esig n a te d “ lu c id ” o r “lum i­
n o u s"; the dark degrees arc also
ca lle d “ te n e b ro u s" o r “ o b scu re."

P it te d D e g r e e s
A c co rd in g to the trad itio n , a planet
p o sited in one o f these degrees is
lik e a p erso n at the bottom o f a pit,
that is, b lo ck ed and im m obilized. A
sig n ific a to r p o site d in a p itte d d e ­
g ree d e sc rib e s a p erson, an anim al,
o r a situ a tio n that is im ped ed , re ­
stra in e d , and unable to overcom e
the p ro b lem w ith o u t help.
F ig u r e 5 . L ig h t , D a r k , S m o k e y , a n d V o id D e g r e e s

A z e m e n e o r U n lu c k y D e g r e e s
<
V*
.
W TO*
* 1-
If XT IT
*■-- > I • ' ■I - ■ P itied degrees

S om etim es called “d e fic ie n t” or y y x 5°, 10°, 15°, 22°. 28°

_ _ y
“h a n d ic a p p e d ” deg rees, they are
also used in the d esc rip tio n o f in d i­ b" — 7- -7 ~ 7- •--Tl ■ 7
4°, 11°, 23°, 24°

vid u als. T hey in d icate co n g en ital 1°. 11°, 16°. 25°. 29°
pro b lem s, such as d isto rted lim bs, ... T T- r-.-T 7

b lin d n ess, d ea fn ess, in cu ra b le d is ­ s’ ■ T T -..

11°. 16°. 22°. 25°. 29°

eases, and sim ila r p roblem s. T he

A scen d an t and the M oon, as w ell as
n T i
Ï .1 , -1 _i. __ 7*i T
5°, 12°, 14°, 21°. 22°, 27°

th e ir re sp e c tiv e ru lers, p o site d in m 7°, 12°, 15°, 20°, 22°

th ese d eg rees su g g est som e kind o f
p h y sical d efo rm ity .
n. *r; y„ i** y *
0°, 6°, 19°, 29°

F o r tu n a te D e g r e e s
nb ...T r ^ X . . . T ^ 7 ^ 7
8°. 9°. 21°, 22°. 26°

A s the n am e su g g ests, th ese degrees 6% 11°, 14°, 23°, 26°, 29°

in d ic a te good fo rtu n e and w ealth ,

an d re p re se n t fo rtu n a te in d iv id u a ls
rr L7
6°, 16°, 21°, 23°, 28°

o r a b u n d a n ce. 10°. 11°, 16°, 21°, 22°, 28°

.. -T.. ..7 ^ . , 7 -

K 3°. 8°, 23°, 26°, 27°

F ig u r e 6 . P itte d D e g r e e s
 Ayyencüx 3/225

w
r. P itte d d e g re e * A d d itio n a l T a b le s

«r 5 °, 1 0 °, 1 5 °, 2 2 °. 2 8 °
»r
__ V a r ia n ts o f th e T e r m s

•r
7 i ■i
■r
4 °, 1 1°, 2 3 ° . 2 4 ° The exact arrangement o f the P tole­
maic terms presents some problem s
or 1°. 11°, 1 6 ° . 2 5 ° . 2 9 ’
T •r. T IF
and it is still a m atter o f debate, as
or >r IV
11°. 1 6 ° . 2 2 ° . 2 5 ° , 2 9 ° several versions exist. The various
T - •r T . .
extant tables vary with respect to
5°, 12°, 1 4°, 2 1 °, 2 2 °, 2 7 °
or
- 1
t . *
«r »r »r
' 1 ■—
W the number o f degrees o f each term
7°, 12°. 1 5 °, 2 0 °, 2 2 ° and to the sequence o f the planetary
or •r >r *r V
rulers. As no original version o f
or
• ■ W . .. ,
>r
0 °, 6°, 1 9 °t 2 9 ° Ptolem y’s T e tr a b ib lo s has sur­
7
vived, there is no way to determ ine
8°. 9°. 2 1 °, 2 2 °. 2 6 °
or 1 'T .• | i -. 1 •• with certainty which o f the several
or 6 °. 11°, 1 4 °, 2 3 ° , 2 6 ° , 2 9 ° fragments available presents the
r •T . T correct version o f the table o f terms.
6 °, 1 6 °, 21 °, 2 3 °, 2 8 °
or
T Î ’1 1

1 0 °. 1 1°, 1 6 °. 2 1 ° , 2 2 ° . 2 8 ° The more dissem inated versions

» oM
7 7 ►r
were the one presented in the F. E.
or «r >r >r
3 °. 8°, 2 3 °. 2 6 °. 2 7 ° Robbins translation (see bibliogra­
phy), and the one included in C h r is ­
F ig u r e 7 . A z e m e n e (o r L a m e ) d e g r e e s tia n A s tr o lo g y by W illiam Lilly.

0V OS* 10* 13*

_______ L_<_____ 1_______ J___ ____
y 25*

K 9 „ $ d' h
j L i if 1 . ,—

b
• d
9 . JF i r XT

X i . 9 , ■ d j-b .
4 9 ,K
G if- « ■
_9 J d y
Q •11 1. !
k d„
m
n. K 9r V /U 7 1d7
9 'i
1 ”■ 1 - r
A

V? 9 .
,
9
7 7 ,r
7 d
r 7^*1 | »
9 ,.
F ig u r e 9 . P to le m a ic t e r m s fr o m
F ig u r e 8 . F o r tu n a te D e g r e e s Tetrabiblos
( o r D e g r e e s o f I n c r e a s in g F o r tu n e ) (tr a n s la tio n o f F . E . R o b b in s )
226/On tfic Heavenly Sjdicrcs

As a curiosity, wc also 20* - 25*

10* 15*
S* 10* IS* 20* 25*
10* O cKT 05»
--
include in this book a Î " v „
à 9«• ?
A

9T w ? y| d.”*1 by
third version which ap­ T v T »r
-1
- H — H - - + -r- - H - t ' - W 1 | j i t-> -4 -r -
pears in several Iberian
w orks, among them O s b 9 b ,9 .. S , i ^ 4 A
A lm a n a q u e s de M a- i„ .9 .
r
TT A , i., 9„
r fyr
d r id ( f r o m the paper O s
i 4 r 9 À
A lm a n a q u e s d e M a d r id ,
TT. y i • s r f -
r 9 .A
Luis A lbuquerque, Junta 9T V
n S -l 5 „ A A A Q A VI i r’ nir
de I n v e s tig a te s do 1’-t1«■
•-t-T ->
11H’■ 1' I1 : i I « i • i ? • i

U ltram ar, Coimbra ?A l

JZL 9» ir rtr A A rn ? .. A A
1961).
n. c 9A -
A A Pl K
C C |' -
3v nr
A- : A 4 Z Î > r '? -4
1? A r ïï]> r-r t |-rr 1 r|-> i-----

■i.X.lV
-..| y i9 i V * ,r b . < l
, 9„.
! . i— 1— !' l i l :----- i - H — ;—
b,,.
V? $
__t ,r --H
A A y? 9. $.tr ir
t r i ■ 1— :
-r-H -------- ■ i t

A , ?1,r T9 » ■A A i ^ T i
c ’»• . d
77tv
I | i i i

; . ■9-I .; . A A X A \ $ rA A

F ig u r e 1 0 . P t o le m a ic te r m s fr o m F ig u r e 11 . T a b le o f P t o le m a ic te r m s
W illia m L illy ( th ir d v a r ia n t )
 IX

A fjjje n c fix 4

A d d ï t i o n a h C o n s id e r a tio n s
C o n c e r n in g th e H o u s e s
T h i s a p p e n d i x f o c u s e s o n so m e t e c h n i c a l a s p e c t s p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e h o u s e s. T h e o b j e c t i v e h e r e i s t o
c o v e r v a r i o u s q u e st i o n s an d t h e r el a t e d r am i f i c a t i o n s t h a t a r i se i n a s t r o l o g i c a l p r a c t i c e w i t h o u t a d ­
d r e s s i n g t e c h n i c a l d e t a i l s t h a t ar e b e y o n d t h e sc o p e o f t h i s b o o k . A l so i n c l u d e d i n t h i s se c t i o n i s a
s u p p l e m e n t f o r h o u se i n t e r p r e t a t i o n t h a t i n c l u d e s t h e t r i p l i c i t y r u l e r s .

B r i e f N o te s o n th e O r ig in a n d D e v e lo p m e n t o f th e H o u s e s

D e sp i t e t h ei r i m p o r t an c e i n d el i n eat i o n , th e ast r o l o g i c al h o u ses h ad a r el at i v el y l at e d e v el o p m en t .

T h i s i s e x p l a i n ed b y th e d i f f i c u l t y t h at ex i st s i n p r ec i sel y d e t er m i n i n g t h e d eg r ee o f t h e A sc en d a n t ,
w h i c h i s a p i v o t a l e l e m e n t i n t h e c a l c u l a t i o n o f t h e h o u ses. B e f o r e a c c u r a t e c a l c u l a t i o n s e x i s t e d , a s ­
t r o l o g e r s h ad r ec o g n i z ed th e i m p o r tan c e o f th e an g l es an d b ased t h ei r i n t e r p r e t a t i o n s o n t h e r i si n g ,
c u l m i n a t i o n , a n d s e t t i n g o f t h e s t a r s. H o w e v e r , a t t h i s s t a g e , t h e a s t r o l o g i c a l h o u s e s h a d n o t c o m e
i n t o u se.

T h e f i r st h o u se sy ste m s o n l y a p p ea r a r o u n d t h e 2 n d c e n t u r y B .C . w i t h t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e m a t h ­
e m a t i c a l c a l c u l a t i o n o f t h e A sc e n d a n t . T h e o l d e st w a s t h e w h o l e h o u se sy st e m , i n w h i c h a w h o l e z o ­
d i a c a l si g n i s m ad e to eq u al o n e h o u se. I n t h i s sy stem , t h e d eg r ee o f t h e M i d h eav e n i s n o t c o n s i d ­
e r e d . W i t h t h e d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e r e q u i si t e m a t h e m a t i c s, t h e q u a d r a n t sy st e m s (e x p l a i n e d i n d e t a i l
b e l o w ) b eg an to ap p ear . Q u ad r an t sy stem s i n g en er al , m ak e t h e A sc e n d an t an d M i d h e a v e n t h e c u sp s
o f t h e f i r st an d t en t h h o u ses, r esp ec t i v el y . T h i s m et h o d o f c a l c u l a t i o n d et er m i n e s t h e a n g l e s w i t h
p r e c i si o n b u t l eav es o p en t h e q u est i o n o f h o w to d et er m i n e t h e r em a i n i n g h o u se c u sp s. S e v e r a l
h o u se sy st em s t h u s d ev el o p ed to ad d r ess t h i s q u est i o n , w h i c h to t h i s d ay c o n t i n u e s u n d e r sc r u t i n y .

T h e c h a n g e f r o m t h e w h o l e- si g n h o u se sy stem t o a q u a d r a n t sy st e m c o i n c i d es w i t h a se r i e s o f d e v e l ­
o p m en t s i n ast r o l o g y r esu l t i n g f r o m ev er - m o r e p r ec i se m ea su r em en t s. O n e o f t h e se i s t h e a t t r i b u ­
t i o n o f o r b s to t h e p l an et s. T h e i m p r o v em en t o f m at h em at i c al c a l c u l a t i o n s, w h o se h i s t o r i c a l d e t a i l s
a r e n o t c o m p l e t e l y k n o w n , si g n a l s th e b i r t h o f a st r o l o g y as w e k n o w i t t o d a y .
 228/O h tftc Heavenly Sjjfteres

T h e P r o b le m o f H o u se S y stem s

D if fe r e n t M e th o d s o f D iv isio n
As m athem atics and astronom y developed,
several m ethods for calculating the house
cusps em erged. Throughout history, as­
trologers have developed different m eth­
ods for dividing the sky. Currently, they
are still in disagreem ent as to the most ef­
fective m ethod.

V a r io u s H o u s e S y ste m s
There arc two categories o f house division:
the n a t u r a l d i v i s i o n and a q u a d r a n t d i v i ­
s i o n . The system s o f natural division take a
reference point— usually the A scen­
dant— and divide the sky into 12 equal
parts from that point. The most well known
and utilized system s under this class are Figure 1. Whole-sign System
the w h o l e - s i g n and e q u a l house systems.

The w hole-sign system , also known as the

sign-house system , is the oldest. It takes
the whole sign that is rising as the first
house, the next whole sign as the second
house, etc. This division does not use the
exact A scendant degree, nor the
M idheaven for its cusps.

The equal house system takes the degree o f

the A scendant as the first house cusp, the
same degree o f the next sign as the second
house cusp, and so on successively. All o f
the houses therefore have exactly 30 de­
grees and all begin w ith the same degree o f
consecutive signs. The degree o f the
M idheaven is not used as the tenth house
cusp.

The quadrant system s take the degree o f

the A scendant as the first house cusp and
the degree o f the M idheaven as the tenth house cusp. The differences betw een these system s lie in
the m anner in w hich they divide up the quadrants (sem i-arcs) to obtain the cusps o f the succèdent
and cadent houses. These are known as interm ediary houses because they are situated betw een two
angles.

T here are tw o m ethods used to define the interm ediary houses: divide the space, or divide up the
tim e. T hus, w hile some divide the space into slices betw een the A scendant and the M eridian, others
divid e the ascensional tim e from the zodiacal degree rising. There are various ways to do these cal­
cula tio ns, all o f w hich produce different house system s. The m ore w ell-know n m ethods o f spatial
 A y y c n d ix 4 )2 2 9

division are the R e g i o m o n t a n u s and

C am p an u s, and the m ost w ell-know n
m ethods o f tem poral d iv isio n are
P la c id u s , A lc h a b it iu s , a n d K o c h .

There are two oth er system s o f house d iv i­

sion: P o r p h y r y and T o p o c e n t r i c . T he
P orphyry system is one o f the old est q u a d ­
rant system s; it directly divides the e c lip tic
into th ree parts usin g the d istan ce s b e ­
tw een the A scendant-M idheaven arc and
IC -A scendant arc. The T o p o cen tric system
w as created in the 20th centu ry and m akes
a very com plex d iv isio n from refere n ce
poin ts located on the surface o f the E arth .

M o st P o p u la r S y ste m s

A lthough th ere are m ore than 20 know n

house system s, the truth is th at th ro u g h o u t
F ig u r e 3 . Q u a d r a n t S y s te m
h istory only a handful have a c tu a lly been

NATURAIS Equal Houses fwodu*£ç u «jb»j

OR
SIMBOLIC 1
SYSTEMS
Main axes (A SC. M C )
Whole Sign o r Sig n-House
are p a rta ’y
considered

ECLIPTIC DIVISION
SYSTEMS Porphlrius
Divide the quadrants
House through the ecliptic
division <
methods

SPATIAL DIVISION C am panus

SYSTEMS
Divide one of the R egio m o ntanu s
groat circles

QUAD RAN T
SYSTEMS
P lacidu s
Main axes (A SC. M C ) TIM E DIVISION
are both considered SYSTEM S
K o ch
Divide tho sem i-arc
trough time
AJchabttius

OTHERS T o p o cen tric

F ig u r e 4 . M a in h o u s e s y s t e m s
 230/0)1 tfic Heavenly Splieres

used. T he o ld est is the w h o le-sig n or sig n-h ouse system , w hich is very sim ple and ea sy to calc u late.
It w as so p o p u la r that its ra tio n a le is the basis for all the technical foundations o f astrology. Even
w hen the q u ad ran t sy stem s becam e the norm , it w as alw ays kept in use as an au x iliary system . Its
use is c lea rly d o cu m en te d u n til the end o f the M iddle A ges.

T he P o rp h y ry sy stem ap p e ars to be the one m ost used by G reek authors o f the 1st m illennium o f the
C h ristia n Era. L ater, d u rin g the M id dle A ges and until the 16th centu ry, the A lcabitius house system
began to be m ore com m only used. N e v ertheless, from the second h a lf o f the 15th ce n tu ry , the
R eg io m o n ta n u s system becam e the m ost popular.

T he p re fe re n c e o f one system o v er an o th er is due to several factors. The A lcabitius system (a lso

know n as “ the an c ie n t sy ste m '’) seem s to ow e its use to the sim plicity o f its m athem atics and to its
very c le a r p rin c ip le s. In the 15th centu ry, w hen A rabic techniques fell out o f favor and w ere d is ­
crim in a te d a g a in st (m ore fo r p o litica l and natio n alistic reasons than for astro lo g ica l ones), the
R eg io m o n ta n u s system , w hose logical p rin cip les are also clear and sim ple, su pplanted it. T he fact
that the tables n eeded to ca lc u la te this system w ere w idely pu blished becam e one m ore reaso n fo r its
p o p u larity . T he e x isten c e o f re ad ily av ailab le tables saved the p ra c titio n e r a great deal o f tim e o th ­
erw ise w asted in the m an ual c a lc u latio n s o f the A lcabitius system . The R egiom onta nus house d iv i­
sion w as w id ely used until the dec lin e o f astro lo g y at the end o f the 17th ce ntu ry.

C u rre n tly , the h ouse d iv isio n system m ost in use is P lacidus, w hich w as created in the 17th cen tu ry
by the m ath em atician P lacid u s o f T itis. H ow ever, th is system only becam e w id esp read at the end o f
th e 19th ce n tu ry w hen it w as in clu d ed in R a p h a e l’s T ables, w hich at the tim e w ere the only ones in
circ u la tio n . T he ease o f refere n ce (c ouple d perhaps by the lack o f know ledge by m any p ra c titio n e rs
o f o th e r house sy stem s) c o n trib u ted tow ard m aking P lacidus the p rim ary house system .

B ecau se the cu rren t astro lo g ic a l so ftw a re p rogram s allow fo r the ca lc u latio n o f m any house system
d iv isio n s, o th e r system s have begun to co m pete w ith P lacidus fo r prim acy. O f these, the m ost p o p u ­
la r are K och (c rea te d in the 20th cen tu ry ) and R egiom ontanus (reco v ered by som e p ra c titio n e rs o f
trad itio n a l astro lo g y ). T he A lc a b itiu s system , used th ro ughout this w ork, is equ ally a p p ro p ria te to
trad itio n a l astro lo g y , alth o u g h fo r the tim e bein g it is not as w ell re p resen te d as R eg io m o n ta n u s.

W h ic h is t h e B e s t S y s t e m ?

T his is an open q u estio n . D iffe re n t a stro lo g e rs p o in t to d iffe ren t house system s and all have re a so n ­
ab le re aso n s fo r th e ir ch o ices. Som e state th at one should use d iffe re n t system s for d iffe re n t p u r­
p o ses o r tech n iq u e s; o th ers d isag re e, m ain tain in g th at the a stro lo g ica l system sh o u ld be co n siste n t
an d th at th e re fo re th e sam e h o u se sy stem should be used in all b ranches o f astro lo g y . T he an sw e r
w ill m ost ce rta in ly be fo und in p ra c tic e , as a stro lo g ic a l kn o w led g e re co v ers its in te g rity and e x p e ri­
m e n tatio n p ro v id e s new data p e rta in in g to this q u estion.

H ig h e r L a titu d e s

A n o th e r p ro b le m th a t astro lo g y faces w ith re g ard to ho u se system s is the m a tte r o f h ig h e r latitu d e s.

A s o n e g ets c lo se r to the p o les, m ost h o u se system s becom e p ro g re ssiv e ly m ore d isto rted . T h is h a p ­
p e n s b ec au se at v ery h igh latitu d e s th ere are d eg rees o f the ec lip tic th at n ev e r rise on the horizon.
F o r th is re aso n , w hen one re ach e s la titu d e s g re a te r than 66°, m ost house sy stem s b re ak dow n b e ­
c a u se it b ecom es im p o ssib le to c a lc u la te h o u se cusps. C harts ca lc u la te d fo r ex trem e latitu d e s often
h av e a M id h eav e n th a t is v ery “c lo s e ” to the A sce n d an t. In som e cases, the d eg ree o f the A sce n d an t
an d the deg ree o f th e M id h eav e n m ay even c o in cid e , w h ich m akes a q u a d ra n t h o u se c a lc u la tio n im ­
p o ssib le .
 Ap jm u û x 4/ 231

F ig u r e 5 . D if f e r e n t L a t it u d e s O r ig in a te D if f e r e n t A s t r o lo g ic a l H o u s e s

This extrem e distortion o f the houses (which ends up suppressing some o f them ) results from the
discrepancy betw een the duration o f night and day at those latitudes. In truth, the w eakness o f the
system is a direct reflection o f the life conditions in those regions o f the globe, w here at certain
tim es o f the year the Sun does not rise, while at others, it never sets.

T e c h n ic a l N o t e s o n T r a d it io n a l H o u s e S y s te m s

A lc a b itiu s
The A lcabitius house system gets its name from the A rabic m athem atician A bu al-S aqr al-Q ab îsî
‘A bd a l-‘A zîz ibn ‘Uthman (c. 967), known in the w est as A lcabitius. A lthough this auth or w as not
in fact the creator o f this method o f house division, it is described quite clearly in his w ork. To the
trad itio n al authors this was known as the ancient method and the earliest evidence o f its use ap p ears
in the Byzantine period (6th century C.E.).

