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BEYOND BASICS:
Tools for the Consulting Astrologer Textbook for Astro 202
By Carol A. Tebbs
Portions Contributed by Evan Bortnick Published by
P.O. Box 85 Basye, VA 22810
Web: http://www.astrocollege.com E-mail:
[email protected] ISBN: 0-9727238-6-2 First Electronic Edition: 2003
Copyright ©2003 Carol A. Tebbs All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written consent of the publisher, except for brief passages which may be quoted in reviews. The authors and the publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this book. However, they assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies contained herein. Cover by Vicky Perrone
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Astro 202 Syllabus Astro 202 Overview Chapter 1 Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics
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Chapter 2 Plotting Progressions, Directions and Transits With Graphics
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Chapter 3 Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Eclipses
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Chapter 4 Calculating, Interpreting and Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Returns
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Chapter 5 It's Your Choice: Electing the Best Time for an Event
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Chapter 6 Relocating to a Better Place to Fulfill Life Potential
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Chapter 7 Assessing Natal Relationship Potential and Comparing Charts for Compatibility With Synastry
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Chapter 8 Finding Family Patterns and Interpreting Group Synastry
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Chapter 9 Calculating and Interpreting Relationships and Group Dynamics With Composites
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Chapter 10 Rectifying Questionable or Unknown
Birth Times iii
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Chapter 11 Rectifying the Jimmy Swaggart Chart: Follow Up to the Practice Work
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Appendix
231
About the Author
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ASTRO 202 SYLLABUS
Week 1 – Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics Week 2 – Seeing the Chart in Motion - Graphing Progressions and Transits Week 3 – Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Eclipses Week 4 – Calculating and Interpreting Solar and Lunar Returns Week 5 – Moving the Solar Return Through the Year Week 6 – Electing the Best Time for An Event Week 7 – Relocating to a Better Place to Fulfill Life Potential Week 8 – Assessing Natal Relationship Potential With Synastry Week 9 – Comparing Charts for Compatibility With Synastry Week 10 – Finding Family Patterns and Interpreting Group Synastry Week 11 – Calculating and Interpreting Relationships With Composites Week 12 – Calculating and Interpreting Group Dynamics With Composites Week 13 – Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times – Final Practice Week 14 – Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times – Final Follow-up
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ASTRO 202 Overview: Tools For the Consulting Astrologer Following upon the completion of the ASTRO 100 series of classes and ASTRO 201, ASTRO 202 completes the basics needed by an astrologer, to do competent interpretations and astrologically address the needs of most clients. The tools for interpreting birth charts in the 100 series, the timing techniques for unfolding patterns in 201, and now the life pattern and chart comparison techniques of 202 complete a good astrological foundation. However, professional practice standards and additional skills must be honed in the specialty areas which are provided in the Elective series of classes that follow ASTRO 202 from Counseling Skills to Ethics; from Financial Astrology to Mundane; from Uranian Astrology to Mid-points. As must be evident by now, the art of astrology is not mastered in a few classes. One studies the complexities of astrology for a lifetime, amazed how it all works, and at the same time wondering why the public isn’t beating down our doors to share the profound insights. Advanced Techniques for Natal Forecasting & Interpretation
Graphics – 2 weeks: ASTRO 202 begins with a study of the various ways graphics can be used to enhance the astrologer’s understanding of a client’s long-range patterns from one year to a lifetime. It is assumed that vi
you already own a computer and an astrological software program with graphics capability such as Solar Fire 5.0, Win*Star 2.0, or Kepler 5.0 that now can be used for the 202 class; however, handcalculation instructions are provided for all lessons, and indeed, directed for a few where some student and professional examinations may require hand-calculation. The Life Declination graphic is a wonderful tool for seeing the “big picture” that progresses the natal planetary declinations for 90 years, or however many years you choose. The moving planetary lines intersect with stationary natal planet lines to indicate parallels. Contra-parallels can be spotted equidistant above and below the 0 degree Crossover that divides north from south declination. Planets that move to maximum north or south, out of bounds, or to the 0 degree crossover point signal key life turning points that coincide with events. Since the declinations move slower than transits, secondary progressions or solar arc directions, the life declination graphic can be especially useful in working with charts having rounded-off or even indefinite birth times without going through the long and demanding rectification process. Similarly, the wheel format for any of the other techniques used by the astrologer can be turned into a graph. The advantage of the graph is that the planetary changes over time can be seen all at once. The traditional wheel format for the chart is a snapshot of time, whereas the graph is a moving picture of time. The astrologer may choose to view a lifetime of Secondary Progressions or Solar Arc Directions, or choose the outer transits for a year. The choices are endless. It does take some experience vii
and practice, however, to select wisely and avoid getting too many lines in the graph to see the patterns clearly. Usually, several graphs serve the astrologer best.
