Ronald C. Davison, - Astrology - 1964

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The key takeaways are that the passage discusses the purpose and criticisms of astrology, as well as Ouspensky's view that our perception of time and dimensions is limited.

According to the passage, the ancients taught that astrology was one of the keys to discovering the purpose of living and it lingers in man's subconscious mind, causing people to consult horoscopes.

The passage discusses that most scientific opinion views astrology as an outdated superstition, and that newspaper horoscopes oversimplify by dividing people into 12 groups with identical characters. It also notes that some experts who deny astrology have not studied it.

RONALD C.

DAVISON
President of the Astrological Lodge of London

Astrology
Contents

1 Introduction 7

2 The Zodiac 15

3 The Planets 27

4 The Houses of the Horoscope 79

5 The Aspects 109

6 Casting the Horoscope 120

7 Judgement of the Horoscope - Preliminary Considerations 138

8 Judgement-Particular Considerations 146

9 Example Delineations 156

10 Conclusion 168

Appendix 171

Index 173
CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

The purpose of living is to discover the purpose of living. The


ancients taught that astrology was one of the keys to the solution of
this enigma and somewhere in man's subconscious mind this
knowledge probably lingers on, causing large numbers of human
beings to consult the daily newspaper astrological forecasts which
unfortunately are only a travesty of astrology. Most scientific
opinion, on the other hand, inclines to the view that astrology is an
outworn superstition of the middle ages. Neither of these attitudes is
commendable.
Obviously mankind cannot be divided into twelve convenient
groups, each having a completely identical character and destiny,
which is what the newspaper forecasts imply. It is perhaps not so
obvious that many of the so-called experts who have denied the
validity of astrology have made no attempt whatever to study the
subject, an omission that renders them liable to be charged with
intellectual dishonesty!
Although astrological truth is demonstrable, man needs a rational
explanation for its validity but because the real basis of astrology lies
outside 'time' and 'space' in the sense that we comprehend them it is
almost impossible to provide such an explanation in terms that will
appeal to the materialistically minded. Astrology deals not only with
the nature of things but with their latent possibilities, which are
located in a dimension not apparent to our five senses.
Our conception of the Universe is apt to be drastically limited or
even falsified by the imperfections of our sense perceptions. Even
when we begin to realize that our senses are only capable of convey-
ing a limited number of impressions to our consciousness we console
ourselves with the thought that the marvels of modern science, such
as the microscope, telescope, radio and radar, can make good the
deficiencies. Yet, with all these modern discoveries, our compre-
hension of the Universe has not been drastically changed. Confucius
taught that the greatest obstacle to hearing was the ear; the greatest
obstacle to seeing, the eye, and similarly with the other senses. Plato
likened the universe that man cognizes with his senses to a world of
shadows, seen in a dimly illuminated cave. By such teachings the
sages of earlier times sought to show that the world of phenomena
7
8 ASTROLOGY

was only a most imperfect and highly misleading manifestation of


that which lay beneath.
One of the most successful attempts to present a logical scheme in
which the three dimensional world of phenomena is related to other
more significant and more complete worlds was made by the Russian
philosopher P. D. Ouspensky in his Tertium Organum. He suggested
that what we regard as time is merely the result of our limitations of
consciousness. Ours is a world of three dimensions, height, width
and breadth. Our consciousness is only simultaneously aware of these
three dimensions. Ouspensky would have us imagine that there
might exist beings simultaneously aware of only one dimension.
Such a dimension would be represented by a straight line. To
become aware of a plane surface containing an infinite number of
straight lines, these beings would have to perceive a number of
straight lines successively. These perceptions would take place in
what for them would appear to be 'time^ Similarly, a being aware
simultaneously of only two dimensions, represented by a plane sur-
face, could only become aware of a cube, containing an infinite
number of plane surfaces, by perceiving a number of plane surfaces
successively, in what for him would appear to be the passage of time.
These examples suggest that time is the realm in which exists every-
thing that we cannot simultaneously comprehend with our waking
consciousness. It appears that if we could sufficiently expand our
consciousness, time would cease to exist and the world of phenomena
then available to us would indeed make our everyday world seem
like Plato's world of shadows. We could, in fact, see simultaneously
every stage in a person's life, from the cradle to the grave. If this
seems far-fetched, remember that those who have been rescued from
drowning have sometimes reported seeing in a matter of seconds
their whole life unfold in retrospect. A sudden shock, as occultists
know, can bring about startling transformations, and the heightening
of consciousness is one of them.
If it is possible to reach a state of consciousness where time is
virtually transcended, our whole idea of'time' must undergo consi-
derable modification. In his book An Experiment with Time, J. W.
Dunne records a large number of instances where dreams were quite
unmistakably either about events that happened just previously to
or very soon after the dream. Thirty per cent of the dreams were
about past events, thirty per cent about future events. The dream
consciousness apparently draws no distinction between past and
future. In the same way, a medium will sometimes confuse an event
INTRODUCTION 9

that is about to happen to his subject with one that has just happened.
Past and future, in fact, appear to co-exist but our consciousness,
not in its normal state being sufficiently all-embracing, conveniently
splits up our experience into past and future so that we may the more
easily digest it. The present is an ever-changing point of balance
between past and future and our whole life is a constant process of
readjusting the interplay between the two. Eddington has said,
'Events do not happen, we come up to them'. When a young child
decides he is going to be a doctor and he actually follows that pro-
fession later in life, some part of his mind has probably already made
contact with the dimension that contains all events and correctly
interpreted what it has seen there.
Ouspensky has shown that the line, the plane surface and the
cube, which represent our three dimensions of space, have their
counterparts in what we regard as 'time', which he divides into three
further dimensions, the fourth: 'The line of the sequence of the
moments of the actualization of one possibility;' fifth: 'The line of
the eternal existence or repetition of actualized possibilities;'
sixth: 'The line of actualization of all possibilities.' Because astrology
deals with the world of potentials and possibilities it is related
primarily to the fourth, fifth and sixth dimensions. Hence the
difficulty of formulating a rational explanation of astrology that will
appeal to the three dimensional awareness of man!
If we can accept the proposition that there is a level of conscious-
ness where past and future are one, it becomes a great deal easier to
see why astrology can indicate the pattern of the future. Because we
know, within narrow limits, how to calculate the positions of the
planets for any given point in time, we can estimate the condition of
the solar system at any given moment. According to the Hermetic
axiom, 'As above, so below', and the statement in Genesis that God
made Man 'in his image', that is, having the same principles, it is
legitimate to draw a parallel between the condition of the Macrocosm
(in this case the Solar System) and Man, the Microcosm. The
construction of the atom bears a close resemblance to the construc-
tion of our Solar System. When the true astrologer spoke of con-
stellations and planets, he spoke of the constellations and planets in
the soul of Man, that is, of the properties of the human soul and its
relations to God and the World. The fact that there exists in the
Universe a Law of Correspondences, that the Greater is reflected in
the Lesser, explains why the movements of the Sun, Moon and
planets have a bearing upon everything that happens in the Solar
10 ASTROLOGY

System. Newton taught that every particle in the Universe affects


every other particle. The poet Pope wrote, 'We are but parts of one
stupendous whole, Whose body nature is and God the Soul.'
Rodney Collin, who closely studied the ideas of Ouspensky, has
some ingenious suggestions to offer in The Theory of Celestial
Influence as to how the Solar System can affect Man. The planets
move around the Sun at varying distances from it in roughly circular
orbits. The Sun is also moving in a much vaster orbit around
another greater Sun, carrying with it the whole of its system. If we
visualize this movement over a vast period of time we shall see that
the planets are not describing circles in space but spirals. If we go
back to the idea that everything happens at once and try to visualize
the continuous movement of the Solar System in space we can build
up a picture of a central glowing filament (the path of the Sun)
surrounded by a number of coils at different distances and of various
metals (according to the dominant metal in the constitution of each
planet). An electrician would recognize such a picture as a represen-
tation of a polyphase transformer, presumably constructed for the
purpose of stepping down the solar energy in several different ratios
and transmitting it to us. Collin also shows how each of the nine
main glands in the human body are related to the Sun, Moon and
planets in such a way that the innermost bodies of the Solar System
correspond with the central parts of the physical system and the
outermost bodies correspond with those glands farthest from the
centre, that is, the gonads and the pineal gland, which are farthest
from the heart. In other words, it is possible to show that the situa-
tion of the main centres of man's physical system bear the same
relationship to each other as the planets in the Solar System bear to
each other. Each glandular centre, therefore, is probably the receiv-
ing station for one particular form of solar energy, transmitted via
the transforming agency of the corresponding planet in the Solar
System.
It has been observed that maximum sun-spot activity takes place
(with corresponding violent electrical disturbances in the earth's
upper atmosphere that have a noticeable effect upon our weather and
upon short-wave radio transmissions) when Mars, Jupiter and Saturn
are either in a straight line or at right angles to each other, positions
recognized in astrology as producing the maximum amount of
stress! Sun-spots have been described as the most powerful ultra-
short-wave radio stations known, their power being much more than
a million kilowatts. Rodney Collin has written, 'Electronic radiation
INTRODUCTION 11

from the heavenly bodies produces molecular change in the Earth's


atmosphere, while such molecular change in the atmosphere in turn
produces cellular change in the organic bodies dwelling therein'.
Such cellular change must also affect the glands, and the behaviour
of these organs is recognized by psychologists as having a bearing
upon human behaviour. The effect of the Moon on the tides is well
known and the combined pull of the luminaries, occurring at the
New and Full Moon is recognized as having the greatest effect upon
the oceans of the world. As man's blood closely resembles sea-water
in its chemical make-up, it is difficult to resist the conclusion that it
too may be subject to the 'pull' of the luminaries. Indeed, when pre-
dicting, astrologers take notice of the impact of New and Full Moon
positions upon the factors present in any given horoscope. The
influence of the Moon upon feminine rhythms is well known, both in
relation to the menstrual cycle and the duration of pregnancy.
It has also been observed that most suicides take place during
April, least during January. In April the Sun is passing through the
sign Aries, known to astrologers as the sphere of impulsive, drastic
action. In January the Sun is passing through Capricorn, the most
reflective and self-controlled of the signs. Experiments over a period
of eight years at the University of Florence have shown that the time
taken by identical amounts of a concentrated solution of bismuth to
form a precipitate varies at different times during the year in propor-
tion to the annual variations in the velocity of the earth in space.
Tests at a hospital near Florence have shown that the speed of the
coagulation of the blood varies similarly according to the variations
in the earth's velocity.
Many of the terms in everyday use in our language bear testimony
to the great part once played by astrology in times when men were
less blinded by materialism. We speak of 'martial' music (of the
nature of Mars), of 'jovial' uncles (of the nature of Jupiter), of
'venerable' dignitaries (of the nature of Venus), of 'mercurial' and
'saturnine' characteristics of temperament. 'Lunatics' are those ex-
cessively influenced by 'luna', the inconstant Moon. The Greek
word for star is 'aster', a root which survives in the words 'disaster'
and 'catastrophe'. The Latin for star is 'sidus' (genitive - sideris) and
is the root of our word 'consider'. Our scientific friends who decry
astrology may be somewhat taken aback to realize that they cannot
properly 'consider' anything without taking into account the astrolo-
gical testimonies relevant to their deliberations!
One of the biggest difficulties standing in the way of a widespread
12 ASTROLOGY

acceptance of astrology is the inference that because astrology works


man can therefore have no free will. In spite of the fact that few of us
bother to exercise our free will very often (Schopenhauer wrote:
'We may have free will - but not the will to use it!') we get very
annoyed at the suggestion that our lives are fated. The dilemma of
Fate versus Free Will is a very old one. In a recent survey conducted
in America it was found that about seventy-five percent ofastrologers
believed in Karma, a universal law best summed up - 'As you sow,
so shall you reap'. The same proportion also accepted the idea of
Reincarnation. Combining these two ideas it will be apparent that
our present circumstances are due to past causes, set in motion by
ourselves. The circumstances of our present life are the results of our
activities in previous lives. If these present circumstances appear to
be rigidly defined in such a way to appear to us as 'fated', it is the
surest possible indication that our 'fate' has been brought about by
the exercise of our own free will in the past. In short, the existence of
what seems to be fate is the proof of the existence of free will. A
most peculiar paradox!
However, there are other limitations to our freedom. Man has a
physical body that is subject to natural law. No amount of free will
can absolve us from allegiance to this law. Man is free only in his
mind. The more we identify ourselves with our physical bodies, the
more we place ourselves under the sway of natural law. The world
of nature is acted upon by the rest of the planetary system, of which
it is a part. Astrology, therefore, shows us in what way the laws of
nature are most likely to affect our bodies. Our minds belong to a
different sphere and are subject to fewer and different laws.
One of the most striking pieces of evidence in favour of astrology
is the fact that those born at the same moment of time and in approx-
imately the same place have a life pattern that is very similar. Not
all cases of twin births fulfil these conditions as one twin is often
some minutes older than the other. In the case of George IV and
Samuel Hemming there was a close identity of birth conditions.
When George IV ascended the throne. Hemming set up in business
on his own. When the King married, so did Hemming. Other parallel
events took place and finally both died on the same day. On the day
Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands married only one other woman
in the country was allowed to marry. She was a friend of the Queen,
her name too was Wilhelmina and she was born on the same day as
the Queen!
We in the West often criticize the fact that child marriages used to
INTRODUCTION 13

take place in India. Yet those marriages often turned out more satis-
factorily than marriages in Western countries, where the participants
are usually left to make a free choice. In India, astrologers advised
as to the compatibility of suggested partners as they approached
marriageable age, thus reducing possibilities of undesirable friction
to a minimum. If this practice were followed in the West the divorce
rate might be considerably reduced!
A number of famous men have acknowledged the truth of astro-
logy. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said that a doctor
who did not use astrology to aid him in his diagnosis and selection of
a remedy was more of a fool than a physician. Kepler was one of the
last of the great astronomer-astrologers. Sir Isaac Newton, when
challenged by Halley (who discovered the comet bearing his name)
about his belief in astrology, said: 'Sir, I have studied the subject,
you have not.' C. G. Jung, the most advanced of modern psycholo-
gists, acknowledged the validity of astrology, while Einstein was
most favourably impressed by an astrological treatise by a nephew of
the late Dr. Adler, another leading psychologist and a contemporary
of Jung and Freud.
Where did astrology come from? Although it is possible to build
up a certain body of information empirically, the whole edifice of
astrology is so vast that it is easier to believe that it was originally
brought to man by Great Beings of superior intelligence who came to
Earth to guide infant humanity as a labour of love. In ancient Egypt
there was a tradition of priest-astrologer-kings who ruled long ago.
Gradually the initiated ones withdrew and the accomplishments of
the rulers grew less and less. Today, in many parts of the world we
still find traces of this early tradition of man being ruled by exalted
beings in the fanciful titles given to some monarchs. The Emperor of
Japan, for instance, is known as 'The Son of Heaven'; the King of
Nepal bears the titles 'God of all Creation. Sacrosanct Fount of all
Honour, Five Times Godly'.
Astrology can aid our understanding of many things but its greatest
value is that it furnishes us with a method of self-judgement. No man
sees himself as others see him and he is tempted to discount other
people's unfavourable opinions of himself as being founded on
prejudice and to accept too uncritically complimentary estimates of
his character that may have been intended as flattery.
In order to get the best out of astrology the student should con-
stantly seek to expand his knowledge of the universe in which he
lives. The scope of astrology is as large as life itself but because it is
14 ASTROLOGY

the science of correspondences, of the application of cosmic prin-


ciples to the minutiae of everyday living, the more we know about
the department of life to which we are applying these principles, the
more effective will our judgements become. The present volume deals
only with genethliacal astrology; that is, the study of nativities and
their relationship to the character and experiences of the individual,
who in astrological parlance is called 'the native'. In the pages that
follow we shall endeavour to show how the astrological principles
represented by the planets may effectively be related to the study of
human character and behaviour.
CHAPTER TWO

The Zodiac

Once every year the earth makes a complete journey round the Sun
in a roughly circular orbit that determines the plane of the Ecliptic,
as the apparent path of the Sun round the earth is called. The eight
known planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune and Pluto all revolve around the Sun in approximately the
plane of the earth's orbit. Mercury and Venus are closer to the Sun
than the earth is, the other planets are farther away. Because astro-
logy is concerned with the relationship between the movements of
the various members of our Solar System and what happens on
earth, the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets as they revolve
in their orbits are all calculated from a geocentric point of view. In
order to do this it is necessary to have an agreed starting point on
the circle of the ecliptic from which to measure. This starting point is
the point at which the plane of the Celestial Equator, which is the
earth's equator projected into space, intersects the plane of the
ecliptic on the day of the Vernal Equinox.
The circle in which the planets move is called the Zodiac and is
subdivided into twelve signs, each representing successive phases of
experience. The reasons underlying such a twelvefold division are
rooted in the geometrical laws of the world of nature and are too
complicated to deal with in a work such as this. It is sufficient for the
moment for the student to appreciate that astrology takes account of
the fact that there are in nature four main 'elements', Fire, Earth,
Air and Water, and three ways in which each of these elements can
operate as initiating, consolidating or alternating agents, three modes
which are called respectively Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable. The four
elements, each operating in three ways according to a certain se-
quence, together produce the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Each group
of three signs of the same element is called a Triplicity, each group of
four signs of the same mode or quality, a Quadruplicity. The cycle
of the Zodiac is a cycle of experience; of every type of experience
needed to induce soul growth. The order of the signs is determined
according to a natural sequence. The first phase of any cycle must be
initiatory, therefore the first sign is a Cardinal Sign. The application
of force (power) is necessary to set anything in motion. Energy is
15
16 ASTROLOGY

another form of heat, which is a property of the element Fire and so


the first sign is a Fire sign, as well as a Cardinal sign.
That which has been started has now to be consolidated, to be
fixed, made permanent. So the second sign is a Fixed sign. That which
is to be made permanent must also be given solidarity, the property
of Earth, so that the second sign is a Fixed Earth sign. This leaves us
with the principle of alternation or the mingling of cardinality and
fixedness to be expressed in the following sign. The action of heat
(Fire) upon a solid (Earth) produces a gas (Air), and so the third sign
is an Air and also a Mutable sign. Air or gas, through condensation
precipitates liquid (Water) and so the fourth sign in the sequence is
allotted to Water, the element corresponding to Emotion. There can
be no emotion without relationships, either to people or things, and
so the Air signs of Relationship are always followed by the Water, or
Emotional signs.
We have thus established two sequences, one of elements, the other
of modes. In addition, the evolutionary path indicated by the Zodiac
is divided into three stages of four signs each, the Preparatory or
Primitive (Primordial) in which everything is prepared for a later,
more individualized manifestation in the next four signs, while the
last four apply more particularly to energies manifesting at a univer-
sal level. Further subdivisions can be distinguished in which the first
six signs, corresponding to Spring and Summer, relate directly to
personal experience while the last six signs, corresponding to Autumn
and Winter, relate to outer or group experience. Each sign has a
distinctive name, symbol and glyph, which the student should learn
by heart. Thus we get the pattern shown opposite.
It will be observed that each element manifests in turn in three
different ways. Because of the intrinsic nature of each sign the ener-
gies denoted by the luminaries and planets, which we shall consider
in the next chapter, work out in different ways according to the sign
in which they are placed. Some types of energy find a more suitable
expression through fiery signs, some through mutable signs, and so
on. Those born with a strong emphasis on any particular sign usually
identify themselves with the characteristics of that sign. The presence
of the Sun, Ascendant (see p. 79), or two or three planets in a sign
generally produces such an emphasis. Since the signs represent the
manner in which the functions denoted by the planets express
themselves, according to the nature of each sign which is determined
by its place in the cosmic scheme, it follows that no one sign is
'better' than any other as far as its qualities are concerned, since the
Name Glyph Symbol Mode Element

1. Aries T Ram Cardinal Fire ' S


u
2. Taurus « Bull Fixed Earth >-Spring b
y Primordial j
3. Gemini n Twins Mutable Air -> e
c
4. Cancer szs Crab Cardinal Water t
,
i
H
5. Leo SI Lion Fixed Fire ^ Summer v X
e m
i
Mutable Earth J N
6. Virgo TljP Virgin O
y Individual 0
7. Libra Scales Cardinal Air >
n
0
8. Scorpio % Scorpion Fixed Water >■ Autumn b
j
9. Sagittarius t Archer Mutable Fire e
c
10. Capricorn A Goat Cardinal Earth t
>• Universal 1
11. Aquarius — Water-bearer Fixed Air >>Winter v
e
12. Pisces K Fishes Mutable Water
18 ASTROLOGY

qualities denoted by all twelve signs are indispensable to the


complete manifestation of the Universe. Whether or not the indivi-
dual can express the qualities of any given sign harmoniously depends
upon the capacity for response that he has developed within himself
as a result of his life experience. Those who can respond efficiently at
a high level to any given sign influence will express qualities that
can be immediately recognized as 'desirable'. Those who respond
inefficiently and at a low level will express qualities that appear to
be 'undesirable'. The undesirable qualities that result from an
imperfect response to some signs are, however, more generally
recognizable as 'unpleasant' than those that result from an imperfect
response to other signs and so the student may encounter the idea
that some signs are better than others. Such an idea only appears
possible when based on the narrowest of perspectives.
Let us now trace the cycle of experience as it is depicted in the
Zodiac so that we can get a better idea of the twelve phases of
manifestation with which we identify ourselves, according to the
nature of our horoscope. The cardinal fire sign Aries represents
the First Cause, the Life Principle, Pure Spirit, God the Creator, the
Resurrection, Outrushing Force whose impetus is irresistible. Here
the accent is on unfettered activity, primitive self-expression, the joy
of being. Those who identify themselves largely with Aries therefore
see themselves as leaders and pioneers. They seek activity, often of an
adventurous kind and manage to pack more experiences into one
lifetime than natives of some other signs might do in two or three.
Taurus, the second and fixed earth sign represents Pure Substance,
Undifferentiated Matter, the Matrix which receives the impact of the
Outrushing Spirit of Aries. The Matter of Taurus is precipitated from
the waters of Pisces, the twelfth sign, by the fierce fires of Aries. As a
fixed earth sign Taurus represents all those forces that make for
stability and permanency in the universe and those who identify
themselves strongly with the sign regard themselves as builders,
working with and conserving the resources of the earth. They never
act without reflection and then only in the light of accumulated
experience.
The third sign is the mutable air sign, Gemini. It represents the
result of the impact of irresistible force (Aries) on an immovable
object (Taurus). The result is Motion - axial rotation as a means
of adjusting what would otherwise have been an impossible clash.
Air stands for Intelligence and its primary function is to enable
us to adjust ourselves to our immediate environment so that we can
THE ZODIAC 19

begin to find some meaning in existence. The interplay of Spirit


(Aries) and Matter (Taurus) produces phenomena and those who
identify themselves strongly with the sign Gemini are concerned with
observing all types of phenomena and establishing rudimentary
connsctions between them. They delight in exercising their intelli-
gence and in gathering all kinds of varied impressions. They are
eager to travel in order to widen their experience. Their function is to
communicate facts and link them together.
The fourth sign is the cardinal water sign, Cancer. Water is a
personalizing element, adding emotional content to that which was
hitherto only existing as a mental concept. Cancer represents the
Universal Womb, acting as a link between the first four primitive
signs and the next four individual signs. The birth of the Individual
Man takes place in the sphere of Cancer, the Pure Waters of Life.
Without water there can be no physical growth. The sign is a cardinal
(active) one and emotion is a great spur to activity. Cancer represents
the Mother Principle, first expressed in rudimentary form in Taurus
(matter =mutter, mother) and those who identify themselves strongly
with the sign Cancer have a high regard for the family as a unit and
have a well-developed protective streak. Active emotions cause
them to cling tenaciously to those people or things that arouse
them. They regard it as their special function to nurture and bring
along everything in its embryo state and their shrewdness in spotting
potentials gives them a sound business sense.
From the Universal Womb there emerges the Divine Incarnation,
Spirit made manifest. The solar fire is now confined in matter, sym-
bolizing the emergence of Individuality in all its potential splendour.
This is the realm of Leo, the Fixed Fire sign, the sign of Creation
made manifest. Those who are born with the sign Leo strongly accen-
tuated have a profound urge to exercise their creative abilities and
great pride in achievement. They wish to demonstrate their prowess
for all to see and admire and to radiate warmth around them so as
to be recognized as the sustaining force of their immediate circle.
As a result of the Divine Incarnation, the potentials of Creative
Activity have to work themselves out in a multiplicity of ways to give
the myriad forms of the manifest universe. Just as Pure Spirit (Aries)
needs Undifferentiated Matter (Taurus) as a medium for its self-
expression, so does Spirit Incarnate need Differentiated Matter as its
own special field of self-expression. The mutable earth sign Virgo
relates to the specialization of forms, matter organized, purified and
refined into specific and recognizable things and objects. Just as Leo
20 ASTROLOGY

represents the Ideal Man, so Virgo represents the Ideal Woman. In


the sphere of activity ruled by Virgo, the Grand Plan of the Universe
is carried out in detail. Those born with the sign Virgo strongly
accentuated have a highly-developed sense of detail, good powers of
discrimination and an appreciation of the value of sheer technical
efficiency. Because the earth of Virgo is the necessary vehicle for the
creative fire of Leo, there is a strong element of Service implied and
the Virgo native is often imbued with the desire to serve his fellows.
Just as Gemini, the sign of elementary relationships, followed upon
the first combination of Spirit and Matter, so Libra, the Cardinal Air
sign, representing Ideal Relationships, follows upon the sign of the
Ideal Man (Leo) and the Ideal Woman (Virgo). The seventh day of
Creation was a day of rest, not in the sense of relaxing effort, but in
the sense of everything being in a state of Perfect Harmony or
Balance. Libra is the seventh sign and relates to Universal Harmony
that should result from the marriage of Spirit and Matter. Those who
are born with a strong accentuation of the sign Libra feel a great
urge to co-operate with others and make adjustments and seek com-
promises to encourage a more harmonious atmosphere. They are
great lovers of Justice as a means of striking a balance between good
and evil. Service, which belongs to the sphere of Virgo suggests
relationship on two different levels, and is a necessary preliminary to
establishing the goodwill from which can spring the perfected
relationship of Libra.
The second water sign, Scorpio, follows. Each water sign prepares
the way for a new kind of manifestation. Every fixed sign represents a
particular gathering together of power. The Fixed Sign Scorpio
represents emotional power, the dynamic Power distilled from the
Perfect Union of Libra. This power can either be used constructively
to achieve Regeneration, or destructively to result ultimately and
inevitably in Death. This choice is the Temptation which confronts
every one of us. We can either conquer the material world, ruthlessly
eliminating everything not conducive to our higher purpose, or be
conquered by it and become eliminated ourselves. Those with the
sign Scorpio strongly accentuated at the time of their birth will be
very much aware of the intensity of the battle going on within them-
selves and will go to great lengths to achieve emotional control as a
means of relaxing their tension. They appreciate the value of power
and the need for discipline and they have an instinctive recognition
of the fact that death is not a full stop but merely a transitory phase
m existence.
THE ZODIAC 21

Two thirds of the Zodiac are now completed and we are ready to
start upon the last complete group of elements. The last four signs
relate to the sphere of Universal values, whereas the first four are
related to the Primordial or Primitive state and the second four to the
individual consciousness. The ninth and mutable fire sign, Sagittarius,
represents Spirit diffused in many directions to bring about Illumina-
tion. It denotes the transformation of consciousness that can spring
from the true understanding of existence. As the final spiritual ex-
pression of the Life Force it represents perfect Principle. Aspiration
is the keynote of Sagittarius and those who are born with this sign
strongly accentuated are keen students of life who seek to gather to
themselves a variety of experience over a wide range of activities
in order to discover for themselves the inner meaning of life and to
enable themselves to anticipate significant developments. Religion
and philosophy provide a happy hunting ground for their attempts
to reach greater understanding.
The material and practical cardinal earth sign Capricorn follows,
representing, as the last of the earth signs, matter organized for use
in its most perfect form, the final crystallization.of the material uni-
verse as the embodiment of the Perfect Principle of Sagittarius. The
perfected materials are now at hand for the new spiritual birth of
Man, just as the opposite sign Cancer, represented the sphere in
which ordinary Man came to birth. The ultimate destiny of Matter,
organized and utilized according to the Father principle of Capri-
corn, Governing Authority, is to provide the vehicle for the Uni-
versal Man, Aquarius. Those born with the sign Capricorn strongly
accentuated appreciate the value of organization and are keen to
conserve their material resources and to perfect their abilities. They
have an instinctive knowledge of the necessity to maintain integrity
and to conform to an accepted pattern for the sake of communal
well-being.
The fixed air sign Aquarius follows. As an air sign it is a sign of
relationship and as a universal sign it represents Ideal Relationship
between all things, manifesting as Universal Brotherhood, the Group
unified by a common Ideal, and co-operation in the widest possible
sense. It also represents True Knowledge arising from an intuitive
understanding of First Principles and the Wisdom that results from
the interplay of Perfect Principle with Perfect Form. It denotes the
power that springs from Knowledge. Those born with the sign Aqua-
rius strongly accentuated are dedicated to the search for Truth and
recognize instinctively that all men are brothers.
22 ASTROLOGY