V ery sim ply, the m ethod consists o f dividing the arc or right ascension o f the A scen d an t in to th ree
equal parts. To obtain the cusps o f the twelfth and eleventh houses, divide the arc o f ascen sio n from
the A scendant to the M idheaven; that is, divide the sem i-arc that the zodiacal d eg ree, risin g at th at
m om ent, w ill traverse until it culm inates at the m eridian (M idheaven).
 232/On tfic Hcawnfy Spftercs

T h e f ifth a n d s ix th h o u s e s a re o b ta in e d
d ir e c tly from th e eleventh and tw elfth h o u ses
b ecau se th ey arc at d iam etrically o p p o site
points. T o obtain th e cusps o f th e seco n d and
th ird h ouses (and th eir o p p o sites, th e eig h th an d
ninth) identically div id e the sem i-arc b etw e en
th e A scen d an t and the IC.

R e g io m o n ta n u s
T h is s y s te m o f h o u s e d iv is io n b e c a m e v e r y
p o p u la r a f t e r 1 4 9 0 , w h e n its f ir s t h o u s e t a ­
b le s w e r e p u b lis h e d . It g e ts its n a m e fro m
its p r o p a g a to r , th e m a th e m a ti c ia n J o h a n n
M ü ll e r ( 1 4 3 6 - 1 4 7 6 ) , k n o w n b y h is L a tin
nam e R e g io m o n t a n u s . As w ith th e
A lc a b iti u s m e th o d , R e g io m o n t a n u s w a s
n o t its c r e a to r , b u t r a th e r th e o n e w h o p o p ­
F ig u r e 6 . A lc a b itiu s S y s te m
u la r i z e d th e s y s te m , s in c e c e n t u r i e s e a r l i e r
s o m e A r a b ic a u t h o r s m e n tio n a s i m i l a r
m e th o d .

T h e e x p l a n a tio n f o r th is m e th o d is a b it
m o r e c o m p le x th a n th e p r e v i o u s o n e a n d
r e q u ir e s s o m e k n o w le d g e o f c e l e s t i a l r e f ­
e r e n c e p o in ts . It c o n s is ts o f th e d i v i s i o n o f
th e c e le s t i a l e q u a t o r 3 9 in to 12 e q u a l p a r t s ,
u s in g th e h o r iz o n ( A s c e n d a n t) a n d th e m e ­
r id ia n ( M id h e a v e n ) a s r e f e r e n c e p o in ts .
T h e n th e s p a c e is d iv id e d in to “ s l i c e s , ” u s ­
in g th e p o le s o f th e p r im e v e r t i c a l . 4 0 T h e
c u s p s o f th e i n te r m e d ia r y h o u s e s a r e f o u n d
a t th e p o in ts w h e r e e a c h “ s l i c e ” i n t e r c e p t s
th e e c lip t ic .

F ig u r e 7 . R e g io m o n ta n u s S y s te m

T h e T r ip lic itie s o f th e H o u se s

T r a d i t i o n a l i n t e r p r e t a t i o n is v e r y d e t a i l e d w h e n it c o m e s to th e h o u s e s o f th e h o r o s c o p e . In a d d i t i o n
to th e s ig n o n th e c u s p o f e a c h h o u s e , th e p l a n e t s l o c a te d in th e m , a n d th e r u l i n g p la n e t, t r a d i t i o n a l
a u t h o r s a l s o i n c l u d e th e t r i p l i c i t y r u l e r s in i n t e r p r e t a t i o n ; th a t is , th e th r e e p l a n e t s t h a t r u l e o v e r th e
e l e m e n t o f th e s ig n o n th e c u s p . T h e s e p l a n e t s d e e p e n a n d p r o v i d e s p e c i f i c s a b o u t th e i n t e r p r e t a t i o n
o f e a c h h o u s e . E a c h o f th e t h r e e t r i p l i c i t y lo r d s h a s “ r u l e r s h i p ” o v e r o n e o f th e t o p i c s o f th e h o u s e ,
w h ic h a l lo w s u s to i n t e r p r e t in g r e a t e r d e t a i l a l l o f th e to p ic s a s s o c i a t e d w ith t h a t a r e a . I n p r a c t i c e ,
th e t r i p l i c i t y r u l e r s c o m p l e m e n t th e d e l i n e a t i o n o f th e h o u s e s a n d g iv e d e t a i l s a b o u t s p e c i f i c m a t t e r s

39
The celestial equator is an extension into the celestial sphere o f the terrestrial equator; it divides the celestial sphere
into tw o equal parts.
4G
The prim e vertical is a circle that divides the celestial sphere at the center, cutting it from East to W est and passing
through the Zenith and N adir.
 AyycntCix 4)233

or tim es w hen the them es o f the houses are activated. For exam ple, the first ruler o f the trip lic ity o f
the sev en th house re la tes to m arriage and rom antic partners; the second triplic ity ru ler gives in d ica­
tions about c o n flic ts and all m anner o f co nfro ntations; the third refers to business partn ers and legal
m atters (c o n tracts, etc.). T hese m eanings arc obviously subord inated to the m ore general m eaning
o f the house, in d icated by the planets located in the house and by the ruler o f the house.

The m eanings o f each trip lic ity are show n below . A lthough som e authors have m inor d eviations
from these a ttrib u tio n s, the table we p re sent includes the m ost frequently cited m eanings. N ote: the
m eanings fo r the tenth, eleventh, and tw elfth houses vary considerably from author to author.

T h ir d T r i p l i c i t y |
H ouse F i r s t T r ip li c i ty S e c o n d T r ip li c i ty

Life and nature o f the

The body and its Sim ilar to the
individual, his or her
First strength; the second previous two; the
wishes and tastes; the
third o f life third third o f life
first third o f life

W ealth in the W ealth in the m iddle W ealth in the later

Second
beginning o f life part o f life part o f life

Older brothers; M iddle brothers; Y ounger brothers;

T hird
brothers in general knowledge, learning short travels

Fourth father Property and estate The end o f things

Y ounger sons;
O lder sons; sons in M iddle sons; pleasure m essages,
Fifth
general and love am bassadors,
presents

1 Sixth Infirm ities Servants, w orkers Sm all anim als

M arriage, partners, Business associates

Seventh Conflict and confront
sex and legal m atters

1 Eighth Inheritances,
Death O ld things
enterprises, anguish

Travel and Religion, honesty, D ream s, vision,

N inth
peregrination faith, dream s w isdom , know ledge

B rings sta bility to the

Fam e, dignities,
The m other, the oth er sig n ificato rs o f
T enth honours, boldness
profession this h o u se,
and style o f action
reco g n itio n

E leventh Hopes Friends, allies G race, b e n efits

Tw elfth Enem ies Sadness and sorrow B ig a n im als

 234/ On tlie Hca w nfy Sjificres

H o w to D e t e r m in e T r ip li c it y R u le r s
T he first step in id e n tify in g the rulers o f
the trip lic itic s is to determ in e the clem ent
o f the sign on the cusp o f the house being
stu d ied . F or each elem en t there arc three
ru lin g p la n e ts, as w as m entioned in C h ap ­
te r VI (sec F ig u res 8, 9, and 10 in that
c h a p te r). T he second step is to determ in e
w h e th e r the c h a rt is diurnal or nocturn al.
A s w as stated , th is d istin c tio n is o f crucial
im p o rta n c e fo r in terp re tin g , since it alters
the o rd e r o f the ru lcrsh ip s. F or exam ple, if
th e cusp o f a h ouse is occupie d by a fire
sign in a d iu rn al ch art, the first ru le r o f the
trip lic ity w ill be the Sun (the diurn al
trip lic ity ), the second w ill be Ju p ite r (the
n o ctu rn a l trip lic ity ) and the third w ill be
S atu rn (th e p a rtic ip a tin g trip lic ity ). In a
n o c tu rn a l chart, the sequence is Ju p iter
C h a r t 1. N a tiv ity o f F r ie d r ic h N ie tz s c h e
(n o c tu rn a l), the Sun (d iu rn a l), and S aturn
(p a rtic ip a tin g ).

I n te r p r e t a tio n E x a m p le s
In N ie tz s c h e ’s chart, the n inth ho use starts at 12° Leo 2 5 '. S ince it is a fire sign in a diu rn al ch a rt, the
trip lic ity ru lers are (in th is order) the Sun, Ju p iter, and S aturn. T hus, the Sun has ru lersh ip o v er m at­
ters p e rta in in g to trip s, J u p ite r has ru lersh ip ov er faith, re lig io n and b eliefs, and S aturn rules w is­
dom and dre am s. F o llo w in g is the c o n d itio n o f th ese planets:

• T he Sun (ru le r o f trip s) is p o sited in the elev en th house, w hich, to begin w ith, su g g ests a
c o n n e ctio n b etw een trip s and a llies. In fact, N ietzsc h e trav eled ex ten siv e ly th ro u g h o u t
E urope and ev en ad o p ted S w iss n a tio n a lity w hen he w as in v ite d to lecture at a u n iv e rsity
in th at cou n try . H ow ever, the Sun is very d eb ilita te d (in fall in L ibra and square S atu rn ),
w hich m eans th at his trav e ls also in v o lv ed a good deal o f d issa tisfa c tio n . T here is a
p erm a n en t in co n stan c y (L ib ra is a ca rd in al sign) and m any d iffic u ltie s (sq u a re w ith
S aturn ). T he m a jo rity o f his trav e ls w ere a search fo r a fa v o rab le clim ate fo r his h ea lth
and th o u g h ts— a clim ate w hich he n ev e r found.
• J u p ite r (ru le r o f fa ith ) is in the fo urth h ouse, d ig n ifie d in P isces, w hich in d icates faith ,
h o nor, and d ig n ity . N e v e rth e le ss, J u p ite r is o p p o site M ars and M ercury, w hich in d ic a te s a
critic a l and b e llic o se a ttitu d e in the ex p ressio n o f these them es. T he h arsh n ess o f his
w ritin g is v ery w ell know n. In a d d itio n , J u p ite r is retro g rad e , w hich su g g ests re tra c tio n s
in his attitu d e to w ard faith and re lig io n .
• S atu rn (ru le r o f w isdom ) is also d ig n ifie d in A q u a riu s, w hich im plies a p ro fo u n d and
h ig h ly q u a lifie d u n d e rsta n d in g , a lth o u g h c o lo re d by a large d eg ree o f in d iv id u a lism . T he
id eas th at he a d v o c ated had little ac c e p ta n c e w h ile he w as alive.

A n o th e r exam ple:

In th e h o ra ry “ Is th is h o u se a good p u rc h a se ? ” (see C h a p te r X IV ) the seco n d ru le r o f the fourth

h o u se p ro v id e s fu rth e r d e ta ils ab o u t im m o v ab le p ro p e rty .
 A y y c n d i x 4 /2 3 5

Since this is a diurnal chart w ith earth on

the cusp, the sequence o f trip lic ities is V e­
nus, M oon, and M ars. The M oon, ru ler o f
the second trip licity is therefore sig n ifi-
cato r o f im m ovable property, and is d e b ili­
tated because it is in C ap rico rn (its d e tri­
m ent), cadent in the w eak tw elfth house,
and opposition Saturn. This co n fig u ratio n
indicates that the property is not o f good
quality. This indication corro b o rates the
actual ruler o f the fourth house, V enus,
w hich is d ebilita ted in S co rp io , co n ju n ct
the South N ode, and feral.

N ote: For the beginner in horary astro lo g y ,

there m ay be som e confusio n abo u t the re l­
ative im portan ce o f all the ru lers o f a
house: the ru ler, ex altatio n , alm uten,
trip licity , etc. O ur sug g estio n is that the
C h a r t 1 2 . H o r a r y ch a rt: “ Is th is h o u s e
in itial in terp re tatio n be m ade solely w ith
a good p u rch ase?”
the ru ler o f the house. T he trip lic ity s ig n i­
fic a tio n s o f the houses are alw ays secondary in re la tio n to the ru le r o f the sign. I f this ru ler is w eak,
the trip lic ity ru lers, even if stro ng, can only am eliora te this w eak ness. By co n tra st, the p ow er o f a
w e ll-p o sitio n e d ru ler can never be nullified by w eak trip lic ity ru lers. F urtherm ore, the in te rp re ta ­
tio n o f the ru lers should alw ays be fram ed w ithin the app ro p riate chart co n tex t (sin ce the in fo rm a­
tio n g iv en by the trip lic ity lords it is not alw ays p ertinent). The co rrec t in teg ra tio n o f all the ru lers
o f a h o u se follow s sp ecific rules o f d elineation that are beyond the scope o f this book.

C o - s ig n if ic a to r s o f th e H o u s e s

T h is is a system that associa te s planets to the houses sym b o lically , ac co rd in g to the C h ald ea n order:
S a tu rn is giv en to the first house, thus re p resen tin g the en clo su re o f the soul in the p h y sic a l body;
J u p ite r to the second o f w ealth; M ars to the third o f bro th ers; the Sun to the fo u rth ho u se o f the fa ­
th e r; V enus to the fifth o f pleasures; M ercury to the sixth, the house o f slav es; the M oon to th e s e v ­
e n th o f m arriag e; S aturn to the eighth o f death; Ju p ite r to the n in th o f re lig io n ; M ars to th e te n th o f
a c h ie v e m e n ts; the Sun to the eleventh house o f friends and hopes; and V enus to th e tw e lfth , s ig n ify ­
in g v ic e s, ac co rd in g to som e authors.

In th e o ry , each co -sig n ific ato r acts as a natu ral sig n ific a to r o f the m atters ru led by th a t h o u se , b u t in
p ra c tic e o nly a few are used in d elin eatio n o f the houses:

H ouse C o -s ig n ific a to r U sa g e a s n a tu r a l s ig n ific a to r o f th e m a tte r s o f th e h o u s e

F irs t not used
Second 4 used as the n atu ra l sig n ific a to r o f w e a lth an d p ro s p e rity
T h ird cT used as the n atu ra l s ig n ific a to r o f b ro th e rs a n d tra v e ls (in
this re g ard the M oon is also u se d to s ig n ify s is te rs as
w ell as travel)
F o u rth ]) used as the n a tu ra l s ig n ific a to r o f fa th e rs (to g e th e r w ith
Saturn )
236/On t(ic Hcawitfy Sjiftercs

Fifth 9 (used only as a natural significator o f pleasure; in matters

o f fertility it is used with Jupiter and Moon as a benefic
planet and not as co-significator o f the fifth)
Sixth S (used only as a natural significator o f employees)
Seventh D used in the delineation o f relationships and m arriage as a
natural significator o f women (in female charts it is
replaced by the Sun)
Eighth (used only as a natural significator o f death)
N inth used as the natural significator o f religion and law
Tenth O' not used
Eleventh O not used
Tw elfth 9 not used

The signs can also be considered as co-significators o f the houses. Thus Aries is co-significator o f
the first, Taurus o f the second, etc. In practice, this association is used only in the delineation o f ill­
ness, and each house corresponds to that part o f the body ruled by the sign which is its
co-significator. For exam ple, the third house corresponds to the arms and shoulders, the parts o f the
body assigned to the sign o f Gemini.
 A p p e n d ix 5

Minor Aspects and Aspect

Configurations
M in o r A s p e c t s

In a d d itio n to the five aspects already studied (conjunction, opposition, trine, square and sextile), there are
the so -called m in o r aspects. These aspects w ere initially proposed by astrologer/astronom er Jo hannes K ep­
ler (1 5 7 1-1630), w ho considered other divisions o f the sphere besides those acknow ledged in the tradition.
T h ese aspects are derived from the division o f the circle (the zodiac) by 5, 8, 10, and 12. T he div ision by 5
p ro d u ces the quintile (72°), from w hich w e also get the biquintile (144°). T he div ision b y 8 produces the
sem i-sq u are (45°) and the sesquiquadrate (135°). The division by 10 generates the sem iquintile (36°), also
k now n as the decile, from w hich derives the sesquiquintile (108°), also know n as thetridecile. A s to the d iv i­
sion by 12, it produces the sem i-sextile (30°) and the quincunx (150°). M ore recently (20th century) tw o new
m in o r aspects have arisen in astrological circles, the septile and the novile, p roduced from the div isio n o f the
zo d iacal circle by 7 (51° 2 7 ’) and by 9 (40°).

T h e a ssim ilatio n o f these aspects into astrological circles w as gradual. Som e w ere quickly receiv ed , su ch as
the q u in cu n x and the sem i-sextile, w hile others w ere never popularly incorporated. T he q u in c u n x an d
sem i-sex tile are special cases. In contrast w ith the other m inor aspects, these tw o aspects are d irectly re la te d
to the sy m m etry o f the zodiac (see the chapter on aspects). They are the so-called in co n ju n cts w h ic h th e tra ­
d itio n do es n o t consider legitim ate aspects. D espite this, som e authors giv e th em m eanin g: the se m isex tile is
sim ilar, alth o u g h w eaker, to the sextile, and the quin cunx has a m oderately m alefic nature. O th e rs g iv e th e m
b o th the m ean in g o f instability and disconnect, w hich is in agreem ent w ith the n atu ral state o f in c o n ju n c tio n
th at relates to the signs that they connect. T he rem aining m in o r aspects are b ased u p o n m a th e m a tic a l a n d
g e o m etric a l concepts, thereby com pletely losing the traditio nal relationship b etw een sig ns. F o r th is re a so n ,
th e y w ere n ev er considered to be o f great im portance. T he classical au th o rs so m etim es u se th e m in d ire c ­
tio n s, 41 b u t in terpret the com bination o f planets involved, instead o f the actu al asp ect; fro m th e a sp e c t o n e
sim p ly d erives the ease or difficulty o f the aspectu al relationship.

41
F o r exam ple, W illiam Lilly, in C h r is tia n A s t r o l o g y (see B ibliography).
 2 3 8 lO u th e H e a v e n ly S p h e r e s

It w as o n ly in the 20th century that specific m eanings w ere given to the m inor aspects. T hese attributions
w ere n e v e r based upon the relationships betw een the signs, as is the ease in the tradition, but rather upon fac­
tors external to the g eom etry o f the zodiac. Som e aspects derive their m eanings from num erical sym bolism .
F o r ex am p le, since the num ber five is associated with creativity in num ber sym bolism , it is assum ed that the
aspects resu ltin g from the division by 5 (quintile and biquintile) m ean creativity (although the definition o f
w hat it m eans to have a “creative" relationship betw een tw o planets is never clearly defined). The septile as­
pects are g iven the m eaning o f fate, destiny, or fatality from the sym bolism o f the num ber seven. O ther as­
pects get th e ir m eanings from the geom etric divisions o f the m ajor aspects. For exam ple, the sem iquadrate
and the sesquiquadrate, both derived from the square, m ean tension and friction; the novilc, w hich is a third
o f the trine, receives from the latter the m eaning o f harm ony and success.

N o orbs arc used w ith the m inor aspects because the range o f the orbs w ould intersect w ith various aspects.
O nly very close aspects arc considered (no larger than 2° or 3°). In any event, any interpretation that is attrib ­
uted to th em is alw ays less im portant in the larger context o f the chart.