Eclipse Basics and Interpretation – 1 week: Both Solar and Lunar Eclipses signal an emphasis to the affairs of the house contacted for the period from one eclipse of its kind to the next. For instance, a solar eclipse in the second house brings greater attention to budgeting, spending, saving and other related money issues. The influence lasts about six months until the next solar eclipse that then emphasizes another house, usually 170 degrees away on the other side of the horoscope. Lunar eclipses work in a similar manner, but signal the emotional beginnings or endings of what the solar eclipse brings into focus. Most often the lunar eclipse occurs 2 weeks prior to the solar eclipse, but sometimes it occurs 2 weeks after. Nonetheless, the solar and lunar eclipses work as a team to activate the planets and houses of the chart. Solar and Lunar Eclipses become especially important when they conjunct or oppose a natal or progressed planet or sensitive point in the chart within a one to three degree orb. Of course, the one-degree orb is especially powerful in highlighting the issues related to the natal planet and its own close planetary aspects. Most astrologers consider eclipse conjunctions and oppositions important indicators of emphasis to the houses and planets contacted, but some astrologers consider all 4th harmonic aspects: the conjunction, opposition and square. Other major or minor aspects are generally not considered when working with eclipses. viii
Solar Return Basics and Interpretation – 2 weeks: The moment each year that the Sun returns to its same degree and minute in the birth chart (a snapshot of all the planets at that exact time) becomes the Solar Return Chart. It is important to remember that only the Sun has returned to its natal position. All of the other planets will have their current transit positions for that date and time. Further, the Sun returns to its natal position each year, but not at the same time as your birth, so different chart angles and planetary placements will occur. Any planet falling in angular houses becomes in focus for the year. Planets on angles, and to a lesser extent on cusps, become especially high in focus. Needless to say, closely aspected planetary configurations involving the angles are of major importance.
Electional Basics and Interpretation – 1 week: When a client is planning a wedding, signing a major contract or planning a major event of any sort, an astrologer can provide a good date and time for the beginning of the venture to ensure likely success. Of course the perfect electional chart does not exist, but within the time window available and the priorities of the client, the astrologer can provide one to several appropriate times. A good ephemeris is handy for selecting the best day, but careful work is needed to place the event at a time when the Midheaven and Ascendant and Moon make good aspects. Further, the astrologer considers the term of the event – such as a conference lasting several days – and chooses a date and time that the faster moving Moon, Midheaven and Ascendant do not move into conflict during the time framework of the event.
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Relocation Basics and Interpretation – 1 week: It is not unusual for a client to seek assistance in selecting a good place to move that highlights his best potential. For instance, a morning birth located in the USA Mid-West with the Sun/Venus conjunct the 12th cusp, when moved to the West Coast, the same Sun/Venus moves to conjunct the Ascendant. Clearly, the individual has a much better opportunity for creative selfexpression when located on the West Coast. Using relocation techniques, other planets can be placed on an angle to highlight the client’s interest. If the client is a writer, he may want Mercury prominently placed in the relocation, etc. It is always important to be fully aware of the close aspect natal patterns to avoid trouble spots while at the same time bringing planets to the forefront by relocation. Chart Comparison Techniques for Determining Compatibility
Synastry Basics and Interpretation – 3 weeks: Synastry techniques focus on the various purposes for comparing two or more charts that range from partners seeking compatibility advice, to workers choosing a new company, to family members searching for common grounds of communication. Basic synastry construction sets one chart in the center, while one or more other charts are set around it, in the context of the center chart. The Midheaven and Ascendant of the outer chart(s) are also placed within the context of the central chart. The charts are then examined by analyzing the planetary contacts and patterns formed between the charts. ASTRO 202 provides practice in both the synastry of x
personal relationship comparison and the synastry of multiple chart comparison for delving into family patterns or group dynamics.
