Everyone who has engaged with astrology has noticed that in a two-dimensional chart there are always a third (hidden factors of the horoscope) and a fourth (time) dimension. Often, the mandala of the horoscope appears three-dimensional, like a painting, sculpture, or symphony. Astrology is synthetic, connected to all the arts, philosophical, and mystical. And true mysticism always reveals unexplored perspectives. An ant crawling along a branch thought the entire universe was this branch. To its sacred awe and fascination, it turned out that the branch was a tiny part of a giant tree growing from the past into the future, from roots deeply submerged in nocturnal silence to a crown rustling under sun and rain, down to the tender young leaves reflecting the stellar universe.
In the Old World, there is a certain tradition of philosophical and mystical understanding of humanity, which casts a reflection onto astrology as well. It is fascinating how one or another philosophical (aesthetic) system influences seemingly narrow professional questions. “The gloomy German genius” emerges in the research of Alfred Witte; the studies of Alfred Witte resemble gazing into a mystical mountain landscape; the works of Reinhold Ebertin form a perfectly functioning system interwoven with an immeasurable quantum of information, akin to masterpieces of German machinery or instrument engineering; the individualistic constructions of the British are rational, precise, and meticulous, often refined, their mysticism more “daylight”; Spanish works resemble a duel with countless precise thrusts of a rapier, and sometimes evoke a Gothic cathedral; Russian works evoke either a novel by Dostoevsky, a poem by Pushkin, or the grand delusions of system-building (no specific author is implied! God forbid! And this is precisely where it errs). In Russia, there was a fascination with translations of American sources, and this is natural. American astrology is practical, grounded, has extensive experience, and is quite altruistic. Yet, when reading American astrological works, it is hard to shake the feeling that something is missing. Of course, one cannot judge the entire American tradition in this way. It contains very serious and profound works, including those from the first half of the 20th century. However, one often wishes for deeper analysis—or perhaps understanding—of the hidden springs of human psychology, the hidden factors of the horoscope.
Recall how often in Hollywood films heroes crawl through ventilation ducts, elevator shafts, not to mention sewer tunnels. This symbolically reflects the hidden connections of the world—powerful and invisible, yet often decisive. They govern the subconscious, and they are extraordinarily strong in the horoscope.
In domestic literature, works have emerged that deepen and systematize the understanding of the horoscope as a holistic four-dimensional system. Perhaps this is connected to the tragic depth of our historical experience. Or to the masterpieces of psychological prose we have read. Or to the stagnation of practical activity that turns us inward. The creation of charts of energy, information, and semantic flows that shape any structure from within, transforming it into a process—this is how humanity comprehends the world today. This manifests everywhere. In chess, resistance to hidden positional forces was marked by Nimzowitsch’s style. In music, there was a revival of polyphony. In grand painting, composition was never static: it has a beginning, a climax, and a goal. In martial arts, karate gave way to aikido. In football, the team with the best organization and precise passing wins. In astrology, an example of a structural approach is the system of horoscope field interactions developed by Sergei Shestopalov, encompassing psychological, professional formulas, as well as those of events and illnesses. These formulas are a concise summary of energetic and semantic interactions that link the houses. It is strange, though, that Shestopalov does not consider aspects to the cusps, which his teacher Sergei Vronsky considered quite important. Experience shows that in these interactions, not only major aspects matter, but also aspects of the 8th and 9th harmonics.
Another approach to knowledge is holographic-esoteric, where the part reflects the whole and vice versa. In astrology, this might involve studying the 1st house as a symbol of the entire radix. Finally, a third approach, brilliantly and expansively articulated by Dane Rudhyar, is the cyclical one, where the radix frame becomes part of a filmstrip again. The movement of any planetary pair can be viewed as a cycle, and this perspective on things is as captivating as the endless rising of layered voices in choral polyphony. In Russia, Rudhyar’s approach was successfully developed by Olga Lomakina.
Human destiny is by no means entirely determined in childhood. Research by Raymond Moody, Stanislav Grof, and Alfred Witte demonstrated the immersion of the human subconscious in past incarnations and its dependence on them. Ebertin also described specific combinations characteristic of burdensome karmic inheritance—usually involving the interaction of heavy (from Saturn) and personal planets. This depth of time can be revealed through a glance at the horoscope. Such a karmic view of astrology is characteristic of European and Indian traditions and of deep currents in American astrological thought. The future of astrology clearly lies in the synthesis of different traditions and their new interpretation based on extensive statistical material. For example, harmonics came to Europe from India but gained new interpretations—though sometimes without fundamental Indian knowledge. The system of interpreting minor and ultra-minor aspects developed by Alexander Podvodny is also an evolution of the Indian tradition of harmonics. And the idea, which was in the air and systematically articulated by Podvodny, that different horoscopes operate for different levels of personality, came not only from scientific psychology but also from psychological education.