M in o r A s p e c t S y m b o ls

A s w ith the m ajo r aspects, there are conventional

sym bols fo r the m in o r aspects, although not all astrol­ (Myph M m Angle
ogers are in ag reem en t about them . Figure 1 show s the
m ore c o m m o n ly used glyphs. Semi-sextile 30°

7^ Quincunce 150®
P a r a lle ls a n d C o n t r a p a r a lle ls

Parallels are p lanetary relationships that derive from Semi-square 45°

the d eclin atio n o f the planets, m eaning th eir position
north o r so uth o f the celestial equator. Conceptually,
Q Sesquiquadrate 135®

they are co m p letely different from the aspects, w hich Q Quintile 72°
are based up o n the position o f the planets on the eclip ­ 4* Blquintile 144°
tic, th at is, on the zodiac. Tw o planets are in p arallel if
both are equally distant from the celestial equator 1 Sem l-quintlle 36®
(they have the sam e declination). Planets in parallel
4s Sesquiqulntile 108®
are b oth north o r south o f the celestial equator, w hile
in cases w h ere one is north and the o th er south, but s Septile 51° 26’
equally distan t from the celestial equator, they are
contraparallel. G enerally, an orb o f 1° is used. B elow N Novile 40®
are the gly p h s fo r the parallel and contraparallel. F ig u r e 1. M in o r A s p e c t G ly p h s

N am e G ly p h
H a r m o n ic s
Parallel II
T he harm onics concept developed as a p a rt o f a
C ontraparallel #
statistical study regarding aspects. H arm onics is a
system used to detect patterns in the m in o r aspects
In term s o f in terp retatio n , a parallel is treated sim ilarly
and to in terpret th em according to num erological
to the co n ju n ctio n and a contraparallel as an o p p o si­
sym bolism . This w ork, developed by B ritish as­
tion. T his co n cep t is a m o d em derivation o f antiscia.
tro lo g er John A ddey (1920-1982), am ong others,
A lth o u g h it’s receiv ed som e attention, th ose that use it
receiv ed som e acceptance in the 1970s, alth ough
in th eir p ractice are few in num ber.
it w as n ev er w id ely used by practitioners. A l­
th o u g h interesting, harm onics m ixes elem ents o f
statistics w ith geom etry and nu m ero lo g y and has
little in com m on w ith the traditional astrological
system .
 A y jj c n d ix 5 f2 3 9

A s p e c t C o n fig u r a tio n s

It is very com m on to find the aspects o f a horoscope grouped into geometric patterns (triangles, rectangles,
diam onds, etc.) T he interpretation o f these patterns, known as “aspect configurations” is not a part o f tradi­
tional astrology. U ntil the beginning o f the 20th century, astrologers did not routinely trace aspects in a
chart. It w as only w hen the graphical representation o f aspects becam e popular that astrologers began to
h ighlight these patterns and attribute m eanings to them. This new approach led to the patterning o f aspect
co n figurations and to th eir interpretations as geometric figures w ithout actually considering the planets in ­
volved. T his shift in focus resulted in a change in interpretative priorities: the focus was rem oved from the
planets (w hich produce the dynam ic relationships o f the horoscope) and instead was placed on the aspects
and th eir co nfig urations. F rom such an approach, one can only obtain generalized interpretations, w hich are
c o n tin u ally m ore abstract and rem oved from the unique m eaning o f each chart. The fascination that these
g eo m etric designs have engendered in new students ends up distracting them from the m ore im portant e le­
m ents o f a chart. A lth ough they do not belong to the tradition, w e m ention the aspect configurations here b e ­
cause th eir use (and abuse) is com m on practice in astrology.

T -sq u a re a n d G ra n d C ro ss

Both configurations are com prised o f squares

and oppositions and therefore represent ten ­
sion. The T-square is com prised o f three p lan ­
ets: two are in opposition to each other and the
third that squares them both. The figure form s a
right isosceles triangle.

The grand cross is a derivation o f the above

configuration: to the triangle is added a fourth
F ig u r e 2 . T -s q u a r e a n d G r a n d C r o s s planet, w hich opposes the third. T he co m b in a­
tion form s a square w ith a planet on each co r­
ner, diagonally criss-crossed by tw o
oppositions.

G r a n d a n d S m a ll T r in e s

T hese tw o co nfig urations are com rpised o f d if­

ferent trines and therefore indicate harm o n y
and ease. T he grand trine is a triangle fo rm ed
by planets that are 120° from each other. T h e
sm all trine is a m in o r version o f the g ran d trin e
F ig u r e 3 . G r a n d T r in e a n d S m a ll T r in e
in w hich tw o planets in trine fo rm sex tiles to a
third.

The com b in atio n o f tw o g rand trines re su lts in a

configuration know n as the “ S tar o f D a v id .” It
integrates six p lan ets, all at 60° an g les fro m o n e
another, fo rm in g a six -p o in ted star. T h is is a
co n fig u ratio n that is rarely fo rm ed in th e sk y , to
w hich w as g iv en the m e a n in g o f g o o d fo rtu n e
and luck. In practice, its p o w e r is m o re im a g i­
nary than real.

F ig u r e 4 . T h e S t a r o f D a v id
 2 4 0 / O h th e H e a v e n ly S p h e r e s

O th er com m on config uration figures arc the

kite and the p o p u la r m ystic rectangle. The lat­
ter w as all the rage in astrological circles w hen
som e students began to relate this configura­
tion w ith “a notew orthy spirituality” (inde­
pen d en tly o f the planets involved!). O bviously,
this is an exaggeration. Even D ane Rudhyar,
the astro lo g er w ho nam ed it, said regarding its
use: “A t first 1 called it a ‘m ystical re c ta n g le ...
. L ater, I realized the inadequacy o f the ten u ,
that it w as co nfusing, especially considering
the w ay it has been used and abused o f late.”42

I f w e add the m in o r aspects to the m ajor ones, the num ber o f configurations increases, as does the im agina­
tion o f som e authors w ho attribute nam es and sym bolism to them.

B ecause the planets involved in the aspect configurations are considered to be less im portant than the g eo ­
m etric pattern s that th ey create, it has becom e com m on practice to include the trans-satum ian planets, p lan e­
toids, lunar N odes, and o ther m inor elem ents in order to
“co m p lete” these figures. This obviously increases the T h e H u b er M eth o d

ch an ces o f finding “rare” and “exotic” patterns, w hile si­ A lso know n as astrological p sy ch o lo g y 4 3 , this
m u ltan eo u sly dim in ishin g even furth er th eir significance m ethod w as created by B runo and L ouise
and m eaning. H uber around the m id 20th century. Its inter­
pretation is based largely upon aspect co n fig u ­
It is fair to suppose that these co nfig urations m ay indi­ rations, thereby creating a specific m eth o d ­
cate a degree o f tension o r fluidity involved in the d y ­ ological approach to the horoscope. It consists
nam ic interactions o f the chart and that th ey m ay even o f studying the types o f co nfig urations form ed
rep resen t legitim ate relationships betw een the planets. by various aspects and giv in g th em elaborate
H ow ever, they alw ays need to be in terpreted from the m eanings. F or this purpose, m ore th an 30 g eo ­
persp ectiv e o f the planets and not as in dependent p at­ m etrical configurations w ere catalogued. This
terns in them selves. It is the planets that form the aspects; m eth od is also a derivation o f the traditio nal
therefore, it is w ith th e m th at w e an ch o r the delineation, system and includes very specific p aram eters,
not w ith the aspect. N evertheless, the great m ajority o f nam ely as it relates to orbs and house system s.
practitioners delineate the p attern by its e lf w ithout p a y ­
ing p ro p er attention to the plan ets involved— and therein lies a m istake. F o r exam ple, a chart that has a
T -square is interpreted as tense an d problem atic, w hile one w ith a grand trine is seen as harm onious and
fluid. A lth o u g h th ere is truth to th ese interpretations, th ey are m eaningless if the nature o f the planets in ­
volv ed an d th eir fu nction in the ch art are not consid ered. A T -square betw een the M oon, V enus, and Jupiter,
for exam ple, w ill not p resent great tension, w hile a grand trine betw een M ars, Saturn and the M oon w ill
n ev er be com pletely carefree and easy.

42
R u d h y a r, D ane. A s t r o l o g i c a l A s p e c t s . A u t q t v l P ress. S an ta F e, N M . 1980.
43
N o t to b e co n fu se d w ith p sy ch o lo g ical astro lo g y , as th is te rm en c o m p a sse s sev eral v ariatio n s o f astro lo g ical p ractice
b a se d o n , o r re la te d to, p sy c h o lo g y .
 A p p e n d ix 6

Pfanetary Hours
A c c o rd in g to the a stro lo g ica l tradition the p lan ets and th eir attrib u tes are presen t in every asp ect o f
life. C o n se q u e n tly , every day o f the w eek is under the dom inion o f one p lanet. T he first day,
S u n d ay , is c o n se cra te d to the Sun, the m ost im portant o f the cele stia l bodies. M onday is ded ica ted
to the M oon, T u esday to M ars, W ednesday to M ercury, T hursday to Ju p iter, F rid ay to V enus and
S a tu rd a y to S aturn .

T his a stro lo g ic a l ru lersh ip can be found in the nam es given to the day s o f the w eek. In F ren ch and in
S p a n ish this a sso c ia tio n is quite evident. L undi and Lunes (M onday), o rig in ate from the L atin term
l u n a , m ean in g M oon; M ardi and M artes (T uesday) com e from m a r s ’, the re m a in in g days o f the w eek
fo llo w the sam e pattern , as can be seen in th eir nam es; the only ex cep tio n is S unday (D im anche,
D o m in g o , re sp ectiv ely ) w hich derives its nam e directly from the L atin term d o m i n u s , w h ich m eans
L o rd , as in day o f the Lord. As to the w ord S aturd ay, it deriv es from the H ebrew term s h a b b a t h ,
w h ic h re fe rs to the day o f Saturn (w hich in H ebrew is called S h a b b a t h a i ) .

T h e A n g lo -S ax o n nam es derive m ostly from northern d eities: T uesd ay is T iw ’s day (a god o f w ar,
lik e M ars), W ednesday is W o tan ’s (o r O d in ’s) day (god o f w isdom w hich is tak en in this re g a rd as
e q u iv a le n t to M ercury), T uesday is T h o r’s day (god o f th u n d ers, lik e Ju p ite r) and F rid a y is F re y a ’s
o r F r ig g ’s day (goddess o f love, sim ilar to V enus). Sunday and M onday are very o b v io u sly S u n ’s

F ig u r e 1 . T h e D a y s o f t h e W e e k in S e v e r a l L a n g u a g e s

W eek D a y P la n e t L a tin F rench S p a n is h

Sunday Sun Sole D im anche D o m ingo
M o n d ay M oon L una L undi L u n es
T u e sd a y M ars M artis M ardi M a rte s
W e d n e sd a y M ercury M ercurii M ercred i M ié rc o le s
T h u rsd a y Jup iter lovis Jeu d i Jueves
F rid a y V enus V eneris V e n d red i V ie rn e s
S a tu rd a y Saturn S atu rn i/S ab atu m S am ed i Sâbado
 242/On the Heavenfy Spheres

d ay and M o o n ’s day.

Ju st as the days have p lan etary ru lers, the hours arc also ruled by the planets. The p lan etary ru lers o f
the h o u rs arc assig n ed according to the ord er o f the celestial spheres, or C haldean order: S aturn , Ju ­
p ite r, M ars, Sun, V enus, M ercury and the M oon. The first hour o f each day determ in es the p lanetary
ru le r that ru les the en tire day. For instance; the first hour o f Sunday, the day o f the Sun, is attrib u ted
by the Sun, and the en tire day is there fo re , under its dom inion. To determ in e the hour ru lers o f the
re m a in in g hours one ju s t has to follow the order o f the spheres. T herefo re, after the hour o f the Sun
co m es the h o u r o f V enus (seco nd hour o f the day), then the hour o f M ercury (third hour), then o f the
M oon (fo u rth hour), o f S aturn (fifth hour), o f Ju p iter (sixth hour) and o f M ars (seventh hour). A fter
the sev e n th h o u r the sequence re peats itself: the eighth hour is again ru led by the Sun, the ninth by
V e n u s, the tenth by M ercury , the eleventh by the M oon and finally the tw elfth by Saturn.

At the end o f the tw elfth p lan eta ry hour the Sun sets, and Sunday night beg in s. H ow ever, the se ­
q u e n c e o f p lan eta ry hours con tin u es w ithout in terruption: afte r the tw elfth hour o f S aturn fo llow s
the th irte e n th hour o f Ju p iter, w hich is also the first plan etary hour o f the night; so, the night o f
S u n d ay is ruled by Ju p iter. W e have in this m anner, a day o f the Sun (S un-day), to w hich c o rre ­
sp o n d s the night o f Ju p iter. The night o f Ju p ite r begins in the th irteen th hour, ru led by Ju p ite r, fo l­
low ed by the fo u rteen th hour, o f M ars (second o f the night), the fifteen th hour, o f the Sun (th ird o f
the n ig h t), the six teen th hour, o f V enus (fourth o f the n ight), the sevente enth hour, o f M ercury (fifth
o f the n ig h t), the eig h tee n th hour, o f the M oon (sixth o f the night), the n in etee n th hour, o f Saturn
(se v en th o f the n ig h t), the tw en tieth hour, again o f Ju p ite r (e ig hth o f the night), the tw e n ty -first
ho u r, o f M ars (ninth o f the n ig h t), the tw en ty -seco n d hour, o f the Sun (tenth o f the n ig h t), the
tw e n ty -th ird hour, o f V enus (elev en th o f the night), and finally the tw en ty -fo u rth hour, o f M ercury
(tw e lfth o f the night).

A fte r the tw en ty -fo u rth p la n ­

eta ry hour, the Sun rises
ag ain and a new day b egins,
in this case M onday. As
S u n d ay ends w ith an h o u r o f
M ercury, M onday b egins
w ith one h o u r ru led by the
M oon, the nex t p la n e t in the
C h ald ean ord er. T h erefo re,
M onday is the M o o n ’s day.

T he seq u e n ce o f p la n e ta ry
hou rs c o n tin u es u n in te rru p t­
edly. It can be re p re se n te d by
a sp ira l w hich rep eats its e lf
ev e ry w eek.

E v e ry d ay (a p e rio d o f 24
h o u rs) h as a d iu rn al ru le r and
a n o c tu rn a l ru ler. T h ese p airs
o f ru le rs are alw ay s the sam e
fo r ea ch d ay o f the w eek b e ­
c a u se th e seq u e n ce o f p la n e ­
ta ry h o u rs n e v e r ch a n g es. F ig u r e 2 . T h e E n d le s s C y c le o f th e P la n e ta r y H o u r s
 Ayjjcndix 6/243

F ig u r e 3 . D a y a n d N ig h t P la n e ta r y R u le r s The correlation betw een the days o f th e w eek

and the p lanetary hours m ay be re p resen te d by
D iu r n a l N o c tu r n a l
a seven pointed star form ed by the seven p la n ­
W eek D a y R u le r R u le r
ets (see figure 4). T he cen tral arrow s show the
S unday o 4 sequence o f the days (and n ights) o f the w eek.
M onday D 9 The outer arrow s show the sequence o f p la n e ­
T uesday cT h tary hours.
W ednesday y O
P la n e ta r y H o u r s a n d O ffic ia l H o u r s
T h ursday 4 D
It is im portant to note that the p la n e ta ry day s
F riday 9 O’ and hours do not co rresp o n d to the o ffic ia l
S aturday h y days and hours. T he astro lo g ic a l c a le n d a r is
defin ed by the natura l m ovem ents o f the p la n ­
ets, and the o ffic ia l ca le n d ar is b ase d upon
standard tim e. A c cordingly, the astro lo g ic a l
days begin at sunrise and end at su n set (and o f
course the astro lo g ica l nights b eg in at su n set
and end at sunrise), w hile the o ffic ia l days run
from the OOhOO (m idnight) o f one day to the
OOhOO hours o f the next. T herefo re, alth o u g h
M onday o ffic ia lly begins at OOhOO, a s tro lo g i­
cal M onday only begins at sunrise (u n til th en,
it is still S unday night).

The plan etary hours, like the hours o f a su n ­

dial, are su n -b ased and co n seq u en tly th ey too
are dep e n d an t upon the len g th o f the day as
tim ed from sun rise to sunset. The length o f
F ig u r e 4 . T h e S t a r o f P la n e t a r y D a y s a n d H o u r s
each hour depends upon the length o f the day
(fro m su n rise to sunset), w hich changes thro u g h o u t the year. At the tim e o f the sp rin g eq u inox, day
an d n ig h t have the sam e d u ration; thus, both diu rn al and n octurnal hours co n tain 60 m inutes each.
F rom then on, the diu rn al hours incre ase g rad u ally every day as days becom e lo nger. C o n v ersely ,
the n o ctu rn a l hours decrease as nights becom e shorter. T he cu lm in atin g po in t occurs at the sum m er
so lstic e , w hen w e get the longest day and the sh o rtest night. D uring th is tim e o f the year, the d iu rn al
h o u rs reach th eir longest du ratio n and the n o ctu rn al hours th e ir shortest.

A fte r the so lstic e, the days grad u ally sho rten and the nights len g th en , and c o n se q u en tly so do th e ir
h o u rs. By the autum n eq uinox, days and nights once again have the ex act sam e d u ra tio n (60 m in u te s
fo r each hour). B ut the day s continue to d ecrease un til the sh o rte st day o f the y e a r is re a c h e d at th e
w in te r so lstic e (the lon g est nig h t o f the year). A t this tim e, d iu rn al hours are sh o rt and n o c tu rn a l
h o u rs long. A fte r that, there is a grad u al increase o f the day (and a co rre sp o n d e n t s h o rte n in g o f the
n ig h t), un til balan c e is ac h ie v ed once m ore at the sp rin g e q u in o x — sta rtin g the c y c le all o v e r a g a in .

In sum m ary, in sum m er the d iu rn al p lan eta ry hours are lo n g er and the n o c tu rn a l h o u rs are sh o rte r,
an d in w in te r the s itu atio n is re v ersed , w ith sho rt d iu rn al p la n e ta ry hou rs and lo ng n o c tu rn a l h o u rs.

T h is m eth o d o f m ark in g tim e is co m p letely d iffe re n t from th at o f o ffic ia l h o u rs, w h ic h a lw a y s la s t

60 m in u te s, re g ard less o f the season o f the year. It is o nly at the e q u in o x es th a t the p la n e ta ry h o u rs
an d the o ffic ia l hours co in cid e, th at is, w hen days and nig h ts in b o th sy stem s h av e th e sam e e x a c t
d u ra tio n .
 244jO n the Heavctify Spheres

C a lc u la tin g th e P la n e ta r y H o u r s

To c a lc u la te the p la n e ta ry hours o f a given day it is necessary to know the exact tim e for sunrise and
su n set o f th at day and also fo r the next d a y ’s sunrise. This in fo rm ation is easily found in a stro n o m i­
cal a lm an a cs, in som e new spapers, and in official reports published by the astronom ical o b se rv a to ­
ries. To c a lc u la te the diu rn al planetary hours o f a given day it is necessary to sub tract the sunrise
h o u r from the su n set ho u r in order to obtain the length o f that day. T his value is then divided by 12,
to o b tain the length o f each hour. Then add this num ber to the sunrise hour and each su ccessiv e hour
th e re a fte r in o rd e r to determ in e the beginning o f each p lanetary hour.

F o r e x a m p le , u sin g Jau ary 1, 2006 in Lisbon:

S u n rise at: 7 hours 55 m inutes

S u n set at: 17 h ours 26 m inutes (a lw ays use m ilitary tim e by adding 12 to the PM hours)

T h e re fo re , the day had a du ratio n o f 9 hours and 31 m inutes (17h26m - 7h 55m = 9h 26m )

S in ce w e have 12 d iurnal hours, it is necessary to divide 9h 31m by 12.

To m ake it e a sie r the m inutes can be co nverted to a decim al by c ro ss-m u ltip ly in g :
So, th e 31 m in u tes co rresp o n d to 0.52 hours.

I f o n e h o u r c o r r e s p o n d s to 6 0 m i n u t e s , t h e n :

1 h — 60m
a — 31m a = (31 x l)/6 0 = 0.52h

T his n um ber is ad ded to the 9 hours, to obtain 9.52 hours.

T hen d iv id e 9.52 by 12, th us o b tain in g 0.7 9 hours. T his w as the length o f each d iu rn al p la n e ta ry
h o u r on th at day, fo r L is b o n ’s latitu d e . C o n v ert this v alue back to hours and m inutes: 0.79 hours
co rresp o n d to 4 7.6 m inute s.

F o llo w in g th e s a m e p r in c ip le :

1 h — 60m
0.79 h — b b = (0 .7 9 x 60)/1 = 47 .6 m

It is th e re fo re 47 .6 m in u tes, w h o se d ec im a l m ay be c o n v e rted to seconds: 0.6 m inutes is eq u al to 36

seco n d s.

I f o n e m i n u t e c o r r e s p o n d to 6 0 s e c o n d s , t h e n :

1 m — 60s
0 .6 m — c c = (0.6 x 60)/1 = 36s

T h e re fo re , ea ch p la n e ta ry h o u r h ad th e d u ra tio n o f 47 m in u te s e 36 se c o n d s.
 A y y e n d ïx 6 /2 4 5

H our B e g in s at H our B e g in s a t R u le r H our B e g in s a t R u le r

1st 07h 55m 1st 07h 55m 0 13th 07h 55m o
2nd 08h 42m 36s 2nd 08h 42m 36s 9 14th 08h 42m 36s 9
3rd 09h 30m 1 Is 3rd 09h 30m Ils 3 15th 09h 30m I l s 5
4th lOh 17m 46s 4th lOh 17m 46s D 16th lOh 17m 46s D
5 th H h05m 21s 5th H h05m 21s h 17th U h05m 21s
6th H h52m 56s 6th H h52m 56s u 18th I lh 5 2 m 5 6 s
7th 12h 40m 31s 7th 12h 40m 31s cT 19th 12h 40m 31s cf
8th 13h28m 06s 0
8th 13h 28m 06s 0 20th 13h28m 06s
9th 14h 15m 41s 9th 14h 15m 41s 9 21st 14h 15m 41s 9
10th 15h 03m 16s
10th 15h 03m 16s y 22nd 15h 03m 16s 5
11th 15h50m 51s
11th 15h 50m 51s D 23rd 15h50m 51s D
12th 16h 37m 26s
12th 16h37m 26s h 24th 16h37m 26s
end 17h 26m 00s
end 17h 26m 00s end 17h 26m 00s
F ig u r e 5 . C a lc u la tio n F ig u r e 6 . C a lc u la t io n E x a m p le : F ig u r e 7 . C a lc u la t io n E x a m p le :
E x a m p le : A t t r ib u t in g th e D iu r n a l H o u r s R u le r s D e te r m in in g a n d A tt r ib u t in g th e
D e t e r m in in g th e D iu r n a l N o c tu r n a l H o u r s R u le r s

H ours

From this value, we can calculate all the diurnal planetary hours for that day. To determ ine the be­
ginning o f the second hour, merely add 47 minutes and 36 seconds to the sunrise hour; to obtain the
beginning o f the third hour, one simply adds another 47 m inutes and 36 seconds to the beginning o f
the second hour, and so on.