Composite Basics and Interpretation – 2 weeks: While Synastry is the comparison between two or more individual horoscopes, the Composite is a completely new chart based upon a synthesis of two or more charts to arrive at the midpoints between the planets of the individual(s). The 15 degree Aries Sun of one and the 15 degree Gemini Sun of the other find a mid-point at 15 degrees of Taurus, and so on for each planet. Calculation can become quite complicated, and a basic understanding of midpoints is needed, but an astrology computer program is allowed to get confirmation of your calculations. Techniques for Rectification of Questionable and Unknown Birth Times
Rectification Practice and Interpretation – 2 weeks: Nowadays most births occur in hospitals, and most hospitals record birth time with reasonable accuracy. However in some cases, the client does not know his birth time and may have exhausted all avenues for finding it; in other cases, life events consistently do not line up with the timing of movement of planets to angles, or angles to planets and rectification is the process the astrologer uses to make time determinations and adjustments. Only rarely necessary in consulting work, rectification is the ultimate test of the astrologer’s timing and forecasting skills.
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Library Building and Supplemental Reading (Optional) Robert Blaschke, Astrology: A Language of Life, Vol. I Progressions, Earthwalk School of Astrology, 1998, pp.137 Bernadette Brady, Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and the Lark, Samuel Weiser, 1999, 367 pps. Zipporah Dobyns & Maritha Pottenger, Unveiling Your Future: Progressions Made Easy, ACS Publications, 1998, pp. 310 Robert Hand, Planets In Composite: Analyzing Human Relationships, Para Research, Inc., 1975, pp 366 Edith Hathaway, Navigating By the Stars, Llewelyn Publications, 1991, pp. 295 Jim Lewis & Ariel Guttman, The Astro*Carto*Graphy Book of Maps, Llewelyn Publications, pp. 300 Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to Learn About Relationships, Vol. 5, ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, 1992, pp. 213 Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to Learn About Tomorrow, Vol. 4, ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, 1988, pp.261
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Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to Learn About Horary and Electional Astrology, Vol. 6, ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, 1992, pp. 223 Carol Rushman, The Art of Predictive Astrology: Forecasting Your Life Events, Llewelyn Publications, 2002, pp. 272 Erin Sullivan, Dynasty, The Astrology of Family Dynamics, available through Astrolabe, www.alabe.com, 1998. Celeste Teal, Identifying Planetary Triggers: Astrological Techniques for Prediction, Llewellyn Publications, 2000, pp. 364 Noel Tyl, Prediction In Astrology, A Master Volume of Technique and Practice, Llewelyn Publications, 1991, pp. 339 Once ASTRO 202 and the other 200 series classes are completed, including Ethics Training ASTRO 206, you will have the “Astrologer’s Basic Tool Kit” and will be ready to specialize through the Online College of Astrology’s many fine elective offerings.