The notion that past-life problems can often be discerned in the structure of karmic aspects (9th harmonic) probably belongs to Pavel Globa and is also a development of the Indian tradition. Shestopalov’s system is a broad evolution at a completely new level of the principle of local determination of planets from Morin de Villefranche, whose classical work is worthy of study. Shestopalov’s system also remotely resonates with the principle of yogas in Indian astrology. Changes of planets can also be remotely compared to yogas. Finally, last but not least, a rather mystical method of rectifying the first marriage arrived in Russia from the Hamburg School.
It is evident that in education and practice, all these approaches should be synthesized. Further analysis illustrates some of them, as well as four more:
1) Exact aspects to the cusps in the Koch system;
2) “Power places” — highly aspected degrees; their role is known, but karmic and creative aspects to them are not mentioned in research; planets, fictitious objects, and the lunar nodes can act as power places;
3) Construction of the “tree of midpoints” (if possible), where from the “root” planet-midpoint, double “sprouts” branch out, each of which is also a root of the next bifurcation; this allows for a deeper understanding of the “root” planet; in S.’s horoscope, the Sun and Moon were examined this way;
4) Planetary formulas, the formula of the horoscope as a whole — here I apply a freer approach than Shestopalov: all tense and karmic aspects are considered, as well as cusps not only of angular but also of other houses (in this case — the 8th). These formulas are less functional and more holographic-semantic.
But first—a brief description of the method of rectifying the first marriage. This is part of a pamphlet on rectification that will be published by the Urania publishing house. Marriages are made in heaven: the MC in the rapid progression of 30 degrees per year (or 360 degrees in 12 years) in the local chart on the day of the marriage forms an aspect, a multiple of thirty degrees, with the marriage significator.
The Hamburg School considers the significators to be clearly defined. These are the Sun for women born during the day and Mars for those born at night; Venus for men born during the day and the Moon for those born at night.However, with such a rigid approach, the birth time is often significantly shifted compared to the officially registered one, important contacts of directions and transits with the angles are lost, and rectification does not account for the individual’s personality traits. The method (in its strict form) does not work in the horoscopes of many celebrities — for example, Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher. To make the method more flexible, marriage significators are varied, using the ruler of the 7th house, Jupiter, the Moon, and Venus. It is best to use this method to refine the birth time, and different marriage significators should be taken. The range of possible birth times is easily determined by profections of the Midheaven in the rectification block of the latest versions of Almagest. However, it is advisable to verify everything manually. O. Kolesnikov believes that the professional movement of the Ascendant by sign per year can also be used. S. Vronsky, who used this method, noted that it works in its canonical form only when the bride and groom are virgins and marry on the same day they enter into marriage. If there were close relationships with the future spouse or (especially) with another person before the marriage, the method of the first marriage may not yield a definite result. The stronger the marriage, the better this rectification method works. Thus, in the case of two marriages, it often turns out that the date of the second, stronger, and more “fruitful” marriage is better to use for rectification. There are also exceptions where a planned but unconsummated marriage can be taken as the professional date. Perhaps the method of the first marriage will not work if there was no choice in the matter of selecting the wedding date, for example, in the case of military personnel. It is also possible that the Midheaven in professions on the day of marriage makes aspects to other planets that are not traditionally considered marriage significators. Or if the relocation chart does not work, the profection should be examined in the natal chart.The method often works with the following significators: Moon, Venus, Jupiter — universal significators for men and women. Perhaps Saturn and Neptune can be added to them — this question requires research. For women, add Sun and Mars.
Profection of the Midheaven to the marriage significator allows us to arrive at a horoscope in which, in various predictive methods, the moments of events are accentuated by the cardinal points. However, horoscopes rectified by profections to different significators and yielding different approximate times of birth often have roughly the same predictive power. Each contact of the professional Midheaven on the day of marriage with one of the marriage significators marks a very significant moment during the first day of life. This moment may even rival the recorded actual birth time in importance.
If the native was not married, the most probable birth time is shown by the profection of the Midheaven on the day of obtaining a foreign passport in the local chart to Jupiter, or to the ruler of the 9th house, or to a planet in it.
