OLEKSII AHAHONOV RECTIFICATION DETERMINING THE TIME OF BIRTH WITH THE HELP OF ASTROLOGY Third Edition, Revised and Expanded Svit Uraniï Moscow, 2008 Table of Contents Author’s Preface to the Third Edition 7 Introduction 9 “The Map Is Not the Territory” 1 Why? 10 Why? 11 PART ONE. RECTIFICATION TECHNIQUE 13 I. Biography 13 II. Image 16 1. Relief of Fate 16
2. Personal Communication 17
3. Portrait 18
4. Chord and Mode 19
5. Angular Planets 27
6. Environmental Influence and the Hidden Power of the Horoscope 35
7. Indicators of Success 38
8. Indicators of Ascendant and Moon 41
III. Forecasting Methods 43
1. Prognostic Methods and the Plans of the Existent 43
2. The Clock Hand of Fate: Progressive-Directional Midheaven 47
3. Arcs, Directions, Progressions, Transits — What Is More Important for Rectification? 49
4. The Event as a Process 51
5. Directions and Progressions Can Point to Different Birth Times 56
6. The System of Arcs Based on the Movement of Progressed Planets 62
7. Firdaries 68
8. 45-Degree and Other Graphical Ephemerides 72
9. Auxiliary Tables 74
10. The 90-Degree Circle 77
IV. The Ball in the Angular Arc 82
1. Take the Target — the Angle Degree — in an Artillery “Vise” 82
2. When a Symbolically Strong Aspect Lags or Leads Events 87
V. Planets, Angles, Events: Keys to Rectification 88
1. Major Events 88
2. Conjunctions of Planets with Angles 90
3. Aspects of Cusps: Mix the Colors 96
4. Creative Duet, or the Vertical Axis 100
VI. Variations on a Theme 104
1. Solar Returns 104
2. Eclipses 105
3. Tours or Relocation 117
VII. Marriages Are Made in Heaven 119
1. Reversals of the Method of the First Marriage 119
2. The Speed of Hymen: Movement of the Midheaven in the “Marriage” Faction 121
3. If the Native Was Never Married 123
VIII. On Shooting Blindly 125
1. Hermes’ Quiver: Arrows Close to the Target 125
2. Other Starting Positions for Shooting 128
IX. Precision: 131
1. Precision Methods 131
2. Resonance of the Horoscope 132
X. Seven Keys to Rectification, or When Only the Date of Birth Is Known 135
PART TWO. EXAMPLES 145
1. Rectification Within 1 Minute: Napoleon Bonaparte 146
2. Rectification Within 15 Minutes: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 150
3. Rectification Within Several Hours Using Hamburg School Methods: Winston Churchill 168
4. Rectification Within Half a Day, Creating an Astrological Portrait: Ferenc Arkush 182
5. The Royal Degree on the Ascendant: Freddie Mercury 208
6. Arnold Schwarzenegger 218
7. A Contemporary Entrepreneur 251
8. A Contemporary — Scientist and Diplomat 255
Verification of Rectification Using Firdaries in Harmonic Charts 258
9. A Contemporary Woman: Fluctuations of Fate 260
10. A Contemporary Woman: Aspects of the Progressed Moon and Eclipses 267
11. A Contemporary Man: Planetary Arcs and Eclipses 279
12. A Contemporary Man: Indicative Aspects Involving Angles 283
13. Marina Tsvetaeva 288
14. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Warrior of the Spirit 292
On Fixed Stars in Mozart’s Chart and the Myth of His Fate 305
Coda, or Briefly About the Main 31
Appendix 315
Astrological Alphabet 315
Conventional Symbols 318
Author’s Preface to the Third Edition In the new edition of Rectification, there are significant additions. The topic of reflecting fate in the horoscope has been expanded — this time using the charts of F. Mercury, Napoleon, Mozart, and Schwarzenegger as examples. A section on the ancient method of firdaries has been added, which can be very useful when there is a large uncertainty interval in the birth time. For rectification and interpretation of charts, in some cases, the planets and methods of the Hamburg School of Astrology are used. I am grateful to all astrologers who have been and remain my esteemed teachers, whether in person or remotely: S. Aizin, B. Brady, F. Velichko, B. Izraitel, Mlevin, A. Podvodny, N. Til, J. Frawley, B. Hammesfahr, S. Shestopalov, and many others whose ideas, developments, and achievements inspire and impress. And I “see with a confused soul” the great shadows of A. Witte and R. Ebertin — without them, astrology would be entirely different. I was fortunate to meet V. Gorbatsevich, not only an outstanding and widely erudite scholar but also an infinitely patient and kind teacher and editor. The refinement, systematic approach, and disciplined thinking of V.V.G. brought about a true Uranus-Pluto revolution in my consciousness. I once again express my gratitude to all researchers whose ideas, in one form or another, have influenced this book. I do not claim the honor of being a pioneer. This book is written to help the serious student, and I have gathered in it almost everything valuable that I have encountered in various books and heard at seminars devoted to the topic of rectification. If, by oversight, a primary source is not cited anywhere, the reason is not that I wanted to appropriate someone else’s thought and pass it off as my own; no, I wanted to make that thought the property of all lovers of astrology. I understand that the topic of rectification is not exhausted by this book. Sometimes I learn about the existence of other methods for determining the time of birth. However, they are either too complex or require special abilities. This book describes relatively simple and accessible methods. My sincere gratitude: to my wife for her courage, love, and trust; to my wonderful friends and colleagues at the publishing house Svit Uraniï for their support in life and profession; I owe them so much, and my fondness cannot be expressed in words; to all worthy people whose charts are presented in this book; to my wonderful interlocutors who come for consultations to teach me astrology. Oleksii Ahafonov
8 RECTIFICATION ~ Introduction “There are two kinds of books. Most books are written by ignoramuses to expand the circle of their ignorance at the expense of their readers. Rare books are written by sages, inclined toward silence, and only a few understand them.” Albert the Great The epigraph is taken from a medieval theological treatise and calls the author to humility and the reader to vigilance. Striving to belong to the second category of authors, one can easily end up in the first. The author understands that the problem of determining the exact time of birth is complex and ambiguous, bows his head before its scale, and does not claim to provide its definitive solution. He looks with fascinated horror at the horrifying tangle of possible forecasting methods, reminiscent of the architecture of a Gothic cathedral, where over the buttresses of directions stretch the ribs of progressions, and the air is pierced by myriads of multicolored rays of transits under the vaults of planetary arcs. The result of rectification should resemble the solemn sound of an organ, and the horoscope itself should reflect the frozen moment of existence of stone lace forming the petals of a perpetually living rose on the pediment; however, gaping monster heads protrude from the roof of the already completed structure, reminding us of strong unaccounted aspects that threaten to destroy the entire building; moreover, the cathedral is reflected in the waters of a deep lake at its base, shattering into dozens of images, and phantom doubles flow, creating alternative variants of the horoscope in which the initial intent is sometimes changed beyond recognition.
“The Map Is Not the Territory” This phrase means that we can never depict an object in all its diversity. Reality will always be deeper, more complex, and more unexpected. The map must be continuously improved to reflect reality. In astrology, the horoscope is the map, and real life is the territory. Our reading of the chart is constantly evolving. We add new objects to the chart, discovered in reality or calculated theoretically. We change the very method of constructing the chart, inventing new house systems, the 90-degree circle, or harmonic charts. The territory is richer in concrete details; the chart is more concentrated in content. We often see in the chart internal connections and patterns, dangers, and fortunate opportunities that are not visible to the naked eye on the territory. We also see in the chart alternative paths that were not realized in the territory. We seek the starting point of the route by rectifying the chart.
