Alternate coordinate system options enable an astrologer to look at a birth or event from several different perspectives. Each system represents a different perspective and allows the same birth data (time, place, etc.) to be viewed from a different angle or view point. Together they provide an opportunity to view the chart in different contexts.
| Equatorial | Heliocentric | Campanus Mundoscope |
| Local Space | Hour Angle | Prime Vertical |
| Geocentric | Astronomical Azimuth | Neely Prime Vertical |
In the Equatorial Coordinates system, natal planets are represented in right ascension and declination as measured from the vernal equinox eastward along the plane of the celestial equator. Right ascension is the longitude measurement, declination is the latitude.
In the Local Space coordinate system, natal planets are represented in azimuth and altitude as measured from the east northward along the plane of the local horizon. Azimuth is the longitude measurement, altitude is the latitude.
Geocentric coordinates of a celestial body are those as “viewed” from the center of the Earth. The coordinate systems used to represent such positions are usually the equatorial (right ascension and declination) and ecliptic (celestial longitude and latitude), plus geocentric longitude and latitude of a terrestrial object. Latitude is determined by the angle between the plane of the equator and a line joining the center of the Earth and the observer.
Heliocentric coordinates of a celestial body are those “viewed” from the center of the Sun. A heliocentric chart will not have houses, the Sun or the Moon, but will include the position of the Earth (exactly opposite that of the Geocentric Sun position). Helio Mercury and Venus can be up to 180 degrees from their Geo positions, Mars up to 47 degrees, Neptune and Pluto only 2 degrees. Interpretations of heliocentric charts rely heavily on aspects, especially major configurations such as Grand Trines, T-Squares, etc.
In the Hour Angle coordinate system, natal planets are represented in arc longitude and declination as measured from the meridian westward along the plane of the celestial equator. Arc longitude is the longitude measurement, declination is the latitude.
In the Astronomical Azimuth coordinate system, natal planets are represented in azimuth and altitude as measured from the north westward along the plane of the local horizon. Azimuth is the longitude measurement, altitude is the latitude.
In the Campanus Mundoscope coordinate system, natal planets are represented in longitude and amplitude as measured from the zenith westward along the plane of the prime vertical. Longitude is the longitude measurement, amplitude is the latitude.
In the Prime Vertical coordinate system, natal planets are represented in longitude and amplitude as measured from the east toward the nadir along the plane of the prime vertical. Longitude is the longitude measurement, amplitude is the latitude.
In the Neely Prime Vertical coordinate system, natal planets are represented in longitude and amplitude as measured from the east toward the nadir along the plane of the prime vertical. Longitude is the longitude measurement, amplitude is the latitude.
There is considerable debate among astrologers as to which is the most accurate. Some believe that one system is more precise for determining events and another for psychological patterns. There is, however, no consensus among astrologers today. The Placidus house system is the most common in the U.S. and Europe. The Koch system is a modern adaptation of Placidus and is used by a growing minority of astrologers. The Equal House system is the only one to divide the chart into 12 houses of 30 degrees each. This may be most useful when calculating charts for extreme north or south latitudes as other systems become more distorted as we move closer to the North and South poles. You may want to calculate a chart in different systems and see what changes (if any) are made. The sign positions and aspects of the planets will not vary, but their house positions will.
House systems are derived from either time-based or space-based calculations.
The following are brief descriptions of a wide variety of popular house systems. The point of any house system is to divide the ecliptic into twelve sections (often unequal) that have reference to the horizon or some other conspicuous feature defined by a point on the surface of the earth. This division is brought about by means of twelve house “cusps,” which are either introduced directly or created by some kind of projection of circles onto the ecliptic. Each system has advantages and disadvantages.
| Koch | Regiomontanus | Meridian |
| Placidus | Alcabitus | Local space |
| Meridian | Solar houses | Regimontanus |
| Morinus | Sun houses | User-Defined Asc. |
| Porphyry | Moon houses | Uranian house options |
| Campanus | Topocentric houses | Equal houses |
(see also Tables of houses in chapter 7-23 page) The Koch house system is also called the Birthplace house system, is a time-based system that is similar to the Placidus house system. Tables for this system first appeared in 1971 in an English translation of the work of Walter Koch. This sytem divides arcs and projects them onto the ecliptic as follows:
For cusps above the horizon, the semidiurnal arc (along a small circle) of the rising degree (ascendant) is trisected; then, altitude circles (small circles parallel to the horizon) are constructed through the points of trisection; finally, the cusps are determined by the intersections of these altitude circles with the ecliptic.
For cusps below the horizon, the semi-nocturnal arc is used. The MC and ascendant are the same, respectively, as the cusps of the 10th and 1st houses. This system is ill-defined at extreme latitudes
Named after Placidus de Tito (1603-1668). The Placidian house system is often described as a “time-based” system (as opposed to a “space” system such as Campanus) because it is based on the division of an arc made by a moving point on the ecliptic. Although the MC and ascendant are respectively the 10th and 1st houses, the other cusps must be calculated according to division of their own semi-arcs, which is very laborious. This system is way off in extreme latitudes.
The Placidus house system is long known in the English-speaking world due to the availability (since the middle of the 19th century) of Raphael’s Ephemeris and Raphael’s Tables of Houses. There is much argument as to the origin of this system, although it seems generally agreed that it was not the work of the monk Placidus. It appears to have evolved from the Albategnius house system. The house cusps are formed by points, each of which trisects its own diurnal or nocturnal semi- arc. The points where these complex curves cross the ecliptic are the cusps given in the Placidian Tables of Houses.