The formula for calculating the event angle (the number of degrees to be subtracted from the ecliptic longitude of the marriage significator to obtain the value of the Midheaven in the local chart) is as follows:
US = [DS + VS/24 – (DR + VRp/24) + LD] x 4.9281
where US is the event angle, DS is the marriage date (day of the year, regardless of the year), VS is the event time (all taken in GMT), DR is the birth date (day of the year, regardless of the year), VRp is the approximate birth time, LD is the number of leap days that have passed in the current 12-year period up to the event moment (since the Midheaven moves 4.9281 degrees per year in 12-year profection).
S., a teacher of aesthetics, was born on September 2, 1954, in Kharkiv, around 16:00 GMT. Marriage on November 25, 1977, in Kharkiv. In the near future, the profection of the Midheaven to Venus gives January 16 at 16:00 GMT, but the profection to another marriage significator, Jupiter, at an approximate birth time of 15:45:15 GMT yields more pronounced results. Let us verify this birth time.
Marriage on November 25, 1977:
SD MC = 60 = Moon = 120 = Sun.
Tr Neptune = 0 = Ascendant.
Tr Saturn = 0 = Descendant.
All quite strong.
Birth of a daughter on October 26, 1980:
Pr Descendant = 0 = Venus (it should be noted that contacts of the Descendant at the birth of children are possible: this is like the appearance of a new character; in progressions, the Midheaven moves at a rate of 1 degree per year).
Tr Uranus = 90 = Ascendant.
Tr Vesta = 0 = Descendant.
Death of the father on June 25, 1984:
SD IC = 40 = Pluto.
Pr Sun = 0 = 8th house cusp.
By this time, she was practically separated from her husband:
S Uranus = 0 = Descendant (S denotes solar arc, SD denotes symbolic directions).
Second marriage in May 1989 (relocation to Kyiv):
Tr Pluto = 90 = Ascendant (this was a difficult time psychologically).
Pr Descendant = 60 = Mars.
In the radix:
Tr Jupiter = 0 = IC.
S Jupiter = 0 = Descendant.
Divorce occurred in October 1990. By this time, Pr Descendant had made a conjunction with Saturn. The time appears quite justified.
In the Hamburg method, the Sun is the marriage significator, which gives two possible birth times: 14:52:30 GMT and 17:01 GMT. With these birth times, the first marriage is also clearly visible, with strong activation of the angles. However, the death of the father is weakly reflected in both “Hamburg” birth times. Additionally, the birth time of 17:01 should be excluded, since with the Midheaven in Capricorn in conjunction with Mars, administrative abilities should have manifested. The Midheaven in Sagittarius is more suitable: S. is a teacher. In both “Hamburg” charts, there is weak activation of arc aspects to the angles at key life moments. We will settle on the birth time of 15:45:15 GMT.
The emphasis on the western hemisphere suggests a tendency to give oneself to others. The Jones pattern is a bowl without a handle. The geometric center of the bowl (the real problem) is the 8th house cusp: deep research, karmic issues, self-absorption. The “handle” (possibly a false application of energy) is missing — the 2nd house cusp. There have always been financial difficulties. A bowl without a handle usually indicates inner dissatisfaction, which hinders achievements (C. Deneuve, L. Walesa, B. Clinton).
The most prominent houses are the 7th and 8th. The chart is clearly divided into two structures: a bi-sextile of Sun — Mars — Moon/Saturn and a square of Venus/Neptune — Jupiter/Uranus, with two releases to the 7th house through sextiles to Mercury and Pluto.
The bi-sextile (in this case) is associated with stability, energy, willpower, suppression of emotions, inner depression, and the image of a man. The bi-sextile is supported by an internally depressive, emotionally restrained conjunction of Moon/Saturn. Saturn in Scorpio sometimes (as in this case) signifies forced asceticism, structuring (and suppression) of deep and secret emotions and desires. Here, this is caused by early separation from the father. The Moon/Saturn conjunction also reflects the suppressed state of the mother in S.’s childhood.
The ideal man (Sun, Mars, Pluto, since he is on the Descendant) — thorough, methodical, practical, noticeable (well-known), socially active, stable, bright, theatrical, a lover-friend, a leader. Given S.’s strong idealism, it is understandable that such men may not exist. Hence, disappointment and loneliness. This is karmically conditioned, as the 8th house is involved.
The Sun/Moon conjunction suggests a need for emotional control, a sense of one’s own significance, deep psychological research, interest in paranormal (extreme) spheres, supported by methodicalness, thoroughness, and precision brought into the public eye.