Why? Some astrologers consult using an approximate chart. They are right in their own way. Not all forecasting methods require precise angles of the chart; perhaps consultation can even be done without forecasting, but with a good transformative effect.Such astrology is closer to psychotherapy. In my opinion, rectification is necessary. And not only for forecasting. Of course, one would like to know when future directional or progressive aspects of cusps to planets and vice versa will form in this chart, as well as transit aspects of heavy planets, primarily to the angles; what indications solar return charts and so on will provide. BUT the value of rectification lies elsewhere. It is needed to better understand the chart, for example, to examine fixed star conjunctions with cardinal angles or midpoint pictures involving angles. Ultimately, it is needed to understand and feel the chart as a process.
Sometimes rectifications by two astrologers differ significantly. Not to mention that the birth time (BT) that seems obvious to the astrologer may later not match the registered BT at all. However, if rectification is performed skillfully and thoroughly, in such cases a well-founded and valuable consultation, including a forecast, is possible. Why? Because several versions of the same chart can indeed exist. The astrologer creates the chart that resonates with him. He is sent to the native to awaken the same harmonies and overtones within him. But for this, the astrologer must tune in to the perception of the chart and the native.
One effective method is tuning through rectification. After rectification, the astrologer is confident in the chart with which he interacts. He has “lived” in it, felt the principle of its operation—just as this principle presents itself to him. He feels how the horoscope lives and “breathes.” During thorough rectification, the astrologer finds reflections of all notable events in the native’s life in predictive methods. He comprehends its inner logic, expressed in the language of astrology. The astrologer partially intuitively captures, partially consciously formulates the driving forces of the personality, finds the main spring of action in the chart, and the astrological reflection of the entire life path of the native at the time of consultation. The chart comes alive for the astrologer and vividly demonstrates the development of the native’s problems over time, though it does not dictate their solution. At best, the astrologer finds the single moment when the incarnation could have begun.
RECTIFICATION. PART ONE. RECTIFICATION TECHNIQUES
1. Biography
The parents’ recollection or even the child’s birth certificate is not the final authority in rectification (though the correction is usually minor). The most important preliminary condition: find out exactly in which time zone the native was born (what is the difference between the recorded birth time and GT) and whether daylight saving time/winter time was in effect at the time of birth.
Compile the most complete list of significant life events of the native. Especially note events associated with major life changes: moves, loss of loved ones, marriage, divorce, injuries, surgeries, serious illnesses, other extreme situations, first trip abroad (or first long-distance trip), education, career changes, job loss, any notable changes in social status.
For rectification, extreme events that traumatize the psyche are especially useful. Usually, marriage is clearly visible in the horoscope. Childbirth is more noticeable in a woman’s horoscope.
Find out and describe the mental and emotional preparation for events, or the native’s reaction to them (i.e., what he thought and felt before the event and how he reacted to it). This is necessary because similar events can be described quite differently in different people. For example, a meeting with someone higher on the social ladder in one horoscope may be described by Jupiter transiting the Descendant, while in another by Pluto transiting the Ascendant. In the first case, the person is likely elated and hopeful, while in the second, they feel oppressive pressure. Formally, the events are similar, but their astrological symbolism, reflecting the characteristics of the new acquaintances and the native’s reaction, is entirely different.
Sometimes transits and progressions (or even planetary arcs) work better in a relocation chart, so note not only the time but also the place of events. From the moment the native moves to a new place of residence (if it is sufficiently far from the previous one), you must consider aspects in the relocation chart, local chart, or simply the local (i.e., the chart with the same birth time in GT but with the coordinates of the place the person moved to). In the relocation chart, events that can help refine the birth time will manifest in their own way.
Try to persuade the native to write an autobiography. This will not only clarify all the dates but also play a psychotherapeutic role. Additionally, this will help you better sense the character of the native, and he himself will take the consultation more seriously. Double-check everything written with the native again.
Now carefully reread the list of events and mark the most significant ones. Do not include events whose dates the native mentions uncertainly. Here, the principle of strict selection applies. One incorrectly dated event can destroy the entire structure you have built through painstaking work. Exclude frequently repeated events—for example, consecutive job changes that do not alter social status or frequent moves. The intervals between events should be 3 to 5 years, and the list should cover as much of the life as possible. The list of events is the most important part of the preliminary stage.
2. Image
1. Relief of fate
At the beginning, try to understand the person and their life (as much as possible) without the chart. For a while, forget that you are an astrologer. Simply sense this life. Later, this “watery” penetration into the hidden depths of another person’s individuality will not only facilitate your rectification but will also be essential in consultations.
Imagine the native’s life as a whole. Does it seem to have an inner logic to you? Is there a climax, a catharsis? When did this life reach its peak? Or, if the native is young, when was he accompanied by success (or plagued by failures)? Can the action of this life drama be divided into acts? Determine the dates (or time periods) of the turning points on this mountain range. Use a sculptural whole of this life. In general—make the character of this person and their fate as clear to yourself as possible up to the moment of meeting with you, if they are a contemporary; or in general, if they are a historical figure.
Seeing the relief of fate is necessary for rectification, since major life changes, the beginning of an ascent in society and its peak, the main turns of the life path are usually well reflected in predictive methods.
So, you have recreated the picture of the native’s life and engaged your subconscious. Both mastery of technique and inner vision, intuition, and insight are necessary components of the art of rectification (and astrology in general). But that is not all! Often, the process of rectification is enlivened and spiritualized by undeniable divine help. Therefore, when starting rectification, try to set aside your own problems and minimize emotional obstacles.
2. Personal communication
The importance of personal communication during rectification cannot be overstated. Simply talk with the native about their life. Perceive what they say from an astrological perspective: to which signs, planets would you attribute this or that plot? This or that word the native used in the second minute of the conversation? In your memory, there should be a set of words, situations, moods, plots characteristic of certain signs and planets (here, the astrological alphabet provided at the end of the book, which you should expand and deepen, will help). It is possible that these features are connected to the 1st house or other accented places in the chart.
During such a conversation, as the person tells you about themselves, you subtly guide the discussion, demonstrating (and feeling) empathy, understanding, attention, and empathy. You observe the interlocutor, listen to their speech, register all the details, immerse yourself in the world of your counterpart, correlate the information with the astrological indicators you know. You are relaxed, but your brain works like a high-speed computer.There is no need to strain at this time: you are “absorbing” a colossal array of information that identifies you with the interlocutor, and gradually, in your imagination, the crystal of their horoscope begins to flicker. (“Holmes listened, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, and it might have seemed that he dozed, but I knew that not a single smallest detail escaped his attention…”)
3. Portrait
Now it is time to descend one step lower—to astrological concreteness. If the birth time (BT) is known within an interval of two hours, construct a trial horoscope for a time close to the middle of the uncertainty interval. For example, if a person was born between 10:00 and 12:00, construct the chart for 11:00. Examine the trial horoscope. Which houses would you like to highlight? Perhaps this person is a workaholic. Should the Moon (or Mars) be placed in the 6th house? Or do they read a lot, constantly gather information, and is their work related to travel and contacts? MC in Leo, Sun at the 11th house cusp in Cancer—should the luminary be moved to the 3rd house? Use everything you know in astrology. You must capture the symbolically saturated moment when this soul incarnated.