Finally, with the Mutable Water sign Pisces we come to the end of
the cycle or, more correctly to the preparation for the beginning of
another cycle, for water is the element in which germination takes
place as a preliminary to outer manifestation. Pisces represents emo-
tion as a Universal Solvent, dissolving all boundaries, permeating
all forms, rounding out all experience into compassionate under-
standing. The dissolution of boundaries results in the disappearance
of forms into the limbo where takes place the ferment of decay in the
realm of Chaos, from which is developed the new impetus for the
coming cycle as the waters are acted upon by the heat of Aries to
produce the vortex from which emerges the resurrected power to set
in motion a complete new cycle of manifestation, embodying in
itself the experience of the old. The dissolution of Pisces carries with
it the idea of voluntary self-sacrifice as a means of providing the
power for new and greater achievements. Those born with the sign
Pisces strongly accentuated feel a great kinship with their fellows
and have a sympathetic understanding for the sick and suffering.
They realize instinctively that the manifest universe should not be
taken at its face value but that there is an underlying unity between
all things which they may sense even more vividly if only they can
extend the boundaries of their consciousness.
We have now completed the cycle of the signs from the point of
view of their cosmic significance. Each sign is linked magnetically
with its opposite sign, which shows the ultimate result of the activi-
ties belonging to the sphere of the first sign. Thus we can see that the
ultimate aim of the Creation (Aries) is the establishment of Perfect
Harmony (Libra). The goal for Undifferentiated Matter (Taurus) is
to become regenerated under Scorpio. The ultimate aim of the
Geminian intelligence is enlightenment under Sagittarius. The
emotional experience gained under Cancer is to lead to perfection of
form under Capricorn. The birth of the Individual under Leo is for
the purpose of fitting him to play his full part in the Golden Age of
Universal Co-operation under Aquarius. The differentiation of form
under Virgo leads ultimately to the rounding out of experience in all
directions under Pisces.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac may therefore be said to constitute
a blueprint of the Universe, containing in essence the totality of all
possible experience. In another sense the Zodiac may be regarded as
a representation of the Cosmic Man - the Macrocosm, compared to
which individual man is the Microcosm, embodying the same
principles on a smaller scale. Each sign represents one part or
THE ZODIAC 23

function of the Cosmic Man. These twelve parts and functions may be
applied also to individual man in the same way. If we begin with
Aries, representing the head and end with Pisces, representing the
feet and apportion the other parts of the body correspondingly to the
intermediate signs, we shall have an alignment of signs, parts and
functions as follows:

Sign Part of Body Part of Body Function


{Exterior) (Interior)
T Head Brain Ideation
a Neck Throat Perpetuation
□ Shoulders, Lungs Correlation
Upper arms
SB Chest, Elbows Breasts, Assimilation
Stomach
SI Upper back. Spine, Heart Individualization
Forearms, Wrists
Abdomen, Hands Intestines Ramification
— Lower back Kidneys Harmonization
"1- Pelvis Reproductive Elimination
System
Hips, Thighs Sacral Region Inspiration
Knees Bones Perfection
CCS Lower legs, Ankles Circulation of Distribution
Blood
K Feet Liver, Dissolution
Lymphatics

Now let us see how the glyphs and symbols of the signs synthesize
and throw light upon the characteristics of the signs they represent.
The glyph of Aries (T) suggests a fountain gushing up from some
hidden spring (as indeed the entry of the Sun into Aries heralds the
beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when the world of
Nature 'springs' to life). It also represents the shooting forth of plant
life and, by extension, the appearance of new forms on every level
in response to some hidden creative force. The Ram, the symbol of
Aries, unquestioningly assumes the leadership of his flock and dashes
in head down (Aries rules the head) when danger threatens. The
battering ram and the words rampagious and rambumptious suggest
the uncompromising assertiveness associated with the sign. The
Lamb is traditionally the animal of sacrifice and the entry of the Sun
24 ASTROLOGY

into the first degrees of Aries, when the sign is still young, symbolizes
the sacrifice of Spirit as it descends into incarnation in Matter.
The glyph of Taurus («) represents the unlimited potentiality
(always signified by the empty circle) of the feminine principle in the
universe (shown by the crescent, here lying on its back and exalted
over the circle to denote absolute receptivity and the predominance
of instinct). The symbol of the Bull, an animal which can either be
yoked to plough the earth or goaded into dangerous activity, re-
presents the fertility of nature and the power of natural resources
placed at the disposal of the spirit. Bullion and bully are two words
related to the sign. The Bull has a powerfully developed neck, the
part of the body ruled by this sign.
The glyph of Gemini (n) represents the duality of existence and
the possibility of making a choice between Good and Evil through
knowledge arising from the union of spirit and matter. The symbol
of the Twins also conveys the same idea of duality. The twins are
Castor and Pollux, one of which has as its root meaning 'pure', the
other 'polluted'. Gemmation, linked with the name of the sign, refers
to propagation by budding, emphasizing the connection of the sign
with all young life.
The glyph of Cancer (cs) shows the same duality in its passive
form, shown by the horizontal lines, but imbued with a new poten-
tiality, shown by the small added circles, giving the idea of two seeds,
from the combination of which a mature organism can grow. The
symbol of the Crab, whose hard shell protects its soft interior and
whose tenacious grip is like the hold of the emotional life upon man,
aptly sums up the characteristics of the sign. Cancer rules the sto-
mach and a crab is practically a walking stomach! Personality is
specially related to Cancer and has aptly been described as the organ
for the digestion of experience. Those subject to moods are often
called 'crabbed'. The baby's protective cradle is sometimes called a
'crib'.
The glyph of Leo (fi,) is a little more obscure than the previous
four. It represents the serpent power (creative force) of the body in
its coiled (latent) form. The lion is undisputed king in his own sphere
and is noted for his great strength and ferocity when roused, as
difficult to cope with as the human passions when unrestrained.
Celebrities are 'lionized' or looked upon as social 'Lions'. They are
the cat's whiskers! The expression 'cat's paw' also gives a clue to
certain Leo characteristics. The full heat of the Sun in Leo ripens the
com for the harvest in Virgo.
THE ZODIAC 25

The glyph of Virgo (ttj?) is based upon the Hebrew letter 'Mem'
signifying the female principle with an added hook apparently based
on the Phoenician symbol for a fish, the symbol used by the early
Christians for Jesus, giving a clue to the mystery of the 'virgin' birth
of Jesus. Through purity and dedication (Virgo) is the necessary
condition for the birth of the 'Messiah' established in the body of the
Cosmic Man. The symbol of the sign, a Virgin, is often depicted
carrying a sheaf of corn, the produce of the earth, the harvest gathered
in at the end of summer. Virgin is a synonym for 'pure' and 'un-
spoiled'. To be 'on the verge' is to be in a position of transition from
one state to another, just as the sign Virgo stands immediately before
the second and indrawing half of the zodiacal cycle.
The glyph of Libra (^=) represents the setting sun, showing that
the essence of being is projected into the world of the 'not-self.
It also recalls the beam of a pair of scales - Libra is latin for a pound,
suggesting that the self is to be weighed against the not-self and some
kind of balance and equilibrium is to be struck between the subjec-
tive and objective consciousness. The sun is about to sink below the
horizon, symbolizing the indrawing of the life forces after the activity
of spring and high summer. The symbol of the Scales further em-
phasizes that the main function of the sign is to establish equilibrium
and to maintain a balance between the conflicting forces of good and
evil.
The glyph of Scorpio (nj ) is very similar to that of Virgo, being
based on the same Hebrew letter, Mem, to which is added a barb,
reminding us of the sting in the Scorpion's tail, instead of the fish
symbol. This barb may be regarded as Cupid's dart, emphasizing the
lure of the senses. In Scorpio the female principle has now the power
to destroy (ideally to make way for a new and better creation). The
Phoenix, the mythical bird that was consumed by fire and rose again
from its own ashes, and the soaring eagle are alternative symbols for
the sign. Scorpio is a fixed water sign. Water in its fixed state is ice
which shares with the scorpion an extreme susceptibility to heat!
The glyph of Sagittarius (?) is the Arrow propelled from the bow
of the Centaur, a mythical being, half man, half horse. The Horse,
the symbol of intuitive mind, is directed by the understanding of
man, giving the power to develop true aim. The Arrow symbolizes
Aspiration, which rightly directed, can lead man to his ultimate goal.
The glyph of Capricorn (v^) represents the serpent power of the
body aroused. The symbol of the Mountain Goat with the Dolphin's
Tail, shows that the destiny of the sign is to rise to perfection through
26 ASTROLOGY

experience on all levels, from the lowest depths of the sea to the
heights of the mountain, where the sure-footed goat comes into his
own, carrying himself with sturdy independence and living off very
little. An alternative symbol is the Unicom, the mythical enemy of
the Lion, contrasting the mobilized with the latent serpent power.
The glyph of Aquarius (=) conveys the same idea of duality as the
glyphs of Gemini and Libra, the two previous air signs. Here the
twin serpents show the vibrant power of Knowledge, suggesting
electric waves, one inducing the other, just as an intuitive response to
and recognition of Absolute Truth induces a measure of understand-
ing and wisdom. The symbol of the Water-Bearer represents the
function of the sign as the distillation of Wisdom from Knowledge,
to be poured out for the benefit of all.
The glyph of Pisces (K) represents the two halves of experience,
evolutionary and involutionary, placed in opposition to each other
but linked. In Pisces the missing link is to be found that will unravel
the mystery of the apparently contradictory and irreconcilable
character of these two halves. The two fishes that are the symbol of
Pisces are creatures that are perfectly at home in the great sea of life,
their natural element and the two complementary phases of expe-
rience that they symbolize are, together with the loaves of Virgo,
all that is needed to feed the multitude, according to the parable.
CHAPTER THREE

The Planets

The planets of the Solar System revolve around the Sun in roughly
circular orbits and in approximately the same plane, so that the
whole system is shaped like a disc or saucer. Including the mean orbit
of the asteroids, which may well be the exploded remains of what was
once a planet, the orbital distances of the planets from the Sun con-
form approximately to a certain formula, known as Bode's Law,
which indicates a regular proportion in these distances, as far as the
planets from Mercury to Uranus are concerned. Neptune does not
conform to the Law. On page 28 is a list of the planets, placed
in order of their proximity to the Sun, and a few facts about
them:
The Solar System is a unit and each body in it is therefore a consti-
tuent of that unit. On that account we may expect each planet to
perform a specific function or to represent a particular principle in
relation to the whole. The name of each planet gives a clue to its
nature, for each is called after the gods or goddesses of mythology.
The planetary principles are not expressed equally well through all
the signs. Most of the planets are best enabled to perform their
function through three only of the twelve signs. Of these, one allows
the planetary principle to express its positive side with least hin-
drance, one allows the negative side to be expressed most easily, and
the third acts in such a way as to enhance the action of the planet in a
special way. The signs most nearly corresponding to the positive and
negative expression of a planet are said to be ruled by it; the sign in
which its action is enhanced is said to be the exaltation of that
planet. A planet in a sign opposite to the one it rules cannot express
its function easily and is said to be in its fall. A planet in the sign
opposite to its exaltation finds it difficult to perform its function
without frustration and is said to be in detriment. For convenience,
astrologers often refer to the Sun and Moon as 'planets'.
The outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto appear to bear an
octave relationship with Mercury, Venus and Mars and are not re-
garded as ruling more than one sign. Some astrologers prefer not to
allocate them specifically to any sign. The Sun and Moon, coupled
together as positive and negative expressions of the Life Principle,
rule one sign each. Planets arranged around the Zodiac according to
27
Mean Mean
Planet Completes Inclination Period of Distance Velocity
{and Moons Orbit in of Orbit to Rotation on from Sun in Orbit
Symbol) (approx.) Ecliptic Axis {million miles) mi./sec.

Mercury (5?) 0 88 days T 0' 88 days 36 0 30

Venus (?) 0 225 days 3° 24' few weeks 67-3 22


OO

Earth 1 365 days 0' 0' 24 hours 930

Mars (d) 2 687 days 1° 51' 24\ hours 141-7 15

Jupiter (2i) 12 12 years 1° 18' 10 hours 483-9 8

Saturn (h) 9 29 years r 29' 10 hours 887-1 6

Uranus ($) 5 84 years 0° 46' 10 hours 1784-0 4

Neptune (T) 2 165 years 1° 46' 15 hours 2795-5 3

Pluto (V) 0 248 years 17° 9' 3675-3 3

Moon (j)) 27-3 days 5J 9'* 27-3 days 0-63

• Mean.
THE PLANETS 29

their sign rulership produce a symmetrical pattern based on the


order of their nearness to the Sun:

Saturn rules Aquarius and Capricorn


Jupiter rules Pisces and Sagittarius
Mars rules Aries and Scorpio
Venus rules Taurus and Libra
Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo
Moon rules Cancer Sun rules Leo

Here are the principles represented by the Sun, Moon and planets:

The Sun {Apollo)


Without the Sun there would be no life. It is the driving force
behind the whole solar system. It represents Will Power, Vitality,
Leadership, Creativity, the urge to Achieve, the Conscious Aim, the
Essential and Inner Nature of Man. It denotes those in high autho-
rity or of noble birth. It signifies honour, glory, power, the father,
the husband (in a woman's nativity). Its action is to illuminate,
vitalize, individualize, stabilize, improve, elevate, integrate. When
prominent it gives benevolence, dignity, authority, nobility of charac-
ter or prodigality, conceit, egoism, ostentatious behaviour. It rules
Leo, the sign of Creative Power in manifestation; is exalted in Aries,
representing Will in Action. Its fall is in Aquarius, where co-opera-
tion and detachment are paramount, and it is in detriment in Libra,
where the emphasis is on the Not-Self. Its symbol (0) is the circle of
limitless potentiality brought to a definite focus in the point.

The Moon (Diana)


The Sun illuminates our world by day. The reflected light of the
Sun enables the Moon to prevent there being total darkness during
the night. Day represents the conscious mind, night the subconscious.
The Moon represents Instinct and Habit, born of heredity, the
Personality, Feeling, Memory, Imagination, Receptivity, Impres-
sionability, Desire for new experience, the Domestic, Protective and
Cherishing impulses. It signifies the Mother, the wife in a male
nativity, the common people, sailors, women in general, shopkeepers,
those whose work is connected with liquids. Its action is to persona-
lize, make receptive, restless. When prominent it gives sensitivity,
adaptability, popularity, receptivity, sympathy or if afflicted, a
tendency to be passive, cautious, negative, moody, fanciful, in-
constant. It rules Cancer, the sign of the Mother Principle, and is
30 ASTROLOGY

exalted in Taurus, representing the perfect receptivity of Virgin


Matter. Its fall is in Capricorn, the sign of discipline and limitation,
and it is in detriment in Scorpio, where matter becomes transformed.
Its symbol is the crescent (I)) representing the Moon as a lens through
which the solar rays may be focused.

Mercury
Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods is always pictured with wings
on his feet, to represent the speed of thought and the ceaseless
activity of the mind. Mercury represents the Power of Communica-
tion, Interpretation and Self-Expression, Intelligence, Reason, the
ability to perceive Relationships and to gather Facts, Mobility,
Adaptability to Environment. It signifies brothers, young people,
writers, travellers, speakers, students, teachers, clerks, editors,
transport workers. Its action is to quicken, enliven and add mobility.
When prominent it gives quick wits, ingenuity, adaptability, humour
and a love of study and argument or if afflicted, a changeable, exag-
gerating or tricky mind, a nervous excitable temperament, quibbling,
superficial and indecisive. It rules Gemini, the sign of immediate
relationships (its positive expression), and Virgo the sign of dis-
crimination (negative expression). It is in its fall in Sagittarius, where
intuition is paramount, and in Pisces, where the feelings predominate.
It has no sign of exaltation but is well placed in signs ruled by Saturn,
which add depth to the mental processes. Its symbol is 5, a combina-
tion of the crescent, the circle and the cross, showing receptivity
resulting from the exaltation of spirit over matter.

Venus
The Roman goddess of Beauty was the representative of man's
capacity for achieving Harmony, especially through mental activities,
study of the Arts, and through the social graces. Venus shows the
quality of the native's urge to adapt himself to others and the nature
of his affections. It is a general significator of the wife in a male
nativity, of young girls, those following artistic careers, florists,
dealers in ornaments, finery, perfumes, confectionery or who cater
in some way for those who follow the pursuit of pleasure. Its action
is to harmonize, beautify, enhance, soften, pacify. When prominent
it gives an affectionate, warmly sympathetic nature and an attractive,
pliant personality or if much afflicted, a fondness for being admired,
a flirtatious, pleasure-seeking, luxury-loving, acquisitive, lazy,
irresponsible and even dissolute disposition. In its negative aspect it
THE PLANETS 31

rules Taurus, where placid acquiescence is the keynote, and Libra,


(positive expression) the sign of Harmony. It has its fall in Scorpio,
where feeling is at its most intense, and in Aries, where activity is
paramount. It is exalted in Pisces, where love reaches its finest
expression through renunciation. Its detriment is Virgo, where the
element of calculation inhibits its proper functioning. Its glyph is ?,
the circle of spirit elevated over the cross of matter.

Mars
As the God of War, Mars represents Passion, Desire, Energy,
Assertiveness, Courage, Initiative. It signifies young men, those in the
armed forces or the police or who work with fire, iron or steel,
surgeons, dentists, athletes, butchers. Its action is to energize,
stimulate, intensify, inflame, aggravate. It rules the positive Aries,
the sign of outrushing energy, and the negative Scorpio, the battle-
ground of desire. Its fall is in Libra, where adaptability to others is
the keynote, and in Taurus, where receptivity is paramount. Its
action is exalted in Capricorn, where energy is disciplined through
control and experience. It is in detriment in Cancer, where every
passing whim can detract from its effective expression. Its glyph (J)
represents the cross of materiality orientated in a definite direction,
exalted over the circle of spirit.

Jupiter
This planet has been called the greater benefic (the lesser is Venus)
and represents the Higher Mind, Wisdom, Enthusiasm, Expansive-
ness, Optimism, Spontaneity, Willingness to gather Experience,
Benevolence, Generosity. It signifies uncles, those in the professional
classes, especially those connected with the Law, the Church or
Universities; big businessmen, bankers, those in confidential posi-
tions. Its action is to expand, multiply, preserve and bring increase
on all levels. It rules the positive Sagittarius, where desire for a wide
variety of experience can lay the foundations of true wisdom, and
the negative Pisces, the sign of Charity. Its fall is in Gemini, the sign
of the Lower Mind, and in Virgo, where preoccupation with detail
precludes expansive action. It is exalted in Cancer, the sign of pro-
tectiveness and nourishment, where its preservative qualities find
their best expression. It is in detriment in Capricorn, where crystalli-
zation restricts expansiveness. Its glyph ( 4) represents the crescent
of receptivity rising in the East (waxing) as a focus of material activity
(the cross).
32 ASTROLOGY

Saturn
Saturn is the Tester (Satan) whose function is to perfect character
through constant trials. The rings of Saturn symbolize the limitations
imposed by Satumian action that operate as a harsh external dis-
cipline until we have learnt to discipline ourselves. It represents the
principle of Contraction, Crystallization, Concentration, the ability
to impose Limits; Ambition, Self-Preservation, Conventionality,
Caution, Pessimism, Sense of Lack, Integrity, Responsibility,
Justice, Perseverance, Stability, Endurance. It represents Time, as a
crystallization of Eternity. Saturn, or Satan, is thus shown as the
enemy of God, who dwells in Eternity. Saturn is the planet of old
age, where the life processes are slowed up. It signifies old or serious
people, the father, those in responsible positions, farmers, builders,
civil servants. Its action is to limit, conserve, test, deepen, perfect,
inhibit, delay, restrict. It rules the negative Capricorn, where
material organization and practical ambition reaches its peak, and
the positive Aquarius, where detachment is paramount. Its fall is in
Cancer, where it becomes hypersensitive, and Leo, where its ambi-
tion is boundless. It is exalted in Libra, showing exact Justice
perfectly balanced. It is in detriment in Aries, where impetuosity is
the enemy of Stability. Its glyph(h) shows the cross of matter elevated
above the crescent of receptivity, symbolically placed at the Nadir
(assimilation, pull of the past).

Uranus
This planet acts to break up the crystallizations of Saturn. It
represents Originality, Inspiration, Dynamic Self-Expression,
Independence, Will, Inventiveness, Eccentricity, Ability to Synthe-
size. It signifies unusual people, inventors, electricians, those with
transcendental interests or who introduce an element of novelty into
the native's life. Its action is to electrify, galvanize, vivify, awaken,
mobilize dynamically, innovate, shock, break down established
conditions. It often works in a spasmodic, unexpected fashion.
(Appropriately, its polar axis is almost at right angles to those of the
other planets.) It shares with Saturn the rulership of Aquarius, the
storehouse of knowledge and has its fall in Leo, where its revolu-
tionary spirit clashes with established sovereignty. It is exalted in
Scorpio, the sphere of Regeneration and Transformation and is in
detriment in Taurus, where its electricity is most effectively earthed.
Its symbol ("#) shows the cross of matter above the circle of spirit
between the twin columns of Good and Evil.
THE PLANETS 33

Neptune
The God of the Oceans was allocated these domains because they
symbolized the boundlessness of space. Neptune is the planet of
Intuition, Hypersensitivity, Imagination. It represents the ability to
transcend boundaries, Limitless Expansion, Idealism, Sympathy,
Compassion, Renunciation, Self-Sacrifice, Manoeuvrability, Gla-
mour, Illusion, Decay. It signifies those of an artistic, mystical or
highly sensitive nature, those who tend the sick, criminal or mentally
deranged, or who are engaged in occupations having an element of
unreality - film actors, photographers; pilots; those whose work is
connected with alcohol, narcotics, drugs, oil or chemicals. Its action
is to loosen, to dissolve boundaries, refine, etherialize, sensitize,
idealize, make intangible, expand enormously, distort, inflate. It is
the co-ruler of Pisces, the sphere of Chaos and Dissolution, and has
its fall in Virgo, where particularization is paramount. It works
effectively through Sagittarius, the sign of Inspiration, and is in-
hibited in Gemini, with its emphasis upon the gathering of everyday
facts. Its glyph (HO shows an upward extension of the vertical of the
cross (aspiration) shielded by an extended crescent (sensitivity) to
produce a Trinity exalted above matter.

Pluto
The planet named after the God of Hades represents the Under-
world of man's consciousness, those elements in his nature that have
not yet been redeemed and integrated with the rest of his being.
Pluto's eccentric orbit shows him to be not yet completely in tune
with the rest of the Solar System. His function is to bring to the sur-
face those hidden conditions that have lain dormant in the subcon-
scious, so that they may be transformed into a new source of power.
Pluto represents the urge to Transform, to Regenerate; New
Beginnings; the Group as a source of Power. It signifies those who
work beneath the surface, either literally, as miners, or figuratively,
as psychologists and healers; those whose work deals with death or
refuse; uniformed workers, underworld characters; atomic scientists,
who study the changes in matter. Its action is to isolate, bring to the
surface, undermine, eliminate, transmute, transform, reinforce,
intensify, obsess, add a new dimension to, purge, destroy, renew,
regenerate. It is the co-ruler of Scorpio, the sign of Regeneration,
and has its fall in Taurus, where rigidity renders transformation
hazardous. It has an affinity with Aries, the sign of Resurrection and
an antipathy with Libra, for Harmony may have to be temporarily
34 ASTROLOGY

sacrificed while the destructive and purgative forces of Pluto prepare


the way for regeneration. Its glyph (?) shows the seed of potentiality
(the circle) poised above the crescent of receptivity elevated above
the cross of materiality.

The Sun, Venus and Jupiter are traditionally called 'benefics',


Mars and Saturn 'malefics'. This latter category should probably be
extended to include Uranus and Pluto, with Neptune as a somewhat
doubtful 'benefic'. The Moon and Mercury are neutral.
The following interpretations of the effects of the planets in each
sign of the zodiac are intended as a general guide to delineation. Due
allowance should be made for the modifying effects of house position
and aspects received. Unless the afflictions are severe and the general
condition of the horoscope adverse, the unfavourable comments
(mostly in brackets) may not apply.
The effects attributed to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and
Pluto will not be strongly in evidence unless these planets are angular
or closely configured with one or more of the faster moving bodies
or unless one of them rules the sign on the ascendant*.
The Sun sign delineations may be applied to the sign ascending,
provided due allowance is made for the fact that the solar charac-
teristics apply to the native's deep inner motives, while the ascendant*
relates to his outward and visible way of expressing the qualities
within himself.

*See p. 79
THE SUN

Conscious Strong Sense Ability to Nature Cultivate


Aim of

Aries
Leadership Individuality Crusade, Inspirational Moderation,
(egotism); Impulsive
grasp (reckless); tolerance,
independence essentials. Assertive
(rebellious- (aggressive); patience,
ness). Straightforward
(naive); forethought,
Sporting.
humility.

Taurus
Security Values Build, Conservative Enterprise,
(possessive- (reactionary);
ness). establish, Determined adaptability,
(obstinate);
stabilize, patient vision.
(stolid);
sustain, placid
(lethargic);
endure. deliberate
(unimaginative).
The Sun—continued

Conscious Strong Sense Ability to Nature Cultivate


Aim of
Gemini
Establishment Awareness. Communicate, Adaptable Concentration,
of (unstable);
relationships. imitate, alert power to
(impatient); listen, relax
improvise, experimental and organize,
(restless);
invent, inquisitive sympathy.
(suggestible);
reason, gay
(superficial);
learn. inconsistent,
diffuse.
Cancer
Emotional Attachment Nurture, Cautious (timid); Logic,
unfoldment. (clannish, emotional
romanticize protect, (moody, self- emotional
past). pitying); stability,
receive gregarious,
impressions, parental healthy
(exacting); imagination.
economize, shrewd (niggling);
tenacious,
publicize. sensitive (touchy).
Leo
Creative Dignity Dramatize, Ardent Humility,
self- (vain, (exuberant);
expression. imperious). radiate, magnanimous thrift,
(demanding);
enjoy, pleasure-loving altruism,
(indolent);
inspire hospitable, attention to
faith, flamboyant detail.
(theatrical);
vivify, (predatory).
organize.

Virgo
Perfection, Service, Analyse, Practical, Breadth of
modest, vision,
self- craftsmanship. criticize, (self-conscious,
dedication. puritanical); tolerance,
assimilate, sceptical,
systematic, imagination,
discriminate, impartial
(unenthusiastic); optimism.
sublimate conscientious
passions, (finicky).

adapt.
The Sun—continued

Conscious Strong Sense Ability to Nature Cultivate


Aim of

Libra
Harmony Beauty, Negotiate, Diplomatic Firmness,
(insincere);
justice, adjust, helpful decisiveness,
(interfering);
idealism. compare. friendly consistency.
(dependent);
susceptible
(wavering,
easily influenced);
contentious
(Asc.) lazy
(laissez-faire).

Scorpio
Power Self-control Probe, Incisive Forgiveness,
(repression). (ruthless);
eliminate, intense right direction of
(fanatical); aspiration and
destroy, strong-willed, energy.
reserved
re-generate. (secretive, sus-
picious, resent-
ful);
thorough,
passionate (sen-
sual);
possessive
(jealous);
courageous.

Sagittarius

Wisdom Perspective Explore Honest Restraint,


(blunt,
propagate, transparent); sincerity,
impulsive
react quickly, (flighty); fixity of
speculative purpose,
prophesy, (careless);
optimistic thought for
establish (improvident, others.
connections, over-confident);
jovial
converse. (boisterous);
versatile
(dabbling);
alert
(superficial).
Hie Sun—continued

Conscious Strong Sense Ability to Nature Cultivate


Aim of

Capricorn
Integrity Reverence, Utilize, Fatherly Sociability,
duty. (austere,
conserve, severe); buoyancy,
Just
crystallize, (scrupulous); effective self-
Cautious expression.
persevere, (suspicious);
Economical
concentrate, (mean);
ambitious
climb, (snobbish,
time-serving);
organize. dependable,
self-absorbed
(morbid);
practical
(uninspired).

Aquarius
Truth, First Investigate, Intellectual Warmth,
knowledge. Principles, (doctrinaire);
altruism. co-ordinate, detached human touch,
(remote);
synthesize, scientific practical ability.
(agnostic);
plan, reform. humanitarian,
unconventional
(perverse,
incalculable);
individualistic
(anarchical);
expectant.

Pisces
Understanding. Sympathy Believe, Easy-going Determination,
(lazy);
permeate, plastic concentration,
(unstable);
renounce, imaginative, avoidance of
poetic stimulants.
sacrifice self, (unworldly,
chaotic);
receive suggestible
impressions. (hypochondriac);
emotional,
self-pitying.
THE MOON

Personality Capacity for Feelings Instinct, Imagination

Aries
Active Enthusiasm Easily aroused Powerful, keen,
(restless, (fanaticism). (hasty temper). active.
challenging);
forceful
(self-willed,
militant);
independent
(disobedient);
impetuous
(unbalanced).

Taurus
Determined Endurance Deep, sensuous, Deep-rooted,
(dogged); (obstinacy); intuitive. persistent.
conservative, practical meditation,
(materialistic);
contented enjoyment,
(slow, lethargic);
resourceful, musical
opinionated. appreciation.
Gemini
Quick, versatile Observation, Superficial, Fitful.
(opportunist); diffuse.
alert, shrewd. imitation,
(crafty);
restless self-expression.
(irresolute);
novelty-seeking,
unobtrusive, talkative.

Cancer
Sympathetic, sociable, Cherishing, Strong, Well-developed,
domesticated, shrewd, reliving experience, greatly influenced by active.
passive (indolent); romantic environment,
sensitive (timid, idealization. 'mother complex'.
apprehensive, moody).