Now determ ine the planetary ruler for each hour. January 1, 2006 occurred on a Sunday, the day
ruled by the Sun. Therefore, the Sun is also the ruler o f the first hour. The rulers o f the rem aining
hours follow the Chaldean order as shown in Figure 6.

A sim ilar m ethod is used to obtain the nocturnal hours. The length o f the whole night is calculated
by subtracting the sunset hour from the hour o f sunrise on the next day from. As we did with the di­
urnal hours, we have to divide that value by 12 to obtain the length o f each nocturnal hour. This
value is then added to the moment o f sunset, and each hour thereafter, to determ ine the beginning o f
each nocturnal planetary hour.

For exam ple, for January 1, 2006, we would consider the hour o f sunset ( 17h 26m) and the hour o f
sunrise the next day, January 2 (7h 55m, the same as the day before).To subtract 17h 26m (or 5:26
PM in m ilitary time) from 7h 55m (7h 55m - 1 7h 26m) it is necessary to first add 24 hours to the su n ­
rise hour; therefore, 7h 55m + 24h 00m = 31 h 55m.

N ow calculate the total length o f the night: 31 h 5 5 m - 17h 26m = 14h 29m. Then we convert the 29
m inutes to a decim al, thus obtaining 0.48 hours, w hich are then added to the 14 hours. The resu lt is
14.48 hours, which now have to be divided by 12, to obtain the duration o f each noctu rnal p lan etary
hour. The result is 1.21 hours, which correspond to 1 hour 12 m inutes and 25 seconds.

N ow follow the same procedure as for the diurnal hours to determ ine the start o f each hour; the C h al­
dean sequence is picked up at the same point where it had previously left o ff (see F igure 7).

The first hour o f the night is ruled by Jupiter, therefore, this planet is the noctu rnal ru ler.
 246/On tlic Heavenly Syfieres

P r a c tic a l A p p lic a tio n

T he p la n e ta ry hou rs arc used to determ ine the quality o f a given m om ent in tim e. T hey arc m ainly
u sed in h o ra ry astro lo g y and in astrological electio ns. In m undane and natal astro lo g y th eir ap p lic a ­
tion is m ore lim ited. In a nativ ity , the day and hour rulers are used to assess the e ssential qu alities o f
the n a tiv e by co m b in in g the q u alitie s o f these p lanetary ru lers to the overall d elineation.

In h o ra ry a stro lo g y they are used to determ in e the v alidity o f the question. I f in a given hora ry chart
th e ru le r o f the p lan eta ry hour has no affinity w ith the ru ler o f the A scendant, or has no pro m inence
in the ch a rt w h a tso e v er, it suggests that the question was inadequately expressed or that it d o e sn ’t
m ake sen se. It is how ever, in astrological electio ns that the planetary hours are m ore w idely a p ­
p lie d , a ssistin g in the selectio n o f the m ost suitable m om ent.

G e n e r a l M e a n in g s o f th e P la n e ta r y H o u r s
T he hou rs ruled by Saturn arc alw ays app ro p riate for deep th ought, the o rg an izatio n o f id eas, and
th e p erfo rm an c e o f tasks that re q u ire patience and discip lin e. They can re p resen t som ew hat d e­
p re ssin g m om ents due to the m elan ch o lic nature o f the planet. In practical term s, they also in dicate
good m om ents fo r in itia tin g a g ric u ltu ral ac tiv ities and for m aking plans a g a in st o n e ’s enem ies.
T hey arc not a p p ro p ria te for the start o f any kind o f treatm ent, for taking m edication, nor fo r sp ea k ­
in g to the au th o ritie s; they arc also in ap p ro p ria te fo r any ty pe o f c o n stru c tio n , as w ell as the fo rm a­
tio n o f p a rtn e rsh ip s or m arriages.

T he h ou rs ruled by Ju p ite r are p ro p itio u s fo r any kind o f v en tu re or endeavor. T hey are the ideal m o­
m ents for the ex p an sio n o f o n e ’s h o rizo n s and for in cre asin g insp iratio n . T hey are tem p erate and se ­
ren e h o urs, fa v o rab le fo r any ex ch an g e o r m atters re lated to m oney, as w ell as for b u sin ess, travel,
m ed ica l trea tm e n ts, c o n stru c tio n , and sow ing. T hey also in dicate good m om en ts to atten d to m atters
o f pea ce and ag reem en ts, frie n d sh ip , and governm ent.

T he hours ruled by M ars are m om ents o f actio n , con q u est, and b egin n in g s. T hey are th e re fo re good
fo r in itia tin g a trea tm e n t o r fo r tak in g m ed icatio n . T hey fa v o r all kinds o f w ork in v o lv in g fire.

T asks re q u irin g asse rtiv e n e ss and c o m p etitio n are the m ost a p p ro p ria te at these m om ents, but it is
n e c e ssa ry to be ca u tio u s o f m isu n d erstan d in g s and co n flic ts. T hey do not fa v o r n e g o tia tio n s or
trav e l, and those th in g s th at are also in a p p ro p ria te fo r the Saturn hours.

D urin g the hours ru led by the Sun, it is a p p ro p riate to engage in ac tiv itie s re la ted to en e rg y and le a d ­
ersh ip . T hey are fa v o rab le fo r the in itia tio n o f pu b lic ac tio n s w hich re q u ire v isib ility . T hey are
th e re fo re b e n e fic ia l m om ents fo r sp ea k in g to the p o w e rfu l. T he S u n ’s p la n e ta ry hours are n eu tra l
fo r o th e r m atters, n am ely for b u sin ess, a sso c ia tio n s, m arria g es, and co n stru c tio n .

T he m om ents ru led by V enus are a p p ro p ria te fo r a c tiv itie s re la te d to harm ony, b ea u ty , p le a su re , so ­

cia l c o n ta c ts, and re la tio n sh ip s. T hey are the m ost in d ic a te d m om ents fo r b u y in g je w e lry and all
m a n n e r o f a d o rn m e n ts, le isu re a c tiv itie s, and all a c tiv itie s com m only attrib u te d to w om en, such as
em b e llish m e n ts. T h ey are also e x c e lle n t fo r m a rria g es and p a rtn e rsh ip s, as w ell as fo r sp ea k in g to
su p e rio rs and to w om en in g en e ral. D ue to th e ir jo y fu l and ca re le ss n atu re , they are n o t a p p ro p ria te
fo r a c tiv itie s d e m an d in g g re a t se rio u sn e ss and effo rt.

M e rc u ry h o u rs are good fo r c o m m u n icatio n as w ell as fo r sig n in g do cu m en ts. T hey are a p p ro p riate

fo r stu d y , w ritin g , te ac h in g , and learn in g in gen e ral. T h ey are lik ew ise in d icated for b u sin ess tra n s­
a c tio n s, com m erce, and all m an n er o f ex c h an g es an d c o n n e c tio n s, and fa v o r all re q u e sts, in clu d in g
 A p p e n d ix 6 )2 4 7

p ra y ers and m arriage pro posals. They are also good for treatm ents and travel, p artic u la rly b u sin ess
travel.

T he hours o f the M oon favor all so-called dom estic activities, p articula rly the a c q u isitio n and h a n ­
d ling o f food. T hey are p ro pitious for all activities requirin g im agination (from the in v en tio n o f u s e ­
ful p ro d u c ts, to less reco m m en ded activities such as fraud and treason). T hey are also b e n e ficial for
en te rp rise s req u irin g sw iftness, but unfa vorable to the ones dem anding stability.

C o m b in in g P la n e ta r y D a y s a n d H o u r s

T he sig n ific a tio n s o f the ruler o f the day and the ruler o f the hour m ust be com bined to ac h ie v e a
m ore co m p re h en siv e u ndersta ndin g o f the chart.T he ru ler o f the day offers a gen eral sig n ific a tio n ,
w h ile the ru le r o f the hour describes the actions o f that m om ent. B ecause it extends fo r a lo n g er p e ­
rio d , the day ru le r’s sig n ificatio n is m ore broad; the qualities given by hour rulers are m ore sp ec ific ,
and th e re fo re m ore significant. For instance, on a V enus day (a ssociated w ith p leasu re and co m ­
fort), a J u p ite r hour m ay be appropriate for relaxing, en gagin g in enjoyable a c tiv ities, and c o n c e d ­
in g to som e indulgences. On the sam e V enus day, a S aturn hour m ay re p resen t a m ore m elan c h o lic
and re fle x iv e m om ent, w hich can tone dow n the anim ation o f a party , or the re unio n o f frie nds.

O n a M oon day , w hich is generally som ew hat agitated, the M ars hour can trig g e r m isu n d erstan d in g s
and w e ak n esses, although it can also be a good tim e fo r m aking an appeal to a cause. O n the sam e
day, the M ercury ho u r can favor co ntacts and all m anner o f com m unication. On a Ju p ite r day (fa v o r­
ab le for any kind o f endeavor), the Sun hour is best suited for m aking a re q u est to a su p erio r. O n the
o th e r hand, on that sam e day the M ars hour w ould be better suited for b old a c tio n s th at dem and
p h y sic a l courage (for instance, engagin g in extrem e sports). A V enus hour on a M ars day can add a
stro n g ero tic /p a ssio n a te tone to the dynam ic environm ent o f the day. T he re v erse co m b in atio n , a
M ars h o u r on a V enus day, can indicate a m om ent o f com p etitio n or perhaps je a lo u s y th at arises un ­
e x p e c te d ly in a p leasa n t and cordial en viro nm ent.

N o t e t h a t a l l t h e s e s i g n i f i c a t i o n s s h o u l d b e c o m b i n e d w ith th e c o n d i t i o n o f th e r u l i n g p l a n e t a t th a t
p a r t i c u l a r m o m e n t in o r d e r to o b t a i n a m o r e d e t a i l e d i n t e r p r e t a t io n . T he co n d itio n o f the p lan et is
o b v io u sly d eterm in ed by its esse n tial dig n ity , an g u larity , speed, and the asp ects it form s.

F o r ex am p le, to ch oose a favorable m om ent fo r a d ec la ratio n o f love, c o n sid er a V enus day and
ho u r. V enus days are F ridays, and the V enus hours on F riday are the first (rig h t a fte r su n rise) and
th e eig h th (in the aftern o o n , around 2:30 p.m ).

T h e re are, how ever, o ther fa ctors to be taken into c o n sid eratio n . F irst o f all, it is c ru c ia l th a t V enus
be in a good co n d itio n at the ch osen d ate. It should be as strong and as d ig n ifie d as p o ssib le b e c a u se
an y d e b ility o f V enus w ill affect the hours it ru les. It is also im p o rtan t to a sc e rta in th e c o n d itio n o f
th e o th e r sig n ific a to rs o f the m atter, in this case the A sce n d an t and its ru le r (sig n ify in g th e p e rso n
w ho d e c la re s his or h er love) and the D escen d an t and its ru le r (the p e rso n to w hom th e d e c la ra tio n is
m ad e); any p lan ets p laced in the first or in the seventh houses w ill also be re le v a n t to th is m a tte r.

L e t us now suppose that the d ec la ratio n had to be m ade in the w e ek o f A p ril 2 6 -M a y 2 ,1 9 9 8 . In th a t

w e ek , F rid ay (day o f V enus) falls on M ay 1. T he ephem eris fo r th at day sh ow s V e n u s is g re a tly d ig ­
n ifie d in P isces, w here it has e x a lta tio n and trip lic ity . T he day is th e re fo re fa v o ra b le fo r V e ­
n u s-ru le d a c tiv ities.

N o w it is n ec essary to choose, w ith in the hours o f V enus, the m o st a p p ro p ria te m o m e n t. T h e firs t

h o u r b eg in s at 6h44, ex actly at su n rise, and ends at 7h52. In p ra c tic a l te rm s, it is fa r to o e a rly fo r th is
 2 4 8 tO n tf w H c a v c n fy Sjilicres

ty p e o f c o n ta c t and it is also not very fa­

v o ra b le from an astro lo g ica l point o f
view . So th is leaves us w ith the second
h o u r o f V e n u s, w hich b egins at 14h42 and
runs to 15h50 (o r 2:42 p.m . to 3:50 p.m .).
W ith in th is tim e fram e, the chart for
15h40 is ch o se n fo r the follow ing re a­
sons:

• B e sid e s b ein g d ig n ified , V enus is

a n g u la r in the seventh house o f
re la tio n sh ip s; it is also conjunct
Ju p ite r, e q u a lly d ig n ified in
P isc e s, and ru ling the seventh
h o u se.
• T he A sce n d an t is at 14° V irgo
0 0 ', w h ere V enus has trip lic ity ,
term and face, thus re in fo rcin g its
p o w e r o v e r the m atter. Figure 8. Elective C h a rt for a Love D eclaration
• T h e M oon, the sig n ific a to r o f the
a c tio n , has several favorable placem ents: it is d ig n ified in C ancer, posited in the eleventh
h o u se o f hopes and, m ore im p o rtan tly , it m ak es a tran slatio n o f light b etw een the tw o
m ain sig n ificato rs: it sep arates from the square to M ercury , ru le r o f the A sce n d an t, and
a p p lie s to the trin e to Ju p iter, ru le r o f the seventh house.
• M ercu ry is in its ow n term , thus ac q u irin g som e strength, and co m p en sa tin g for the
d e b ility due to its c o n ju n ctio n to the eig h t house cusp (w hich suggests som e an x iety and
fe ar)
• T he selec tio n o f this p a rtic u la r tim e avoids a co n ju n ctio n o f the N o rth N ode to the
A sce n d an t (alw ays a source o f d istu rb an ce ) and th ere fo re could not have been ea rlie r. It
c o u ld not have been m uch la te r eith er, bec au se the M oon w ould have p e rfe c te d and
su rp a sse d the trin e to Ju p iter, thus ca n c e llin g the tran sla tio n o f light and b eg in n in g to
a p p ly to the square o f S aturn, an ex tre m ely u n fa v o u rab le aspect.

A s a n o th e r ex am p le, c o n sid er the p re se n ta tio n o f an im p o rtan t p ro jec t to the b oss. T his p re se n ta tio n
m ust tak e p la c e in the first w eek o f A pril 2003. A fa v o rab le day w ould be T h u rsd ay , ru led by J u p i­
ter, a b e n e fic p lan et. In th at w eek, T h u rsd a y fa lls on the 3rd. By c o n su ltin g the ep h em eris fo r that
day, n o tic e th a t Ju p ite r is in L eo, w h ere it has trip lic ity ; it is th ere fo re a good p lace to start.

N ow th e ta sk is to selec t a fav o rab le tim e w ith in norm al w o rk in g hours. T he h o u r o f th e Sun is fa v o r­

a b le fo r sp e a k in g to p eo p le in a u th o rity and fo r the p re se n ta tio n o f ideas that re q u ire v isib ility (the
Sun is th e lu m in a ry , so it b rin g s lig h t to e v e ry th in g it to u ch es). T he n atu re o f the Sun also com b in es
e a sily w ith th e n atu re o f Ju p ite r, and the p o w e r o f the fo rm er is m o d era ted by the n atu ra l tem p eran ce
o f th e la tte r. O n th is day , the Sun is ex a lte d in A rie s, w hich is also very fa v o rab le. B esid es, the tw o
p la n e ts a re in trin e , thus re in fo rc in g and su p p o rtin g th e ir m u tu al q u alitie s.

T h e o n ly h o u r o f th e Sun th a t fa lls w ith in no rm al w o rk in g hours is the second, b etw e en 8h29 and

9 h 3 2 . T h e h o u r o f 9h30 is ch o se n as the m ore ad e q u a te m om ent, fo r the fo llo w in g reaso n s:

• T h e S un, ru le r o f th e h o u r, is p o site d in the ele v e n th ho u se o f frie n d s and allie s, a

fa v o ra b le p o sitio n .
 A y y c n d ix 6)24 9

• Jupiter, ruler o f the day, is in the

third house o f comm unication, trining
the Sun, its dispositor.
• Saturn, ruler o f the M idheaven (and
thus significator o f the boss and the
career) is in the first house,
suggesting the boss’s interest in the
project.
• Mercury, ruler o f the A scendant (and
significator o f the native) is in the
eleventh house and forms a sextile to
Saturn, which it also disposits; the
native has therefore some influence
over the boss (as M ercury disposits
Saturn) because there is good w ill
(sextile) between them.
• The Moon, also w ell-posited in the
eleventh and in exaltation, separates
F ig u r e 9 . E le c t iv e C h a r t fo r P r e s e n t in g a P r o j e c t from the conjunction o f M ercury and
applies to the sextile o f Venus; this
translation o f light connects the native (Mercury) to a prom ising career (Venus exalted in
the tenth house o f career and authority).

In both these examples o f electional charts, the planetary rulers o f the day and hour com bine with
the essential and accidental dignities and with the aspectual dynamics.
250/ Oh tfte Hca w nfy Sjrfwrcs
 Astrological Chart Calculations
T his appendix includes basic instructions for calculating an astrological chart (see the bibliography for
b o o k s w ith instructions on m ore com plicated calculations).

In o rd er to erect an astrological chart the follow ing data are needed:

• D ate and tim e o f the event (o f the birth, o f the question, etc.)
• G eographical longitude and latitude o f the location (w here the event occurs)

L o n g itu d es and latitudes, including their tim e zones, can be obtained from a good atlas ( A C S A m e r i c a n or
I n t e r n a t i o n a l A t l a s e s are typically used for this purpose), o r databases available on the Internet.

M a te r ia ls
A n ep h em eris is needed in o rder to erect an astrological chart. T his book lists the daily positions o f the p la n ­
ets as w ell as the sidereal time, and the m ajority contain the positions o f the planets and sidereal tim e fo r
0 0 :0 0 hours U niversal Tim e at the Prim e M eridian (G reenw ich, England).

A tables o f houses ( T h e M ic h e ls e n B o o k o f T a b le s ) is used to calculate the house cusps, an d each is specific

to a p articu lar house system . T hese tables show the cusps for the tenth, eleventh, tw elfth, first, seco n d , an d
th ird houses fo r a particular sidereal hour and latitude. A s o f the date o f publication, th ere is no k n o w n tab le
in p rin t fo r A lchabitius houses. F or this reason, the exam ples presented h ere w ere n o t c alcu lated u sin g th is
h o u se system (used in all other charts in this book), but by u sin g R eg iom ontanus h ouses, an o th e r tra d itio n al
h o u se system . Currently, the m ost popular system s (and therefore the easiest tables to find) are P la c id u s an d
K och.

C a lc u la tio n s
T h e re are tw o parts involved in erecting an astrological chart. In the first p art the 12 h o u se c u sp s a re c a lc u ­
late d in o rd er to establish the fram ew ork w ithin w hich the planets w ill operate. O n ly a fte r th is is c o m p le te
are th e p lan etary positions determ ined.
 2 5 2 /O n t f a H c a v c n fy S pheres

P a r t I. C a lc u la t in g th e H o u s e C u sp s

A. C o n v ertin g Birth T im e to U niversal Tim e (U T or GM T)

1. E x p ressin g A M and PM in 24-hour format: To start, convert a.m. or p.m . tim e to a 24-hour form at (know n
in the U S as “ m ilitary ’' tim e and used to express tim e internationally). This is done by adding 12 hours to any
PM birth tim e after 1:00 p.m . Thus, 12:43 p.m. in 24-hour form at w ould be expressed 12:43, w hile 2:29 p.m.
w ould be expressed 14:29 in 24-hour format.

2. C o n v ert the hour o f the birth to U niversal Time: (this is equivalent to the old G reenw ich M ean T im e or
G M T ) T o do this, look up the tim e zone o f the birth. I f the birth occurs at an eastern longitude (that is, cast o f
the P rim e M erid ian at G reenw ich), subtract that tim e zone from the birth time. I f the birth occurs at a w estern
longitude (w est o f the Prim e M eridian at G reenw ich), add the tim e zone to the birth time.

N ote: E nsure that the tim e zone is adjusted for D aylight Savings Tim e, if it w as in effect at that time. I f the
U S A tlas show s D aylight Savings Tim e in effect (D ST is also know n internationally as S um m er Tim e), su b ­
tract an h o u r from the birth tim e to m ake the adjustm ent to U niversal Tim e. It is not necessary to do this if
you use the A C S I n t e r n a t i o n a l A t l a s because it is organized differently and already includes S um m er Tim e
adjustm ents.

B. O btaining the M ean Solar H our

1.C alculate the L ongitude-T im e Equivalent (L T E ):M ultiply the longitude o f the location by 4 in ord er to
co n v ert it to tim e.