Moreover, the main patterns of the future fate are often encrypted in the radix. To understand them, you need to read the radix like a horary chart, combining the interactions of house elements and considering the natural symbolism of the planets*. *See my book “Hidden Factors of the Horoscope” (M.: World of Uranus, 2003), as well as “Correspondence Course in Astrology,” vols. III–IV.
Later, you will be able to reproduce the character of a person even with greater uncertainty of BT. N. Till created a gallery of vivid, expressive, and powerful astrological portraits of famous people. In some cases, even the year of birth was unknown. Yet, even if Cleopatra or Beethoven were not born at the time N. Till suggested, his astrological descriptions of their characters and fates remain vivid, clear, and instructive.
Another example is the best rectifications by B. Israel, in which he appears as a mystical-intellectual ___________symbolist with an excellent drawing technique (for example, the rectifications of the horoscopes of V.I. Lenin and A.S. Pushkin*).
4. Chord and Key
a) “Main Chord” and Tonality
Rectification and subsequent interpretation of the horoscope can be compared to a musical composition. The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant form the “main chord” of the horoscope (N. Till). The Sun symbolizes the essence of this person, the sphere of their attention, and which position in the chart is the primary interest of the native. The image of the father in any chart, the ideal “Self” in a male chart, or the husband in a female chart. Symbolically, this is the tonic (the main tone) of the chord.
The Moon symbolizes instinctive, habitual, and ingrained reactions, characterizes the mother (and later the wife for men) and the needs of childhood. As a person grows up, their needs change, but something deep remains, which is characterized by the Moon. The Moon in any cadent house (especially when combined with an angle) may indicate a strong influence of the mother. Symbolically, the Moon is the dominant (the main unstable degree of the tonality that prompts development; in music, the dominant tends toward the tonic and symbolizes desire and motivation). The position of the Moon in a house and sign can reveal much not only about the native’s mother but also about themselves—for example, their food preferences or daily life and work habits…
The Ascendant is the external projection of personality. The element and sign of the Ascendant can often be clearly seen in behavior (and often in appearance), which can aid in rectification. Continuing the musical analogy, symbolically the Ascendant is the third of the horoscope’s “chord,” determining its major or minor coloring.
The Ascendant sign and any planet near the Ascendant may indicate the circumstances of birth, the environment from which the native came, or events of early childhood, such as emotional upheavals or illness (especially Saturn or the outermost planets in the 4th house). Periods of such profound changes in early years are symbolized by arc directions or transits of heavy planets (starting from Saturn) to the axes. The Ascendant can describe the nature of activities, immediate reactions, and may even relate to the value system and lifestyle. In many cases, it is expressed more clearly in behavior than in appearance. The influence of the Ascendant sign on appearance and character has been written about extensively…
The influence of the Ascendant can be strongly modified by the element in which its ruler is located (especially when the Ascendant is in the first eight signs). With an Ascendant in Leo and the Sun in Aries, a person will be “fiery,” and with the Sun in Pisces, at least dual-natured. Additionally, according to traditional concepts, the decanate, terms, degree of the Ascendant, and the positions of the rulers of the element, decanate, term, and Ascendant degrees also influence appearance and character. Sometimes, a fixed star on the Ascendant (in which case it also affects the fate as a whole) may play a role. There are many books on fixed stars; they are worth studying and comparing the information with practice*.
There are also many variations in the descriptions of degrees (which sometimes contradict each other). As for essential dignities and the consideration of the rulers of the element, decanate, term, and Ascendant degree, the skills of practical application of this ancient system today are probably possessed by only a few.
Appearance and behavior can also be influenced by:
– a planet in the 1st house (and sometimes even in the 4th house, despite the considerable distance from the Ascendant—up to 10–12°); this influence can be very strong and fateful, but again, it may relate more to abilities, lifestyle, and interests than to appearance;
– the Lights—the Sun for both men and women, and the Moon, especially for women;
– if no planet is on the Ascendant but its qualities are vividly expressed in behavior or appearance, it may aspect the Ascendant, and sometimes its ruler, especially when the Ascendant is in Cancer (when the Moon rules it), which is very sensitive to aspectation (stress aspects are more pronounced);
– the sign in which a stellium of planets is located;
– a planet with a large number of aspects.
Determining the Ascendant sign “by eye” (when the uncertainty interval of BT is large) is a challenging task. This skill comes with experience when you examine many charts of people you know—and even then, mistakes are possible, as too many forces are at play: planets compete for the right to shape a person’s appearance.
An example of how difficult it is to determine the Ascendant sign is the rectification of V.V. Putin’s horoscope, a real puzzle for astrologers. On the Internet, you can find many versions of his chart, and even opinions about the sign of his Moon (basic need) differ. I lean toward the 2nd degree of Sagittarius on the Ascendant; in this case, the 8th house is very strong, major events are reflected in arcs and progressions, and upon moving to Moscow, the transit Saturn begins its upward path.
With an uncertainty interval of BT spanning several hours, first try to rule out signs that do not match the native’s characteristics. The first thing we can determine is whether the Ascendant is in a masculine (“major”) or feminine (“minor”) sign. Active, initiative behavior is characteristic of most masculine signs (primarily the fire signs). Conversely, feminine signs (water and earth) are receptive and passive. However, exceptions are possible. For example, A. Schwarzenegger has Cancer on the Ascendant, yet he is active and enterprising.Secondly, this is the element and (as a derivative of it) the Ascendant sign. Observing a person, we can notice an emphasis on practicality, a certain heaviness, concreteness, and “groundedness.” With high probability, their Ascendant belongs to the Earth element. The person may be:
– composed, possibly somewhat gloomy, focused on practical goals, ambitious (Capricorn);
– someone who enjoys good food, strives for material wealth, and arranges their surroundings according to the laws of tangible beauty; almost certainly a child at heart, likely loving vocal music, though not necessarily reciprocally; probably stubborn and inert (Taurus);
– a meticulous worker, possibly inclined toward medicine, accounting, philology, chemistry; may be exceptionally clean in one area and completely messy in another, prone to hypochondria, and sometimes to hidden hysteria (Virgo).
Or you may notice drive, energy, individualism, inspiration by ideas, “fieriness,” and fiery behavior. Here, fire is unmistakable. The person may be:
– an individualist, leader, pioneer, rough “macho,” quick to become enthusiastic about a project and just as quick to abandon it (Aries);
– demonstrative, regal, somewhat of an actor, generous or proud, often concealing inner insecurity behind this protective mask (Leo);
– a gentleman with broad views, inclined toward philosophical generalizations and moral teachings, which they themselves do not always follow; at a high level of development—a polyglot, cosmopolitan who easily absorbs distant cultures, capable of foreseeing outlines of the future, someone who loves justice and legality; at a low level of development—a unprincipled spendthrift, though not without abilities and a certain charm (Sagittarius).
Or you may notice soft facial features (but not under Scorpio on the Ascendant), emotionality, secrecy, and “fluidity.” Likely, you will identify Water. The person may be:
– someone who loves family (or a circle of people they consider their own), real estate, children, from whom they struggle to part, who strives to feed, protect, nurture, and “gather under their wing”; at the same time, they may be a skilled emotional manipulator (though not always consciously): they will impose their care on you and then take offense when you do not appreciate it; they may be prone to vulnerability, sensitivity, and resentment; this person may work in food service or medicine (though not necessarily); they may love water (Cancer);
– a natural mystic or musician who hears cosmic harmonies, shows compassion, capable of self-sacrifice; at the same time, an actor who picks up on your subconscious impulses and reacts to them without fully identifying with their role; this person has strong emotional intuition and is always ready to share your mood—until the current carries them away to someone else; they may be prone to drinking and amorous behavior, and often cannot be relied upon (Pisces).