Leo
Generous, dignified Leadership Passionate - when Fertile,
(conceited); (refuse to heart is implicated.
loyal, luxury-loving recognize
(self-indulgent); limitations);
vital, confident receiving
(opinionated). admiration,
enjoyment,
radiating warmth.
The Moon—continued

Personality Capacity for Feelings Instinct, Imagination

Virgo
Industrious, reserved, Service, dealing Minutely analytical. Limited.
unassuming (timid); with detail,
fastidious (fault-finding);
studious, cold (aloof);
practical (calculating).

Libra
Peace-loving (lazy, Comparison, Refined. Sensitive.
evasive); co-operation.
eager to please (too
dependent,
approbative);
charming, friendly,
hospitable, tolerant.

Scorpio
Magnetic, determined Self-defence Intense, Acute
(fanatical); (retaliation); passionate,
sensitive (brooding); regeneration lasting.
proud, self-reliant (self-torment);
(hard-bitten); reliving experiences,
controlled. investigation.
Sagittarius
Outspoken (argumenta- Exploration, Warm, Easily stimulated.
tive) ; inquiry, movement, spontaneous,
honourable, roving disseminating intuitive.
(restless); knowledge.
highly independent
(cannot endure restric-
tion);
fitfully enthusiastic
(superficial, diffusive);
buoyant.

Capricorn
Steadfast, reliable. Diligent Self-centred. Sluggish.
fatherly, serious (gloomy, application.
brooding);
self-demanding
(exacting);
ambitious
(time-serving);
prudent
(cautious, suspicious);
austere (unsympathetic);
capricious;
(repressed by mother).
The Moon—continued

Personality Capacity for Feelings Instinct, Imagination

Aquarius
Humane, sincere, logical, Altruism, Detached Well-developed,
independent (reserved, character reading, (indifferent,
quietly obstinate); spreading ideas. fretful.)
unconventional
(eccentric, inefficient);
progressive, ingenious
(erratic);
friendly.

Pisces
Sentimental, imaginative Self-indulgence, Deep, ever-active. Powerful.
(dreaming, unpractical, sociability.
deceptive);
susceptible (indecisive,
weak-willed);
passive (lazy);
gentle, kindly,
inconstant (restless);
retiring, cheerful (easily
discouraged).
MERCURY

Mentality Method of Adaptability Perceptions Lacks


Expression

Aries
Alert, clever, Direct Spontaneous. Quick, Concentra-
first thoughts best. (disconnected); acute, tion,
forceful, spirited inspired. continuity,
(argumentative); patience,
uncontrolled repose,
(exaggerated); restraint.
repartee (irony).

Taurus
Practical Conventional, Strictly Slow, Inspiration,
(tentative); dogmatic, limited intuitive, flexibility,
deliberative reiterative, slow, (non- indelibly versatility.
(sluggish); considered, existent). registered.
well-drilled, diplomatic.
constructive,
determined,
opinionated
(stubborn, biased).
Mercury—continued

Mentality Method of Adaptability Perceptions Lacks


Expression

Gemini
Ever-active (easily Witty (slick); Instinctive, Rapid Persistence,
diverted, slapdash); voluble, continuous. (superficial); passion,
versatile, inventive humorous, many-sided, instinct.
(tricky); rational. easily
logical, inquisitive, stimulated.
studious,
dispassionate,
categorical.

Cancer
Clear, receptive, Colourful Fitful. Clear, Originality.
assimilative, (loquacious); instinctive,
circumscribed, imaginative. emotionalized.
emotionally swayed,
reflecting (dreamy);
retentive.

Leo
Creative, self-sufficient Authoritative Small. Broad (hazy). Humility,
(self-satisfied); (dogmatic); sense of
comprehensive, broad. dignified detail.
(overbearing);
spectacular
(blunt);
sequential.

yirgo
Logical, scientific, Systematic, Well- Speedy, Breadth,
practical, critical lucid, correct regulated. accurate, confidence,
(hypercritical); (pedantic); discriminative,
well-drilled, diligent, businesslike; narrowly
mathematical, subtle, detailed, eloquent. focused.
easily educated.

Libra
Well-balanced Precision-seeking, Superficial, Well-ordered, Expediency,
(unbalanced); persuasive, studied. easily decisiveness,
rational, comparative (over- distracted, application.
(shallow); diplomatic, intuitive
judicial. flattering); flashes.
polished.

Scorpio
Probing (ruthless); Trenchant (bitter); Limited. Acute, Detachment,
shrewd, critical positive penetrating. variety.
(sceptical); (intolerant);
secretive, highly diplomatic.
prejudiced, resou
Mercury—continued

Mentality Method of Adaptability Perceptions Lacks


Expression
Sagittarius
Independent, versatile, Direct (slangy); Temporary. Superficial, Reflection,
roving, casuistic, impulsive transitory, continuity,
aspiring (opportunist). (garrulous, inspired. judgement.
unco-ordinated);
argumentative
(caustic);
propaganding

Capricorn
Clear (unimaginative); Dry, diplomatic Capricious. Slow, Optimism,
methodical (rigid); (sardonic); limited. flexibility,
profound, resourceful, conventional lightness of
cautious, (narrow, (stilted); touch.
suspicious); well-timed,
persevering. carefully
cultivated.
Aquarius
Original, clever, Dialectical, Unpredictable. Penetrating, Warmth,
abstract (superficial); accurate (prosy); well-drilled. imagination.
comprehensive (vague); agreeable, witty.
scientific, detached
(cold);
synthetic.
Pisces

Receptive (listless); Subtle (involved); Chameleon- Ultra- Logic,


reflective (superficial); diplomatic, likc. sensitive, detachment,
illogical (ruled by unguarded photographic. stability.
feelings, confused, (indefinite);
hazy); humorous,
greatly prejudiced voluble.
(unstable).

VENUS

Affections Love of Seeks Harmony 'Disposition


through

Aries
Impetuous (inconstant); Romantic Mental activity, Straightforward,
unrestrained, demonstrative, adventure. devotion to ideals, unadaptable,
easily aroused (short-lived). concentration on enthusiastic.
essentials
Venus—continued

Affections Love of Seeks Harmony Disposition


through

Taurus
Strong, steadfast, physical, Nature, food, Art, music, Sociable,
slow to unfold. possessions. obedience, contact generous,
with materials. conservative,
domesticated,
placid.

Often gives physical beauty, magnetism, charm.

Gemini
Dispassionate (flirtatious); Intellectual Relationships, travel. Good humoured,
spontaneous (superficial); pursuits. refined, communi-
cative, youthful,
sympathetic.

Cancer
Devoted (clinging); Domestic life, Family, home, Gentle,
motherly (over-sentimental); food, romantic imagination ingratiating,
susceptible (partisan). ideas. (self- acquisitive.
insulation).
Leo
Whole-hearted, faithful, Pleasure, luxury, Creative activity, Generous
inspiring response, heart display, adulation. dramatic self- (indiscriminate);
rules head. expression - noble.
especially arts,
warmth of approach.

Virgo
Pure (fastidious); Moral beauty, Service, celibacy, Detached
controlled (aloof); self-abnegation, (callous); (fear
discriminating routine, avoidance of of self-
(exacting). intimate relation- surrender).
ships.

Libra
Tender (too refined); Harmony, Aesthetic pursuits, Sociable,
susceptible (dependent); simplicity, colour, partnership, graceful charming,
easily expressed (over- proportion, self-expression, dignified,
sentimental, flirtatious). etiquette. idealization of
romance, pleasing
others.

Scorpio
Passionate (insatiable); Sensation Purification of Highly sensitive,
possessive (jealous, (lascivious, desires (self- proud,
unscrupulous). dissipated); indulgence); extravagant,
luxury, flattery, revaluation of tactless.
secrecy. experience.
Venus—continued

Affections Love of Seeks Harmony Disposition


through

Sagittarius
Impulsive, (superficial); Philosophy, open Freedom, travel, High-spirited,
sincere (fickle); air pursuits, exploration proud.
unsubtle (easily rebufTed); (evasive actions);
adventurous (precocious, multiple relation-
flirtatious). ships).

Capricorn
Constant, sincere (limited); Excellence, Developing self- Worldly,
lasting, protective, shy pleasure reliance, self-seeking,
(difficult to awaken, slow (sensuality); eliminating melancholy.
developing, dreads rebuff); domestic life. unwanted
prosaic (coarse); restrictions.
challenging.

Aquarius
Idealistic, impersonal Social life, Search for reality, Humanitarian,
(scattered, aloof); intellectual intellectual unconventional,
unselfish, controlled companionship. development, friendly.
(unenterprising); music, poetry,
suddenly aroused, painting.
experimental.
Pisces
Tender, devoted, easily Beauty, music, Sharing emotions, Peaceful, lazy,
swayed (indiscriminate); poetry, romantic exercising compas- (inert).
yielding (abject). dreams. sion,
self-sacrifice.

MARS

Desires Stimulates Energy Method Attitude Lacks

Aries
Strong Independence, Primitive, Direct (im- Positive, Patience,
(uncon- enterprise, abundant. petuous); forceful, sympathetic
trolled) ; combativeness, spontaneous. (aggressive); under-
ardent (in- mechanical dauntless standing;
flammable). ability. (reckless). self-control.

Taurus
Earthy Craftsmanship. Controlled, Persistent, Determined, Thrust,
(luxurious). calm, persevering, (headstrong, mobility.
applied. practical. vindictive);
stoical,
(stolid);
faithful,
worldly (self-
indulgent,
conceited).
Mars—continued

Desires Stimulates Energy Method Attitude Lacks

Gemini
Spontaneous, Communicative- Nervous, Alternating, Observant, Developed
evanescent. ness, sense intermittent adjusting, alert (excit- intellect,
responses. (quickly dis- inspirational able); plain- continuity.
sipated). flashes. spoken
(destructive,
argumentative,
sceptical);
restless
(indecisive,
frivolous).

Cancer
Strong Instincts, Emotional, Subtle, Moody Direction,
(sensuous). feelings, imagi- cohesive. indirect, gradual (peevish, abandon,
nation, self- encroachment, resentful);
preservation, persistent cautious (appre-
acquisitiveness, attrition, hensive) ;
memory, inconstant, protective,
tenacity, defensive. sympathetic
domesticity. (self-
indulgent).
Leo

Impulsive, Leadership, Totally Dramatic (os- Authoritative Humility,


passionate enthusiasm, mobilized, tentatious) ; (militant); grasp of
(unbridled); benevolence. exuberant, comprehensive. hearty (brash); detail,
ardent (in- fearless, disciplined
flammatory). independent, energy and
chivalrous passion.
(easy-going);
hot-tempered,
candid (rude);
loyal.

Virgo

Sublimated Technical and Disciplined. Efficient, selec- Diplomatic Imagination


(un- executive tive, practical. (scheming); enthusiasm,
awakened). skill, ability to analytical. calculating, dis- physical
serve. logical. criminating, courage,
scientific. clinical, cold
strategic (sur- (unresponsive);
reptitious). critical (dis-
satisfied, argu-
mentative.
officious);
unassuming.
Mart-—continued

Desires Stimulates Energy Method Attitude Lacks

Libra
Refined. Power of Relaxed, well Adroit, Courteous, Sturdy
reaction, regulated. co-operative. amiable (lazy, indepen-
compromise. antipathetic); dence.
persuasive
(intolerant);
conciliatory
(ingratiating,
temporizing);
easily
influenced
(wavering,
approbative).

Scorpio
Powerful Perceptiveness, Unflagging, Thorough-going Determined, Power to
(insatiable); mechanical and rigidly (ruthless); self-reliant, to relax.
passionate executive disciplined. probing, indomitable
(sensual). ability, dissecting, (superior);
dedication. persistent. authoritative
shrewd (domineering);
(cunning, spartan
insidious). (callous);
blunt (caustic);
self-contained
(unsociable).
Sagittarius
Impulsive. Optimism, Sponta- Speculative, Frank, sporting, Endurance,
enthusiasm, neously exploratory, independent stability,
aspiration, mobilized, swift (slapdash); (defiant);
opportunism, fitful. inspired (un- self-righteous
argumentative- considered); (supercilious),
ness, outdoor discontinuous,
activities. superficial.

Capricorn
Passionate Ambition, Efficiently Practical, well- Conscientious, Humour,
(earthy); organizing controlled, rehearsed, dour (irritable); humility,
persistent. ability, sustained. orthodox (un- self-reliant spontaneity,
responsibility. imaginative); (attempts too considera-
vigorous, much). tion,
prudent. warmth.

Aquarius
Unusual Originality, Dynamic, Scientific, Detached Personal
(dispassion- independence, experimental, (inflexible); touch,
ate). humanitarian- (revolu- friendly, blunt feeling.
ism, tionary); (nervy);
theoretical impersonal, (unruly).
understanding. abrupt,
totalitarian.
Mars—con tinned

Desires Stimulates Energy Method Attitude Lacks

Pisces
Sensual Receptivity, Unstable, Intuitive (unco- Pliant, relaxed Push, self-
(intem- imagination, diffused ordinated, (indolent); reliance,
perate). charitability. (easily indiscriminate); unassuming aim.
exhausted). involved, (shy);
(devious, humorous,
obscure); diplomatic
infiltrating (dishonest);
(surreptitious); dreamy (dis-
reconciliatory, contented);
laissez-faire. self-sacrificing.

JUPITER

Enthusiasm for Expands Mind

Aries
Active occupations, ideas. Desire for freedom Ardent, active (roving);
(rebellious); confidence, generous (sceptical,
mental activities, vital force materialistic).
(rash, impetuous).
Taurus
Material pleasures Constructive force, devotion, Conventional (uninspired,
(extravagant, acquisitive, placidity, possessiveness. over-conservative); con-
indolent, self-indulgent). templative (slow);
sympathetic, charitable, firm.

Gemini
Self-education, change, Pressure of ideas (too Clever, scientific, witty,
novelty. versatile); fertile, busy (flighty).
linguistic ability,
restlessness (improvident,
lacks perseverance);
power of expression (verbose).

Cancer
Domesticity, food. Sympathies, business acumen, Practical yet imaginative
acquisitiveness (over- (fanciful); (changeable).
cautious);
emotions (mother-complex).

Leo
High patronage (snobbish); Vitality, affections, Noble, generous, compas-
display (ostentatious); magnanimity, extravagance, sionate, comprehensive
righteous causes, good dramatic sense (theatrical); (vague);
living. dignity (vain); jovial.
faith, desire to lead
(autocratic).
Jupiter—continued

Enthusiasm for Expands Mind

Virgo
Research, service, Discrimination, technical Practical (materialistic);
categorizing (over- skill commonplace,
attention to detail). (careless). scientific (sceptical);
pedagogic, clear, analytical,
prudent (cautious,
advantage-seeking).

Libra
Partnership (over-anxious Artistic and harmonious Philosophical, humane, well-
to please). impulses (self-indulgent) balanced (easily swayed);
just, impartial, sincere,
sympathetic.

Scorpio
Investigation of scientific Magnetism, will-power Resourceful, subtle
and natural laws, (pride); (intriguing); deductive
engineering, chemistry. devotion (covetous); (suspicious);
passions (self-indulgent, constructive.
sensual);
reserve (self-absorbed).
Sagittarius
Speculation (carefree); Philanthropy, love of Loyal, generous
sport, social contacts. freedom (perverse, self- (extravagant, shows off);
justifying) ; liberal, tolerant, inquiring
prophetic inspiration; (sceptical).
faith (credulous).

Capricorn
Duty (hypocritical). Conscientiousness Serious (austere);
(self-righteous); concentrative (opinionated);
ambition (autocratic, capable, steadfast, practical
peevish); (materialistic, over-
thriftiness (stingy); orthodox).
self-control, organizing
ability.

Aquarius
Humanitarian causes, Originality, intuition, Just, humane, tolerant (lazy);
reform, mental pursuits. sociability, pressure of ideas, theoretical (doctrinaire);
imagination, philosophical open (erratic, undecided).
interests.

Pisces
Public welfare, healing. Devotion (over-emotional); Charitable, sympathetic,
imagination, aesthetic receptive, impressionable
susceptibilities. (vacillating);
easy-going (self-indulgent).
SATURN

Strives to Need to Character Lacks Motivated by


develop c id I i vale fear of

Aries
Self-reliance, Self-sacrifice, Indomitable Depth, sense Frustration,
sense of duty, will. caution. (assertive at of timing.
wrong time,
overstrains);
retiring, difficult to
please (grudging,
jealous).

Taurus
Determination, Obedience, Purposeful Spontaneity. Economic
prudence, stability. (stubborn); dependence,
patience, deliberate, material lack of
frugality. istic (sordid, resources.
avaricious);
solid (lethargic,
sullen);
trustworthy.

Gemini
Serious orderly Reasoning Calculating Application, Being tied
thinking, faculties, (cynical); speed of down.
adaptability, impulsive, obser- thought.
versatility. vant, accurate.
Cancer
Emotional Sympathy, Tenacious, self- Buoyancy. Emotional vul-
expression, tolerance, absorbed, timid, nerability.
domestic altruism. pessimistic,
interests. opinionated, pro-
tective, acquisitive,
interested in public
welfare.

Leo
Will, faith, sense Warmth, Jealous, haughty Humour. Mediocrity.
of honour, magnanimity, autocratic
organizing humility. (megalomaniacal);
ability. hypocritical.

Virgo
Discrimination, Self- Upright (rigid); Faith. Unknown.
common sense, confidence, industrious, critical
technical ability, originality. (suspicious);
scientific and (narrow-minded);
analytical bashful, worrying.
power.

Libra
Balance, Harmony, Honourable, Objective Passionate
impartiality, diplomacy. (punctilious); experience. involvement.
judgement, intolerant,
manoeuvrability. insincere, opiniona-
ted, argumentative.
Saturn—continued

Strives to Need to Character Locks Motivated by


develop cultivate fear of

Scorpio

Emotional con- Nobility of Egotistical (wanton); Flexibility, Emotional


trol, indepen- aim. acquisitive, forgiving dependence.
dence, power of relentless, exacting, spirit.
investigation, cold (callous):
penetration, self- narrow-minded
discipline, (hidebound).
executive ability.

Sagittarius

Inspiration, Hope, Independent, Restraint. Restriction.


philosophical charity. cynical, ostentatious,
interests. irritable.

Capricorn

Self-control, Perseverance, Ambitious (calcula- Confidence, Going un-


organizing ability, will to serve. ting, self-centred); originality. rewarded.
integrity, materialistic (sus-
economy of effort. picious) ;
ponderous, limited,
pessimistic, over-
cautious, arrogant,
mean, bound by
habit.

Aquarius
Humanitarian Loyalty, Reserved, mentally Initiative, Self-involve-
ideals, altruism, obstinate (im- gratitude. ment.
detachment, poses own
deliberation, opinions);
understanding of indifferent to
first principles, success
originality, (unworldly);
independence. subtle, considerate
(callous).

Pisces
Intuition, Compassion, Moody Hope, Isolation.
acceptance, renunciation. (misanthropic); courage,
plasticity, sensitive (morbid); self-reliance,
passivity, indecisive (fickle,
sympathy, treacherous);
imagination, dependent (inert);
mediumship. self-sacrificing
(weak);
URANUS

A wakens Destroys Will Additional


Characteristics

Aries
Independence (rebellious); Caution. Indomitable Spasmodic enthusiasm,
daring, will to lead, (intolerant, sense of infallibility,
inventiveness, impetuosity. unscrupulous, brusque, suddenly
iconoclastic). changes direction. >
M
H
Taurus S8
Determination, resource- Vacillation. Obstinate Passionate O
r
fulness, constructive (immovable, (revengeful). o
energies, love of ease. unyielding). o
*<

Gemini
Mental energies (possibly Inertia. Spontaneously Eccentric (impractical);
genius); persuasive irritable, nervy,
associative impulses, (wavering). unsympathetic.
ingenuity, inquisitiveness,
spontaneity.

Cancer
Imagination, (strange Insensitivity. Instinctive Patriotic, changeable
fantasies); (susceptible). (unreliable);
instincts, cherishing interest in antiques.
propensities, domestic
impulses.
Leo
Pride, passion, desire to Indifference, Commanding. Participates totally
rule (over-assertive, aloofness, (hates restraint,
tyrannical); revolutionary).
love of pleasure,
dramatic sense, organizing
ability.

Virgo
Discrimination, subtlety, Impulsiveness, Unstable Dogmatic (contrary);
scientific interests, autocratic (vacillating). sharp (cynical).
analytical powers, desire outlook.
for purification,
perfection.

Libra
Harmonious impulses, Rigidity. Delicately Fickle.
aesthetic appreciation, balanced
co-operativeness, (fitful).
spirit of compromise,
talent for manoeuvre,
power of judgement,
self-adjustment.

Scorpio
Power to concentrate, Reluctance to Tenacious Scientific, mechanical
penetrate, investigate; suffer. (ruthless). or metaphysical
intensity of feeling interests, gains
(sensual); understanding
Uranus—continued

Awakens Destroys Will Additional


Characteristics
Scorpio—continued
desire for regeneration through suffering,
(destructive). ceaseless self-
examination.
Sagittarius
Desire for enlightenment, Conventionality. Spirited. Excitable, (neurotic);
spiritual aspirations, Utopian (imposes
prophetic insight ideas).
(hallucinations);
experimental tendencies,
courage to rebel (reckless,
cruel).

Capricorn
Ambition (pushing); Irresponsibility. Powerful Radical,
shrewdness, sense of (unfeeling). acquisitive,
mission (conceited); economical,
power of self-discipline organizing ability.
(austere);
perseverance.

Aquarius
Originality, comprehension, Sentimentality. Wayward. Self-willed (perverse).
progressive thinking
(doctrinaire);
scientific, metaphysical
interests;
humanitarian impulses,
urge to emancipate,
detachment.

Pisces
Compassion, imagination Materialism. Unco-ordinated. Uncertain, unsettled
(fanciful, vague fears); (inconstant);
humility, spirit of self- sociable.
sacrifice, voluptuous
desires, aesthetic
susceptibilities,
devotional and religious
impulses.

NEPTUNE

Responsive to Power to Inflates or Perverts Additional


Characteristics

Aries
Direct inspiration Propagate ideas. Self-awareness (craves Inhibits placidity.
(aversions, forebodings, notoriety);
perverted ideas); sense of mission
radical ideas (subversive, (fanatical).
sceptical, revolutionary).
Neptune—continued

Responsive to Power to Inflates or Perverts Additional


Characteristics
Taurus
Artistic inspiration, Heal. Business acumen,
physical impacts, desire nature.
(sensuous);
natural beauty, music.

Gemini
Mental stimuli, poetic Persuade (over- Quickness of percep- Tortuous mind
inspiration, argument subtle, cunning). tion (inability to (crafty,
(misled by others); concentrate); worrying).
casual impacts. desire for variety
(restless).
Cancer
Emotional stimuli (over- Cherish, act Social awareness, May inhibit will.
emotional); instinctively. susceptibilities, self-
intuitions, psychic indulgence.
atmosphere (over-
impressionable, too
negative);
home and maternal
influence.

Leo
Passional stimuli (sensual); Lead, inspire, Love of pleasure, Passionately
romantic impulses (over- flattery; certain.
impulsive - warm- egotism, desire for (exaggerating)
hearted) ; power.
creative inspiration.

Virgo
Practical intellectual Absorb and teach Desire for precision, May inhibit
stimuli; techniques, celibacy; spiritual vision
scientific thought; utilize. critical acumen (fault- scheming,
ideals of finding). cunning.
service, hygiene, social
conditions.
Libra
Aesthetic stimuli, ideals of Create harmony. Desire for justice, May inhibit will.
altruism, partnership;
humanitarian impulses compassion (easily
(unpractical). moved, cannot hide
feelings);
desire to compromise
(insincere).

Scorpio
Occult and subtle stimuli. Investigate, Craving for sensation May inhibit
transmute. (sensual); impartiality,
secretive tendencies,
emotional intensity -
magnetic
(intemperate,
perverse).
Neptune—continued
Responsive to Power to Inflates or Perverts Additional
Characteristics
Sagittarius
Philosophical ideals, Visualize (fore Love of liberty May inhibit
prophetic inspiration. bodings). -broad sympathies; enterprise.
(Utopian ideas,
restless)
optimism.
Capricorn
Parental influence, Contemplate, Ambition, May inhibit
professional environment perfect, materialism (selfish- idealism, >
traditional and sacrifice. ness); mystic sense. ^
conventional influences. conscience, business 70
acumen. O
r
Aquarius o
Love of independence. o
Social, political and Theorize ►<
philosophical stimuli, (doctrinaire).
humanitarian ideals.
Pisces
Mystical ideas (gullible); Understand, aid Mediumistic May inhibit
mass emotions, call of and transmute tendencies, assertiveness,
suffering humanity. suffering. passivity (lazy, and dynamic
dissolute); action.
aesthetic susceptibili-
ties, desire to expand
consciousness
(drugs, alcohol).
PLUTO

Stimulates Obsession Compelling need


to achieve

Aries
Individuality, impulsiveness, daring (reckless); Might. Emancipation.
desire to reform (revolutionary, rebellious);
vigour (violent, revengeful);
will-power, resourcefulness, flow of thoughts,
ability to revivify.

Exhaust themselves completely.

Taurus
Utilitarian outlook, endurance (stubborn, Wealth. Permanence.
defiant, uncompromisingly dogmatic);
pensiveness (brooding):
artistic genius (sensuality);
ability to 'merge' (grasping).

Gemini
Sensation-seeking, Mobility. Comprehension.
inventiveness, search for novelty (too clever).
(frittering away of energy);
impetuosity (restless);
Pluto—continued

Stimulates Obsession Compelling need


to achieve
duality, equanimity (bluffing, inscrutable,
incomprehensible);
ability for repartee (sarcastic, critical);
response to immediate contacts - playful,
power of synthesis, communicativeness.

Cancer
Instinct, subconscious mind, egotism, Security. Emotional
tenacity, psychic tendencies (morbid maturity.
fantasies);
ability to cherish, social awareness (feels
personal responsibility for world).

Leo
Self-confidence, faith in own ideas, pride, Megalomania. Fully creative
passions, desire to rule, managing ability, self-expression.
dramatic instinct.

Virgo
Industry, analytical skill, scientific and Puritanism. Perfection.
technical interests, urge to discriminate
and refine (hyper-critical).
Libra
Adaptability, opportunism, love of beauty, Impartiality. Harmony.
justice, social instincts.

Scorpio
Self-will (autocratic); Inviolability. Regeneration.
sensitivity to undercurrents, emotional
intensity, power of resistance
(intractable, indomitable);
fortitude, resourcefulness, penetrative
power, investigating ability, destructive
tendencies (ruthless).

Sagittarius
Faith in human nature, impulsiveness, Freedom. Right
enthusiasm (prodigal self-expenditure); orientation.
sagacity, sense of perspective, prophetic
ability, exploration, versatility, joviality.

Capricorn
Ambition, persistence, perseverance, Recognition. Self-discipline.
endurance, efficiency, organizing and
executive ability, conservatism,
materialism.
Pluto—continued

Stimulates Obsession Compelling need


to achieve

Aquarius
Awareness of Truth, powers of synthesis, Detachment Free self-
altruism, humanitarianism, psychological expression.
understanding, intellectual interests,
originality, ingenuity, unconventionalily.