The Meridian house system was proposed by the Australian astrologer Zariel (David Cope) in the early 1900s. It has never received much attention, but was investigated by American astrologers Bruce Lloyd and Garth Allen in the late 1950s. This system is also referred to as the “Axial-Rotation System” (a misleading term, as no rotation is involved), the “Zariel house system,” and the “Equatorial house system.” It is the chosen method in the Uranian system of astrology. In the Meridian house system, the eleventh cusp is what the midheaven would be exactly two hours later in sidereal time, the twelfth cusps four sidereal hours later, the first cusp (equatorial ascendant) six sidereal hours later, and so on around the chart. Equal midheaven houses on the equator are projected (via meridians of right ascension) to the ecliptic. Each house is exactly two sidereal hours long. The MC is the cusp of the tenth house and the Equatorial Ascendant is the cusp of the first house (the latter is a point often inserted as “Eq.” in charts that have not been calculated with Meridian houses).
Named after Jean-Baptiste Morin (1583-1656), known as Morinus who was an astrological consultant for Cardinal Richelieu. The Morinus system uses great circles that pass through the poles of the ecliptic and through points that are spaced at 30-degree intervals along the Celestial Equator, beginning with the intersection of the Celestial Equator and the East Point. The cusps are determined by the intersections of these great circles and the ecliptic. The lunes of the houses are not of equal size. The MC is not the same as the 10th cusp. The ascendant is not the same as the 1st cusp. The great circle for the 1st house passes through the east point of the horizon. This system works in extreme latitudes but is not specific to birthplace.
This is a quadrant system named for Porphyry (3rd century AD), a Neoplatonist who lived around 233-303 A.D. This system uses great circles through the poles of the ecliptic to form the house cusps. The MC and ascendant are equal, respectively, to the 10th and 1st house cusps. The intermediate house cusps are equal divisions of each quadrant, measured along the ecliptic. This house cusps are located by trisecting the ecliptic arc between the MC and ASC and between the ASC and IC. This system creates two pairs of three equally small houses in opposite quadrants and two pairs of large houses in the other quadrants. It is a variation of the Equal house system and attempts to divide the quadrants of the horoscope in a more equal manner. There are problems at extreme latitudes, but many astrologers like this system because it is relatively easy to calculate by hand.
(see also Tables of houses in chapter 7-22) Probably named after Johannes Campanus (? - 1297c). In the Campanus system, the houses are formed by great circles that pass through the north and south points of the horizon and a set of points spaced at 30° steps along the prime vertical, beginning at the zenith and proceeding eastward through the east point on the horizon. The cusps are located at the intersections of these house circles with the ecliptic.
Here are houses derived from the trisection of the quadrants formed by the intersection of the horizon
and the meridian with the prime vertical. The prime vertical is divided into twelve equal arcs by lunes
(sections of the sphere) whose poles are the north and south points of the horizon. The points where
the lines cross the ecliptic define the house cusps. The arcs comprising the lunes are house
semi-circles. The Campanus house system was preferred by Cyril Fagan, Roy Firebrace, Donald Bradley
(Garth Allen), Dane Rudhyar, Gary Duncan, and Charles Jayne because of its “clean” geometric
definition of the construction of the houses. In their writings Max Heindel and Augusta Foss Heindel
clearly describe the Campanus house system. This system is also preferred by advocates of the
sidereal zodiac, a fact that has led some readers, incorrectly, to regard it as an exclusively sidereal
tool.
This system is ill-defined at extreme latitudes.
The celestial equator is divided into twelve equal segments, beginning at the east point. The house cusps are formed by the intersections of the house semi-circles with the ecliptic. Since the equator is not perpendicular to the northpoint-southpoint axis of the horizon, the houses are not equal.
A method of house division named for Alcabitius, an Arab, who is supposed to have lived in the 1st century A.D. Others connect it with an Arabic system that dates from the 10th century at the earliest, and the name of the astrologer-astronomer with the 12th century Alchabitus. This system is the one used in the few remaining examples of ancient Greek horoscopes. The MC and ASC are respectively the 10th- and 1st- house cusps. The remaining cusps are determined by the trisection of the semidiurnal and seminocturnal arcs of the ascendant. The houses are formed by the lunes created by the true house circles that pass through these cusps and the North and South points of the Horizon. This varies from other quadrant systems, in which the trisection occurs along the ecliptic.
The Solar house system takes the position of the Sun in a horoscope as the ascendant and assigns all other house cusps at equal 30-degree intervals from that position. The resultant chart is called a “Solar Chart.” This method of house division is commonly used when the time of birth is unknown or unavailable. This system is not specific to birthplace.
Sun houses (not a true house system) take the position of theSun in a horoscope as the 4th cusp and assign all other house cusps at equal 30-degree intervals from that position.
Moon houses (not a true house system) take the position of the Moon in a horoscope as the 10th cusp and assign all other house cusps at equal 30-degree intervals from that position.
Where geocentric house systems are based on a projection of the birthplace to the center of the earth, the topocentric system keeps the birthplace on the center of the earth.
This is a 20th-century house system derived by Argentinean astrologers Vendel Polish and Nelson Page. It is topocentric as opposed to geocentric, i.e. the birthplace is kept on the surface of the Earth, rather than being projected to the center of the Earth. It was formulated after laborious empirical testing with primary directions that indicated the positions of the house cusps. Its house cusps are within a degree of Placidian cusps (not including extreme latitudes over 56 degrees), although the two systems have completely different mathematical premises. The celestial equator is divided into 12 equal parts from a cone of rotation. The resultant ascensional circles are then projected onto the ecliptic to obtain the degrees of longitude of the house cusps. It has a theoretical basis established through laborious empirical tests.