T h e R e a s o n f o r th e A d j u s t m e n t

T he adjustm ent k now n as the L TE is m ade because it takes 4 m inutes for E arth to rotate 1 degree on its
axis. T hus, this is a conversion o f the distance into tim e from the place o f birth to the G reenw ich M erid ­
ian.

24 hours = 1440 m inutes

1440 m inutes div ided b y 360° = 4 m inutes p er degree

2. I f the birth place is east longitude, add the L T E to the U niversal T im e (obtained in A .2 above) and if the
birth place is W est lo ngitude, subtract the result from the U niversal Tim e. T he result is the M e a n S o l a r
H our.

C. C alculating the L ocal S id ereal T im e (L ST )

1. Sidereal T im e for 0:00 hours: C onsult the ephem eris and look up the sid ereal h o u r at G reenw ich for 0:00
hours on the b irth o r event date.

Im portant: R em em b er th at yo u are lo oking up the d ate c o r r e s p o n d i n g to y o u r U n iv e r s a l T im e , not to y o u r

local tim e. I f the b irth o r ev en t occurs close to m id n ig h t and the adjustm ents to U niversal T im e p laced it in
the p rev io u s day, use the n ew b irth date for this step. T he sam e is true i f yo u r U niversal T im e advances the
b irth to the fo llow ing date.

L o n g itu d e C orrection: D iv id e the longitude by 15° and then m u ltip ly the resu lt b y 10 seconds. T his m akes a
10 seco n d co rrectio n fo r ev ery 15° o f longitude. T his value is su b tracted from the sidereal tim e if the lo n g i­
tu d e is east, an d a d d ed to it, i f th e longitude is w est.
 A p p e n d ix 5 /2 5 3

T h e R e a s o n f o r th e C o r r e c tio n

T he tim e it takes the Sun to cross a specific place on earth (the G reenw ich M eridian, for exam ple) is not
the sam e as the tim e it takes a specific star (like 0 Aries) to cross that sam e location. This is because the
earth is not only rotating on its axis but is also orbiting the Sun. Thus, by the tim e the earth has m ade a
24 -h o u r rotation it has also m oved a tiny bit in its orbit. M ore specifically, a 24-hour sidereal “day” is re­
ally about 3 m inutes and 56 seconds s h o r te r than a 24-hour solar day. I f we reduce the day to hours, w e
find th at one hour o f sidereal tim e is 9.86 seconds shorter than a solar hour. Thus, in order to convert solar
tim e to “star” tim e, w e m ust m ake this correction, w hich w e ’ve rounded up to 10 seconds.

2. M ean Solar H our Correction: Take the M ean Solar H our (obtained in B.2) and also correct it by adding 10
seconds for each hour o f solar time. Thus, if the birth tim e were 11:45, m ultiply 11.75 (the d ecim al form at o f
11:45) by 10 seconds and add this value to the M ean Solar Hour.

3. A dd the corrected M ean Solar H our (obtained in C.2) to the corrected Sidereal Tim e (obtained in C .l) .
T he resu lt is the L o c a l S i d e r e a l T i m e . W ith this figure, then consult the tables o f houses for the latitude o f
the birth o r event to obtain the house cusps.

I f the houses are calculated for the northern hem isphere and the latitude o f the chart is for the southern h em i­
sphere, sim ply add 12 hours to the local sidereal tim e and sw itch the signs in the table for their opposites.

P a r t IL C a lc u la t in g th e L o n g it u d e o f th e P la n e ts

C o n su lt the ephem eris for the date o f the event. N ote the positions o f the planets for m idnight prio r to the
U niversal T im e o f the event. N ote the positions o f the planets for m idnight o f the next day and calculate the
difference. This value is t h e d a i l y m o t i o n o f t h e p l a n e t s .

N o te : the daily m otion w ill be a negative num ber if the planet is retrograde.

T ak e the U niversal T im e o f the birth and the daily m otion o f the planets and calculate how far it m oved on
the birth date by using a sim ple proportion and cross-m ultiplying. Thus, if the planet covered “X ” degrees in
24 h ours (1 day), then from m idnight o f the previous night until the birth hour (using U niversal T im e) it w ill
h av e covered “Y ” degrees. M athem atically this w ould be expressed as follows:

D aily m otion X U niversal Tim e = distance covered at birth

24 hours

A d d this distance to the positions o f the planets for m idnight o f the day prio r to the birth. T h is w ill g iv e y o u
t h e r a d ic a l p o s itio n s o f th e p la n e ts .

N o te: It is necessary to covert the degrees, m inutes, and seconds, as w ell as the hours, m inutes, an d seco n d s
to d ecim al form at before adding them. To do this, keep these equivalencies in m ind:

60 seco n d s = 1 m inute
60 m in u tes = 1 hour or 1 degree
36 0 d eg rees = 0 degrees
 2 5 4 / O n flic H e a v e n l y S p h e r e s

T he zodiacal longitudes can be converted to absolute longitude as follows:

00° T = 0°
00° a = 30°
00° X = 60°
00° S = 90°
00° fl = 120°
00° W = 150°
00° -ru = 180°
00° 11V = 210°
00° = 240°
00° “ft = 270°
00° = 300°
00° X = 330°

C h a r t C a lc u la tio n E x a m p le s

E x a m p le 1
C o n sid er a child b o m N o v em b er 1 7 ,2 0 0 5 at 1:10 A M in Lisbon, Portugal. The data:

D ate: 11-17-2005
H our: 1:10 PM
L ocation: L isbon, latitude 3 8 °N 43' a n d lo n g itu d e 0 9 ° W 0 8 '

H o u s e C u s p C a lc u l a t io n

A. C onvert birth tim e to U niversal Tim e:

T h e official clo ck tim e is Ih 10m and D aylight Savings tim e w as not in effect at this tim e o f the year, w hich
m eans no ad ju stm en t is needed. T he tim e zone for L isbon, P ortugal is the sam e as G reenw ich M ean T im e, or
U niversal T im e, o r U T +0. T hus, Ih 10m o f L isbon tim e corresponds exactly w ith Ih 10m o f U T.

B. O b tain in g the M ean S olar H o u r

W hen the lo ngitude o f L isbon (0 9 °W 0 8 ') is m ltiplied by 4, the difference in tim e is OOh 36m 32s (each d e­
g ree corresponds to 4 m inutes o f tim e).

Since L isbon is located to the w est o f th e G reen w ich M eridian, this valu e m ust be subtracted from the U T o f
b irth to o b tain the M ean S o lar H our.

Ih 10m 00s - OOh 36m 32s = OOh 33m 28s

T h u s, the M ean S o lar H o u r is: OOh 3 3 m 2 8 s

C. C alcu latin g the L ocal S idereal T im e

T h e sid ereal h o u r fo r G reen w ich at 00 hours on N o v e m b e r 17, 2005 is 3h 4 4 m 36s.

 A y y c n d i x 5 /2 5 5

N ow m ake a correction to the sidereal hour o f 10 seconds for every 15° o f lo n g itu d e : L isb o n is a t 0 9 ° 0 8 ',
so th e c o rre c tio n is a p p ro x im a te ly 6s (n o te th a t 10 se c o n d s p e r 15° = .6 7 s p e r d e g re e ).

Since Lisbon is w est longitude, these 6 seconds m ust be added to the sidereal time:

3h 44m 36s + 6s = 3h 44m 42s

T herefore, the corrected sidereal tim e is 3h 44m 42s

T h e sam e correction m ust now be m ade to the M ean Solar H our o f the birth (Oh 37m 28s) by adding the sam e
10 seconds for each hour. This also results in approxim ately 6 seconds.

Oh 33m 28s + 6s = Oh 33m 34s

T herefore, the corrected M ean Solar H our is Oh 3 3 m 3 4 s

N ow add the corrected Sidereal Tim e to the corrected M ean Solar H our to obtain the Local Sidereal T im e for
the birth:

3h 4 4 m 42s + Oh 33m 34s = 4h 18m 16s

T h e r e s u lt is a L o c a l S id e r e a l T im e f o r t h e b ir t h o f 4 h 1 8 m 1 6 s .

U sin g this figure, look up the birth latitude o f 38°N43 ' (o r the clo sest latitude) in the tables o f houses to ob ­
tain the house cusps. C onsulting a R egiom ontanus tables o f houses for the latitude 38° (the clo sest latitude in
the table) and using the tw o closest sidereal hours— 4h 12m and 4h 24m — the result is the follow ing values
for the cusps:

F o r 4h 12m (38° latitude):

M idheaven 04°57' G em ini
E leventh house 12°00 / C ancer
T w elfth house 13°00' Leo
A scen d an t 08°05' V irgo
Second house 03°00' Libra
T h ird house 0 0°00' Scorpio

F o r 4 h 24m :
M idheaven 07 °4 7 ' G em ini
E lev en th house 14°00' C ancer
T w elfth house 15°00' Leo
A scen d an t 10°30' V irgo
Second house 05 °0 0 ' L ibra
T h ird house 03°0 0 / Scorpio

E ach o f these lists provides approxim ate values. H ow ever, by c a lcu latin g m o re p recisely fo r la titu d e
38°N 43 ' and for 4h 18m, the result is:
 256/On tftc Hcavcnfy Sjrficrcs

M idhcavcn 0 6°26' Gem ini

E leventh house 13°08' C ancer
T w elfth house 14°03' Leo
A scendant 09°29' Virgo
Second house 03 °5 0 ' Libra
T hird house 01 °4 8 ' Scorpio

N o w d raw the chart w ith the degrees and house cusps

placed in the circle (use a zodiacal ruler on the out­
side for ease o f planet placem ent later). Or, the infor­
m ation can be presented in a square chart.

C a lc u la t io n o f th e P la n e t a r y P o s itio n s

T o calculate the position o f the M oon, look in the

ephem eris for the M o o n 's p o s itio n at m id n ig h t
p r io r to th e d a te o f b irth (N o v e m b e r 17) an d at
m id n ig h t a f te r th e d a te o f b irth (N o v e m b e r 18): F ig u r e 1. C h a r t w ith H o u s e C u p s

P osition at OOh o f the birth date: 16 °3 1 ' G em ini

P ositio n at OOh o f the next day: 19°32' G em ini

N ext, take the difference betw een both positions in

o rd er to find how far the M oon has m oved in 24
hours:

1 9 ° 3 2 '- 16°31' = 13°01 z

T herefore, the M oon m oved 1 3 ° 0 r in 24 hours.

N ow calculate how far the M oon m oved until the

m om ent o f birth. T o do that, set up a sim ple p ro p o r­
tion and cross-m ultiply: if in 24h the M oon m oved
13°01' then in Ih 10m it m o v ed “X ” . It is b etter to
convert the values to decim al fo rm at in ord er to do
the calculation:
F ig u r e 2 . S q u a r e C h a r t w it h H o u s e C u s p s

1 3 ° 0 r = 13.0167°
Ih 10m = l,1 6 6 7 h

13.0167° X I . 1667 h = 0.6328°

24h

C o n v ertin g back to d egrees and m inutes, the resu lt is: 0 0 °3 8 '. T his is the n u m b er o f degrees that the M oon
m o v ed from OOh U T until the m o m en t o f birth.

N o w ad d this v alue to th e p o sitio n o f the M oon g iven in the ep h em eris (fo r OOh U T ) in o rd er to get its p o si­
tio n a t th e h o u r o f th e birth : 06°31 ' + 0 0 °3 8 / = 0 7 °0 9 z . T h e r e f o r e , t h e M o o n a t t h e h o u r o f b i r t h w a s 0 7 °
G e m in i 0 9 '.
 A p p e n d i x 5 /2 5 7

N ow calculate the position o f M ercury. Consult the ephem eris and locate the positions for m idnight on the
birth date and on the follow ing date.

Position at OOh o f the birth date: 10°20 ' Sagittarius

Position at OOh o f the next day: 09°47 ' Sagittarius

N ote that M ercury is m oving b ackw ard in Sagittarius, w hich m eans it is in retrograde m otion. Subtracting
the difference, the result is:

0 9 ° 4 7 '- 10°20' = 00°33'

T he m otion is negative, w hich m eans M ercury m oved backw ard 00°33 ' in 24 hours. N o w set up a sim ple
pro portion and cross-m ultiply in order to find out how far it has retreated in Ih 20m :

Ih 10m = 1.1667h

3 3 z X 1.1667h= 1.6042'
24h

T hat is, M ercury m oved approxim ately 00°02'. By rem oving this am ount to the m idnight position, its p o si­
tion at the hour o f birth is:

1 0 ° 2 0 '- 0 0 ° 0 2 ' = 10°18'

M e r c u r y is l o c a t e d a t 1 0 ° S a g it t a r i u s 1 8 '.

R epeat the above procedure for the rem aining planets, paying special attention to any retrograde planets.
W hen the planets m ove very slow ly (w hich is the case w ith S atu m and the N odes) the calculations can
quickly be estim ated.

In ord er to facilitate these calculations, collect all o f the data in a table:

F ig u r e 3 . P la n e t a r y P o s it io n s , E x a m p le 1

P la n e t D y 9 0 o’ h Q
P o s itio n a t Oh
06°31' 10°20' 11°01' 24°44' 1l°50' 04°43' 11’ 17' 11°23'
p r i o r to b ir th
Gemini Sagittarius Capricorn Scorpio Taurus Scorpio Leo Aries
d a te

P o s itio n a t Oh 19°32' 09’47' 11’55' 25°45' 11°32' 04’56' 11’ 18' ll° 2 0 '
a ft e r b ir th d a te Gemini Sagittarius Capricorn Scorpio Taurus Scorpio Leo Aries
M o tio n in 2 4 h + i3 ’o r -00°33' +00°54' +01’01' -00°18' +00’ 13' +00’01' -00’03'
M o tio n u n t il th e
+00°38' -00’02' +00°02' +00’03' -00'45" +00'30" + 00'30" - 0 '0 8 "
m o m e n t o f b ir th

P l a n e t ’s p o s it io n 07°09' 10°18' 1l°03' 24°47' U °49' 04°43' 11°17' U °2 3 '

in th e c h a r t Gemini Sagittarius Capricorn Scorpio Taurus Scorpio Leo Aries

N o te th at the position o f the South N o d e is exactly opposite the N o rth N o d e: 1 1°23 ' C apricorn.
 258lOn tfic Heawnfy Sjificrcs

N o w positio n the planets in the chart using the zodia­

cal ru ler on the w heel as a guide. Place the glyph for
the planet, its degrees and m inutes, and an indicator
o f retrograde m otion w hen this applies. A t the center
o f each chart w e place the nam e o f the native (or o f
the event), the birth inform ation, and som e astrologi­
cal notes, such as the ruler o f the day/night, the plane­
tary h o u r ruler, and the planet (and aspect) to w hich
the M oon next applies.

T he Part o f F ortune is calculated according to the

m ethod already outlined in C hapter X III, w hile the
p lan etary hours are determ ined according to the in ­
structions in A ppendix 6, The Planetary Hours.

In a square chart, the p lacem ent o f the planets is

so m ew h at different. In this kind o f diagram , the p lan ­
ets are adjo in ed to the house cusp that contains the F ig u r e 4 . C h a r t E x a m p le 1

sam e sign as the planet. In this exam ple, note that the
Sun and Ju piter, both located in Scorpio, arc on the
third ho u se cusp, w hich is positio ned at 09°07' o f the
sam e sign.

F rom the m otion o f the planets that w ere ju s t calcu­

lated, it is im m ediately easy to tell the speed o f the
plan ets (see C h ap ter V).

In a list o r grid next to the chart the aspects can be

noted, along w ith th eir ap plications o r separations
and w h eth er th ey are dex ter o r sinister. T hey can also
be d iagram m ed w ithin the cen ter o f the chart, as w as
ex p lain ed in C h ap ter V III, but the data w ould have to
be n o ted so m ew here else.

T o determ ine the p renatal lunation, look once m ore

in the ephem eris for the last lunation ju s t p rio r to N o ­
F ig u r e 5 . C h a r t E x a m p le 1, S q u a r e V e r s io n
v em b er 1 7 ,2 0 0 5 . In this exam ple, the p renatal luna­
tion w as a F ull M oon on N o v em b er 16, 2005 at 23°
T aurus 4 6 '.

E x a m p le 2
N o w co n sid e r a h o rary ch art erected fo r S ep tem b er 1 ,2 0 0 5 , at 3:33 PM in Lisbon, Portugal (the sam e chart
u sed in C h ap ter X IV , “ H ow w ill the cham pionship u n fo ld ? ’).

T h e d a ta are:
D a te : 0 9 -01-2005
H o u r : 3 : 3 3 p .m .

L o c a tio n : L isbon, P o rtu g al, latitu d e 38°N43 9 and longitude 0 9 °W 0 8 '

 A p jj e n d ix 5 /2 5 9

H o u s e C u s p C a l c u la tio n

A. C onvert birth tim e to U niversal Tim e

T h e official hour, w hen converted to m ilitary time, is 15h 33m. A t this tim e o f the year, D aylight S avings
T im e (U T +1 ) w as in effect. Thus, in this case, subtract 1 hour from the clock tim e in order to get the hour at
the m eridian:

15h 33m - O lh 00m = 14h 33m (hour at the m eridian)

A s in the p rio r case, the official m eridian o f Lisbon is the sam e as G reenw ich, w hich corresponds to U T +0.
T hus, the U niversal Tim e for the question is: 1 4 h 3 3 m .

B. M ean Solar H our Calculation

M ultiply the longitude o f Lisbon (09°W 08') by 4 to obtain the tem poral difference: Oh 36m 32s. Since L is­
bon is located w est o f the G reenw ich M eridian, this value is subtracted from the U T o f the question to obtain
the M ean Solar H our.

14h 33m 00s - OOh 36m 32s = 13h 56m 28s

T hus, the M ean Solar H our o f birth is: 13h 56m 28s.

C. L ocal Sidereal T im e C alculation

T he Sidereal Tim e for G reenw ich at OOh o f S eptem ber 1,2 005 w as 22h 41h 02s. T he result, w hen corrected
10s p er 15° o f longitude to the Sidereal T im e, is:

09°08 ' im plies a correction o f approxim ately 6 seconds

(1 0s for each 15° = .67 seconds p er degree)

S ince the latitude is w est, these 6 seconds are added to the Sidereal Tim e:

22h 4 1 m 02s + 6s = 22h 41m 08s

T h e r e f o r e , t h e c o r r e c t e d S id e r e a l T im e is : 2 2 h 4 1 m 0 8 s .

I f the sam e correction o f 10 seconds p er m ean solar hour ( 13h 56m 28s) is calculated, the resu lt is:

13h 4 5 m 28s+ 140s = 13h 58m 48s

T h u s , t h e c o r r e c t e d M e a n S o la r H o u r is : 1 3 h 5 8 m 4 8 s

N o w add the corrected Sidereal T im e to the corrected M ean S olar H o u r to get the L ocal S id ereal T im e:

2 2 h 4 1 m 08s + 13h 58m 48s = 36h 39m 56s

T h e L o c a l S i d e r e a l T i m e is : 1 3 h 5 8 m 4 8 s .
 260/On tftc Heavenly Sy Itérés

U se th is figure to consult the Regiom ontanus tables o f houses and find an entry for 12h 36m for the latitude
38°:

M id h eav en 0 9 °48' Libra

E lev en th house 05 °0 0 ' Scorpio
T w elfth house 27° Scorpio
A scen d an t 2 0 °23' Sagittarius
S eco n d house 22°00' Capricorn
T h ird house 0 4°00' Pisces

T hen in terp o late from these cusps (and from those for the next sidereal hour) to get the follow ing m ore p re­
cise h o u se cusps:

M id h eav en 10°51' Libra

E lev en th house 06°41 ' Scorpio
T w elfth house 27°51' Scorpio
A scen d an t 2 0 °46' Sagittarius
S eco n d house 2 2°14' Capricorn
T h ird house 04°01 ' Pisces

P la n e ta r y P o s itio n C a lc u la tio n
In o rd e r to calculate the planetary positions, use a table to collect the inform ation, as in the previous exam ­
ple:

F ig u r e 6 . P la n e ta r )1 P o s itio n s , E x a m p le 2

P la n e t D y 9 o er 4 h Q
P o s it i o n a t
08°16' 23°22' 17°33' 08°39 / 17°07' 18°30' 05°50' 15°27'
Oh p r i o r to
Leo Leo Libra Virgo Taurus Scorpio Leo Aries 1
b ir th d a t e

P o s it i o n a t
20’0 7 ' 25°05' 18°43' 09°37' 17°29' 18°42' 05°57' 15°24'
Oh a f t e r
Leo Leo Libra Virgo Taurus Scorpio Leo A ries
b ir th d a te

M o t io n in
+11’5 1 ' +01°43' +01’ 10' +00°58' +00°22' +00°12' +00’0 7 ' +00°03'
24h

M o ti o n
u n t i l th e
+07’ 11 ' +00°41' +00°42' +00°36' +00’2 0 ' +00°07 / +00 o 0 4 / +00°02'
m om en t o f
b ir th

P l a n e t ’s
15°27' 24°24' 18°15' 09°15' 17°20' 18°37' 05’5 4 ' 15°25'
p o s i t i o n in
Leo Leo Libra Virgo Taurus Scorpio Leo Aries
th e c h a r t

N o w ca lc u la te the p o sitio n o f th e M o o n in this ho rary chart, in cluding the seconds.