Pisces
Compassion, impressionability, imagination Renunciation. Understanding.
(morbid);
susceptibility (sentimental);
sense of universality, self-sacrifice,
plasticity, resignation, power to relax.
CHAPTER FOUR

The Houses of the Horoscope

The Earth's changing relationship with the Sun, Moon and planets
as it travels each year in its more or less circular orbit round the Sun
is charted against the background of the twelve zodiacal signs. The
changing relationship of any given place on earth with the Sun,
Moon and planets as the Earth rotates each day on its axis is charted
against the background of the twelve houses of the horoscope. Both
the signs of the Zodiac and the houses of the horoscope, therefore,
depend for their basis upon different aspects of the Sun-Earth
relationship.
Overleaf is a blank horoscope wheel. (Figure 1).
A completed horoscope is a map of the heavens (or more correctly
of the Solar System) as it is at one particular moment of time, drawn
according to certain conventions. The small circle in the middle
represents the Earth and the horizontal lines on the East and West
represent the horizon extended on either side to meet the circle of the
heavens (the inner of the two outer circles). The Sun rises on the
Eastern horizon and sets on the Western; so the sunrise point is
called the Ascendant and the sunset point the Descendant. The semi-
circle above the Ascendant-Descendant axis represents the arc of the
heavens that is visible to us, the hemisphere below the horizon that
part of the heavens hidden from our view. The vertical axis of the
horoscope, from South to North, cuts the circle of the heavens above
the earth at the place where the Sun is at midday, and below the earth
at the place where the Sun is at midnight. This axis is a projection into
space of a great circle round the earth joining the North and South
Poles. These great circles, which cut the Equator at right angles, are
called Meridians (from a Latin word meaning 'middle of the day') as
they indicate the direction of the Sun at noon for all those places that
lie along the circle. The Upper Meridian is also known as the
Midheaven or Medium Coeli (M.C., 'middle of the heavens'),
the Lower Meridian as the Imum Coeli (I.C., 'lowest part of the
heavens').
The quadrants formed by the upper and lower meridians and the
horizon are each trisected according to special and rather complicated
formulae, which divide either the ecliptic or the equator into twelve
equal parts. Because of the spherical nature of the earth's surface, the
79
80 ASTROLOGY

farthei; away from the equator we move, the more uneven do these
divisions become, so that in extreme North and South latitudes the
pairs of quadrants differ greatly in size, producing six very squeezed
up and six very elongated houses. Even in moderately high latitudes

South

fast West

North

Fig. 1

there is a pronounced inequality in size and if you look closely at the


Tables of Houses* you will see that in Northern latitudes the first
house contains a large area of the zodiac when ss, x, T and b are
rising and a correspondingly small area when the opposite signs ft, nj,
— and % rise. In other words, the signs =5, H, T and b (called signs
of Short Ascension) pass quickly over the horizon so that in the
natural order of things fewer births take place when these signs are
• Published by W. Foulsham & Co., Ltd.
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 81

on the Ascendant, most when ft, ny, ^ and nj, (signs of Long
Ascension) are rising. In Southern latitudes the position is exactly
reversed - signs of Long Ascension are those that were signs of Short
Ascension north of the equator. At the Poles, the position is further
complicated by the fact that for six months at a time the Sun is
continuously above the horizon and therefore does not rise or set.
A good deal of controversy exists amongst astrologers as to the
correct way of trisecting the quadrants (mainly as a result of trying
to reconcile the fact that the plane of the ecliptic does not coincide
with the plane of the equator). Some indeed have abandoned such
attempts and adopted equal house systems, measuring off either
from the Midheaven or the Ascendant successive 30° areas to repre-
sent the houses. The writer recommends the system of house division
invented by Placidus, which trisects the quadrants on a time and not
on a space basis and for which Tables are available giving the cusps
of houses for most of the latitudes that the student is likely to require.
A cusp is the point in a house where the planet reaches its maximum
power in relation to the things signified by that house. Strictly
speaking it is not a fixed boundary between one house and the next
although a planet more than 5° earlier in the zodiac than the cuspal
degree can be regarded as having left the sphere of influence whose
maximum emphasis is marked by that cusp.
The meanings of the houses are derived in much the same way as the
meanings of the zodiacal signs, for the daily cycle is somewhat akin
to the yearly cycle in its significance. Sunrise is equivalent to Spring-
time, when the whole world of nature begins to stir once more and
becomes aware of itself. The Eastern half of the horoscope is there-
fore connected with consciousness of self and the opposite Western
hemisphere, containing the quadrants preceding and following sun-
set, represents the consciousness centred in things outside the self,
the not-self. The noonday Sun is equivalent to high Summer and
represents the peak of achievement. The hemisphere of which the
Sun at noon is the apex represents objective consciousness - the light
of the Sun is cast over the whole hemisphere for all to see. The hid-
den,-or night hemisphere through which the Sun passes from sunset
to sunrise, represents the subjective consciousness, the realm of
intuition and f«eling, and the midnight position of the Sun represents
the heart of Winter, when all the vitality of nature is indrawn,
awaiting the opportunity to become manifest again in the Spring (or
at dawn in the daily cycle). The Ascendant-Descendant axis there-
fore cuts off the hemisphere representing subjective consciousness
82 ASTROLOGY

from the upper hemisphere representing objective consciousness;


just as the M.C.-I.C. axis cuts off the Eastern hemisphere represent-
ing consciousness of the self from the Western hemisphere represent-
ing consciousness of the not-self. This is the reason for the great
importance attached to these axes of the horoscope.
Combining the significance of the two intersecting sets of hemi-
spheres we can arrive at the following meanings for the four
quadrants; From Ascendant to I.C., Subjective Self-Awareness,
Intuition; from I.C. to Descendant, Subjective Awareness of the
Outside World, Emotion; from Descendant to M.C., Objective
Awareness of the Outside World, Sensation; from M.C. to Ascen-
dant, Objective Self-Awareness, Thinking.
The division of each quadrant into three sectors reminds us of the
three different modes (cardinal, fixed and mutable) in which the
signs express themselves. The houses are numbered in an anti-
clockwise direction, beginning with the sector immediately below
the Ascendant. Angular houses (the first, fourth, seventh and tenth)
like cardinal signs are related to an initiatory phase of activity.
Succedent houses (the second, fifth, eighth and eleventh) like fixed
signs are related to a consolidating phase of activity. Cadent houses
(the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth) like mutable signs are related to
an alternating phase of activity, linking the activities of the two
previous houses and preparing the way for the next.
Houses 1, 2 and 3 together make up the quadrant of intuition. The
first house represents the natural easy instinctive self-expression that
is most characteristic of the native. This also includes his physical
appearance and mannerisms. It shows his outward attitude and the
way he presents himself. The second house shows how he is able to
establish himself on all levels through his resources - spiritual, men-
tal, emotional as well as physical. It shows his earning power and his
ability to gather possessions. The third house shows how, once es-
tablished, he relates himself to his immediate environment, his atti-
tude to everything near at hand, to neighbours, relatives. It shows the
means of effecting such relationships, through travel, education and
everything that aids communication. It relates also to the develop-
ment of the mental powers.
The quadrant beginning with the fourth house is that related to the
feelings. Having come to terms with his immediate environment, the
native seeks to identify himself with one chosen part of it and in a
more specialized way. The fourth house therefore represents the
native's home, his parents, his heredity, his past tendencies and
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 83

everything which gives him a feeling of security. It also represents


the early years of his life in which he is preparing to establish him-
self, and old age when he is assimilating, after retiring from outward
activity (above the horizon), the experiences that have gone before.
The fifth house represents the native's ability to establish himself on a
wider basis by harnessing his emotional capacities in some form of in-
dividual creative self-expression, either physically, through begetting
offspring, through hobbies or through the pursuit of pleasure in gen-
eral. It is the house of entertainment, courtship and pets, which may
be an emotional substitute for children. The sixth house represents the
way in which the native's emotional self-expression is refined and
directed into various channels through his ability to adapt himself
and master various techniques, including the laws of the world of
nature. It is the house of service and craftmanship. Failure to achieve
a reasonable standard of adaptation may lead to a lack of progress
and consequent frustration and ill health, so that the sixth house has
a special connection with illness.
At the seventh cusp we arrive at the quadrant of sensation, where
the self, having perfected to a relative degree its talents, is projected
into and extended through co-operation with the outside world. The
seventh house represents the native's ability to work in harmony
with others and that with which he seeks to combine owing to his
own sense of lack. It is the house of all kinds of partners, particularly
the marriage partner and, if the native fails in his attempt to achieve
harmonious relationships, of open enemies. The eighth house
represents the native's ability to perpetuate his relationships (which
can be a source of real power) and his attitude to other people's
resources. It is the house of death (ultimate failure to perpetuate
relationships), regeneration (as a result of the impact of others) and
loss (failure to capitalize upon partnerships). The ninth house
represents the power of the native to deploy the resources acquired
as a result of contacts with others. It is the house of wider relation-
ships, increased perceptions (resulting from regeneration), which may
bring revelation, the wider vision and inspiration given by religion,
philosophy and science, and higher education and prolonged travels
which serve to broaden and develop the mind.
With the tenth house there begins the quadrant of thinking and
the projection of the self (enlightened by the revelations of the ninth
house) upon the community. The tenth house therefore represents
the native's attitude towards the community, which determines his
status in that community and the function he is likely to fulfil in it.
84 ASTROLOGY

It is the house of career and the parent who guides the native's
aspirations. The eleventh house represents the native's ability to
stabilize his position in the world and is related to his hopes and
wishes. Friends who assist the native to realize his possibilities in this
direction and indirectly help to determine his standing are also ruled
by the eleventh house. The twelfth house represents the native's
ability to secure the fulfilment of his hopes and wishes on many
levels and in many directions. It shows his capacity for complete
integration with life. To the degree in which he fails to achieve this,
his wishes will remain pipe dreams, weaknesses not overcome will
prove to be his undoing and may create frustrations that bring on
illness, misfortune or lead him into anti-social behaviour.
As the Earth rotates, each sign will pass successively over the
various house cusps. At any given moment of birth the sign found on
the cusp of a house indicates the attitude of the native to the affairs
governed by that house and the planet ruling the sign is said to be
the ruler of that house. Virgo on the cusp of the second house will
therefore show that the native is discriminative in his attitude towards
possessions. Matters related to health or service may have some
connection with his income. Mercury, as the ruler of Virgo, will be
the ruler of his second house, and the house in which it is placed will
accordingly be linked with the second house. Thus if Mercury were
in the fifth house in Sagittarius, children (fifth house) overseas
(Sagittarius) might contribute to the family income or be a source of
loss according to the aspects to Mercury. A planet placed in the
second house will have much influence over the affairs of that house,
according to its intrinsic nature.
The planet ruling the sign on the cusp of a house is known as the
accidental ruler of that house. The planet ruling the sign correspond-
ing to the number of the house is called the natural ruler of that
house. Taurus is the second sign and corresponds to the second house
and so Venus is the natural ruler of the second house; similarly with
the other houses.
It sometimes happens in the quadrant systems of house division
that there are more than 30° between one house cusp and the next.
This means that one complete sign (and in extreme cases, more than
one sign) are 'intercepted' between the two cusps and the planet
ruling a sign thus intercepted is regarded as being the subsidiary
accidental ruler of the house. It has less power than the ruler of the
sign on the cusp and the affairs denoted by the intercepted sign, and
by any planets in that sign, may be slightly more difficult to give open
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 85

and free expression to than would have been the case had the sign
not been intercepted.
The following interpretations of the effects of the planets in each
house of the horoscope are intended as a general guide to delineation.
Due allowance should be made for the modifying effects of sign
position and aspects received. Unless afflictions are severe and the
general condition of the horoscope adverse, the comments in brackets
may not apply!

FIRST HOUSE

Sun
Strong-willed, confident, independent, responsible, authoritative
(dictatorial, power-seeking); frank, upright, dignified (pompous,
egotistical); prominent (hampered); good (poor) vital and recupera-
tive powers.

Moon
Feelings prominent, romantic, imaginative, sensitive to environ-
ment (restless, easily influenced); curious, love of travel, change,
direct contacts, novel experiences; sociable, timid, thrifty, publicity-
seeking; soft constitution; dissipates energies.

Mercury
Adaptable (unreliable); shrewd, inquisitive, youthful, precocious
(superficial); active (restless); excitable (nervy); eloquent (talkative,
sarcastic); jumps to conclusions, humorous, good mimic.

Venus
Affectionate (flirtatious, too trusting); harmony-seeking (sub-
merged in sensation); pleasant, cheerful, sociable, sympathetic;
honest, docile, artistic, fond of appreciation.

Mars
Fiery, independent, impulsive, courageous (foolhardy, heedless of
advice); enterprising, pushing (needlessly assertive); tireless, out-
spoken; strong passions; (fevers, accidents, scar on face).

Jupiter
Buoyant, generous, just, religious (hypocritical, gullible); moral,
inspires confidence (untrustworthy, faithless); dignified (pompous);
pleasure-loving (self-indulgent); increases vitality.
86 ASTROLOGY

Sal urn
Serious, industrious, reliable, self-controlled (narrow, introspec-
tive); reserved (shy, nervous, inferiority complex); cautious (pessi-
mistic, secretive); prudent (suspicious, exacting); persevering, patient,
economical (mean); ambitious, shrewd (unscrupulous); ponderous
(harsh, stubborn); (malnutrition, colds, bruises).

Uranus
Electric (highly-strung, erratic); strong-willed (wilful); indepen-
dent (supercilious); original, freedom-loving, unconventional
(eccentric); abrupt (blunt); impulsive, restless, lively.

Neptune
Hypersensitive (moody); visionary (absent-minded); idealistic
(frustrated, never satisfied); receptive (yielding); imaginative, artis-
tic, sensation-seeking, sensuous, indolent, elusive (tricky, procrasti-
nating); changeable (unstable); whimsical (wasting diseases).

Pluto
Thirst for experience, great potentialities; robust personality,
magnetic, adventurous, courageous (obstinate, fanatical, destructive,
ruthless); inscrutable (inconsiderate, inaccessible); self-sufficient;
sceptical.

SECOND HOUSE

Gain {Loss) through Money General Characteristics

Sun
Father, Comes and goes Generous (extrava-
government, easily. gant);
influential people. magnanimous, ambi-
tious (greedy,
demanding);
love of splendour
(possessions a status
symbol);
reserves of strength.
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 87

Gain (Loss) through Money General Characteristics

Moon
Mother, public Rapid turnover. Tenacious, shrewd,
commodities, Alternately care- sensitive to public
liquids. less and thrifty needs;
(changing possessiveness towards
fortunes) nearby objects;
over-liberal (wastes
substance).

Mercury
Brethren, travel, Rapid turnover, Financial skill;
advertising, publish- fluctuating values things by their
ing, journalism, fortunes. immediate useful-
agencies (theft, ness;
trickery, bad may collect books.
judgement).

Venus
Marriage, women, Assistance from Uses possessions to
art, jewellery. others, advantage;
expenditure on expects good income
dress, ornament, (prodigal);
finery. (indolent, greedy).

Mars
Machinery, weapons, Earns quickly, Acquisitive (selfish).
cattle; (fire); spends freely
efficiency (haste, (dissipates
rashness). resources);
frequent crises,
swift recovery.

Jupiter
Travel, food, Confident of pros- Success through
clothing, gifts, perity (great influence;
religion; extravagance, apt to exploit others,
(carelessness). spends all he gets).
88 ASTROLOGY

Gain (Loss) through Money General Characteristics

Saturn
Solid concrete things; Works hard, (little Thrifty(parsimonious);
real estate; return) slow shrewd, just;
investments, antiques; gams; pure motives.
sheer merit, perseve- (losses bring
rance, economy; worry).
(lack of trust,
worthless
bargains).

Uranus
Unusual sources, Sudden spectacu- Independence through
electricity, curios, lar fluctuations. resources;
antiques, windfalls; ingenious extrication
(erratic behaviour, from emergencies.
cocksureness).

Neptune
Hunches, dreams, Involved finances; Indifferent to money
speculations; (anxieties and (careless attitude);
hire purchase, luxury disappoint- little financial ability
trades, hospitals, ments). (easily imposed
films, aviation, ship- upon); (dishonest).
ping, drugs,
alcohol, oil, spirits;
charity;
(fraud, inflation).

Pluto
Sensational, unusual Ability wins high Financial considera-
and adventurous returns tions dominate out-
channels; (squanderers). look (unscrupulous).
several sources;
mining, armed forces,
uniformed
occupations;
(blackmail, crime).
THIRD HOUSE

Mind Travel Relatives General


Neighbours Characteristics

Sun
Broad (confused); Liking for, Successful Success in study; X
«
impartial, creative, self-reliant success in. (misunderstand- likes to spread
knowledge. X
(arrogant, domineering); ings with). o
cheerful, lively, accomplished, c
w
constructive (disorganized); n
(A
reformative.
o
Moon H
Studious, curious (inter- Taste for (dislikes); Sympathetic Good memory; X
w
fering); many journeys. (anti- dislikes routine;
pathetic). opportunist. X
common sense, impressionable o
(easily swayed by environ- ?8
o
ment); (A
imaginative (dreamy, moody, n
o
unstable); <T3
w
adaptable (lacks continuity).

Mercury
Alert, busy, studious, Many journeys. Superficial con- Expands mind.
versatile (changeable, tacts;
unstable); clever (crafty).
Third House—continued

Mind Travel Relatives General


Mercury - continued Neighbours Characteristics

inquisitive, witty (crafty);


often eloquent, easily educa-
ted, affected by
environment;
copes with details.

Venus
Artistic, appreciative, Pleasant. Helpful, Facility of
pleasant, emotion-swayed agreeable. expression.
(sensuous, pleasure-loving);
bright, hopeful, peaceful
(superficial);
harmonious, tasteful, creative.

Mars
Alert, determined (stubborn, Difficult, arduous; (Disputatious
headstrong); (accidents through annoying).
independent, energetic, hastiness, restless-
thrustful (sharp); ness, negligence).
enthusiastic (excitable, not
always logical);
argumentative (disruptive,
carping);
executive.
Jupiter
Optimistic (self-satisfied); Fortunate; Popular with. Shares ideas;
philosophical (unpractical); likes rapid locomo- educational
conventional (limited); tion; benefits.
earnest, thoughtful, preserved from acci-
considerate. dent (suffers
through careless-
ness.)

Saturn
Careful (narrow); Unpleasant, delayed Difficult. Unpunctual.
exact (slow); (loss through).
conscientious (over-conscien-
tious);
serious (melancholy);
persevering (laborious);
concentrated, reflective
(morbid);
procrastinating, late in
developing.

Uranus
Independent, inventive, Sudden, un- Unusual (sudden Suddenly reverses
ingenious, original, unconven expected, stimulat- estrangements, ideas.
tional (eccentric, erratic, ing: partings).
bedlam creating); (troublesome;
active (inconstant); accident during).
curious, liberal.
Third House—continued
Mind Travel Relatives General
Neighbours Characteristics
Neptune
Impressionable, intuitive, Sea and Air Uncommon
highly imaginative (obses- (peculiar mis- (irreconcilable,
sions, hallucinations); adventures). afflicted,
inspired, idealistic, devotional, deceptive).
artistic, strange (cunning);
wandering (unreliable);
negative.

Pluto
Inspired, versatile, always Vital experiences Vitally interested Vital need for
searching, original, sensa- through. in. self-expression;
tional, revolutionary isolated from
(destructive). other minds;
(sabotages rela-
tionships he
cannot domi-
nate).
FOURTH HOUSE
Inherited Tendencies Circumstances Parental Domestic
at End of Life Influence Environment
Sun
Stable, conservative (inner Fortunate. Strong (early Pride in.
doubts, restlessness, world struggle, father has
passes unnoticed). difficulties).
Moon
Intuitive, self-centred, inner Increased Maternal influence Frequent changes,
desire for peace and activity, some paramount emotionally attached
security (restlessness), public recog- (separation from to (dislikes) home,
(insulates self against nition parents). parents.
surrounding reality). (rebuffs).

Mercury
Naturally studious, literary Many contacts, Superficial. Many changes of
interests, young people residence (finds no
influence life (suggestible). peace anywhere);
home studies.

Venus
Fond of own country, enter- Peaceful (sad), Attached to mother. Harmonious, fond of
tains well (self-indulgent, home, love of
jealous of privileges). beautiful sur-
roundings (unduly
sensitive to
environment).

Mars
Acts consistently (stirs up Retains Early desire for Energetic home-
trouble); independence independence maker (accidents,
(aggressively acquisitive); (involved in (quarrels with deaths at home),
strong constitution. disputes). parents).
Fourth House—continued
Parental Domestic
Inherited Tendencies Circumstances
Influence Environment
at End of Life

Jupiter
Comfortable. Beneficial. Highly sustaining,
Open and generous successful in
(extravagant, ostentatious, birthplace.
conceited).

Saturn
Restricted, Limiting (early death Early surroundings
Conserves energy, accumu- rarel
lonely. of parent). y congenial
lates (acquisitive, (uneasy,
self-seeking, over-anxious; cramped);
jealous of established rarely changes.
prerogatives);
(rebels against
responsibility);
anxious about old age;
fated life.

Uranus Many and sudden


Unusual Stimulating
Chequered career. changes, strange
(enforced (estranged from
parents, break-up experiences
changes).
of home). (cannot settle, no
real domestic
feelineV
Neptune
Challenges established Secluded (lives Spiritual tie Beautiful, over-
security (naively self- in (nebulous). idealized (vaguely
absorbed J; institution). unsatisfactory);
likely to travel; (exhausting).
(sometimes illegitimate).
Pluto H
X
Great transformations. Isolated. Vital (deeply Restless in birth- m
unsettling). place, whole X
world his home. o
c
V)
m
FIFTH HOUSE V)
General Characteristics Children Love Affairs Speculation
Sun H
X
Creative ambition Few or none, one may Successful Success (loss). m
(exhibitionist); shine, ambitious for (spoilt by X
power to enjoy and give offspring. pride). O
So
enjoyment (exploits others O
for pleasure). t/i
o
o
Moon
Constant search for pleasure; Several Numerous, Fluctuating. m
(desires attention). (unexceptional). ardent (fickle).

Mercury
Love of change, intellectual Clever Platonic Rapid gains
pursuits, sees fascinating (troublesome). (inconstant). (source of
potentials in everyone. worry). vo
Fifth House—continued

General Characteristics Children Love Affairs Speculation

Venus
Enjoys life (self-indulgent); Affectionate. Precocious, Gain through
pleasure in creative work, pleasant entertainment,
can dramatize self (too fond (disappoint- art (too happy-
of applause). ing). go-lucky).

Mars
Sport-loving, loyal companion, Lively (unruly); Ardent (rash). Gain through
enterprising, (severe towards); initiative (loss
power of leadership. (involved in through
accidents). rashness).

Jupiter
Loves sport and pleasure Large family brings Well-regulated Successful (rash
(dislikes work). happiness (careless (indiscreet). gambles).
towards).

Saturn
Suppresses creative instinct, Limited or none Steady, older Gain through
takes pleasures seriously, (disappointing, companion land, property,
difficult to relax. sickly); (cool, old-established
feels responsibility of frustrated). concerns
parenthood (severe loss).
(too severe).
Uranus

Creative originality, Eccentric, adopted; Sudden infatua- Sudden,


peculiar pleasures, expresses (wayward); tions (abrupt unexpected
independence through (estranged from); estrange- gains (losses).
exaggerated self-dramatiza- (may deny). ments).
tion (unrestrained
self-expression).

Neptune

Pleasure-loving (depraved Dreamy, delicate Platonic Gain through


tastes, tires of pleasure); (disappointment (illicit, shipping, avia-
luxury-loving, artistic, through) chaotic). tion, oil (loss
over-expectant (disappointed, great desire for through fraud).
unhealthily dependent on (afflicted, adopted).
external stimulus to
creative urges).

Pluto

Impetuous desires May deny Impetuous, Radical gains


(unbridled impulses); (danger to), passionate (losses),
vital need for creative outlet; (unrestrained).
transformation or sublimation
of sex impulses (perversion).
98 ASTROLOGY

SIXTH HOUSE

General Health Employees,


Characteristics Subordinates

Sun
Pride in achievement Good (poor recuperative Helpful, (unco-
(likes appreciation, powers, organic com- operative,
vain, complacent); plaints); self-seeking).
ambition to serve interest in hygiene.
(unsocial);
utilitarian aims.

Moon
Desire to serve; Functional complaints Concerned over
interest in techniques. (sickness in infancy, (inconstant).
stomach trouble).

Mercury
Knowledge of Interest in hygiene Clever (restless,
techniques. (nervous, respiratory tricky).
or intestinal trouble).

Venus
Likes (dislikes) work, Constitution not strong, Pleasant
may marry social receives good nursing (indolent).
inferior. (throat, kidney or
generative troubles).

Mars
Industrious, efficient Great vitality (feverish Energetic
(overworks). inflammatory diseases, (quarrelsome).
operations, accidents,
troubles through excesses,
carelessness,
indiscretion).

Jupiter
Capacity for loyal Good (trouble through Helpful
service (does too surfeits, blood, liver, (careless).
much). obesity).
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 99

Saturn
Unobtrusive, con- Poor recuperation (colds, Reliable (un-
scientious worker chills, rheumatism, sympathetic,
(over- trouble through dull),
conscientious or debility, neglect).
shirking).

Uranus
Original methods (Nervous disorders, Unusual
(erratic strange accidents, in- (unreliable,
workmanship). incurable complaints); fractious),
benefits from unorthodox
treatments.

Neptune
Altruistic ideals Sensitive to environment Devoted
(lacks application, (troubles through self- (treacherous,
dislikes exertion). indulgence, lazy),
contagious diseases,
wasting, atrophy,
deformity);
(avoid drugs).

Pluto
Mobilizes resources, Interest in healing Co-operative,
intent on service. (infectious, deep- thorough
seated diseases). (unscrupu-
lous).

SEVENTH HOUSE

General Partnerships and Enemies


Characteristics Marriage

Sun
Pride in relationships Beneficial (unsuccessful); Powerful,
(clashes with ambitious plans;
others); delays marriage for a
opportunist. woman, marriage m
middle life, firm,
honourable partner.
100 ASTROLOGY

Seventh House—continued
General Partnerships and Enemies
Characteristics Marriage

Moon
Popular (unpopular); Several opportunities to Among women.
responsive to others marry;
(over-sensitive). early marriage,
domesticated (fickle)
partner, needs
companionship.
Mercury
Seeks intellectual Younger partner, may (Worrying,
contacts. marry relative scandal-
(restless, quarrelsome mongering).
partner).
Venus
Affectionate Early, happy (disappoint- Gain through
approach to others ing) marriage; adversaries,
(draws back attractive, fortunate pacifies enemies
prematurely). partner, fruitful union. (leaves others
to make first
approach).
Mars
Highly independent Short-lived partnerships, (Aggressive).
(non-conciliatory, early marriage
forgetful of others' (quarrels, death of
feelings); partner);
concedes initiative. independent, ardent,
courageous
(domineering)
partner.
Jupiter
Sociable, good- Beneficial partnerships Conciliates
natured (misplaced trust in opponents
(over-generous). partner); (bring
fruitful, prosperous, lawsuits).
successful marriage,
sometimes second
marriage;
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 101

Jupiter—continued
generous, faithful
(wasteful, untrust-
worthy) partner.
Saturn
Reluctant to (Unfortunate partner- (Persistent,
co-operate (over- ships); unrelenting).
cautious approach); marriage delayed,
(feels restricted by hindered or partner
others). older - possibly widow
or widower;
faithful (cold, over-
ambitious) partner,
(partner dies).

Uranus
Competition stimu- Sudden attachments (may Unexpected
lates originality, delay or prevent (jealous).
erratic in relation- marriage);
ships (intractable, independent, romantic,
misunderstood). original (erratic)
partner (separation,
divorce).

Neptune
Relationships based Ideal or platonic unior. (Plotting,
on admiration or (scandal, bitter dis- treacherous).
pity, self-sacrificing appointment);
(easily swayed, artistic or invalid
expects too much of partner (denies
others). consummation).

Pluto
Vital need to co- Elopement, self- Secret,
operate sufficient partner ruthless
(combative, must (jealousy, separation, (constant
be first). death of partner). strife).
102 ASTROLOGY

EIGHTH HOUSE

General Death Money

Sun
Awareness of higher Honourable; Steady fortunes,
forces, intent on (through constitu- legacy possible
self-improvement, tional weakness); (unfounded ex-
recruits others' (premature death of pectations,
support. father, husband). extravagant
partner).

Moon
Resigned attitude to In public place From mother or
death, sensitivity. (public disaster); wife (unsettled
(early death of fortunes).
mother, wife).

Mercury
Talent for research, (Through nervous Inconstant fortunes
analysis; complaint, lung (worry over).
insight trouble or while
(opinionated). travelling).

Venus
Experiments with Peaceful end (death Gain by marriage,
feelings (exacting through over- women, legacy
affections, indulgence, kidney (extravagant
estrangement). trouble, diabetes); partner).
(death of wife).

Mars
Devotion, enthusiasm Quick (from fever or (Loss by fire, theft,
for research accident, painful), rash partner).
(disparaging).

Jupiter
Hopefully confident, Natural (through Through marriage
(sceptical). over-indulgence, or legacy, gains
liver complaint, (extravagant
carelessness). partner).
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 103

Saturn
Capacity for self- In old age (from a From property,
discipline. long-standing through perseve-
complaint, rance (hampered
accident). by limited
resources, im-
pecunious
partner).

Uranus
Interest in meta- Sudden end (through Unexpected gains
physics, regenera- nervous trouble, (losses).
tion through accident).
intensity of
experience.

Neptune
Sensitivity. (Death in hospital); Fluctuations (dis-
(through drugs, appointments,
wasting diseases). thriftless partner).

Pluto
Vital search for In public place Greatly concerned
meaning of life (unfortunate end). over resources.
(anarchical,
obsessed).

NINTH HOUSE

Sun
High ideals (fanatical); broad wisdom, love of travel, foreign
journeys.

Moon
Receptive imaginative mind (dreamy); sincere beliefs (supersti-
tious); prophetic (superficial); may change opinions; able to teach;
voyages.

Mercury
Mental inspiration; flexible adaptable mind (indecisive, worrying,
flippant, promises too readily); speedily finds connections (meddle-
some); inclines to travel (wanders aimlessly).
104 ASTROLOGY

Venus
Creative inspiration (longing for unattainable); sympathetic under-
standing, devotional, intuitive; love of travel, pleasant (unpleasant)
journeys; possibly marriage abroad or to a foreigner.

Mars
Independent in thought (exaggerating, self-justifying); propagan-
dist (fanatical); fights for convictions (ill-timed partisanship); (feels
unappreciated in own country); love of change (dangerous journeys).

Jupiter
Noble mind, sound moral outlook (conventional, hypocritical,
arrogant); interest in religion, philosophy; tolerant; foresight;
education through travel (accidents while travelling).

Saturn
Grave enthusiasm, austere outlook (pessimism, agnosticism,
bigotry); meditative (critical, too much cogitation); orthodox;
difficulties in travel.

Uranus
Seeks to widen horizons; independent, unorthodox philosophy
(iconoclastic); prophetic; inventive mind; sudden unexpected jour-
neys (unfortunate travels).

Neptune
Mystical, idealistic outlook (chaotic; religious mania); imagina-
tive, intuitive (dreamy, vacillating, inconclusive); long journeys
(complications abroad).

Pluto
Vital interest in philosophy, religion (fanatical); great urge to
expand knowledge (muddled, revolutionary mind); keenly intuitive
(false impressions); love of travel, adventure (sensation-seeking,
danger abroad).