The Meridian house system was proposed by the Australian astrologer Zariel (David Cope) in the early 1900s. It has never received much attention, but was investigated by American astrologers Bruce Lloyd and Garth Allen in the late 1950s. This system is also referred to as the “Axial Rotation System,” a term which is somewhat misleading, as no rotation is involved, but derives from the use of the North and South Celestial poles for the construction of the great circles. Circles are drawn through the poles and twelve points that divide the equator equally, starting at the meridian. These points are then projected onto the ecliptic. The MC is identical to the 10th house cusp. The ASC is not equal to the 1st cusp, but is equivalent to the East Point or equatorial ascendant. This system works in extreme latitudes but is not specific to birthplace. The Meridian house system is most popular with Uranian astrologers.
Local Space provides an alternative to ecliptic house systems. In this system, equal divisions in azimuth on the horizon function as houses. (See Local Space Coordinates in chapter 5-3 page))
Named after Regiomontanus (Johannes Muller), who devised the system 100 years after Campanus. The Regiomontanus system uses house circles which pass through the north and south points on the horizon. The MC and ascendant are, respectively, the cusps of the 10th and 1st houses. The arcs along the Celestial Equator between the MC and ASC and between the MC and IC are trisected, and house circles are then drawn perpendicular to the prime vertical through the trisection points. The points where the house circles intersect the ecliptic mark the cusps of the intermediate houses. The Regiomontanus house system is a mathematically simpler version of the Placidian system. It gives slightly different cusp values from Placidus and does not use varying semi-arc ratios in determining the cusps. There are problems with this system in extreme latitudes.
This system allows a user to enter a point (in longitude) in degree, minute, and second (DDD MM’SS") notation. The assigned point is then use das the 1st house cusp and the other cusps are taken as 30-degree intevals from that point. Two popular uses of this option involve placing zero degrees of a zodiacal sign (more commonly the rising sigh) as the 1st house cusp or assigning zero degrees Aries as the 1st house cusp.
A chart is directed by adding a fixed arc to every point in the chart, including the chart angles. Therefore a directed chart maintains the same aspects as the chart upon which it is based, but different zodiacal positions. In Solar Fire, the fixed arc that is applied is determined by the arc of the secondary progressed Sun’s longitude, or by the arc of the derived Ascendant or Vertex once the Midheaven has been progressed by the same longitude as the secondary progressed Sun. Which of these methods is used depends on which method of directions is currently selected for the chart or dynamic report.
Primary directions are created by the diurnal rotation of the earth about its own polar axis. Hence each planet or chart angle is directed along its own diurnal arc, starting from its natal position. Each degree of rotation is deemed to correspond to 1 year in the life of the individual. Aspects are deemed to be formed between directed and natal planets when their relative positions in their diurnal arcs are in angular relationship. (Note that this is quite different from aspects of zodiacal longitude.). For example, if the Sun is nattily situated in the 10th house at 90% along its arc from its rise to its culmination, then Saturn will be in natal mundane square to it when it is directed to a position in the 1st house which is at 90% along its arc from its nadir to its rise across the horizon. If this occurs after Saturn has been directed by 24.5 degrees along its diurnal arc, then it is deemed that directed Saturn makes a mundane square to the Sun when the individual is 24 and a half years old.
Directions are a predictive tool by which one planet is “directed” to another planet or point. Thus evolves a symbolic method of forecasting based on adding a fixed arc to the natal planets and comparing the directed positions to the radix positions to evaluate the occurrence of aspects. Arcs of direction are calculated in various ways as described below:
| Ascendant Arc | Naibod Arc | Vertical Arc |
| Degree-for-a-Year Arc | Solar Arc | User Arc |
In the Ascendent Arc method of direction the midheaven is progressed by the Solar Arc, reduced to an equivalent RAMC (sidereal time), and using the radix geographic latitude, a new set of angles is derived. Thus, the Ascendent Arc is the difference between the natal ascendent and the ascendent calculated above. The ascendent arc is then added to all natal planets (not the angles) to produce their directed positions.
Note: Ascendent arc uses only the radix geographic latitude. The relocated latitude is never used.
With degree-for-a-year arc directions, one degree of arc is represented for each year of life. This arc is then added to all relevant natal positions to find their directed positions.
Naibod arc direction equates one year of life to the mean daily motion of the Sun (59’08" per day). This arc is then added to the MC, from which the ascendant and houses are derived.
In the scheme of solar arc directions, one year of life is equivalent to one day of solar motion. The arc distance in longitude between the natal and secondary progressed Sun position is calculated and then added to all relevant natal positions. Among contemporary methods of direction, solar arc is one of the most popular.
The Vertical Arc method of direction is similar to Ascendent Arc directions. The only exception is that the Vertex is used in the calculation rather than the ascendent.
The user arc is dependant upon a user defined arc of direction. This arc is then added to all relevant natal positions to find their directed postions. (See User-Defined Progressions) The arc you choose is added once for each year of life. For example, if you are 30 years old and you choose an arc jof 10 degrees, Win*Star will add 300 degrees to the position of each planet. More typically, astrologers will experiment with the daily motion of a planet other lthan the Sun (a day corresponding to a year). The User-Defined arc option allows a user to enter their own ratio of directions based on defining a particular arc section in degrees, minutes, and seconds to be added to all natal planets. The user rate should be defined and entered as follows:
User Rate = DDD MM SS
In other words, simply define the arc you require and enter it into the window. Any number of possible direction rates can be experimented with.