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Chapter 1 Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics
Many astrologers and students of astrology now have computers and good astrological software with graphing capability, among other advanced features. The “Dynamic” or graphing function allows us to see the unfolding natal chart in time in a variety of ways such as progressions, transits and declinations. Many astrologers don’t bother much with natal parallel and contraparallels of declination, much less follow their progressed positions, but the Progressed Declination Graphic can become an invaluable tool for initiating a dialogue with the client about past important time periods in his life. The cyclical motion of the progressed Moon declination, combined with the progressed declination of the angles and inner planets, marks all of the major life-turning point years in the life-time of the individual. To begin, some declination terminology is important to know: o The Ecliptic, caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis, is the imaginary band within which the Sun traces its path during the course of the year from 23 degrees 27 minutes north, to 23 degrees 27 minutes south declination. 1
o Crossover occurs at the celestial equator, or 0 degrees, when the any planet or angle moves from north declination to south, or south declination to north. o Out of Bounds occurs when a planet exceeds the band of the Sun’s ecliptic path at 23 degrees 27 north or south. o Parallel and Contra-parallel are the aspects formed when the declination of two or more planets or points are within 1 degree of aspect. The parallel equals a conjunction, and the contra-parallel equals an opposition. o Maximum North or South Declination refers to the most extreme limit of declination that a planet or point can travel. The Midheaven follows the Sun’s constant pattern taking its declination from the Sun for the ephemeris date corresponding to the MC’s sign and degree. The Asc is derived from the Midheaven position located in the Table of Houses at the latitude of the native’s birth. Many asteroids regularly exceed the out-of-bounds limit by as much as 34 + degrees north or south, but they will not be used for this study. At times, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars exceed the ecliptic limit to 28+ degrees; and Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto do not exceed the ecliptic by more than 3 minutes of declination. True to form, only Saturn always stays within the Sun’s bounds of 23 degrees 27 declination. Ultimately, the length of out of bounds varies widely for the cycle of each planet. o The Moon Declination Cycle is as regular as clockwork even when it goes out-of-bounds. At predictable seven-year intervals (quarter points of the Moon’s 27.32 year declination cycle), the Moon completes one full cycle of one N/S crossover, one maximum South station, one S/N crossover, and one maximum North station.
One day equals one year of life in secondary progressions, and in similar fashion, one day of declination equals one year of life. You may choose to hand calculate your declinations using an ephemeris, and progress them for a lifetime to spot important periods of life change. However, there are two important 2
drawbacks to hand calculation: the amount of time to calculate, and the ephemeris convention of reporting declination at only three-day intervals, if at all. Of course if you are hand-calculating, the declination positions may be taken straight from the ephemeris as exact on your Adjusted Calculation Date. Basically, a lifetime declination graphic tracks 90 days (years) of declination movement for each planet. I strongly recommend any of the major astrological programs that allow graphic display of ephemeris information. Two very good formats are presented here. Graphing Declinations Using Astrolabe’s SolarFire 5.0 First, birth chart data must be entered and calculated. Then go to the toolbar at the top of the screen and select “Dynamic”, and then “Graphic Ephemeris”. Several fields from many choices must be selected to complete the screen. Choose “progressions” in the “Ephemeris Selection” field. Further choices are contained in that field under progressions to select the “Dynamic Type”. Select “secondary”. In the field just beneath “Ephemeris Selection” field you may choose to sort by longitude, declination or latitude. Select “declination” and in the field below will select a 30-degree (north and south) grid. Of course, if the asteroids are to be included, then select 40 or 45 degrees. Several check boxes below allow you to select the parameters for display. In the field to the far right of the screen you may select the planets to include. Be sure to select “planets” which should 3
include all planets and chart points including the Moon. Also be sure to select the “include natal lines” option. The program provides many options for selecting or de-selecting almost any planet or chart factor you want. To the left of the screen select the “Period of Report” frame for start date, period (number) and measure (years, months, days). I would recommend 90 years for a lifetime sort. Now, select “View” to be sure you have gotten what you want and make any adjustments necessary before printing. Graphing Declinations Using Matrix’s Win*Star 2.0 ¾ Be certain that you have first entered the birth data and created a chart file. ¾ On the tool bar click on “Plus” and select “Graphic Ephemeris Options”. ¾ To select start date, choose “Input” and then type in the birth month, day and year. ¾ To select end date, choose “Ephemeris Length” and select “3” and “months” to produce a 90 day (or year) graphic. Of course, the optimists among you may select “4” instead of “3”. ¾ Go to the tab at the top of the “GEO” box and select “Planets”. Under the “Positions” option, select “Transit”. From that screen select the “Coordinate” option and then “Declination”. Under “Dial” option” leave it as is, but highlight “Moon through Ascendant” under “Planets to plot”. ¾ Go to the “Calculation Options” tab at the top and select “Placidus” or “Koch”, whatever is your choice of systems. ¾ Then go to the “Natal” tab at the top. Select the desired name under “Natal Chart”, and be sure “Moon through Ascendant” are selected under “Natal Planets to Plot”. Click on the box to “Plot Natal Positions”. ¾ Click on “OK” at the bottom of the screen. 4
¾ Be certain to change your printer setup to “Landscape”, then print. It takes a few minutes, so be patient.