TENTH HOUSE

Sun
Strongly self-conscious, determined to achieve (arrogant, dictator-
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 105

ial, ambitious for power); success, high position, patronage (un-


sympathetic superiors).
Moon
Ambitious (loves prominence); changes in occupation, may travel
(unstable position); career benefits through women (subject to
scandal); dealings with public.

Mercury
Uses knowledge profitably (unpractical); adaptability aids career
(jack-of-all-trades, deceitful); literary or commercial success; travel
in occupation, changes in employment.

Venus
Very sociable (self-indulgent); pleasant experiences, artistic career,
success, honour (disappointment); help from women (scandal);
marries above station.

Mars
Desires conquest (domineering, enmity in career); inexhaustible
energy (attempts too much); resolute, independent (quarrelsome);
success through enterprise (unrealized ambitions); lives in present;
active occupation.

Jupiter
Great desire for achievement, mixes easily; success, honour, es-
teem, rise in life (urtreliability brings reversals); important patronage.

Saturn
Firm, self-reliant, independent, ambitious, desires respect (dis-
contented, over-ambitious); sound, responsible, success througli
perseverance (discredit, downfall); (fated life).

Uranus
Desires absolute freedom; powerful position, sudden advance-
ment (chequered career, disfavour); unconventional, success through
originality, many changes (vicissitudes).

Neptune
High aspirations (dissatisfied, resents criticism); lacks application
(swayed by moods, self-doubting, unpractical); artistic occupation;
(public scandal).
106 ASTROLOGY

Pluto
Vital need for power, independence (self-assertive, dictatorial,
tyrannical, callous); can mobilize support (loss of power, prestige);
unforeseen twists in career.

ELEVENTH HOUSE

Sun
Socially ambitious (ostentatious); co-operates successfully,
popular; firm, faithful, influential friends.

Moon
Easy social contacts, popular, many acquaintances, women friends
(unreliable friends, scandal); several children.

Mercury
Comprehensive mind (hypercritical); adaptable; intellectual
(changeable, insincere, deceitful) friends.

Venus
Fond of company, ideals of brotherhood, affectionate, happiness
through friends (scandal); artistic, cultured (jealous) friends, women
friends; fruitful marriage.

Mars
Strong desires, powerful wishes (frustration); social leadership,
many casual associations (touchy in relationships); masculine friends,
energetic, enterprising (dominating, quarrelsome) friends.

Jupiter
Ideals of brotherhood, love of social life, popular, many friends;
faithful, influential, beneficial friends (parasitical); fruitful marriage,
helpful children.

Saturn
High aspirations (frustration); fatherly attitude (meddlesome);
few but lasting friendships; older, faithful, reliable (selfish) friends;
(few children, death of child).
THE HOUSES OF THE HOROSCOPE 107

Uranus
Original aspirations, advanced ideals (obstinate, wilful); remark-
able friendships, sudden attachments, estrangements; unconven-
tional, independent, inventive, occultist (eccentric, wayward)
friends.

Neptune
Idealistic (quixotic, uncertain aims); demands too much of friend-
ship; wide circle of artistic, intuitive (deceitful) friends; (very
susceptible to friends' influence).

Pluto
Vital need for friendship (peculiar relationships); reformers,
idealists; able to influence friends; (no children); (sudden estrange-
ments, death of friends).

TWELFTH HOUSE

Sun
Difficulty in proper self-expression (lacks confidence); senses basic
unity of life, aware of life's undercurrents (eccentric); prefers quiet
and seclusion (danger of exile).

Moon
Feels neglected (emotionally frustrated); seeks synthesis; emotion-
ally responsive (moody, inconsistent); (illness of wife, enmity of
women); (learns through suffering).

Mercury
Contemplative, intuitive, subtle, perceptive (self-absorbed, avoids
decisions or thinks opinions infallible); keeps secrets (scheming);
(lacking in technique, gift ofexpression); (misunderstood,slandered,
worries over trifles); (one sense defective).

Venus
Emotional sensitivity (sensation-seeking); charitable, unselfish
(easily imposed upon); (clandestine romance, marriage difficulties);
(sickness through over-indulgence); pleasure through occult study.
108 ASTROLOGY

Mars
Turns everything to advantage (disruptive); strongly impulsive
(needs appreciation, vehement feelings); (danger of slander,
treachery); (painful illnesses).

Jupiter
Philanthropic, religious, faith in providence (complacent, counts
on being helped); wins over enemies (religious disputes).

Saturn
Reserved, solitary, acquisitive (fearful, doubting, lacks confidence);
questions intuitions; work in seclusion (enforced isolation); (persis-
tent enemies); (prolonged illness).

Uranus
Highly intuitive, humanitarian, metaphysical interests (shocks aid
progress) (vague fear of disaster); (unforeseen enmities); (loss of
reputation, estrangements, exile, restricted independence, accidents,
nervous troubles).

Neptune
Contemplative, charitable, sympathetic (morbid fears); (treach-
erous enemies, difficult illnesses, confinement).

Pluto
Vital need to achieve understanding of life (suppressed emotions,
morose, sudden outbursts); led into temptations (subversive activi-
ties, betrayal, ambush); (lingering, insidious illnesses).
CHAPTER FIVE

The Aspects

Two people pulling on a rope usually make their presence felt more
effectively than one person pulling alone. Similarly, two planets
placed together in the same part of the Zodiac combine to place a
greater emphasis on that area. When two or more planets are
within a few degrees of each other they are said to be in conjunction.
The closer they are together, the more exact the conjunction and the
stronger the emphasis. Planets more than 8 or 9° apart are hardly
close enough to combine their rays effectively, consequently the
'orb' or maximum distance allowed between two planets if they are
to be regarded as being in conjunction is 9°. A third planei standing
midway between two others that are beyond the normal orbs of a
conjunction, can, if it is itself within orbs of a conjunction of both,
unite the two flanking planets by virtue of its mediating position.
Three or more planets in a sign are known as a satellitium.
A planet within 3° of the Sun is said to be 'combust' - that is,
rendered incapable of operating in its most characteristic manner
because it is overpowered by the brilliance of the Solar rays. It may
signify a close spiritual identity between the native's innermost self
and the planetary quality concerned.
The rays of two or more planets may also combine their influence
if they impinge upon the birthplace from different points in the
heavens which are a certain number of degrees apart. These dis-
tances are known as 'aspects' - the angle at which one planet 'looks
at' another. The most powerful aspects are those based on the
division of the circle (360°) by 2, 3,4 and 6, to give arcs of 180°, 120°,
90° and 60°. Planets 180° apart are said to be in opposition; 120°
apart in trine; 90° apart in square; 603 apart in sextile. Less powerful
minor aspects are based on the half-square of 45° (semisquare) and
half-sextile of 30° (semisextile). The complementary angles of 135°
(sesquiquadrate) and 150° (quincunx) are also used. There is a
special symbol for each aspect, which the student should learn by
heart. These are the principal aspects, their nature and the orbs
allowable:
109
110 ASTROLOGY

Aspect Distance Symbol Orb Nature

Conjunction 0° 6 8-9° Variable


Semisextile 30° V 3-4° Moderately easy
Semisquare 45° L 3-4° Moderately difficult
Sextile 60° * 6° Easy
Square 90° □ 9° Difficult
Trine 120° A 9° Easy
Sesquiquadrate 135° Q 3-4° Moderately difficult
Quincunx 150° 7\ 3-4° Moderately difficult
Opposition 180° <? 9° Difficult

Aspects based on a division of the circle by five are used by some


astrologers. These 72° aspects are called quintiles. Semi-quintiles
are 36° and bi-quintiles 144°.
By measuring off four arcs of 90° along the circumference of a
circle and joining the points together by straight lines, we can form a
square, the symbol of the 90° aspect. By similarly measuring off
three arcs of 120° and joining the three points together we can form
an equilateral triangle, the symbol of the trine aspect. Aspects based
on the square (45°, 90°, 135°) introduce a certain amount of friction
into the power generated. Aspects based on the triangle (30°, 60°,
120°) are smoother in operation - hence the former are often labelled
inharmonious, the latter, harmonious. Much, however, depends
upon the intrinsic nature of the planets in aspect and upon whether
they are placed in congenial signs. Especially is this the case with the
conjunction and opposition, which may act harmoniously or dis-
cordantly according to the condition of the planets concerned. Two
'malefics' badly placed by sign may cancel out the benefit of a nor-
mally harmonious trine between them - you cannot make a silk
purse out of a sow's ear! Similarly, well-placed benefics in square
to each other are not likely to pose many difficulties.
There are other ways in which planets can be linked together, be-
sides being in aspect. Planets in the same degree of declination, which
is the angular distance of a body North or South of the celestial
equator, are regarded as being in conjunction, whether or not both
are on the same side of the equator. This contact is called 'parallel
declination'. The declination of the Midheaven, Ascendant and
intermediate cusps may be found by taking the declination of the
Sun when in the same degrees. Planets sharing the same declination
THE ASPECTS III

may then be regarded as being in conjunction with the cusps


concerned.
Planets may also be linked by being in Mutual Reception, that is,
by each being posited in the sign ruled by the other (such as Venus in
Scorpio; Mars in Libra). One planet in the Antiscion degree of
another planet is also linked with that planet as if it were in con-
junction with it. The antiscion degree of any body is found by
measuring its reflection over the 0° Cancer-Capricorn axis. This is
equivalent to a parallel of declination between planets, being based
on the fact that the Sun is in its maximum North declination in 0°
Cancer and in its maximum South declination in 0° Capricorn. 29°
Sagittarius is therefore the antiscion of 1° Capricorn, 28° Sagittarius
of 2° Capricorn and so on.
A planet mid-way between two others links all three planets to-
gether, even if no recognized aspect already exists between the three.
An aspect between a planet in an earlier sign of the Zodiac to a
planet in a later sign is called a sinister aspect. For instance, Mars in
20° Aries is in sinister trine to the Sun in 23° Leo. In this relationship,
the Sun is in dexter trine to Mars. An aspect from a planet in a later
sign to one in an earlier sign is called a dexter aspect. The earlier
planet is regarded as throwing its rays forward on to the later planet.
In this case Mars will stimulate and bring out the best of the Sun.
Had the Sun been in Aries and Mars in Leo, the Sun might have
further inflamed Mars, increasing the difficulties of the contact -
although the mutual disposition of the two bodies could be expected
to have some helpful effect.
When the distance between two bodies in aspect narrows towards
an exact aspect on the days following birth, the aspect is said to be an
applying one. When the distance increases, the aspect is called separ-
ating. Applying aspects show qualities which are being formed and
actively worked upon during the present life. Separating aspects
probably denote qualities already developed through past endea-
vours, even when the aspect is technically a difficult one.
The following interpretations of the effects of planets in aspect are
intended as a general guide to delineation. Due allowance should
be made for the modifying effects of sign and house position, the
nature of the aspect and whether it is dexter or sinister. Unless
afflictions are severe and the general condition of the horoscope
adverse, the comments in brackets may not apply!
112 ASTROLOGY

Sun-Moon
Drive, assurance, vitality (low vitality); popularity (unpopular);
absence of inner conflict, success (one-sided, self-centred, opinion-
ated, disjointed, lacks perspective); (nervy, irresolute, lacks inner
control); successful (inharmonious) marriage.
N.B. The Moon in its first quarter suggests instinctive activity; in
the second, a struggle towards fulfilment: in the third, the beginning
of a period of assimilation; in its last quarter, problems arising from
efforts at realignment.

Sun-Mercury (These can never be more than 28° apart)


Intelligent (unreceptive); ingenious (lacks flexibility, complacent);
studious, clear thinking (dogmatic); practical.

Sun-Venus (never more than 48° apart)


Affectionate, sociable, popularity-seeking (affected, parasitic);
artistic, refined (effeminate, lacking taste); pleasure-loving (over-
indulgent); usually marries (amorous).

Sun-Mars
Power of command (over-assertive); enterprising, energetic
(aggressive); courageous (reckless); blunt (quarrelsome); enthusias-
tic (impulsive, impatient, exaggerating, indignant); crusading
(defiant, rebellious); much vitality (fever, accident, inflammation,
overstrain); (few children); (trouble to father, husband); nearly
always weds.

Sun-Jupiter
Generous (over-expansive); benevolent, optimistic (over-hopeful,
superstitious); frank, positive (complacent, conceited); responsible;
good judgement (careless); love of luxury (parasitic); rise in life
(hinders advancement); financial gain (loss); great vitality (sluggish
circulation, need to be abstemious).

Sun-Saturn
Sound, serious (pessimistic); reliable, conscientious, self-control-
led, self-critical, honourable, patient, persistent (obstinate);
methodical (unpractical); limited, conservative (over-cautious);
self-conscious (shrinking, buries talent); ambitious (selfish, miserly,
can amass wealth); (many hindrances, restrictions); older husband
(women - delay in marriage, death of partner) few children; staying
power (chills, poor recuperation).
THE ASPECTS 113

Sun-Uranus
Strong-willed, dynamic (highly-strung, uncontrollable); indepen-
dent, progressive (revolutionary); original, inventive, inspirational,
unconventional (novelty-seeking); resourceful, decisive, autocratic
(tactless, cynical); dramatic sense (self-glorifying); sudden gains
(losses); (trouble to father); lengthens life (accidents, nervous ail-
ments); women - romantic attachments (separation, divorce).

Sun-Neptune
Contemplative, intuitive, visionary, imaginative (vague worries);
artistic, sensuous (self-indulgent); sensitive (excessive emotion);
subtle (secretive, intriguing); humane, idealistic (Utopian, irrespon-
sible, unpractical, suggestible, gullible, unstable); speculative gains
(tantalizing disappointments); (worry through father); (avoid drugs,
alcohol).

Sun-Pluto
Determined (dogmatic); daring (rash, violent); vigorous (quarrel-
some); self-confident (boastful, presumptuous); pioneering, refor-
matory (inner struggles); liberty-loving, strong vitality (blood
diseases); (father dies young).

Moon-Mercury
Vivifies feelings. Intelligent, perceptive, good (poor) memory,
lively imagination (excitable); adaptable (wavering, irregular);
changeable (restless); imitative, adroit (careless); easily educated;
(danger of slander); clever (restless) wife; (worry affects health).

Moon- Venus
Harmonizes feelings. Gentle (pliable); kind, affectionate (amo-
rous); cheerful, friendly (flirtatious); calm, talented (vain); elegant
(slovenly); pleasure-loving (self-indulgent, prodigal); popular, help
from (loss through) women; man - happy marriage (slovenly wife).

Moon-Mars
Energises feelings. Courageous (rash, impulsive); resolute (head-
strong); energetic (precipitate); constructive (destructive); ardent
(passionate, jealous, vindictive); extravagant; assertive (contentious,
resents opposition); robust (accidents, fevers); (accidents to mother;
wilful wife).
1)4 ASTROLOGY

Moon-Jupiter
Expands feelings. Sincere (hypocritical, self-deceived); generous
(careless, extravagant); dignified (arrogant); just, joyous (exuberant,
self-indulgent); successful; financial gain (loss); healthy (gout, liver,
stomach, blood disorders).

Moon-Saturn
Deepens feelings. Serious (hypercritical, sceptical); hypersensitive
(feels unappreciated, inadequate); reserved (inhibited, apprehensive,
discontented); practical (stupid); industrious, orthodox, careful
(mean); patient, self-denying (negative, unresponsive); help from
elders (hampers progress); (mother unsympathetic, dies young);
older (slovenly) wife; (may deny marriage); few children; (indiges-
tion, poor health).

Moon-Uranus
Stimulates feelings. Highly imaginative, impressionable, intuitive,
original (eccentric); magnetic, determined (wilful, touchy, abrupt,
intolerant, rebellious, extremist); versatile, unusual interests; women
flirtatious; domestic changes; unconventional attachments (un-
faithful wife); (nerve strain, accidents).

Moon-Neptune
Inflates feelings. Highly sensitive (retiring, moody); intuitive
(negative); imaginative (superstitious); idealistic (dissatisfied,
pining); illogical; sympathetic, devotional, altruistic, dreamy,
artistic, poetical, musical; luxury-loving (sensuous, parasitic, per-
verted tastes); persuasive (tricky); easy going (lax); restless (vague,
unreliable); strange experiences, inclines to travel; acting talent;
(man - unstable marriage, invalid wife); (delicate health, hypo-
chondriac).

Moon-Pluto
Intensifies feelings. Imperturbable (deceptive); humorous (irres-
ponsible); imitative; freedom-loving, adventurous (extremist);
perceptive, sentimental; (irritable); (inordinate desires); inclines to
travel; (early death of mother, wife); (deep-seated functional
disorders).
THE ASPECTS 115

Mercury-Venus (never more than 76° apart)


Harmonious intellect. Musical, artistic, appreciative, humorous,
diplomatic, amiable (easy-going, pleasure-loving); often childless;
helpful relatives; healthy nerves.

Mercury-Mars
Energetic intellect. Practical (materialistic); shrewd, resourceful,
constructive, quick-witted (restless, hasty, irritable, excitable);
forthright (inconsiderate, sarcastic); confident (exaggerating);
argumentative (quarrelsome, vindictive); dexterous (careless); often
childless;(troublesomerelatives); (mental strain).

Mercury-Jupiter
Expansive intellect. Philosophical, judicial (prejudiced); conven-
tional, fertile mind (opinionated, exaggerating); hopeful (bluffing,
thoughtless); easily educated; favours travel; helpful relatives;
(legal troubles).

Mercury-Sa turn
Deepens intellect. Sound, methodical, conscientious, cautious
(suspicious); patient, persistent, painstaking (stodgy); sober (pessi-
mistic) ; studious, logical, conservative (limited); reflective (peevish);
organizing; (retiring); (sarcastic); (limited education); (difficult
journeys); (handicapped children).

Mercury-Uranus
Stimulates intellect. Progressive (Utopian); original, inventive,
improvising (erratic, inconstant); alert (opportunist); intuitive, witty
(conceited, sarcastic); highly strung (impatient); unconventional
(eccentric, opinionated, wrong-headed, perverse); inclines to travel;
(disputes).

Mercui y-Neptune
Sensitizes intellect. Imaginative (dreamy); fine memory (absent-
minded); versatile, subtle (cunning); artistic (unpractical); (morbid,
exaltation and depression alternate); perceptive, metaphysical,
restless (changeable); travel likely; (slander); (nervous exhaustion).

Mercury-Pluto
Intensifies intellect. Sharp (crafty); quick (opportunist); outspoken
116 ASTROLOGY

(bluffing, insolent); zealous (fanatical); critical (sceptical, quarrel-


some); nimble; travel likely; (asthma, hay fever, nervous break-
down).

Venus-Mars
Stimulates affections. Loving (flirtatious); demonstrative, sus-
ceptible (inconstant); passionate, artistic, gay, pleasure-loving
(dissipated); early marriage (unhappy affairs, separation, death of
partner); affectionate (disappointing) children; (unhappy childhood).

Venus-Jupiter
Expands affections. Kindly, tolerant, generous (extravagant);
virtuous (vain); well-balanced (excess of feeling); optimistic, plea-
sure-loving (self-indulgent, tasteless); financial gain, successful
marriage, good health.

Venus-Saturn
Steadies affections. Loyal, sincere (limited affection); (easily
rebuffed); modest, chaste (perverted); sound, tactful, economical;
(self-seeking); steady gains (money scarce); late marriage or elderly
partner (disappointing romances, separation, bereavement); (throat
troubles).

Venus-Uranus
Galvanizes affections. Gifted, intuitive, artistic, inspirational,
hates routine (erratic); highly romantic (flirtatious, inconstant,
jealous, perverted) early romance, hasty marriage (irregular attach-
ments, separation, divorce); many friends (estrangements); sudden
gains (loss through women); (scandal).

Venus-Neptune
Refines affections. Inspirational, devoted, dreamy (lives in illu-
sions, unattainable ideals); aesthetic appreciation, artistic talent,
susceptible (over-sensitive, sensual, weak, self-indulgent); indolent,
over-fastidious (insincere); easy money (fraud); much romance
(faithless partner); (delicate constitution, little vitality).

Venus-Pluto
Intensifies affections. Impulsive, artistic, love of beauty (erotic);
full emotional life (hypersensitive, infatuated); karmic marriage
(amorous intrigues, death of partner).
THE ASPECTS 117

Mars-Jupiter
Expands energies. Enterprising (reckless); enthusiastic (extrava-
gant); quick-tempered (excitable); optimistic (prodigal); inspiring,
evangelistic (sceptical); fair, straightforward (insincere); confident
(insolent); resourceful (slapdash); active; money comes, goes easily;
physical strength (excesses, excitability deplete powers).

Mars-Saturn
Regulates energies. Self-reliant, courageous (reckless); persistent
(fitful); assured (aggressive); hard-working; materialistic (dishonest);
unsympathetic (intolerant, vindictive); executive ability (destructive);
(many struggles); (unsympathetic father); strong physique (accident
prone).

Mars-Uranus
Stimulates energies. Fearless (headstrong); strong-willed (un-
governable, unbalanced); forceful (pugnacious, violent, ruthless);
reforming (revolutionary, anarchistic); quick, alert, constructive
(destructive); inventive, inspirational (scatterbrained); (forceful
enemies); (women - danger of seduction); muscular strength (danger
of accidents).

Mars-Neptune
Relaxes energies. Perceptive (obsessed); penetrating (short-
sighted); enthusiastic (intemperate, fanatical); emotional (morbid,
neurotic); sensuous (coarse); artistic, conceited (self-glorifying);
(restless, sensation-seeking); practical charity; (treacherous);
(disreputable associates); (women - peculiar attitude to men);
(illness through worry, poisons).

Mars-Pluto
Intensifies energies. Combative (hot-tempered, berserk); adven-
turous (impulsive, foolhardy, criminal); self-confident, strict, un-
bending (despotic, brutal); relentless (unscrupulous, fanatical,
jealous); (ruthless enemies); (accident, illness through poisoning).

The following aspects between the slower-moving planets will be


within orbs while thousands of births are taking place. They should not be
allowed much weight unless either planet is close to an angle, rules the
ascendant or is configured with the luminaries. Mercury, Venus or Mars.
118 ASTROLOGY

Jupiter-Saturn
Tempers enthusiasm. Profound (buried talent); wise, just (severe,
cold); religous (narrow, indifferent, materialistic); trustworthy (dis-
honest); far-seeing; (despondent); steady (restricted) success;
profitable (unprofitable) investments.

Jupiter-Uranus
Vivifies enthusiasm. Freedom-loving (undisciplined, autocratic);
humanitarian, original (tricky); magnetic, inspiring, intuitive (un-
businesslike); resourceful (discontinuous); metaphysical (novelty-
seeking); many changes; rapid gains (speculative upsets).

Jupiter-Neptune
Refines enthusiasm. Idealistic (unsound); devotional, contempla-
tive, sensitive, inspirational, mystical (dreaming, superstitious);
emotional (hysterical); over-generous; self-indulgent (weak); con-
ceited; financial ability (loss through fraud).

Jupiter-Pluto
Intensifies enthusiasm. Exuberant (unfulfilled desires); enjoys life
(prodigal); dignified (arrogant); freedom-loving (rebellious); inspir-
ing, mature (bigoted); pious (blasphemous); prophetic; robust
health.

Saturn-Uranus
Stimulates concentration. Serious, pursues Truth (fatalistic);
studious, ambitious (frustrated); determined (stubborn); authorita-
tive (always 'right'); practical (persistently wrong-headed); systema-
tic, upright (unscrupulous); prolongs life (chronic illness).

Saturn-Neptune
Refines concentration. Practical (unpractical) ideals; shrewd
(calculating); subtle (retiring); honourable (treacherous); oppor-
tunist (selfish,egotistical, resentful, discontented); musical; (peculiar
tastes); (happiness elusive); (scandal, discredit).

Saturn-Pluto
Deepens concentration. Ambitious (egotistical); tenacious (avari-
cious); persistent, enduring, self-disciplined (harsh); self-denying,
taciturn (suspicious); deliberating; defiant (foolhardy, brutal);
(unusual diseases).
THE ASPECTS 119

Uranus-Neptune
Sensitizes will. Deep feelings (emotional intensity); inspira-
tional (deluded); inner assurance (self-critical, obsessed); practical
vision (perverse); artistic; seeks excitement (restless, taut); unusual
experiences (scandal, disfavour).

Uranus-Pluto
Strengthens will. Highly independent (self-willed); determined
(fanatical); authoritative, inventive (eccentric, perverted); can read
character; spiritual energy (precipitate, explosive, blind zeal);
physical strength, endurance (nervous disorders, paralysis, accidents).

Neptune-Pluto
Intensifies sensitivity. Mystical, fantasy-loving (dream-intoxi-
cated); seeking fulfilment (Utopian); penetrative, prophetic, inspira-
tional, dissimulating, craving for adventure (irresponsible, exposed
to temptation, base desires).
CHAPTER SIX

Casting the Horoscope

In order to cast a horoscope we need to know the degree of the zodiac


that is on the Midheaven, the degree that is rising on the Eastern
horizon and how the quadrants of the horoscope so determined are
to be subdivided to produce the twelve houses. For this we shall
need to know the Sidereal Time of the native's birth and to have
Tables of Houses for the latitude of the place he was born in. We
shall also need to know the position of the planets in the zodiac so
that we can place them in the houses of the horoscope diagram. To
do this we shall need to know the Greenwich Mean Time of birth
and to have an Ephemeris of planets' places for the year of birth.
As we shall have to deal with at least two different kinds of time
(Sidereal and Greenwich Mean) if we are calculating a nativity for
London, and with Local Time as well if we are dealing with a birth
more than a short distance away from the Greenwich meridian, we
shall need to know how these various ways of measuring time are
arrived at and how we can change one kind of time to another.
Our twenty-four hour clock day is based on the length of time
taken by the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis and return to
exactly the same position in relation to the Sun (as, for instance, from
the Sun at noon one day to the Sun at noon on the next). Because the
Earth is moving in its orbit around the Sun as it rotates it has to make
a fraction of a turn farther than one complete rotation in order to
establish again the same relationship with the Sun. Because the
Earth's orbit is slightly eccentric the length of each day measured on
this basis is not quite constant and so we take the average or mean
time of the Solar day as our standard, based on the position of the
Sun in relation to the Greenwich meridian - hence Greenwich Mean
Time. By measuring the Earth's rotation with reference to a relatively
fixed point in space, such as one of the fixed stars, we shall obtain a
slightly shorter day, giving the basis for Sidereal (Latin sidus - star)
Time. Our standard day is longer than the Sidereal day by 3 min.
56 sec. and this amount of time, multiplied by the number of days in
the year, is equivalent to twenty-four hours of Sidereal Time, or one
complete rotation of the Earth. In other words, in twenty-four hours
of clock time the Earth turns through about 361°; in twenty-four
hours of Sidereal Time it turns through exactly 360°. Because the
120
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 121

Zodiac is also a full circle of 360° we can use Sidereal Time as a means
of indicating which degree of the Zodiac is on the Midheaven at any
particular moment and this, as we shall see shortly, is the key factor
in using the Tables of Houses.

North Pole

N.
\ \

\ \
\ ^
\ \ \
\ \ \
Equator \ \
\ \

1 i

I i
I I

i /
/ ' '
/ '

/ '
' / y
S '■

South Pole

Fig. 2

It is only convenient for countries near the Greenwich meridian to


use G.M.T. Other countries use a meridian of longitude nearer their
own capital. Meridians of longitude are great circles passing through
the poles and cutting the equator at right angles (see figure 2).
Measured along the circle of the equator there are thus 360° of longi-
tude. The meridian passing through Greenwich is numbered 0.
There are 180° of longitude west of Greenwich and the same number
east. As the Earth takes twenty-four hours to turn on its axis it will
be seen that each degree of longitude represents four minutes of
122 ASTROLOGY

clock time. 15° therefore represents an hour and for this reason most
standard time meridians are those which are multiples of 15. Vast
countries such as the United States and the Soviet Union have
several standard time meridians. Births are usually recorded in
standard time. Occasionally they are recorded in local time, which is
based on the Sun's actual position in the sky at any locality and not
upon its position at an agreed meridian, which may be some consi-
derable distance from the birthplace. A further complication arises
in those countries where Summer Time is used, when the clock is one
hour in advance of Standard Time. Whi taker's Almanack gives use-
ful information about time standards and the countries where
Summer Time is in use. It also lists the beginning and ending of
Summer Time each year in Britain over the years in which it has been
operative. Here is a list of countries, showing how the Standard Time
in each varies from G.M.T.

Standard Hours + or —
Country Meridian of Greenwich

Alaska 120 W. — 8 h.
135 W. — 9 h.
150 W. — 10 h.
165 W. — 11 h.

Algeria 0 0

Argentina 60 W. 4 h.

Australia 120 E. + 8 h.
142 E. 30 + 9 h. 30 m.
150 E. + 10 h.

Austria 15 E. + 1 h.

Belgium 0 0

Brazil* 45 W. 3 h.
60 W. 4 h.
75 W. 5 h.
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 123

Bulgaria 30 E. +2 h.

Burma 97 E. 30 +6 h. 30 m.

Canada* 60 W. 4 h.
75 W. 5 h.
90 W. 6 h.
105 W. 7 h.
120 W. 8 h.

Ceylon 82 E. 30 +5 h. 30 m.

Chinaf 105 E. + 7 h.
120 E. + 8h.

Czechoslovakia 15 E. + 1 h.

Denmark 15 E. + 1 h.

Egypt* 30 E. + 2h.

Finland 30 E. +2 h.

France 0 0

Germany 15 E. + 1 h.