With an Ascendant in Scorpio, the person may be interested in everything secret, possess hidden magnetic power and intuition; conceal intense emotions and sexual stimuli, which may be sublimated into various occult practices; be interested in altered states of consciousness; often possess business acumen and/or a talent for deep research. And finally, the interlocutor—will not let you get a word in edgewise, easily changes the topic of conversation, and then flits away to another source of information, perhaps forever (Gemini);
– will hesitate before making a decision, evaluating what is happening from an aesthetic standpoint with a touch of snobbery (Libra);
– will take an independent position where you sense a strange persistence, as if it came from other worlds; they will be friendly with you but without present interest or sympathy, rather with a certain “coolness” and distance (Aquarius).
Another clue for determining the Ascendant sign during communication: it can manifest not only in appearance, interests, lifestyle, but also in speech. It’s not just about haste, slowness, emotionality, coldness, or other external speech traits—it’s also about the words and topics used. Therefore, personal communication is a very valuable tool in rectification.
b) Mode
In music, a mode is a specific system of pitch relationships between sounds, organized around the tonic, the first degree, the central sound (or tone) of the mode*. In a horoscope, the arrangement of planets in houses and the resulting relationships between planets and houses are unique. They form the “mode” of the horoscope, i.e., the way of organizing and subordinating the cosmic “sounds”—planets. We can start by determining whether it is a major or minor mode, beginning with the Ascendant sign. Sometimes it’s the other way around: first, we examine the planets in the houses (identifying the “mode”) based on some striking features of the native, and from this, we deduce the Ascendant. Ultimately, the chart should vividly describe the native.
As a musician, I find the musical analogy close to my heart, but of course, you can use any comparisons or strong aspects of your worldview. The Placidus system is still very popular—it’s possible that, as a “lunar” house system, it better reflects the archetypal essence of character and the myth of life.
*European modes consist of seven degrees. The dominant mode of European music is major-minor. An analogy can be drawn between the planets of the septenary and the tones of the mode. If the tonic is the Sun, the dominant is the Moon, then the subdominant—the most energetic degree of the “cosmic” mode, the “lever” of action—can be considered Mars. The basic formula of European music is written as: T -7 S -7 D -7 T (Sun – Mars – Moon – Sun). At a deep level, it is likely connected to the solar archetype and broadly describes the life cycle of a person (primarily a man): I – my will, activity – my wife, family, my reflection, my needs – the new I (I after Mars’ initiation and union with my Moon or my child).
In music, this pattern manifests not only in the most common chord progressions but also in the structure of entire musical forms.
Perhaps it’s worth starting with this (though prognostics work better in the Koch system). Much has been written about the effects of planets in houses, but these insights should not be applied mechanically. The influence of a planet’s position in a house is not always obvious, as both rulership and aspects matter. Additionally, planets may not be in cardinal houses but in falling ones near cardinal points (in the sectors of Gokhlein). Therefore, your opinion may change over time.
An athlete? Then Mars is in one house. Or in the 10th. But it turns out that the athlete is, of course, excellent (prize-winning places in the USSR championships in cross-country skiing), but Mars is in the 3rd house, associated with breathing, and moreover in Taurus, requiring supercompensation. Meanwhile, in the chart of another outstanding skier and skater, F. Nansen, who repeatedly won the Norwegian championship, Mars is not in the 10th house but in the 9th house of travel (in the Gokhlein sector) (Nansen’s data from L. Rodden: October 10, 1861, 10:47 GT, 59N55; 10E46). The same position of Mars is found in the chart of the famous boxer M. Ali (who also traveled the world and boxed in many countries). Or take the horoscope of writer I. Turgenev (example from V.V.G.). He was a very large man and the brightest Jupiterian. But his Jupiter is in the 12th house, 20 degrees before the Ascendant.
5. Angular planets
a) Midheaven (MC)
Planets on the cusps, and especially those conjunct the angles, are usually the most revealing.Always consider the sign in which the planet (for the planets of the septenary) is located, as well as its aspects. Near the angles (most likely these are the Ascendant and Midheaven), and often from the side of the cadent houses, in the sectors of Gokhlein, there may be planets of profession. Usually, the rectified time is recorded somewhat later than the true one, so planets in cadent houses are likely closer to the angles than Gokhlein believed. A planet of profession may also be located in the 10th house, aspect the Midheaven (or its ruler, or a planet in the 10th house), or interact with it in the structure of midpoints. Often, a planet of profession is aspecting or otherwise connected with Saturn, but this is no longer relevant to rectification. Here is a far from complete list of manifestations of planets in Gokhlein’s sectors, primarily on the Midheaven (in parentheses are notable features with these planets at the cardinal points, especially the Midheaven):
Sun — originality, brilliance (Goethe, M.L. King, Nansen, Turgenev, Einstein; Bruce Lee — Sun on Ascendant);
Moon — poet, artist, public figure (Elton John, Puccini);
Venus — person of art, diplomat, master of compromise, person enjoying patronage (Wagner, Arkush — Venus on Ascendant; Bismarck, Richelieu, Thomas Mann — Venus on Midheaven);
Mars — activity, often sports, expansiveness and conflict (Dumas Sr., many famous athletes; M. Ali, F. Hansen — Mars on Midheaven; according to the version of Mr. Globus — Zhukov and Suvorov);
Jupiter — establishment, lawyers, priests, bankers, as well as high-ranking military, actors, politicians, higher education teachers; solidity, authority, tendency to preach (Castaneda, Robespierre, Stanislavsky — on Midheaven; Turgenev — on Ascendant);
Saturn — ambition, leadership abilities (especially on Midheaven), rise and possible fall due to the person’s isolation, adherence to certain ideas, and opposition to changing social needs (Hitler, J. Kennedy); often highlighted in scientists;
Uranus — science, advanced technology, aviation, originality, extravagance, orientation toward the future (John Gadbury — astrologer; in the great mathematician Gauss and the dictator Stalin, Uranus was exactly on the Midheaven);
Neptune — cinema, mass media, spiritual, idealistic direction of activity; profession may be related to the sea (Amundsen, Princess Diana, J. Depardieu, R. Kipling, Bruce Lee — Neptune on Midheaven; M. Monroe and A. Pugacheva — Neptune on Ascendant);
Pluto — connections with the mafia, political party, death, power, hypnotic and psychotherapeutic abilities, work with the masses, any activity related to the transformation of any material, cutting, “burning out” the unnecessary (including editing) — any combinations of these qualities are possible; sometimes Pluto can give power, and then marginality (A. Delon, R. Nixon, E. Hemingway — in the 10th house).
If a person is a strong professional, the sign of the Midheaven often relates to the profession, although the correspondence is not always obvious. The influence of a combination of planets in the 1st or 10th houses (or in the 7th house for public professions) on the profession and lifestyle of a person is also possible. For example, a contemporary is engaged in construction and is passionate about photography. Some of his projects were not sufficiently realistic. Saturn and Neptune are located in the 10th house. In another case, the same planets in the 10th house belong to a contemporary — an architect by profession. In the third case, the same planets in the 1st house belong to a contemporary — a manager of a large construction company, and here their influence on character is very noticeable (persistence, isolation, trustfulness, and depression).