Graphing the Lifetime Declination by Hand Use the sample graph at the end of this lesson as a model to chart your lifetime natal and progressed declinations. The graphic is set up predominantly for planets and angles which do not move beyond 30 degrees Out-of-Bounds. If you intend to chart the declinations of the asteroids as well, then extend the outer limits of the graph to nearer 40 degrees since they have such extreme declinations. Interpreting the Progressed Declination Graphic Using the Moon Now that we have a basic knowledge of declination terminology and can set up our charts, we can delve into the nittygritty of interpretation. The easiest body to chart, and the one which provides the most dramatic results for signaling life changes, is the Moon. 1. The Moon declination at maximum North suggests career, status and self-image types of changes – Midheaven and 10th house matters. The changes are often expected, even planned, because the Moon’s declination takes approximately 3 ½ years to “round the curve” and head South again. Many major life changes that develop over time or in stages are affected by this 10th house type of Moon station period. Such changes could include retirement, health issues affecting the ability to work, or the unfolding self-awareness of one’s worth 5
at work, among other things, all depending upon the aspects that may simultaneously be formed to planets within one degree of that station. Clearly, maximum North or maximum South marks the end of one phase of life and the beginning of a new one. 2. The Moon declination at maximum South suggests the IC, or 4th house matters, which suggests changes in the home and family. As with maximum North, the changes are usually expected – even planned – because the Moon’s declination is at a station taking about 3 ½ years to “round the curve” to again head toward the North. Such events as the children moving out on their own, little ones going off to school, or even starting a new business or hobby that influences a new life direction can occur. In certain cases where many other timing factors lend support, the end of life can occur at one of these important stations of the Moon declination – North or South. 3. Life’s “earthquakes” more often occur at the crossover points in the Moon’s cycle because near the 0 degree N/S point the Moon declination is traveling fast at 5 to 7 degrees per day (year). As a result, we are often caught by surprise by the changes that occur. People suddenly move, end dysfunctional relationships, and sometimes do crazy things that seem out of character. Such outer manifestations simply reflect the major emotional changes going on within. The crossover from North to South acts as an Ascendant conjunction and more closely relates to personal growth issues. The crossover from South to 6
North most often acts as a Descendant conjunction bringing growth changes to relationships. 4. Every 18 to 20 years begins the new Out-of-Bounds Moon cycle where during half of those years (9-10) the Moon travels OB every 10 – 14 days. The extreme declination of the Moon reaches 28 degrees 39 minutes and stays OB for as many as 5 days at a time, or 5 years in progressed time. This recurring pattern seems to bring forth the issues of freedom versus security. Those with OB natal Moon declinations tend to be more independent and willing to think outside the box of social conventions; whereas those with in-bounds Moons more willingly march in line with what is expected of them. Often OB Moon individuals have unusual life experiences involving the mother where she is ill, too busy or in some way unable to provide adequate nurture for the child. The unusual situation with the mother could result in such situations as “latch key kid”, abandonment or adoption causing the person to be raised by a relative or surrogate who fulfilled the mother role. OB natal Moon people tend to be life’s “survivors”, toughened by early experience. 5. By progression, the Moon moving to parallel or contra-parallel with other planets indicates emotional issues related to the nature of the contacted planet. A progressed Moon declination parallel to the natal or progressed Venus declination might suggest a meaningful romantic involvement. Certainly a confluence of other factors is needed to describe longevity of the attraction. The progressed Moon declination moving to parallel Mars might suggest an emotional 7
confrontation, or courage to tackle a difficult situation. In similar manner, the contra-parallel, or opposition aspect, brings hard choices to be made in the matters described by the planets. 6. If the natal chart has parallels and/or contra-parallels, then any planet’s progression of declination to that point will activate the whole configuration. 7. In mundane astrology, the OB Moon corresponds to times marked by society’s changing attitudes about women as well as the role of our nation in the world. The extremes of convention versus change are evident in observing the OB Moon years of the 20th century: October 28, 1889 – September 12, 1899 - the Women’s Suffrage movement was born. June 29, 1908 – April 2, 1918 – pressures between nations led to World War I. February 28, 1927 – December 13, 1936 – the peak of the “Roaring 20’s”, and the depths of the Depression prevailed. October 13, 1945 – August 13, 1955 – post-war security and home life was upset by the Korean War. May 2, 1965 – February 14, 1974 – the push for equality by Civil Rights and Women’s Liberation groups was contrasted by anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and the freedom of Hippie culture.