Greece 30 E. +2 h.

Hungary 15 E. + 1 h.

IndiaJ 82 E. 30 +5 h. 30 m.

Ireland* 0 0

Italy 15 E. + 1 h.

Japan 135 E. + 9 h.

Jugoslavia 15E. + 1 h.
124 ASTROLOGY

Mexico 90 W. 6 h.
105 W. -- 7 h.

Morocco 0 0

New Zealand 172E. 30 + 11 h.

Norway* 15 E. + 1 h.

Palestine 30 E. + 2 h.

Panama 75 W. — 5 h.

Poland* 15 E. _i_i 1 h.

Portugal* 0 0

Spain 0 0

Sweden 15 E. + 1 h.

Switzerland 15 E. + 1 h.

Tunisia 15 E. + 1 h.

Turkey 30 E. + 2 h.

Union of South Africa 30 E. + 2 h.

U.S.S.R.§ 30 E. Hourly zot


to 2 to 12 1
180 E. fast of G,

U.S.A.f 75 W. 5 h.
90 W. — 6 h.
105 W. 7 h.
120 W. 8 h.
* Summer Time in use.
+ Summer Time in some parts of country.
* Except Calcutta - 5 hours 53 min. 21 sec. in advance of G.M.T.
§ Summer Time in operation all the year round.
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 125

Unless the native's time of birth is known within fairly narrow


limits it is not possible to set up a reasonably accurate horoscope of
birth. Few people are able to give their birth time to the minute and
even in those countries where it is obligatory to register birth times
this is usually done only to the nearest quarter of an hour. An
experienced astrologer can usually find the true birth time provided
the estimated time is not more than half an hour out. The beginner
however, will be forced to rely upon the information given him and
he should not be surprised if later researches, based on his growing
experience, show that some adjustment to his original figure is
necessary. He should learn to be chary of accepting at face value
birth times given in round figures - 6.00 a.m., 6.30 p.m., and so on.
Very few are born exactly on the hour or half-hour! Even a birth
time registered by a stop-watch is not always reliable from the astro-
logical point of view because of the uncertainty as to what constitutes
the true moment of birth. Some authorities take the moment of the
first cry, others the moment when the umbilical chord is severed.
Ancient Hindu astrologers, who taught that the Earth breathed in
and out in an eight-minute rhythm, maintained that only certain
times during the day could be productive of human births. It may
well be therefore that a new baby is not truly 'Earthborn' until that
moment of time when its own intake of breath coincides with a peak
in the rhythm of the Earth's breathing.
Having ascertained as nearly as possible the native's birth time,
together with his date and place of birth, we are ready to set about
the operation of erecting his horoscope. Let us suppose we wish to
set up the horoscope of a man born at 2.05 a.m., G.M.T. on 9th
October, 1935, in London. In order to do this we shall necdacopyof
Raphael's 1935 Ephemeris (published by W. Foulsham &Co., Ltd.).
First, turn to the page marked 'October'; in the first column in the
lower half of the page you will see the actual day of the month given.
In the next column is the initial letter of the weekday and in the third
column the Sidereal Time at Greenwich for each day at noon, G.M.T.
From this third column extract the Sidereal Time for 9th October,
which is 13 hours 8 minutes 43 seconds. 2.05 a.m. is before noon,
9 hours 55 minutes before, to be exact. This is 9 hours 55 minutes of
clock time and as we require for the moment to work in Sidereal Time
we must convert this amount of time to Sidereal Time by adding the
necessary increment of 10 sees. (9.84 sec. if you wish to be precise)
per hour. We can set out the calculation thus:
126 ASTROLOGY

From Sidereal Time at noon on


9th October, 1935 13 h. 08 m. 43 s.
Subtract amount of time before noon at which
birth took place (9 h. 55 m.) plus increment
of 10 sec. per hour (1 m. 40 s.) to convert to
Sidereal Time 9 h. 56 m. 40 s.

Sidereal Time of birth 3 h. 12 m. 03 s.

Had the birth occurred at 2,05 p.m., G.M.T., we should merely have
added this amount of time, plus the increment to turn it into Sidereal
Time, to the Sidereal Time at noon, thus:

Sidereal Time at noon on 9th October, 1935 13 h. 08 m. 43 s.


Plus amount of time after noon that birth took
place (2 h, 05 m.) plus increment of 10 sec.
per hour (20 sec.) 2 h. 05 m. 20 s.

Sidereal Time of birth 15 h. 14 m. 03 s.

From the Sidereal Time of birth we are able to calculate the degree
of the zodiac on the Midheaven, and therefore on all the other house
cusps of the horoscope. Because the birth we have been considering
took place in London and the time of birth was given in G.M.T.,
which is 'Local Time' at London, we have not needed to make any
extra calculation in order to arrive at local time, which is the basis
for the calculation of the actual position of the Midheaven. Had the
birth occurred at Bristol, which is 2° 40' West of Greenwich, at 2.05
a.m., G.M.T. we should have had to have subtracted approximately
11 minutes (at the rate of 4 min. per degree) from G.M.T., making
the local time of birth 1.54 a.m. (10 h. 06 m. before noon). Adding
the necessary increment to convert this to Sidereal Time (1 m. 40 s.)
we now find that we have to subtract 10 h. 07 m. 40 s. from the pre-
viously stated S.T. at noon on 9th October, giving a S.T. at birth of
3 h. 01 m. 03 s. If the birth had occurred East of Greenwich, a similar
correction would have to have been added Xo the G.M.T. of birth.
Further complications arise when foreign nativities have to be
calculated, for if the time of birth is given in standard time it is
necessary to know the meridian upon which that standard is based
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 127

(see table on pages 122-124). If the birth had occurred in New York
at 2.05 a.m. E.S.T. the following corrections would have to be made:

Longitude of Standard Time Meridian 75° W. 00'


Longitude of New York 73° W. 57'

Difference (East of Standard Time Meridian) 1° 03'

Add difference in time (at rate of 4 min. per degree of longitude)


to Standard Time of birth to give
Local Time of birth 2.09 a.m.
= 9 h. 51 m. before noon, (plus
increment of 1 m. 38 s.) to be
subtracted from S.T. at noon
Sidereal Time at Noon G.M.T. + 10 sec. for every 15° W. of
Greenwich (50 s.) 13 h. 09 m. 33 s.
Sidereal Time of birth 3 h. 16 m. 55 s.

Had the birth occurred at a point West of the time meridian it would
have been necessary to subtract the allowance of 4 minutes for each
degree of longitude from the Standard Time of birth.
Now let us set up the horoscope for London that we have already
begun calculating on page 125. We found that the Sidereal Time of
birth was 3 h. 12 m. 03 s. The next step is to take a blank horoscope
form (or draw a fairly large circle and divide it into twelve equal
segments) and turn to the Tables of Houses for London at the back of
the 1935 Ephemeris. Find the times in the column headed 'Sidereal
Time' nearest to the time already calculated. They are 3 h. 10 m. 12 s.
and 3 h. 14 m. 15 s. in the second group of columns from the left.
These two sidereal times are 4 m. 3 s. apart. The Sidereal Time of
birth is 1 m. 51 s. later than the earlier of these two times. As one
whole degree passes over the Midheaven during the 4 m. 03 s.
elapsing between the two Sidereal Times in the table, we want to
know what part of a degree will pass over the Midheaven in 1 m. 51 s.
4 m. 03 s. = 243 s.; 1 m. 51 s. = Ills. The answer will therefore be

1° (or 60' of arc) x ^ = 27' (approx.) (An approximate

method is to take 4 s. as the time for 1' of arc to pass over the Mid-
heaven. According to this formula, 1 m. 51 s. (111 s.) 4 = 28'.)
27' is the amount of arc to be added to the figure in the column next
to the Sidereal Time of 3 h. 10 m. 12 s., which is '20'. This column is
128 ASTROLOGY

headed '10' to show that the degree given is that of the tenth house
cusp (Midheaven) and immediately under the '10' is 'b', showing
that 20° b is on the tenth house cusp when the Sidereal Time is
3 h. 10 m. 12 s. We therefore add 11' to this degree to get 20° b 21'
on the Midheaven at the time of the birth of our subject. Write in
these figures above the tenth house cusp of your blank horoscope.
We have now to calculate the exact Ascendant by a similar propor-
tion sum. Under the column headed 'Ascen.' opposite the time 3 h.
10 m. 12 s, we find 0° ny 12'. Opposite the later time of 3 h. 14 m.
15 s. in the Ascendant column we find 0° ttf 54'. The distance between
the two positions is 42', which we have to multiply by the same factor

of that we used when calculating the interpolated position of the

Midheaven. 42' x = 19' (approx.). Add 19' to 0° ttj 12'

to give 0° try 31' as the Ascendant. Place this figure by the first house
cusp of your horoscope figure. Because the intermediate house cusps
are only given to the nearest degree it is not advisable to attempt to
calculate their exact positions on the basis of the figures given in the
Tables. Instead, taking the Sidereal Time nearest to birth, 3 h. 10 m.
12 s., read across the columns headed '11', '12', '2', '3', to find the
degrees to be inserted against the eleventh, twelfth, second and third
house cusps. These figures are 28, 3, 20, 16. To find which signs these
degrees belong to let your eye travel up the appropriate column until
you see a sign glyph. The first you see is the one you must take,
for the signs on the intermediate house cusps do not all change at the
same time and the sign at the top of the column is not necessarily
correct as the Sidereal Time gets later. The degrees we need are there-
fore 28°n, 30il, 20oTi]? and 16°—. Write in these figures and signs
against the vacant cusps on the left-hand side of the horoscope
figure, beginning with the eleventh cusp just below and to the left of
the Midheaven. Now all that remains to be done is to enter the oppo-
site degrees of the zodiac against the six remaining cusps; 20° % 21'
on cusp four, 28°/ on cusp five and so on. You will see that the
signs 2Z3 and do not appear on any cusp but fall in the natural order
of the signs in the eleventh and fifth houses. Place these intercepted
signs in the rim of the wheel in between the eleventh and twelfth and
fifth and sixth cusps. The figure should now look like this (see
Figure 3).
We have now to calculate the places of the Sun, Moon and planets
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 129

and insert these in their proper places in the horoscope. Turn to the
pages in the Ephemeris marked 'October, 1935'. In the lower half of
the left-hand page you will see that the first column gives you the day
of the month, the second the name of the day, the third the Sidereal
Time at Noon at Greenwich, and the fourth and sixth columns the
longitude of the Sun and Moon at Greenwich Noon to the nearest

8
20 27 V
IL
26 16

go

*2 3*
20

jt
31 31

20

TZ

1
26

20 27

Fig. 3

second of arc. On the lower right-hand page the first column repeats
the day of the month and the second to the seventh columns give the
planets' longitudes for Greenwich Noon, from Neptune to Mercury.
Just above the column for Mercury, in the upper half of the page, is a
column giving the mean position of the Moon's North Node (which
moves backward through the Zodiac) for every second day. The
approximate longitude of Pluto is given at the foot of the left-hand
130 ASTROLOGY

page for the beginning of the month only. In more recent ephemerides
a more detailed schedule of Pluto's movements is included.
Our first task is to find the amount of arc travelled by each body in
the twenty-four hours that includes 2.05 a.m. on 9th October, 1935.
To do this we shall need to observe the longitude of each body on the
previous noon and subtract this figure from the longitude of each
body at noon on 9th October. A table of the daily motions of the
Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars, the fastest moving bodies,
based on their motion from midnight to midnight, is given in the back

Jupiter's Orbit

\ Earth's Orbit
<5,

Fig. 4 (not to scale)

of the Ephemeris. Next, we shall have to calculate how far our birth-
time is from noon and what proportion of the daily motion takes
place during that period. 2.05 a.m. is approximately 10 hours before
noon on 9th October, so we have to divide each daily motion by 24
(hours) and multiply it by 10 to get the figure we need. As the time of
birth is before noon we shall have to subtract the result in each case
from the longitude given for noon on 9th October unless the planet
is Retrograde in which case the increment must be added. (A planet
is retrograde when it appears to go backwards in the Zodiac, due to
the motion of the Earth in its orbit (see Figure 4). The opposite of
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 131

retrograde is 'direct' and a planet changing from one direction to the


other is temporarily 'stationary'). Once the planet's position has been
calculated, observe which house cusps form the boundaries of the
area in which the planet falls and then insert it in the appropriate
house. Because the Moon's motion is so much faster than that of any
other body, her position is more easily and accurately calculated by
the use of four figure logarithms, which are to be found on the last
page of the Ephemeris. On p. 132 in tabular form is a demonstration
of the calculation of the planets' places and the houses in which they
fall.
Pluto (not included in the table) is in 27° as 14' on 1st October and
in 27° as 25' 5, on 1 st November, giving a motion in 31 days of about
IT; say 3' in 8 days - longitude of Pluto on 9th October, ITasM'.
Remember, where necessary, to add the symbol Ijo, when entering
the planets in the horoscope.
It now only remains to calculate the Moon's position. First
obtain the Moon's daily motion to the nearest minute by subtracting
the Moon's longitude at noon on 8th October, 22° = 23', from the
Moon's longitude at noon on the 9th, 7° H 09'. This gives 14° 46' as
the required figure. Remembering that birth took place 9 hours
55 minutes before noon we can now make the following calculation:

Add log. of Moon's daily motion (14° 46') 2109


to log. of time from noon (9 h. 55 m.) 3838

5947

(To find the log. for any combination of degrees and minutes or hours
and minutes - up to a maximum of 15 degrees (hours) 59 minutes -
read along the horizontal column headings for degrees or hours, and
down the vertical headings for minutes to arrive at the exact point
in the column required.) We now have to find the figure nearest to
5947 in the columns of logs. It is 5949 in the 6 degree column and
opposite '6' in the minutes column, so that the arc we require is 6° 6'.
As birth took place before noon we must remember to subtract this
amount of arc from the Moon's longitude at noon on 9th October
(7° H 09 ), The required longitude is therefore 1° H 03', which places
the Moon in the seventh house between the cusp and Saturn. If there
are several planets in one house, enter them in the proper sequence
of the degrees they occupy.
H
Difference Subtract
Longitude at Noon 10 House 0
from Noon
Planet x— Cusps on u
(Daily position
24 either side s
Motion) 9th Oct.
9th Oct. 8th Oct. e

(2) 20° tij


© 15°^= 16' 14°^ 17' 59' 25' 14— 51' 2
(3) 16° ^
(3) 16° ^
2°% 07' 2°% 29' 22' 9' 20nv 16' 3
(4) 20° %
(add)
(1) 1° W
9 80iT)e 22' 80nf 02' 20' 8' 80iTf 14' 1
(2) 20° tij
(4) 20° in,
c? 15°/ 58' 15°/ 15' 43' 18' 15°/ 40' 4
(5) 28° /
(4) 20° %
21 230nv 36' 230in, 24' 12' 5' 23onV 31' 4
(5) 28° ;
(7) 1° )(
h 4° H 14' 40)( 16' 2' r 40H 15° 7
(8) 20° H
(add)
(9) 16° T
40« 14' 40« 17' 3' r 40« 15' 9
(10) 20° «
(add)
(1) 1° HIP
150ITP 28' I50TTP 26' 2' i' 150TT? 27' 1
(2) 20° tij
(5) 28° ;
17°^ 20' 170v5 11'* 7'(-2) 3'(h-2) 170v5 21' 5
(6) 3° 5=
r (add)
• Position on 7th October.
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 133

Finally, we need to calculate the longitude of the Part of Fortune,


according to the following formula: Longitude of Ascendant +
Longitude of Moon — Longitude of Sun. First write the number of

Asc. 6 signs 0° 31'


+ 12 signs 1° 03'

18 signs 1° 34'
7 signs 14° 51'

10 signs 16° 43'

The tenth sign is Capricorn and so the Part of Fortune (®) is in


16° ft 43' and therefore falls between the fifth cusp and the Moon's

B
20 27 Y
H
28 16

to
6-
•2
20
Or*

15
TTJ 03 y
31 31
14

15

s
<0 d.
20 V \o to &
N »~y OJ
S> <s>
CV o
0 rs
_n_ o^-
16
28
20

Fig. 5
134 ASTROLOGY

North Node. Our completed horoscope should now look like


Figure 5.
We are now ready to tabulate the aspects. First start with the Sun
and observe in turn whether it throws any aspects to the Moon,
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto,
Midheaven, Ascendant, the Nodes and Fortuna, in that order. With
practice you will get to recognize aspects at a glance but at first you
may have to work them out rather laboriously. The table (p. 137)
shows the longitudinal distance between all the planets and the
aspect, if any, between each pair.
Saturn's sesquiquadrate to the Sun is weak but allowable as there
is a fairly close sesquiquadrate between the Sun and Moon and the
Moon is conjunct Saturn. For a similar reason Uranus may be re-
garded as being trine Ascendant. As Mercury and Venus are fast
moving planets and are at the extreme limits of a sextile, this aspect
may safely be disregarded. Aspects to the Nodes and Fortuna should
not be more than 3° short of exactitude. Our table of aspect distances
allows us to see fairly easily if any planet stands midway between any
other two. Mars is 138° from Uranus on one side and 139° from Pluto
on the other and therefore stands about midway between them.
Jupiter is midway between Mercury and Mars.
We have now to find out if there are any parallels of declination
and our preliminary survey of the horoscope is concluded. Planetary
declinations are given for every second day in the case of Neptune,
Uranus (called Herschel in the Ephemeris), Saturn and Jupiter, and
for Mars, Venus and Mercury for every day at Greenwich Noon.
These will be found, in alternate columns with the latitude of the
planets (the perpendicular distance of a planet north or south of the
ecliptic), in the upper half of the two pages for October, 1935. As
when calculating planetary longitudes, subtract from the noon
declinations of the planets on 9th October the declinations for 8th
October (or 7th where only these are given) and multiply by the

factor used before , or — in the case of two days' motion, and

add the result to or subtract it from the noon position on 9th October,
according to whether the declination is decreasing or increasing. The
daily declinations of the Sun and Moon appear in the lower half of
the left-hand page. The calculations may be tabulated thus:
CASTING THE HOROSCOPE 135

Add to or
10 subtract

O , 00
— 1^
Planets Declination Difference x — from

X
• 24 declination
9ih Oct. 8th Oct. 7th Oct. on 9ih Oct.

® 6°S. or 50S. 38' — 23' 10' — 5°S. 51'

D 50S. 21' irs. 2i' — 6° 00' 2° 30' — rs. 51'

5 IS-S. 22' I50S. 34' — 12' 5' — 150S. 27'


O+ 40N. 36' 4°N. 32' — 4' 2' — 40N. 34'

cJ 240S. 11' 240S. 06' — 5' 2' — 240S. 09'

4 170S. 58' 170S. 52' I70S. 57'


The daily variation in the
h ITS. 45' — ll0S. 43' declination of these irs. 45'
planets is so slight that
I1 I20N. 27' — I20N. 28' their positions can be I2°N. 27'
calculated visually from
0 0
6 N. 37' — 6 N. 38' the Ephemeris 6°N. 37'
C
§ 22 N. 39' — — 220N. 39'

• If a planet changes from North to South declination, the two daily


figures should be added together and not subtracted.
The declination of the Midheaven, Ascendant and Fortuna is
found by taking the declination of the Sun when in the same degree
and minute:

Dif- Daily Difference Add to or


Nearest Daily ference Motion Re- subtract
Longitude Solar in of Dec- Daily sult from Noon
Motion Motion
Longitude Longi- lination declination
tude
1935
M.C. 20oa 27' 12th May 58' 23' 15' 23 6' I70N, 52'
20° ti 50' 58
Asc. 0onp 31' 24th Aug. 58' 8' 20' 8 3' 1 l°N. 17'
0onp 23' 58
Fortuna 16°^ 43' 7th Jan. 61' 27' T 27 3' 22°S. 24'
160rt 16' 61
136 ASTROLOGY

We have now to find if any of the declinations are within a degree


of each other. It makes no difference whether the declinations are
North or South. These are the parallels we should include:

M.C. ii2i;Asc.Hh 11^; ®

Our final tabulation of aspects will therefore look like this:

®QDsq$*(JQ hVll^Diin®BQ M.C. L Asc.


DA5(?$n2idh*W bq§Z ilZ® (?Asc.
Asc.
$nc?(?h AWd ^
VilV® ((j = ^y/5)
2i A §(? II M.C. (2i = 5/(?)
h * II ^ II Asc.
W Q ^ □ ? A II Asc.
^ ^ ?A^A®
§11®
57, d ® Q Asc.
® Q Asc.

The data we have been working on is that for the birth of the
present Duke of Kent.
Finally, a word about casting horoscopes for places in the
Southern hemisphere. Calculate the Midheaven degree in the usual
way, add six whole signs (one hemisphere) to the result and, using
the Tables of Houses for the corresponding latitude in the Northern
hemisphere, calculate the Ascendant in the usual way for this
adjusted Midheaven. This Ascendant will be the Descendant of the
horoscope you need and the cusps given for the eleventh, twelfth,
second and third houses must instead be used for the fifth, sixth,
eighth and ninth houses. The Midheaven will be the degree originally
calculated before adding six signs.
Planet 5 9 cJ 21 h W 2 M.C. Asc. ft 0
Longitude IK 2in, 8ID? 16? 24111, 4K 4a 1511 llOD 20 a inj 17 H nn
® 136 17 37 61 39 139 161 30 78 145 44 92 92
15— Q SQ * Q V BQ A □ □
I) 119 173 75 97 3 63 166 146 79 180 44 44
IK A <? □ 6 * BQ <P A A
5 54 44 22 122 178 47 95 162 61 75 75
2in, Z. A <? A □ * o
>
5 98 76 176 124 7 41 108 7 129 129 (/)
grrp □ <? A d H
22 78 138 91 139 154 105 31 31 Z
16/ Q □ Q V \L o
H
21 100 160 69 117 176 83 53 53 Z
24111, A cP m
h 60 169 143 76 177 47 47 Z
4K * <? O

V 131 83 16 117 107 107 O


VI
4B Q □ A n
48 115 14 122 122 o
V
1511 A A A m
9 67 34 170 170
Hob
M.C. 123 123
20 a —
Asc. 136 136
ID? Q a
ft 0
17^ 6
CHAPTER SEVEN

Judgement of the Horoscope-

Preliminary Considerations

The only way to acquire the ability to delineate a horoscope


accurately is through application and hard work. A thorough know-
ledge of the significance of planets, signs, houses and aspects is a
necessary prerequisite and the student should attempt to apply this
knowledge to as many horoscopes as he is able to come by. Well-
known individuals whose biographies are available are the best for
this purpose. There are some whose psychic faculties give them special
insight into the interpretation of a nativity. Such gifts may be very
useful when the student has thoroughly mastered the art of logically
deducing the message of the horoscope but until such time it is wise
to eschew any attempt to by-pass the reasoning faculties, otherwise
progress in methodically working out a balanced judgement of the
birth chart will be stultified. Whereas few are gifted with sufficient
sensitivity to receive true psychic inspiration, most students will find
that by concentrating upon a rational approach to the problems of
horoscope interpretation they will gradually enhance their own
intuitive powers.
The principal need in interpreting a horoscope is to determine
where the main emphasis lies. The most important factors in deter-
mining such emphasis are the angles of the chart (Ascendant,
Descendant, Upper and Lower Meridians). Any planet placed
exactly on an angle has immense power. Next to these are planets in
strong close aspect to an angle, especially those in square to it.
Planets in angular houses are also prominent on this account and
special attention should be paid to any planet in the fourth house (the
subconscious urge behind all action - just as the tenth house shows
the conscious urge). The Moon, as the natural ruler of the fourth
house, also gives a clue to the natural instincts and its condition by
sign, house and aspect will provide further information on this
score.
Next, notice whether the horoscope is well integrated, that is
whether all the planets are linked together by aspect in some kind of
general complex. It will sometimes be possible to distinguish two or
three separate groups of planets, connected amongst themselves but
138
JUDGEMENT OF THE HOROSCOPE 139

each group unlinked with the other. In such cases judge that the
native himself is not properly integrated, that is, has not the power to
establish effective links between the various parts of his being and
awareness. A well-integrated horoscope provides an inner balance
that can offset a number of technical afflictions. A disintegrated
chart may pose special problems on that account alone.
An unaspected planet is to all intents and purposes a 'dumb note'.
The native has not been able to integrate the qualities it represents
with the rest of his being and so has no means of expressing them
effectively through his faculties or of combining them with other
qualities to the mutual advantage of each.
Contradictory indications in different sectors of the horoscope do
not cancel each other out. They usually pull the native in two dif-
ferent directions, causing inner friction, or one set of qualities may
be more active and so conceal the existence of the other.
Remember that the closer an aspect is to exactitude the more
effective it is likely to be. An almost exact semisextile may be stronger
than a sextile between planets five degrees apart. Don't pay iOO much
attention to the nature of an aspect. Planets well fortified by sign
can withstand a square or two, while planets in fall or detriment are
apt to spoil trines and sextiles. Too many malefics blended by aspect,
whether technically harmonious or not, are apt to prove trouble-
some, while well-placed benefics can bring benefits even when in
square or opposition.
An opposition between two planets with a third in sextile to one
body and in trine to the other can cause the forces represented by the
planets in opposition to function harmoniously through the agency
of the third. Similarly, a planet in square to both axes of an opposition
can create a dynamic tension that is very difficult to resolve unless
there is a fourth body in favourable aspect to one of the other three.
Planets in trine, with a third body midway between them in sextile to
both, forming a fan-shaped complex, function very easily and har-
moniously together, while three bodies in trine to each other (form-
ing a Grand Trine) provide the basis of a great impetus which needs
to be carefully controlled if it is not to 'run away' with the native.
Much depends upon the nature of the bodies comprising this
configuration. Four planets in square to each other on the arms of a
cross (forming a Grand Cross) can be a great source of dynamic
strength having much stabilizing influence, provided an harmonious
release of energy is afforded by a planet in good aspect to one of the
four arms of the cross. Minor stresses may be set up by a planet in
140 ASTROLOGY

sesquiquadrate and semisquare respectively to the two poles of an


opposition, while minor benefic complexes can result from three or
four planets equidistant by thirty degrees.
A good deal can be learnt from the actual patterns formed by the
planets amongst themselves, irrespective of the precise aspectual
relationship between them. An American astrologer. Marc Edmund
Jones, has devoted a whole book to this subject (A Guide to Horo-
scope Interpretation) and students who wish to enlarge their know-
ledge of his ideas are recommended to acquire this work.
Briefly, he distinguishes seven types of pattern. AH planets grouped
together between the containing confines of a trine (or lesser area)
produce the Bundle, a grouping which precludes any responsiveness
to stimuli from without, narrows the interests, creates inhibitions
but develops opportunism and self-sufficiency and gives the power
to capitalize with surprising effectiveness upon limited resources.
AH planets spread out within a half-segment of the circle (con-
tained by an opposition), produce the Bowl, a grouping which
indicates a very self-contained individual with great inner resources,
who nevertheless feels cut off from a whole segment of experience.
Such a pattern produces a sense of agency and a tendency to initiate
schemes for the well-being of his fellow^ if the planets are below
the horizon, or to consummate such schemes if the planets are
above.
Where all planets but one (or two together) form a Bowl and the
other stands alone in the other hemisphere of the Zodiac, a Bucket is
formed. The planet thus isolated represents a special capacity for
some specially significant activity which gives a compelling orienta-
tion to the whole life so that the individual is able to become a source
of inspiration or merely an agitator, according to his development.
The See-Saw pattern, as its name suggests, is made up of two
groups of planets ranged about opposite signs or pairs of signs. The
individual is subjected to two directly opposed types of experience,
producing an awareness of conflict which either enables him to
strike a happy medium or causes him to struggle perpetually with
diametrically opposed urges.
Where the planets are spread more or less evenly over two-thirds of
the circle, leaving an empty trine, the Locomotive pattern is formed.
There is a strong sense of lack which produces an inner compulsion
to seek fulfilment. There is much executive ability and often self-
seeking.
When the planets are distributed more or less evenly over the
JUDGEMENT OF THE HOROSCOPE 141

whole circle, the Splash pattern is formed, showing an uninhibited


personality with universal interests who either scatters his energies
indiscriminately or organizes them on the widest possible basis.
Where the planets cannot be arranged conveniently into any one
of the foregoing patterns but are distributed less regularly round the
circle we have the Splay, usually based on three points of emphasis,
which may be a Grand Trine. Such a pattern denotes an individual's
ability to entrench himself in his own stronghold so that he always
has something to fall back upon. He is likely to be a sturdy individ-
ualist and sometimes a ruthless one.
The total effect of the planets may also be estimated in other ways.
Note how many planets are in Cardinal signs, how many in Fixed,
and how many in Mutable. Then make a similar list according to
the element tenanted. A majority of planets in Fixed and Fire signs
will cause the native to exhibit the qualities of the Fixed Fire sign
Leo, irrespective of the actual bodies in this sign. If an equal number
of bodies are in Cardinal and Fixed signs and the Ascendant is in a
Cardinal sign, give the greater emphasis to the Cardinal Quadrup-
licity. Similarly if the number of bodies is equally poised between
signs of different elements. If it is not possible to make any distinc-
tion on this basis, allow for an equal accent on different qualities or
elements. Just as the accentuation of one quality or element may be
significant, so is the lack of one. A horoscope without planets in fire
may indicate an individual without real warmth or enthusiasm,
although this may be largely compensated by an angular Sun, Mars
or Jupiter or by mutual configurations between these bodies. Judge
similarly according to other deficiencies of element or quality.
Several bodies in one sign (a satellitium) always place a
strong emphasis on that sign and also upon the planet ruling
the sign, the dispositor of the satellitium. Observe also, if any one
planet disposes finally of all the other planets. For instance, if the
Sun is in Cancer, with Mars, Mercury and Venus, the Moon is the
dispositor of these planets. Look then to see which planet disposes
of the Moon. If the Moon is in Sagittarius, with Saturn and Uranus,
Jupiter will dispose of these three bodies and, through the Moon, of
the planets in Cancer. If Neptune is in Scorpio and Pluto in Virgo,
their dispositors will be Mars and Mercury in Cancer, already
noted as being disposed of by the Moon in Sagittarius, which is
disposed of in turn by Jupiter. This leaves only Jupiter unaccounted
for. If he should be placed in Pisces, his own sign, he will therefore
be the final dispositor of all the bodies in the nativity. The final
142 ASTROLOGY