A progressed chart for a particular date is calculated by determining the time elapsed since the birth or event chart, and applying a progression rate to the elapsed time to get a progressed elapsed time, and then adding that progressed elapsed time to the birth or event chart date. For example, secondary progressions are based on a correspondence of one year to one day. Therefore a progressed chart for a time and date 32.745 years after the birth time and date is calculated as a natal chart would be for a time and date 32.745 days after the birth time and date.
Once the planetary positions are determined in this manner, the progressed midheaven is calculated according to the currently selected method of angles progression, and then the other chart angles are derived from the midheaven according to the chart’s location.
Instead of using a progression rate determined from mean periods, it is possible to base the progression calculation upon true (fluctuating) periods. This is of practical use with progression rates which are based on the moon’s cycles, because the moon’s cycles do fluctuate significantly with time. Solar Fire offers this option in relation to the tertiary progressions of fixed charts (but not in the dynamic module). In this case one is assuming that each true lunar cycle corresponds to one day in the progressed chart, so the calculation involves finding the exact times of the lunar returns before and after the target date, and interpolating between these to find the exact fractional lunar cycle to add to the number of completed lunar cycles at the target date. The resulting number of lunar cycles is the number of days by which to progress the chart.
Progressions are a symbolic method of forecasting based on the principle that a certain period of time in the life of an individual, such as a year or a month (one lunar cycle), is equal to some other complete cycle or revolution, such as a day (one complete revolution of the Earth on its axis).
For example, in the normal mode of progressing a chart for any date after birth, the arc angle between the natal and the progressed positions is calculated according to the method of progression or direction selected. That amount is then added to the natal planets. However, when the converse mode is used in the progression, the arc angle is calculated as described above, but that arc is subtracted from the natal positions to derive the converse positions.
Minor progressions are based on the idea that a year in your life is made equivalent to one lunar month. If you have an event on your fortieth birthday, minor progressed positions would be positions of the planets about 40 months after birth. (Mean lunar cycles used.)
Quotidians are sidereal techniques and require that the natal for which they are ordered has been calculated in the sidereal zodiac. Quotidian #1 is a secondary progressed chart calculated for the sidereal day (366.242 days per year) in the sidereal zodiac. Quotidian #2 differs in that the chart is computed using a tropical day (365.242 days per year) in the sidereal zodiac.
Of all progression techniques, Secondaries are by far the most popular. Secondaries are based on the idea that one year of life is equivalent to one day of planetary motion. If you have an event on your fortieth birthday, secondary progressed positions would be the positions of the planets 40 days after birth.
A method of progression whereby one day is equal to one lunar month. Thus, one lunar month of life is equivalent to one day of planetary motion. If you have an event on your fortieth birthday, Tertiary progressed positions would be positions of the planets 520 days after birth. (40 years multiplied by 13 lunar returns per year.)
The User Defined option enables a user to define their own ratio of progression based on a ratio of
some number of days of progressed time is equal to some number of days of life, or real time. The user
rate should be calculated according to the following formula:
User Rate = Progressed Time / Real Time
In other words, select the number of days of progressed time you are considering and the number of days of real time to which you want to make it equal. Divide the former (progressed time) by the latter (real time) to produce a constant which will be used to compute the progressions.
For example, although the secondary method of progressions is a pre-defined option, let’s evaluate
this formula and enter it with the User-Defined option. The secondary progressed method is based on
the formula: a day in progressed time (1) is equal to one year of life or real time (365.24219879). Our
formula would look like this:
User Rate = 1/365.24219879 = .002737909
It is the number .002737909 that would be entered at the user prompt. Any number f possible
progression rates can be experimented with. This User-Defined progressed option is included for more
advanced students and may be ignored by those not requiring this kind of special progression.
Progressed Angle techniques are used to progress/direct the ascendant, midheaven, vertex, and equatorial ascendant of the radix chart.
This progressed angle method is used with secondary, tertiary, and minor progressions. The exact time of the progressed chart is used to determine the corresponding RAMC (sidereal time) plus an RAMC exactly 24 hours (one day) later. Angles are derived by an interpolation between these two values.
With Solar Arc MC, the midheaven is directed by solar arc. The resulting midheaven is then reduced to its equivalent RAMC (sidereal time) and that RAMC value is used to calculate the new set of angles using the radix geographic latitude. This method is standard for the different forms of direction (Solar Arc, Naibod Arc, Degree/Year Arc, User Arc, etc.) and is often used with secondary progressions.
This progressed angle method is used with secondary, tertiary, and minor progressions. The exact time of the progressed chart is used to determine the corresponding RAMC (sidereal time) and this RAMC is then used to derive a set of chart angles using the radix geographic latitude.
A return chart is calculated for the exact date and time that a chart point returns to its longitude in the base chart. If the base chart uses the tropical zodiac, then the return is to the same point in the tropical zodiac (unless it is precessed). If it is sidereal then the return is to the same point in the sidereal zodiac. The program iterates in time to find the correct date and time of the return. For planets other than the Sun, Moon and Earth, an approximation to the time of the return is found initially by doing a heliocentric return. (For Mercury, Venus and Vulcan, an Earth return is used.) A search is then made for geocentric returns on either side of the heliocentric return date, until the date or angle exceeds the possible limits for finding further geocentric returns.