The Ascendant in Aquarius adds an overtone of independence and unpredictability, but together with Aries in the 1st house, it is merely a shell enclosing the Pisces in the 1st house.
One of the most important places in any chart is the midpoint of Sun/Moon. In this case, Sun/Moon (Black Moon) = Mercury/Venus = 8th house cusp. This is the main formula of the chart. The 8th house is the “place of power” in the chart, a hidden focal point of this horoscope. Symbolically, this represents a rejection of the “man-woman” relationship and thoughts about love.
Midpoints of the luminaries:
Sun = Venus/Neptune = Uranus/Neptune: a romantic combination. Weak sense of reality. Erotic imagination, secret love.
Moon = Jupiter/Pluto: wealth of feelings, the ability to influence the public by appealing to emotions. A good psychologist. All of this is important for an educator.
Together with the Sun and Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and the higher planets resonate. Here, romanticism has a shade of yearning. The Sun/Moon midpoint is saturated with idealism. However, the 8th house in Scorpio with Saturn in it will develop this idealism to an extreme degree and then test it in extreme situations, after which the idealistic defense structures will either completely shut out reality or dissipate, yielding to Saturn. Why? For what? We will never fully understand the answer. It is clear that this is working off debts related to Scorpio issues, and in this incarnation, sublimation of the unsatisfied Moon through sextiles (aspects of conscious action) to the Sun and Mars is necessary.
The acquisition of wisdom is impossible without the loss of illusions: much knowledge is much sorrow.
S. was born into a cultured family; her parents were connected with art, theater, and music. Both figures of the Sagittarius type. The 10th house in Sagittarius is more suitable for describing the father, a high-ranking official.
The father left the family when S. was 5 years old (S Jupiter = 0 = Uranus). The stepfather (also a cultural official) entered S.’s life when she was 14 and had a deep influence on her (S Pluto = 0 = Sun at age 14: transformation of the father’s image, the male image in general, a change in life orientation). Later, the stepfather became closer than the father, but the psychological trauma remained.
S. was married twice and raised a daughter. Since 1990, she has been effectively alone.
Feminine essence, sexuality (strong, emotionally intense, fatal — Moon in conjunction with Lilith, in Scorpio, in the 8th house) may be suppressed. Illnesses are likely, most probably in childhood (Moon, 6th house, in conjunction with Saturn, 12th house in the 8th house, forms a disease formula; indeed, S. was very sickly until about age 16). Later, illnesses of the sexual organs are possible, not excluding the result of asceticism, rejection of emotional (sexual) life.Non-traditional, free-spirited behavior tinged with strong idealism (Uranus, 6th house in conjunction with Jupiter and in square to Venus and Neptune). Social and romantic relationships, mindset are idealistic, spiritualized; likely infatuations and relationship breakups, platonic, unusual relationships (Venus in Libra in conjunction with Neptune and in square to Uranus; Venus in the 8th house). Hidden self-sacrifice, mysticism (Neptune rules the closed Pisces in the 1st house). The septile of Mars to Ascendant and Neptune to Midheaven, trine of Venus and Neptune to Ascendant speak to the spiritual dimension. Instead of submitting to a partner, she subjugates her students (Pluto on the Descendant). As expected, the 7th harmonic chart (romanticism, idealism) is strong, containing four conjunctions: Mercury/Mars on the Ascendant — lively thought, communication, argumentation; Moon/Uranus — inner freedom and unpredictability, electrified emotions; Jupiter/Saturn conjunction does not include personal planets, but in connection with other aspects of this harmonic it is significant; Neptune/Midheaven — idealistic goal. With a strong 7th harmonic chart, forecasting is difficult, especially in youth. S. teaches cultural studies and aesthetics at school. She is well-regarded and beloved by her students. The Midheaven in Sagittarius also reflects her teaching activity.