P o sitio n a t OOh o f the ev en t date: 08°15 '5 9 " L eo

P o sitio n at OOh o f the n ext day: 20°07 '0 9 " L eo
 A y y e n d i x 5 /2 6 1

T ake the difference betw een both positions in order to get the M o o n ’s m otion in 24 hours:

20°07 '0 9 08° 15 '5 9 " = 11 °5 1 ' 10 "

T h e r e fo r e , th e M o o n m o v ed l l ° 5 r i 0 " in 2 4 h o u r s .

T o calculate how far the M oon m oved until the birth hour o f the question, set up a sim ple proportion and
cross-m ultiply: if in 24 hours the M oon m oved 11°51 '1 0 ", then in 14h 33m it will have m oved “X ” . C on­
verting the values to decim al format, the result is:

11°51'1 0 " = 11.8528°

1 4 h 3 3 m = 14.55h

11.8528° X 14.55h = 7.1857°

24h

W hen converted back to degrees and m inutes, the result is: 07° 11 '0 9 " , or the num ber o f degrees and m inutes
that the M oon m oved from 00 UT to the hour o f the question. N ow add this figure to the position o f the M oon
at m id n ig h t (its ephem eris listing) to obtain its position at the m om ent o f the question:

08° 15 '5 9 " + 07° 11 '0 9 ” = 15°27 '08 "

T h e M o o n w a s th e r e fo r e , a t 1 5 ° 2 7 '0 8 " o f L e o .

F o r the rem aining planets, repeat the procedure (in the ephem eris, the only positions that include seconds are
th o se for the Sun and M oon).

A fte r com pleting the calculations for the cusps and planetary positions, w e can diagram th em in the round
chart, o r a square chart.

F ig u r e 7 . C h a r t E x a m p le 2 F ig u r e 8 . C h a r t E x a m p le 2 , S q u a r e V e r s io n
262jOn tfie Heavenly Sjdieres

T e c h n ic a l B ib lio g r a p h y

Santoni, Francis. T h e N e w I n t e r n a t i o n a l E p h e m e r is . 1 9 0 0 - 2 0 5 0 . Paris, A uréas E d itio n s , 1996.

T a b le s d e s M a i s o n P l a c i d u s L a l.0 ° -6 6 ° , Saint M ichele de Boulogne, Editions St. M ichele, 1994.

R e g i o m o n t a n u s T a b le o f H o u s e s , Issaquah, W A , U SA , JustU S A ssociates, cd.

S hanks, T hom as G., T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l A t l a s , San Diego, CA, ACS Publications, 1997.

 A ddendum

B a s i c A s t r o l o g i c a l D e C in e a ti o n
T h is w ork w ould not be com plete w ithout a b rie f intro d u ctio n o f astro lo g ica l delin ea tio n . T h e re ­
fo re, w e ’ve ou tlin ed here two b asic approaches that w ill allow the stu d en t to apply the m aterial co v ­
ered in th is book in a structured m anner.

T em peram ent

T he study o f tem peram ent constitu te s an im portant key to an u n d ersta n d in g o f the natal chart. It re ­
v ea ls the u n d erly in g ch a rac te ristic s o f an in d ivid ual (physical and beh a v io ral traits, p sy ch o lo g ica l,
and m etab o lic pre d isp o sitio n s) that condition his or her actions and choices. T em peram ent is, th e re ­
fo re, the fram ew ork that co m prises the to tality o f dynam ics in the ch art as a w hole (fo r a com plete
tre a tm e n t on the tem peram ents see C hapter II).

In ev e ry in d iv id u a l four tem peram ental types exist— ch o leric, san g u in e, m elan c h o lic, an d p h le g ­
m a tic — alth o u g h p re sen t in v aryin g am ounts. In som e cases, one o f the tem p eram en t ty p es c lea rly
p re d o m in a te s. In others we find a com bination o f the tw o m ore dom in an t ty pes. In s till o th e r ca ses,
it is d iffic u lt to d etec t a predom inance o f any one o f the types. E very hum an b ein g has a u n iq u e m ix ­
tu re o f tem p eram en tal ty pes that co m pose his or her c o n s t it u tio n ', a com b in atio n o f b e h a v io rs, m o ti­
v a tio n s, and dynam ics that are n atural to th at in d iv id u al and th at, in b road term s, c h a ra c te riz e h im or
her.

T h e tra d itio n supplies us w ith form ulas to d eterm in e the in d iv id u a l tem p eram en t fro m th e m ain fa c ­
to rs o f the n atal ch art. T his assessm en t is tra d itio n a lly d eriv ed from th ree fu n d a m e n ta l fa c to rs: th e
A sc e n d a n t, M oon, and Sun. T he A scendant is w ith o u t a doubt the m ain fa c to r in th is e q u a tio n as it
d e fin e s the actu al in d iv id u al; the M oon is n ext in im portance bec au se it is c o -s ig n ific a to r o f th e m o ­
tiv a tio n s and dynam ics in the n ativ ity ; and, lastly , the Sun co n trib u te s the g e n e ra l “ to n e ” g iv e n by
th e sea so n into w hich the in d iv id u a l w as bom .

In p ra c tic e , tem p eram en t is assessed by scorin g the c la ssic a l q u a litie s p re d o m in a n t in th e s e th re e

p o in ts. T h ese q u alitie s a sso c ia te d w ith ev ery astro lo g ica l fa c to r are sh o w n in F ig u re 1.
 264/ 0)1 tftc Hcavatfy Sjjficrcs

S c o r in g I n d iv id u a l T e m p e r a m e n t
U sin g a tab le in o rd e r to fa c ilitate this assessm ent we can create a list o f each o f the qu alities pre sent
in the th ree fundam ental points m entioned. In the ease o f the A scendant and the M oon, aside from
th e ir ow n in h ere n t q u a litie s, con sid er other factors that arc associated w ith them . T hus, co n sid er the
q u a litie s o f the fo llo w in g factors:

1. A sce n d an t Sign Qualities Planet Qualities

• Its sign Arles Hot + Dry Saturn Cold ♦ Dry

• T he sign o f its ru ling Taurus Cold ♦ Dry )| Jupiter Hot + Moist

p lan et If Gemini Hot ♦ Moist Mars Hot + Dry

• T he n atu re o f the planets Jp Cancer Cold ♦ Moist

in the first house Q Leo Hot ♦ Dry
Spring: Hot + Moist
Q Sun Summer: Hot + Dry
• T he signs o f any plan ets Hl Virgo Cold ♦ Dry
Autumn: Cold + Dry
Winter. Cold + Moist
m ak in g asp ects to the
/ I Libra Hot + Moist
A sce n d an t (any asp ect)
Jfy Scorpio Cold + Moist Ç Venus Hot + Moist
2. M oon
Sagittarius Hot ♦ Dry
• T he p h ase o f the M oon Ç Mercury Slightly Cold and Dry
"Vy Capricorn Cold + Dry
• T he sign w here the M oon
££ Aquarius Hot + Moist
is located
X Pisces 1*1 Quarter Hot + Moist
• T he natu re o f the planets Cold + Moist
]) Moon
2"* Quarter Hot + Dry
3^ Quarter Cold + Dry
co n jo in ed w ith the M oon North Node Hot + Moist 4th Quarter Cold + Moist
• T he sign o f any plan ets & South Node Cold ♦ Dry
m aking asp ects to the
M oon (any aspect) F ig u r e 1. Q u a litie s o f th e S ig n s , P la n e ts a n d L u n a r N o d e s

3. Sun
• T he q u alitie s o f the annual season re p resen te d N ote: T he sp ring signs (A ries, T aurus,
by the S u n ’s sign and G em ini), are hot and m oist; the su m ­
m er signs (C ancer, L eo, and V irgo) are
Im p o r ta n t
hot and dry; the autum n signs (L ibra,
S corpion, and S ag itta riu s) are co ld and
• I f the M oon asp ects the A sce n d an t, add the
dry; the w in ter signs (C ap ric o rn , A q u a r­
q u alitie s o f the p h ase o f the M oon ra th e r than
ius and P isces) are cold and m oist.
tho se fo r the M o o n ’s sign. T he only tim e w hen
the q u alitie s o f the M oon are to be co u n ted is fo r the actu al M oon (in th at case, they are
co u n ted tw ice: by p h ase and by sign).
• I f the Sun asp e cts th e A sce n d an t o r the M oon, add the q u alitie s fo r the c o rresp o n d in g
season o f the y ear, n ot th o se fo r the S u n ’s sign (in this ca se, the q u alitie s fo r the S u n ’s
sign are not co n sid ered ).
• F o r p lan ets in asp e c t to the A sc e n d a n t or the M oon (o p p o sitio n , trin e, square, o r sex tile )
c o u n t the q u a litie s o f the signs w here th ey are located. B ut fo r the co n ju n c tio n s, co u n t the
q u a litie s c o rre sp o n d in g to th e in trin sic n atu re o f the p la n e t itself. I f the asp e c tin g p la n e t
h ap p e n s to be the Sun o r the M oon, th en c o n sid e r the S u n ’s season and the M o o n ’s phase.
• In th is sy stem , p re fe re n c e is g iv en to asp e c ts in sign a n d /o r to th o se th a t are tig h te r, since
th ey have a m ore m ark ed c o n trib u tio n to tem p eram en t.

F o llo w in g is an e x a m p le u sin g th e c h a rt o f F rie d ric h N ietzsc h e:

1. A sc e n d a n t
• Scorpio, a w ater sign, cold and m oist
 A c fr ( c n d u n il2 6 5

• A scendant Ruler: M ars in Virgo (earth), cold and dry

• In the first house: 1st Q uarter M oon, hot and moist
• In the first house: the N orth N ode (nodal quality), hot and m oist
• A s e x tile o f M a rs in V irg o , c o ld an d dry
• T rin e o f J u p ite r in P isc e s, co ld an d m o ist
2. M o o n
• F irs t Q u a rte r, h o t an d m o ist
• L o c a te d in S a g itta riu s , h o t an d d ry
• C o n ju n c t th e N o rth N o d e (n o d a l q u a lity ), h o t an d m o ist
• S q u a re o f V e n u s in V irg o , c o ld an d dry
• S e x tile o f S a tu rn in A q u a riu s, h o t an d m o ist
• S e x tile o f M e rc u ry in L ib ra , h o t and m o ist
3. S u n
• A u tu m n sig n (L ib ra ), c o ld an d d ry

T h e s c o rin g is e a s ie r w h en th e c o n s id e ra tio n s are p la c e d in a ta b le , as in F ig u re 2.

T h e s c o rin g re s u lts in a p re d o m in a n c e o f a sa n g u in e te m p e ra m e n t (h o t a n d m o ist) w ith a m e la n ­

c h o lic s u b -to n e (c o ld an d d ry ). T h e m o ist q u a lity , w h ic h is c h a ra c te riz e d b y a d a p ta b ility a n d v e r s a ­
tility , p re d o m in a te s (se e C h a p te r II fo r a th o ro u g h d e s c rip tio n o f th e sa n g u in e te m p e ra m e n t c o m ­
b in e d w ith th e m e la n c h o lic ). T h e life o f th is p h ilo s o p h e r w as m a rk e d b y h is m e n ta l v iv a c ity , c h a ra c -
te r is tic a lly s a n g u in e . F ro m e a rly
Hot Cold M oist Dry Tem peram ent
on h e e x h ib ite d e x c e p tio n a l in ­
Rising Sign Hl Cold Moist P h legm atic te lle c tu a l c a p a b ilitie s , a n d a t a g e
23 w as n o m in a te d to c h a ir a p o ­
S ig n o f A s ce nda nt
R uler dm Cold Dry M elan cholic
s itio n in p h ilo lo g y in B a se l an d
Q ualitie s o f Planets in s h o rtly th e r e a f te r re c e iv e d a d o c ­
D (1*‘ Quarter) Hot Moist Sanguine
1st House
to ra te d u e to h is e x c e p tio n a l
Sign o f planets In * dm Cold Dry M elan cholic
w o rk — w ith o u t p a s s in g any
a s p e c t w ith A s ce nda nt a XX Cold Moist P h legm atic
e x a m . T h e m e la n c h o lic su b -to n e
M oon 's phase 11 1 Quarter Hot Moist Sanguine a d d s a s tro n g in tr o v e r te d c o m p o ­
n e n t to h is in te lle c tu a l c a p a c ity ,
M oon 's sign Z Hot Dry C h ole ric
g iv in g h im g r e a te r d e p th a n d
Q ualitie s o f planets rig o r.
c o n ju n c t the Moon n Hot Moist Sanguine

□ 40 3
> Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic
T h is c o m p o u n d te m p e ra m e n t
S ig n o f planets In
* 0* n Hot Moist S anguine
a s p e c t to the Moon fra m e s th e b r o a d e r in te r p r e ta ­
* +a fe Hot Moist S anguine
tio n o f th e c h a rt, a llo w in g fo r a
S ea s on o f the y e a r Autumn ( Q in Û ) Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic
g r e a te r u n d e r s ta n d in g o f its d y ­
Total: 6 5 8 5 n a m ic e le m e n ts . F o r e x a m p le ,
S angu lne: 5 Choleric: 1 M elancholic: 4 Phlegmatic: 2
th e M o o n in S a g itta r iu s in th e
firs t h o u s e in d ic a te s s e n s ib ility ,
F ig u r e 2 . T e m p e r a m e n t A s s e s s m e n t fo r F r ie d r ic h N ie t z s c h e
m u ta b ility , a n d e n th u s ia s m , a n d
te n d s to m a n ife s t fo r th e m o st p a rt w ith in th e s p h e re o f id e a s b e c a u s e o f th e o v e r a r c h in g f r a m e w o r k
g iv e n b y th e s a n g u in e -m e la n c h o lic c h a rt. A lso , th e s tro n g te n s io n in d ic a te d in th e o p p o s itio n o f J u ­
p ite r to M a rs a n d M e rc u ry w as c h a n n e le d in to in te lle c tu a l e n d e a v o rs a n d id e a s w ith r ig id it y , p e r s e ­
v e r a n c e , a n d p ra g m a tis m b e c a u s e o f th is sa m e s a n g u in e -m e la n c h o lic c o m b in a tio n . In c o n tr a s t, in
th e c h a r t o f a c h o le ric ty p e , th e s e sa m e p la n e ta ry c o m b in a tio n s m ig h t h a v e p o in te d to w a r d m o re
 2 6 6 / O n tfw H c a v c iify Sjrftcres

p h y sic a l ac tio n and d irec t ex pression, w hile that o f a phleg m atic type w ould have ten ded m ore to ­
w ard e m o tio n al ex p ressio n . T em peram ent is, th ere fo re , a kind o f bac kgro und upon w hich the chart
p a tte rn s arc cast.

T he sa n g u in e -m e la n c h o lic com bination also pre sents som e negative aspects. U nder o rdinary c ir­
c u m sta n c e s, th ese u n d csirc d traits m ight norm ally be found w ithin m anageable lim its, but in this
case they w ere taken to ex tre m es. The sanguine tendency tow ard in constancy and disp ersio n , m ixed
by the d e p re ssiv e natu re o f the M elancholic type, led to an under-com pensation o f sorts. A fter an
ac u te d elu sio n a l phase w here N ietzsche proclaim ed h im se lf a genius, he fell into a type o f stupor
that lasted u n til the end o f his days; the last 11 years o f his life w ere spent in a sem i-v eg etativ e state
u n d e r the care o f his fam ily.

N o te th at th is m ental under-co m p en satio n is inherent in N ie tz sc h e ’s dynam ic nature ; it w as not

ca u sed by the co m b in atio n o f tem peram en ts. In this case, the com bination san g u in e-m e lan ch o lic
serv ed m erely to fram e a latent pro blem , allow ing it to m anifest th ro ugh the m en tal plane. I f N ie tz ­
sch e had had a n o th e r tem peram ent, his m ental under-co m p en satio n m ight have m anifested in som e
o th e r w ay; if he w ere a cho leric type, perhaps by extrem e rage, if a p hlegm atic ty pe, perhaps by a
te n d en c y to w ard ex c essiv e em otional follow ed by perio ds o f apathy.

W e e n c o u n te r a v ery d iffe ren t com bination in the ch art o f the P ortuguese po et F lo rb ela E sp an c a.46

1. A sce n d an t Hot Cold Moist Dry Temperament

• L ibra, an a ir sig n, hot and m oist Rising Sign n Hot Moist S a n guine

• A sce n d an t ru ler, V enus in Sign of Ascendant

S a g itta riu s (fire), hot and dry Ruler 9Z Hot Dry C h oleric

Qualities of
• S aturn in the first house Planets In 1st b Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic
House
(p la n e t’s q u ality ), co ld and dry Sign of planets in *9/ Hot Dry C h oleric
aspect with • # • 0 (Autumn) Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic
• A sex tile o f V enus in Ascendant < / D ( 2 - ' Quarter) Hot Dry C h o le ric

S ag itta riu s, hot and dry Moon's phsse 2 ' d Quartet Hol Dry C h o le ric

• A se x tile o f the Sun in

S ag itta riu s (A utum n), cold and
Moon’s sign T Hot Dry C h o le ric

Qualities of
dry planets conjunct d Hot Dry C h o le ric
the Moon
• O p p o sitio n o f the M oon in 2nd Sign of planets In
aspect to the
Hot Dry C h o le ric
A 0 (Autumn)
Q u arter, ho t and dry Moon Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic

Season of the
2. M oon year
Autumn ( 0 in **) Cold Dry M e la n ch o lic

Total: 8 4 1 11
• S econd Q u a rter, hot and dry
• L o ca ted in A ries, hot and dry Sangum c: 1 C ho leric: 7 Melancholic: 4 Phlegmatic; 0

F ig u r e 3 . T e m p e r a m e n t A s s e s s m e n t fo r F lo r b e la E s p a n c a
• C o n ju n ct M ars (p la n e t’s
q u a lity ), h ot and dry
• T rin e o f V enus in S a g itta riu s, h o t and dry
• T rin e o f S un in S a g itta riu s (A u tu m n ), co ld and dry
3. Sun
• A u tu m n sig n (S a g itta riu s), co ld and dry

T he re s u lts a re show n in F ig u re 3.

^Florbela Espanca was a well-known Portuguese poet who died at the age of 36 in 1930. She was a precursor of the
feminist movement in Portugal as her writings are known for their erotic and feminist qualities.
 A (fdcndiini/267

T here is in this exam ple a clear predom inance o f a choleric tem peram ent (hot and dry ) that c o rre ­
sponds w ith an en th u siastic, active, determ ined, and courageous ch aracter that is easily evidenced
in F lo rb c la ’s life and poetry. A lso presen t in her turb ulen t personal life are the m ore n eg a tiv e a s ­
p ects o f this tem peram ent, notably her im patience, em otional excess, and lack o f recep tiv ity . H er
p o etry also re flects this choleric backdrop, w hich produces an exuberant ex pression o f the p e rso n a l­
ity and larg e em otional outb ursts. Flo rbela was an enterprising, strong-w illed, and in d u strio u s
w om an; she w as the first wom an in her country to attend high school and univ ersity . H er re fu sal to
acco m m o d ate h e rs e lf to an unhappy m arriage may be connected to this tem peram ent— by n ature
very ac tiv e (hot) and inflexible (dry).

N o tw ith sta n d in g the m arked predom inance o f the choleric tem peram ent in this chart, th ere are o th er
im p o rtan t in d icato rs that should not go ignored. The m ost im portant is the positio n o f S aturn in the
first h ouse, w hich gives her a m elancholic tone. T his indication is rein forced by the co n ju n ctio n o f a
fix ed star o f the nature o f M ercury and Saturn (S eg in us, in the constellation B ootes) to the A sce n ­
dant. F u rth erm o re , F lo rbela was born in the autum n, a m elan cholic season. A lthough these in d ic a ­
tors do not nu llify her choleric tem peram ent, they
add a m elan ch o lic nucleu s w hich em erges from tim e As has been m entioned elsew h ere in this
to tim e. book, one should not ra ndom ly c o u n t up
factors, but rath er look at the natal m ap.
A s can be seen, an analy sis o f tem peram ent m ust a l­ O nly a direct understan d in g , b ase d upon
w ays be ac com panied by a careful ex am ination o f the full ch art, allow s one to tran slate the
th e n atal ch art. O nly in this w ay can we obtain a num erical (q u a n titativ e) indicato rs in to the
co m p lete and detailed im age o f the p erso n ality b e ­ q u alitative.
in g studied.