In the calculation of returns, the accuracy of the return time is calculated by dividing the accuracy of the planet's position by the speed of the planet at the time of the return, both for the natal chart and for the return chart, and these are added together. This method gives a reasonable assessment of accuracy in most cases. However, the accuracy of Pluto returns outside the range 1890-2099 is likely to be much worse than is indicated by this method.
This chart is calculated with the planetary positions for the date for which the Wynn-Key chart is required, but the chart angles are based on the preceding and following Solar return chart angles. The R.A. of the midheaven is determined by interpolating between the R.A.s of the two Solar Returns (which are typically about 6 hours apart), based on the proportion of time that has elapsed between them at the required date.
This chart uses planetary positions determined by a performing a secondary progression of the planets in the preceding Solar Return, to the date of the required return chart. However the chart angles are determined by interpolating between the R.A.s of the midheavens of the preceding and following solar returns. The progressed R.A.of the midheaven is deemed to move through an entire rotation in addition to the exact difference between the two R.A.s of the returns (ie. about 30 hours altogether). The R.A. of the resulting chart is based on the proportion of time that has elapsed between the two returns at the required date. This return type is also known as a Progressed Tropical Return in John Filbey’s “Solar and Lunar Returns”
A Return Chart is an astrological chart calculated for the moment at which a given body “returns” to the exact position in the zodiac that it occupied in a radical chart (typically, the natal chart). Returns are most often applied to the Sun and Moon, but also used in the sense of a planetary return. For example, the Saturn return occurs on the date at which Saturn returns to the degree it occupied at the time of the person’s birth. The Solar return occurs on or about the birth date; Lunar Returns occur 13 times each year.
Return options are very precise and may be performed in the tropical, sidereal, or precessed tropical zodiacs. Some of the larger versions of Win*Star include returns to a radix position, or to any place in the zodiac, plus incremental (harmonic) returns (i.e. the return to the radix position plus any desired increment). This includes demi, quarti, (harmonic) returns etc.
A Lunar Return is a chart computed for the date and time when the transiting Moon returns to the exact position in the zodiac that is occupied at the person’s birth. It is normally computed for the place of residence on the date of the return. If calculated using the Sidereal zodiac the chart is known as a SLR (Sidereal Lunar Return); when calculated for the Tropical zodiac, the chart is known as a TLR (Tropical Lunar Return).
A Solar Return is a chart computed for the date and time when the transiting Sun returns to the exact longitude it held at the person’s birth. When computed using the Sidereal zodiac, the resulting chart is called a SSR (Sidereal Solar Return); when computed for the Tropical zodiac, the chart is called a TSR (Tropical Solar Return). These two charts differ by approximately 12 hours when the person is about 36 years of age.
The Precessed method uses the moving or Tropical zodiac as a reference, but adjusts the planet positions so that they remain in the exact position against the background of the fixed stars that they had at birth. In other words, the fact of the gradual precession is expunged from the planet’s positions so that, while they are expressed in the tropical zodiac, they represent the planet positions in a fixed framework.
Some return charts are computed for the moment when a body makes a “hard” aspect to its original place. The Demi-Return is computed for the opposition (180 degree point); Quarti-Returns are computed for the squares (90 degree points), the Ennead is computed at points which are multiples of 40 degrees distant from the original place.
An harmonic chart is calculated by multiplying the longitude of each base chart point and angle by the harmonic number, and then reducing the resultant numbers to the range 0 to 360. The house system in the resulting chart is based on the position of the harmonic ascendant.
The Harmonics are used in Hindu Astrology. They serve to find complex planetary patterns by deviating from the usual partitioning of the zodiac (12 x 30 ° = 360°). The aim is not to replace the original natal chart but to get a more in depth knowledge about it. If the chart is divided into five parts of 72° each, it becomes a lot easier to recognize the quintile relationships within it - the number five comes alive and can be examined.
The natal chart, without further partitioning, would be the 1. Harmonic. To arrive at the 2. Harmonic the chart is divided by two (2 x 180°), the 3. by 3 =120°, the 4. 4 x 90° and so forth. In order to get a whole harmonic, all the parts must be superimposed on one another, and the new part, in which all the planets now are will be enlarged to a circle. This procedure is based on the Hindu knowledge that each part has to be comprehended as a complete Zodiac.
These charts are calculated by taking the "mirror image" of each planet and asteroid about an axis of longitude. There are two methods of calculating such charts in this program.
The axis about which the mirror image is taken is 0 degrees of Capricorn and Cancer. Points in a natal chart which are tightly conjunct or opposite points in its antiscia chart are thought to be points of personal self-fulfilment (ie. indicators of in what areas the individual is self sufficient and does not require a relationship in order to be fulfilled.)
The axis about which the mirror image is taken is 0 degrees of Aries and Libra. Points in a natal chart which are tightly conjunct or opposite points in its contrascia chart are thought to be points of public self-fulfilment (ie. indicators of fame).
The arc transform chart is simply an harmonic chart whose harmonic number is determined by the arc between the two selected planets or chart points, as follows.
Note: If the Arc is les than about 1 second of arc, then the harmonic would be unacceptably high, resulting in an unmeaningful chart. Hence, to avoid problems in this case, the harmonic is set to 1.
This astrological technique was developed by Peter Orban and Ingrid Zinnel and serves as a tool to study a natal chart in greater depth. The basic underlying principle is the theory that human beings having multiple personalities at their disposal, even if we are only partly aware of it. Therefore the natal chart can be understood as a stage where the planets adopt the role of archetypal (inner) persons. Of these, we may be aware or not. They may even represent our Ego-ideal or, on the contrary, their existence may be denied. The twelve archetypes are: the warrior, the beauty, the intellectual, the mother (the small child), the hero (the father), reason, the others, the fanatic, the philosopher, the old one (representing the law) and the master.