The ruler of the Midheaven, Jupiter, is in the 5th house. An idealistic Jupiter-Neptune square has two releases into the 7th house: sextiles to Pluto and Mercury, and in the same house, the Sun, which transmits the energy of Saturn in Scorpio. Three planets in the 7th house shape the external image: theatrical, authoritative, scrupulous, detailed, competent demonstration of romanticism, depression, control over emotions. Interestingly, this is the reverse side of the ideal man. There is a sense of evasion from one’s own femininity in behavior. A strong 7th house is the sublimation of internal tensions. The 5th and 7th houses form many connections with other houses. S. has the data of an actress; it is no coincidence that she was strongly drawn to the theater in her school years. In mind are her “solar” and “jupiterian” roles, while the “lunar” is hidden and suppressed. Ideas about a career are vague, and advancement is unpredictable (Jupiter, in the Midheaven, in square to Neptune and in conjunction with Uranus). It is unlikely to reach a high social status (the 10th house is empty, no strong aspects to the Midheaven; Saturn in novile to the Midheaven). Deep study of culture and art (connections of the 1st, 3rd, and 9th houses), but scientific work does not materialize (no connection between the 9th and 10th houses). S. deeply feels hidden patterns of life, experienced altered states of consciousness, deep depression, feared for her mind (a strong 8th house containing Neptune and Saturn in conjunction with the Moon; Neptune in square to the 6th/12th axis and to Uranus in the 6th; involved are the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, and 12th houses; Uranus gives suicidal tendencies; here is also the formula of mental illness (3rd-6th-8th-12th & Uranus, Jupiter, Neptune). S. often takes a passive position, there is a lack of energy for practical action, although spiritual life is rich. Apparently, this is reflected in the absence of tense aspects to the Sun, Mars, the restraint of the Moon, and the strong idealistic Jupiter-Uranus square — Venus/Neptune. The lack of tense aspects to the masculine planets, the result of the idealization of the father’s image, weakens motivation. The weak personal motivation is also indicated by the empty first quadrant. Uranus, the ruler of the Ascendant, is aspected multiple times but weak by sign. It forms a quincunx to the Ascendant, novile to the IC, square to Venus and Neptune, semisextile to Saturn (which is in novile to the Midheaven, creating the configuration IC = 40 = Uranus = 140 = Saturn = 180 = Midheaven), and a conjunction with Jupiter in the Midheaven. Uranus is another “place of power.” Progressive, directional, and strong transit aspects, especially conjunctions with Uranus, should bring various consequences due to unpredictable personal actions. This may be related to love affairs, “absence of waking consciousness,” strong idealism, changes in self-awareness, unexpected events in the house (subconscious) and career. The novile from Uranus to the IC is very important: this is an unusual house, sudden collapse of the house/family, domestic freedom, clubhouse, etc. (This all corresponds to reality). Three motivational complexes converge on Uranus. This can be written as Uranus = Venus/Neptune + [Saturn + Midheaven] + Jupiter. Here, idealism (Venus/Neptune) and a persistent, even fanatical attitude toward the profession (Saturn by novile strengthens, though it inhibits the Midheaven in Sagittarius through sublimated energy) interact. The tense interaction of Uranus and Saturn would normally lead to rebellion against tradition and restrictions, but Uranus is weak by sign. Part of Uranus’ energy goes to the IC point, acting as a lightning rod, part is sublimated into Jupiter in the Midheaven, and another part goes to Venus. The influence of Uranus on the IC manifests in the fact that the marriage is broken and the home is free (uranian). The love idealism of Venus/Neptune fades with age, the stability of Saturn, and the Jupiterian desire to enlighten remains. Therefore, we can write the formula of the “adult” Uranus as: Uranus(IC) = Saturn(MC) + Jupiter(V, MC). That is, the house is uranian, but there is work and happiness/calling in children. However, in event manifestation, the formula without Jupiter is more accurate, since in progressions, directions, and most transits to Uranus, Jupiter will not be involved: there are 4 degrees between them. Then the result is: the absence of a home — dedication (and innovation) in work, that is, Uranus(IC) = Saturn(MC). This is a rather sad formula for a woman. The list of midpoints adds to the picture. The Aries point = Saturn/Pluto: a strong combination that can take on a gloomy character, but in this case, it is softened by idealism. Dedication, stability, self-discipline, refusal, thorough and deep research in solitude, the process of spiritual and mental growth. Jupiter/Ascendant = Moon: a warm and kind nature, kindness, she is compassionate. This combines with Jupiter in Cancer and the general romantic profile. Sun/Venus = Mars: the desire to love, the desire to have children. Creative energy. Jupiter/Midheaven = Saturn: restrictions and difficulties, unrecognized talent, love for solitude. Venus/Neptune = Uranus: a strong idealistic combination. Vulnerability, a strong desire for love, a tendency to succumb to