C o n s id e r a tio n s A b o u t th e A ss e s s m e n t o f T e m p e r a m e n t

T he m ethod d esc rib ed is larg ely based upon the w ork o f W illiam L illy , one o f the few authors w ho
p re se n ts a system o f scorin g supported by a p ractical chart ex am ple. In our sco rin g w e ’ve om itted
tw o c o n sid eratio n s included by this author: the q u alitie s o f the sign o f the M o o n ’s d isp o sito r, and
th o se o f the sign o f the L ord o f the N a tiv ity (the plan et w ith the h ig h est score in the tab le p resen ted
in C h ap ter X IV ).

S om e au th o rs take into con sid eratio n the effect o f o rie n ta lity and o c c id e n tality on the q u alitie s o f
th e p lan ets. T hese are the ru les usu ally follow ed fo r the q u alitie s o f the p lan ets ac co rd in g to
o rie n ta lity and occid en tality :

P la n e t O r ie n ta l O c c id e n ta l
h S aturn C old + M oist D ry
U J u p ite r H ot + M oist M oist
CT M ars H ot + D ry D ry
9 V enus H ot + M oist M oist
8 M ercu ry Hot D ry

T h e se attrib u tio n s, w hich are intended to refine the sco rin g o f the te m p eram en t fo r e a c h p la n e t, are
in o u r o p in io n too com plex fo r beginners. On the o th er hand, not all a u th o rs u se th em , a n d th e ir
o m issio n does n ot sig n ifican tly alte r the final resu lt o f the w e ig h in g . S om e m o d e rn a s tro lo g e rs d is ­
a g re e w ith L illy ’s tem peram ent m ethod and have p ut forth th e ir ow n. In any c a se , a ll th e p ro p o s e d
v a ria n ts are based upon the sam e three facto rs— the Sun, M oon an d A sc e n d a n t— d iffe rin g o n ly in
the w e ig h t they assign to each one.
 268/On tfic Heavenfy Sjtftercs

P e r s o n a l M o tiv a tio n s

T h e A s c e n d a n t a n d I ts R u le r
A side from the stu d y o f tem peram ental co n stitution, th ere arc other essential factors to take into
c o n sid e ra tio n w hen ex a m in in g a natal chart. O ne o f the m ost im portant is the exam ination o f the
ru le r o f the A sce n d an t and its condition. Since the A scendan t re presents the in d ivid ual, its ruler
giv es an in d ic a tio n o f the u n d erly in g m otiv ations, ch oices, and orien tatio n o f the in divid ual. T his
m o tiv a tin g force is alw ay s p resent in his or her d ecisions, although they m ay not alw ays be obvious
to the in d iv id u a l.

T here are three fu n d am en tal crite ria to take into acco unt in this study: 1) the nature o f the ruling
plan et, 2) its p o sitio n by sig n, and 3) its p ositio n by house. The nature o f the ruling plan et indicates
the m an n er in w hich the indiv id u al expresses his or her personal m otiv ation. L o gically, the m anner
o f e x p ressio n and the general a ttitu d e o f the in divid ual are strongly connected w ith the p lan et that
re p re se n ts that in d iv id u a l (ru le r o f the A scendant). Thus, i f the ru ler o f the A scendant is S aturn ,
there is a sober, re frain e d , and ca utious attitu d e. Ju p iter suggests an attitu d e that is m ore c o m fo rt­
able, o p tim istic , and co n fid en t. M ars im plies an in tense, co n quering attitu d e that can becom e im ­
po sin g an d, in the ex trem e, bellico se. The Sun expresses its e lf in a n atu ra lly au th o rita tiv e , s e lf-a s­
sertiv e, and d o m in an t m anner. V enus ind icates a sociable, co n c iliato ry m anner o rien te d tow ard
com fort. M ercu ry re p resen ts a laid -b ack , v ersatile , and d iv ersifie d exp ressio n . L astly, the M oon as
ru le r o f the A sce n d an t conveys a fickle, alb eit very ad ap tab le, attitu d e that attem pts to m old its e lf in
the m ost d iv e rse situ a tio n s in o rd er to re alize its m otives.

T he sign p o sitio n o f the A scen d an t ru le r ad ds its ch a ra c te ristic s (e le m ent and m ode) to the nature o f
the p lan et. T hus, a fire sign gives the ru lin g p lan et an activ e exp ressio n ; an air sign an in tera ctiv e
and so cial ex p ressio n ; a w a te r sign, a m ore re fle c tiv e and em otional ex p ressio n ; and an earth sign, a
m ore p ra g m a tic ex p ressio n . T he card in al signs in d icate ac tiv e and a g itated sty les, the fixed signs re ­
flec t a p re o c c u p a tio n w ith sec u rity and c o n tin u ity , and the m utab le signs in d icate a d iv erse , o s c illa t­
ing (betw een change and sec u rity ) style. T he elem en t and m ode o f ex p ressio n co m bine w ith the n a ­
ture o f the p lan et, e ith e r re in fo rc in g o r atten u a tin g its b asic expressio n . L astly , the h o u se w here the
ru ling p lan et is lo cated in d icates the area o f life w here the nativ e attem p ts to re alize his m o tiv a tio n s
(the m eanings o f the tw elv e ho u ses are o u tlin e d in C h ap ter V II).

In a d d itio n to these th ree fu n d a m e n tal fa cto rs, it is also n ec essary to c o n sid er the asp ects fo rm ed by
the ru le r o f the A sce n d an t and its e sse n tial and a c cid en tal cond itio n in the chart. T he p lan ets that a s ­
pect the ru le r (p a rtic u la rly by co n ju n c tio n ) d e p ic t situ atio n s that affec t (a id in g or im peding) the e x ­
p re ssio n o f the p erso n al m o tiv a tio n , w h ile the esse n tial and ac cid en tal co n d itio n s in d icate the q u a l­
ity and force, re sp e c tiv e ly , th at the p la n e t p o sse sse s in o rd e r to re a liz e the m o tiv a tio n it re p resen ts.

In sum m ary , the fa cto rs to c o n sid e r in re la tio n to the ru le r o f the A sce n d an t are:
• T he n a tu re o f the p la n e t
• Its sign p o sitio n
• Its h o u se p o sitio n
• Its asp e c ts
• Its d ig n itie s an d d e b ilitie s
 Addenduml269

P r a c tic e E x a m p le s

C a se 1
N ie tz s c h e ’s chart has a S corpio A scendant, ruled by M ars in V irgo in the tenth house. T he p erso n al
m o tiv a tio n o f this p h ilo so p h er is, there fo re , expressed in an aggressive, intense, and b e llico se m an ­
n er (M ars), thro ugh actions that are concrete, practical, and diverse (V irgo, earth, m utable), and o ri­
ented tow ard p u blic re cognitio n and the realization o f his career (tenth house).

T he p o sitio n o f M ars scores 5 essential dig nity points, w hich signals its elevated cap acity for ac tio n
and se lf-fu lfillm e n t. It is in its own trip licity in V irgo, w hich grants it great acceptance, and in its
ow n term s, w hich gra nts it the ab ility to produce. In ad ditio n, it is orien tal o f the Sun, w hich allow s
it to hav e a m ore d irec t and frontal expression.

A lso , M ars m akes vario us aspects, o f w hich the conjunction to M ercury is the m ost salient. T h rough
th is c o n ju n ctio n , M ercury brings its influence to the personal m otiv ation o f this chart, add in g to
M a rs ’ e x p ressio n a curio us and in tellectual facet that m ay at tim es be argum entativ e. T he c o n ju n c ­
tio n also in d icates a connection betw een the personal m otiv ation and the areas o f life re p resen te d by
M ercu ry . T he ca ree r (ten th house) and rela tio nships (c o -ru ler o f the seventh house) th ere fo re b e ­
com e ex tre m ely im portant to N ie tz sc h e ’s personal sense o f fu lfillm ent. A nother M ars asp e ct th at
n ee d s to be h ig h lig h ted is the oppositio n to Jupiter, in dicator o f a certain antagonism in h eren t in
N ie tz s c h e ’s nature . Ju p iter is co -ru ler o f the A scendant (it rules S agitta rius, in tercep ted in the first
h o u se), and its oppositio n to the ruler o f the A scendant represents an in tern al schism in his p erso n al
m o tiv a tio n s. B ecause it is also the ru ler o f the fourth house, it indicates a separatio n b etw een the in ­
d iv id u a l and his fam ily. As w e ’ve alre ady described, N ietzsche w as ch a rac te rized by the in ten sity
w ith w hich he expressed his ideas, even w hen he tried to acquire the public re co g n itio n w hich he so
lo n g ed for. A lso w ell know n w as the contrast betw een his self-p ro claim ed atheism and the extre m e
re lig io s ity o f his trad itio n ally L uthera n fam ily.

C ase 2
F lo rb e la E sp a n c a ’s chart has V enus, ru ler o f the A scendant, in S ag itta riu s in the th ird house.
T h e re fo re , th ere is a personal m otiv ation focused on com m unication, learning, and all form s o f e x ­
c h a n g e (th ird house) expressed in a dynam ic, diverse m an ner (S ag ittariu s, fire, m u tab le), and very
fo c u se d on ae sth e tic s and harm ony (V enus). V enus is p ereg rin e in th is degree o f S ag itta riu s and is
o u t o f h a y z (th at is, out o f its n atural sect co ndition), w hich suggests an u n d e rly in g d issa tisfa c tio n .

T h e c o n ju n ctio n w ith the Sun is p artic u la rly re le v an t in this ch art b ecau se o f its co m b u st c o n d itio n
(c o v e re d in C h ap ter X). The m atters represented by the Sun (elev en th house: frie n d s, h o p es, p ro ­
je c ts ) dom in ate the p ersonal m otiv atio n and w ere sig n ifican t in the life o f th is poet. T he trin e o f th e
M o o n w ith M ars in the sev enth house is a m o tiv a to r for re la tio n sh ip m atters. R e la tio n sh ip s b e c o m e
e sp e c ia lly im portant because V enus, sig n ificato r o f F lo rb e la ’s m o tiv es, ap p lies by trin e to M ars,
ru le r o f the seventh house and sig n ificato r o f re la tio n sh ip s (she a c tiv e ly sea rch e s o u t o th e rs). T h e
trin e from the M oon, ru ler o f the M idheaven, b rings a desire fo r su ccess and re c o g n itio n to th e p e r­
so n a l m o tiv atio n . The life o f F lo rb ela w as ch a rac te rized by a larg e co n tra st b e tw e e n h e r ro m a n tic ,
e n tra n c in g p o etry and her ch allen g in g m arital life (she had three m a rria g es, all v ery u n h a p p y ).

C a se 3
Jim M o rris o n ’s chart has Saturn , ru le r o f the A scendant, in G em ini in the fifth h o u se . T h is p la c e ­
m e n t p o in ts to a personal m otiv atio n oriented tow ard leisu re and the se a rc h fo r p le a s u re (f if th
h o u se ), but exp ressed in a “ h ea v y ” (S aturn ) m anner, yet w ith a stro n g in te lle c tu a l a n d v e r s a tile
s tre a k (G em in i, air, m utable). T hro ugh the band T h e D o o r s , M o rriso n found a n a tu ra l fo rm o f ex-
 2 7 0 /O h th e H e a w u f y Sp h eres

p re ssio n in m usic and poetry (fifth house them es), yet even his m ore playfu l co m positio ns denote a
touch o f m elan c h o ly and d isillusionm ent (Saturn).

S aturn, ru le r o f the A scendant, is in its own trip licity , fast, and oriental o f the Sun, w hich gives p o ­
tency and p o w e r to M o rriso n ’s capacity to re alize his m otives. On the other hand, it is retro g rad e,
w hich in d ic a te s h esitatio n in his personal choices.

T here is also a p erso n al intern al conflict bec ause Saturn is oppo site M ercury, w hich is the actu al
ru le r o f the fifth house and the d isp o sito r o f Saturn. This co n fig u ratio n in dicates a p ow erful gam ble
on his frie n d sh ip s and hopes (e le venth house), w ith grand ex p ectatio n s (M ercury re ceiv es S aturn );
but these frie n d s and hopes are often view ed as an tag o n istic (o p p o sitio n ) to the native h im se lf (S a t­
urn ). S een a n o th e r w ay, th is oppositio n also indicates co n tro v e rsial ideas (M ercury) and ideals (the
elev e n th ho u se) that end up being preju dicia l to the native (S aturn ).

T he fa ct that S aturn rules not only the Hot Cold Moist Dry T em péram ent

first but also the tw elfth indicates on Rising Sign £2 Hot M oist Sanguin e
the one hand a p ow erful need for iso ­
Sign o f A scendant
lation, but also a tendency for Ruler m i Hot M oist Sanguin e

se lf-sa b o ta g e , w hich w ill m anife st Q ualities o f

Planets In 1st u Cold Dry M e la nch o lic
p rim arily via the fifth house w here House

S aturn is locate d . It w as the excess o f Sign o f planets In

ûdn Hot M oist Sanguin e
•M -O (Autumn)
a spect with Cold Dry M e la ncholic
“p le a s u re s ” (d ru g s) w hich led M o rri­ A scendant □ D (2 > l Quarter)
Hot
—
Dry C h oleric
son to a p re m a tu re death at age 27.
M oon's phase 2 ’ a Quarter Hot Dry Choleric
T his situ a tio n is re in fo rce d by M er­
cury, ru le r o f the fifth house (p le a ­ M oon's sign b Cold Dry M e la nch o lic

su re s), also ru lin g the eighth house Qualities of

planets conjunct (none) - - •
(d eath ) and o p p o sitio n S aturn the Moon
Sign o f planets in
(sig n ific a to r o f M orrison h im self). a spect to the
« .ç n i Cold M oist P hleg m a tic

Moon A g i g _____ Cold Dry M o la nch o lic

Season o f the
E v ery th in g d esc rib ed here o perates year
Autumn ( Q in ✓ ) Cold Dry
M ela nch o lic

w ith in the larg e r co n tex t o f a p re ­ Total: 5 6 4 7

do m in an tly m elan c h o lic te m p e ra ­ Sanguine* 3 Choleric; 2 M elancholic: 5 Phlegmatic: 1

m ent. T he dry q u ality p re d o m in a te s,
F ig u r e 4 . A s s e s s m e n t o f J im M o r r is o n ’s T e m p e r a m e n t
in d icatin g a fo cu sed and ex trem ely
determ in e d a ttitu d e . T his co m b in atio n in d icates an attitu d e th a t is in flex ib le to e x te rio r in flu en c es
and th at cu ltiv a te s in d iv id u a lism and sec lu sio n , all o f w hich re in fo rc e the ten d en c ies show n by the
ru ler o f the A sce n d an t. In his life and in his w ork s, M o rris o n ’s av e rsio n to a u th o rity , to group think,
and to co n se rv a tiv ism are all n o to rio u s.

C ase 4

E d g ar A llan P o e ’s ch a rt is an ex am p le o f an A sc e n d a n t ru le r in a fa irly d e b ilita te d co n d itio n . M ars,

ru le r o f th e S co rp io A sce n d an t, is in the tw e lfth ho u se in L ib ra, its sign o f d etrim en t. T he tw elfth
h o u se in d ic a te s a p o w e rfu l n ee d fo r iso la tio n and lim itin g situ a tio n s th at are not u n d e r the c o n tro l o f
the in d iv id u a l. In re a lity , Poe did hav e a d iffic u lt sta rt to his life: he w as o nly tw o w hen his fa th e r
a b a n d o n ed th e fa m ily , and th e n ex t y e a r his m o th er d ied o f tu b e rc u lo sis, w hich fo rced him to live
w ith an a d o p tiv e fam ily. F rom e a rly on he d isp la y e d g re a t em o tio n al frag ility .

T he e sse n tia l d e b ility o f M ars (in d e trim e n t and p e re g rin e ) su g g ests th at his attem p ts at p erso n al
fu lfillm e n t th ro u g h se lf-a s s e rtio n (M a rs) had a te n d e n c y to d e g e n e ra te in to m isu n d e rsta n d in g s and
 A(f(fendwnl27L

Hot Cold Moist Dry Tem peram ent co nflicts (c haracteristic o f a d e b ili­
Rising Sign Cold M oist P h leg m atic
tated M ars). This d ifficu lty in p e r­
sonal fulfillm ent led him to auto-de-
Sign o f A scondant
R uler
d n Hot M oist S an g u in e stru ctive behavio rs, inclu d in g the
Q ualities of
b C old Dry M e lancho lic abuse o f alcohol, heroin , and opium .
Planots In 1st
H ouse u JHol__ Moist S a n g u in e

Sign o f planots In Cold Moist P h le g m a tic

The tw elfth house also in d icates a
asp ect with AJUH C old Moist P h leg m atic
A scondant A D (1 bl Quarter) Hot Moist S a n g u in e certain conform ity and general lack
M oon's phase 1*' Quarter Hot Moist S a n g u in e
o f m otiv ation, w hich tends to h in d er
any attem pt at overcom ing o b stacle s.
M oon's sign K Cold Moist P h le g m a tic M any tim es, it is the actu al in d iv id ­
Qualities of
planots conjunct
9 H ol Moist S a n g u in e ual that places h im se lf into such s itu ­
the Moon Hot Moist S a n g u in e
ations, and in fact, Poe m ade sev e ral
Sign o f planots in
as p e c t to the □ bx* H ot Dry C h o leric choices (such as leaving the u n iv e r­
M oon

S oason o f the
sity and the m ilitary academ y) w hich
Winter ( O in V)) C old M oist P h le g m a tic
yoar had a neg ative im pact on his fu ture.
Total: 7 6 11 2

Sanguine: 6 Choleric: 1 Melancholic 1 Phlegmatic: 5 MaTS TCCCiveS a SQUarC frOlT! the Sun,
w hich because it is ru ler o f the
Figure 5. Assessment of Poe’s T em peram ent M idheaven, adds to the p erso n al m o-
tiv a tio n the need for success and recognitio n. It is, how ever, a square, w hich in co m b in atio n w ith
M a rs ’ d eb ility , indicates a pow erful dissatisfactio n . On top o f th is, the aspect is sep a ratin g (the Sun
is m oving aw ay from M ars), w hich indicates a distan cin g b etw een the in d ivid ual and his goals. A n ­
o th e r re le v a n t factor is the co n junction betw een M ars to the antiscio n o f the M oon and V enus (in
P isc es, c o n ju n ct on the cusp o f the fifth house), w hich brings to the personal m o tiv atio n a n eed for
p le a su re and a m arked auto-indulgence.

T he sco rin g o f P o e ’s tem peram ent reveals an o scillatio n betw een the sanguine and p h legm atic
ty p es, w ith a clea r predom inance o f the m oist quality. T his co n stitu tio n , m ark edly re cep tiv e, fram es
ev e ry th in g w e ’ve pre v io u sly said w ithin the con tex t o f extre m e se n sitiv ity and p erm issiv en e ss, su g ­
g e stiv e o f an addictiv e perso n ality .

T h e F ir s t S te p . . .

In clo sin g , the study o f tem peram ental c o n stitu tio n and m o tiv atio n , c o n stitu te s only the first step in
the d e lin ea tio n o f a n atal chart. To obtain a co m plete and d eta ile d p ictu re o f an in d iv id u a l’s w hole
p o te n tia l, it is n ecessary to sy stem atically apply the co lle c tio n o f m ethods th a t co m pose the sy stem
o f tra d itio n a l d elin eatio n . O nce the in d iv id u a l’s p o ten tial is u n d ersto o d , it is p o ssib le to d eterm in e
the p e rio d s in life w hen th ose p o ten tials w ill m anifest. T his d eterm in a tio n is an im p o rtan t a sp e c t o f
a stro lo g y : p r e d i c t i o n .

In tra d itio n a l p re d ic tiv e astro lo g y , sp ecific tech n iq u e s are used th at in d icate h o w and w h e n th is p o ­
te n tia l w ill be ac tivate d. A m ong the p rin cip a l p re d ic tiv e tech n iq u e s are d ire c tio n s, p la n e ta ry p e r i­
ods, re tu rn s, and transits. D ire c tio n s involve d ire c tin g a p lan et to th e p lace o f a n o th e r p la n e t (o r to a
p o sitio n that aspects an o th er p lan et), thus a c tiv a tin g the p o te n tia l o f the p la n e t to u c h e d . T h is m o ­
tio n is ruled by a sym bolic tim e d u ring w hich the m ost n o tab le tech n iq u e s are p rim a ry d ire c tio n s ,
w h ich equate a degree o f ascen sio n al tim e to a y ea r o f the life, and p ro fe c tio n s, w h ic h e q u a te a
m onth o f the life to 2° 3 0 ' in the zodiac (o r 30° for a year). P l a n e t a r y p e r i o d s d iv id e th e life o f a n in ­
d iv id u al into tem poral segm ents, each one un d er the ru le rsh ip o f a p a rtic u la r p la n e t. O f th e s e , n o te
the F ird a ria and the A ges o f M an (the latte r co v ered at the end o f C h a p te r IV ). R e t u r n s o r re v o lu ­
tio n s, as th ey are called in the tra d itio n al lite ratu re , m ak e up th e stu d y o f th e m o m e n t w h e n a p la n e t
272lOn tfw Hcawnfy Syftcrcs

re tu rn s to its ow n natal p o sitio n. T he m ost com m only used in the tradition arc solar re tu rns, w hich
o ffe r a w hole y e a r’s p ersp ectiv e, and lu nar re tu rns, w hich ex am in e a m o n th ’s perio d. T r a n s i t s re ­
su lt from the in tera ctio n o f the natal ch art w ith the p ositio n o f the plan ets at a given m om ent in tim e;
th ese serv e as c o m p lim e n tary to the aforem entioned techniques.