Each Personar-Chart serves the purpose of further interpreting one of these inner persons. While the natal chart combines them, they are isolated in the Personar, in order to examine a certain inner person. This will be done by creating a horoscope of the particular moment when the natal sun arrives for the first time at the position being occupied by the planet (person) concerned, the natal chart being the Sun-Personar. Thus we arrive at the birth chart of this inner person associated with the sun. The interpretation of this archetype allows us to learn more about our hidden character traits, hopefully leading to the acceptance of even the bad ones. Including the natal chart, which is the Sun-Personar, there are 10 Personars, which provide a detailed description of the 12 archetypal persons (Venus and Mercury represent both two of these persons).
The Mars-Personar tells the tale of the warrior within us who energetically takes on the challenge of coming to terms with the daily tasks life has to offer.
The Venus-Personar connects us with ‘The Beauty’ and ‘The Other’ within us. ‘The Beauty’ shows all the ingredients necessary to transform life into a joyful experience, while delving deeply into ‘The Other’ may shed some light on who could be our ‘Soul-Mate’. This personar is associated with relationships in general.
The Mercury-Personar represents the ‘Intellectual’, whose existence is entirely based on his mental capacities, as well as ‘Reason’. The Mercury Personar’s predominant life quest seems to be balancing all that is unbalanced. It also describes our approach to the challenges of the mundane world. The Moon-Personar stands for the motherly principle as well as the little child within us. It represents our female side as well as the need to feel secure and comfortable in one’s life circumstances. The Pluto-Personar informs us about our fanatical traits. Pluto is associated with destruction and regeneration, often resulting in sudden changes.
The Jupiter-Personar denotes the philosopher within us striving to expand his horizons while searching for the true meaning of life. This Personar describes how we are trying to achieve these goals. The Saturn-Personar represents the ‘Old’ or the ‘Law-Representative’. Believing in traditional values, he demands obedience and shows us the consequences of our actions. This Personar deals with the sometimes painful lessons life forced upon us, but which serve the purpose of helping us to overcome inherent fears and inhibitions, and helping us to find out more about our destiny in life.
The Uranus-Personar denotes the revolutionary within us who desires to be sponataneous, free and independent, leaving old traditions far behind and defining a new life order.
The Neptun-Personar tells the tale of the master who is aware of other more hidden levels of existence. The topic of this Personar is the dissolving of illusions and the resulting more evolved understanding of certain life structures.
As mentioned before, the Sun-Personar, being the original natal chart, represents the Ego. It tells us the story of the hero of the entire stage performance of our life.
A combined chart is calculated by taking an "average" of two or more base charts, to produce a single representative chart. There are five methods for calculating combined charts in this program.
The midpoint of the shortest arc joining each chart point, angle and house cusp within the two base charts becomes the position of that point in the new chart. Note that it is sometimes possible for the house cusps to be out of order after this method is applied. If this happens, then use one of the methods below.
When calculating any type of composite charts, Solar Fire first determines the composite longitudes, and then determines the composite right ascensions separately. Thus any right ascensions for a composite chart in Solar Fire are true composite right ascensions rather than right ascensions of composite longitudes.
The midpoint of the shortest arc joining each planet, asteroid and the midheaven within the two base charts becomes the position of that point in the new chart. The chart angles and house cusps are then derived from the midheaven according the new chart's latitude.
The average position of each planet, asteroid and the midheaven along the shortest arc joining them within each of the base charts becomes the position of that point in the new chart. The chart angles and house cusps are then derived from the midheaven according the new chart's latitude. This method is described in detail by Robert Hand in his book "Planets in Composite".
The new chart is calculated as if it was a natal chart for the midpoint in time, latitude and longitude of the two base charts.
This is a method which was developed fairly recently by Lawrence Grinnell and David Dukelow, and is published in a booklet “Coalescent Horoscopes - A New Method of Synastry” published by ACS Publications in 1992. To determine each planet’s coalescent position, first find the shortest arc between the pair of planets in the two base charts and divide this by 360 degrees to get the harmonic factor. Next, multiply the position of the planet which has the earliest zodiacal position by the harmonic factor. This must be repeated for each pair of planets and for the Midheavens. The authors of this technique recommend using the Meridian house system to derive the coalescent house cusps from the coalescent Midheaven.
The planetary positions are calculated as for an ordinary natal chart. However, the angles of the chart are determined solely by the location of the chart, and are not influenced by its date or time. Using the Longitude method, the longitude of the midheaven is determined as the longitude of the chart. (East is -ve.)
Using the R.A. method, the R.A. of the midheaven is determined as the longitude of the chart. The ascendant and other chart angles are then derived according to the chart’s latitude. If a user-defined geodetic offset is being used, then this offset is added to the chart’s longitude (either it’s longitude or its R.A., as appropriate).
This chart type is somewhat similar in principle to the Geodetic chart type, except that the position of the transiting Sun is added, as well as a precessionary factor.
Using the Longitude method, the longitude of the midheaven is determined as the longitude of the Sun minus the longitude of the chart (East is -ve.), plus a precessionary factor. Using the R.A. method, the R.A. of the midheaven is determined as the R.A. of the Sun minus the longitude of the chart, plus a precessionary factor.