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November 29, 1982 – August 15, 1991 - the collapse of Communism brought down the Berlin Wall and ushered in a new world order with massive immigration and globalization. April 13, 2002 – January 16, 2012 – hopefully, will bring the next big push for freedom in the world and equal rights for all. Remember, during these OB Moon periods the Moon is only Out-of-Bounds about one-third of the time or 10 days per month, but the forces for change and new ideas experience a birth-like “quickening” during the whole period. It is interesting to note that one generation averages twenty years, therefore, many OB Moon parents have OB Moon children. Further, the Moon can never go OB in Pisces/Aries or Virgo/Libra because those signs are near the equinoxes. The Moon only goes OB in Gemini/Sagittarius or Cancer/Capricorn near the solstices. Interpreting Planets in Progressed Declination When looking at the graph for other planets and points in declination, parallels and contra-parallels can be easily spotted even without an exact birth time, though a birth chart set for Noon serves well for unknown birth times. Mercury, Venus and Mars regularly go OB up to 28+ degrees North or South. Mercury by declination stays OB from 9 to 31 days (years) at a time, so natal OB Mercury could have an impact on the learning readiness of a child or the mental focus of an adult for much of a lifetime, depending upon how close Mercury is to changing direction. Venus by declination stays OB from 11 to 56 days (years) at a 9
time, so the impact upon one’s comfort in socializing can be affected for an extended period of time depending upon how close Venus is to changing direction. One could be shy or even antisocial if Venus is OB at birth, but when the Venus declination moves back in bounds, the pattern of social rebel or misfit can noticeably change. Mars by declination stays OB from 50 to 187 days (years) at a time, so the impact upon one’s work focus can be affected for an extended period – even a lifetime - depending upon how close Mars is to changing direction. Mars OB at birth suggests one who is comfortable working independently, and indeed, comfortable with leadership roles. They seem unconstrained by what seems impossible, though this placement often describes people who are noted for “doing their own thing”. Interpreting Natal Out of Bounds Planets People with personal planets out-of bounds by declination in the birth chart are distinctive according to the nature of the OB planet. ¾ Mercury OB suggests that the mental ability may be unusual in some way, or that one’s ideas are considered unconventional. He could also be a free thinker who does not care what others think. ¾ Venus OB suggests that one experiences pleasure in unconventional ways, or has non-traditional romantic relationships or sexual practices. OB Venus may also suggest a lack of concern for appearances or social graces. 10
¾ Mars OB could indicate one who is extremely work driven, or who is very active in physical pursuits. Distinctive qualities of leadership may be evident, though some possibility of being unseated from that authority by adversaries exists. ¾ The other planets never move OB more than 3 minutes, so they have no appreciable OB effect. Indeed, they stay OB, even at that small increment, for so many days (years) that only historians may notice the effect. As you can see, a wealth of information may be gained by using the Life Declination Graphic to reveal important periods of life change. Of course, the astrologer then goes to other more detailed measures of time to follow the unfolding of events. Interpreting Progressed Planets & Angles at Maximum N or S Only the Sun, Moon, inner planets and angles progress noticeably enough in declination during a lifetime to form new declination contacts in parallels, contra-parallels, maximum N or S, crossover, out of bounds or change of direction. The progressed declinations of Jupiter through Pluto move so little distance in a lifetime that, when contacted by an inner planet or angle, the nature of the natal planet is merely reinforced. Interpret the planet-to-planet contacts in parallel (conjunction) and contra-parallel (opposition) in just the same way that you would in a natal chart, by blending the nature of the planetary symbolism. However, the inner planets and angles moving to crossover in either direction, or to maximum N or S, 11