In Alutacheva, in the 7th house (public), there are Sun, Venus, and Mercury in Aries. Mother Teresa has Pluto in the same house.
6) Ascendant
A planet on the Ascendant “stands out.” Its approximate manifestations can be described as follows:
Sun — absorption with one’s Self;
Moon — capriciousness, changeability, dependence on mood, a significant role of the mother, women, the public; but much depends on the Moon’s sign;
Mercury — talkativeness, a desire for writing, various social interactions; stressed by Mars, Pluto can give a desire to impose one’s opinion; by Neptune — confused speech, illusory mental constructs;
Venus — charm, in men — some effeminacy, refinement; much depends on the sign;
Mars — energy, pressure, organizational abilities are not excluded; the possibility of injuries, especially to the head; athleticism, the possibility of a military or semi-military profession and/or environment; but much depends on the sign, for example, Mars in Virgo, in addition to the listed qualities, can give fanatical diligence and scrupulousness; and Mars in Pisces will manifest somewhat differently. For example, a heavily aspected Mars in Pisces in the 1st house in the natal chart of a German political longevity, Chancellor of the FRG Adenauer. Undoubtedly, such Mars gave the chancellor energy and organizational qualities; but the straightforwardness of Mars was not characteristic of him, and ethical and religious motivations played a great role in his activities. An analysis of Adenauer’s chart can be found in my correspondence course on astrology (Part 4, Lecture 11). Such a structured chart could only have formed as a result of great karmic experience, possibly related to leadership in a large military-religious-political hierarchical structure (for example, a knightly order).
Jupiter — representation, significance, the position of a teacher, mentor; love for travel and/or knowledge; not necessarily — tall stature, solid build (though it can be); the influence of Jupiter may manifest not in appearance, but in one or another sphere of life. A sportswoman, not tall, not demonstrative, with Jupiter on the Ascendant in Scorpio, competes in ultra-long marathons in foreign countries and takes prize places (Jupiter as a planet of travel, scale, and records). Divorced (strong Uranus), one son.
Another example: a man with Jupiter in the 1st house a few degrees from the Ascendant in Cancer. Also not tall, thin-boned. Two higher educations, one abroad, knows several languages, constant trips abroad. But he maintains modesty, does not lecture, does not teach at a university, does not write books. His interests are mainly related to his profession (mediation in the trade of large batches of metal and market analysis). Married, two children.
Saturn — seriousness, depression, caution, self-discipline, a strong influence of the father;
Uranus — harshness, unpredictability, egocentrism, nonconformism, originality (including in clothing, image), often — danger of injuries;
Neptune — vagueness, evasion of the topic, poor eyesight, self-deception, intuition; charm that has something unreal, “cinematic”;
Pluto — power, possibly qualities of Scorpio.
c) Planets near the IC and its sign describe the circumstances of early childhood, often characterize the home environment throughout life and a person’s deep subconscious complexes. Sometimes planets act “from the unpleasant.” For example, in N. Tesla, the Sun in Cancer on the IC: a traditional family, but then a rejection of both home and family as a result of a guilt complex over the death of his brother. But the Sun on the IC in any case will give depth, originality of personality, possible secrecy; social realization may be complicated.
The Moon emphasizes the role of the mother and, especially in women, the desire to “build a nest” and immersion in domestic problems.
Mercury and Venus, apparently, do not manifest very brightly, but unharmed, they give an attachment to the house, thoughts about the house, a desire for aesthetic design at home and harmonization of family relationships.
Mars gives the character internal activity and conflict that is difficult to channel into a reasonable direction for a certain time. Therefore, with such a position of Mars, teenage rebellions, early desire for independence, quarrels in the parental home, in which the child is a witness, and the teenager is a participant, are not uncommon.Jupiter may indicate a well-off, perhaps even luxurious childhood (at least in the subject’s perception), hospitality, and possibly noble birth or birth into an educated family. In the case of A. de Saint-Exupéry, Jupiter is on the IC: noble origin and a comfortable childhood in his grandmother’s castle. Of course, one must consider the person’s background and not conclude about childhood on a family estate based solely on Jupiter’s position on the IC if the native was born into the family of an airport cashier—a position that is financially stable.
Saturn emphasizes an atmosphere of control in childhood and may indicate both the disciplined nature of the individual and deep psychological, even sexual, issues. Such is the case with Saturn, for example, in the chart of the great British intelligence officer and outstanding writer D.H. Lawrence, who was a deeply complex person burdened by a sense of duty understood only by him.
Uranus: relocations, domestic instability, and possibly a desire to change places, even a tendency toward vagrancy. This may be connected to a hereditary illness (suicidal tendencies) in two well-known Uranus rulers in the 4th house—Jack London and Ernest Hemingway.
Neptune: an unclear, ambiguous atmosphere in the parental home, possibly a religious environment, and the absence of a father. Strong intuition.
Pluto, apparently, emphasizes deep transformative energies and may indicate some authoritarian force in the home (for example, a domineering grandmother). However, in such a case, the manifestation of Pluto in character and fate may be quite late or not obvious. In karmic astrology, it is believed that the characteristics of the 4th house relate to past incarnations. For example, students of the German astrologer A. Witte believed that he was a reincarnation of a priest from Atlantis. It is not unlikely that Jupiter on the IC indeed describes A. Witte’s karmic past as an educated person associated with religion and ritual.
g) DSC
The 7th house describes not only marriage and a partner but also the nature of relationships with the public. It can be prominent in people with public professions (alongside the 5th house or Leo). It is important to note that the sign of the Descendant, planets in the 7th house, and aspects to the personal axis must correspond to the nature of the native’s marriage*. It is believed that:
The Sun in the 7th house indicates a significant, possibly brilliant spouse, and difficulties in marriage due to the native’s egocentrism;
The Moon indicates high sensitivity and adaptability in partnership;
Venus indicates charm (as does the Ascendant), communication with the public, and diplomacy;
Mars indicates the native’s aggressiveness and/or the premature death of a spouse;
Saturn indicates a late marriage, difficulties in forming a marriage, and a desire for stable relationships (if Saturn is conjunct the Descendant, its influence may be noticeable in appearance; serious psychological complexes are not excluded);
Uranus indicates unstable relationships;
Neptune indicates deception in marriage or platonic relationships, a spiritual nature of the union;
Pluto indicates communication with the masses and/or a “Plutonian” partner (i.e., one highlighted by Pluto in Scorpio/8th house and corresponding traits). The same can be given by a planet in the 6th house if it is close enough to the Descendant. A planet near any cardinal point can manifest in the person’s character.
Above, only general structures were given. This topic is covered in many pages by various authors, and there is no need to repeat them. Pay attention to the house associated with the most important events in the native’s life and the nature of their activities. If this house is weak, your rectification version may be incorrect. However, an outwardly weak house may be strong due to its ruler or aspects to the cusp (as, for example, the 10th house in Churchill’s horoscope).
6. The Influence of Environment and the Hidden Power of the Horoscope
Sometimes living conditions, illnesses, difficulties, origin, and family influence can significantly alter the expected manifestations of the houses.
Example: with a strong 9th house, a woman works as a cook, has no higher education, and never travels abroad. However, it turns out that her sister lives in the USA (the ruler of the 3rd house in the 9th), and a move abroad is quite realistic. A person may reveal themselves during a consultation. It happens that the ruler of a strong horoscope is an unremarkable (in appearance) person. Sometimes the power of the horoscope is not visible at first glance. It also happens that noticeable character traits of the native are associated with their unaspected planet.