The ascendant and other chart angles are then derived according to the chart’s latitude. The precessionary factor was 29°10’ of R.A. in 1930, and increases with time at the rate of precession of the equinoxes (about 46.1 seconds of arc per year). Using the longitude method, the precession in R.A. is converted to an equivalent precession in longitude before it is added to the longitude of the Sun.
Although most astrologers place much emphasis upon the chart of the time of physical birth of an individual, there is also a school of thought which says that the physical birth is not the only time for which a useful chart can be cast.
In esoteric thinking it is suggested that the incarnation of a human being starts on the spiritual plane, descends to the mental plane, then the astral/emotional plane, and finally to the physical plane when birth takes place. If charts can be determined for the times at which incarnation onto the mental and astral/emotional planes occurred, then they would provide astrologers with insight into the mental and emotional aspects of the individual, and thus provide a fuller picture of how the individual functions at different levels, and how interactions between these levels occur.
The earliest known reference to prenatal charts is in the “Tritune Hermitas”, which states that the chart of conception (which is usually about nine months prior to birth) has positions of the Moon and Ascendant which are interchanged from those of the natal chart.
The concept of prenatal charts has been adopted and developed by several astrologers in more recent times, such as Sepharial, Johndro, Charles Jayne, E.H. Bailey and Gustav Schwickert and as a result there are now a number of other prenatal chart types which have been proposed. For example, in addition to the time of conception (fertilisation of the egg), the time of quickening or animation (first independent movement by the foetus) is also thought to be especially important. Two of the aforementioned eminent astrologers (Charles Jayne and E.H.Bailey) who undertook a lifetime study of prenatal charts, seem to concur from their independent research that these charts reflect mental (thinking) and emotional (feeling) aspects of an individual, respectively, as distinct from the birth chart itself which reflects outer physical events and sensations.
Baileys Prenatal Charts Jaynes Prenatal ChartsE.H.Bailey worked mainly with just these two types of prenatal charts, as well as with charts of descent, which are charts of monthly lunar returns during the gestation period. Solar Fire includes four types of charts based on his methods, listed below.
Bailey’s Prenatal Charts Prenatal Epoch of Abb Prenatal Interval Chart Inter-Relationship Lunar Phase Luminary /Angle Conception C 10 lunar months Syz B Asc - Asc Syz B Quickening Q 5 lunar months Cnj B Asc Cnj B Asc - - Birth (C) B0 Syz C Asc - Asc Syz C Birth (Q) B0 Cnj Q Asc Cnj Q Asc - - Syz=Syzygy (ie. Conjunct or Opposite); Cnj=Conjunct; Opp=Opposite; Asc=AscendantBailey’s conception chart is based closely on the simple method described in ancient times of swapping the birth Moon and Ascendant positions, although he allows syzygies as well as direct swapping. (Thus the conception Moon may be on either the birth Ascendant or Descendant, and the conception Ascendant can be on either the birth Moon or its opposite point.) He also uses a method of sex determination based on a Hindu division of the zodiac into male and female divisions. This method is based on the assumption that the conception chart must confirm the sex of the individual. Therefore, Solar Fire allows you to specify whether the individual for whom you are casting a conception chart is male or female, and Solar Fire then automatically eliminates those possible conception times which would give the wrong sex. Solar Fire also allows you to alter the prenatal interval used. For example, if you know that the individual was born a few weeks premature, then you could choose to base the calculation on 9 lunar cycles instead of the usual 10. As with many of the other types of prenatal charts, Solar Fire offers you a choice of all the prenatal charts that fit the given criteria. In the case of conception charts, there are potentially up to 4 possible charts per month, so you may find that Solar Fire offers up to 8 different possibilities. Solar Fire makes a recommendation of which chart to use by highlighting that chart on the list. However, it is up to you to choose which one best fits the requirements. Solar Fire makes its recommendation based on Bailey’s method, which involves looking at i) the order of the natal chart, and ii) the rectified birth time.
The natal lunar phase and position indicate the order of the natal chart. If the moon is above the horizon and waxing then it is a first order chart, or if waning then it is a second order chart. If the moon is below the horizon and waxing then it is a third order chart, or if waning then it is a fourth order chart. Bailey recommends that if the natal chart is of the first or fourth order, then you should look for a shorter gestation than average, and if it is of the second or third order, then you should look for a longer gestation than usual.
Bailey recommends that you use a chart which confirms the birth time as closely as possible by his rectification method, which involves determining what the birth time would be if the proposed conception chart were used to re-derive the natal chart. To this end, Solar Fire indicates this “rectified” birth time for each possible conception chart.
Solar Fire finds the chart which most closely matches these criteria. If you have any knowledge of the actual term of gestation, ten you may wish to alter the choice of chart to one which more closely matches the known period of gestation.
After generating any prenatal chart, use rectification and predictive techniques to confirm whether or not the chart you have is valid.
Bailey’s quickening chart is based on the 5th converse lunar return from the birth chart. The time at which the Ascendant returns exactly to its natal position on this day is the time for the quickening chart. Thus, the Moon’s position is usually a few degrees away from its natal position in this chart. Solar Fire also allows you to experiment with the number of lunar cycles used in this chart. This calculation offers only one possible chart for the required number of lunar cycles, so no further choice needs to be made.
As prenatal charts have only been used by few western astrologers until now, there is a lack of published material explaining how to use them in a practical way. This situation may change in the future, but for the time being the reader is referred initially to the original authors of the techniques used for an explanation of how to interpret and use them. In particular, refer to E.H.Bailey for directions on how to use Bailey Conception and Bailey Quickening charts, and to Charles Jayne for directions on how to use the various Jayne prenatal charts.