dispositor necessarily, will be a planet placed in its own sign. In this


case it would be wise to consider whether a special emphasis
should not be given as well to Neptune, also dignihed in Pisces, al-
though it is not equally the hnal dispositor, being itself disposed of
by Mars.
Other ways in which a planet may receive a special emphasis are
by it receiving aspects from both luminaries, by its elevation over
all the other planets and by its conjunction with the Part of Fortune
or with the Moon's Nodes. A planet connected by aspect with both
the Sun and Moon shows a response to that planet on two significant
levels, the individual and the personal, giving it an essential as well
as an instinctive significance. The conjunction of Fortuna with a
planet also establishes a similar kind of relationship at an ideal level,
because the Part of Fortune is a point which depends upon the
Sun-Moon-Ascendant relationship. It is in fact the place where the
Moon would be if the Sun were exactly on the Ascendant. Such a
solar position implies perfect alignment between the Inner Man and
his outer vehicle, the illumination symbolized by the rising Sun at
dawn. Fortuna therefore indicates the type of personal adjustment
necessary in order to bring about this illumination. Planets in closest
aspect to the Part of Fortune therefore show which attributes of
character may best be brought into play to bring about such a sym-
bolic illumination.
The position of the Moon's Nodes also marks another important
axis in the nativity from the point of view of self-development. This
axis also has a Sun-Moon-Earth relationship as its background, for
the Nodes mark the point at which the path of the Moon intersects
the path of the Earth round the Sun (the ecliptic). Planets close
to the North (positive) Node of the Moon show qualities to be con-
sciously developed during the life; planets close to the South (nega-
tive) Node of the Moon indicate qualities developed in past lives
that are now habitual and therefore require little effort to bring into
play. The Moon's North Node (Caput Draconis) can also be re-
garded as the first point of a Lunar Zodiac. Planets between the
Dragon's Head (Moon's North Node) and the Dragon's Tail (South
Node) in the order of the signs show new faculties which may be
developed. Planets in the opposite hemisphere indicate the working
out of past tendencies. The dispositors of the Nodes can further
amplify the evidence, while applying aspects also show new qualities
being built up and separating aspects, qualities already part of the
character. For that reason applying aspects are probably more
JUDGEMENT OF THE HOROSCOPE 143

critical. An example of the use of the Moon's Nodes in delineation


is given in Chapter Nine.
The distribution of the planets in the hemispheres of the horoscope
marked off by the Ascendant-Descendant axis and by the Meridian
axis is also significant. When the majority of the planets are in the
Eastern half of the chart, this places an emphasis upon the native's
initiative, giving him more opportunity to exercise his will in the
ordering of events, usually through conscious endeavour. A majority
of planets setting, on the Western side of the horoscope, denotes that
the life is largely in the hands of other people. There is a good deal
less opportunity to control destiny, so that an attitude of acceptance
is desirable. This accentuates the feeling side of the nature.
The majority of planets above the horizon produces a great pre-
occupation with externals, giving extrovert tendencies and an
objective viewpoint. Ambition and self-reliance are generally well in
evidence. When the situation is reversed and the majority of planets
are below the horizon the native's experiences are largely subjective
and he relies mostly on his instincts. Intuitions are usually well devel-
oped and an introvert tendency is likely.
If all the planets except one are in one hemisphere, the planet in
the other hemisphere assumes considerable significance for it is as
if the native were trying to balance that part of himself represented
by the majority of planets by the single faculty denoted by the remain-
ing planet. If all but two planets are located in one hemisphere it
often seems that there is a close relationship between the two isolated
planets, irrespective of whether they are linked by aspect or not. T he
planet highest in the heavens (most elevated) that is, nearest to the
Midheaven, no matter whether it is to the East or West of the Upper
Meridian, enjoys a certain prominence on that account. It must not
be regarded as more powerful than a planet close to an angle
(although if there are several angular planets the one closest to the
Midheaven will enjoy extra prominence for that reason) but if there
is otherwise no great emphasis given to any particular planet the
most elevated one may be given precedence.
The planet ruling the sign on the Ascendant must always be
included in any list of important planets, and special notice paid to
its condition by sign, house and aspect. It will often happen that the
same planet or couple of planets is accentuated in different ways, so
that an obvious emphasis is created. Where this is not the case it is
sometimes necessary to proceed a little more cautiously before
finally deciding where the main emphasis lies. The three cardinal
144 ASTROLOGY

factors in delineation are the Sun, Moon and Ascendant, to which


should probably be added the ruler of the Ascendant. Where
no other specific emphasis is apparent it is wisest to rely on
these.
When delineating, remember that the planets represent psycho-
logical urges, different types of energy to be used. The signs indicate
the manner in which these energies are used, the way in which they
are modified. The houses show the special direction in which these
conditioned energies are orientated, the departments of life where the
planetary urges find their practical working out.
The native projects himself upon life in his own individual way.
He identifies himself with the degree of the zodiac upon the Ascen-
dant, the symbolic First Degree of Aries. It is most probable that
the actual first degree of Aries will be found elsewhere in the horo-
scope. It will therefore be seen that every individual makes his own
special alignment with the zodiac causing some degree of displace-
ment to take place. This causes him to make a corresponding dis-
placement in all the other departments of the horoscope. Aries, the
natural first house sign, may fall on the cusp of the fifth, showing the
real inner focus of self-identification is with the things signified by
the fifth house instead of (ideally) with the things related to the first
house. The urge to associate freely, represented by the sign Gemini,
may then be displaced to the cusp of the seventh house (partnership)
suggesting a tendency to more than one marriage. The subconscious
urges, represented by the planets, are projected into the various
houses of the horoscope so that Saturn (feeling of insecurity) in the
seventh, may show that the native feels a basic lack of confidence in
his ability to carry out the duties of a partner.
By thinking in a certain way we attract to ourselves a correspond-
ing environment. We also tend to draw into our environment people
whom we can identify with the various characteristics in our make-
up, so that those with Saturn in the seventh may automatically
attract to themselves someone of a saturnine disposition, or very
much older in years, who personifies their own uncertain and pos-
sibly over-serious attitude to seventh-house matters. This kind of
identification is very much a matter of subconscious activity, so that
our conscious mind is rarely aware of the true nature of affairs.
Most of us have some ruling passion that in the last resort colours all
our actions in a certain way. This is shown by the house cusp on
which the sign Aries appears, so that if Aries rules the second house,
the native's whole outlook is coloured by his attitude to possessions,
JUDGEMENT OF THE HOROSCOPE 145

which can be further defined by the condition of Mars by sign, house


and aspect in the horoscope.
Remember also that we suffer from the defects of our virtues. Too
much of a good thing may be as much of a handicap as not enough.
Always try to assess the balance of the horoscope. There may be a
stress on one set of qualities because these qualities have not been
adequately developed in the past. Very Martian indications may
point to the fact that the native has been too lethargic and unassertive
in the past. A clue to past tendencies is given by the position of the
Moon's Nodes.
Finally, when delineating a chart, remember that the stars incline,
they do not compel. Strong afflictions do not necessarily indicate
bad character, although they may indicate a difficult life. It has been
said that the Wise Man rules his stars, the fool obeys them. As Alan
Leo points out in his Esoteric Astrology, the houses in the abstract
sense represent limitations in space; the signs, limitations in time;
the planets, Causality. Those who rule their stars are those who are
no longer subject to the three great illusions of space, time and
causality - those who live in the Eternal. In the words of the poet:

One ship drives east, another west, with self-same winds that blow,
Tis the set of the sails and not the gales that determine the way
it shall go.
As the waves of the sea are the ways of Fate as we journey along
through life,
It's the set of the Soul that decides its Goal and not the calm or the
strife.
CHAPTER EIGHT

Judgement - Particular

Considerations

Before delineating a nativity it is advisable to estimate the probable


length of life in order to avoid such pitfalls as referring to conditions
in old age in cases where the native may die prematurely. Usually
fire signs ascending give the greatest hold on life, then air, earth and
water, in that order. Mutable signs have less staying power than
cardinal or fixed. With certain reservations, relative sign strength can
be assessed as follows: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Libra, Taurus,
Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio, Cancer, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces. Great
vital force is centred in the sign Leo, so that an infant coming to
birth at a time when there are heavy afflictions to the Ascendant or
luminaries in this sign may be unable to cope with so much power
and may die at birth. However, once the native is well established
physically the vitality of Leo is strongly preservative. Sagittarius is
rather prone to accident; Taurus gives good vital powers sometimes
vitiated by laziness and self-indulgence; Virgo often manifests an
interest in physical fitness which is maintained through conscientious
exercise and dieting. Scorpio gives a tenacious hold on life but is
rather prone to infection. Capricorn does not give great vitality but
once the Capricorn native has outgrown his early weakliness he
stays the pace better the older he grows and may live to a ripe old
age. Air-sign natives are usually less robust but look after themselves
carefully. They arc liable to nervous exhaustion.
Planets placed in strong signs can survive considerable affliction.
Many afflictions involving weak signs may give much trouble in
infancy but the native will often grow stronger as the years go by.
Many afflictions in weak signs, however, usually denote a short life.
The Sun represents the radical constitution, the Moon the functional
and sympathetic system, so that afflictions to the Sun are usually
more serious than afflictions to the Moon.
Long life may be predicted when the Sun, Moon and Ascendant
and its ruler are all unafflictcd and in strong signs. When all four are
weak by sign and badly afflicted, a very short life is likely. The worst
afflictions are from malefics, especially those which occupy or rule
the fourth, sixth, eighth or twelfth houses. Any benefic aspect,
146
JUDGEMENT-PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS 147

especially those from Venus, Jupiter and Mars, helps to support life.
A well aspected and angular Venus or Neptune brings a capacity to
relax that can save the physical vehicle from a good deal of wear and
tear. A good Venus also denotes efficient kidneys and therefore the
power to rid the body of poisons easily. A strong Jupiter, although
protective, may lead to excesses. Any aspect between the Sun and
Mars is good for vitality but adverse aspects show a tendency for the
native to burn up his resources too quickly. Good aspects from
Saturn and Uranus to the Sun are very helpful in old age but have
comparatively little effect in youth.
Death in infancy is most often shown by planets in square and
opposition close to the Midheaven and Ascendant axes of the
horoscope. A child will often survive serious afflictions to the lumin-
aries only. When both luminaries are angular and afflicted by a
malefic the child may be short-lived unless a benefic offers strong
support. It is not advisable to apply these suggestions too rigidly,
for there are cases on record of twin births, where one infant has
died at birth and the other survived to live to a ripe old age. In such
cases, the exactness of the afflictions to the angles has been the
crucial factor.
Planets in the eighth house are infrequent in cases of longevity, as
are squares of Saturn or Mars to either luminary. Sun square Uranus,
however, is not unlikely in cases of long life. Good aspects from the
benefics are most helpful in preserving life.

Physical Appearance
The judgement of physical appearance from the horoscope is often
a somewhat complicated affair and a detailed treatment of the vari-
ous factors involved is beyond the scope of the present volume.
Generally speaking, cardinal signs rising give a triangular-shaped
face, narrowing at the chin; fixed signs a squarish face (more oblong
with Aquarius); mutable signs an oval face. Positive signs rising
usually produce a taller body than the negative signs. Sign charac-
teristics may be much modified by planets near the Ascendant or in
strong close aspect to the rising degree. In addition, the Sun sign,
Moon sign, and that containing the ruler and any strong satellitium
may also play a part in determining the native's appearance, in
which a blend of several sign influences can often be traced.

Mental Characteristics
It is not possible to judge from the horoscope the amount of
148 ASTROLOGY

intelligence possessed by the native, only the type of mentality and the
general approach to intellectual activities. This is shown by Mercury,
according to its sign and house position and the aspects it receives.
The planet throwing the closest aspect to Mercury is the most
important as Mercury is very much coloured by its contacts with
other planets and by the sign it is in.
The Moon rules the brain and any aspect between the Moon and
Mercury is good for mental expression, particularly the square or
opposition, although these aspects make for difficulty in concen-
tration. The Moon and Mercury in strong, close aspect to many
planets give much versatility.
Many bodies in mutable and air signs and cadent houses are
likely to produce a quick, intelligent mind. The inventive Uranus has
a great effect on intellect and if this planet is prominent and well
aspected there may be good mental capabilities even if Mercury is
not prominent or well aspected. Sextile aspects seem considerably to
enhance the native's ability to express himself. A good Saturn or
several planets in earth usually shows a good measure of common
sense, while a prominent well-aspected Jupiter gives good judgement
and sometimes wisdom.
Equally important is the condition of the third and ninth houses,
the sign on the cusp of the third, planets in the third and ninth
houses, the aspects they receive, and the condition of the ruler of
the third house. Severe afflictions to planets in the third or to the
third house cusp can denote mental instability and, in extreme cases,
insanity. A much-afflicted Moon is nearly always present in such
cases.
The rising sign and planets in the first house, governing the final
expression of everything contained in the nativity, also colour the
mental outlook. Strong close aspects to the Ascendant affect the
brain and severe afflictions can cause damage to this region.

Career
The nature of the native's employment is usually shown by the
sign on the cusp of the tenth house, planets in the tenth or by the
ruler of the tenth. Planets in strong close aspect to the Midheaven
degree or any planet in a dominant position may have much effect
upon the native's choice of career. The Sun, which is closely con-
nected with what we do, may show the native's occupation by its
sign or house position. The planet in closest aspect with the Sun
sometimes indicates the vocation.
JUDGEMENT - PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS 149

The majority distribution of planets in the triplicities and quad-


ruplicities may also give a clue. The house ruled by a planet in the
tenth, or the house position of the ruler of the tenth may also show
the vocation.
Here is a guide to the occupations denoted by the signs (and
corresponding houses) when they are connected with the tenth
house:
Aries. Engineering, politics, the armed forces, work requiring
enterprise and initiative.
Taurus. Farming, building, architecture, finance, banking,
music; occupations involving set routine.
Gemini. Transport, communications, journalism, agencies,
teaching, publishing, printing, advertising, secretarial or clerical
work; occupations involving travel and familiarity with a number of
different environments.
Cancer. Commerce, catering, shopkeeping, hotel business,
cookery, plumbing, laundry work, nursing, market gardening;
occupations connected with the sea, liquids, with catering for public
tastes or supplying domestic needs.
Leo. Public entertainment, stockbroking, company promoting,
jewellery or cosmetics; occupations giving scope for creative work,
organizing ability or self-exploitation.
Virgo. Clerical or secretarial work, editing, teaching, chemistry,
photography, nursing, medicine, physical culture, horticulture,
grocery, food supplies, public hygiene, tailoring, haberdashery;
occupations demanding technical or analytical skill or affording
opportunities for service or patient application to detail, often in a
subordinate capacity.
Libra. Art, politics, the Law, salesmanship, brokers, agents,
fancy goods; occupations involving partnership and the adjusting of
human relationships.
Scorpio. The armed forces, police, surgery, banking, mining,
undertaking, the meat trade, > refrigeration, scientific research,
brewing, work underground or connected with the sea, liquids or
sanitation; work demanding determined effort and intense concen-
tration.
Sagittarius. Publicity, communications, the Law, the Church,
lecturing, philosophy, travel, exploring, importing, foreign agencies;
work where foresight and willingness to take a chance are assets.
Capricorn. Public administration, government service, politics;
work calling for organizing ability, integrity and perseverance.
150 ASTROLOGY

Aquarius. Work in public corporations, civil service, electricity,


lecturing, water distribution; occupations allowing scope for inven-
tiveness and the detached application of special rules and formulae.
Pisces. Nursing, medicine, work in hospitals, prisons, asylums,
or connected with large animals, films, footwear, alcohol, the sea,
cloth and woollen goods, oil.

Signs and houses often act through their polar opposite, so that
actors sometimes have Aquarius strongly tenanted (not Leo) and a
strong eleventh (not fifth) house. A double sign on the Midheaven
may mean two simultaneous occupations or a number of changes of
occupation. The second house (income) and the sixth (duty) also
have some effect upon the choice of career.
The native's occupation is likely to have a connection with those
things denoted by planets in the tenth or closely aspecting the Mid-
heaven. The ruler of the Ascendant well aspected in the tenth denotes
a rise in life.

Income
This is governed primarily by the second house, planets therein
and the aspects to them, the sign on the cusp, aspects to the cusp and
to the ruler of the second house. A good aspect to a planet in the
second or to the ruler of the second from a planet in the fifth, shows
the possibility of gain through speculation. A bad aspect from the
ninth may show the possibility of losses abroad, and so on.
A healthy financial situation is shown by the benefics well placed
by sign, angular and well aspected, especially if the Moon is involved;
by favourable aspects to Jupiter from the heavier planets, and by a
good aspect between the luminaries. A good aspect from Saturn to a
prominent Jupiter may show permanent wealth.
A bad aspect from Saturn to the Moon, especially when either
body is angular or Saturn or another afflicting malefic is elevated
above the Moon, can cause great difficulty in obtaining sufficient
money. Many planets in the second house show gains or losses from
various sources. Mercury there well aspected by the benefics shows
the earning of money through good abilities. Cardinal signs on the
second cusp suggest an ambitious attitude towards financial matters;
fixed signs the opportunity of a fixed income (often through invest-
ments) and mutable signs a fluctuating income, sometimes from
more than one source. Speculation is ruled by the fifth and inheri-
tance by the eighth house.
JUDGEMENT- PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS 151

Health
The sixth and eighth houses have much to do with health and the
signs on these cusps usually indicate vulnerable areas of the body.
Generally speaking, the parts of the body ruled by the signs are also
ruled by the corresponding houses.
The greatest threat to health is from an angular malefic that
afflicts both luminaries. Afflictions tend to work out by polarity.
Any cardinal afflictions may affect the head, stomach, kidneys and
bones; fixed afflictions the throat, heart, trunk, genitals and circu-
lation; mutable afflictions the nerves, lungs, limbs and bowels.
Afflictions to the Sun show constitutional and hereditary weak-
nesses; to the Moon, functional disorders arising after birth. Lunar
afflictions are critical in childhood. Aspects from the benefics to the
Ascendant and the luminaries are a great help in overcoming afflic-
tions from the malefics, though much will depend on the relative
strength of each. Rising malefics afflicting the Sun or Moon, or the
luminaries or ruler of the Ascendant afflicted in the sixth, eighth or
twelfth houses may bring prolonged ill health.
Mars by affliction brings fevers, cuts, burns, scalds, wounds and
overactivity; Saturn, falls, chills, sluggish activity, sprains, disloca-
tions and bruising; Uranus, excessive vitality, nervous tension,
cramps, strictures, paroxysms, paralysis; Neptune, hypersensitivity,
wasting, coma, hypochondriac tendencies; Pluto, eliminative dis-
orders, deep-seated toxic conditions.
Good health results from a Moon that is free from affliction, well
aspected by Jupiter and Venus, when the Ascendant is not tenanted
or afflicted by the malefics.
Although the beginner may be able to estimate the potentialities
of a nativity in relation to health and disease, he should bear in mind
that medical astrology is a complex subject, requiring specialized
medical knowledge if the best results are to be obtained.

Love and Marriage


The condition of Venus by sign and aspect shows the extent to
which the native is able to live in harmony with a partner. The
seventh house is the house of partnership and marriage and the sign
on the cusp, its ruler, or any planet therein may describe the nature
of the partner.
Symbolically, a man comes to terms with the female side of life
through his wife. The Moon and Venus are general significators of
women, hence strong afflictions to these bodies can either deny
152 ASTROLOG V

marriage (especially if Saturn is involved), delay it or cause troubles


in the marriage relationship.
The Sun and Mars represent the male principle and it is to the
condition of these bodies that we look for indications of marriage in
a female nativity. When these bodies or the seventh cusp are much
afflicted, marriage may be denied or difficult to bring about.
When Saturnian contacts do not bring delay they are apt to show
marriage to an older partner. Uranian aspects are often disruptive,
causing sudden attractions or repulsions to arise with disconcerting
effects upon relationships. Venus afflicted by Uranus but well
aspected by Saturn can show separation without the marriage being
dissolved.
Those with Venus in aspect to Mars usually wed. An aspect be-
tween the luminaries is also likely to show marriage. As the majority
of people marry it is advisable to anticipate that the native will do so
unless there are strong indications to the contrary.
Women are likely to marry if they are born with the Sun aspecting
Mars; men, with the Moon aspecting Venus. A good aspect between
the rulers of the Ascendant and seventh house is a good augury for
marriage. Aspects to the Part of Marriage show whether the partner-
ship is likely to be a happy one. The formula for calculating this Part
is: Longitude of Ascendant -r Longitude of Descendant — Longi-
tude of Venus.
Love affairs are ruled by the fifth house and planets in the fifth and
the ruler of the fifth show how love affairs are likely to prosper. A
good aspect between planets in the fifth and seventh houses or
between the rulers of these houses greatly assist the native's love life;
the reverse when there are bad aspects.
Significators of marriage in multiple signs may denote several
marriages. When Mars and Saturn are together concerned in the
indications, marriage may be to a widow or widower.
Venus retrograde in a man's nativity may cause him to avoid
women; similarly, a woman with Mars retrograde may seek to avoid
men. The first application of the Moon in a male geniture and of the
Sun in a female geniture on the days after birth to a planet within
orbs of an aspect at birth show the circumstances of the marriage and
sometimes indicate the type of partner. Application to a retrograde
planet may denote difficulties or show an attachment that is broken.
When the appropriate luminary makes no application to a planet
before leaving the sign it is in, marriage may be denied.
JUDGEMENT- PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS 153

Children
It is not advisable to judge whether the native will become a
parent solely on the testimony of his or her own horoscope. One
horoscope may combine with another to increase the probability of
fruitfulness.
The condition of the Moon is all important. The fifth house, as
the creative index of the nativity, must also be considered. See
whether the Moon, planets in the fifth and the planet ruling the
fifth are in fruitful signs. Water signs are the most fruitful, Aries,
Leo and Capricorn least. Gemini and Sagittarius may produce twins
but are otherwise not particularly fruitful; the other signs are moder-
ately so. Fruitfulness is increased by aspects from Venus and Jupiter;
diminished by the Sun, Mars and Saturn. Malefics in the fifth may
not deny children but can cause them to be troublesome or difficult
to rear. In a female nativity the applications of the Moon before
leaving the sign it is in show possible offspring. If it makes no
application, the possibility of offspring is diminished. The Sun
afflicted by Saturn and in a barren sign is an indication of childless-
ness in a female nativity. A prominent Saturn in a male horoscope
afflicting the Moon and Venus may denote sterility.
Judgement of the sex of children may be a somewhat tricky
matter. In general, a majority of significators in masculine signs
(T,n, ft,—, X,—) shows male offspring; in feminine signs, («,2Z5,
TTP, v5, H) female offspring. Complications arise when feminine
planets are in masculine signs.

Parents
The general significators of the father are the Sun and Saturn, of
the mother, the Moon and Venus. If these bodies are much afflicted
it may denote trouble involving the parents or the^ may be unsym-
pathetic towards the native. Favourable aspects between the lights
usually show a harmonious relationship between the parents.
The parents are also ruled by the fourth and tenth houses. The sign
on the cusp of either house, planets therein and the condition of the
house ruler indicate the native's attitude towards his parents, an
attitude usually conditioned by their own circumstances and char-
acter, so that it is possible to a certain extent to suggest their natures
and activities from the natus of their offspring.
There is no hard and fast rule as to whether the fourth or the tenth
house rules the father. Sometimes the sign on the cusp appears to
represent one parent, the planet tenanting the house, the other. The
154 ASTROLOGY

parent most responsible for establishing the domestic atmosphere is


probably shown by the fourth house, the parent who does most to
foster the native's ambitions, by the tenth.

Travel
Although theoretically the third house represents short and the
ninth long journeys, in practice it will be found that there is little
difference. Those with the Moon in aspect to Mercury are most likely
to travel, for their basic restlessness keeps them on the move. This
tendency is much diminished when these bodies are in fixed signs.
Much travel is likely when Mercury and the Moon are configured
with Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, or when they are in a T-square with
Jupiter, and many planets are in mutable or watery signs. Uranus,
Neptune or Pluto in the fourth house sometimes denotes one who is
constantly on the move. Saturn in the fourth shows that the native
prefers to stay put. Afflicted planets in the travel houses may show
dangers while travelling. If there are malefic planets on the angles of
the nativity, a change of residence may be desirable. A congenial
locality should be that which brings the benefics on to the angles of
the horoscope when it is recalculated for the latitude and longitude
of the new residence. A comparison of the birth horoscope with the
horoscope of a place will often indicate whether that place will
benefit the native. If the condition of the ninth house is very much
better than that of the fourth, residence abroad might be advisable.

Friends and Enemies


Generally speaking, planets well placed by sign and favourably
aspecting the luminaries or the ruler of the Ascendant represent
friends; those badly placed and afflicting these bodies may represent
potential enemies. Afflictions from Neptune are likely to indicate
treachery and deceit, while a blend of Uranus and Mars in affliction
usually indicates an uncompromising opponent. An afflicted Mars
may denote difficulties with natives of Aries and Scorpio, and so on:
similarly, well-aspected planets indicate the possibility of beneficial
relationships with natives of the sign ruled by those planets.
Those dates during the year when the Sun is in good aspect with
a well-placed planet in the nativity show the birth dates of possible
friends; days when the Sun is in adverse aspect to planets badly
placed in the natus show the birthdays of those who may be antagon-
istic. A satellitium in a sign may bring frequent contacts with the
natives of that sign.
JUDGEMENT - PARTICULAR CONSIDERATIONS 155

A well-aspected eleventh house shows the ability to make and keep


friends. Afflictions involving the eleventh show either separations
from friends, unfortunate friends or an inability to choose friends
wisely. Good aspects from a planet in or ruling the eleventh to a
planet in or ruling the tenth may show help from friends in the career.
Judge similarly in the case of contacts involving the other houses.
Malefics in the seventh may show an unfortunate approach to others
that defeats the formation of settled friendships and occasionally
arouses antagonism.