temptation, and even despair, sometimes extravagance, unexpected partings. Jupiter/Uranus = Neptune: lack of prudence and foresight. Mercury/Saturn = Mars/Jupiter = Node: the desire to hold philosophical discussions and short trips in company. Good cooperation with others occurs. Sun/Mercury = Midheaven: the development of one’s own mental concepts, an intellectual worker. Moon/Jupiter = Midheaven: a kind-hearted, religious, socially-minded person, popularity. — A happy mother. Saturn/Uranus = Midheaven: rebellion, challenge, provocation, separation. Echoes of the Ascendant in Aquarius. To realize this desire, tense aspects are lacking. Thus, the main contradiction is associated with the karmically conditioned rejection of the idealized desire for love. Sun/Moon = Mercury/Venus = 8th house — this is the archetypal formula for S. The 8th house, in the words of K. Dilanian, is a “prison for emotions.” The midpoint Sun/Moon is the focal point of incarnation. The life evolution vector of S. is directed from romantic illusions, from interest in theater and bohemia (Venus/Neptune in Libra in the 8th house) through a series of strong passions (Moon in Scorpio, Venus/Neptune = Uranus) to internal concentration and sublimation through research and teaching work. A similar process of coming to understand one’s mission is also indicated by the second formula of the horoscope: Uranus(IC) = Saturn(MC). These two formulas together give a third, since the two “places of power” of the chart are connected by an exact quintile: Uranus = 72 = 8th house cusp. This is the final formula. Uranus is the sublimated outlet for the energy focused on the 8th house cusp. In youth, this led to unexpected and unpredictable behavior. Then the quintile became more civilized and went deeper. Symbolically, this is, of course, a very rich quintile. Imagine: a transit or progressed planet hits the 8th house cusp, and the entire horoscope resonates. S. loves extreme emotional situations — not situations of action, since there are no tense aspects to the yang planets, but “abysses on the edge of darkness” or something unusual. Cataclysms are somewhat grounded by the Sun in Virgo and turn inward, where the energy of transformation accumulates.
In the 20th century, the number and variety of forces acting on the individual increased significantly. Therefore, human reaction became more mediated, life events less predictable. The person themselves became more complex. How to reflect this astrologically? One way is to account for the hidden factors of the horoscope, its undercurrents. The explicit factors of the horoscope can be listed approximately in this order:
- the general structure of the cosmogram: the distribution of planets in hemispheres, quadrants, and zones (three successive divisions of 4 signs each);
- the expression of the elements;
- the expression of qualities (cardinal, fixed, mutable signs);
- the signs of the planets, primarily the seven traditional planets, and major aspects;
- aspect patterns;
- the planet Rex aspectarius (the aspect king) and the unaspected planet;
- the oriental planet (rising before the Sun);
- stelliums.
– General structure of the horoscope: placement of planets in hemispheres, quadrants, and zones;
– Jones’ figures;
– Trines of houses;
– Crosses of houses;
– Combination of the Sun, Moon, and Ascendant – the “main chord” of the horoscope according to M. Thiel;
– MC sign;
– Position and aspects of the rulers of the 1st and 10th houses; planets in angular houses;
– Aspect changes considering the position of planets in houses.
All this provides us with an abyss of information – yet we crave more. To satisfy this legitimate and progressive aspiration, we turn to hidden factors. Hidden factors include any internal interconnections in the horoscope that cannot be seen “with the naked eye.” These are:
- combinations of house elements resulting from position, rulership by sign or exaltation, as well as aspectation;
- connections of planets in mutual receptions of rulership and exaltation;
- aspects to cusps;
- minor aspects and harmonic charts;
- midpoints and lots (Arabic points).
Horoscope as a reflection of the energy transformation process
If we consider astrology as an art, then the natal chart is closer to painting, i.e., a spatial art, while its unfolding in time is closer to music, i.e., a temporal art. Music, developing over time, also paints a spatial graph of emotion (what we hear, we involuntarily perceive in space; hence, music is one of the visual arts). Similarly, astrological predictive techniques can be represented as an infinitely evolving graph. This is well illustrated by graphical ephemerides, where three-dimensional cycles of planetary interactions are projected onto a plane.
Yet even a seemingly static natal chart possesses a hidden dimension of development associated with the process of energy transformation (I am not referring to “frozen” and potentially existing cycles in the chart, but to something else: the chart as an energetic contour, akin to an electrical circuit). In reflecting the process of energy transformation, the horoscope shares similarities with any spiritual product. Works of art, philosophical treatises, masterpieces of medieval potters, ink drawings on rice paper – and indeed any result of meaningful aesthetic activity – reflect the process of illuminating matter, its approach to the Absolute.