take on special importance. Similar to the commentary for the Moon reaching the maximum N or S declinations or crossing over from one to the other, an inner planet or angle suggests changes in the life according to its astrological symbolism. The Sun, Mercury or Venus progressing to maximum N or S take nearly 20 years to move into and away from the 1 degree allowable orb for declination aspects, so their position would not likely be noticeable as an event, but rather, a phase of life dedicated to either developing career (maximum N) or tending the needs of home and family (maximum S) in the nature of the planet. Mars at maximum N or S takes much longer to move around the curve into and then out of 1- degree orb, closer to 40 years. The inner planets may never reach an out-of-bounds position during the lifetime, but almost certainly one or more will make the long transition through a maximum N or S phase, and that period will be remembered by the planetary significance as a major life focus. The planet or angle reaching maximum N or S has no negative or positive connotation, only emphasis in life focus according to the nature of the planet. However, close networks of parallels and contra-parallels can, and do, compound the importance of the period. For instance, people born in the early 1950’s have natal Uranus and Pluto parallel right at the out of bounds point of 23 degrees 37 North. Those born near either Solstice point (June 23rd or December 23rd) also have the Sun parallel or contra-parallel Uranus and Pluto; and those born in May – June or November - December of those years will experience their progressed Sun declination not only moving to 12
the normal focus of a planet at maximum N or S; but they will also face the powerful impact of maintaining their identity and personal integrity amidst seemingly overwhelming pressures by contact with both Uranus and Pluto. The same principles apply to any of the planets or angles moving to maximum North or South, and further highlighted by other parallels and contra-parallels. Again, the nature of the planetary symbolism should guide you to interpret these important contacts, keeping in mind their natal parallels and contra-parallels. Interpreting Progressed Planets and Angles at Crossover A planet or angle moving to declination crossover brings more sudden changes because the planet or angle is generally in fast motion taking only a year or two to move into and beyond the 1-degree orb for declination aspects. The only exception might be if the progressed Mercury, Venus or Mars goes into a retrograde period within a few weeks either way of the equinoxes (March 21st or September 23rd) when their declination would be at or near crossover. A planetary crossover from N to S seems to have the effect of an inner planet progressing to conjunct the natal Ascendant – it often brings sudden awareness and personal expression of the planetary qualities. A planetary crossover from S to N has more of a Descendant expression – it brings developments in relationship and focus on others in expression of the planetary qualities. Depending upon other parallels the progressing planet makes near the 0 degree declination crossover point, or the nature of the 13
planet itself, the event can be either difficult or pleasant. Any planet or angle moving to crossover is more likely to manifest in a memorable event. For example, and assuming no other parallels are made at crossover, Mercury moving to crossover signifies a major shift in the thinking, even awakening mercurial sorts of talents from writing to racing, from speaking to skilled technical work. In a similar manner, combine the nature of the planet, with the assumed angle activation (1st or 7th), and the parallel aspect (conjunction) to arrive at the proper interpretation. The Ascendant and Midheaven also progress in declination and are subject to the same rules for interpretation. Ironically, the progressed declination of the angles does move to maximum N or S and crossover, points described in terms of angular house influence rather than by planetary qualities. If no other planet is within 1 degree to bring life to these angles in echo of each other, interpret their influence in terms of their rulers. For instance, if the progressed declination of the Ascendant is crossing over from S to N a 7th house influence is suggested. Since Venus is the natural ruler of the 7th house, issues of sociability, pleasure and romance will be experienced on a deep personal level in ways such as selfbeautification, self-esteem and personal satisfaction, Ascendant ruler expressions. Progressed inner planets and angles contacting other progressed positions do often signal an associated event related to the symbolism of the planet involved. These are most notable in the parallel aspects and should not be ignored in interpretation work. 14
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Practice Part A: To practice hand calculation, choose only one of your study charts and calculate the natal declinations for each planet plus the Midheaven and the Ascendant using the same method to calculate the natal chart positions in earlier lessons. Calculate to the degree and minute of North or South Declination. If you have an ephemeris that gives the declination positions every day, or more often every third day, then count forward one day for a year to the age you were at the key event you have chosen to 18