Sometimes a relocation chart shows that a person can achieve success in a new place. Let us consider Chart 1. Notable features include:
– intense mental work (Saturn in Aquarius on the 3rd house cusp in sextile to the Sun; Aries Point = Mercury! Saturn; Sun/Moon = Sun/Ascendant = Saturn = 3rd house cusp, Mercury = 120° = Pluto, = 90° = Mars);
– intellectual development and possible international connections (Uranus and Pluto in the 9th house in aspect to the Sun and Mercury, Mars/Uranus = 9th house cusp);
– activity, initiative, a broad outlook, a desire for expansion, individualism, and self-confidence (positions of the Sun, Jupiter, Moon, and Ascendant);
– the inspiring role of the mother, and later, possibly, a woman or the public; a desire to prove one’s point; fanatical pursuit of goals and strong emotionality; capriciousness and changeability (Moon in Sagittarius on the Ascendant forms multiple aspects, including a powerful square to Pluto);
– boldness and theatrical self-assertion in extreme situations, possibly related to money and sexuality, charisma, a distant idealistic goal, and adventurism (Mars in Leo in the 7th house! square to Neptune, in bi-novile to Lilith);
– a profession possibly related to art or the public (MC in Libra);
– strong Fire (four planets and the Ascendant) should fuel ambition and a desire to be first.
This is the horoscope of Garry Kasparov (data from F. Velichko). There is an unobvious strength in it, like in a chess combination. Only two planets are in cardinal houses, but they are the Sun and Moon in Fire; the rulers of these houses are strong by sign (Jupiter in its triplicity and term, Venus in exaltation, Mercury strong by aspectation, Mars strong by sign and reception). The Sun and Saturn are also strong by sign (the latter is further emphasized by a conjunction with the Part of Fortune). Jupiter in Aries without Ptolemaic aspects rules the Ascendant: self-assertion. This is apparently a case where an unaspected planet works to its full potential*. Here, the Ascendant = Jupiter/Uranus and Sun/Mars (combinations of success).
In the radix, some weaknesses of the great chess player are also visible, for example, an idealistic attitude toward his life’s mission and instability in his career (Venus, ruler of the MC, in Pisces in trine to Neptune).
In the relocation chart to Moscow, Mars in Leo in the 9th house becomes the ruler of the Ascendant in Scorpio (constant energy of theatrical self-assertion, expansion of horizons; endurance, patience), the 9th house is significantly strengthened; Mercury, strongly aspected, becomes the ruler of the MC: career depends on intellect. The Sun in Aries falls into the 5th house, echoing Mars in Leo.
7. Indicators of Success**
If you are establishing the birth time of a well-known person or someone who has achieved success, it is useful to consider the following:
*See my book “Hidden Factors of the Horoscope,” ch. 1–3 (M.: Svit Uraniï, 2003).
**See “Predictive Astrology,” vol. I, part II, ch. 1.
Special cases of unaspectedness: a) duet, when two planets are connected by a major aspect but both have no aspects to other planets, and b) island of peregrinity (a term by N. Til), when two planets in conjunction have no other major aspects. See: Hamaker-Zondag K. The Finger of Fate. M: World of Uranus, 2006. ** Items 1-4 and 8-9 ~ after N. Til and J. Siglio. For more details see: Agafonov A. Correspondence Course of Astrology, Part III. 38
RECTIFICATION — 19 —+–If- Ds 27 Map 1-1. Garry Kasparov. Relocation to Moscow. 03.04.1963, 19:45 LMT, 55N45, 37E35
The following combinations in your version of rectification:
1. Strong Pluto; angular Pluto and/or Mars in tense aspects, often in tense configurations — a very frequent phenomenon in the horoscopes of famous scientists, writers, and artists; this is associated with the sublimation of aggression and sexuality into creative energy.
2. Tense aspects (including conjunctions, semi-squares) with a small orb, karmic aspects to the angles, especially to the Midheaven, from slow planets or a planet symbolically associated with the profession.
3. Powerful pictures of midpoints connected with the Midheaven and/or Aries Point, for example, Mars/Saturn = Midheaven, Sun/Pluto = Midheaven, Jupiter/Saturn = Aries Point. Sometimes it is precisely the aspects to the Midheaven and/or the participation of the Midheaven in midpoint pictures that allow selecting a rectified time in which the chart clearly reflects professional success and advancement in society.
4. Planets without Ptolemaic (major) aspects, often having great strength and setting the tone for the entire horoscope.
5. Strongly aspected Sun — a source of individual creativity and will.
6. The presence of aspect configurations, preferably four-cornered and involving Jupiter (T. Gerasimov, F. Velichko). The configuration “Finger of Fate” (three planets or two planets and a cardinal point form an isosceles triangle, in which the sextile serves as the base, and two quincunxes converge at the apex) may indicate a special talent symbolized by the apex of the configuration.
7. The strength of angular houses, primarily the 1st and 10th houses, and their rulers. Aspects of the rulers of the 1st and 10th houses, or planets in them, or their cusps with energetic planets — Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto.
8. Aspects of slow “generational planets” to personal planets, primarily to the Sun and Mars, as well as to the planet of profession.
9. The highlighted position of the profession planet, for example, in the “handle of the Bucket,” or the final dispositor, or a singleton, or in conjunction with an angle, or a strongly aspected planet, or, conversely, a planet without aspects.
To this, it can be added that the strength of the horoscope can also be given by Uranian planets, in the simplest case forming aspects to cardinal points. For example, in the horoscope of A. de Saint-Exupéry, Vulcan is in conjunction with the Midheaven. The same position is occupied by Poseidon in the horoscope of F. Liszt. In the chart of Richelieu, a T-square of Uranian planets Zeus (on Asc) — Apollo — Cupid (on Dsc) rests its base on the personal axis. In the chart of Catherine II, Cronos is located on the Midheaven, and Zeus on the Ascendant.
8. The Strength of the Ascendant and the Moon
In Indian astrology, there are vivid and at the same time profound descriptions of the effects of the Ascendant and the Moon depending on their placement in nakshatras (lunar mansions) in the sidereal Zodiac. They can be read in the book by Kh. Defou and S. Freedom “Jyotish. Introduction to Indian Astrology” (M.: Sattva, 2005) in Chapter 8. These descriptions should not be absolutized, as the tradition tended to exaggerate indicators. However, some examples are simply striking. Here, for example, is how the Ascendant of Stalin is characterized (21st degree of Scorpio in the tropical Zodiac, or 29th degree of Libra in the sidereal Zodiac).
Nakshatra Vishakha
The symbol of Vishakha is a triumphal gate adorned with a wreath of leaves; its deity is Indraagni — a pair of gods, one of whom is the leader and commander of the gods, and the other is the divine fire. As a symbol and deity, they evoke in the mind images of success, triumph, and sole power. Vishakha is destined to conquer, aimed at crushing the enemy. A person is very purposeful but may believe that the end justifies any means. People of Vishakha can become dictators; they develop logical justifications for their dogmas and present their discoveries in an aggressive manner… An Ascendant in Vishakha gives genuine courage and the ability to make titanic efforts to achieve a goal, but courage can turn into devastating, scorching rage. Unyielding determination. Extraordinary ambitions leave no time for whom or for what. The pursuit of personal interests. Lack of a close social environment, especially friends, and a tendency to use people as tools to achieve one’s goals. Such a position of the Ascendant is possible in politicians, people of iron will: dictators, leaders, victors (who arrange lavish triumphs), those who build ideologies and dogmas.