For example, an artist, outlining the main compositional contours of a future painting, often views it as a process. The painting evolves while remaining motionless. Even in landscapes and still lifes, inner development is reflected. Often, the intended line of this development is marked, such as a diagonal from the lower corner to the opposite upper corner (one of the simplest examples), or a spiral, or horizontal layering with varying color saturation. Contrasting colors and forms create inner tension. This tension may resolve, for instance, in the appearance of a bright, colorful accent at the upper end of the compositional diagonal. The viewer perceives this accent as a qualitative leap and the result of development. The resolution may be entirely different, as in P. Bruegel’s “The Blind Leading the Blind,” where the compositional line formed by the characters’ hands binds them together and ends in a pit.
Taken as a whole, a musical work is also a certain spatial form in which movement is perceived by the inner eye as progressing from left to right. Musical themes contrast with one another, develop, and often transition into their opposites. Music also contains qualitative leaps, such as when the development of a sonata form leads to the recapitulation (repetition) of the main themes of the work, sounding anew.
Architecture most often conveys a sense of upward development. This is especially evident in Gothic style. The vertical direction may combine with others, such as from the center to the periphery. Art often reflects the process of transforming psychic energy from coarser to more refined and elevated forms. L. Vygotsky writes about this in his excellent book “Psychology of Art.” However, art may also deal with hopeless processes moving in a closed circle, as in the works of the Marquis de Sade, or with degradation, as in A. Camus’ “The Stranger.” But this is a negation of the main principle, so to speak, its proof to the contrary.
The natal chart is also a work of art (more precisely, a symbolic description of the unity of two creations – the Solar System and ourselves) and can be seen as a reflection of the general process of energy transformation. In this case, even without applying predictive techniques, it acquires inner development and depth. Energy transformation can lead to vivid external manifestations, and we speak of the formation of events. However, at the mental level, the most intense interactions can also foster inner growth.
and stagnation leading to stagnation and degradation. Transformation, illumination, and purification of psychic energy Z. Freud called sublimation and believed it to be the main driving force of creativity. If a person remains at the level of purely physical or sexual expression of energy, they will not develop. The more complex their activity, the more refined energy it requires. Each of us has an animal within, but our task is to transform, refine, and sublimate the animal energies of aggression, fear, and procreation into creative energy. Sublimation is the energetic foundation of creativity and self-improvement. The process of sublimation was mastered by yogis, Daoists, martial arts masters, tantrics, and ascetics. In the East, there is a developed practice and theory of sublimation. Alchemy as a spiritual practice is also based on sublimation.
Eastern esoteric teachings (for example, Chinese Daoist guides, Indian yoga) indicate that sublimation is a long and complex process requiring serious self-discipline. When accumulating a large amount of energy, which arises primarily from moderation, a person may not withstand the temptation of bodily life and burn out in pleasures. But without such accumulation, some paths will be closed to them. Essentially, they will be two-dimensional: all strength will go “downward.”
Sexual energy in the horoscope can be expressed through tense interactions of planets that have a direct (ruler, exalted planet at the cusp, planet in a house; here one needs to look closely at which planet and in which sign) or symbolic (Mars, Pluto; in this case, likely) relation to the 8th house, as well as a strong Scorpio, powerful Pluto, or tense interactions between the 5th and 8th houses. Often, the Sun is involved in these combinations, and Jupiter and Saturn frequently join them. Although the limiting and structuring Saturn is not directly related to sex, in some cases it can give more power to the planets interacting with it, acting as a “lid” over boiling passions.
Uranus is exalted in Scorpio, and its conjunctions and stressful aspects are saturated with energy, while tense aspects with Venus can indicate sexual arousal. Tense interactions of these planets are a reservoir of power for event-makers. Indeed, many prominent personalities possess heightened sexual appetite and struggle to cope with the energy surging within them.
The issues a person works on throughout their life are indicated in the horoscope by squares, oppositions, contradictory conjunctions, and karmic aspects (sometimes aspects of the 7th harmonic; occasionally the 11th, 13th, or even 24th—this topic was raised by M. Til in his materials on the quindecile aspect). A T-square. Here, either activity thrives, or complexes solidify. Interestingly, Freud linked this process with suicidal tendencies and aggression (echoing the Buddhist view of strong desires). This is a reservoir of energy. But it alone is not enough. There must be interaction among several points of the horoscope, i.e., the formation of changes.
In the formation of an event, several houses always participate. It is the changes that ensure their coordinated action. The ability to shape events is indicated by closed configurations, especially (according to some Russian astrologers) quadrangular ones, as the number four is associated with material realization. They can be formed by aspects up to the 9th (and sometimes the 11th, 13th, or 24th harmonics) and the septile (the most common aspect of the 18th harmonic, combining the properties of “karmic” and “creative” aspects—360:18 = 20°).