The conception and quickening charts of Bailey and Jayne have also received some coverage in astrological journals and publications, but Malvin Artley, an American astrologer and esotericist, is currently (early 1995) writing a manuscript which will give a comprehensive explanation of the meaning and use of conception and quickening charts in relation to their esoteric associations with the mental and astral/emotional aspects of man. He has already published an article in the FAA journal (see references) which gives examples of the ways in which these charts work. It is as a result of his work and inspiration that these prenatal charts have been included in Solar Fire.
Artley suggests several ways in which the conception, quickening and birth charts can be interpreted, using the correspondence of conception chart to a mental chart, and of quickening chart to an astral/emotional chart. He recommends working with the these two charts in addition to the birth chart in order to get a complete picture of an individual’s physical, emotional and mental make-up. Firstly one can look at the sign placements of the Suns in each of these three charts, for example the birth chart may have a Capricorn Sun, the astral chart a Leo Sun, and the mental chart an Aries Sun. Whilst this person would displays the traditional Capricornian traits, they are also likely to be somewhat generous and attention-seeking emotionally, and rather impetuous and quick-thinking mentally.
Further, one can look at each of the three charts to find which one has the most difficult aspects, and this would indicate the level (physical, emotional or mental) on which that individual had the most work to do in their lifetime. For example, individuals with relatively “easy” aspects in their mental chart may have much more stressful aspects in their emotional chart, indicating that whilst they may be intellectually talented, they have greater difficulty in coping with emotions. Artley also suggests a technique of interpretation based on displaying the conception, quickening and birth charts in a triwheel, with the conception chart innermost and the birth chart outermost. In this way one can examine the positions of the key planets, such as the Sun, in each chart in relation to the houses of the conception chart. Using the correspondence of conception to mental and of quickening to astral, this defines the flow of energy from the mental, to the astral, to the physical plane. For example if the mental Sun is in the 6th house, the astral Sun is in the 11th house, and the physical Sun is in the 3rd house, then that is the major path for descent of psychic energy - from the 6th to the 11th to the 3rd, and thus the major house of outer life expression is the 3rd.
Finally, Artley has investigated methods of determining which of the 7 rays (as defined in esoteric teachings, such as those of A.A.Bailey) are most strongly represented in each of the charts, thus arriving at a ray profile for the individual. This may be of particular interest to esoteric astrologers. The table below is a summary of keywords that have been used to describe some of the charts and what they signify, by their authors. These are brief, but never-the-less will probably give sufficient hints for an experienced astrologer to begin experimenting with them.
Chart Type Keywords / Meaning Bailey Birth (C) Bailey Birth (Q) Jayne Birth (C) Birth - Physical events, sensation, outer security Bailey Conception (Mental) Thinking, conceiving Bailey Quickening (Astral/Emotional) Feeling & emotion Jayne Vulcan Isolation, will & persistence Jayne Uranus (C) (Mental) Thinking, conceiving, individuality Jayne Sigma Endings & accomplishments, karma Jayne Isis Inspiration - Fiery feeling of the Heart, yearning, aspiration Jayne Mercury - Jayne Neptune (A) (Astral/Emotional) Feeling & emotion, sentimentality Jayne Rex Intuitiveness, elusiveness, nurture Jayne Lion Understanding - Education & civilisation, synthesis and integration Jayne Mars Ego - Instinct & Intuition Jayne Morya Fate - What one has to endure, accept and transmute in life Jayne Pluto Ties - What binds one and holds one back Jayne Moon Mother, the body Jayne Sun - Jayne Chiron - Jayne Venus - Jayne Jupiter -Note that although no specific meaning was given by Jayne to the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Chiron epoch charts in the references below, he named his charts to reflect the energy of the planet that they are named after. Hence one could interpret the Sun chart as relating to identity and vitality, and the Venus chart as relating to relationships with women and acquisitions, for example.
Synastry refers to the comparison of two natal charts to establish the potential nature of the relationship between two individuals.
Two basic methods of synastry comparison are the Composite chart and the Relationship chart:
The Composite chart represents the relationship between two individuals based on their combined (composite) midpoints. The composite chart is composed of the combined near midpoints for each planet in the two charts. In other words, the zodiac position for the planet Mars in each chart is found and the midpoint between them determined. This midpoint is then entered into the composite chart as the position for Mars. This procedure is followed for all planets. The resulting chart is the composite chart for the two individuals.
Two popular methods for deriving composite chart angles and houses are:
Composite MC, Derived Cusps
The Midheavens of each chart are used to determine a midpoint. This midpoint is then reduced to its equvalent sidereal time (RAMC) and used to calculate a new set of chart angles. The latitude of the current city of residence is normally used in the calculation of the composite chart.
Composite Cusps
Chart angles and house cusps are determined through derived midpoints in the same way as are the planets.
Note: This method has the disadvantage of producing nonsensical house cusps if the concept of the near midpoint is strictly adhered to. In certain cases, the far midpoint must be used.
The relationship chart is a chart cast for the midpoint in space and time between two births. It is a chart representing the relationship between two individuals based on the precise midpoint in space and time between their two births. This technique was first developed by Ronald Davidson of Great Britain.
The date and time used in the calculation of the relationship chart is the exact midpoint in time between the two charts. The space coordinate is themidpoint in space between the two birthplaces. The space coordinate is calculating by using the trigonometry of great circles. The geographic longitude and latitude is calculated in this way and the coordinates are used to determine the angles of the relationship chart.