III. Forecasting Methods
(“The study of the development of astrological predictive systems is the study of the development of people and their relationship to fate” — B. Brady)
When rectifying a chart, we study the past. However, we apply the same methods as in forecasting the future. Of course, it is easier to match an astrological correspondence to events that have already occurred than to describe even a typical nature of future events. However, in the case of an in-person rectification, it sometimes happens that in the past, the native shows strong interactions in various methods at a certain time, and we see that the event simply had to happen, but the native either remained silent about it or forgot. In such a case, we perform a retro-forecast, describing the possible nature of the event, and, if the rectified time is correct, the native remembers it. This happens quite often, and such a practice is very good for verifying the rectified time.
1. Prognostic Methods and Levels of Existence
In modern Western astrology, the most popular prognostic methods are progressions, solar arcs, and transits. Transits are closest to concrete reality, including the psycho-physical well-being of a person. Progressions to a greater extent show emotional life and motivations; arcs — the mental plane, socially significant events. Motivations and emotionally significant events are well seen in progressions “1 day = 1 year” when the Midheaven shifts on the solar arc. In most cases, the Koch house system shows good results. During rectification, transits of planets (from Jupiter) to angles (major aspects) and cusps (primarily conjunctions) and arcs of planets to all cusps (and vice versa, all cusps to planets) should also be taken into account, but above all, conjunctions and squares involving angles.
Above these methods is the method of planetary periods (firdars), which was previously used in Arabic and European tradition, and in Indian astrology (in the Vimshottari Dasha variant) remains the main forecasting method to this day. Perhaps it reflects higher levels of existence, and the beginning of a new planetary period is associated with changes at the value (Buddhial) level. In the Indian tradition, there is also a method of rectification by planetary periods in the Vimshottari Dasha system. In recent years, the Firdar method has been experiencing its renaissance. It can also be used in rectification, albeit with caution. This is a flexible method, since a planet can relate to several houses at once (by rulership, exaltation, position, and aspects). In addition, in some charts, firdars do not show clear results (see, for example, the horoscope of Napoleon in rectification examples).
Atman (body of ideas) — Buddhi (body of values) — Planetary periods
J. i — causal (event body) — Mental (body of thought-forms) — directions
J. i — Astral (body of emotions) — Progressions
J. i — Etheric body (body of sensations) — Transits
Physical body. Transits and directions “resonate” with each other; these are odd levels associated with activity, yang qualities. Progressions represent the desire for the corresponding event and readiness for it; these are even, more yin levels. Within yin, there is always yang, and therefore progressions actually describe the main driving forces of development.
Natal chart is fully involved in transits and progressions, and to the greatest extent allows revealing free will, according to B. Brady. She attributes planetary arcs to a more “fatalistic” layer of predictive techniques. The ability to work with transits and progressions reflects an increased ability of a person to control their etheric and astral bodies. As a person learns to control mental processes, their ability to choose and multiply alternatives offered by solar arcs increases.
N. Till and B. Hammer-Hafner use a different system of retroforecasting in rectification. They consider:
- the movement of planets (primarily) and angles (to a lesser extent) by the solar arc without taking into account other cusps;
- conjunctions of the progressed Moon with angles;
- transits of planets, starting from Jupiter, to angles;
- progressions are also involved, but much less frequently, with the Midheaven moving by the solar arc, and only cardinal cusps are considered from the cusps;
This system is mainly focused on events significant in the social sphere, although it also reflects emotions. The basis here is the movement of the progressed Sun, associated with the development of individuality, and it is clear why this system developed primarily in America, where individualism is quite strong.
Another, more traditional, system is the directional movement of all planets and horoscope points at a uniform speed of “1 degree = 1 year” (M. S. Ayzin, F. Velichko). This system is closest to the mental plane and, apparently, to a certain predetermination. It is clear that in Russia this system may correspond to a certain slice of reality. However, it remains unclear what to do with the progressed Sun?
2. The Clock Hand of Fate: Progressed-Directional Midheaven
The directional-progressed Midheaven is the clock hand of fate. Aspects involving it (or aspects of progressed, directional, slow transiting planets to it) reflect most of the major life events. Many Western astrologers (including R. Ebertin, Z. Dobyns, R. Davidson, B. Hammer-Hafner, and N. Till) believe that in progressions the Midheaven moves at the speed of the progressed Sun, i.e., by the solar arc (the so-called “American progression”). It is characteristic that N. Till often refrains from using the Midheaven in arcs (but takes into account the arc aspects of planets to angles), and considers progressions to be less informative. Other astrologers move the Midheaven by Naibod’s arc (slightly less than 1 degree per year). Others move the Midheaven at a constant but different speed for different degrees of the natal Sun (approximately equal to the Sun’s speed on the day of birth of the native). Still others construct a horoscope for the time of birth as a progressed day, with the Midheaven moving unevenly: slightly faster than a degree per year in winter, and slightly slower in summer (but gives results that differ significantly from the results of the “American progression”). The fifth group shifts the Midheaven by the symbolic direction “1° = 1 year.” The sixth group uses the shift of the Midheaven in equatorial directions (implemented in some versions of the Almagest program, in Zet and Antares programs; the results do not always coincide).
Another type of progressions is the so-called “fast progressions,” in which the Midheaven manages to “run” the entire distance of approximately 3610 in a year. In this case, within a year the Midheaven manages to form all possible aspects with all planets, which provides a lot of information but does not necessarily mark significant events.
Each method can work effectively because:
a) the horoscope, despite the fixed image, is a living, breathing, multifaceted organism that responds to the specific researcher;
b) each method reflects a certain plane of Existence.
Recently, I have been inclined to shift the Midheaven by the solar arc. In Volume I of “Predictive Astrology,” I compared the results of shifting the Midheaven by the solar arc and symbolic direction over large time intervals (in the charts of Great Britain, the USSR, and the USA). As it seems to me, the arc Midheaven showed itself better.
It is impossible to resolve the dispute between supporters of different directional methods: all methods work to one degree or another — with a certain Ascendant or from a certain angle of view of the horoscope. Perhaps in the horoscopes of politicians the SD Midheaven (shifted by the symbolic direction “1° = 1 year”) works better than other methods, since its “place of residence” is the abstract mental plane. However, in the horoscopes of states and our contemporaries, the Midheaven shifted by the solar arc also works well.
Hereinafter, I use the designations S MC and Pr MC as synonyms.
3. Arcs, Directions, Progressions, Transits — What is More Important for Rectification?
Solar arcs generally reflect the main stages of fate and are the basis of modern rectification techniques. Arc aspects of planets with angles show noticeable events in the life of the native, sharply outlining the profile of the year. Arcs reflect a certain plane, a general “schedule” of life. This is a directive issued “from above,” from the mental plane. I consider the movement of both planets and all cusps in the method of solar arcs. That is, all planets and cusps move at the speed of the progressed Sun. I pay the main attention to aspects involving angles and conjunctions with the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses (in the Koch system; but for a child born in a female chart, I also consider the Placidus system).
Main events should also be reflected in progressions, given that progressed aspects are more associated with deep emotions, motivations, and better show psychological development. Usually, the most serious changes related to health, finances, or mental state are also clearly visible in progressions.
Thus, we have two types of cusps: directional (moving uniformly or by the solar arc at a constant distance from each other) and progressed (dependent on the Midheaven, the distance between cusps is constantly changing). The Midheaven coincides in both methods.