study. Use the Adjusted Calculation Date as the “virtual birthday” and take the declination positions directly from the ephemeris. If you do not have an ephemeris that gives the declinations daily or every third day, skip to Part B of the practice. Note that The American Ephemeris 2001-2010 (midnight) lists the declinations daily. In other ephemerides that list declinations every third day, the movement from one date to the next must be divided by 3 and then the calculated position added for each year’s segment 1, 2, or 3 as the declination position for the planet. To find the declination for the Midheaven, Ascendant or other points that sit directly on the ecliptic, take the declination of the Sun when it is at that the same degree as the natal or progressed MC or ASC and that position will be correct for the point in question. For instance, if the ASC is 27 degrees of Aries, then the declination of the Sun when it is at 27 Aries will equal the declination of that 27 Aries Ascendant. Part B: Now that you have practiced hand calculation of declinations, use your computer and astrology software to create a Lifetime Declination Graphic for each of your four study charts, or charts you know well. The graph range should be set for 30 degrees, which includes both north and south from the 0 degree crossover point. Select the period from birth to to the present age so that the graph is not too crowded with lines. List the year of all inner planet and angle out-of-bounds, crossovers, maximums N or S, and planetary stations, as well as parallels to natal and progressed planets. List only the obvious contra-parallels, 19
particularly where many planets are involved in a close parallel network. Select 2 key events in the life of each person and interpret all of the active declination factors for that year. Provide the astrological notations of declination contact for each event, as well as commentary describing the connections between the astrological indicators and what happened in real life.
Suggested Reading Kt Boerher, Declination: The Other Dimension, Fortuna Press, 1994. Note, the commonly used American Ephemeris published by Astro-Computing Service does not contain declination listings. However, Raphael’s Ephemeris as well as the Rosicrucian Ephemerides do. Of course all computer astrology programs provide declinations in a variety of formats from natal listings to graphic display of progressions.
Frequently Asked Questions VM> In the directions for graphing the declinations with Solar Fire, you said to enter 90 days. Should it be 90 years? Carol Tebbs> That is a good question. Theoretically, 90 days works if you selected “Transits” because one day of transit equals one year of life, but you must also select “declinations” to arrive at the same result. However, selecting “Progressions” is the best 20
choice because that is actually what they are. Be sure to go to the sub-menu under “Progressions” and select “declinations”. The positions should be the same either way, and don’t forget to check the box to add “natal lines” as well. Carol Tebbs> The Moon sometimes goes out of bounds to 28+ degrees, so the 30 degree N and S grid will do fine. RA> Is that the angle extent? Carol Tebbs> It is degrees of declination that a planet can move from the ecliptic. It is not 30 degrees as in the semi-sextile of the 12th harmonic aspects measured in longitude. I liken the graphic displays of declination, progressions and transits to a moving picture of the life, rather than the snapshot of the birth chart or the progression for a given year. Carol Tebbs> Basically, each time lines intersect with natal lines and/or progressed lines of other planets, you should have a corresponding event of the nature of the planetary influence. When you have a convergence of many points or planets at once, a major event is signaled. Be sure that you have selected the MC and ASC as points to be charted along with the planets. They are very helpful, and select “print natal lines” as well. Do not select "background shading" because it makes the graphic too hard to read. If you all are still young and want to only do 45 or 50 years of life graphic, that is fine. Do up to your present age, and only interpret what has happened in the past. Don't try to go into the future just yet. I want you to see the actual correspondence of crossing lines with major life events and changes. 21
MB> Carol, is there a way to change the colors on the graph? I just printed one out and the yellow lines for Moon, Mercury and Venus hardly show up at all. Carol Tebbs> Can you print it out selecting only black? Carol Tebbs> On the contra-parallels, they are harder to spot, so only do those if they are obvious -- i.e. a cluster of planets converging at 15 degrees north opposite another planet at 15 degrees south. For example in my natal chart I have a cluster of planets at 20 - 21 degrees north, so when any of the moving lines gets to 20 degrees north OR south, I know that combination will be activated. Just do the obvious contra-parallels, and all of the other crossings are pretty obvious, though I do draw in a horizontal line in ink to mark the O degree equator. I also begin every client consultation by discussing the overview I get from the Life Declination Graphic. It is a good segue into discussing the life pattern of the natal chart, and the progressions and transits for the current year.
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