Internal tension demands an outlet, a reworking of energy, sublimation—a process often reflected in semi-sextiles, sextiles, quindeciles, or quintiles emanating from a problematic point of the chart. Sometimes internal contradictions can discharge through tense aspects (squares and karmic aspects). If a tense configuration is resolved through a tense (or karmic) aspect, the obstacles are likely more pronounced, but so is the energy. The planet or angle (most often the Midheaven: profession, career) where the configuration is resolved will show the result of applying sublimated energy. However, alongside the Midheaven, the IC also always operates, often leading to difficulties in the family. At least balancing the manifestations of the vertical axis becomes challenging. But a “sublimation” aspect partially resolves the internalTension, when processed, leads to achievements and creativity. Sometimes, in youth, sublimation does not occur: all energy is directed into direct action. For example, let’s say in an athlete’s horoscope Mars is in square to Pluto, but in a harmonious sextile to Jupiter and in a sublimation sextile to Mercury. While sports occupy all time and energy, Mercury works for sports: counting exercise sets, biorhythms, selecting equipment, interest in training systems, etc. When the athlete leaves sports, they suddenly become a writer—or a salesperson. The tension of the Mars–Pluto and Mars–Jupiter aspects seeks an outlet through the sextile to Mercury. In mature age, when the frenzy of youth is behind, sublimation becomes inevitable.
The principle of resolving tense changes through harmonious (or creative) aspects is used in astrology. I only want to draw attention to the participation in tense configurations of aspects of higher harmonics. The main result I would like to achieve in interpreting the chart is the perception of the horoscope as a holistic symbolic system that describes the growth of the entire wealth of the psyche through the transformation of psychic energy from some fundamental contradiction characteristic of a given person. However, this is not always possible: there may be several contradictions, a tense aspect may be isolated, or there may be closed cycles, etc.
Thus, the action of tense major aspects, as well as aspects of the 8th harmonic and karmic ones involving masculine, aggressive planets—primarily Mars and Pluto, as well as Uranus, and often the Sun—must be elevated to a higher level, and aspects of the 5th and 7th (at least) harmonics must also be activated. Aggressive “shadow” components of the psyche, in this case, will serve as a source of energy.
There are other variants of “energy batteries,” not related to aggression but to other forms of “shadow” energies. For example, depression or idealism. Depressive combinations are often associated with the simultaneous involvement of Saturn and Neptune, which “attack” personal planets. Idealistic ones involve Venus, Jupiter, and Neptune. These planets can manifest in midpoint pictures or aspect chains. Probably, a person never fully escapes aggression, depression, or illusions.
A similar idea, though in a polemically sharpened form, is expressed by Grant Lewi in his book Astrology for Millions: “As the disease of a mollusk in some cases produces a pearl, so the disease of the mind sometimes becomes the cause of genius. Gifted people almost invariably demonstrate mental deviations or physical defects that enhance their need for self-affirmation. … All mental anomalies, from suicide to ordinary nervousness, are linked in a chain of self-destruction. … Significant planets are always in specific houses and aspects. The same astrological indicators that give rise to people prone to psychoses and neuroses, with a slight shift, produce conquerors and dictators, and in turn, they are separated from geniuses by only a step. In my opinion, all this confirms a truth that most people feel intuitively. Poets of all times predicted it… The Roman Plautus wrote: ‘He who is dear to the gods dies young…’ Even the cynic Byron asserted: ‘The heavens grant early death to their favorites…’ People who die young meet violent and tragic deaths—the best ever born to the earth—[Author’s note.] The positions of planets and aspects in the horoscopes of great people differ in no way from those present in the vita-spheres of those who died young… In the horoscopes of such people, genius is evident, and since it most often ensures immortality, they are characterized by an easy transition from what we call life to what is conventionally called death.”
These statements can be debated, since not all great people died young, nor did all of them feel a pull toward death. But there is no doubt that the presence of great energy in the horoscopes of both great people and those with various psychic deviations is evident. This energy, if misdirected, unchecked, and uncultivated, can in some cases lead both to illness and early death and to significant achievements.
The horoscope shows the possible path to mastering strong energies, their sublimation. The aspect (or sequence of aspects) that indicates this path can be called the compositional axis of the horoscope (by association with painting), the sublimation aspect, or the path of sublimation (by association with Freudian psychology), or the main vector of development (by association with physics).