What is more important for rectification — the directional or progressed Ascendant? Aspects of directional or progressed planets? Similar events often happen in life. For example, one can marry two or three times. In Volume II of “Predictive Astrology,” examples are given of how similar events are marked by similar aspects, with the first event in directions and the second in progressions (or vice versa). For example, a woman’s first marriage is marked by the conjunction of the Pr Ascendant with the Sun, and the second by the same conjunction of the S Ascendant. Or the first child is marked by the conjunction of the S Venus with the IC, and the second by the sextile of the Pr IC to Venus. Or at marriage Venus comes to the Ascendant, and during the start of work on television — the S Venus.
On the other hand, if you want to see the time of love, note the aspects of the progressed Sun to the natal Venus, or the progressed Venus to the natal Sun. In describing feelings, the aspects of the progressed Venus are more indicative than the arc Venus. This applies to a greater extent to predictive work, but can also help in rectification.
It is difficult to say which method — directions or progressions — is more effective in forecasting. Both work and act together, describing events from different points of view.
With caution, one can say that progressions, to a greater extent, describe processes, while arcs represent “points of bifurcation.” Progressions clearly show emotions, motivations, health, and material status, while arcs indicate events that alter the native’s social status or mark the transition from one life period to another (though arcs also reflect physical condition, emotions, and major changes in material circumstances). Therefore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular life period, it is worth combining the main methods of retroforecasting. In both progressions and arcs, cusps are typically involved during significant events, making both methods valuable in rectification. However, since rectification is based precisely on pivotal events rather than motivations or psycho-physical states, directions are the most useful for this purpose in my practice.
Directional aspects reveal the “seismic activity” of fate, which fundamentally changes the native’s life (see, for example, squares in solar arcs in F. Liszt’s horoscope in the late 1850s, when he drastically changed his life; or the conjunction and opposition of the directed Midheaven in Saint-Exupéry’s chart, clearly delineating one life period from another). Still, in different charts and for different people, one method or another may work more distinctly. Naturally, rectification should also be confirmed by transits. However, transits are not always as clearly connected to cusps—even angular ones—as directions or progressions.
4. Event as a Process
An event is attracted to us by our desires (symbolized by progressions). On the physical level, it is not the event itself that is symbolized by transits. We receive information, meet people, find ourselves in situations, and gain opportunities to act in accordance with transits. As a result, we change our lives, and this is reflected in directions (arcs). Some events occur instantly, others relatively quickly, while others unfold over time and are essentially a process or a chain of smaller, often contradictory events (for example, the development of relationships, a prolonged separation, illness, a serious business project, or a gradual career change). For forecasting and rectification, the third scenario—a process unfolding over several years—is the most complex. During this time, numerous aspects form in transits, progressions, and directions. As Aristotle wrote, everything has a beginning, middle, and end. Thus, initiating, developing (possibly culminating), and resulting events and aspects can be distinguished. The initiating and concluding aspects are the most pronounced. I call the initiating event the “seed,” and the resulting event the “decision.” Any “seed” is the consequence of a previously made “decision”; any “decision” is the “seed” of new development. Sometimes, the path from a “seed” event to a “decision” event is short, or they merge into a single whole. In this case, there is a “cumulative” massed action of similar transits, progressions, and arcs, with cardinal houses and energizing planets (Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto) involved in the aspects, and the decision is made quickly, accelerating the pace of life. Clearly, such behavior is more characteristic of people with a cardinal temperament who have strong and/or tense energizing planets.
People of the fixed type (strong Saturn, strong Earth, fixed signs/houses, lack of tension involving masculine planets) make and implement decisions more slowly. If they have energetic reserves in their chart, they consistently achieve their goals. If reserves are insufficient, there are few decisions and few events—despite the presence of aspects in arcs or progressions, as in others. People of the mutable type can make decisions quickly but are not always consistent. Their lives may feature many similar events. They can gradually transition from one type of activity or lifestyle to another or combine them. Mixed types also exist. For example, in Saint-Exupéry’s chart, Mars in the 10th house is in cardinal Cancer, but in Gemini. It disposits the 3rd house and forms tense oppositions to Jupiter and Uranus. Saint-Exupéry stopped his risky flights for several years only after many aviation accidents, and in the last one (1935), he miraculously survived. The temporary abandonment of flying and the threat to his life are marked in his chart by the opposition of the directed Sun to Saturn. However, in 1938, he attempted another reckless and poorly prepared flight and crashed again.
In Liszt’s chart, there are seemingly strong cardinal signs. But the cardinality is different. He has a practical and decisive Mars in Capricorn—but the Sun and Mercury are in diplomatic and weighing Libra, which requires a partner. The conjunction of the Moon with Saturn gives control over emotions, long-lasting but cool preferences. The filled mutable houses create dependence on circumstances. Important decisions are made gradually, sometimes painfully experiencing the need to combine entirely different lifestyles (a touring virtuoso pianist and the director of musical life in Weimar; an ascetic abbot and a secular person; a hardworking composer and a public figure). Therefore, in Liszt’s case, several years usually pass between the “seed” and the “decision.” Changing one’s lifestyle, forming or ending relationships for Liszt is a process, often painful and complex. Accordingly, the aspect pattern can be intricate and contradictory. During rectification, such periods should be skipped, focusing on clear and distinct events with known dates (or at least months). For example, meeting a future spouse may not be clearly reflected: feelings can develop gradually. Even the beginning of a shared life can be stretched over time. However, an official marriage, the birth of a child, rapid and serious changes in social status, dramatic events, or an immediate and permanent move make it easier and more reliable to “tune” the chart.
Examples
a) Delayed divorce in a man
In the man’s chart at the time of the divorce, the transit Saturn had already passed the Ascendant (an aspect that often symbolizes estrangement, cooling, and separation) for 9 months, but the divorce itself occurred when the directed Sun-Saturn opposition to the Descendant approached exactness. The man had been contemplating divorce for 9 months, which likely first manifested when transit Saturn opposed the Ascendant. In his chart, Saturn is in the 1st house, and the Ascendant is in fixed Scorpio.
b) Rapid relationships
The native was born on August 17, 1975, at 18:08 GT in Moscow. In September 1997, she began living in a civil marriage. At the time of the meeting, the directed Sun conjunct IC was conjunct Saturn, and the directed Venus simultaneously formed a novile to Pluto and a semi-sextile to Saturn. These aspects indicate an inner readiness for stable yet intense relationships. The directed Mars formed a trine to the Descendant, suggesting that such an opportunity would present itself. At the same time, transit Saturn was looping around the Ascendant (indicating a sense of loneliness), and Neptune, after opposing Saturn (depression), formed a square to Uranus (romanticism). Jupiter at this time was making a prolonged trine to the Descendant (opportunity). Corresponding aspects also formed in solar arcs: MC conjunct Venus; Ascendant square Neptune; Moon trine Neptune; Descendant square Uranus. All three planes are working together. The decision to cohabit was made on the second day of the acquaintance.
From these examples, it is clear that the physical, astral, and mental planes can operate either by passing the baton to one another or almost synchronously. In case (b), Jupiter in the 1st house in Aries indicates boldness and self-confidence. The square from the Moon to Pluto suggests strong emotionality and “pursuing chosen goals with fanatical determination” (R. Ebertin). Thus, all three planes are activated almost simultaneously, decisions are made quickly, and actions are taken immediately. The native is an entrepreneur and organizer of her own business. Later, we will examine the work of planetary arcs in her chart.