Death
The cause of death is usually shown by the eighth house and the
circumstances in the closing years of life by the fourth house. An
afflicted eighth house is likely to indicate death through illness or
accident, whereas an afflicted fourth may denote difficult domestic
conditions in old age. If the native dies young it is a moot point
whether the fourth house indications apply.
CHAPTER NINE

Example Delineations

This is the nativity of a male (Figure 6). The first things we notice are
the rising planet and luminary dominating a fairly well-integrated
complex of planets linked by aspect. Only the Sun, Pluto, Jupiter and
Saturn stand outside this complex. All the planets except Neptune
and Pluto are in the North-East quadrant of the horoscope, showing
that the native is able to give full rein to his instincts. The planets in
this quadrant are all in the last four signs of the zodiac, which relate
to universal concepts and ideas. The concentration of so many
bodies within about 72° of the zodiac suggests a definite limitation of
the deployment of the energies with some particular end in view, in
this case an end related to demonstrating the universality of certain
facets of human experience. The containing planets of this 72° arc
are Uranus and Mercury - new means (Uranus) of communication
(Mercury) and the quintile aspect of 72° (one-fifth of the zodiac) is
strongly mercurial in its action.
The isolation of Neptune and Pluto in the Western hemisphere
suggests that there is some heavily 'fated' side to the life and the
subconscious awareness of this may play a dominating part in shap-
ing the activities and attitudes of the native.
Counting the number of planets in each triplicity and quadrup-
licky we find that six are in mutables, two in cardinals and two in
fixed; four are in air and two each in the remaining three elements.
We thus get a majority in mutable and air signs. Gemini is the
mutable air sign, ruled by Mercury, once again giving a similar
emphasis. The final dispositor of all the planets is Saturn, accentu-
ating the native's ambition and will to succeed.
Uranus, the planet nearest the Ascendant, is the ruler of the third
house (communications) so that the native will be likely to regard
himself as a special channel for the furtherance of all casual relation-
ships. With Uranus is the Moon, ruling the eighth house, the house
of regeneration and reorientation (and also death) indicating that the
native may be the means of bringing about a change of attitude in
relation to long-distance travel, philosophical concepts and explora-
tion (Sagittarius). Sagittarius rises, indicating that the native presents
himself to the world as someone seeking to establish widespread con-
nections between all the fields of his experience. His spiritual aspira-
156
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 157

tions (fire) will be diffused in many different ways (mutable triplicity)


and his search for enlightenment may lead him to seek many varied
experiences and to travel widely or to investigate different philo-
sophies and religions. His whole purpose in life will be centred

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around finding a suitable target at which to aim and accordingly his


outward approach may be somewhat speculative. If the rest of the
horoscope agrees, we may expect to find a spirited person of con-
siderable optimism, inclined to be a little superficial and disjointed
in his efforts.
The Moon rising in Sagittarius aligns the native's feelings and
instincts with the Sagittarian qualities already noted. The angular
Moon shows that these feelings and instincts play a leading part in
shaping the picture of himself that the native presents to the world.
This is probably an individual who expresses his feelings freely and
158 ASTROLOGY

spontaneously (Sagittarius). He will also make no attempt to conceal


his various moods and through his emotional life he may make his
main impact upon those around him. This lunar position increases
the native's restlessness, receptiveness and intuition (especially in
Sagittarius - although he may jump to conclusions too hastily). He
could be very fond of travel. Sagittarius likes to propagate ideas and
the Moon therein is often a feature in preachers' horoscopes, where
the prophetic instinct of the sign is given full play.
Uranus also is rising, in conjunction with the Moon. We know
that Uranus is the 'Awakener', stirring up in a dynamic way those
things denoted by the sign tenanted and the planet or planets with
which it is in aspect. We may therefore expect it to stimulate the
liberty-loving side of Sagittarius, giving a hatred of restraint and
making the feelings tense and powerful so that they could unbalance
the whole psychological make-up unless other indications suggest
that this side of the character is well integrated and held in check.
Frustrations and limitations will be greatly resented and there may
be some tendencies towards eccentricity or autocracy. The Moon
rising in Sagittarius gives some ability to mix easily with all types of
people but the conjunction of Uranus could limit this ability in
some way or cause it to function excessively at spasmodic intervals.
In this connection we may notice that the Midheaven, relating to the
native's status in the community is squared by Uranus, indicating
that erratic or unusual actions may affect the esteem in which he is
held by his fellows. Note that the Moon is separating from the con-
junction of Uranus, which is therefore throwing its rays forward to
the Moon, perpetually arousing a desire to be free and untrammelled
or, in the symbology of the sign, to soar like an arrow into the sky.
Mars in the third house is in sextile to the Moon and (very widely)
to Uranus. The house containing Mars shows that department of
life where the native's energies are mainly focused. The third house
relates to the immediate environment where the native is able to
make day to day contacts and observations based upon direct
experience. It governs his practical everyday thinking and the way
he deals with facts, thus the native thinks energetically and probably
expresses himself forcefully. His energies are mainly devoted to
coming to terms with his immediate environment. This position
increases the likelihood of travel shown by the bodies rising in
Sagittarius. The Martian energies are expressed through the sign
Aquarius, giving a capacity for logical thinking and an inclination
to seek theoretical explanations for phenomena. A fixed sign on the
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 159

third cusp increases the firmness of the native's ideas, tending to


make him opinionated. The urge to originate is strong in Aquarius
and all the native's powers of initiative will be harnessed to the task
of sponsoring new and original concepts. To this end he may expect
help from his natural ability to receive flashes of inspiration, shown
by the rising Moon with Uranus in sextile to Mars. The wide Mars-
Uranus sextile gains in importance as the Moon is in contact with
both and Uranus disposes of Mars. This connection of Mars with
the Moon-Uranus conjunction may increase any tendency to jump
to conclusions somewhat dogmatically. There may be a special flair
for establishing connections between hitherto unrelated concepts.
The humanitarian qualities associated with Aquarius could be some-
what vitiated by the presence of Mars in the sign. Instead, Mars may
feed the instinct for adventure and exploration sometimes associated
with the Moon in Sagittarius and combine with Uranus to introduce
a streak of ruthless assertiveness in the character.
Mercury in the third house increases the mental agility and means
that the native expresses his powers of adaptability mainly in the
realm of everyday contacts. There will be an aptitude for finding
expedient solutions to the incidental problems that arise from day
to day. With Mercury in Pisces, this faculty will operate over a wide
field in a multiplicity of ways, giving either great resourcefulness or a
vagueness that will prevent the best use of the sensitive impression-
ability this position brings. As Mercury is within orbs of a conjunc-
tion ofMars in Aquarius we can probably rule out the latter possibility.
Pisces here may denote a breadth of outlook that mellows the
thinking, an effect certainly enhanced by the conjunction of Venus
with Mercury, which also focuses the native's desire to achieve har-
mony in the same sector of the horoscope. Pisces is the most univer-
sal of the signs and Mercury and Venus here suggest that the native
is seeking to establish far-flung connections and introduce a wide-
spread harmony into a number of everyday relationships. As Mars
in Aquarius is also in the third house, there will be a tendency to
propagate these ideas forcefully or in some highly practical manner,
Venus and Mercury also fall in square to the Ascendant, emphasiz-
ing the restless tendencies already noted, for not only is Mercury the
Messenger of the Gods, pictured with wings on his feet but he is in
Pisces, the sign in which all boundaries are melted. The square of
Venus to the Ascendant adds sympathy to the nature but any afflic-
tion from Pisces can indicate danger of involvement in sorrow or
distress when this sign is unduly accentuated. Venus in contact with
160 ASTROLOGY

the Ascendant will make the native more popular, however. This
position may give some artistic appreciation, possibly a fondness for
music and poetry.
Neptune representing the capacity for idealism, the powers of
renunciation, of losing oneself in some greater issue, is in Gemini in
the seventh house, the house that shows what we lack and the way
in which we are inclined to look upon the world at large. Sometimes
those with Neptune in the seventh renounce the world. The seventh
house shows those whom we attract to ourselves because of our
sense of lack and such people often personify the quality shown by
the planet in the seventh. The native with Neptune in the seventh is
sometimes misunderstood as those around him fail to register a
clear picture of him. Often the native makes considerable efforts to
compensate for the quality he lacks and his struggles to do so are
projected on to the world outside himself. Neptune in Gemini shows
that the native is conscious of a need to establish bonds of sympathy
between neighbours (in the broadest sense) and to link together
those elements in everyday life and in his near at hand environment
that may be dissociated. Education and travel are the two activities
usually linked with the sign. Mercury and Pisces and Neptune in
Gemini are in mutual disposition and we have already noted the
presence of three planets in the third house. There is thus a very
strong accent on third house matters, together with a considerable
emphasis on the opposite ninth house sign, Sagittarius, containing
the Ascendant, Moon and Uranus. Thus the likelihood of the native
being interested in travel, education and philosophy is becoming
more and more certain.
Neptune opposes the rising Moon-Uranus conjunction and stands
in trine to the Mercury-Venus-Mars conjunction in the third house,
which thus mediates Neptune's opposition to the first house planets.
The Neptunian rays will somewhat soften the rather hard sextile
between the Moon-Uranus conjunction and Mars but there is a
danger that the inflationary and self-exalting side of Neptune may
also so expand the native's restlessness and rather dogmatic habits
of thinking already noted that he will find it difficult to keep a due
sense of proportion. He will need to see that he is not unduly influ-
enced in his casual relationships (Gemini on the seventh cusp)
otherwise such outside influence may interfere with his sense of
perspective.
We have yet to consider two very important factors, the Sun and
the ruler of the Ascendant, Jupiter. So far we have concerned our-
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 161

selves with the prominent complex of planets in the first, seventh


and third houses. In other horoscopes it may be convenient to take
stock of the Sun and the ruler at an earlier stage. The Sun in Aquar-
ius reinforces the position of Mars in that sign and indicates the true
inner urge of the native. The sphere of Aquarius is that of original
thinking, the ability to perceive first principles and to realize the
underlying brotherhood between all men. The Sun, falling on the
third cusp, places a further and decisive emphasis upon the third
house and all that it implies; the relationship between things near
at hand as it can be established by the intellect, by travelling and
mixing with large numbers of casual acquaintances and by the
impact of large numbers of first hand impressions. The Sun in the
third increases the breadth and generosity of the mind, strengthening
the native's urge to express himself through his powers of communi-
cation. It increases his confidence in his own ideas and may make
him too sure of his own infallibility. He will envisage his role in life
as that of the builder of connections, the formulator of ideas - which
will be all important to him. Operating through Aquarius, the solar
impulse will tend to function in a detached manner, giving him the
capacity to sum up a situation dispassionately.
Pluto in Gemini in the seventh house falls in trine to the Sun and
in opposition to Uranus. The already decisive emphasis on the third
house is further confirmed, intensified and strengthened by this
aspect from Pluto in the third house sign, for Pluto intensifies to a
critical degree the influence of the planets it aspects. From the
seventh house, Pluto will act through the agency of other people.
Their arguments (Gemini) will convince him of the Tightness of his
own ideas (Pluto trine third house Sun). The seventh house, govern-
ing the relationships between equals, is related to politics. Pluto
representing the strength derived from people in the mass may cause
the native to regard people in general as one great unit, to be integ-
rated according to some special plan. Fortuna, which indicates the
dominant emphasis in any horoscope by the planets which it most
closely aspects completes a grand trine with the Sun and Pluto from
the tenth house. This suggests that the native is compelled by a strong
urge (Sun trine Pluto) to establish firm means of communication
(Sun on third cusp; Pluto in Gemini) on a wide scale (Sun in
Aquarius). His success in achieving this aim will directly affect his
prestige (Fortuna in tenth).
Jupiter in the second house is in Capricorn, the sign of organiza-
tion and achievement. It encourages a responsible attitude, in this
162 ASTROLOGY

case to possessions and resources, the realm of the second house.


The native's desire to expand (Jupiter) is taken as a seriouiiresponsi-
bility (Capricorn) so that he will be inclined to husband his^sources
carefully. Such an attitude may well have been due to the father's
example (Capricorn). In this horoscope, showing much determina-
tion (Sun in fixed sign trine Pluto) and an instinctive and rebellious
love of freedom (Moon conjunct Uranus rising in Sagittarius) the
sign placement of the ruler of the Ascendant (and the dispositor of
the Moon and Uranus) brings an element of prudence into the
character that may well ensure that other factors are kept within
reasonable control. The only notable aspect to Jupiter is a close
quincunx from Neptune, indicating that pressure from outside
(Neptune in seventh) may occasionally bring about errors of judge-
ment. The native may be asked to undertake more than he feels he
can reasonably cope with.
Finally, we have to consider Saturn in Capricorn, also in the
second house. Immediately we notice that Saturn in its own sign is
close enough to Jupiter to overpower it to a large extent, decreasing
its buoyancy (Jupiter is weak in Capricorn) and introducing a greater
measure of caution in second house matters. The native will experi-
ence a feeling of lack (Saturn) in relation to his resources so that
there will be a tendency to conserve them carefully and invest them
wisely. He will be ambitious (Capricorn) to build up his resources on
all levels and there will be less tendency to take physical risks than
there would otherwise have been. Any risks taken will be 'calculated
risks'. Saturn is also in trine to the Midheaven, giving stamina and
persistence, and is semi-sextile Uranus and semi-sextile the Sun-
Mars mid-point, giving a much needed measure of control over the
physically adventurous spirit and the rather assertive mental outlook.
The horoscope we have been analysing is that of Colonel Charles
Lindbergh, the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic. His long-
distance flights captured the imagination of his contemporaries and
opened up new possibilities for commercial aviation. The tragic
kidnapping and death of his firstborn child shocked a nation,
(h □ cusp 5; c? = configured with ^ and ^ ; antiscion S □ Fortuna).
His advocacy of the policy that the United States should stand aside
from World War Two (a repetition of his father's attitude to World
War One - A on cusp 2;h in 2, conservation of resources) brought
a sudden reversal of popularity C? □ M.C.) and his previous visits
to Nazi Germany gave rise to charges that he was pro-Fascist
(©A?;])d 'J). After Pearl Harbour he abandoned his isolationist
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 163

views and again joined the Air Corps in which he served with
distinction.
He first met his wife, Ann Morrow Lindbergh in Mexico O / -
foreign countries) while her father, Dwight Morrow, was U.S.
ambassador there. She accompanied him on some of his long-
distance flights after they were married and is well known as a writer
and poet. The Moon applies to Mars in the third (writing, travel);
Mercury rules the seventh and Neptune is in the seventh. Venus is in
Pisces (poetry) and conjunct Mercury (writing, travel) ruler of the
seventh. Pluto and Neptune in the seventh show the dramatic course
of the early married life. The Lindberghs now have five children,
three sons and two daughters (Asc. □ ? in fruitful sign Pisces;
angular) * ^ =).
As a bam-storming pilot young Lindbergh's dare-devil exploits
and stunts made his companions dive frequently for safety (D d ^ /
- horseplay!). He had great difficulty in getting sufficient financial
backing for his Atlantic flight^ in 2) but won a substantial prize for
his feat (21 in 2).
After the murder of his child he sought a less troubled environ-
ment first in England, then in France, finally returning to the United
States just before the outbreak of the war. (^ □ I.C. - unsettled
domestic environment.) While in Europe he collaborated with
Alexis Carrel (author of Man the Unknown and for nearly thirty
years on the staff of the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research in
New York) on the remote French island of Illiec in work on a so-
called 'mechanical heart' that would enable organs separated from
the parent body to live for indefinite periods (® = - circulation -
A i; - health - on M.C.; c? -K- W - mechanical ability).
The mutual disposition of v K and ^ n faithfully expresses itself
in these words of Lindbergh's; 'We actually live today in our dreams
of yesterday; and living in those dreams, we dream again.'
If we consider the various horoscopical factors in relation to the
Moon's Nodes we find even more light thrown on the picture.
Caput Draconis in Scorpio shows that the native's special task is
to increase his determination, concentration and emotional control.
The particular sphere in which these qualities are to be developed is
shown by the position of Mars, the dispositor of the North Node,
in the third house of travel and ideas, in trine to Neptune. The
South Node in Taurus and its dispositor, Venus in Pisces, suggest
a previous tendency to remain a passive dreamer of dreams. Through
Neptune and its trine to Mars, this previous phase of experience is to
164 ASTROLOGY

be utilized to add vision to the more vigorous activities of the


present incarnation. Neptune and Pluto are isolated by nodal
hemisphere, just as they are by the meridian axis, tremendously
accentuating the effect of these great forces upon the life.
We can express the planets and angles in terms of a lunar zodiac
beginning with the Moon's North Node, which for the purposes of
this special relationship we can regard as representing 0° Aries. To do
this we simply add to all factors the amount of arc necessary to
bring 8° ^ 40' to 0°^ (i.e. 4 signs 21° 20'). The build-up thus ob-
tained between the old and new positions shows how the legacy of
the past affects the life-pattern of the present. The following cross-
aspects speak for themselves;—

New Positions Aspects to Natal Positions


% 8—06 d
M.C. 11 ==;45 d ®
h 13 n 03 d ®
© 5 K 31 d 5
Asc. 24 T 25 A D * c?
$ 11 « 32
n
D 17 « 02 | ®
d 17 2Z5 41 I
2 22 ac 34 | ^ n
^ 20 % 20 □ ®/d *

In the nativity of Marilyn Monroe (Figure 7) the planet of


Glamour (Neptune) rises in the sign of showmanship (Leo) in trine
to the planet of Beauty (Venus) on the cusp of and ruling the house of
career. Mars, ruling the Midheaven, is in Pisces (Films) and the Sun
and its dispositor are in the eleventh house, which with the fifth
forms the sector related to show business. Marilyn's parents sepa-
rated as soon as she was born, abandoning her to the tender care
of an orphanage (Saturn intercepted in fourth, heredity, home life,
square Moon, Jupiter and Neptune; Fortuna square Pluto in
Cancer) and before she was nine she was looked after by eleven
different families, all abjectly poor, each with a different set of moral
values. Such a variety of conflicting moral standards (Saturn square
Neptune) must have occasioned considerable confusion in her
young mind and conditioned her philosophical outlook (Pisces on
ninth), implanting a vigorous desire (Mars conjunct Uranus trine
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 165

Saturn) to escape from the sordidside of life (Pisces). 'Looking back',


she said, 'I guess I used to play act all the time.' (Neptune rising in

29
Of 20

& O %
<y <D 0° •o
07
to <s 3€
o 0\
fv
r5. 'V
¥
•Q so 7v
26 -5)
is 10 53

42
8 4Z
£ ^<9
-f6"
CJ
nj i0 T3
to
r-J
cr-

28

29

Fig. 7 Marilyn Monroe, 1st June, 1926 9.09 a.m. P.ST., Los Angeles

Leo; Sun in eleventh). Her precipitate first marriage at sixteen was


largely due to her desire to escape from uncongenial conditions.
Mars in Pisces quincunx Neptune did not help permanent
relationships with the opposite sex; three marriages were dis-
solved. Both Sun and Mars are in dual signs and Venus is semi-
sextile Uranus from an uncongenial sign. Her third husband,
Arthur Miller, was a brilliant writer (Sun in Gemini; Mercury trine
166 ASTROLOGY

seventh). Her earning capacity was high (Moon conjunct Jupiter


trine Sun; Jupiter on eighth cusp; Venus trine second). Her un-
punctuality was something of a legend (Saturn afflicted, Neptune
rising). She had no children (Moon first applies to square of afflicted
Saturn). During the war, before her screen career, she worked as a
parachute (Neptune) inspector (Saturn in Scorpio) and a paint
sprayer (Mars, dispositor of ruler of tenth in Pisces - diffusion - con-
junct Uranus-labour saving devices).
She had (says a leading critic) a phenomenal degree of responsive-
ness and the greatest sensitivity (Neptune rising trine Venus; Mars
conjunct Uranus in Pisces). The majority of planets above the
horizon show her strong impact upon the world at large, the
Neptune-Saturn square isolated below the horizon, the many
psychological problems occasioned by her grim and miserable
experiences in early life.
An analysis of the various horoscopical factors in relation to the
Moon's Nodes brings an even sharper focus to bear upon the Saturn-
Neptune square, for these are the only two planets in the "eastern"
nodal hemisphere. Furthermore, Saturn is the dispositor of the
South Node and shows by its afflicted condition, a previous
life where the native was faced with extremely difficult and involved
problems of self-discipline. The Moon, the dispositor of the North
Node, showing the work to be done during the present life, applies
to the square of Saturn and the opposition of Neptune, suggesting
that the whole life experience will be orientated in such a way as to
bear on the problem of straightening out this particular legacy of
the past. The placement of the nodes midway between Mars and
Saturn is a further severe affliction. The Moon, and the North Node
in the twelfth house, relating to the native's final adjustment to life,
show the crucial nature of the problems with which she had to
contend. The development of emotional sensitivity (fi, in cb) is
shown as an important factor in this struggle.
If we translate the planetary and angular positions to the lunar
zodiac, even more significant stresses become apparent:—

New Positions Aspects to Natal Positions


§ 25 H 07 6 c?/^
© 22 = 09 6 D/ 2| □ h t? ^
M.C. 12 K 13
® 28 t 53 □ W
EXAMPLE DELINEATIONS 167

y 10 7 44 d ®
ft Or d W
]> 0 % 36 fp M.C.
^ 3 « 57 d M.C
? 10 A 29 O0 o
V

Her unfortunate death from an overdose of drugs in circumstances


which suggested suicide is a sad testimony to the power of the
Saturn-Neptune square, which seems to have dominated the life.
Suicide usually results from a strong death wish (h % afflicted
in 4th; ® TIZK), coupled with an over-accentuated desire for self-
surrender (H* in 1st afflicted), plus a considerable element of despera-
tion (c?d ^ )• The Sun's applying square to Mars, although apparently
very weak, also enters into this pattern, for on the days after birth
the square is drawing ever closer.
CHAPTER TEN

Conclusion

In the foregoing pages it has only been possible to introduce the


student to some aspects of natal astrology. There has not been room,
for instance, to deal with the complicated matter of prediction or to
make mention of other branches of the art, such as mundane,
horary and electional astrology, to name but three. As the reader
progresses in his studies and widens the field of his investigations he
will no doubt encounter problems and discover controversial issues
that are not easily resolved. Such problems and controversies,
although they may hint that our knowledge of the science is by no
means as complete as we would wish, indicate that astrology is a
living thing and a perpetual challenge to the ingenuity and under-
standing of its practitioners.
The student will probably find that many of his problems can be
placed in truer perspective if he has the opportunity to contact other
students and discuss his ideas with them. Astrological students are
not numerous and unless the student lives in or near London it may
be difficult for him to contact fellow-enthusiasts. In London how-
ever he will be more fortunate, for there are three groups which hold
regular meetings to hear lectures on and discuss astrological subjects.
The oldest and most important of these groups is the Astrological
Lodge of the Theosophical Society, founded in 1915 by Alan Leo,
and developed under the inspiring leadership of Charles E. O.
Carter (now President Emeritus) for some thirty years. Meetings are
held at 50 Gloucester Place, London, W. 1, on most Mondays during
the year, when there is a beginners' class, public lecture and mem-
bers' discussion group. There is an extensive astrological library
open to members, who receive a copy of the Lodge magazine.
Astrology, each quarter. Non-members may subscribe to the maga-
zine (13s. per annum post free). Readers interested in joining the
Lodge should write for further particulars to the Secretary at the
address given above.
The Astrological Association, founded in 1958, holds monthly
meetings at 16 Queensberry Place, London, S.W.7 and publishes
quarterly The Astrological Journal, free to all members. For further
particulars write to the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Miss A. L.
Phillips, 4 Ridgeway Gardens, Wimbledon, London, S.W.I 9.
168
CONCLUSION 169

The Federation of British Astrologers, formed mainly with the


object of safeguarding the interests of professional astrologers, holds
a monthly meeting and instruction class. Particulars from E. W.
Whitman, Honorary Secretary, 29 Ludgate Hill, London, E.C.4.
The Faculty of Astrological Studies (originally founded by the
Astrological Lodge) offers personal tuition by correspondence both
for beginners and more advanced students. There are three graded
courses, yearly examinations and successful students in the senior
examination are awarded a Diploma. Full particulars from Jeff
Mayo, D.F. Astrol. S. (Tutor), 32 Hamilton Road, London, N.W. 10.
American students are fortunate in having ready access to two very
good professionally produced monthly magazines, American Astrol-
ogy and Horoscope. There is also the more technical and privately
produced monthly A.F.A. Bulletin, published by the American
Federation of Astrologers, 327 A Street, S.E., Washington 3, D.C.
Other astrological groups are The Church of Light, Los Angeles,
California, and The Rosicrucian Fellowship, Oceanside, California.
Finally, a word about the ethics of astrology. In a properly
ordered society the astrologer should be in much the same position
as a doctor, psychologist or priest. Indeed, in ancient Egypt and
Babylonia, priests were true healers, well versed in astrology, skilled
in medicine and fully conversant with the workings of the psyche.
Although this state of affairs does not obtain today, the proficient
astrologer may sometimes be called upon to help those of his fellow
beings who have difficult personal problems to solve. In such cir-
cumstances he should recognize that his position is a privileged one
and that the possession of astrological knowledge is a trust not to be
regarded lightly. He should refrain from giving advice unless it is
asked for and then he should always try to suggest to those seeking
help how they can best help themselves, by dwelling upon the
strengths and not the weaknesses of the horoscope and by drawing
attention to such favourable opportunities for development that
must sooner or later present themselves, so that present difficulties
may better be placed in perspective. Never attempt to delineate or
predict in too much detail, for to do so successfully requires a most
unusual degree of inspiration. Above all, never suggest the time when
death is likely to take place as this must inevitably cause an unfavour-
able psychological reaction even in the minds of those who believe
themselves capable of contemplating such information with the
utmost detachment. It goes without saying that the astrologer
should never divulge information given to him in confidence nor
170 ASTROLOGY

should he spend too much time and energy seeking to turn his
astrological knowledge to financial profit.
However chaotic the external conditions of life may be it is diffi-
cult for the student who has gained some first-hand knowledge of the
workings of astrology to escape the conclusion that we live in an
ordered world and ^hat astrology provides a major key to the under-
standing of the higher laws that govern the universe. The degree of
understanding that the student will be able to bring to bear upon the
interpretation of horoscopes will therefore depend upon his know-
ledge of these laws, so that he should strive to develop and expand
his knowledge of metaphysical and occult philosophy to the full
extent of which he is capable, not only in order to gain the fullest
possible understanding of the science and of himself but in order to
fit himself to make the best possible use of such knowledge for the
benefit of his fellows.
Appendix

Recommended Further Reading

Casting The Horoscope


Casting the Horoscope, Alan Leo, Llewellyn

The Zodiac
From Pioneer to Poet, Isabelle M. Pagan,
Llewellyn
The Zodiac: A Life Epitome, Walter H. Sampson, The Blackfriars Press Ltd.
The Zodiac and the Salts of Salvation, Dr. G. W. Carey and Inez Eudora
Perry, Rowny
The Pulse of Life, Dane Rudhyar, David McKay Company.

The Planets
Astrology - Your Place among the Stars, Evangeline Adams, Dodd

The Houses
Astrology ~ How and Why it li'orhs. Marc Edmund Jones. Llewellyn

The Aspects
The Astrological Aspects, C. E. O. Carter, L. N. Fowler & Co. Ltd.

Judgement of the Horoscope


The Guide to Horoscope Interpretation, Marc Edmund Jones, David
McKay.
Some Principles of Horoscopic Delineation, C. E. O. Carter, W. Foulsham &
Co., Ltd.
Essavs on the Foundations of Astrology, C. E. O. Car'er, W. Foulsham &
Co., Ltd.

Prediction
The Technique of Prediction, R. C. Davison, Lleuellyn

171
Index

(Explanations of terms in italics are given on the page indicated.)

Accidental ruler, 84 Combust, 109


Angles, 138 Cusps, 81
Angular houses, 82
Antiscions, 111 Day, Mean Solar, 120
Appearance, Physical, 147 Death, 155
Applying aspects. 111, 142 Declination, 110
Ascendant Aspects: 79 Deficiency of element, 141
Applying, 111, 142 of quality, 141
Bi-quintile, 110 Descendant, 79
Conjunction, 109, 110 Detriment, 27
Dexter, 111 Direct, 131
Harmonious, 110 Disposilor, Final, 141, 142
Inharmonious, 110 Dragon s Head, 142
Interpretations, 112-19 Dragon s Tad, 142
Opposition, 109, 110
Quincunx, 109, 110 Ecliptic, 15
Quint He, 110 Elements, 15
Semi-quint He, 110 Elevation, 142, 143
Semi-sextile, 109, 110 Enemies, 154-5
Semi-square, 109, 110 Exaltation, 27
Separating, 111, 142 Example Calculations, 125
Sesquiquadrale, 109, 110
SextHe, 109, 110 Fall, 27
Sinister, 111 Fate and Freewill, 12
Square, 109, 110 Feminine Signs, 153
Trine, 109 Final Disposilor, 141, 142
Asteroids, 27 Friends, 154-55
Asteroids, 27 Fruitful Signs, 153

Benefics, 34 Grand Cross, 139


Bode's Law, 27 Grand Trine, 139
Greenwich Mean Time, 120
Cadent houses, 82
Caput Draconis, 142 Health, 151
Cauda Draconis, 142 Horizon, 79
Career, 148-50 Houses
Celestial Equator, 15 Angular, 82
Children, 153 Cadent, 82
173
174 INDEX

Planets in: Natural Ruler, 84


First, 85
Second, 86 Orb, 109
Third, 89 Orbit, 27
Fourth, 92
Fifth. 95 Parallel Declination, 110
Sixth, 98 Parents, 153-4
Seventh, 99 Part of Fortune, 142
Eighth, 102 Calculation of, 132
Ninth, 103 Part of Marriage, 152
Tenth, 104 Physical Appearance, 147
Eleventh, 106 Planets:
Twelfth, 107 Sun, 29
Succedent, 82 Moon, 29
Mercury, 30
Venus, 30
I mum Coeli (I.C.), 79
Mars, 31
Income, 150
Individual Signs, 16, 17 Jupiter, 31
Saturn, 32
Inheritance, 150
Uranus, 32
Intercepted Signs, 84, 128
Neptune, 33
Pluto, 33
Kent, Duke of, 137
in Aspect, 112-19
in Houses, 85-108
Latitude, 134 in Signs, 35-78
Length of Life, 146 Primordial Signs, 16, 17
Lindbergh, Col. Charles, 162
Local Time, 122 QuadrupUcity, 15
Logarithms, use of, 131
Long Ascension, 81 Retrograde, 130
Longitude, 121 Ruler, Accidental, 84
Love Affairs, 151, 152 Natural, 84
Subsidiary, 84
Malefics, 34
Marriage, 151, 152 Satellitium, 109, 141, 154
Masculine Signs, 153 Separating Aspects, 111, 142
Mean Solar Day, 120 Short Ascension, 80
Medium Coeli, (A/.C.), 79 Sidereal Time, 120
Mental Characteristics, 147 Sign Rulerships, 29
Meridian, 79 Signs:
Midheaven, 79 Cardinal, 15
Midpoints, 109, 111 feminine, 153
Modes, 15 Fixed 15
Monroe, Marilyn, 164 Fruitful, 153
Moon's Nodes, 142 Individual, 16, 17
Mutual Reception, 111 Masculine, 153
INDEX

Mutable, IS Tables of Houses, 80, 120


Primordial, 16, 17 Time:
Universal, 16, 17 Greenwich Mean, 120
Planets in; Local, 122
Sun, 35 Sidereal, 120
Moon, 42 Standard, 122
Mercury, 47 Summer, 122
Venus, 51 Time of Birth, 125
Mars, 55 Travel, 154
Jupiter, 60 Triplicily, 15
Saturn, 64
Uranus, 68 Unaspected planets, 139
Neptune, 71 Universal signs, 16, 17
Pluto, 75 Use of logarithms, 131
Speculation, 150
Stationary, 131 Zodiac, 15
Subsidiary Ruler, 84 Lunar, 142
Succedent Houses, 82

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