T he re m a in in g b ran ch es o f astro lo g y also possess th eir own delin eatio n techniques. In hora ry , th ere
arc sp e c ific rules fo r each ty pe o f question posed, and in m undane astro lo g y , th ere are sp ec ific d e­
lin e a tio n s for e c lip se s, an nual in gresses, plan etary cy cles, etc. N e v ertheless, the rules for d e lin e a ­
tion and p re d ic tio n are a n o th e r level o f stu dy, w hose com plexity, sp ec ia liz atio n , and scale are b e­
yond the scope o f this textb o o k . T hey w ill how ever, be covered in fu ture w orks.
 FinaC Thoughts
I f you have read this book from the beginning and studied its content, you now possess the basics to u n d er­
stand astrology. A t this point you have acquired a structured vision o f the astrological principles. T his is the
first and m ost im portant step in its study— a full understanding o f the laws and rules that underly the art. W e
leave you w ith the fram ew ork o f the art, the starting point for further studies on your jo u rn e y th rough the
universe o f astrology.

T oday, the preservation and recovery o f the astrological tradition is a vanguard activity. Thanks to the w ork
p ro d u ced by dedicated researchers, w e can finally drink from the m ost ancient sources w ithout havin g to fil­
ter it through m odem concepts or dilute it w ith ideas from o ther areas. T he legacy o f the ancient astrologers
is capable o f reaching us today. W e can finally receive the testam ent o f that incredibly long lineage o f astrol­
ogers, w ho, over the course o f centuries, have deciphered the m eaning o f the stars and planets and w ho com ­
p iled that know ledge in priceless w orks. In order to receive that patrim ony, only one thing is asked o f us: that
w e are w orthy o f the gift, that w e honor it, and preserve it.

T h e b e s t w a y t o h o n o r a s t r o lo g y is t o s t u d y it .

H e le n a A v e l a r a n d L u i s R ib e ir o
S tu d e n ts o f A s tr o lo g y
274/On tfic Heaven fy Spftcrcs
 A n n o t a t e d B ib lio g r a p h y
W hen one studies a new subject, invariably the question m ost frequently asked is: W hich books do w e start
w ith? A diligent student alw ays begins by acquiring a quality bibliography that contains accurate and coher­
ent in form ation that can be verified in practice. The objectives from the onset are to be able to organize o n e ’s
th o u g h ts , c la rify c o n fu s io n s , an d e s ta b lis h s o lid fo u n d a tio n s th a t w ill be fu rth e r d e v e lo p e d in th e
fu tu re .

N evertheless, those w ho are currently introduced to the w orld o f astrology w ith the intent o f learning it, are
faced w ith an avalanche o f books, schools, teachers and courses, m any o f w hich offer an abundant am ount o f
inform ation that is often disorganized and contradictory.

In this bibliography w e offer som e suggestions for a few reference works. W e do not propose to outline an
exhaustive list o f all o f the w orks that are representative o f the astrological tradition, since nothing is m ore
co nfusing to a new student than an overly long bibliography.

R eferen ce W o rk s

T he fo llow in g books are those w e believe best represent the astrological tradition, and w hich, as such, can
offer students invaluable inform ation on their astrological path. All o f them have served as sources for the
cu rren t handbook.

C h r i s t ia n A s t r o l o g y by W illiam Lilly. O riginally published in 1647, this w ork is still one o f the principal
so urces for the student o f the astrological tradition. Strongly versed in the tradition, W illiam L illy w rote a
very com prehensive m anual (in three volum es) covering both natal and horary astrology. H is book becam e
one o f the m ain sources o f inform ation about the practice o f astrology in its tim e since it explains the tech­
niques and th eir application in an instructional m anner w ith plenty o f exam ples. W illiam Lilly, C h r is tia n A s ­
tr o lo g y , E xeter, R egulus Publishing Co. Ltd, 1985.

T e tr a b ib lo s by Claudius Ptolem y. This is an astrological classic and probably the m ost w idely cited in the
history o f the art. It is one o f the m ost im portant and influential w orks in the field o f astrology. A lthough it is
not a practical w ork, as are the other w orks referenced here, it is w ithout a doubt, indispensable fo r any seri­
ous stu dent o f astrology. In addition, it is also a w onderful source o f inform ation because its approach to b a ­
sic astrological principles becam e the canon o f astrology. Claudius Ptolem y, T e tr a b ib lo s , L oeb C lassical L i­
brary, 1940.

T h e B o o k o f R e a s o n s by A braham Ibn Ezra. This is a com pilation o f m edieval astrological tho u g h t, still rich
in A rabic influences. The first volum e contains excellent references about the natu re o f the p lan ets, sig n s,
and houses, and a glossary o f com m on astrological term s. T he second vo lu m e co n tain s a su m m ary o f the
m ain rules for the practice o f astrology, covering all branches: natal, horary, m u n d an e, e le c tio n al an d m e d i­
cal. A very useful w ork, it offers the student a vast p anoram a o f practical m ed iev al astro lo g y . A b ra h a m Ib n
E zra, T h e B o o k o f R e a s o n s , Brill A cadem ic Publishers, 2007. T ranslation an d co m m en tary b y S h lo m o Sela.

E l L i b r o C o n p ila d o e n L o s l u d i z i o s d e la s E s t r e l l a s by A li ben Ragel. W ritten at the en d o f th e 11th ce n tu ry ,

this w ork is a collection o f the A rabic-M edieval traditio n an d is one o f the m o st im p o rtan t w o rk s fo r th e ru le s
and astrological aphorism s in all o f the branches o f astrology. It is an ag g reg ate o f v ario u s in te rp re ta tiv e p e r­
spectives, w hich m akes it a bit difficult to read. B ut it is one o f the m o st v alu ab le an d c o m p le te so u rc e s fo r
the tradition. A l i b e n R a g e l, E l L i b r o C o n p i la d o e n L o s l u d i z i o s d e la s E s t r e l l a s , B a r c e l o n a , E d i c i o n e s I n ­
d ig o . 1 9 9 7 . This edition is in Spanish. T here is no current E nglish tra n sla tio n a v a ila b le a t th is tim e .
 276lOn the Heavenly Spheres

T h e B o o k o f th e I n s t r u c t i o n in th e E le m e n ts o f th e A r t o f A s tr o lo g y by A bu-A lraihan A l-Binini. A s its nam e

indicates, this book contain s the basics and principal technical definitions needed for the practice o f astrol­
ogy. It is m ore theoretical than practical, but contains valuable inform ation to clarify certain am biguities in
the art. It is recom m ended for m ore advanced students. A bu-A lraihan A l-B iruni, T h e B o o k o f th e I n s t r u c t io n
in th e E le m e n ts o f th e A r t o f A s tr o lo g y , Luzac & Co., London, 1934. Translation by R. R am say W right.

C a r m e n A s t r o l o g i c u m by D orothcus o f Sidon. O ne o f the oldest know n w orks on astrology, the w ork o f

D orothcus is the source fo r m uch o f the subsequent w estern astrological tradition. It is not recom m ended for
beginners, since it presents an approach that is veiy characteristic o f the H ellenistic era, w hich m ay confuse
beginners. It is nevertheless, an im portant source in the library o f the m ore advanced student. D orothcus o f
Sidon, C a r m e n A s t r o l o g i c u m , K.G. Saur V erlag G m bH , M unich, G erm any, 1976. T ranslation by D avid
Pingree. In 2005, A strology C lassics Publishers reprinted a copy o f P in g ree’s translation o f D orothcus,
w hich also contain s a translated forew ord by D orian G reenbaum .

M a t h e s e o s L i b r i V U I b y F irm icus M atcm us. A classic o f the astrological tradition w hich includes an array o f
practical in structions for natal astrology, w hich encom pass interpretation, ethics, and the practice o f astrol­
ogy. It is am ong the m ost extensiv e w orks know n from the H ellenistic era (c. 355). M a t h e s e o s L i b r i V I I I b y
F irm icus M atem us, N oyes Press, Park Ridge, N J, 1975. T ranslated by Jean Rhys Bram. A strology C lassics
P ublishers also reprinted a copy o f this translation in 2005.

O th e r W o r k s o f In te r e st

A braham , Ibn-E zra, T h e B e g i n n i n g o f W is d o m , N otts, A scella Publications, 1939.

A bu A li A l-K ayyat, T h e J u d g m e n t o f N a ti v i ti e s , Tempe, A Z, A m erican Federation o f A strologers, 1988.
A nto niu s de M utulm o, O n t h e J u d g m e n t o f N a ti v i t i e s , B erkeley Springs, W V , The G olden H ind Press, 1995.
C laudius D ariot, J u d g m e n t o f t h e S t a r s , N otts, A scella P ublications, 1583.
G uido B onatti, L i b e r A s t r o n o m i a e , B erkeley Springs, W V , The G olden H ind Press, 1994.
G uido Bonatti, O n t h e A r a b i c P a r t s , London, N ew L ibrary, 2002.
Jean-B aptiste M orin, A s t r o l o g i a G a llic a , Tempe, A Z, A m erican F ederation o f A strologers, 1994.
Jo hannes Schoener, O p o s c u lu m A s t r o l o g i c u m , B erkeley Springs, W V , The G olden H ind Press, 1994.
John Partridge, O p u s R e f o r m a t o r u m , N otts, A scella P ublications, 1693.
M essahallah and Ibn E zra, T e x to s A s t r ô l o g i c o s M e d i e v a l e s , M adrid, E ditorial Barath, 1981.
Placidus de Titis, P r in iu m M o b i l e , Institu te fo r the S tudy o f C ycles in W orld A ffairs, 1983.
V ettius V alens, A n t h o l o g y , B erkeley Springs, W V , T he G old en H ind Press, 1994.

C o n te m p o r a r y W o r k s o f In te r e st

H i s t o r y o f H o r o s c o p i c A s t r o l o g y by Jam es H olden. T his ex cellen t reference book offers a deep visio n into
the p ractice o f astro lo g y th ro u g h o u t history. T he au th o r divides the history o f astrology into various p hases
from the M esopotam ian p erio d to the current tim es. H e studies the particularities o f each age and presents
short bio graphies o f its m a jo r authors and practitioners. Jam es H. H olden, H i s t o r y o f H o r o s c o p i c A s tr o lo g y ,
T em pe A Z , A m erican F ed eratio n o f A strologers, Inc. 1996.

F i x e d S t a r s a n d C o n s t e l l a t i o n s in A s t r o l o g y , b y V ivian E. R obson. A valu ab le source o f inform ation about

the fix ed stars an d th eir u se in astro lo g ical interpretation. P ublished in 1923, this w ork lists m o st stars and
th eir resp ectiv e trad itio n al ch aracteristics and is to this d ay the m a jo r reference for this topic. T h e student
sho u ld hold som e reserv atio n s w ith reg ard to the in terp retatio n s o f S im m onite, A lvidas and o th er m o d em
authors, w h o se o p in io n s are debatable. V iv ian E. R obson, F i x e d S t a r s a n d C o n s te ll a ti o n s in A s t r o l o g y , L o n ­
don, A scella P u b licatio n s, 2001.
 B i6 (lo g r a y fty /2 7 7

U r a n u s , N e p t u n e a n d P l u t o : a n I n v e s t ig a t io n in to th e S o u r c e s o f th e ir S y m b o lis m , by Sue W ard. A notable

investigation published online, w here the author explores the origins and developm ent o f the sym bolism at­
tributed to the m o d em planets. A w ork that questions m any o f the presuppositions associated w ith the inter­
pretation o f these planets. R ecom m ended to all students o f astrology. Sue W ard, U ra n u s, N e p tu n e a n d
P lu to : a n I n v e s t i g a t i o n in to th e S o u r c e s o f th e i r S y m b o lis m , L o n d o n , 2 0 0 2 .

T h e R e a l A s t r o l o g y by John Fraw ley. A n irreverent book w here the m odem practice o f astrology is ques­
tioned and co m pared w ith traditional approaches. John Fraw ley, T h e R e a l A s t r o lo g y , London, A pprentice
Books, 2001.

A special reference is m ade to all o f the w orks o f Robert E. Zoller, w hose efforts to translate the w ork o f
G uido Bonatti and to restore the traditional system has served as the basis for m uch o f to d ay ’s w o rk in th e
fie ld .
 278jOH tftc Heavenly Spheres

C h a r t D a ta
All o f the charts presented and studied in this book w ere calculated using the A lcabitius house system , the
m ean lunar node, and the tropical zodiac. O nly the charts in A ppendix 7, A strological Chart Calculations,
use the R egiom ontanus house system .

C hart 1: N ativity o f Friedrich N ictsche, O ctober 15, 1844, 10:00 A M LM T; Rocken, G erm any (Lat:
5 1°N15 Long: 12°E 08 z). Source: The biography, “The Y oung N ietsche” according to A strodatabank.

C hart 2: N ativ ity o f A gatha Christie, Septem ber 15, 1890, 04:00 A M G M T; T orquay, England (Lat:
5 0 °N 2 8 ', Long: 0 3 °W 3 0 z). Source: the native herself, according to A strodatabank.

C hart 3: N ativity o f F lo rbcla Espanca, D ecem ber 8 ,1 8 9 4 ,0 2 :0 0 A M , (L isbon M eridian); V ila V iç o sa , P o r­

tu g a l (L a t: 3 8 ° N 4 7 ', L o n g : 0 8 ° W 1 3 '). S o u rc e : T h e b io g ra p h y , F lo r b e la E s p a n c a , by A gustina Bessa
Luiz.

C hart 4: N ativ ity o f K arl M arx, M ay 5, 1818, 02:00 A M LM T ; Trier, G erm any (Lat: 4 9 °N 4 5 Z, Long:
06 °E 3 8 '). Source: B irth C ertificate, according to A strodatabank.

C hart 5: N ativ ity o f K ing S ebastian, January 20, 1554, 07:18 A M , LM T ; Lisbon, Portugal (Lat: 3 8°N 43 Z,
Long: 09°W 08 z). Source: coeval horoscope calculated by the court cosm ographer, Jo ao B a p tis ta L a v a n h a .
A ls o c o r r o b o r a te d b y o th e r Ib e ria n a s tro lo g e rs o f th e tim e an d b y h is to r ic a l a c c o u n ts o f th e b irth .

C hart 6: N ativ ity o f Johannes K epler, January 6, 1572, 02:37 PM , L M T ; W eill dcr Stadt, G erm any (Lat:
4 8 °N 4 5 ', Long: 0 8 °E 5 2 '). Source: the native, in his book H a r m o n i c s , B o o k IV .

C hart 7: N ativ ity o f E d g ar A llen Poe, January 1 9 ,1 8 0 9 ,0 1 :30 A M , LM T; B oston, M A , U SA , (Lat: 42°N21 ',
Long: 71°W 0 3 '). Source: approxim ate birth tim e from a biography, according to A strodatabank.

C hart 8: N ativity o f Jim M orrison, D ecem b er 8, 1943, 11:55 A M , E W T (U T -4h); M elb ourne, FL , U SA ,
(Lat: 2 8°N 04 z, Long: 80 °W 3 6 '). Source: B irth C ertificate, according to A strodatabank.

C hart 9: N ativ ity o f P rin cess M aria, June 8, 1521, 07:00 PM , L M T , L isbon, Portugal, (Lat: 3 8°N 43 Z, Long:
09°W 08'). Source: H i s t o r i a G e n e o l ô g i c a d a C a s a R e a l P o r t u g u e s a e R e l a ç ô e s d e P & ro d e A l c à ç o v a
C a r n e ir o

C hart 10: H o rary Chart: “Is th e C o m p u te r M o th e rb o a rd B r o k e n ? ” , D e c e m b e r 3 0 , 2 0 0 4 , 0 7 :1 4 P M ,

G M T , L is b o n , P o r tu g a l (L a t: 3 8 ° N 4 3 ', L o n g : 0 9 ° W 0 8 ') . S o u rc e : a u th o r s ’ file s

C hart 11: H o rary C hart: “ H ow w ill the ch am pionship u n fo ld ? ” , S ep tem b er 1, 2005, 03:33 PM , G M T , L is­
bon, P ortugal (Lat: 3 8 °N 4 3 Z, L ong: 0 9 °W 0 8 z). Source: a u th o rs’ files

C hart 12: H o rary C hart: “Is this house a good b u y ? ” , O cto b er 2 9 ,2 0 0 3 ,0 1 :0 5 PM , G M T , L isbon, P ortugal
(Lat: 3 8 °N 4 3 Z, Long: 0 9 °W 0 8 z). Source: a u th o rs’ files

E x am p le 1: N a tiv ity o f a C hild, N o v em b er 17, 2005, 0 1:10 A M G M T , L isbon, P ortugal (Lat: 3 8 °N 4 3 Z,

L ong: 0 9 °W 0 8 z). Source: th e parents
Lightning Source U K Ltd
M ilto n Keynes U K
U K H W 0 3 2 3 4 9 I2 I2 I9
3 5 5 2 9 2 U K 0 0 0 0 2 B /1 0 /P 9 780866"906098
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T h o u s a n d s o f y e a r s a g o , p e o p l e fi r s t o b s e r v e d a co r r e la t io n b e t w e en t h e h e a v e n ly
b o d ie s a n d e v e n t s o n E a r t h . O u t o f t h e s e e a r ly o b s e r v a t i o n s a n d s u b s e q u e n t
r e fin e m e n t s ca m e w h a t t o d a y i s k n o w n a s a s t r o lo g y .

Fo r m o s t o f t h e s e m i lle n n ia , a s t r o lo g e r s u s e d o n ly t h e s e v e n v i s i b le p la n e t s : S u n ,
M o o n , M e r cu r y , Ve n u s , M a r s , J u p i t e r a n d S a t u r n . I t i s o u t o f t h is t r a d it i o n t h a t
H e le n a A v e la r a n d L u i s R i b e i r o h a v e w r i t t e n t h i s e x t e n s i v e b o o k o n a s t r o lo g y . T h e
r u le s a n d p r i n c i p l e s h e r e p r e s e n t e d a p p ly t o a ll b r a n c h e s o f a s t r o lo g y —n a t a l,
m u n d a n e , h o r a r y a n d e le ct iv e . T h e i r m e t h o d i s t h e t r a d i t i o n a l a n d t i m e -h o n o r e d o n e ,
a n d in c lu d e s , a m o n g o t h e r s , c h a p t e r s o n :

• The P la n e ts
• T he Z o d ia c a n d the S ig n s
• T he E s s e n tia l D ig n itie s
• The H o u ses
• T he A sp e c ts
• C hart D yn a m ics
• T he C ondition o f the P la n e ts
• T he F ix e d S ta r s
• T he P a r ts
• T h e P o w e r o f the P la n e ts
U s i n g t h i s t r a d i t i o n a l m e t h o d , i t i s p o s s i b l e n o t o n ly t o t h o r o u g h ly a n d co m p le t e ly
r e a d t h e n a t a l c h a r t b u t t o d o s o w it h a b r e a d t h a n d d e p t h o f m e a n i n g n o t fo u n d in
t h e m o d e r n m e t h o d s o f a s t r o lo g i c a l i n t e r p r e t a t i o n . I t a v o i d s co o k b o o k -t y p e m e t h o d s
a n d c e n t e r s o n t h e p r a c t i c a l u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e a s t r o lo g i c a l co n ce p t s , p r e s e n t i n g
t h e T r a d i t i o n in p r e s e n t -d a y la n g u a g e . I n a d d it io n , m o r e t h a n t w o h u n d r e d fi ft y
i llu s t r a t io n s m a k e t h e t r a d i t i o n a l p r i n c i p l e s e a s y t o u n d e r s t a n d a n d u s e in c h a r t
in t er p r et a t io n ..

T h i s p r a c t i c a l h o w -t o b o o k is o n e o f a k i n d , a n d t h e o n e t h a t w ill t e a c h y o u t h e
t r a d i t i o n a l m e t h o d s a n d y o u r e a c h in t o t h e p a s t t o b e n e fit fr o m t h e k n o w le d g e o f t h e
a u t h o r s a n d a s t r o lo g e r s fr o m a n c i e n t B a b y lo n i a t h r o u g h t h e
m e d ie v a l p e r io d .

I t i s s u i t a b le fo r b o t h b e g i n n e r s a n d a d v a n c e d s t u d e n t s , a s i t
p r o v i d e s t h e in d i s p e n s a b le c o r e o f a s t r o lo g i c a l k n o w le d g e , a t
t h e s a m e t im e a llo w in g m o r e e x p e r i e n c e d s t u d e n t s t o o r g a n i s e
t h e i r k n o w le d g e in t o a c o h e r e n t s y s t e m .